James Hardie Industries' involvement in the asbestos industry significantly shaped its trajectory from the mid-20th century. By the 1930s, the company had begun producing asbestos-containing products, capitalizing on the material's fire-resistant and insulating properties. This move propelled James Hardie into a dominant position within the asbestos industry, with its products widely used in construction throughout Australia and globally. However, by the 1970s, concerns about asbestos-related health risks began to emerge, leading to a shift in public perception and regulatory scrutiny.Join Matthew and Holly as they work their way through the history of the company who has become synonymous with asbestos exposure, their deeds and missteps, court cases and extradition treaties.

In 1942 amidst the rugged terrain of Papua New Guinea, the battle to save the Australian mainland unfolded in treacherous conditions, dense jungles, and steep mountain ranges, shadowed by the constant threat of tropical diseases.The Kokoda Track, a narrow and challenging pathway, became the epicenter of a battle where outnumbered Australian forces, primarily composed of reservists, aided by local Papuan allies, valiantly defended the strategically crucial Port Moresby. Enduring severe hardships, shortages of supplies, and fierce battles, they succeeded in compelling the Japanese to retreat.Join us as we explore their unwavering determination and sacrifice, which defined this critical victory for the Allies in the Pacific while facing incredible difficulties, and helped to solidify just what it means to be an ANZAC.

While Kylie is primarily known for her chart-topping music and acting career, there's a peculiar twist to her story, which could have seen her sister Dannii take her crown. We explore her early years growing up in Melbourne, her unexpected transition from a soap opera star to a global music sensation, and a career in film, tv and music that has now spanned 5 decades. Join Holly and Matthew as we unravel the strange and captivating aspects of Kylie Minogue's life and career, making her a unique addition to the weird and wonderful tapestry of Australian musical and pop culture history.***All song clips property of their owners, not us.

There's a part of modern warfare that is often overlooked by the people on the ground, and that's the communications systems feeding them information. A war can't be fought without orders, and where there's a messenger, there's an enemy looking to find out what he's up to.When Australia joined the WWII efforts on Sept 1, 1939, we didn't have a cryptanalyst team, or anything remotely resembling a Bond/Borne/Reacher team of sleuths and codebreakers. But within 3 years, we were out there teaching the rest of the world how it was done.It was thanks to a group of people stationed across Australia - in Melbourne, Brisbane, Townsville, Darwin and other places - that helped the Americans seek vengeance for Pearl Harbor, strike back against the intended invasions, and start intercepting the Japanese fleets closer and closer to home.But for 30 years, these people were hidden from society, their achievements unrecognised and shredded like 1970s paperwork; some would argue they still are.Join Holly and Matthew as they look into Australia's own version of Bletchley Park and Alan Turing, or the Manhattan Project and Oppenheimer, complete with geniuses ahead of their time, abandoned and treated like crap after the War by governments desperate to bury their history.

Yahoo Serious, an Australian actor, director, and producer, gained fame in the late 1980s with "Young Einstein," a comedic take on Albert Einstein. With red hair and slapstick humor, he carved a niche for himself. Though later films fell short, he remains an intriguing figure in Australian cinema's history.But that's not all he's known for. Join Holly and Matthew as they look at the films, the charities and the appearance that made Serious's 9 years of fame an amazing time in Australian cinema.

Perth went from a community able to sleep with a cool breeze flowing through their homes, to locking the doors and windows in the height of summer. Fear was everywhere as a gunman, a strangler and a stabber swept through the community, setting fires and stealing cars as they went. It was gangland pandemonium in 1960s Perth, and everyone was afraid. What they didn't understand was that this was not the work of a gang; it was all the work of one man.Join Holly and Matthew as they uncover the bone-chilling case of the Night Caller, his victims, and the lasting impact he had on the world of one particular true-crime author...

Perth went from a community able to sleep with a cool breeze flowing through their homes, to locking the doors and windows in the height of summer. Fear was everywhere as a gunman, a strangler and a stabber swept through the community, setting fires and stealing cars as they went. It was gangland pandemonium in 1960s Perth, and everyone was afraid. What they didn't understand was that this was not the work of a gang; it was all the work of one man. Join Holly and Matthew as they uncover the bone-chilling case of the Night Caller, his victims, and the lasting impact he had on the world of one particular true-crime author...

Matthew sat down with three of the lovely team members responsible for the Starship Q Star podcast - Megan May, Lena Moon, and Lauren Anderson - to discuss what it's like to create Australian podcasts, their sense of humour, and their dayjobs - sprinkled with a lot of jokes, puns and laughs!Like what you hear? Head to weirdcrapinaustralia.com and subscribe for $5/month or more to get the full interview, ad-free episodes, plus lots of other audio perks!

Do we have a treat for all of you! Our first international crossover with famed cyrptid podcast hosts Justin and Jay from the Cryptids of the Corn podcast. The dynamic duo bring us their brand of North American monster with the infamous Mothman - who may not be as fearsome as we have been led to believe. Then once you’ve finished, head over to the Cryptids of the Corn podcast as the cultural exchange continues, with Holly and Matt sharing one of our infamous UFO encounters and plenty of banter!Looking for the extended, uncut edition of the show? Head on over to weirdcrapinaustralia.com (our patreon page), sign up for $5/month and receive both this and all out ad-free back catalogue as a thank you for being a Patreon subscriber!

King Charles III succeeds Queen Elizabeth II to the throne. Will this cause anarchy in the streets, or will life continue on as before? The sharks are already circling, so let's put some information down for posterity. Bonus tip: Queen Elizabeth was alive 1926-2022 - which means she's seen almost 80% of Australia's life as "Australia". Her reign lasted just over 57% of the time we've been a nation! She's been alive almost 33% of the time the USA has been a country! Talk about the world's Grandma!Main Theme music – Kevin MacLeod"Slow Ticking Clock" – Kevin MacLeodUsed under a Creative Commons license.

On July 26, 2022, the possible identity of the Somerton Man was put forth by Prof. Abbott. Holly and Matthew discuss.Main Theme music – Kevin MacLeod"Slow Ticking Clock" – Kevin MacLeodUsed under a Creative Commons license.

On April 21, 1964, a program aired on television with themes that would be very recognisable to about 80% of Australian adults today. This breakout children's edutainment hit was aimed at pre-school children, and included a cast of characters, mostly stuffed toys, including Jemima, Humpty, Big Ted and Little Ted. This is not an episode about that show.Main Theme music – Kevin MacLeod"Slow Ticking Clock" – Kevin MacLeodUsed under a Creative Commons license.