The StickyBeak

Today we're revisiting a very special episode, this one was requested by Steph, a lovely listener in Western Australia. I had never heard of "The Dancing Plague" until Steph reached out - such an interesting moment in history. Really enjoyed making this one, so thank you so much for requesting it Steph. In this episode we're going back in time, revisiting a remarkable event tha...

This week on  The StickyBeak , we sit down with CC, a triple threat in human care. From her work as a mortician to her role as a nurse and her experience as a sex worker, CC’s life is a fascinating blend of compassion, resilience and connection. We explore the unexpected ways these professions intersect, from the unique bonds formed in brothels to the emotional rollercoaster of nursing and th...

Today's episode was requested by the wonderful Emma from Melbourne. She wanted a deep dive into the Bermuda Triangle - and I'm absolutely chuffed about it. I don't think I realised just how mysterious and quite frankly terrifying, the Bermuda Triangle actually is. This episode is pretty spooky, so just a heads up - but I really loved making it, I hope you enjoy it. Thank you so much for the reques...

This week's episode is an extra special one - and that's a HUGE thing for me to say. It's a conversation I had with Madame X, a self-identifying vampire and so much more. I learnt so much from this chat. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. Thank you so much to Madame X for taking the time. You can keep up to date with all her news here: FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/madamex.dreaming WEBSITES...

From ancient Minoan boob-lifters to bullet bras, biohazard lingerie and a very famous handkerchief hack — this episode dives chest-first into the curious, controversial, and occasionally absurd history of the bra. Host Monika O’Hanlon peels back the lace on everything from corset tyranny to Wonderbra marketing stunts, wartime steel rationing, feminist myths, and bras that double as gas masks. It’s...

This week we're looking back at one of the first episodes of the series. It's a conversation from over a year ago, when I was lucky enough to speak with the incredible Matthias Schlitte. Now if you’re not familiar with that name – you may also know him as "Hell Boy” – that’s what he goes by on Instagram. He’s a world champion arm wrestler, super passionate about his sport and is all about "doing t...

In this episode of  The StickyBeak , Mon explores three unconventional approaches to death, memory, and what it means to leave a legacy—beyond the traditional coffin or cremation. She speaks with: The People’s Pyramid  – a long-term art project and collective memorial founded by The Justified Ancients of Mu Mu (The KLF). Return Home  – a Washington-based funeral home offering natura...

Today we’re looking into the history of… salt. You’re probably thinking... WHY? They’re just tiny white crystals that you sprinkle on your chips - and you’re right, salt makes stuff taste.. glorious! But did you know it played a crucial role in shaping human civilization? Strap in because I’m about to knock your socks off! This episode was brought to you by Tüt , toilet lid stickers...

What if the most meaningful romantic or sexual connection you could have… was with yourself? In this episode of  The StickyBeak , Mon explores the identity of  autosexuality  and  autoromanticism  — where a person’s primary experience of attraction and intimacy is self-directed. You’ll hear from Ghia Vitale, who identifies as both autosexual and autoromantic, as she shares...

In this episode of  The StickyBeak , we’re cranking up the vibes and uncovering the unexpected origins of the vibrator. You’ve heard the myths, but the real story might just surprise you. Join me, Monika O'Hanlon for a cheeky, eye-opening exploration of how this device became a symbol of empowerment and pleasure. Trust me—you won’t want to miss this one! This episode was brought to you by Tüt...

To celebrate Pride Month, I thought it was the perfect opportunity to look at the origins of Pride, as well as some perhaps lesser-known facts about the community. We’re also going to delve into Queer culture and hear from some absolute legends.  And it doesn’t matter if you’re queer or identify as straight, whatever - this episode is all about celebration, resilience and coming together in a...

This week, by listener request from Josh on the Gold Coast, we're diving into the mysterious and often misunderstood world of the  Occult . What does that word actually mean? And where does Asetianism—a secretive spiritual path rooted in ancient Egyptian mysticism—fit into it? We speak with Sarah, a dedicated practitioner of Asetianism, who shares how this esoteric tradition has transformed h...

Before the sashes and strippers, there were sacred dances, hair offerings, and goddess worship. In this episode, Monika O’Hanlon traces the wild history of the hen’s night — from Ancient Greece to modern-day karaoke chaos. We explore global pre-wedding rituals, feminist twists, and how queering the hen’s night is reshaping tradition. It’s heartfelt, hilarious, and occasionally penis-shaped. New ep...

Today I'm going to take your breath away - because we're delving into the history of the resuscitation doll mask, affectionally known as... Resusci Anne. I'm not going to lie it's a pretty sad story, but the ending feels pretty positive - plus I found it absolutely fascinating! I hope you enjoy it! Got an Idea for the Podcast? I’d love to hear from you! If there’s a topic you’d like me to explore...

Hello! Today, we’re looking at a story I literally had NO idea about. We're diving into the delightful tale of a tyre mascot which somehow influenced the world of gastronomy. You may know him as the Michelin Man, or by his real name, Bibendum. Got an Idea for the Podcast? I’d love to hear from you! If there’s a topic you’d like me to explore or someone you think would make a great guest, flic...

Today we're revisiting one of the very first episodes of the pod. It’s a conversation with the legendary… Hetal Dave! She’s India’s first and only female sumo wrestler. Absolutely inspiring, she has such an amazing story, there was even a biopic made about her last year. Just a quick one before we get started - as Hetal lives in the middle of Mumbai, you can hear some background noises – personall...

Today we’re turning the clock back to the Industrial Revolution, a time when the world was changing at a breakneck pace, and with it, the way people lived and worked. In this episode, we’re exploring the curious yet almost forgotten profession of... the knocker-upper—a job that was essential in waking up an entire nation, long before the invention of alarm clocks. Got an Idea for the Podcast? I’d...

In this episode of  The StickyBeak , host Mon sits down with Sunny Jayne, a bold and brilliant adult content creator who identifies as a BBW (Big Beautiful Woman). Together, they unpack the layered realities of working in the adult industry while challenging society’s narrow beauty standards. From body confidence and sensuality to navigating empowerment vs. objectification, this candid conver...

What’s it  really  like to carry a baby for someone else? This week on  The StickyBeak , we explore the world of surrogacy—through the eyes of Yessenia, a U.S. surrogate and content creator. From medical risks and legal grey zones to celebrity backlash and ethical debates, we ask: if it’s done with care and consent, should anyone else have a say? It’s a deep dive into a deeply perso...

Can humans really survive without food? Some followers of  Breatharianism  claim they can—living on little more than air, sunlight, and life energy. But is there any truth to it? Or is this a dangerous myth? In this episode, I sit down with  Jerome Shaw , an advocate of the Breatharian lifestyle, to hear his perspective. We explore what Breatharianism is, the philosophy behind it, a...

Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of The StickyBeak? In this special episode, we're taking a trip down memory lane, revisiting some of the wildest, most unexpected, and jaw-dropping moments from past episodes. Plus, I’m answering  your  burning questions! Got an Idea for the Podcast? I’d love to hear from you! If there’s a topic you’d like me to explore or someone you think wo...

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. First, I speak with  Starh , a VR enthusiast who has spent over  30,000 hours  inside virtual reality over the past seven years. For...

Some stories refuse to fade. They linger in ancient streets, in whispered myths, in the art that surrounds us. This is one of them. In this episode, we uncover the dark and fascinating legend of  Testa di Moro , the iconic Sicilian ceramic heads that adorn balconies across the island. Rooted in love, betrayal, and revenge, this tale takes us back to 11th-century Palermo—a time when cultures c...

There’s an hour of the day when cheaters creep in. A place where people go to chase their  wildest  desires. And an  eight-second rule  that can totally change the course of someone’s life—maybe even  end  it. Today, we’re stepping inside one of  Europe’s largest brothels  with  Catherine De Noire —a woman who’s seen it  all . You might already rec...

For centuries, whispers of  Vagina Dentata —the myth of the toothed vagina—have haunted folklore, warning of man-eating wombs and flesh-shredding femmes fatales. But beneath the horror lies something deeper: a story about power, fear, and control. In this episode of  The StickyBeak , we rip into the origins of this myth, from ancient cautionary tales to its lasting grip on pop culture. W...