The StickyBeak

In the early 1980s, one of the most chaotic toy crazes in history took hold:  Cabbage Patch Kids . These weren’t ordinary dolls. Each one came with a name, a “birth certificate,” and official adoption papers — turning a children’s toy into something that felt strangely personal, almost like a real child. What followed was unprecedented. Parents fought in department stores during the Christmas...

What is it like to step inside the last tent boxing show in the world? In this episode of The StickyBeak, Monika travels to Nambour on Queensland's Sunshine Coast to experience the legendary Fred Brophy's Boxing Troupe — a uniquely Australian attraction that has been entertaining crowds for generations. Part history podcast, part documentary, and part personal adventure, this episode explores the...

This week on The StickyBeak, we're revisiting one of our most fascinating and talked-about episodes: the surprising history of glory holes. While many people associate glory holes with modern adult culture, their story stretches much further back than you might expect. From their mysterious origins and underground history to the myths, legends, and social forces that helped shape them, this episod...

Why do we celebrate Pride Month? Where did Pride begin? And how did a protest become one of the world's biggest celebrations of LGBTQ+ identity and culture? In this special Pride Month episode of  The StickyBeak , Monika explores the fascinating history of Pride, from the pivotal events that sparked the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement to the colourful traditions and symbols that have become par...

Before the sashes, strippers, and wild party antics, hens nights had deep cultural and historical roots. In this episode of The StickyBeak , Monika O’Hanlon explores the fascinating history of hens nights — from ancient Greek rituals and goddess worship to today’s modern bachelorette parties. Discover how pre-wedding traditions have evolved across cultures, including sacred dances, symbolic hair o...

Drag queens have long dominated mainstream drag culture — from  RuPaul’s Drag Race  to club nights, brunches, and bingo shows. But Drag Kings have always been part of drag history too… they’ve just rarely been given the spotlight. In this episode of  The StickyBeak , Monika explores the hidden history and modern resurgence of Drag Kings — performers who have been challenging gender...

This week on  The StickyBeak , we dive into the shocking history of the guillotine — one of the most infamous execution machines ever created. Born out of the chaos of the French Revolution, the guillotine was designed as a “humane” method of execution. But what followed was anything but simple. It quickly became a symbol of terror, justice, and mass public spectacle, used to carry out e...

Ever wondered if animals can really communicate with humans on a psychic level? In this fascinating episode of  The StickyBeak , Mon sits down with Cynthia, a professional pet psychic and animal communicator, to explore the strange world of pet telepathy, energy reading, and the hidden thoughts of our furry companions. Can pet psychics really read your pet’s mind? Are animals trying to tell u...

In this episode of  The StickyBeak , Monika O’Hanlon sits down with Sunny Jayne — a BBW (Big Beautiful Woman) adult content creator — to talk about body confidence, beauty standards, sexuality, and the reality of working in the adult industry. From empowerment and objectification to stigma, self-image, and online audiences, this is an honest and eye-opening conversation about the parts of the...

Today we're looking back at an episode from a few years ago. Ever wondered how animals end up on your favourite movies and TV shows — safely and professionally? From blockbuster films like  Avatar  to the smallest background animals, there’s always at least  one animal trainer on set  to ensure the stars behave and stay happy. In this episode of  The StickyBeak , I speak w...

What happens after we die? In this episode of  The StickyBeak , we explore  unconventional approaches to death, legacy, and memorials  — beyond the traditional coffin or cremation. I speak with pioneers who are reimagining the end of life in ways that are surprising, thought-provoking, and sometimes beautiful: The People’s Pyramid  – a long-term art project and collective memor...

What is a furry — really? In this episode of  The StickyBeak , we dive inside the  furry fandom , one of the internet’s most misunderstood subcultures. Originally recorded for my  Living with Mon  series on alternative lifestyles, this conversation features Haruka (Haru), a member of the furry community who shares what being a furry actually means — beyond the stereotypes. We t...

By listener request, we’re diving into the mysterious world of the  occult  — and uncovering what that word actually means. In this episode of  The StickyBeak , we explore  Asetianism , a secretive spiritual path rooted in  ancient Egyptian mysticism  and devotion to the goddess  Aset (Isis) . Often misunderstood and confused with vampire roleplay or gothic subcu...

Virtual reality isn’t just for gaming anymore—it’s transforming the way we live, connect, and even love. In this episode of  The StickyBeak , I explore how VR is blurring the lines between the digital and physical worlds in ways we never imagined. Virtual reality isn’t just for gaming anymore. It’s changing how we socialise, form relationships, experience intimacy — and even how some people l...

For centuries, Europe’s most celebrated opera singers had voices that sounded almost supernatural — powerful, soaring, and unlike anything audiences had ever heard before. They were known as the  castrati . From the sacred choirs of the Vatican to the grand opera houses of Europe, these singers became some of the biggest celebrities of the 17th and 18th centuries. Kings invited them to royal...

In October 1989, a brutal killing on the banks of the Brisbane River shocked Queensland. Within days, newspapers around the world were running the same chilling headline:  “The Lesbian Vampire Killer.” But how did a tragic crime become a global media sensation? In this episode of  The StickyBeak , Monika O’Hanlon revisits the infamous case of Tracey Wigginton and the murder of Edward Bal...

Crop circles have appeared overnight for decades — vast geometric patterns pressed into fields, from rural England to regional Australia. Perfect spirals. Massive fractals. Designs so precise they seem almost impossible. Are they proof of alien life? Elaborate hoaxes? Or something far more human? In this episode of  The StickyBeak , Mon explores the UFO sightings, the famous Stonehenge format...

Isadora Duncan changed the world of dance forever. Revered as the mother of modern dance, Isadora Duncan rejected rigid ballet tradition and created a radical new style built on freedom, emotion, and natural movement. She became an international sensation — admired, criticized, and endlessly talked about. But behind the fame was a life marked by heartbreak, scandal, controversy, and profound perso...

The 27 Club  has fascinated the world for decades. Why did icons like Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison, Kurt Cobain, Amy Winehouse and Brian Jones all die at 27? Coincidence — or something more? In this episode, we unpack the origins of the 27 Club and separate fact from folklore. From the white lighter myth to Saturn return astrology, from crossroads legends to Illuminati and ritual...

What does it mean to fall in love with an object? In this episode of  The StickyBeak , we explore objectophilia — a rare and often misunderstood orientation where people form deep romantic relationships with objects. From the woman who married the Berlin Wall to a modern-day objectophile in a committed relationship with a roller coaster, this documentary-style episode unpacks love, attachment...

Go behind the scenes of The StickyBeak in this wild, interactive podcast episode! I’m revisiting the craziest, funniest, and most jaw-dropping moments from past shows, answering your burning listener questions, and sharing the weirdest, most unexpected stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Perfect for fans of interactive, hilarious, and unforgettable podcasts! This episode was brought to you by Tü...

At several points in our deep past, humanity came dangerously close to disappearing altogether. Using the latest genetic research, this episode explores the moments when our ancestors were reduced to astonishingly small numbers — and how scientists uncovered these ancient population crashes hidden inside our DNA. From dramatic climate shifts to evolutionary bottlenecks, this is the story of how cl...

Schwingen is one of Switzerland’s oldest and most beloved traditions — a form of wrestling fought in sawdust, governed by ritual, and rooted in rural life. In this documentary-style episode, Mon traces its history from Alpine pastures to national festivals, and examines how women are reshaping a sport built on centuries of tradition. A HUGE thank you to Vroni Brun for sharing her experiences. This...

What happens when women become the client — and men become the product? In this episode of  The StickyBeak , host Monika O’Hanlon takes a curious, documentary-style look inside  Her Confidant , Australia’s first male escort agency, founded by Anna Grosman. Through Anna’s story, we explore sex work from a rarely examined angle: female desire, emotional labour, intimacy, and what people ar...

Faces painted black and white. Faygo flying through the air. A chant of  “woop woop”  echoing through the crowd. But beyond the chaos and the headlines lies a subculture built on belonging, identity, and community. In this episode of  The StickyBeak , Monika O’Hanlon dives into the misunderstood world of Juggalos — exploring the origins of Insane Clown Posse, the mythos of the Dark...