For decades, death cap mushrooms were regarded as a rare but deadly hazard, claiming lives through tragic mistakes and misidentification. But in recent years, two Australian cases thrust these lethal fungi into the national spotlight for very different reasons.

Join Holly and Matthew as they examine the mysterious Canberra poisonings of 2012 and 2014 before turning to the case that captivated the world: the Erin Patterson mushroom lunch. They explore the biology of Amanita phalloides, how these toxic mushrooms found their way into Australia, the investigations that followed, and why a simple foraging mistake can have devastating consequences.

From accidental poisonings to one of Australia's most infamous criminal cases, this episode uncovers the deadly history of the world's most notorious mushroom.


Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.

For decades, death cap mushrooms were regarded as a rare but deadly hazard, claiming lives through tragic mistakes and misidentification. But in recent years, two Australian cases thrust these lethal fungi into the national spotlight for very different reasons.

Join Holly and Matthew as they examine the mysterious Canberra poisonings of 2012 and 2014 before turning to the case that captivated the world: the Erin Patterson mushroom lunch. They explore the biology of Amanita phalloides, how these toxic mushrooms found their way into Australia, the investigations that followed, and why a simple foraging mistake can have devastating consequences.

From accidental poisonings to one of Australia's most infamous criminal cases, this episode uncovers the deadly history of the world's most notorious mushroom.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.

For decades, death cap mushrooms were regarded as a rare but deadly hazard, claiming lives through tragic mistakes and misidentification. But in recent years, two Australian cases thrust these lethal fungi into the national spotlight for very different reasons.

Join Holly and Matthew as they examine the mysterious Canberra poisonings of 2012 and 2014 before turning to the case that captivated the world: the Erin Patterson mushroom lunch. They explore the biology of Amanita phalloides, how these toxic mushrooms found their way into Australia, the investigations that followed, and why a simple foraging mistake can have devastating consequences. 

From accidental poisonings to one of Australia's most infamous criminal cases, this episode uncovers the deadly history of the world's most notorious mushroom.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.

In 1966, teenagers Garry Heywood and Abina Madill disappeared after leaving a dance in Shepparton. Weeks later, their bodies were discovered in bushland, launching one of Victoria's longest-running murder investigations. Detectives had fingerprints from the crime scene, but no name to match them, and for nearly two decades the case remained unsolved.

Join Holly and Matthew as they unravel the remarkable investigation that linked the murders to a series of violent sexual assaults across Melbourne, and discover how police finally identified the man known as "Mr Stinky." It's a story of old-fashioned detective work, painstaking fingerprint analysis, and a breakthrough that nobody saw coming

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.

For more than four decades, Fred Nile was one of the most recognisable and controversial figures in Australian politics. As the founder of the Call to Australia Party, later the Christian Democratic Party, he built a career campaigning on conservative Christian values, influencing legislation in New South Wales despite rarely holding the balance of power outright.

Join Holly and Matthew as they trace Fred Nile's political career, from his early activism and election to the Legislative Council through to the campaigns, controversies, and social debates that made him a fixture of Australian public life. Whether opposing censorship, gambling, abortion, same-sex relationships, or changing social attitudes, Nile remained one of the country's most persistent political campaigners.

Love him or loathe him, Fred Nile left an undeniable mark on New South Wales politics. This episode explores the man, the movement, and the legacy of one of Australia's longest-serving parliamentarians.


Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.

For more than four decades, Fred Nile was one of the most recognisable and controversial figures in Australian politics. As the founder of the Call to Australia Party, later the Christian Democratic Party, he built a career campaigning on conservative Christian values, influencing legislation in New South Wales despite rarely holding the balance of power outright.

Join Holly and Matthew as they trace Fred Nile's political career, from his early activism and election to the Legislative Council through to the campaigns, controversies, and social debates that made him a fixture of Australian public life. Whether opposing censorship, gambling, abortion, same-sex relationships, or changing social attitudes, Nile remained one of the country's most persistent political campaigners.

Love him or loathe him, Fred Nile left an undeniable mark on New South Wales politics. This episode explores the man, the movement, and the legacy of one of Australia's longest-serving parliamentarians.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.

For more than four decades, Fred Nile was one of the most recognisable and controversial figures in Australian politics. As the founder of the Call to Australia Party, later the Christian Democratic Party, he built a career campaigning on conservative Christian values, influencing legislation in New South Wales despite rarely holding the balance of power outright.

Join Holly and Matthew as they trace Fred Nile's political career, from his early activism and election to the Legislative Council through to the campaigns, controversies, and social debates that made him a fixture of Australian public life. Whether opposing censorship, gambling, abortion, same-sex relationships, or changing social attitudes, Nile remained one of the country's most persistent political campaigners.

Love him or loathe him, Fred Nile left an undeniable mark on New South Wales politics. This episode explores the man, the movement, and the legacy of one of Australia's longest-serving parliamentarians.


Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.

For generations of Australian schoolchildren, a visit from Healthy Harold was a highlight of the school year. Whether it arrived in a brightly coloured caravan or at a dedicated education centre, Life Education taught millions of children about nutrition, personal safety, drugs, relationships, and growing up through the country's most recognisable giraffe.

Join Holly and Matthew as they explore the origins of Life Education, the creation of Healthy Harold, and how one long-necked puppet became one of Australia's most beloved educational icons. 

From its beginnings in the late 1970s to its evolution for a new generation, discover how Healthy Harold helped shape childhoods across the country. Take a trip back to the classroom and revisit one of Australia's most enduring educational success stories.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.

For generations of Australian schoolchildren, a visit from Healthy Harold was a highlight of the school year. Whether it arrived in a brightly coloured caravan or at a dedicated education centre, Life Education taught millions of children about nutrition, personal safety, drugs, relationships, and growing up through the country's most recognisable giraffe.

Join Holly and Matthew as they explore the origins of Life Education, the creation of Healthy Harold, and how one long-necked puppet became one of Australia's most beloved educational icons. 

From its beginnings in the late 1970s to its evolution for a new generation, discover how Healthy Harold helped shape childhoods across the country. Take a trip back to the classroom and revisit one of Australia's most enduring educational success stories.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.

In June 1997, the disappearance of 13-month-old Jaidyn Leskie from the small Victorian town of Moe captured the attention of the nation. What began as a frantic search for a missing toddler soon became one of Australia’s most heartbreaking and controversial criminal investigations.

As police worked to piece together Jaidyn’s final hours, conflicting stories, unanswered questions, and a lack of clear evidence complicated the search for justice. Decades later, the case continues to provoke debate, with many believing key questions remain unresolved.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.

In June 1997, the disappearance of 13-month-old Jaidyn Leskie from the small Victorian town of Moe captured the attention of the nation. What began as a frantic search for a missing toddler soon became one of Australia’s most heartbreaking and controversial criminal investigations.

As police worked to piece together Jaidyn’s final hours, conflicting stories, unanswered questions, and a lack of clear evidence complicated the search for justice. Decades later, the case continues to provoke debate, with many believing key questions remain unresolved.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.