Forgotten Australia

Forgotten Australia

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.

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This Week in... 1901: the first election, a federal erection and the dying queen

This Week in... 1901: the first election, a federal erection and the dying queen

Australia talks about the first federal election campaign, weeps about the death of beloved Queen Victoria and laughs at a visionary’s plan for a giant statue that’ll rise over Sydney Harbour. Plus: our most famous astronomer mocks Nikola Tesla's "messages from Mars", our most famous meteorologist makes like Elon Musk by firing rockets into the heavens, and our most famous hangman is news for setting a record with his noose. This episode features a short interview with Rachel Franks, historian and author of An Uncommon Hangman: The Life and Deaths of Robert 'Nosey Bob' Howard. (There's also a full-length bonus Rachel Franks interview episode for Apple and Patreon supporters.)For a free trial that will give you access to ad-free, early and bonus episodes:Patreon: patreon.com/forgottenaustraliaApple: apple.co/forgottenaustraliaTo buy An Uncommon Hangman by Rachel Franks:https://www.booktopia.com.au/an-uncommon-hangman-rachel-franks/book/9781742237343.htmlAnd my books:They’ll Never Hold Me:https://www.booktopia.com.au/they-ll-never-hold-me-michael-adams/book/9781923046474.htmlThe Murder Squad:https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-murder-squad-michael-adams/book/9781923046504.htmlHanging Ned Kelly:https://www.booktopia.com.au/hanging-ned-kelly-michael-adams/book/9781922992185.htmlAustralia’s Sweetheart:https://www.booktopia.com.au/australia-s-sweetheart-michael-adams/book/9780733640292.htmlEmail: forgottenaustraliapodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episodes

This Week in... 1901: the first election, a federal erection and the dying queen

This Week in... 1901: the first election, a federal erection and the dying queen

Australia talks about the first federal election campaign, weeps about the death of beloved Queen Victoria and laughs at a visionary’s plan for a giant statue that’ll rise over Sydney Harbour. Plus: our most famous astronomer mocks Nikola Tesla's "messages from Mars", our most famous meteorologist makes like Elon Musk by firing rockets into the heavens, and our most famous hangman is news for setting a record with his noose. This episode features a short interview with Rachel Franks, historian and author of An Uncommon Hangman: The Life and Deaths of Robert 'Nosey Bob' Howard. (There's also a full-length bonus Rachel Franks interview episode for Apple and Patreon supporters.)For a free trial that will give you access to ad-free, early and bonus episodes:Patreon: patreon.com/forgottenaustraliaApple: apple.co/forgottenaustraliaTo buy An Uncommon Hangman by Rachel Franks:https://www.booktopia.com.au/an-uncommon-hangman-rachel-franks/book/9781742237343.htmlAnd my books:They’ll Never Hold Me:https://www.booktopia.com.au/they-ll-never-hold-me-michael-adams/book/9781923046474.htmlThe Murder Squad:https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-murder-squad-michael-adams/book/9781923046504.htmlHanging Ned Kelly:https://www.booktopia.com.au/hanging-ned-kelly-michael-adams/book/9781922992185.htmlAustralia’s Sweetheart:https://www.booktopia.com.au/australia-s-sweetheart-michael-adams/book/9780733640292.htmlEmail: forgottenaustraliapodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This Week in… 1975: Sex, Speed, Strippers & Skyhooks!

This Week in… 1975: Sex, Speed, Strippers & Skyhooks!

In the third week of January 1975, the ‘The Sensual Seventies’ live up to the label when 2JJ plays a banned song about bonking as its first-ever broadcast while sex documentary The Love Epidemic erupts in cinemas and causes a 'porn' controversy. Plus: a shocking road toll, weird Darwin fundraisers, power blackouts threaten Number 96, Gough brings home some art and a nudist cop faces his court comeuppance.For a free trial that will give you access to ad-free, early and bonus episodes:Patreon: patreon.com/forgottenaustraliaApple: apple.co/forgottenaustraliaTo buy They’ll Never Hold Me:https://www.booktopia.com.au/they-ll-never-hold-me-michael-adams/book/9781923046474.htmlThe Murder Squad:https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-murder-squad-michael-adams/book/9781923046504.htmlHanging Ned Kelly:https://www.booktopia.com.au/hanging-ned-kelly-michael-adams/book/9781922992185.htmlAustralia’s Sweetheart:https://www.booktopia.com.au/australia-s-sweetheart-michael-adams/book/9780733640292.htmlEmail: forgottenaustraliapodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Summer Shorts - The Murdochs and the Child Murders

Summer Shorts - The Murdochs and the Child Murders

On New Year’s Eve 1921, Australia was shocked by a Melbourne child murder. Desperate to boost the Herald’s stagnant circulation, newly appointed editor Keith Murdoch ran sensational coverage that helped to send an innocent man to the gallows. Forty years later, when Australia was shocked by a Sydney child murder, Rupert Murdoch, new editor and owner of the lagging Daily Mirror, followed in his father’s footsteps and laid the foundations for the media empire that’d reshape the world. For a free trial that will give you access to ad-free, early and bonus episodes:Patreon: patreon.com/forgottenaustraliaApple: apple.co/forgottenaustraliaTo buy They’ll Never Hold Me:https://www.booktopia.com.au/they-ll-never-hold-me-michael-adams/book/9781923046474.htmlThe Murder Squad:https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-murder-squad-michael-adams/book/9781923046504.htmlHanging Ned Kelly:https://www.booktopia.com.au/hanging-ned-kelly-michael-adams/book/9781922992185.htmlAustralia’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.

Forgotten Australia This Week… In 1950

Forgotten Australia This Week… In 1950

Will the Chinese invade Taiwan? Is nuclear war with Russia inevitable? While it sounds like these questions are ripped from today's headlines, these were actually the biggest issues in the world in the second week of 1950. Plus, closer to home: the RSL’s purges Commies but embraces Pokies; a female playwright tackles white Australian attitudes to Aboriginal people, and a giant eagle attacks a woman and her daughter… right in the heart of Kings Cross!For a free trial that will give you access to ad-free, early and bonus episodes:Patreon: patreon.com/forgottenaustraliaApple: apple.co/forgottenaustraliaTo buy They’ll Never Hold Me:https://www.booktopia.com.au/they-ll-never-hold-me-michael-adams/book/9781923046474.htmlThe Murder Squad:https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-murder-squad-michael-adams/book/9781923046504.htmlHanging Ned Kelly:https://www.booktopia.com.au/hanging-ned-kelly-michael-adams/book/9781922992185.htmlAustralia’s Sweetheart:https://www.booktopia.com.au/australia-s-sweetheart-michael-adams/book/9780733640292.htmlEmail: forgottenaustraliapodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Summer Shorts: TAA Flight 408 – Australia’s First Skyjacking

Summer Shorts: TAA Flight 408 – Australia’s First Skyjacking

In July 1960, Australia was shocked by a new breed of criminal desperado – a gun-wielding and bomb-toting skyjacker.For a free trial that will give you access to ad-free, early and bonus episodes:Patreon: patreon.com/forgottenaustraliaApple: apple.co/forgottenaustraliaTo buy They’ll Never Hold Me:https://www.booktopia.com.au/they-ll-never-hold-me-michael-adams/book/9781923046474.htmlThe Murder Squad:https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-murder-squad-michael-adams/book/9781923046504.htmlHanging Ned Kelly:https://www.booktopia.com.au/hanging-ned-kelly-michael-adams/book/9781922992185.htmlAustralia’s Sweetheart:https://www.booktopia.com.au/australia-s-sweetheart-michael-adams/book/9780733640292.htmlEmail: forgottenaustraliapodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Forgotten Australia This Week … in 1925

Forgotten Australia This Week … in 1925

Happy New Year! We kick off 2025 by adding a new format in which we look at a different week from each year in the 20th Century. And what better place to start than 100 years ago? In the first week of January 1925, Australia was wowed not only by a world record test cricket attendance at the MCG but also by a giant leap forwards in live radio coverage. Also this week: a Melbourne ghost mystery, dark accusations made against a future prime minister, and the sensational disappearance of national celebrity Jack DeGaris (pictured). For a free trial that will give you access to ad-free, early and bonus episodes:Patreon: patreon.com/forgottenaustraliaApple: apple.co/forgottenaustraliaTo buy They’ll Never Hold Me:https://www.booktopia.com.au/they-ll-never-hold-me-michael-adams/book/9781923046474.htmlThe Murder Squad:https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-murder-squad-michael-adams/book/9781923046504.htmlHanging Ned Kelly:https://www.booktopia.com.au/hanging-ned-kelly-michael-adams/book/9781922992185.htmlAustralia’s Sweetheart:https://www.booktopia.com.au/australia-s-sweetheart-michael-adams/book/9780733640292.htmlEmail: forgottenaustraliapodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Summer Shorts: Archibald McCafferty – Australia's Charles Manson

Summer Shorts: Archibald McCafferty – Australia's Charles Manson

In 1973 in Sydney, a delusional young criminal and his band of disciples set out to ‘Kill Seven’ as a way to resurrect a dead child.For a free trial that will give you access to ad-free, early and bonus episodes:Patreon: patreon.com/forgottenaustraliaApple: apple.co/forgottenaustraliaTo buy They’ll Never Hold Me:https://www.booktopia.com.au/they-ll-never-hold-me-michael-adams/book/9781923046474.htmlThe Murder Squad:https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-murder-squad-michael-adams/book/9781923046504.htmlHanging Ned Kelly:https://www.booktopia.com.au/hanging-ned-kelly-michael-adams/book/9781922992185.htmlAustralia’s Sweetheart:https://www.booktopia.com.au/australia-s-sweetheart-michael-adams/book/9780733640292.htmlEmail: forgottenaustraliapodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Summer Shorts: Curtains for the Magician

Summer Shorts: Curtains for the Magician

In the first of the Summer Shorts series, we step back to the day in 1974 that underworld serial killer Stewart John Regan, known as ‘The Magician’ for his trick of making people disappear, met his own bloody fate on a Sydney street.To support Forgotten Australia:Patreon: patreon.com/forgottenaustraliaApple: apple.co/forgottenaustraliaEmail: forgottenaustraliapodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The End of the Year Interview Episode

The End of the Year Interview Episode

Recently, Nine radio network host Simon Owens interviewed me for his Saturday night show, which is broadcast on Australian east coast stations, including 2GB, 3AW and 4BC. With Simon’s kind permission, here’s the interview, which covers my books They’ll Never Hold Me, The Murder Squad and Hanging Ned Kelly, as well as delving a little into the evolution of Forgotten Australia. We also talk about my writing influences, my career in television and, um, the year I spent watching one bad movie every day. So, if you've ever wanted to get to know your Forgotten Australia creator and host a little better, here's your chance. If not, skip it and instead listen to the new Summer Shorts episode Curtains for the Magician.To support Forgotten Australia:Patreon: patreon.com/forgottenaustraliaApple: apple.co/forgottenaustraliaEmail: forgottenaustraliapodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Model & The Murder Case – Part Two

The Model & The Murder Case – Part Two

In 1954 popular Sydney model Shirley Beiger went on trial for the shooting murder of her boyfriend, with the already sensational proceedings made wilder by her outbursts, a media frenzy, the appearance of a crazed mystic, the accused's unruly cheer squad and a confused verdict. Next month, the Sydney Festival premieres The Model Murder, based on this scandalous case. In the meantime, here's a reprise of the 2019 Forgotten Australia episode that first explored Shirley's story in all its strange and colourful detail.Check out my new book, They’ll Never Hold Mehttps://affirmpress.com.au/author/61917Support Forgotten Australia:Apple - http://apple.co/forgottenaustraliaPatreon - https://www.patreon.com/ForgottenAustraliaEmail: forgottenaustraliapodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Model & The Murder Case – Part One

The Model & The Murder Case – Part One

Seventy years ago – in 1954 – glamorous Sydney model Shirley Beiger shot her lover dead outside a city nightclub. But why did she kill him — and what punishment would she face?Next month, the Sydney Festival premieres The Model Murder, based on this scandalous case. In the meantime, here's a reprise of the 2019 Forgotten Australia episode that first explored Shirley's story in all its strange and colourful detail.Check out my new book, They’ll Never Hold Mehttps://affirmpress.com.au/author/61917Support Forgotten Australia:Apple - http://apple.co/forgottenaustraliaPatreon - https://www.patreon.com/ForgottenAustraliaEmail: forgottenaustraliapodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Vanishing Cousins – Part Two: The Suspects

Vanishing Cousins – Part Two: The Suspects

In April 1974, teenage cousins Yvonne Waters and Raelene Eaton went to a surfside pub in Perth to enjoy a Sunday session. They were never seen again, victims of an unknown killer or killers. In recent years, veteran journalist and television producer Melenie Ambrose has investigated this haunting cold case. In part two of this two-part interview episode, Melenie tell us about the police’s murder suspects, her recent discoveries of vital new evidence and her hopes that there might still be a breakthrough that’ll bring the killer or killers to justice.Watch Vanishing Cousins at:https://7plus.com.au/vanishing-cousins-evil-by-the-beachCrimestoppers 1800 333 000 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Vanishing Cousins – Part One: The Disappearance

Vanishing Cousins – Part One: The Disappearance

In April 1974, teenage cousins Yvonne Waters and Raelene Eaton went to a surfside pub in Perth to enjoy a Sunday session. They were never seen again, victims of an unknown killer or killers. In recent years, veteran journalist and television producer Melenie Ambrose has investigated this haunting cold case. In part one of this two-part interview episode, Melenie discusses the lead-up to the disappearance of the girls and why the police didn’t take their families’ fears of foul play seriously.Watch Vanishing Cousins at:https://7plus.com.au/vanishing-cousins-evil-by-the-beach Crimestoppers 1800 333 000 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michael Adams talks They’ll Never Hold Me with Australian True Crime – Part Two

Michael Adams talks They’ll Never Hold Me with Australian True Crime – Part Two

They’ll Never Hold Me is in bookstores now. Michael sat down with Meshel Laurie of the Australian True Crime podcast to talk all things Kevin John Simmonds. Part Two covers Simmo’s 1959 crime spree and the first few weeks of what was the largest manhunt in Australian history. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michael Adams talks They’ll Never Hold Me with Australian True Crime – Part One

Michael Adams talks They’ll Never Hold Me with Australian True Crime – Part One

They’ll Never Hold Me is in bookstores now. Michael sat down with Meshel Laurie of the Australian True Crime podcast to talk all things Kevin John Simmonds. Part One covers Simmo from his birth during the Great Depression to his 1959 decision to become an armed robber. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

They’ll Never Hold Me – The Next Few Audiobook Chapters

They’ll Never Hold Me – The Next Few Audiobook Chapters

Please enjoy a second audiobook extract that continues the story of young Kevin John Simmonds, as he grows up in Griffith, grapples with the lure of criminality and gets a preview of his life in the saga of legendary Sydney characters Darcy Dugan and Ray ‘the Gunner’ Kelly.Buy the full audiobook here:https://rbmediaglobal.com/audiobook/9781004181971/Buy the paperback:Dymockshttps://www.dymocks.com.auBig Whttps://www.bigw.com.au/product/they-ll-never-hold-me-by-michael-adams/p/6000238?srsltid=AfmBOoqf5VwhCrlNow0Drn0-IcoViT5ttqXdXsyX1iacELJzuYvEW8MvBooktopiahttps://www.booktopia.com.au/they-ll-never-hold-me-michael-adams/book/9781923046474.html?srsltid=AfmBOople0hNKrDJTY7W6ODeKDEamCMNoZEdeWN2J6b1VK3oIO90YQNuReadingshttps://www.readings.com.au/product/9781923046474/theyll-never-hold-me--michael-adams--2024--9781923046474Harry Hartoghttps://www.harryhartog.com.au/products/theyll-never-hold-me-michael-adams-9781923046474?srsltid=AfmBOopD52fSFqdACnutyJF-BFwD76ZFmS5aAfZbFc6B-zaLCm4YKTpS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

They'll Never Hold Me – Exclusive Audiobook Excerpt

They'll Never Hold Me – Exclusive Audiobook Excerpt

My new book, They'll Never Hold Me, which chronicles the life, times and crimes of Long Bay Gaol escapee Kevin John Simmonds, has just been released as an audio book. I'm pleased to present this exclusive excerpt, which comprises the prologue and first two chapters.The full version is available right now via this product page, which offers all the key places to buy They'll Never Hold Me.https://rbmediaglobal.com/audiobook/9781004181971/Email me: michaeladamswrites@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Arizona Ryan and the Sydney Shootout – Part Two

Arizona Ryan and the Sydney Shootout – Part Two

Who was this good guy with a gun? We delve into life of American cowboy Albert “Arizona” Ryan, who became a celebrity in 1919 in Australia after killing a man to end a Sydney siege. Hear how Arizona, like Dirty Harry, had a history of trigger-happy vigilantism, and how, like Dirty John, his creepy marriage to a wealthy woman came to a violent end. Check out my new book, They’ll Never Hold Mehttps://affirmpress.com.au/author/61917Support Forgotten Australia:Apple - http://apple.co/forgottenaustraliaPatreon - https://www.patreon.com/ForgottenAustraliaEmail: forgottenaustraliapodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Arizona Ryan and the Sydney Shootout – Part One

Arizona Ryan and the Sydney Shootout – Part One

In 1919, in the Sydney slum of Surry Hills, a Chinese gunman shot more than a dozen people, triggering a dramatic police siege that was only ended by the violent intervention of a lone American vigilante. But who was this self-styled cowboy with the six-shooter?Check out my new book, They’ll Never Hold Mehttps://affirmpress.com.au/author/61917Support Forgotten Australia:Apple - http://apple.co/forgottenaustraliaPatreon - https://www.patreon.com/ForgottenAustraliaEmail: forgottenaustraliapodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

To Live & Die in D.C. – Part Five: A Forensic Furore

To Live & Die in D.C. – Part Five: A Forensic Furore

With their suspect in custody, D.C. detectives still can’t celebrate because in Washington in 1972 seven out of every ten murderers go free. Forty years after the verdicts in these murder trials, the FBI will make a bombshell forensic revelation to cast doubt on whether justice was done.Check out my new book, They’ll Never Hold Mehttps://affirmpress.com.au/author/61917Support Forgotten Australia:Apple - http://apple.co/forgottenaustraliaPatreon - https://www.patreon.com/ForgottenAustraliaEmail: forgottenaustraliapodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.