The StickyBeak - podcast cover

The StickyBeak

Monika O'Hanlonwww.facebook.com
In this weekly series, journalist Monika O'Hanlon speaks with extraordinary people and delves into interesting topics and historical events.

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Episodes

What Happens When We Die (And What We Could Do Instead)

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 natural organic reduction, also known as human composting. Southern Cryonics – Australia's first and only cryonics facility,...

Jul 01, 202540 minSeason 2Ep. 76

A Salty History

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 to zhuzh up your toot. Because every throne needs a crown. https://www.etsy.com/shop/tutdeco/ Got an Idea for the ...

Jun 24, 202515 minSeason 2Ep. 75

Autosexual

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 what this identity means to her, what self-romance actually looks like, and the common misconceptions she faces. This isn’t about...

Jun 17, 202523 minSeason 2Ep. 74

The REAL history of the Vibrator

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 , toilet lid stickers to zhuzh up your toot. Because every throne needs a crown. https://www.etsy.com/sho...

Jun 10, 202514 minSeason 2Ep. 73

Pride History

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 all our different forms. Also, I don’t want to toot my own horn but it’s really interesting. So without fur...

Jun 03, 202526 minSeason 2Ep. 72

The Occult: Asetianism

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 her spiritual life. Far from the fangs and theatrics often associated with modern vampire culture, Asetiani...

May 27, 202527 minSeason 2Ep. 71

History of the Hens Night

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 episodes every Wednesday. Follow The StickyBeak and tell a mate! To read more about Yolŋu culture chec...

May 20, 202511 minSeason 2Ep. 70

Resusci Anne revisited

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 or someone you think would make a great guest, flick me a message. EMAIL: thestickybeakpodcast@outlo...

May 13, 20259 minSeason 2Ep. 69

The Michelin Man revisited

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, flick me a message. EMAIL: [email protected] INSTAGRAM : @thestickybeakpodcast TIKTOK: @thesti...

May 06, 20259 minSeason 2Ep. 68

India's Only Female Sumo Wrestler revisited

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 – personally I think it makes it more immersive. Hopefully you do too. Enjoy! Find Hetal on social media here.....

Apr 29, 202527 minSeason 2Ep. 67

The Knocker-Upper revisited

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 love to hear from you! If there’s a topic you’d like me to explore or someone you think would make a...

Apr 22, 20258 minSeason 2Ep. 66

BBW

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 conversation offers a refreshing and deeply personal perspective on what it really means to be a plus-size woman...

Apr 15, 20251 hr 17 minSeason 2Ep. 65

Surrogacy

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 personal choice. Thank you to Yessenia for sharing her experiences. Got an Idea for the Podcast? I’d love to hear from you!...

Apr 08, 202521 minSeason 2Ep. 64

Breatharianism

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, and the controversies surrounding the movement. I also take a deep dive into the science behind fasting and human nouri...

Apr 01, 202542 minSeason 2Ep. 63

Let Me Woo You

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 would make a great guest, flick me a message. EMAIL: [email protected] INSTAGRAM : @thestickybeakpo...

Mar 25, 202525 minSeason 2Ep. 62

Living In Virtual Reality

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 him, VR isn’t just an escape—it’s a way of life. From socialising and even sleeping in VR, he shares how this technology is...

Mar 18, 202543 minSeason 2Ep. 61

Testa di Moro - revisiting a Sicilian legend

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 collided, passions ignited, and a forbidden romance led to a chilling fate. Why did a love affair between a...

Mar 11, 202511 minSeason 2Ep. 60

Brothel Manager

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 recognize her from social media , where her posts have gone gangbusters, but now she’s pulling back the curtain on what really goes on behind closed doors. We dive...

Mar 04, 202534 minSeason 2Ep. 59

Vagina Dentata

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. We’ll explore its role as both a weapon and a warning, and dissect the hidden messages behind the fangs. So brace...

Feb 25, 202516 minSeason 2Ep. 58

Gay 4 Pay

What would you do for money? No, really... have you ever found yourself in a job you never expected to be doing? Perhaps it was something outside your comfort zone, something people judged you for, or maybe it just paid really well. This week, we’re sitting down with Zane Robinson, better known in the adult film industry as Elliot Finn. Zane made a name for himself as a performer in gay films, despite identifying as straight. The self-proclaimed “only straight bottom,” Zane found a niche that wo...

Feb 18, 202541 minSeason 2Ep. 57

Victorian Mourning

In the Victorian era, mourning wasn’t just an emotion—it was a lifestyle. Strict rules dictated everything from what you wore to how long you could grieve, and death itself became a booming industry. From black-bordered stationery to post-mortem photography, the Victorians found ways to keep the dead close, even weaving their hair into intricate jewelry. But mourning wasn’t just about remembrance—it was a reflection of deep-seated fears, societal expectations, and, in some cases, pure superstiti...

Feb 11, 202545 minSeason 2Ep. 56

Herpes Coach

Herpes is one of the most misunderstood and stigmatized STIs, yet in Australia, 1 in 8 sexually active adults has genital herpes— and the actual number is likely much higher. But why does the stigma persist when it’s so common? And how can people navigate a diagnosis in a way that feels empowering rather than shameful? This week on The StickyBeak , I sit down with Allie, a herpes coach and founder of Beyond Herpes , to talk about her journey—from receiving her own diagnosis to becoming an advoca...

Feb 04, 202547 minSeason 2Ep. 55

The Exorcist

In this week’s episode, I sit down with Mark Gardener, AKA the “Accidental Exorcist.” Mark shares how he found himself in the unexpected world of exorcism, what his work entails, and the fascinating—and sometimes chilling—stories from his unique career. As we touch on some heavier topics, including a discussion about suicide, if you're not feeling up to it, maybe skip this episode. And if you feel like you need to speak with a professional, get in touch with lifeline here: https://www.lifeline.o...

Jan 28, 202558 minSeason 2Ep. 54

The Hare Krishna Movement

What happens when you die? It’s a question as old as humanity itself, and for the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON)—more commonly known as the Hare Krishna movement—the answer is deeply intertwined with their spiritual philosophy. In this fascinating episode of The StickyBeak , Mon revisits an interview from her 2020 series Dying with Mon to share an engaging and thought-provoking conversation with Bhakta Dasa , a Minister of Religion for ISKCON who serves the Vaisnava Hin...

Jan 21, 202552 minSeason 2Ep. 53

Aphrodisiacs

Get ready to explore the steamy secrets of history in this episode of The StickyBeak ! We're diving into the fascinating world of aphrodisiacs —those curious ingredients and rituals believed to spark romance and passion. From ancient potions to the seductive power of oysters , discover how cultures around the world have sought to enhance desire through food, drink, and even superstition. 💋 Highlights in this episode: A journey through the history of aphrodisiacs, from ancient civilizations to m...

Jan 14, 202516 minSeason 2Ep. 52

The Dark Tourist

Quick disclaimer - as this episode does touch on some tricky topics about death, mental health and violence, if you’re not feeling it – maybe save this one for another time and check out last week's special Pride episode. This week we're re-visiting a conversation I had last year, with the delightful Nicole, or Cole Amber as she's known on Insta. She’s many many things including a Paranormal Researcher, Urban Legends & Folklore enthusiast and a lover of Memento Mori – she’s ALSO a Dark Touri...

Jan 07, 202542 minSeason 2Ep. 51

Burlesque

Happy New Year! I can't believe it's 2025! I'm giving myself a bit of a break today, so we're looking back at a fabulous episode from last year. Cute as a fluffy bunny, energetic as Tigger on speed and single-minded as a sex-starved sailor on leave (I stole that from her website) it’s the one… the only... Fou Fou Kaboom! I was lucky enough to see the UK's Burlesque Idol of 2022 in action before we sat down and had a chat, and let me tell you - she's one ridiculously talented human being. We spea...

Dec 31, 202445 minSeason 2Ep. 50

The Festive Season

This week on The StickyBeak , we’re diving into the fascinating world of festive traditions! Ever wondered how the modern-day Santa Claus came to be? Or how different cultures celebrate the holiday season around the globe? We’ve got you covered! In this episode, we’ll explore: 🎅 The origins of Santa Claus—from Saint Nicholas to the jolly figure we know today. 🌍 Unique celebrations around the world, including surprising customs from countries like Iceland, Italy and Venezuela. 🕎 The significan...

Dec 23, 202413 minSeason 2Ep. 49

The Merkin: a hairy history

I'm chuffed to be in your earholes because we're revisiting one of my favourite episodes. We're diving into a topic that will leave you both intrigued and slightly tickled – I’m talking about the ever so mesmerising and elusive... merkin! We talk about what one actually is, and delve into their fascinatingly tangled and murky history, and wig out with some merkin mania - enjoy! Get in touch if you'd like to suggest an idea for an episode or just to say G'day <3 INSTAGRAM : @thestickybeakpodca...

Dec 17, 20249 minSeason 2Ep. 48

Pet Psychic

I’ve got a really fascinating one for you this week, it’s a conversation with Cynthia, who’s a pet psychic. It's such an interesting chat, I learnt SO much. Thank you to Cynthia for coming on the pod! You can follow her here: Instagram: TikTok: @lilmisspetpsychic Instagram: @lilmisspetpsychic @nydognanny Get in touch if you'd like to suggest an idea for an episode or just to say G'day <3 INSTAGRAM : @thestickybeakpodcast TIKTOK: @thestickybeakpodcast FACEBOOK : https://www.facebook.com/listen...

Dec 10, 202434 minSeason 2Ep. 47
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