

In Black and White
Herald Sun
From alleyway gangsters to cold war spies to eccentric entrepreneurs, Australian history is full of colourful but forgotten characters. Host Jen Kelly talks with experts, historians and yarn spinners to uncover the untold stories of some of our most interesting and offbeat ancestors.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 28, 2023 • 31min
Love amongst the bombs and blossoms - Part 1
As Japan lay defeated in 1946, Australian troops joined the Allies in occupation and rebuilding. And it was here a young Digger named Gordon Parker met a Hiroshima survivor named Cherry - and fell head over heels. Their story is told by their granddaughter - author and screenwriter Alli Parker.More about Alli Parker's book: At the Foot Of The Cherry TreeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 23, 2023 • 22min
Purveyors of fine blood suckers
Among many bizarre practices in Melbourne's medical history, one job stood out as being particularly slimy: leech exporters. The director of the Old Treasury Building Museum, Margaret Anderson, explains the weird history behind the weird profession.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 16, 2023 • 22min
The bumps of genius
Of all the pseudo-sciences to grip early Melbourne, phrenology, or the mapping of skulls to predict character traits, was one of the most bizarre - and macabre. Margaret Anderson, the director of the Old Treasury Building Museum, joins the show with more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 9, 2023 • 35min
Press gangs
The stereotype for old-time newsboys might be young lads in flat caps shouting headlines and selling papers, but in reality, it was a cutthroat world of gangs and turf wars. Margaret Anderson, the director of the Old Treasury Building museum joins the show with more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 2, 2023 • 56min
The dead man's hand
Crime historian Michael Adams joins the show again to talk about a macabre discovery that helped police crack a murder mystery. Get more information about Michael's book The Murder Squad at: https://affirmpress.com.au/publishing/the-murder-squad/ If you or anyone you know needs help Lifeline: 13 11 14 Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 26, 2023 • 56min
Hammer Horror
A family feud, a forbidden romance, a financial scandal. These were the theories behind a brutal attack on one of Sydney's most wealthy couples.Crime historian Michael Adams tells the story in his new book, The Murder Squad. Learn more about the book at: https://affirmpress.com.au/publishing/the-murder-squad/Like the show? Get features and more at: heraldsun.com.au/ibawSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 19, 2023 • 43min
A blood-soaked cocaine frenzy
Reeling from the Great War, a veteran turned addict committed a shocking crime on the streets of Carlton. And as Geelong Gaol historian Deb Robinson tells the podcast, after he sobered up, he had absolutely no recollection of his crime.Get features and more at heraldsun.com.au/ibawSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 12, 2023 • 32min
The first Matildas
All eyes will be on Australia's elite team at this year's FIFA Women's World Cup. But it’s in stark contrast to Australia’s first national women's soccer team who ran car washes and appeared on a TV dating show to fulfill their dreams of competing on the world stage. Like the show? Get features, backgrounders and more at heraldsun.com.au/ibaw See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 5, 2023 • 25min
Australia’s greatest environmental idiot?
Thomas Austin owned a great estate and built a grand mansion fit to host royalty. But he will be forever remembered for one of colonial Australia’s biggest bungles: rabbits. Author and comedian Mikey Robins joins the show with more. Learn more about Mikey at:https://www.simonandschuster.com.au/books/Idiots-Follies-and-Misadventures/Mikey-Robins/9781761107115 Like the show? Get features, backgrounders and more at heraldsun.com.au/ibawSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 28, 2023 • 35min
The boozy bard of old Melbourne
While Marcus Clarke is best known for his powerful novel For the Term of His Natural Life, his own life was as colourful as any of the stories he wrote.State Library Victoria librarian Andrew McConville joins the show with more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.


