The Modern Meltdown

Weird Crap in Australia

History EN ↓ 428 episodes

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 Australians for generations. As a social historian, Holly provides a unique perspective on the cultural...

Author

The Modern Meltdown

Category

History

Podcast website

themodernmeltdown.net

Latest episode

Jul 6, 2026

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Episodes

Episode 249 - The Beaconsfield Mine Disaster Part 2 (2006) 13.03.2023

In this episode, we explore the harrowing story of the Beaconsfield Mine disaster, a mining accident that occurred in Tasmania, Australia, in 2006. We delve into the events leading up to the collapse of the mine and the subsequent rescue efforts to save the trapped miners, including the heroic efforts of rescuers and the use of cutting-edge technology. We also examine the impact that the disaster...

Episode 248 - The Beaconsfield Mine Disaster Part 1 (2006) 06.03.2023

In this episode, we explore the harrowing story of the Beaconsfield Mine disaster, a mining accident that occurred in Tasmania, Australia, in 2006. We delve into the events leading up to the collapse of the mine and the subsequent rescue efforts to save the trapped miners, including the heroic efforts of rescuers and the use of cutting-edge technology. We also examine the impact that the disaster...

Episode 247 - The Ideal Human Environment Cult Part 2 26.02.2023

In this episode, we explore the little-known story of the Ideal Human Environment cult, also known as the Ringers Western Cult. Founded in Australia in the 1960s, the cult espoused a philosophy of self-sufficiency and isolation from mainstream society, attracting a group of devoted followers. We delve into the beliefs and practices of the cult, including their reliance on communal living and stric...

Episode 246 - The Ideal Human Environment Cult Part 1 20.02.2023

In this episode, we explore the little-known story of the Ideal Human Environment cult, also known as the Ringers Western Cult. Founded in Australia in the 1960s, the cult espoused a philosophy of self-sufficiency and isolation from mainstream society, attracting a group of devoted followers. We delve into the beliefs and practices of the cult, including their reliance on communal living and stric...

Episode 245 - The 1996 Parliament House Riot Part 2 (1996) 13.02.2023

In this episode, we delve into the events surrounding the 1996 Parliament House riot in Australia. Sparked by protests against proposed changes to workplace laws, the demonstration turned violent as a group of angry protesters stormed the Parliament House building in Canberra. We explore the factors that led to the riot and the response of the authorities in the aftermath, including the arrests an...

Episode 244 - The 1996 Parliament House Riot Part 1 (1996) 06.02.2023

In this episode, we delve into the events surrounding the 1996 Parliament House riot in Australia. Sparked by protests against proposed changes to workplace laws, the demonstration turned violent as a group of angry protesters stormed the Parliament House building in Canberra. We explore the factors that led to the riot and the response of the authorities in the aftermath, including the arrests an...

Episode 243 - The Clarke Brothers (1840-1867) 30.01.2023

In this episode, we take a closer look at the Clarke Brothers, a notorious gang of bushrangers who wreaked havoc in colonial New South Wales during the mid-1800s. We explore the brothers' origins, including their childhoods and early criminal activities, as well as their eventual transformation into some of Australia's most infamous outlaws. We also examine the daring robberies and violent confron...

Episode 242 - The Holmes Murders (1950) 23.01.2023

On an evening in August 1950, the small town of Toukley was awoken late at night to search for a pair of missing girls. Grace and Kathleen Holmes went for a walk that afternoon, and still had not returned. What happened to the girls, and is the man charged actually responsible? Join Matthew and Holly as they look into this small Central Coast history, and the ghost story connected to it... Sources...

Episode 241 - Summer of Ozploitation Part 3: The Mad Max Effect Part 3 16.01.2023

The world of the Wasteland is the longest-running Australian film franchise we can think of, and for good reason. Though some of the films have waited literally decades for the right circumstances for them to be made, the original film and its sequel have had a marked and well-studied effect on Hollywood and the Australian cinema experience since its initial release. What kind of effects could Mad...

Episode 240 - Summer of Ozploitation Part 3: The Mad Max Effect Part 2 09.01.2023

The world of the Wasteland is the longest-running Australian film franchise we can think of, and for good reason. Though some of the films have waited literally decades for the right circumstances for them to be made, the original film and its sequel have had a marked and well-studied effect on Hollywood and the Australian cinema experience since its initial release. What kind of effects could Mad...

Episode 239 - Summer of Ozploitation Part 3: The Mad Max Effect Part 1 02.01.2023

The world of the Wasteland is the longest-running Australian film franchise we can think of, and for good reason. Though some of the films have waited literally decades for the right circumstances for them to be made, the original film and its sequel have had a marked and well-studied effect on Hollywood and the Australian cinema experience since its initial release. What kind of effects could Mad...

Episode 238 - The Tent Town Murders (1933) 26.12.2022

On December 25, 1933, two young men were out for a morning of fishing. The pair were treating themselves to a little peace and quiet before the inevitable insanity that often accompanies Christmas, an often-hectic day filled with family, friends and foods as many go about their merriment. The men bunted along the Murrumbidgee River, near Wagga Wagga, and found a spot they could use to pass the tim...

Episode 237 - Summer of Ozploitation Part 2: Australian New Wave Cinema Part 2 19.12.2022

When many people think of Australia in the 1960s, they picture an era of protests, sexual exploration and counter-revolutions staged namely by what we now call "The Baby Boomer Generation", who began Australia's first timid steps towards cultural maturity. These Australians began exercising their influence against restrictive legislation, outdated morality and social issues within Australian socie...

Episode 236 - Summer of Ozploitation Part 2: Australian New Wave Cinema Part 1 12.12.2022

When many people think of Australia in the 1960s, they picture an era of protests, sexual exploration and counter-revolutions staged namely by what we now call "The Baby Boomer Generation", who began Australia's first timid steps towards cultural maturity. These Australians began exercising their influence against restrictive legislation, outdated morality and social issues within Australian socie...

Episode 235 - Summer of Ozploitation Part 1: The Film That Revived Australian Cinema 05.12.2022

As the world exited the Swinging 60s, Australia was looking to their own people for inspiration in the world of the cinema landscape. There were lots of American films to go see, European films were all the rage, but there was something missing from the world of Australian cinemas - the Australian. The Naked Bunyip was the first truly Australian film released to this country, as recent as 1970. It...

Episode 234 - The Shark Arm Murders (1935) 28.11.2022

In this episode, we delve into the fascinating and grisly case of the Shark Arm Murders, a series of bizarre events that took place in Sydney, New South Wales in 1935. The story centers around a tiger shark caught by fishermen that had a human arm in its stomach. This led to a shocking investigation that uncovered a web of murder, deceit, and organized crime involving illegal animal smuggling and...

Episode 233 - The Journey of Midnight Oil Part 3 21.11.2022

In this episode, we explore the captivating story of Midnight Oil, one of Australia's most iconic and politically charged bands. From their early beginnings in Sydney in the late 1970s, we follow the band's rise to international fame with hits like "Beds are Burning" and "Blue Sky Mine". We delve into their unique sound, their strong environmental and social activism, and their impact on Australia...

Episode 232 - The Journey of Midnight Oil Part 2 14.11.2022

In this episode, we explore the captivating story of Midnight Oil, one of Australia's most iconic and politically charged bands. From their early beginnings in Sydney in the late 1970s, we follow the band's rise to international fame with hits like "Beds are Burning" and "Blue Sky Mine". We delve into their unique sound, their strong environmental and social activism, and their impact on Australia...

Episode 231 - The Journey of Midnight Oil Part 1 07.11.2022

In this episode, we explore the captivating story of Midnight Oil, one of Australia's most iconic and politically charged bands. From their early beginnings in Sydney in the late 1970s, we follow the band's rise to international fame with hits like "Beds are Burning" and "Blue Sky Mine". We delve into their unique sound, their strong environmental and social activism, and their impact on Australia...

Episode 230 - The Lowood Bunyip (1893) 31.10.2022

In the depths of February 1893, the banks of the Brisbane River, as it’s wont to do, broke and flooded the town – three times within two weeks. These three major floods in one month led to February 1893 being labelled Black February. Another flood also broke banks in June, but by then the city was recovered from the initial floods, making it a little easier to bear. In the floodwaters, which have...

Episode 229 - The Aliens of Woomera 24.10.2022

There's always been something weird going on out there on the horizon. Long before nuclear bombs showed up in South Australia, there was a rocket range designed to test rockets. But what else was out there? If you trust the reports, at least a couple of alien visitors... Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support .

Episode 228 - The Death of Anita Cobby (1986) 17.10.2022

In this episode, we take a deep dive into the brutal murder of Anita Cobby, a young Australian nurse who was abducted and killed in 1986, and explore the impact of the case on Australian society, including changes in law enforcement and community attitudes towards violence against women. Join Holly and Matthew as they examine not only the murder, but the trial, the media interference, and the cons...

Episode 227 - The Ghosts of the Rocks 10.10.2022

We delve into the rich history of The Rocks, one of Sydney's oldest and most iconic neighborhoods, exploring the area's fascinating past, from its origins as a First Nations fishing village to its development as a hub of colonial industry and commerce. Learn about the social and cultural landscape of The Rocks throughout history, and how it has changed over time. And, while on the hunt, follow us...

Episode 226 - The Nun in the Nightgown (1920-1921) 03.10.2022

In 1920, a young woman ran away from a Catholic convent and into the arms of the Protestant church across town. When she was discovered missing, the Catholic church reported her missing to police, and they went looking for her. What would come is a series of events that seem outlandish and stupid in the 21st Century. Declared insane for rebuffing a return to the Catholic convent, police chased her...

Episode 225 - Hill & Clay / The Button Man (2020) Part 2 26.09.2022

As the world was beginning to shut down in 2020, two campers in their 70s headed up into the Alpine National Park for a weekend away. This was the last weekend before Covid restrictions came into effect in Victoria, and a lot of people were taking advantage of the March weather. This would be the last weekend away for our older campers. This would also be the story that spread a new legend in the...

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