Harold Lasseter claimed he had stumbled across a vast and lucrative gold reef in the central Australian desert when he was just 17. So successful was he in convincing authorities - and himself - that his story was true, the legend of the lost reef still excites fortune seekers to this day. Forensic psychiatrist Robert M Kaplan joins the show to delve into the mind of one of Australia’s greatest liars. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bee Miles was famous for her outrageous public acts of defiance, whether stopping a country train in its tracks to hitch a ride or emerging from the surf with knives strapped to her thighs. But a new book reveals the troubled mind of the woman once voted more famous than the prime minister.  Author Rose Ellis tells the story in her new book Bee Miles: Australia’s famous bohemian rebel, and the untold story behind the legend. Learn more about the...

Bee Miles was famous for her outrageous public acts of defiance, whether stopping a country train in its tracks to hitch a ride or emerging from the surf with knives strapped to her thighs. But a new book reveals the troubled mind of the woman once voted more famous than the prime minister.  Author Rose Ellis tells the story in her new book Bee Miles: Australia’s famous bohemian rebel, and the untold story behind the legend. Learn more about the...

As the Nazis closed in on the Anzacs on Crete during WWII, Maori captain Rangi Royal glimpsed what he believed was a sign from the Maori god of war. He saw what he thought was a tuatara - a rare lizard-like reptile found only in NZ - pointing its head over a cliff. And so he led his men over the steep drop. Author Craig Collie tells the story in his new book Where The Flaming Hell Are We?  Learn more about the book here. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the Nazis closed in on the Anzacs on Crete during WWII, Maori captain Rangi Royal led a crazed bayonet charge at the enemy, which began with a terrifying haka. In Part 2, we will hear how Royal later saw what he believed was a sign from the Maori god of war while retreating - and led his men straight over a cliff as a result. Author Craig Collie tells the story in his new book Where The Flaming Hell Are We?  Learn more about the book here.    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy...

After Reg Saunders and his comrades were left behind on Crete in WWII, he survived on the run for almost a year, living off his own wits and the extraordinary kindness of locals.  Author Craig Collie tells the story in his new book Where The Flaming Hell Are We?  Learn more about the book here.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After Reg Saunders and his comrades were left behind on Crete in WWII, he survived on the run for almost a year, living off his own wits and the extraordinary kindness of locals.  Author Craig Collie tells the story in his new book Where The Flaming Hell Are We?  Learn more about the book here.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Tree See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Tree See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

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.

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.

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 1800 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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/ibaw See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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/ibaw See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

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/ibaw See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

Artist Nel Law became the first Australian woman to set foot on Antarctica in 1961 after she was smuggled on board the supply ship Magga Dan. The story is told in today’s new episode of the free In Black and White podcast on Australia’s forgotten characters, with author Rachael Mead.More about Rachel at: https://affirmpress.com.au/publishing/the-art-of-breaking-ice/ Like the show? Get features, backgrounders and more at heraldsun.com.au/ibaw See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Barney “Wild Eye” Hines was a WWI digger who never let his light fingers go idle - looting everything he could from captured enemy soldiers. And rumours even grew that his antics had drawn the ire of the monarch of Germany himself. Historian and podcast host Mat McLachlan drops by to tell the tale. More about the Living History podcast: https://livinghistorytv.com/podcasts/Like the show? Get features, backgrounders and more at heraldsun.com.au/ibaw See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy...

When Singapore fell in World War II, a group of nurses found themselves facing the horrors of capture and imprisonment as POWs.But instead of letting the camps drag them down, they joined together to lift morale in a most surprising way.  Like the show? go to https://heraldsun.com.au/ibaw for more See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the previous episode of In Black and White, writer Roy Maloy told how Melbourne was gripped by fears that a copycat was trying to imitate Victorian England's most notorious criminal. In this episode, Maloy joins the show again to outline more claims that Jack the Ripper came to our shores. Learn more about Roy at Roy Maloy - Author | Facebook Like the show? go to https://heraldsun.com.au/ibaw for more     See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Only a year after London's famous Ripper disappeared into legend, several Melbourne women met a most horrid fate. And it wasn’t long before fears were raised that a copycat was on the loose - or perhaps even the monster himself. Crime writer Roy Maloy joins the show to tell the tale. Learn more about Roy at: Roy Maloy - Author | Facebook See omny.fm/listener for privacy information.

In a dark decade for the gay and lesbian community in Melbourne, one young woman decided to build a haven. And her extravagantly decorated coffee lounge quickly became the place to be seen by the city's arts community.Author Danielle Scrimshaw joins the show with more. More about the book at: https://ultimopress.com.au/collections/danielle-scrimshaw Like the show? go to https://heraldsun.com.au/ibaw for more See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.