Podcast Episodes

This Week in 1906: The Golden Rule Axe Murder

Season 9 Episode 44

When John Hassett was murdered in his Adelaide hotel room, Australia wasn’t faced with a whodunnit but a whydunnit.

Why had his wife Ada committed this cold-blooded crime?

Is she was insane, what had b…

Published on 1 month, 2 weeks ago

The Curious Case of the Two-Headed Baby – Part Two

Season 9 Episode 43

Reuben Doodeward faces court, but he’s not backing down, and neither is the NSW government, with the fight over the fate of the two-headed baby headed for the High Court… and beyond.

It’s easy to get …

Published on 1 month, 3 weeks ago

The Curious Case of the Two-Headed Baby – Part One

Season 9 Episode 42

In 1906, Australia was scandalised that Sydney showman Reuben Doodeward (pictured) had exhibited a two-headed baby preserved in a bottle of spirits. Yet he was only doing what his dear old dad had do…

Published on 2 months ago

Before the Mushroom Trial – The Poisoned Footy Player: Part Three

Season 9 Episode 41

While the evidence against Veronica Monty was damning, she was also damned by the hypocritical morality of Australia in the 1950s. Tried for attempted murder, she was convicted of far worse — and wou…

Published on 2 months, 1 week ago

Before the Mushroom Trial – The Poisoned Footy Player: Part Two

Season 9 Episode 40

When Sydney detectives confirm star Balmain rugby league player Bob Lulham has been poisoned with Thall-Rat, they begin an investigation that at first turns up few leads. A series of mysterious phone…

Published on 2 months, 2 weeks ago

Before the Mushroom Trial – The Poisoned Footy Player: Part One

Season 9 Episode 39

On the 20th of July 1953, Sydney detectives discovered that someone had used rat poison to try to murder star Balmain rugby league player Bob Lulham. More than 70 years later, this remains one of Aus…

Published on 2 months, 2 weeks ago

This Week in 1980 – The Family Court Murders, Miracle Babies and Birds, Our Richest Real Estate and the Village People Conquer Australia

Season 9 Episode 38

A judge is gunned down, we welcome our first test tube baby and we try to save the world’s rarest bird. Meanwhile, Sydney sets a record house price and the Village People score bigly Down Under. Plus…

Published on 2 months, 3 weeks ago

This Week in 1955 – Part Two: A Ban on Aboriginal People, Putting An End to Polio, the Murder Manhunt and the ‘Murderphobia’ Case

Season 9 Episode 37

While Sydney welcomes African-American entertainers, Moree bans Aboriginal Australians from exercising their human rights on the land that’s always been their home. But this regressive act will have …

Published on 3 months ago

This Week in 1955 – Part One: A Murderer Escapes, Our Politicians Jail Pressmen and an Aussie Witnesses Horror at Le Mans

Season 9 Episode 36

Up in the Queensland, a murderer and a robber break out of prison, while down in Canberra our Federal Parliament puts a couple of newspaper blokes behind bars for breaching privilege. Meanwhile, a ve…

Published on 3 months, 1 week ago

Before the Mushroom Case: Australia’s Infamous Poisoning Murder Trial – Part Five

Season 9 Episode 33

Following the verdict, Ronald Griggs has one last trick up his sleeve to amaze Australia. 

It’s easy to get a free trial that will give you access to ad-free, early and bonus episodes. Hit either of t…

Published on 3 months, 1 week ago