- 43 minutes 11 secondsTalking History – The Wildest One: The Life Of Showman Lee Gordon
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 Lenny Bruce Got Smashed By Sydney’, about the radical comic’s disastrous tour Down Under for Lee Gordon in 1962.
To access a free trial, use these links and follow the easy steps. Cancel before the free-trial ends and you won't be charged.
Patreon: patreon.com/forgottenaustralia
Apple: apple.co/forgottenaustralia
Want more original Australian history? Check out my books!
They’ll Never Hold Me:
https://www.booktopia.com.au/they-ll-never-hold-me-michael-adams/book/9781923046474.html
The Murder Squad:
https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-murder-squad-michael-adams/book/9781923046504.html
Hanging Ned Kelly:
https://www.booktopia.com.au/hanging-ned-kelly-michael-adams/book/9781922992185.html
Australia’s Sweetheart:
https://www.booktopia.com.au/australia-s-sweetheart-michael-adams/book/9780733640292.html
Email: [email protected]
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
14 May 2026, 8:22 am - 34 minutes 17 secondsOi, Boofhead! Plus: Gold Coins & Great Comets
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't be charged.
Patreon: patreon.com/forgottenaustralia
Apple: apple.co/forgottenaustralia
Want more original Australian history? Check out my books!
They’ll Never Hold Me:
https://www.booktopia.com.au/they-ll-never-hold-me-michael-adams/book/9781923046474.html
The Murder Squad:
https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-murder-squad-michael-adams/book/9781923046504.html
Hanging Ned Kelly:
https://www.booktopia.com.au/hanging-ned-kelly-michael-adams/book/9781922992185.html
Australia’s Sweetheart:
https://www.booktopia.com.au/australia-s-sweetheart-michael-adams/book/9780733640292.html
Email: [email protected]
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
10 May 2026, 2:10 pm - 32 minutes 28 secondsA Cannibal Convict & Other Grave Tales
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 shout-out.
To access a free trial, use these links and follow the easy steps. Cancel before the free-trial ends and you won't be charged.
Patreon: patreon.com/forgottenaustralia
Apple: apple.co/forgottenaustralia
Want more original Australian history? Check out my books!
They’ll Never Hold Me:
https://www.booktopia.com.au/they-ll-never-hold-me-michael-adams/book/9781923046474.html
The Murder Squad:
https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-murder-squad-michael-adams/book/9781923046504.html
Hanging Ned Kelly:
https://www.booktopia.com.au/hanging-ned-kelly-michael-adams/book/9781922992185.html
Australia’s Sweetheart:
https://www.booktopia.com.au/australia-s-sweetheart-michael-adams/book/9780733640292.html
Email: [email protected]
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
3 May 2026, 2:05 pm - 30 minutes 39 secondsBlue Murder On The Golden Mile — Part Five
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.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 shout-out.
To access a free trial, use these links and follow the easy steps. Cancel before the free-trial ends and you won't be charged. Continue to support from as little as $3 per month. Cancel any time.
Patreon: patreon.com/forgottenaustralia
Apple: apple.co/forgottenaustralia
Want more original Australian history? Check out my books!
They’ll Never Hold Me:
https://www.booktopia.com.au/they-ll-never-hold-me-michael-adams/book/9781923046474.html
The Murder Squad:
https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-murder-squad-michael-adams/book/9781923046504.html
Hanging Ned Kelly:
https://www.booktopia.com.au/hanging-ned-kelly-michael-adams/book/9781922992185.html
Australia’s Sweetheart:
https://www.booktopia.com.au/australia-s-sweetheart-michael-adams/book/9780733640292.html
Email: [email protected]
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
1 May 2026, 1:00 pm - 49 minutes 48 secondsBlue Murder On The Golden Mile — Part Four
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 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 shout-out.
To access a free trial, use these links and follow the easy steps. Cancel before the free-trial ends and you won't be charged.
Patreon: patreon.com/forgottenaustralia
Apple: apple.co/forgottenaustralia
Want more original Australian history? Check out my books!
They’ll Never Hold Me:
https://www.booktopia.com.au/they-ll-never-hold-me-michael-adams/book/9781923046474.html
The Murder Squad:
https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-murder-squad-michael-adams/book/9781923046504.html
Hanging Ned Kelly:
https://www.booktopia.com.au/hanging-ned-kelly-michael-adams/book/9781922992185.html
Australia’s Sweetheart:
https://www.booktopia.com.au/australia-s-sweetheart-michael-adams/book/9780733640292.html
Email: [email protected]
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
30 April 2026, 1:55 pm - 46 minutes 2 secondsBlue Murder On The Golden Mile — Part Three
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 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't be charged. Continue to support from as little as $3 per month. Cancel any time.
Patreon: patreon.com/forgottenaustralia
Apple: apple.co/forgottenaustralia
Want more original Australian history? Check out my books!
They’ll Never Hold Me:
https://www.booktopia.com.au/they-ll-never-hold-me-michael-adams/book/9781923046474.html
The Murder Squad:
https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-murder-squad-michael-adams/book/9781923046504.html
Hanging Ned Kelly:
https://www.booktopia.com.au/hanging-ned-kelly-michael-adams/book/9781922992185.html
Australia’s Sweetheart:
https://www.booktopia.com.au/australia-s-sweetheart-michael-adams/book/9780733640292.html
Email: [email protected]
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
29 April 2026, 1:00 pm - 36 minutes 58 secondsBlue Murder On The Golden Mile — Part Two
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.
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 shout-out.
To access a free trial, use these links and follow the easy steps.
Patreon: patreon.com/forgottenaustralia
Apple: apple.co/forgottenaustralia
Want more original Australian history? Check out my books!
They’ll Never Hold Me:
https://www.booktopia.com.au/they-ll-never-hold-me-michael-adams/book/9781923046474.html
The Murder Squad:
https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-murder-squad-michael-adams/book/9781923046504.html
Hanging Ned Kelly:
https://www.booktopia.com.au/hanging-ned-kelly-michael-adams/book/9781922992185.html
Australia’s Sweetheart:
https://www.booktopia.com.au/australia-s-sweetheart-michael-adams/book/9780733640292.html
Email: [email protected]
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
27 April 2026, 2:30 pm - 37 minutes 6 secondsMiniseries – Blue Murder on the Golden Mile – Part One
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.
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 shout-out.
To access a free trial, use these links and follow the easy steps. Cancel before the free-trial ends and you won't be charged. Continue to support from as little as $3 per month. Cancel any time.
Patreon: patreon.com/forgottenaustralia
Apple: apple.co/forgottenaustralia
Want more original Australian history? Check out my books!
They’ll Never Hold Me:
https://www.booktopia.com.au/they-ll-never-hold-me-michael-adams/book/9781923046474.html
The Murder Squad:
https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-murder-squad-michael-adams/book/9781923046504.html
Hanging Ned Kelly:
https://www.booktopia.com.au/hanging-ned-kelly-michael-adams/book/9781922992185.html
Australia’s Sweetheart:
https://www.booktopia.com.au/australia-s-sweetheart-michael-adams/book/9780733640292.html
Email: [email protected]
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
26 April 2026, 2:29 pm - 1 hour 5 minutesThe First Anzac Day – 13 October 1915
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 feature not only marching soldiers and wounded veterans, but cavemen, prehistoric animals and even a fiery tram stunt? How was it that this Anzac Day came to be forgotten?
To see footage of the Burra Anzac Day:
https://www.nfsa.gov.au/collection/curated/anzac-day-history-marches-and-traditions
The Critic newspaper photos are here:
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-page23520895
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 shout-out.
To access a free trial, use these links and follow the easy steps. Cancel before the free-trial ends and you won't be charged. Continue to support from as little as $3 per month. Cancel any time.
Patreon: patreon.com/forgottenaustralia
Apple: apple.co/forgottenaustralia
Want more original Australian history? Check out my books!
They’ll Never Hold Me:
https://www.booktopia.com.au/they-ll-never-hold-me-michael-adams/book/9781923046474.html
The Murder Squad:
https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-murder-squad-michael-adams/book/9781923046504.html
Hanging Ned Kelly:
https://www.booktopia.com.au/hanging-ned-kelly-michael-adams/book/9781922992185.html
Australia’s Sweetheart:
https://www.booktopia.com.au/australia-s-sweetheart-michael-adams/book/9780733640292.html
Email: [email protected]
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
23 April 2026, 11:00 am - 34 minutes 24 secondsTalking History – ‘Fighting Mac’: The Man Behind the Anzac Legend
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 in Melton History" – as part of the Melton Heritage Festival.
More info and free tickets:
https://libraryevents.melton.vic.gov.au/event?id=209608
Want more original Australian history? Check out my books!
They’ll Never Hold Me:
https://www.booktopia.com.au/they-ll-never-hold-me-michael-adams/book/9781923046474.html
The Murder Squad:
https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-murder-squad-michael-adams/book/9781923046504.html
Hanging Ned Kelly:
https://www.booktopia.com.au/hanging-ned-kelly-michael-adams/book/9781922992185.html
Australia’s Sweetheart:
https://www.booktopia.com.au/australia-s-sweetheart-michael-adams/book/9780733640292.html
Email: [email protected]
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
20 April 2026, 7:12 am - 31 minutes 1 secondOur First Olympic Hero – Part Two: The Lion of Athens
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 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 shout-out.
To access a free trial, use these links and follow the easy steps. Cancel before the free-trial ends and you won't be charged. Continue to support from as little as $3 per month. Cancel any time.
Patreon: patreon.com/forgottenaustralia
Apple: apple.co/forgottenaustralia
Want more original Australian history? Check out my books!
They’ll Never Hold Me:
https://www.booktopia.com.au/they-ll-never-hold-me-michael-adams/book/9781923046474.html
The Murder Squad:
https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-murder-squad-michael-adams/book/9781923046504.html
Hanging Ned Kelly:
https://www.booktopia.com.au/hanging-ned-kelly-michael-adams/book/9781922992185.html
Australia’s Sweetheart:
https://www.booktopia.com.au/australia-s-sweetheart-michael-adams/book/9780733640292.html
Email: [email protected]
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
16 April 2026, 3:42 am - More Episodes? Get the App