Episodes

  • Episode 384 - Mr. Jolly Squiggles, the Man from the Moon (1959-1999)

    Episode 384 - Mr. Jolly Squiggles, the Man from the Moon (1959-1999)
    Oct 27 2025
    He was the upside-down man who brought imagination to life — with nothing more than a pencil for a nose and a blackboard for a stage. Mr Squiggle, the beloved children’s television icon, captured the hearts of generations with his wobbly lines, friendly charm, and boundless creativity.

    Travel back to the earliest age of Australian TV to explore how Norman Hetherington’s quirky puppet became a national treasure. From his humble beginnings on ABC in 1959 to the stories the hosts' own mothers told them about the show, Mr. Jolly Squiggles (Simplified to Mr. Squiggle in later years) wasn’t just a puppet — he was a teacher, an artist, and a friend to millions.

    Join Holly & Matthew as they uncover the legacy of Mr Squiggle and Friends, the artistry behind his creation, and the enduring magic of a character who taught Australia that a few squiggles and a bit of imagination could turn into anything at all.

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.
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    51 mins
  • Weird Crap Movie Commentary 2 - Lake Mungo (2008)

    Weird Crap Movie Commentary 2 - Lake Mungo (2008)
    Oct 20 2025
    What happens when you mix grief, ghosts, and grainy home video with a dose of uncanny realism? You get Lake Mungo (2008) — a haunting mockumentary that feels a little too real for comfort - especially for Holly.

    In this Spooktober commentary track, join Holly and Matthew as they revisit one of Australia’s most chilling modern horror films. From the eerie performances to the quiet dread that creeps under your skin, we’ll unpack what makes Lake Mungo a masterclass in slow-burn terror — and why it still gets under our skin even 4 viewings later.

    Grab the movie (queue it up before you press play on the episode, Matthew forgot to count you in!), hit play, and experience the dread and the goosebumps with us — Weird Crap in Australia style. There will be silences, film-related tangents, and a few genuine shivers. Tell us if you spotted the ghosts before we did!

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.
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    1 hr and 33 mins
  • Episode 383 - The Lawyer X Scandal Part 3

    Episode 383 - The Lawyer X Scandal Part 3
    Oct 13 2025
    Few scandals have shaken Australia’s justice system like the Lawyer X affair. At the center was a prominent barrister who secretly worked as a police informant, all while representing some of the country’s most notorious criminals. Her name was tied to dozens of figures on both sides of the law, leaving behind a trail of questions about loyalty, ethics, and justice.

    By living a double life, she jeopardised the very foundation of the courts. Convictions were thrown into doubt, appeals were launched, and the credibility of the entire legal system was called into question. The scandal not only exposed corruption and desperation in law enforcement, but also highlighted the dangers of blurred boundaries between lawyers and their clients.

    In this series, we dig into how one lawyer’s choices spiraled into one of the biggest legal crises in Australian history. From the underworld connections to the Royal Commission, we explore how the Lawyer X scandal redefined trust, justice, and the rule of law in Victoria.

    ***

    Linked Episodes:
    - 309-312 - L'Onorata Societa, the Calabrian Mafia
    - 188 & 189 - The Death of the Vampire Gigolo
    - 351-358 - The Gangland Wars
    - 76 & 77 - The Walsh St Shooting
    - 61 & 62 - Old Melbourne Gaol


    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.
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    57 mins
  • Episode 382 - The Lawyer X Scandal Part 2

    Episode 382 - The Lawyer X Scandal Part 2
    Oct 6 2025
    Few scandals have shaken Australia’s justice system like the Lawyer X affair. At the center was a prominent barrister who secretly worked as a police informant, all while representing some of the country’s most notorious criminals. Her name was tied to dozens of figures on both sides of the law, leaving behind a trail of questions about loyalty, ethics, and justice.

    By living a double life, she jeopardised the very foundation of the courts. Convictions were thrown into doubt, appeals were launched, and the credibility of the entire legal system was called into question. The scandal not only exposed corruption and desperation in law enforcement, but also highlighted the dangers of blurred boundaries between lawyers and their clients.

    In this series, we dig into how one lawyer’s choices spiraled into one of the biggest legal crises in Australian history. From the underworld connections to the Royal Commission, we explore how the Lawyer X scandal redefined trust, justice, and the rule of law in Victoria.

    ***

    Linked Episodes:
    - 309-312 - L'Onorata Societa, the Calabrian Mafia
    - 188 & 189 - The Death of the Vampire Gigolo
    - 351-358 - The Gangland Wars
    - 76 & 77 - The Walsh St Shooting
    - 61 & 62 - Old Melbourne Gaol


    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.
    Show More Show Less
    53 mins
  • Episode 381 - The Lawyer X Scandal Part 1

    Episode 381 - The Lawyer X Scandal Part 1
    Sep 29 2025
    Few scandals have shaken Australia’s justice system like the Lawyer X affair. At the center was a prominent barrister who secretly worked as a police informant, all while representing some of the country’s most notorious criminals. Her name was tied to dozens of figures on both sides of the law, leaving behind a trail of questions about loyalty, ethics, and justice.

    By living a double life, she jeopardised the very foundation of the courts. Convictions were thrown into doubt, appeals were launched, and the credibility of the entire legal system was called into question. The scandal not only exposed corruption and desperation in law enforcement, but also highlighted the dangers of blurred boundaries between lawyers and their clients.

    In this series, we dig into how one lawyer’s choices spiraled into one of the biggest legal crises in Australian history. From the underworld connections to the Royal Commission, we explore how the Lawyer X scandal redefined trust, justice, and the rule of law in Victoria.

    ***

    Linked Episodes:
    - 309-312 - L'Onorata Societa, the Calabrian Mafia
    - 188 & 189 - The Death of the Vampire Gigolo
    - 351-358 - The Gangland Wars
    - 76 & 77 - The Walsh St Shooting
    - 61 & 62 - Old Melbourne Gaol

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.
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    57 mins
  • Episode 380 - The Voyage of the Catalpa (1876)

    Episode 380 - The Voyage of the Catalpa (1876)
    Sep 22 2025
    In 1876, one of the most daring prison escapes in history set sail from Fremantle, Western Australia. The American whaling ship Catalpa was at the heart of the plot, masterminded by Irish Fenians determined to free their comrades from the brutal Fremantle Prison. With clever disguises, coded messages, and a nail-biting chase at sea, the Catalpa’s voyage became a legendary tale of rebellion, ingenuity, and defiance against the British Empire.

    In this episode, we dive into the planning, the escape itself, and how this incredible story still resonates in both Australian and Irish history today.

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.
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    48 mins
  • Episode 379 - The Barrington Tops Crash

    Episode 379 - The Barrington Tops Crash
    Sep 15 2025
    On August 9, 1981, a small Cessna 210 aircraft carrying five men vanished over the rugged wilderness of Barrington Tops, NSW. Despite extensive searches, no wreckage or remains were ever recovered, and the fate of the aircraft remains one of Australia’s most baffling aviation mysteries.

    In this episode, we explore the background of the passengers, the last radio transmissions, the massive search efforts, and the eerie theories that still surround the disappearance. Was it a tragic accident, or is there more to the story hidden in the misty ranges of Barrington Tops?

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.
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    50 mins
  • Episode 378 - Cold Chisel Part 2

    Episode 378 - Cold Chisel Part 2
    Sep 8 2025
    From smoky pubs in Adelaide to selling out arenas across the country, Cold Chisel became the voice of a generation. Fronted by Jim Barnes, the band’s raw energy and working-class anthems captured the spirit of Australia in the late 70s and 80s, their legacy continuing all the way until tomorrow. With hits like Khe Sanh and Flame Trees, they weren’t just making music — they were telling the stories of everyday Aussies.

    In this episode, we dig into the band’s origins, their meteoric rise, the chaos of fame, and the lasting impact they’ve had on Australian music culture. Whether you’re a diehard fan or new to their legacy, Cold Chisel’s story is one of grit, passion, and pure rock ’n’ roll.

    *

    All clips used are copyright their respective owners.

    The final rendition of "When the War is Over" on this episode was performed by members of the Australian Army. You can watch the full performance here:
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70JhHnVuBJg

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.
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    1 hr