Past Lives: A History Victoria Podcast. The histories, mysteries and stories of Melbourne & Victoria

Sep 16 2024 11 ep. 28 mins 4

Past Lives: A History Victoria Podcast. The histories, mysteries and stories of Melbourne & Victoria artwork

Get ready for the quirky, the quaint and the downright fascinating tales hidden in Melbourne & Victoria's past, brought to you by The Royal Historical Society of Victoria. Join Sean Reynolds and a rotating roster of guests as we dig up the most jaw-dropping secrets and stories you've never heard. From Melbourne to Mildura, Gippsland to Geelong – we're zigzagging across Victoria to bring you the wild, weird and astoundingly true tales of our slice of Australia. This is Victoria’s history, but not as you know it.

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Episode 10: The Life & Times of Madam Brussels

Sep 16 2024 30 mins

In the shadowy streets of nineteenth-century Melbourne, one name still casts a long shadow – Madame Brussels. Synonymous with the city’s most infamous brothel, her name’s been immortalised in laneways and cocktail menus. But who was the woman behind the scandalous alter ego? In this tantalising episode of “Past Lives”, we sit down with author Barbara Minchinton to peel b

Episode 9: Otherwise, 'Yokohama'

Jul 09 2024 28 mins

Our latest episode of Past Lives, “Otherwise, Yokahama”, unfolds in a dramatic courtroom scene in 1923 Melbourne, where Mrs. Ah Kim, otherwise known as “Yokahama” or “Nellie Bew”, is accused of dodging taxes linked to illegal gambling. As the narrative progresses, it delves into the life and trials of Nellie Bew — revealing her birth name as Tie Cum Ah Chung —painti

Episode 8: Episode 8 - Archives and Antiquities: Preserving the Past with Jillian Hiscock

Jun 25 2024 27 mins

Dive into the dusty corners of history with Sean, your spirited guide to the past’s peculiar pages, as he sits down with the el capi-tan of collections herself, Jillian Hiscock. As the Collections Manager at the Royal Historical Society of Victoria, Jillian is no stranger to the secret lives of artefacts and the historic tales of old manuscripts. In this episode, she unlocks the

Past Lives Episode 7 - Vegemite: A Century of Love, Hate and Nutritional Debate

Jun 11 2024 15 mins

Ever wondered how a thick, dark spread with the consistency of asphalt, the colour of melted vinyl records and a flavour reminiscent of solidified soy sauce became an Australian cultural icon? Dive into the story of Vegemite, the beloved (and sometimes loathed) yeast extract that has been capturing hearts and polarising taste buds for over a century. 🎧 Listen Now: Unravel the

Episode 6: Murder in Melbourne

May 28 2024 29 mins

Step back in time with the latest episode of “Past Lives: A History Victoria Podcast,” where we delve into the shadowy corners of Melbourne and Victoria's past. This episode promises to take listeners on a chilling journey into the heart of old Melbourne, unveiling a story that resonates through time with its eerie parallels to today’s struggles against gender-based viole

Episode 5 - Sign Language

May 14 2024 44 mins

We peel back the layers of paint and history with Tony Mead of Industrial Art Sign Co. in Spotswood. We explore the art and craftsmanship of hand-painted signs and the once-thriving industry that flourished in Melbourne and Victoria from the days of Marvellous Melbourne to its current status as a niche craft. Beginning with Tony’s career as a sign writer in Melbourne at the age

Episode 4: Voices from Melbourne's Chinatown

Apr 30 2024 39 mins

From the gold rush-era treasure seekers to world-class restaurants, from refugees fleeing war-torn nations to students breathing new life into Melbourne’s CBD, join Sean and his guest, Mark Wang, CEO of Melbourne’s Chinese Museum as they explore the evolving identity and culture of the vibrant Chinese-Australian community. Mark delves into his family’s deep roots in Victoria

Episode 3: Miss Watson's Motor Garage

Apr 16 2024 19 mins

In this electrifying episode, Sean ventures into the shadowy remnants of Melbourne’s past, where a routine investigation into a ghost sign for "MISS WATSON’S MOTOR GARAGE" unexpectedly spirals into a thrilling historical revelation. As Sean peels back the layers of paint and history, he uncovers the story of Myra Watson, a defiant pioneer who shattered societal expect

Episode 2: Cornerstone of Melbourne

Apr 02 2024 30 mins

Have you ever delved into the ophop treasures at Retro Star Vintage, strolled through the enchanting Cathedral Arcade, or savoured your favourite caffeinated beverage at Cathedral Coffee? Perhaps you’re among the intrepid explorers who’ve unraveled the mysteries of the Nicholas Building’s vertical laneway. In this episode, we're joined by Zeta Hamilton-Durkin, a multifac

Episode 1: The Vagabond

Mar 19 2024 50 mins

Our first episode, author, podcaster and star of screens both big and small, Robyn Annear, joins host Sean Reynolds in a journey through the murky world of a Victorian traveler in 1860s Melbourne, who may or may not haven been a prolific investigative reporter decades before such a thing even existed! So, grab your headphones and your taste for the untold tales of Melbourne &