Ahoy, me hearties! William Swallow became the pirate captain of the convict ship Cyprus after he seized the vessel in Tasmania in 1829. From there, it was a case of ‘Bring me that horizon!’, with Swallow and his crew of motley misfits setting sail for freedom on the far side of the world. Author Ally Burnham joins us to explain how she researched this swashbuckling true story for Swallow , the first novel in an epic trilogy that will thrill fans of Master and Commander. It's an amazing tale of a...
Jun 04, 2026•50 min•Season 10Ep. 46
Failing film stars! Flailing Frenchmen! Falling space junk! They’re all here, the true and the false, the serious and the deeply stupid. Three rounds. 30 questions. Like pub trivia! Just minus the overcooked rigatoni and the annoying team at the next table who are definitely cheating. Play by yourself, against mates or – for an almost-guaranteed victory – against your dimmest pet. Not happy writing your answers in the mist of your bathroom mirror? Well, there’s a free downloadable answer sheet a...
Jun 01, 2026•43 min•Season 10Ep. 44
In 1837, three cold-blooded killers committed a series of bloody outrages that left nine people dead. Two of these murderers were to face their own gruesome fates. But, in an ironic twist, the third would be legally untouchable despite all the victims he'd shot and axed. Support Forgotten Australia for ad-free early episodes, exclusive bonus episodes and the chance to win prizes in the special edition trivia episodes. Patreon: patreon.com/forgottenaustralia Apple: apple.co/forgottenaustralia Ema...
May 24, 2026•50 min•Season 10Ep. 43
A True Crime Classic from the Forgotten Australia archives: Just over 100 years ago, Australia suffered one of the world's first random mass shootings when a man went berserk with a rifle in Melbourne’s 1924 Botanic Gardens Massacre. The public was panicked for as long as he evaded the massive manhunt. Then came the copycat shooter... This episode was first released in Season One, way back in 2018. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
May 23, 2026•35 min•Season 1Ep. 3
Serial killers! Chocolate animals! Robot chaos! They’re all part of the first-ever Aussie History Pod Trivia Quiz. Three rounds. 30 questions. Just like pub trivia! So, how well do you know your Aussie history? Play along by yourself or play against mates! There’s a free downloadable answer sheet at: www.forgottenaustralia.com PLUS: supporters automatically hear the Bonus Expert Round. Answer the questions for a chance to win $100 cash and copies of my books! You can use a free trial that gives ...
May 21, 2026•41 min•Season 10Ep. 42
Donald Mackintosh was the world’s best shooter and in 1900 in Paris he won what is still the most shocking sporting event ever associated with the Olympic Games. Did he really win gold? Why is that the least controversial thing about his claim to fame? Plus: the first Aussie History Pod Trivia Quiz episode is coming this Thursday test how much you know about the way were were! Everyone can play along with the general-release version. But Apple and Patreon supporters will hear a special edition e...
May 17, 2026•33 min•Season 10Ep. 41
This week in 1826 was a bad time to be a cannibal bushranger. Plus: Bold Ben Hall bites the dust; the first Brit buried Down Under; and the making of a murderer in On Our Selection. See Forgotten Australia live! "Crashes, Chases and Crooks in Melton History" – as part of the Melton Heritage Festival. More info and free tickets: https://libraryevents.melton.vic.gov.au/event?id=209608 Forgotten Australia supporters get early ad-free access to all episodes, along with bonus shows and a podcast shou...
May 03, 2026•32 min•Season 10Ep. 36
Who was Boofhead and where did he come from? We say happy 85th birthday to an iconic yet idiotic Aussie bloke who appeared in our midst when we needed him most. Plus: a brief history of the $1 coin and a salute to the astute astronomer who wound up on our $100 note. Forgotten Australia supporters get early ad-free access to all episodes, along with bonus shows and a podcast shout-out. To access a free trial, use these links and follow the easy steps. Cancel before the free-trial ends and you won...
May 02, 2026•34 min•Season 10Ep. 37
Author and music journalist Jeff Apter joins us to discuss his recent book, Lee Gordon Presents: How One Man Changed Australian Life Forever, the first biography of the wild man who not only brought rock ’n’ roll Down Under, but who pioneered so much else, from jazz festivals and strip shows to female roller derby and drive-in burger joints. Apple and Patreon supporters get exclusive access to the original short episodes ‘The Big Showman’, a salute to Lee Gordon from Aussie legends, and ‘When Le...
May 02, 2026•43 min•Season 10Ep. 40
In this final instalment, the jury delivers its verdict in the marathon trial of Phillip Treffene and William Coulter for the murders of Detective-Inspector John Walsh and Detective-Sergeant Alexander Pitman. But their decision isn't the end of the story — with twists even brilliant barrister Arthur Haynes couldn't see coming. See Forgotten Australia live! "Crashes, Chases and Crooks in Melton History" – as part of the Melton Heritage Festival. More info and free tickets: https://libraryevents.m...
May 01, 2026•31 min•Season 10Ep. 35
On Monday 16 August 1926, a large crowd gathered outside Perth's Supreme Court, hoping to get access to what promised to be the most sensational criminal trial Western Australia had ever seen. Had Phillip Treffene and William Coulter murdered Detective-Inspector John Walsh and his partner Detective-Sergeant Alexander Pitman? What the court heard was an incredible new version of events that left many wondering where the truth lay. See Forgotten Australia live! "Crashes, Chases and Crooks in Melto...
Apr 30, 2026•50 min•Season 10Ep. 34
After police swoop on their suspects, Evan 'Teddy' Clarke, Phil Treffene and William Coulter are charged with the murder. But one of these men will turn against the others, with brilliant barrister Arthur Haynes using this betrayal as a chisel with which to chip away at the crown case. See Forgotten Australia live! "Crashes, Chases and Crooks in Melton History" – as part of the Melton Heritage Festival. More info and free tickets: https://libraryevents.melton.vic.gov.au/event?id=209608 Forgotten...
Apr 29, 2026•46 min•Season 10Ep. 33
Re-released to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the crime that shocked a nation. On 12 May 1926, south of Kalgoorlie, at an abandoned mine known as Miller's Find, Detective-Sergeant Grenville Purdue makes a horrifying discovery. The biggest manhunt in Western Australia is now on for the murderers of Detective-Inspector John Walsh and Detective-Sergeant Alexander Pitman. See Forgotten Australia live! "Crashes, Chases and Crooks in Melton History" – as part of the Melton Heritage Festival. Mor...
Apr 27, 2026•37 min•Season 10Ep. 32
A special re-release to commemorate the 100th anniversary. On 28 April 1926, Detective-Inspector John Walsh and Detective-Sergeant Alexander Pitman disappeared while investigating gold thefts around Kalgoorlie. It was nearly two weeks before they were missed. When the alarm was raised, a massive search was started. Grave fears were held for these two popular veteran officers. See Forgotten Australia live! "Crashes, Chases and Crooks in Melton History" – as part of the Melton Heritage Festival. M...
Apr 26, 2026•37 min•Season 10Ep. 31
While history tells us Anzac Day started on 25 April 1916, the first such event took place six months earlier in South Australia. The name 'Anzac Day' was coined for this colourful military parade and pageant, staged in Adelaide on 13 October 1915, which was usually reserved for the Eight Hours' Day public holiday. The first Anzac Day was to raise funds for wounded soldiers – and a forgotten Aussie was even credited with coming up with the name! So, what did this Anzac Day look like? Why did it ...
Apr 23, 2026•1 hr 6 min•Season 10Ep. 30
In this interview episode, Dr Daniel Reynaud, author of The Man The Anzacs Revered, tells us about the colourful and incredibly brave AIF chaplain William McKenzie, who was a Salvation Army officer on the frontlines with the Diggers at Gallipoli and then on the Western Front. In his time, ‘Fighting Mac’ was beloved around Australia and the inspiration for many tall tales. But his truth is even more striking. So why has he been forgotten? See Forgotten Australia live! "Crashes, Chases and Crooks ...
Apr 20, 2026•34 min•Season 10Ep. 29
Having already won two events at Athens in 1896, young Aussie athlete Teddy Flack throws himself at a third victory by entering the Marathon – and he’ll reckon the result ensures the success of the first modern Olympic Games. Despite Teddy’s historic wins, noble defeats and curious claims, in his time he’ll be a marginal character in Australian reporting – a stark contrast with modern Olympic heroes. See Forgotten Australia live! "Crashes, Chases and Crooks in Melton History" – as part of the Me...
Apr 16, 2026•31 min•Season 10Ep. 28
Teddy Flack becoming our first Olympic champion is the prototypical tale of the Aussie have-a-go sporting hero. But in 1896, when Teddy was undertaking his Greek odyssey, and making history against the odds, there wasn’t a lot of interest in him, his achievements or the Olympic Games. In part one, we look at how Teddy’s twin interests – athletics and accountancy – meant he was the right man in the right place at the right time to compete at Athens. *Part Two is available now for Forgotten Austra...
Apr 13, 2026•41 min•Season 10Ep. 27
I'm adopted and – while I come from colourful characters who roamed from Ireland and England to Western Australia, Lord Howe Island and Sydney, via South Africa and the Western Front – I didn't know *any* of this family history before tracking down my birth mother in 2018! How much are we the product of nature and how much of nurture? How much of our lives is choice and chance? My family reunion story does come with some startling coincidences. See Forgotten Australia live! "Crashes, Chases and ...
Apr 08, 2026•50 min•Season 10Ep. 24
After tragedy strikes, Emma Murtough begins the colourful third act of her life – as "Mrs Rumtough", fearless travelling housekeeper of the Western Australian wheatbelt and goldfields! Meanwhile, on the other side of the country, on even more remote Lord Howe Island, as chance and choice would have it, Norah Murtough meets the man who’ll be my grandfather. See Forgotten Australia live! "Crashes, Chases and Crooks in Melton History" – as part of the Melton Heritage Festival. More info and free ti...
Apr 06, 2026•1 hr 13 min•Season 10Ep. 23
Having made her unthinkable decision, my great-grandmother Emma Murtough takes her children for a new life in Australia. But getting to the Land of Better Chance is to require a scandalous sea voyage, while life in remote Western Australia will come with plenty of hardships – and they'll only get harder during the Great Depression. Despite these tough times, Norah proves she's the daughter of two risk takers when she strikes out on her own. In Sydney, her bravery during a life-and-death drama is...
Apr 02, 2026•59 min•Season 10Ep. 22
Arthur Stace is an Australian legend. But for decades the identity of ‘Mr Eternity’ was a Sydney mystery. Who was this man? Why was he writing this message over and over? How did one word chalked by an eccentric fellow of faith reach billions of people all over the world? Forgotten Australia live! "Crashes, Chases and Crooks in Melton History" More info and free tickets: https://libraryevents.melton.vic.gov.au/event?id=209608 *All episodes will be available early & ad-free to Patreon and App...
Mar 30, 2026•26 min•Season 10Ep. 26
‘Boots on the ground’: it rolls off the tongue all too easily. But America – and Australia – learned that in Vietnam they didn’t have boots on the ground. They had them in a quagmire. The first Australian soldier killed in action was Kevin Conway, who in 1964 fought beside US Green Berets in a pivotal battle that provided a glimpse of the military debacle that was to last a decade, kill millions of people and leave a gaping hole in history. Crashes, Chases and Crooks in Melton History Get your f...
Mar 26, 2026•34 min•Season 10Ep. 25
Beyond the propaganda about glory, duty and sacrifice, the aftermath of the Great War ushers in a grave new world for my great-grandmother Emma Murtough and her three children. To escape and have a new life, she’ll have to make a shocking choice. *All episodes will be available early & ad-free to Patreon and Apple supporters* It’s easy to get a free trial that will give you access. Follow these links: Patreon: patreon.com/forgottenaustralia Apple: apple.co/forgottenaustralia Want more origin...
Mar 24, 2026•43 min•Season 10Ep. 21
My great-grandfather Peter Murtough arrives on the Western Front in August 1915. He is soon plunged into some of the most horrific battles of the Great War. Casualty rates soar in his battalion. Some months, more men are killed or wounded than come through unscathed. With bullets flying, shells falling and deadly poison gas drifting across the battlefield, how long will it be until Peter's luck runs out? *All episodes will be available early & ad-free to Patreon and Apple supporters* It’s ea...
Mar 22, 2026•42 min•Season 10Ep. 20
Celebrated high diver Peter Murtough takes the plunge when he marries Emma Hanbury – my colourful great-grandmother. But being a husband and father to three young children doesn't stop him from taking the greatest risk of his life – enlisting at age 40 to fight in the Great War. As Emma cheers him on with her special version of 'It's A Long Way To Tipperary', she can't know that the horrors of the Western Front will upend all of their lives. *All episodes will be available early & ad-free to...
Mar 20, 2026•38 min•Season 10Ep. 19
After the patriotic fervour that sends Peter Murtough to South Africa, he and hundreds of thousands of soldiers discover the reality of the Boer War is hunger, thirst, filth and sudden bursts of deadly violence. But the most dangerous enemy? Typhoid. Fortunately, a vaccine has been developed – but most soldiers won't take it. *All episodes will be available early & ad-free to Patreon and Apple supporters* It’s easy to get a free trial that will give you access. Follow these links: Patreon: p...
Mar 18, 2026•59 min•Season 10Ep. 18
In July 1898, my great-grandfather Peter Murtough competes for the title of best diver in the world. But seeking more than the thrills of the life aquatic, he ratchets up the risks to himself – and future me – by enlisting to fight the Boer in South Africa. *All episodes will be available early & ad-free to Patreon and Apple supporters* It’s easy to get a free trial that will give you access. Follow these links: Patreon: patreon.com/forgottenaustralia Apple: apple.co/forgottenaustralia Want ...
Mar 15, 2026•50 min•Season 10Ep. 17
Having fought the French and beaten the odds, Bernard Murtough’s family goes on to prominence in peacetime, establishing themselves and their mineral water business in Portsea. While raised a child of privilege, restless youngster Peter Murtough strikes out for London, set on high adventure as a high diver. *All episodes will be available early & ad-free to Patreon and Apple supporters* It’s easy to get a free trial that will give you access. Use these links to get started: Patreon: patreon....
Mar 12, 2026•44 min•Season 10Ep. 16
I recently discovered that my great-grandfather was a champion diver who was active in the very same London scene as the doomed stuntmen who featured in my recent miniseries Death-Defying Death Divers! With this as my, um, jumping off point, I’m taking a plunge into my family history, tracing the men and women of the Murtough family, from the Battle of Waterloo, the Boer War and the Western Front, to the wilds of Western Australia and the remote paradise of Lord Howe Island. We’ll also take a lo...
Mar 09, 2026•48 min•Season 10Ep. 15
