Welcome to "Weird Crap in Australia," a podcast hosted by Holly and Matthew, a husband and wife team with a passion for all things strange and unusual in the land down under. Each episode, Holly, a trained historian, and Matthew, a pop-culture enthusiast, dive into the weird and wacky aspects of Australian history and society. From the colonial era to the present day, they explore topics such as aliens, monsters, ghosts, and true crime, uncovering the stories and legends that have fascinated ...
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Campaign Beat is Montana Public Radio's weekly political analysis program. It's hosted by Sally Mauk and features Lee Newspapers State News Bureau Chief Holly Michels and Rob Saldin of the University of Montana’s Mansfield Center and Political Science Department.
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A monthly podcast on how to garden for wildlife right at home with top-tips, plant ideas and even a book club! wildlifegardenpod.substack.com
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Episode 322 - Explorers of Australia : The European Arrivals
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Explore the stories and legacies of the earlier European discoverers who ventured into unknown territories long before Captain Cook. In this episode, we'll discuss the misconceptions surrounding these pioneers, delving into their voyages, interactions with First Nations peoples, and the profound impacts they had on the New World. From their motivat…
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Episode 321 - The History of the AFL (1859-Present) Part 2
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The history of the Australian Football League (AFL) is rich and multifaceted, beginning in the mid-19th century. Australian Rules Football was officially codified in Melbourne in 1859, with the establishment of the Melbourne Football Club. The Victorian Football League (VFL), which would later become the AFL, was founded in 1896. The league expande…
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Episode 320 - The History of the AFL (1859-Present) Part 1
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The history of the Australian Football League (AFL) is rich and multifaceted, beginning in the mid-19th century. Australian Rules Football was officially codified in Melbourne in 1859, with the establishment of the Melbourne Football Club. The Victorian Football League (VFL), which would later become the AFL, was founded in 1896. The league expande…
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Episode 319 - The Poltergeist of Humpty Doo (1998)
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In 1998, a home in Humpty Doo, NT, became the site of intense paranormal activity. Objects flew through the air, gravel and shells rained from the ceiling, and Scrabble tiles spelled eerie messages. Priests, journalists, and police witnessed the chaos, which the residents linked to a deceased friend named 'Troy'. Despite multiple exorcism attempts,…
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Episode 318 - The Pilbara Pastoral Workers Strike (1946-1949) Part 2
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In 1946, on the back of decades and generations of racist government and pastoralist policy 800 First Nations people walked off the stations they'd been assigned in the Pilbara Region, risking prosecution and assault by the law-keepers. Three years later, the strike broke, but only through underhanded tactics by the government and farmers put out b…
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Episode 317 - The Pilbara Pastoral Workers Strike (1946-1949) Part 1
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In 1946, on the back of decades and generations of racist government and pastoralist policy 800 First Nations people walked off the stations they'd been assigned in the Pilbara Region, risking prosecution and assault by the law-keepers. Three years later, the strike broke, but only through underhanded tactics by the government and farmers put out b…
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When Americans talk about how dangerous our country is, especially with our snake, spider and drop bear populations, most Australians laugh. How could anyone who lives in the same space as a mountain lion, a grizzly bear and a coyote really think our animals are dangerous? What, you think the cuddly koala or the beefy wombat could kill you? It turn…
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Episode 315 - The Twelve Tribes Cult
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The Twelve Tribes cult established its first community in Australia in the late 1990s. Known for its communal lifestyle and strict adherence to a unique interpretation of the Bible, the Twelve Tribes attracted followers seeking a close-knit, spiritual community. However, the group has faced significant controversy, including allegations of child la…
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Episode 314 - The Disappearance of Niamh Maye (2002)
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Eighteen-year-old Niamh Maye disappeared on Easter Sunday, 2002, near Tumut, New South Wales. Having traveled to the Riverina region for a gap year with two friends, Niamh was last seen getting into a black hearse with a man she met on the road, Jack Nicklason. Despite extensive searches, no trace of her has been found. The main suspect in her disa…
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Primary election wrap-up; Candidates roll out new attack ads; We'll be back in the fall!
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The primary election had few surprises — but laid the groundwork for some bruising general election races. New ads in the Senate and gubernatorial races come out swinging. Campaign Beat will return in September.By Sally Mauk, Rob Saldin, Holly Michels
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Episode 313 - The Dish and the Moonlanding
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In 1969, man walked on the moon. In 2000, someone made a film about the unsung heroes. NASA's Apollo 11 mission, featuring astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin, successfully landed on the moon. Australians played a crucial role in this historic event, with the Parkes Observatory and Honeysuckle Creek tracking station providing vital communicat…
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Republicans rush to Trump's defense; Don't forget about dark money! The primary is on June 4
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Montana's Republican congressmen stick with Trump, despite his criminal conviction. Democrat Jon Tester is well ahead of his Republican opponent Tim Sheehy in fundraising. Dark money groups are also spending heavily in that Senate race. Tuesday's primary features intriguing contests in the eastern district Republican congressional race, and in the …
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Episode 312 - L'Onorata Societa Part 4: The Disappearance of Don Mackay (1977)
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In 1977, Griffith-based anti-drug campaigner Don Mackay disappeared, and despite strong suspicions of mafia involvement, his body was never found. The case remains unresolved, an intriguing mystery that continues to haunt and captivate those fascinated by the dark underworld of organized crime. Will he ever be found? That's something only the fishe…
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Property tax blame game; Gianforte weighs-in on legislative races
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Voter outrage over high property taxes is a big campaign issue, but how will that translate at the polls? Gov. Gianforte's primary endorsements aren't sitting well with some Republicans. Jon Tester unveils a new hard-hitting ad against his opponent Tim Sheehy. Tim Sheehy has a new ad with a powerful message about his military service.…
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Episode 311 - L'Onorata Societa Part 3 - The Victoria Market Murders (1964-1965)
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When the Pope and the Toad died 2 months apart in 1963/64, chaos overtook the Melbourne arm of the Honorable Society. Men were shot in the streets, in their driveways, and in their beds as the search for the new heads of power came to a close. Join Holly & Matthew as they look into the series of shotgun killings known as the Victoria Market Murders…
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Episode 310 - L'Onorata Societa Part 2 - The Black Hand Gang (1924-1938)
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The Black Hand Gang's reign of terror from 1929 to 1938 left a chilling imprint on Australia. From Jean Morris's tragic murder to a series of mysterious deaths in Ingham, their ruthless tactics instilled fear across communities. Despite law enforcement's efforts, their legacy endures as a reminder of organized crime's dark underbelly. As whispers o…
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Migrant family draws ire in the Flathead; Tester backs immigration bill; Will there be a special session?
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Republicans clamor over the arrival of a migrant family in the Flathead. Tester signs on to a Republican immigration bill. And calls for a special legislative session are racking up.By Sally Mauk, Rob Saldin, Holly Michels
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Episode 309 - L'Onorata Societa Part 1: The Murder of Stiletto Jean (1932)
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Jean Morris's murder in 1932 remains a haunting enigma with a simple answer. Found stabbed 43 times in her home, suspicions fell on her Italian associates Joe Maganetti and Michael Gudas. The brutality suggested the involvement of foreign criminal elements, possibly by the notorious Black Hand. Italian national Vincenzo Dagostino emerged as a suspe…
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Shying away from the spotlight; Ducking the debates; Trashing transplants
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Tim Sheehy seemed to shy away from the spotlight when Don Jr. came to campaign. Congressional candidates who showed up to debate talk immigration, climate change and transplants; Schools superintendent candidate faces legal troubles.By Sally Mauk, Rob Saldin, Holly Michels
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Episode 308 - The Ferals (1994-1995)
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"Ferals" was an Australian children's TV gem that aired on ABC from 1994 to 1995. In a zany share-house setting, puppet pals like Rattus P. Rattus and Mixy wreaked havoc, challenging their human landlord, Joe, at every turn. With uproarious antics and a rebellious spirit, this cult classic delivered laughs and life lessons in equal measure, captiva…
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The best of times, the worst of times; One of these ads is not like the others
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A Republican candidate's new ad stands out for its subtlety. Republican Senate candidate Tim Sheehy says times are bad and change is needed, while Republican gubernatorial candidate Greg Gianforte argues times are good and he should get another term. A national group opposed to abortion is going door-to-door in Montana. Rep. Zinke votes no on more …
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Episode 307 - The Cowra Breakout (1944) Part 3
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On August 5, 1944, the Cowra breakout marked a significant event in Australian military history. Over 1,100 Japanese prisoners of war attempted to escape from the prisoner of war camp in Cowra, New South Wales, resulting in the largest prison break in Australian history. The breakout led to a violent confrontation between the prisoners and Australi…
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Cash pours into the Senate race; Sheehy bullet story doesn't add up; The press gets pushed out
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The mystery of the lodged bullet continues. Is it fair for candidates to both criticize and shun the press? As expected, campaign fundraising is breaking records. Learn more now on Campaign Beat.By Sally Mauk, Rob Saldin, Holly Michels
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Episode 306 - The Cowra Breakout (1944) Part 2
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What do the Kokoda Trail, the Bombing of Darwin, the Brownout Strangler and Australian Codebreakers have in commmon? The Cowra Breakout. The Cowra Breakout remains a special episode in Australia's wartime history, reflecting the complexities of captivity, resistance, and conflict. Its enduring legacy prompts continued examination of the human exper…
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Did Sheehy shoot himself in the foot? Can an anti-Trump Republican win in Montana?
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Republican U.S. Senate hopeful Tim Sheehy faces scrutiny over a mysterious bullet wound and his company’s finances. New polling illustrates just how close and competitive that Senate race is. And at least one candidate in the crowded Eastern District House race turns his back on Trump.By Corin Cates-Carney, Rob Saldin, Holly Michels
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Episode 305 - The Cowra Breakout (1944) Part 1
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What do the Kokoda Trail, the Bombing of Darwin, the Brownout Strangler and Australian Codebreakers have in commmon? The Cowra Breakout. The Cowra Breakout remains a special episode in Australia's wartime history, reflecting the complexities of captivity, resistance, and conflict. Its enduring legacy prompts continued examination of the human exper…
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Abortion amendment fuels feud between the Legislature and courts; Who loves Trump the most?
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A constitutional amendment to protect abortion moves closer to getting on the ballot. The Republican fight with the judiciary keeps escalating. And the winner of the Republican eastern district congressional primary may boil down to who loves the Trump the most.By Sally Mauk, Holly Michels, Rob Saldin
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Hi all! It’s been nearly a year now since the last episode of The Wildlife Garden Podcast. We’ve had a lot to deal with in our personal lives so it has had to take a back seat. Ellie and I (Ben) are no longer working together, but Ellie is still going strong with her business, Ellies Wellies Organic Gardening. Although we’ve headed our separate way…
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Episode 304 - Agri-Tourism and the Big Pineapple
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The Big Pineapple in Queensland, Australia, isn't just a landmark—it's a hub for agri-tourism. Standing tall at sixteen meters, it represents the region's pineapple industry, offering educational tours and entertainment. Through farmer's markets and festivals, it promotes agrarian experiences, enriching visitors' understanding of rural life. Seamle…
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Voting laws blocked; Abortion amendment amended; Arntzen rebuked again
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Republican lawmakers aren't happy with the State Supreme Court's voting rights ruling. Abortion rights activists aren't happy with Attorney General Knudsen's changes to a proposed constitutional amendment. The Board of Public Education isn't happy with School Superintendent Elsie Arntzen's job performance. Cheer up! It's time for another episode of…
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The "Dumb Ways to Die" campaign launched in November 2012 by Metro Trains in Melbourne, and by the end of next year, it cemented itself as a legendary advertising campaign. Its viral success not only promoted railway safety, but also earned international acclaim for its creative approach, becoming an iconic example of effective public service annou…
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Abortion proposal clears a hurdle; Ranchers, rhinestone cowboys and ... Beyonce
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Abortion supporters face a tight deadline to get a proposed constitutional amendment on the ballot. Senate hopeful Tim Sheehy talks up his ranching credentials, but an ad from his opponents calls him a rhinestone cowboy. Gov. Gianforte has a lot more money in the bank than challenger Ryan Busse.By Sally Mauk, Holly Michels, Rob Saldin
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Episode 302 - The Voyager Disaster (1964) Part 2
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The sinking of HMAS Voyager in 1964, following a collision with HMAS Melbourne during a night-time exercise off New South Wales, resulted in 82 fatalities. Miscommunication and poor visibility were identified as primary causes, highlighting deficiencies in naval procedures and equipment. Subsequent reforms were implemented within the Royal Australi…
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Will bad publicity turn good for Tester and Arntzen? Whose coattails are longer?
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Sen. Tester's position on the war in Gaza could cost him some young voters. State school superintendent and Republican congressional candidate Elsie Arntzen has angered some members of her party. Democrats hope to pick up a few more legislative seats this year.By Sally Mauk, Holly Michels, Rob Saldin
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Episode 301 - The Voyager Sinking Part 1 (1964)
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The sinking of HMAS Voyager in 1964, following a collision with HMAS Melbourne during a night-time exercise off New South Wales, resulted in 82 fatalities. Miscommunication and poor visibility were identified as primary causes, highlighting deficiencies in naval procedures and equipment. Subsequent reforms were implemented within the Royal Australi…
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Rosendale drops out – again! Party bosses, pet candidates and poll numbers
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Matt Rosendale's roller coaster campaign decisions have everyone — including the Campaign Beat team — scratching their heads. Meanwhile, the Senate race is getting tighter.By Sally Mauk, Holly Michels, Rob Saldin
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