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Forgotten Australia — History
Forgotten Australia

Bloody crimes, unsolved mysteries, eccentric celebrities, dark events and bizarre happenings: it’s all here – the stuff you wish they’d taught you in school!

Dive into our strange-but-true history via never-before-told stories, author interviews, weekly flashbacks and the weekly trivia quiz.

Forgotten Australia is created and hosted by Michael Adams, author of the acclaimed true crime books The Murder Squad, Hanging Ned Kelly and They’ll Never Hold Me.

He’s also a regular history and true crime commentator on ABC Nightlife and the podcast Australian True Crime.

Support Forgotten Australia for a few bucks per month to get ad-free early episodes, exclusive bonus episodes, a show shout-out and the chance to win prizes in the special edition trivia quiz episodes.

Get a week’s free trial here:

Patreon: patreon.com/forgottenaustralia

Apple: apple.co/forgottenaustralia

Email: forgottenaustraliapodcast@gmail.com

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.

Latest Episodes:

New Miniseries: A Murder of Note – Part One: A Man of the Killing Times Jun 27, 2026

Show notes

We all know Edith Cowan – first woman elected to an Australian parliament – graces out $50 note.

But did you know she was shaped by a traumatic childhood?

In 1876, her father, the prominent colonial settler and explorer Kenneth Brown, shot her stepmother dead.

This was a crime that shocked Western Australia – and one whose elements are all too common 150 years later.

In Part One of this new miniseries, we look at the forces that shaped Kenneth, from Frontier War violence to his tilt at the Melbourne Cup.

If you’re in danger from domestic violence, call Triple 0.

National Domestic Family and Sexual Violence Counselling Service

Tel: 1 800 737 732

https://1800respect.org.au

Lifeline

Tel: 131 114

https://www.lifeline.org.au/

Aidan Kelly's research is here:

https://freopedia.org/Kenneth_Brown

Support Forgotten Australia for a few bucks per month for ad-free early and exclusive bonus episodes and the chance to win prizes.

Patreon: patreon.com/forgottenaustralia

Apple: apple.co/forgottenaustralia

Email: forgottenaustraliapodcast@gmail.com

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.

Australia's Forgotten Serial Maniacs Jun 26, 2026

Show notes

In 1837, three cold-blooded killers committed a series of bloody outrages that left nine people dead. Two of these murderers were to face their own gruesome fates. But, in an ironic twist, the third would be legally untouchable despite all the victims he'd shot and axed.

Support Forgotten Australia for ad-free early episodes, exclusive bonus episodes and the chance to win prizes in the special edition trivia episodes.

Patreon: patreon.com/forgottenaustralia

Apple: apple.co/forgottenaustralia

Email: forgottenaustraliapodcast@gmail.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Talking History - Australia’s Real-Life Jack Sparrow Jun 26, 2026

Show notes

Ahoy, me hearties!

William Swallow became the pirate captain of the convict ship Cyprus after he seized the vessel in Tasmania in 1829. From there, it was a case of ‘Bring me that horizon!’, with Swallow and his crew of motley misfits setting sail for freedom on the far side of the world. Author Ally Burnham joins us to explain how she researched this swashbuckling true story for Swallow, the first novel in an epic trilogy that will thrill fans of Master and Commander. It's an amazing tale of a fast-talking escape artist, of high stakes on the high seas, and of boldness and tenderness in an era of unspeakable brutality. Plus: Ally has some top tips on how to swear like a pirate!

Support Forgotten Australia for a few bucks per month for ad-free early and exclusive bonus episodes and the chance to win prizes.

Patreon: patreon.com/forgottenaustralia

Apple: apple.co/forgottenaustralia

Email: forgottenaustraliapodcast@gmail.com

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.

True Crime Classic – The Botanic Gardens Massacre Jun 25, 2026

Show notes

A True Crime Classic from the Forgotten Australia archives: Just over 100 years ago, Australia suffered one of the world's first random mass shootings when a man went berserk with a rifle in Melbourne’s 1924 Botanic Gardens Massacre. The public was panicked for as long as he evaded the massive manhunt. Then came the copycat shooter...

This episode was first released in Season One, way back in 2018.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Australia’s First Sporting All-Nighters Jun 25, 2026

Show notes

This week, when we stay up (or get up) to cheer the Socceroos, we’ll be doing what Aussies first did one winter nearly a century ago. In 1930, the Ashes test cricket series was broadcast live from England via the new marvel of the age – radio! Night after night, Australians defied sleep to hear sporting history being made, with record-smashing new champion Don Bradman leading the charge. In this episode, we look at how these ingenious broadcasts were made and how they were received, from Melbourne to Mount Gambier, Bowral to Ballarat.

Support Forgotten Australia for a few bucks per month for ad-free early and exclusive bonus episodes.

Patreon: patreon.com/forgottenaustralia

Apple: apple.co/forgottenaustralia

Email: forgottenaustraliapodcast@gmail.com

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.

Aussie History Pod Trivia Quiz #3 – Sexy Sinema, Ghostly Figures and a PM Minus His Pants Jun 25, 2026

Show notes

Who named Australia? Which former Prime Minister lost his pants in public?

Which celebrity came chasing ghosts Down Under?

What were the weirdest names suggested for Melbourne before Melbourne became Melbourne?

Welcome to the pub trivia night that plays out in your podcast player

How well do you know our weird and wonderful history?

30 Questions over 3 Rounds. What will you score out of 30?

**Original upload had erroneous bit of commentary in the otherwise correct answer to question 10;

it has since been corrected. Many thanks to listener Michael Bragge for pointing up my mistake!**

The Aussie History Trivia Bonus Round will be released for supporters on the weekend.

To hear this exclusive mini-episode – and have a chance at $100 in cash and book prizes – become a Forgotten Australia supporter.

You can try for free:

Patreon: http://patreon.com/forgottenaustralia

Apple: http://apple.co/forgottenaustralia

Email: forgottenaustraliapodcast@gmail.com

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.

Aussie History Pod Trivia Quiz #2 – Failing film stars! Flailing Frenchmen! Falling space junk! Jun 01, 2026

Show notes

Failing film stars! Flailing Frenchmen! Falling space junk!

They’re all here, the true and the false, the serious and the deeply stupid.

Three rounds. 30 questions. Like pub trivia! Just minus the overcooked rigatoni and the annoying team at the next table who are definitely cheating.

Play by yourself, against mates or – for an almost-guaranteed victory – against your dimmest pet.

Not happy writing your answers in the mist of your bathroom mirror? 

Well, there’s a free downloadable answer sheet at: www.forgottenaustralia.com

If you’re a Forgotten Australia supporter, be sure to check out this week’s Aussie History Trivia Quiz Bonus Episode with 10 more questions – and another chance to win actual prizes.

Not a Forgotten Australia supporter?

Well, now’s your chance to correct this regrettable life choice.

Use a free trial to get a week’s access. It’s easy to get started:

Patreon: patreon.com/forgottenaustralia

Apple: apple.co/forgottenaustralia

Email: forgottenaustraliapodcast@gmail.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aussie History Trivia Quiz #1 – Serial killers! Chocolate animals! Robot chaos! May 21, 2026

Show notes

Serial killers! Chocolate animals! Robot chaos!

They’re all part of the first-ever Aussie History Pod Trivia Quiz.

Three rounds. 30 questions. Just like pub trivia!

So, how well do you know your Aussie history?

Play along by yourself or play against mates!

There’s a free downloadable answer sheet at: www.forgottenaustralia.com

PLUS: supporters automatically hear the Bonus Expert Round. Answer the questions for a chance to win $100 cash and copies of my books!

You can use a free trial that gives you a week’s access.

Become a supporter at:

patreon.com/forgottenaustralia

apple.co/forgottenaustralia

Enjoy the show?

Leave a rating or review wherever you get your podcasts. Or let me know via email:

forgottenaustraliapodcast@gmail.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Shoot to Kill – How an Aussie Won the Worst 'Olympic' Event Ever Held May 17, 2026

Show notes

Donald Mackintosh was the world’s best shooter and in 1900 in Paris he won what is still the most shocking sporting event ever associated with the Olympic Games. Did he really win gold? Why is that the least controversial thing about his claim to fame?

Plus: the first Aussie History Pod Trivia Quiz episode is coming this Thursday test how much you know about the way were were!

Everyone can play along with the general-release version.

But Apple and Patreon supporters will hear a special edition episode of the Aussie History Pod Trivia Quiz that includes a bonus expert-level round.

Supporters will be able to submit answers for a chance to win! Be first, second or third with the correct answers to score sweet prizes.

Listen to this episode for a few more details and be ready on Thursday...

Forgotten Australia supporters get:

- early ad-free access to all episodes, including the special edition of Aussie History Pod Trivia Quiz episode with the bonus expert round.

- exclusive bonus shows

- a show shout-out

To access a free trial, use these links and follow the easy steps.

Patreon: patreon.com/forgottenaustralia

Apple: apple.co/forgottenaustralia

Cancel before the free trial expires and you won’t pay a cent. Continue to support and you’ll pay less than the price of a cup of coffee per month.

Apple and Patreon supporters will be able to submit answers to the special edition episode of Aussie History Pod Trivia via:

Email: forgottenaustraliapodcast@gmail.com

All answers sent via this email come directly to me. Personal information will not be used for marketing purposes or shared with any third parties. Winners will be contacted personally

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A Cannibal Convict & Other Grave Tales May 03, 2026

Show notes

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: forgottenaustraliapodcast@gmail.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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