Today's Stories from our Past

Mar 15 2025 24 ep. 34 mins 7
Today's Stories from our Past Podcast artwork

A podcast about Australian family stories and social history.  Everyone has a story that we want to tell. 

To contact us, email us at:
 [email protected] 

or search for "Today's Stories from our Past" on Facebook or YouTube.

  History  Society & Culture
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E11 – The Watts Family Crest

Mar 15 2025 21 mins  
Send us a text Curious about your family's past? Discover the fascinating story of the Watts family crest, featuring a greyhound and a golden arrow—a symbol born from a dramatic saga involving survival and colonial legacy. This episode dives deep into the history of family crests, untangling their significance in linking individuals to their lineage and societal standing during t

E10 –Bound for South Australia – The Watts Family

Mar 08 2025 37 mins  
Send us a text What if the legacy of a kind-hearted village doctor could inspire generations and spark dreams of adventure across continents? Join us as we explore the captivating story of the Watts family, where Thomas Watts defied the Dickensian stereotype of a struggling doctor and rose as a prosperous figure within England's burgeoning middle class. Discover how his remarkable

E09 –Bound for South Australia – The Hack Family

Mar 01 2025 42 mins  
Send us a text Unearth the captivating story of John Barton Hack, a pioneering figure whose journey from England to South Australia was fuelled by ambition and adventure. What if your investments could shape a new world? Discover how Hack's Quaker roots, career as a currier, and ties to the Wakefield family propelled him toward the opportunities of a lifetime in the burgeoning colo

E08 –Bound for South Australia – Proclamation Day and Beyond

Feb 22 2025 36 mins  
Send us a text What if the founding of a colony was more than just a historical event, but a dramatic saga filled with excitement, tension, and tragedy? Join us as we uncover the thrilling story of South Australia's establishment, starting with the arrival of the first fleet and the consequential landing of Rear Admiral Sir John Hindmarsh aboard HMS Buffalo. Experience the anticipa

E07 –Bound for South Australia – A Missed Opportunity

Feb 15 2025 30 mins  
Send us a text Could more accurate early reports have changed the fate of South Australia? Join us as we unravel the chaotic beginnings of this unique colony, influenced by misconceptions and missteps, starting with the ill-fated decision to settle on Kangaroo Island. We'll explore the murky waters of early exploration and question how the colony's development might have differed h

E06 –Bound for South Australia – Charles Nantes and the Trek Aftermath

Feb 07 2025 34 mins  
Send us a text Could internal conflicts lead to tragedy, or is there something more sinister lurking in the mysteries of Kangaroo Island? As we navigate the puzzling disappearance of trekkers, Slater and Osborne, we uncover the heated exchanges that fuelled suspicions of foul play. With the Africaine's arrival at Nepean Bay, the settlers' anxiety is palpable, documented in Robert G

E05 –Bound for South Australia – Charles Nantes and the Tragic Trek

Feb 01 2025 38 mins  
Send us a text Embark on a remarkable journey with us as we navigate little-known events in early South Australian history. Picture young Charles Nantes, in early 1830’s England, a man pursuing a fresh start away from the shadows of his father's scandalous legacy. In 1836, Charles boards the Africaine, bound for South Australia, alongside other colonists like Captain John Finley

E04 –Bound for South Australia – The Nantes Family

Jan 25 2025 33 mins  
Send us a text Join us as we explore the fascinating life of Heinrich Wilhelm Nantez. A man whose journey from Bremen, Germany to London illustrates both the opportunities and pitfalls of 18th century Europe. Embracing a new English identity as Henry Nantes, he navigates the complex English mercantile society with the help of his influential ally, Richard Muilman Trench Chiswell. T

E03 –Bound for South Australia – The First Fleet Departs

Jan 18 2025 36 mins  
Send us a text What if you were tasked with establishing a new colony, facing the unknown and battling both the elements and human conflict? Join us as we uncover the incredible journey of the first fleet to South Australia, starting with the courageous voyage of the John Pirie. Imagine a ship no longer than a cricket pitch, teeming with hopeful settlers, livestock, and supplies, e

E02 –Bound for South Australia – Preparations for Departure

Jan 11 2025 36 mins  
Send us a text What if you found out that the city of Adelaide was meticulously designed by a visionary figure amidst a backdrop of poor strategic planning and unexpected challenges? Our latest episode of Today's Stories from Our Past reveals the intricate and ambitious blueprint laid out by the South Australian Company. We delve into the crucial roles of key officials and surveyor