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Forgotten Australia

History Podcasts

Created by Michael Adams, author of The Murder Squad and Hanging Ned Kelly, Forgotten Australia delves deep into bloody crimes, dark histories, unsolved mysteries, eccentric personalities and bizarre happenings that are almost always stranger than fiction. Each episode brings to life people and events that were once known to everyone but are now barely remembered by anyone. Based on intensive original research, Forgotten Australia is crafted with a novelist’s eye for character and detail to create gripping narratives that sound so fresh it's like they're ripped from today's headlines. This is the history you wish you’d been taught in school. You can get early ad-free access and bonus Forgotten Australia episodes by subscribing at Apple or supporting at Patreon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Location:

United States

Description:

Created by Michael Adams, author of The Murder Squad and Hanging Ned Kelly, Forgotten Australia delves deep into bloody crimes, dark histories, unsolved mysteries, eccentric personalities and bizarre happenings that are almost always stranger than fiction. Each episode brings to life people and events that were once known to everyone but are now barely remembered by anyone. Based on intensive original research, Forgotten Australia is crafted with a novelist’s eye for character and detail to create gripping narratives that sound so fresh it's like they're ripped from today's headlines. This is the history you wish you’d been taught in school. You can get early ad-free access and bonus Forgotten Australia episodes by subscribing at Apple or supporting at Patreon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Language:

English


Episodes
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This Week in 1955 – Part One: A Murderer Escapes, Our Politicians Jail Pressmen and an Aussie Witnesses Horror at Le Mans

6/12/2025
Up in the Queensland, a murderer and a robber break out of prison, while down in Canberra our Federal Parliament puts a couple of newspaper blokes behind bars for breaching privilege. Meanwhile, a veteran Aussie journo at Le Mans witnesses history’s worst motor racing disaster. Plus: Hollywood celebrities come Down Under - and turn one Sydney beauty’s life upside down. To read Andrew Moore’s presentation on the Fitzpatrick-Browne affair: https://www.aph.gov.au/About_Parliament/Senate/Publications_and_resources/Papers_and_research/Papers_on_Parliament_and_other_resources/Papers_on_Parliament/64/c01 It’s easy to get a free trial that will give you access to ad-free, early and bonus episodes. Hit either of these links: Patreon: patreon.com/forgottenaustralia Apple: apple.co/forgottenaustralia Want more original Australian true crime and 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: forgottenaustraliapodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:40:29

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Before the Mushroom Case: Australia’s Infamous Poisoning Murder Trial – Part Five

6/11/2025
Following the verdict, Ronald Griggs has one last trick up his sleeve to amaze Australia. It’s easy to get a free trial that will give you access to ad-free, early and bonus episodes. Hit either of these links: Patreon: patreon.com/forgottenaustralia Apple: apple.co/forgottenaustralia Want more original Australian true crime and 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: forgottenaustraliapodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:56:03

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Before the Mushroom Case: Australia’s Infamous Poisoning Murder Trial – Part Four

6/8/2025
Having already been convicted by the newspapers, Ronald Griggs stands trial for the murder of his wife. If he’s found guilty, he’ll be sentenced to death. It’s easy to get a free trial that will give you access to ad-free, early and bonus episodes. Hit either of these links: Patreon: patreon.com/forgottenaustralia Apple: apple.co/forgottenaustralia Want more original Australian true crime and 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: forgottenaustraliapodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:48:03

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This Week in 1930 - America's Tariff Apocalypse, Aviatrix Amy Johnson Awes Aussies... and Ferris Bueller?

6/4/2025
In the first week of June 1930, America was on the brink of economic apocalypse with its Smoot-Hawley tariffs – and their effects would be felt terribly Down Under and around the world. In this very same week, Aussies set in motion a process that'd further guarantee we suffered horribly in the Great Depression. At least in good news, Sydney welcomed heroic aviatrix Amy Johnson in what was the first example of modern celebrity hysteria in Australia. For a bit of fun, we also look at the Smoot-Hawley tariff scene from Ferris Bueller's Day Off, learning how actor-economist Ben Stein later returned to his dreary economics teacher role to campaign for a Republican American Senator who's still in power and who has/had some surprising trade views on Australia. Get more of Forgotten Australia as a supporter by using a free trial that will give you access to ad-free, early and bonus episodes: Patreon: patreon.com/forgottenaustralia Apple: apple.co/forgottenaustralia Want more original Australian true crime and 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: forgottenaustraliapodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:49:39

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Before the Mushroom Case: Australia’s Infamous Poisoning Murder Trial – Part Three

5/30/2025
After Lottie Condon’s shock confession, Ronald Griggs becomes infamous overnight when Truth newspaper publishes every sordid detail of his scandalous love life. But with his wife’s body exhumed and the true cause of her death established, public shame is soon the least of the embattled Methodist minister’s problems. Parts four and five are available ad-free now for Apple and Patreon supporters. As a supporter, you get all episodes ad-free, plus exclusive bonus episodes and a show shout-out! It’s easy to start a free trial in just a few seconds. Patreon: patreon.com/forgottenaustralia Apple: apple.co/forgottenaustralia It’s easy to cancel. Or stick around and help me to make Forgotten Australia. If you support via Patreon, I’ll get your name for the show shout-out. If you support via Apple, let me know via the email address below and I’ll include you in the roll call of champions! Email: forgottenaustraliapodcast@gmail.com Want more original Australian true crime and 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:41:26

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Before the Mushroom Case: Australia’s Infamous Poisoning Murder Trial – Part Two

5/29/2025
Following the mysterious death of his wife in the mountain town of Omeo, rumours about Methodist preacher Ronald Griggs reach a fever pitch — and a veteran detective is sent from Melbourne CIB to investigate. Parts three, four and five are available ad-free now for Apple and Patreon supporters. As a supporter, you get all episodes ad-free, plus exclusive bonus episodes and a show shout-out! It’s easy to start a free trial in just a few seconds. Patreon: patreon.com/forgottenaustralia Apple: apple.co/forgottenaustralia It’s easy to cancel. Or stick around and help me to make Forgotten Australia. If you support via Patreon, I’ll get your name for the show shout-out. If you support via Apple, let me know via the email address below and I’ll include you in the roll call of champions! Email: forgottenaustraliapodcast@gmail.com Want more original Australian true crime and 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:42:25

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Before the Mushroom Case: Australia’s Infamous Poisoning Murder Trial – Part One

5/29/2025
Nearly a century before Erin Patterson was put on trial in the mushroom murder case, Australia was scandalised by allegations that a young preacher from country Victoria had poisoned his wife, Ethel, the mother of his baby girl, so he could be with his mistress, Lottie, the daughter of one of his most faithful churchgoers. In this five-part mini-series, we delve deep into the life of holier-than-thou hypocrite Ronald Griggs, who shattered the commandments he supposedly held so sacred. Everything he said and did cast him as a sinner. But had this man of the cloth transgressed against the most serious of all holy laws: Thou Shalt Not Kill? With the case investigated by a heroic Melbourne detective, and the court case defended by legendary legal eagle, the scene was set for one of the greatest murder trials in Australian history. Part two is available now. Parts three, four and five are available ad-free now for Apple and Patreon supporters. As a supporter, you get all episodes ad-free, plus exclusive bonus episodes and a show shout-out! It’s easy to start a free trial in just a few seconds. Patreon: patreon.com/forgottenaustralia Apple: apple.co/forgottenaustralia It’s easy to cancel. Or stick around and help me to make Forgotten Australia. If you support via Patreon, I’ll get your name for the show shout-out. If you support via Apple, let me know via the email address below and I’ll include you in the roll call of champions! Email: forgottenaustraliapodcast@gmail.com Want more original Australian true crime and 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 Credits: Wagner Bridal Chorus Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:53:12

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This Week in 1905: Aussie Feminist Highs & Lows, the First Empire Day, an American President Ends a Russian War, and a Ratcatcher Echoes in Eternity

5/23/2025
In London this week, the Aussie suffragist Nellie Martel explains to English women how they can win the vote, while back at home pioneering feminist Louisa Lawson’s publication The Dawn teeters on the brink of closure. Plus: the first Empire Day; the final battles of the Russo-Japanese War mean a Nobel Peace Prize for Teddy Roosevelt; and in Sydney a ratcatching hero survives Bubonic Plague – again. Kathy Bowrey: "The threat posed by a woman inventor: law, labour and the subjugation of Louisa Lawson" https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14490854.2024.2331591 For a free trial that will give you access to ad-free, early and bonus episodes: Patreon: patreon.com/forgottenaustralia Apple: apple.co/forgottenaustralia 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: forgottenaustraliapodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:39:33

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This Week in 1979: Aussie Movies Go Global, Ye Olde TV Listings & Our Forgotten Comedy Genius

5/15/2025
This week at the Cannes Film Festival, My Brilliant Career made Australian film history, while back home Rupert Murdoch became a Sydney TV mogul, setting the stage for his world-changing Fox News empire. Meanwhile, Aussies lived with limited television choices even as they remained unaware that one of their own was reshaping American screen entertainment with his cutting edge comedies and pioneering reality formats. For free trial access to early ad-free episodes and exclusive bonus episodes: Apple.co/ForgottenAustralia or https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/forgotten-australia/id1442763878 Patreon.com/ForgottenAustralia 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: forgottenaustraliapodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:42:49

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This Week in 1954 - Sydney Anarchy, Killer Trains, a Climate Warming Warning, Record Setters & the Roo Roo Hop

5/8/2025
Pirates, sailors, mountaineers and the Abominable Snowman run riot through Sydney – a Sydney were you risk life and limb every time you catch a train. Also this week: scientists prove that the world is warming – and cite civilisation as the cause. Elsewhere, a young bloke tries to set a piano playing record, a Pommy athlete breaks through an ‘impossible’ barrier, Australian television is finally given a green light and American youngsters bounce around like kangaroos. Roo Roo Kangaroo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rq8lImdakvA For a free trial that will give you access to ad-free, early and bonus episodes: Patreon: patreon.com/forgottenaustralia Apple: apple.co/forgottenaustralia 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: forgottenaustraliapodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:28:42

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Short – Nazi Aftertaste: When Keith Murdoch was Elon Musk to Robert Menzies

5/4/2025
85 years before American President Donald Trump gave unelected social media mogul Elon Musk unprecedented power with DOGE, Australian Prime Minister Robert Menzies gave unelected newspaper mogul Keith Murdoch unprecedented power as DGI - that is: Director-General of Information. But Rupert’s dad would overstep almost immediately and be widely criticised as an aspiring fascist dictator along the lines of Adolf Hitler – the very enemy he was supposed to be fighting. For a free trial that will give you access to ad-free, early and bonus episodes: Patreon: patreon.com/forgottenaustralia Apple: apple.co/forgottenaustralia 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: forgottenaustraliapodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:16:29

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This Week in 1929: The Blind Digger – Part Two

4/27/2025
Just as Frank’s radio career is taking off, his private life is laid bare in a racy tabloid expose. But the sequel to this scandal is to be far more shocking and sinister. Nearly a century later, questions remain… For free trial access to early ad-free episodes and exclusive bonus episodes: Apple.co/ForgottenAustralia or https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/forgotten-australia/id1442763878 Patreon.com/ForgottenAustralia 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: forgottenaustraliapodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:44:37

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This Week in 1929: The Blind Digger – Part One

4/23/2025
Terribly wounded on 25 April 1915 at Gallipoli, AIF Private Frank Downes would be celebrated as The Blind Digger. After returning home on the first hospital ship from Egypt, he was an Anzac hero, a patriotic public speaker, a radio personality and a good husband and father. But Frank’s image was to be tainted by scandal and then shattered by a mysterious death that left Aussies wondering whether this war hero was a cold-blooded murderer. For free trial access to early ad-free episodes and exclusive bonus episodes: Apple.co/ForgottenAustralia or https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/forgotten-australia/id1442763878 Patreon.com/ForgottenAustralia 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: forgottenaustraliapodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:49:38

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This Week in 1904: Rampaging Percy Ramage – Part Two

4/19/2025
Did you have to be crazy to take on 10 cops at once? Was Percy Ramage 'perfectly insane'? The question was key but Melbourne’s best and brightest just couldn’t agree. Percy cashed in on his notoriety with a memoir and tried to go straight. But trouble was never far away – and a surprising tragedy loomed in a stormy future. For free trial access to early ad-free episodes and exclusive bonus episodes: Apple.co/ForgottenAustralia or https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/forgotten-australia/id1442763878 Patreon.com/ForgottenAustralia 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: forgottenaustraliapodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:46:41

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This Week in 1904: Rampaging Percy Ramage – Part One

4/16/2025
In Melbourne and Geelong from the 1890s, Percy Ramage saw red whenever he saw the cops. Known as 'The Policeman Puncher', he was such a 'human tiger' that no-one knew where his badness ended and his madness began. But in trying to contain him, authorities would throw Percy into a gaol where prisoners were dropping like flies – with the ‘Prince of Rioters’ looking like he’d be the next to die. For free trial access to early ad-free episodes and exclusive bonus episodes: Apple.co/ForgottenAustralia or https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/forgotten-australia/id1442763878 Patreon.com/ForgottenAustralia The Notorious Lady Munro starts here: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-notorious-lady-munro-part-one-the-woman-in-the-waterhole/id1442763878?i=1000608171649 Weachurch: Werewolf of Pentridge starts here: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/weachurch-werewolf-of-pentridge-part-one/id1442763878?i=1000660026921 Murder in the Treasury Gardens starts here: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/murder-in-the-treasury-gardens-part-one-we-die-together/id1442763878?i=1000645005060 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: forgottenaustraliapodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:50:18

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Short: Cocaine Kurtz

4/10/2025
This German-born thug's misadventures included shooting his dad in the butt, taking to the bush as an escapee, doing time in a POW camp, selling cocaine in Sydney and dicing with the Razor Gangs. But his life would have an unexpected final act. 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: forgottenaustraliapodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:14:24

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This Week in 1978: Dead End – The Bloody Last Stand of a Brazen Bank Bandit

4/7/2025
A Brisbane armed robber had hit three banks in twelve months. In the second week of April 1978, the cops had laid a trap he couldn’t escape. Until he did. What followed was an extraordinary car chase and gun battle, all caught by news cameras. But after the smoke cleared, big questions remained. For a free trial that will give you access to ad-free, early and bonus episodes: Patreon: patreon.com/forgottenaustralia Apple: apple.co/forgottenaustralia 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: forgottenaustraliapodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:45:01

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This Week in 1953: One Murderous Cop, Two Serial Killers & Trump's Mentor Runs Riot Against the 'Reds'

3/31/2025
It was a big week for true crime and the Red Scare. In Sydney, Roger Rogerson’s future hero, Detective-Sergeant Ray ‘the Gunner’ Kelly, was in court and explaining how and why he’d shot another criminal dead. In London, the cops caught serial killer John Christie, which meant they’d sent an innocent man to the gallows for two murders. In a weird coincidence, a similar failure of justice was about to play out in Adelaide, where serial monster John Balaban had already been set free by the courts to kill again. Meanwhile, the Red Scare was at fever pitch, with leftist Aussies protesting against the imminent execution in the US of convicted Soviet spies Julius and Ethel Rosenberg. Also in the US under McCarthyism, academic freedom was under attack at Columbia University. But this wasn’t nearly as racy as what McCarthy’s attack dog Roy Cohn was doing, with President Trump’s future hero making Australian headlines for his rabid anti-Commie tactics. For a free trial that will give you access to ad-free, early and bonus episodes: Patreon: patreon.com/forgottenaustralia Apple: apple.co/forgottenaustralia 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: forgottenaustraliapodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:56:08

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This Week in 1928: Cocaine Raids, Razor Gangs, Racist Orgy Conspiracies and Girl Bosses vs Man Worms!

3/24/2025
In a bumper episode brought to you by the newfangled "Electric Newspaper" of 1928, Sydney and Melbourne cops carry out spectacular public raids to save white women from the evils of cocaine and African-American jazz men – and, more broadly, to amp up the war on drugs and expand the White Australia Policy. Plus: a Sydney girl makes good in the British movie Moulin Rouge; English women get the vote for a "Flapper Election"; and the "Sex War" is predicted to leave girl bosses in total control of a world of man-worms. To book Manly Writers' Festival: https://www.manlywritersfestival.org.au/program/true-crime%3A-tales-of-betrayal%2C-escape%2C-and-justice For Harlem Nights, Deidre O'Connell's book: https://www.mup.com.au/books/harlem-nights-paperback-softback For a free trial that will give you access to ad-free, early and bonus episodes: Patreon: patreon.com/forgottenaustralia Apple: apple.co/forgottenaustralia 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: forgottenaustraliapodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:55:34

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Short: Murder at the Melbourne Races

3/23/2025
In 1906, when a young bookie tried to cheat his customers, he died as the very public victim of a bloodthirsty mob of Melburnians. His murder left the city searching for his killers – and for answers about a state government that continued to allow dangerous unregulated gambling. This episode updates a previous Australia On This Day episode. Check out the Manly Writers’ Festival: https://www.manlywritersfestival.org.au/program/true-crime%3A-tales-of-betrayal%2C-escape%2C-and-justice For a free trial that will give you access to ad-free, early and bonus episodes: Patreon: patreon.com/forgottenaustralia Apple: apple.co/forgottenaustralia 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: forgottenaustraliapodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:20:33