Amal Awad

Growing up as a Muslim in Australia, author Amal Awad had some excruciating dating experiences, most with her parents inviting prospective partners and their parents into the living room for awkward chats. Meanwhile, her dreams of hooking up with a celebrity suffered their own setbacks. Then, she decided to take matters into her own hands and leave both doorknock appeal daters and rock god fantasies behind her. This story was first told at The Full Catastrophe, a live storytelling event at Giant Dwarf, Sydney.

Growing up as a Muslim in Australia, author Amal Awad had some excruciating dating experiences, most with her parents inviting prospective partners and their parents into the living room for awkward chats. Meanwhile, her dreams of hooking up with a celebrity suffered their own setbacks. Then, she decided to take matters into her own hands and leave both doorknock appeal daters and rock god fantasies behind her. This story was first told at The Full Catastrophe, a live storytelling event at Giant Dwarf, Sydney.

Amal Awad – Doorknock Dating

Emma King

Veteran Northern Territory broadcaster Charlie King is the son of two people from very different worlds and a consummate storyteller. After arriving in Darwin by bicycle, Charlie's 19-year-old father, from a well-to-do Victorian family, became ill and ended up in hospital where he met his bride-to-be, a Gurindji woman. Charlie's Dad was determined their different backgrounds wouldn't keep them apart. This story was first told at SPUN Stories, a live storytelling podcast created in Darwin, hosted by Jess Ong with production by Johanna Bell.

Charlie and Emma King — Live Like a King

Juanita Phillips

Midnight footsteps on a central staircase and a misplaced baby. New South Wales ABC TV newsreader Juanita Phillips was someone who didn't believe in ghosts or haunted houses... until she lived in one. A seriously rattled mother-in-law finally sparked a call for help. Enter ghost whisperer Pat, courtesy of a spiritualist church in Sydney. This story was first told at The Full Catastrophe, a live storytelling event at Giant Dwarf, Sydney.

Midnight footsteps on a central staircase and a misplaced baby. New South Wales ABC TV newsreader Juanita Phillips was someone who didn't believe in ghosts or haunted houses... until she lived in one. A seriously rattled mother-in-law finally sparked a call for help. Enter ghost whisperer Pat, courtesy of a spiritualist church in Sydney. This story was first told at The Full Catastrophe, a live storytelling event at Giant Dwarf, Sydney.

Juanita Phillips — Ghost Story

Working on a boat off an island in the West Australian Kimberley region, Dave Pears learns a lesson about relying on the care of strangers. Stung by a blue-ringed octopus while making his way to the toilet, he manages to get to a house where the occupants and his crew mates must take action to save his life.

Dave Pears — Relying on Strangers

Sarah Macdonald

The last day of the school term can be exhausting for parents, kids and teachers alike. For ABC broadcaster Sarah Macdonald, the last day of school was particularly memorable. It started with her leaving a tin full of Afghan money at the school office and ended with police being called amid fears of a terror attack. This story was first told at The Full Catastrophe, a live storytelling event at Giant Dwarf, Sydney.

The last day of the school term can be exhausting for parents, kids and teachers alike. For ABC broadcaster Sarah Macdonald, the last day of school was particularly memorable. It started with her leaving a tin full of Afghan money at the school office and ended with police being called amid fears of a terror attack. This story was first told at The Full Catastrophe, a live storytelling event at Giant Dwarf, Sydney.

Sarah Macdonald — Taliban Money Tin

The best of Australian storytelling... true stories, told live, from the mountains to the sea, across the desert and right around Australia. This season we're talking about strangers and how planned or unexpected encounters can turn our lives upside down. You'll hear five stories about those we invite into our homes, those we can't keep out... and others whose suggestions take us far from our comfort zones.

INTRODUCING — Tall Tales & True Series 9 | Strangers 

Jessica Ferrari

We all have ways of dealing with grief. As a child, Jessica Ferrari felt so responsible for others feeling sad about the death of her father that she decided to tell them she was "over it". Years later, she discovered it's really okay to feel sad.

Jessica Ferrari — Disguises

Charles Edwards

Recovering from a particularly nasty skiing accident, Charles Edwards takes up a friend's offer to join her on a Pacific island holiday. Little does he know it will lead to naked sailing and letting go of his dignity while hobbling on crutches, in front of guests, at a Vanuatu beach resort.

Charles Edwards — Dignity

Hearing the words "I love you" from her mother when she was a child sent a chill of dread through Louise Newton-Keogh. They were a warning sign of trouble ahead ... that her mother, who suffered from bi-polar disorder, was about to sink into another episode of mental illness. Louise and her siblings learnt to cope but the impact has been long-lasting.Warning: This episode refers to mental illness. For more information or support contact Lifeline 13 11 14 or Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467.

Hearing the words "I love you" from her mother when she was a child sent a chill of dread through Louise Newton-Keogh. They were a warning sign of trouble ahead ... that her mother, who suffered from bi-polar disorder, was about to sink into another episode of mental illness. Louise and her siblings learnt to cope but the impact has been long-lasting. Warning: This episode refers to mental illness. For more information or support contact Lifeline 13 11 14 or Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467.

Louise Newton-Keogh — I Love You

Kwong Yue Yang

Jackie Chan

As a Chinese-Australian growing up in Canberra, Kwong Yue Yang felt anything but cool. A maths nerd with a bowl haircut, Kwong struck on a plan to become a cool kid. He'd track down Jackie Chan, his movie star idol, at a local restaurant to get a picture and an autograph. But rustling up the courage to pull it off was entirely another thing.

Kwong Yue Yang — My hero Jackie Chan

Tall Tales &amp; True brings together the very best of live storytelling from across Australia. Courageous storytellers front up to the microphone to bare their soul and share their life-changing moments in front of a live audience. Captivating, jaw-dropping and thought provoking, these pure Australian stories will make you laugh, cry or gasp, or maybe all three at once.

Elyse Mcinerney

When nine-year-old Elyse receives a thank you note from a fairy for building a miniature palace, it sparks a pen pal friendship that leads to schoolyard adoration and shared secrets. But then on holidays, the truth is revealed about her new friend, shattering a childhood dream.

Elyse Mcinerney — Off With The Fairy

The best of Australian storytelling ... true stories, told live, from all around Australia. This season we're talking about the difficult task of "letting go", in all sorts of ways. Of grief, or the fear of hearing the words "I love you". You'll hear five incredible stories about how getting over long-held habits and stumbling blocks can reveal new ways to see ourselves. The series is out on August 13.

INTRODUCING — Tall Tales & True Series 8: "Letting Go"

Elliana Lawford

Elliana Lawford is a Wiradjuri and Anaiwan woman from NSW, but people think she’s white because she has pale skin. On her journey to self acceptance, Elliana finds a creative way to consolidate her identity and bury shame forever. This story was first told at SPUN Stories, a live storytelling podcast created in Darwin by StoryProjects.

Elliana Lawford — In my own skin

Bilha Smith

As a child in Palestine, Bilha Smith was shunned. She learned early on what it was like to look and feel different. Years later, when she looked more ‘normal’, she found that, inside, she still felt ‘different’. Bilha realised that being comfortable in your own skin can be a lifelong journey. This story was first told at SPUN Stories, a live storytelling podcast created in Darwin by StoryProjects.

Bilha Smith — Transformed

Sinead Bevan

Can you ever be too helpful? Yes, you can ... Sinead Bevan has the story to prove it. Sinead agrees to be a beauty salon demonstration model for a new technique called 'sugaring'. It involves hot wax, sugar and a Brazilian. As she lies down in front of a large group of students and dutifully ‘butterflies’, she reflects on the cost to her body of being so helpful. This story was first told at Barefaced Stories, a live storytelling event and podcast. *WARNING: This episode contains strong language and adult concepts.

Sinead Bevan – I'm f*#%ing helpful

Do you remember your first ever haircut? Bali Padda does, but not for the reasons you might expect. The actor and diversity advocate tells us about an unlikely life-changing experience involving scissors and a very big bunch of hair. This story was first told at Queerstories, a national LGBTQI+ storytelling project and podcast.

Bali Padda — The Big Snip

Cassie Workman

We all experience our bodies differently. We have our favourite bits, our less favourite bits and, sometimes, the bits that don’t feel part of us. Cassie Workman, a multi award-winning comedian and storyteller, shares her story of realisation and the journey to acceptance. *WARNING: This episode includes strong language and discussions of suicide. This story was first told at Story Club, a live storytelling event and podcast at Giant Dwarf, Sydney. For more information or support contact Lifeline 13 11 14 or Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467

Cassie Workman — Mermaid

The best of Australian storytelling ... true stories, told live, from all around our Great Brown Land. This season we’re talking about skin - feeling comfortable, or not so comfortable, in your own skin. And the things we put on our skin, like fake tan ... or sugar mixed with wax on our nether regions! You’ll hear five stories celebrating the things we do to feel closer to who we really are.

INTRODUCING — Tall Tales & True Series 7

Leah Purcell

Leah Purcell's purpose had always been to look after her mum. And while she had dreams of the big city and becoming an actor, being a Goa-Gunggari-Wakka Wakka Murri girl from the bush made that unlikely. Leah had a baby at 17 with an abusive man which made her acting dreams impossible. That was until her mother's greatest gift, her death. Warning: This episode contains some swearing. This story was first told at The Wheeler Center Gala in Melbourne, in 2018. The Producer for the ABC was Emma Gibbs.

Leah Purcell's purpose had always been to look after her mum. And while she had dreams of the big city and becoming an actor, being a Goa-Gunggari-Wakka Wakka Murri girl from the bush made that unlikely. Leah had a baby at 17 with an abusive man which made her acting dreams impossible. That was until her mother's greatest gift, her death. Warning: This episode contains some swearing. This story was first told at The Wheeler Center Gala in Melbourne, in 2018.  The Producer for the ABC was Emma Gibbs.

Leah Purcell — mum’s greatest gift

Gus Fitzgerald

Gus Fitzgerald was just 10 when he was swept out to sea in rough and wild surf conditions. His father calmly followed, walking down the beach. Then Gus realised, his dad wasn't going to save him. It was up to him. When he lost his father to cancer, Gus had to learn another lesson, how to stay afloat without him altogether. Warning: This episode contains some swearing. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander listeners are also advised it includes the name of someone who has died. This story was first told at SPUN Stories a live storytelling podcast created in Darwin by StoryProjects. The Producer for the ABC was Emma Gibbs.If you or anyone you know needs help or advice there is support available:Lifeline on 13 11 14 Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800 MensLine Australia on 1300 789 978 Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467 Beyond Blue on 1300 22 46 36 Headspace on 1800 650 890 QLife on 1800 184 527

Gus Fitzgerald was just 10 when he was swept out to sea in rough and wild surf conditions. His father calmly followed, walking down the beach. Then Gus realised, his dad wasn't going to save him. It was up to him. When he lost his father to cancer, Gus had to learn another lesson, how to stay afloat without him altogether. Warning: This episode contains some swearing. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander listeners are also advised it includes the name of someone who has died. This story was first told at SPUN Stories a live storytelling podcast created in Darwin by StoryProjects. The Producer for the ABC was Emma Gibbs. If you or anyone you know needs help or advice there is support available: Lifeline on 13 11 14 Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800 MensLine Australia on 1300 789 978 Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467 Beyond Blue on 1300 22 46 36 Headspace on 1800 650 890 QLife on 1800 184 527

Gus Fitzgerald – how to survive in open water 

More time

I absolutely love this podcast!!!! Keep em coming!

New Podcast

Tall Tales & True

Tracey Spicer

Tracey Spicer tells how her "Brisbane bogan" upbringing prepared her for the challenges of working in the media.

Tracey Spicer — the fainting weathergirl 

Brad Guy went skydiving and his parachute failed. Incredibly, he survived. Although the physical injuries healed, his emotional recovery has taken years. This is a bonus episode of The Real Thing, an ABC podcast that celebrates unique Australian characters.

PRESENTS — The Real Thing

Jessica Tuckwell is a young woman who's had a bad day, has a lot on her mind and will not under any circumstances give up her seat on the bus...... not today, not for anyone.  But the fallout is more than she bargained for. This story was first told at Story Club, a live storytelling event and podcast at Giant Dwarf, Sydney.

She's NOT having a baby

Sophie Townsend, a working mum with two kids, unexpectedly finds herself back in the world of dating. Last time around, there were no devices or swiping involved. How does she navigate the murky travails of hooking up online?

Swipe off

A young doctor re-lives assisting his very first birth and the stinging realisation it brings.  In story number two, if the prospect of losing your mother isn't bad enough, then a throwaway line from a well-meaning believer about God's plans could be enough to make you snap. Izaak Lim first told his story at Barefaced Stories, a live storytelling event and podcast. Alice Fraser first told her story at an Australian storytelling event for The Moth.

A young doctor re-lives assisting his very first birth and the stinging realisation it brings. In story number two, if the prospect of losing your mother isn't bad enough, then a throwaway line from a well-meaning believer about God's plans could be enough to make you snap. Izaak Lim first told his story at Barefaced Stories, a live storytelling event and podcast. Alice Fraser first told her story at an Australian storytelling event for The Moth.

Circle of life

Fiona Scott-Norman

Fiona Scott-Norman tells of being raised in the English middle-class, colonial way of emotional detachment and her family lineage of blocked artists.

Fiona Scott-Norman — keeping up appearances

Luke O'Brien survived drugs, crime and jail to lose the most important person in his life.

Luke O'Brien — drugs robbed me

Much-loved comedian Magda Szubanski on the horror of being "papped" (photographed by paparazzi) while swimming at Bondi Beach and how her Polish heritage helped her hit back at the haters. This story was first told at an Australian storytelling event for The Moth.

No pain no gain 

Comedian Dan Ilic makes a play about an Australian disaster and is savaged by the media and public. Comfort comes from an unexpected source. This story was first told at an Australian storytelling event for The Moth.

Too soon?

Australian performer and professional shit-stirrer Rob Carlton takes on the toughest role of his career.  It turns out to be the best acting he's done in his life, but for all the wrong reasons. This story was first told at Story Club, a live storytelling event and podcast at Giant Dwarf, Sydney.

An Oscar-winning performance

Sally Sara

The least "Christmasy" member of the Sara family finds joy after deciding to get the most out of life at the behest of a loved one.

Sally Sara — making Christmas "Christmasy"

Donna speaks bravely of the hardest time in her life when she attempted to take her own life but miraculously survived.

Suicide Survivor —  the day I fell from Brisbane’s Story Bridge

Jamie Cook

Jamie Cook's Scottish family test family dynamics with a board game that involves the matriarch using really crass words. This story was first told at Barefaced Stories, a live storytelling event and podcast.

Jamie Cook — grandma said a bad word

Donna Thistlethwaite

Donna Thistlethwaite talks about the reaction of her ‘coming out’ as a suicide survivor and how her life has changed.

Donna Thistlethwaite — coming out as a suicide survivor

David Marr

It was while he was high on LSD on the day of his wedding to Jenny that David Marr had a realisation: he was gay. David knew what he’d done was wrong, marrying was a mistake. Despite this devastating insight, he felt an absolute calm, almost relief. While he was a passionate advocate for the 2017 marriage equality plebiscite, David wasn’t sure he wanted to get married again.Warning: there is some swearing in this episode. This story was first told at Queerstories, a national LGBTQI+ storytelling project and podcast. The Producer for the ABC was Emma Gibbs.

It was while he was high on LSD on the day of his wedding to Jenny that David Marr had a realisation: he was gay. David knew what he’d done was wrong, marrying was a mistake. Despite this devastating insight, he felt an absolute calm, almost relief. While he was a passionate advocate for the 2017 marriage equality plebiscite, David wasn’t sure he wanted to get married again. Warning: there is some swearing in this episode.  This story was first told at Queerstories, a national LGBTQI+ storytelling project and podcast. The Producer for the ABC was Emma Gibbs.

David Marr — his most bizarre day

Darren Percival

Darren Percival embarks on a road-trip to make sense of his life and the world and to find the truth he needs to speak.

Darren Percival — the voice within     

Mitch McPherson

Family tragedy motivated Mitch McPherson to start a charity to encourage people to keep talking to loved ones.

Mitch McPherson — my brother Ty

Sophie Townsend

Sophie Townsend totally owns being a really crap driver but strangely misses the disharmony it could cause.

Sophie Townsend — the things you miss

The best podcast episodes about true crime. For any thrill seeking podcast listeners who just can't get enough of the captivating stories of murderers and criminals. This topic has all the best episodes from many different true crime podcasts.  Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!

OwlTail

When Axton Betz-Hamilton was 11 years old, her parents' identities were stolen. At that time, in the early 90s, consumer protection services for identity theft victims were basically non-existent. So the family dealt with the consequences as best they could. But then when Axton got to college, she realized that her identity had been stolen as well. Her credit score was in the lowest 2%.  As she was working to restore her credit, she inadvertently discovered who had stolen the family's identity. It would change everything forever.   View the photograph Axton describes here.   Criminal is a proud member of Radiotopia from PRX. If you haven't already, please review us on Apple Podcasts! It's an important way to help new listeners discover the show: iTunes.com/CriminalShow. Say hello on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Sign up for our newsletter, The Accomplice. If you'd like to introduce friends or family members to podcasts, we created a How to Listen guide based on frequently asked questions. Artwork by Julienne Alexander.

Criminal

When Axton Betz-Hamilton was 11 years old, her parents' identities were stolen. At that time, in the early 90s, consumer protection services for identity theft victims were basically non-existent. So the family dealt with the consequences as best they could. But then when Axton got to college, she realized that her identity had been stolen as well. Her credit score was in the lowest 2%.  As she was working to restore her credit, she inadvertently discovered who had stolen the family's identity. It would change everything forever.   View the photograph Axton describes <a href="http://thisiscriminal.com/episode-51-money-tree-8-23-2016/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>.   <a href="https://thisiscriminal.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Criminal</a> is a proud member of Radiotopia from PRX. If you haven't already, please review us on Apple Podcasts! It's an important way to help new listeners discover the show: <a href="http://thisiscriminal.us13.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=25658e45f07309154fbf5f23f&amp;id=222e220f7c&amp;e=08e90c50c7" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">iTunes.com/CriminalShow.</a> Say hello on <a href="https://twitter.com/CriminalShow" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ThisIsCriminal/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/criminal_podcast/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram</a>. Sign up for our newsletter, <a href="http://thisiscriminal.us13.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=25658e45f07309154fbf5f23f&amp;id=a7d08cb6bd" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Accomplice.</a> If you'd like to introduce friends or family members to podcasts, we created a <a href="http://www.thisiscriminal.com/about#howToListen" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">How to Listen guide</a> based on frequently asked questions. Artwork by <a href="http://www.yssrs.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Julienne Alexander</a>.

Episode 51: Money Tree

[Part 3 of 3] You may think you know the story, but do you… This is the chilling conclusion to Jonestown. Episode narrated by the Anonymous Host Researched and written by Milly Raso For all credits and sources please visit casefilepodcast.com/case-60-jonestown-part-3

Casefile True Crime

[Part 3 of 3] You may think you know the story, but do you… This is the chilling conclusion to Jonestown. Episode narrated by the <a href="https://twitter.com/casefilehost" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Anonymous Host</a> Researched and written by Milly Raso For all credits and sources please visit <a href="http://casefilepodcast.com/case-60-jonestown-part-3/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a><a href="http://casefilepodcast.com/case-60-jonestown-part-3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">casefilepodcast.com/case-60-jonestown-part-3</a>

Case 60: Jonestown (Part 3)

Best True Crime Podcasts

The best podcasts about ourselves as well as the world through the lense of Science. Specific topics include things about our brain, emotions to biology, physics and more!

Right now, billions of neurons in your brain are working together to generate a conscious experience -- and not just any conscious experience, your experience of the world around you and of yourself within it. How does this happen? According to neuroscientist Anil Seth, we're all hallucinating all the time; when we agree about our hallucinations, we call it "reality." Join Seth for a delightfully disorienting talk that may leave you questioning the very nature of your existence.

TED Talks Science and Medicine

Your brain hallucinates your conscious reality | Anil Seth

Using examples from vacations to colonoscopies, Nobel laureate and founder of behavioral economics Daniel Kahneman reveals how our "experiencing selves" and our "remembering selves" perceive happiness differently. This new insight has profound implications for economics, public policy -- and our own self-awareness.

Tall Tales & True

Weekly hand curated podcast episodes for learning