Join a curious son and his history-obsessed dad as they uncover the wild, surprising, and often untold stories of Australia’s past. From convict ships and legendary explorers, to historic figures and forgotten heroes, this father-son duo unpacks the moments that shaped a nation, one curious question at a time.
Macquarie Bank. Macquarie University. Macquarie Street. His name is everywhere, but who was the man behind it? Before he became the Governor who left his mark across an entire colony, Lachlan Macquarie was a soldier carving out a career across India and Egypt. In this first instalment of our deep dive, we trace his early postings and personal struggles, uncovering the experiences that forged the man who would become a household name in Australian history.
7 Dec 2025
#16 - A Sirius Story, Anchored in History
An anchor stands silent in Macquarie Place Park—but its story is anything but quiet. Join us as we uncover the dramatic final voyage of HMS Sirius, the lifeline of the First Fleet, and how its sinking sent shockwaves through a struggling colony. A story of hope, hardship, and history beneath the waves.
18 Nov 2025
#15 - Phil Russo: Protecting Parramatta’s Past
In this episode of Did You Know?, we chat with Phil Russo, former Deputy Mayor and Parramatta City Councillor, about his life, his time in office, and his passion for protecting the city’s heritage. Phil also reflects on his ongoing support for local Indigenous communities and the importance of preserving culture in a rapidly growing city.
19 Aug 2025
#14 - Across the Empire - Gareth’s Take on Aussie History
We welcome Gareth, a British history buff, to share his perspective on Australia’s past. From classroom lessons in the UK to the significance of our story today, we explore how history connects us across continents.
11 Aug 2025
#13 - Convicts, Captains, and Crossroads
In this episode, we explore four remarkable figures from the early colony, Henry Dod, James Ruse, Captain Watkin Tench, and Arabanoo. From the first farms to first contacts, we uncover their stories, struggles, and legacies in shaping Australia’s beginnings.
28 Jul 2025
#12 - The Fleets, the Farms, and the Families
In this episode, we explore the shift inland to Parramatta and why it became the new heart of the colony. We break down the arrival of the Second and Third Fleets, the challenges they brought, and how families like the Macarthurs and Wentworths began shaping the colony’s future through land, power, and ambition.
21 Jul 2025
Episode #11 - The Push to Parramatta
With Sydney Cove’s soil failing and hunger rising, the colony looked inland. This episode explores why the early settlers were forced to move up the Parramatta River—and how this shift laid the foundations for farming, survival, and expansion.
14 Jul 2025
#10 – The First Year: Survival and Struggle
In this episode, we dive into the tough early days of Australia’s first European settlement. From food shortages and harsh conditions to makeshift justice and fragile leadership, hear how the fledgling colony fought to survive its first year at Sydney Cove.
7 Jul 2025
#9 - Rules, Rations, and Rough Beginnings
Governor Arthur Phillip navigates the challenges of establishing a functional penal colony at Sydney Cove, grappling with law, order, and resource scarcity in early Australia.
30 Jun 2025
#8 - Where the First Fleet Really Landed
Governor Arthur Phillip assesses Botany Bay's shortcomings and navigates the First Fleet to Port Jackson, ultimately establishing the first Australian colony at Sydney Cove.
25 Jun 2025
#7 - The Voyage of the First Fleet
This episode recounts the First Fleet's arduous eight-month voyage from Portsmouth to New South Wales in 1787, detailing the challenges and expectations of the travelers.
17 Jun 2025
#6 - Sir Joseph Banks - The Botanist Who Sailed the World
Sir Joseph Banks's journey aboard the Endeavour reveals his profound impact on botany and reshapes European understanding of the natural world, marking him as an influential explorer.
10 Jun 2025
#5 - Cook Part Four - Charting New Worlds
Captain James Cook's journey unfolds as he charts New Zealand and Australia, facing triumphs and hardships while mapping new worlds in this episode.
2 Jun 2025
#4 - Cook Part Three
Captain James Cook embarks on his first voyage aboard the Endeavour, navigating treacherous waters and conducting scientific missions in the South Pacific.
27 May 2025
#3 - Cook Part Two
James Cook's early career mapping Canadian coastlines and aiding the British during the Siege of Québec reveals the origins of his legendary navigational skills.
20 May 2025
#2 - Cook Part One
The hosts explore Captain James Cook's formative years, examining the pivotal moments that propelled him from rural England to a life of exploration and historical significance.
13 May 2025
#1 - The Origins of Convict Transportation
A curious son interviews his dad about the origins of convict transportation to Australia, exploring 18th-century Britain's social chaos and overcrowded prisons that led to the First Fleet.
Reach and audience
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YouTube views
15,327
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Podcast Authority Score: 28 / 100
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Quality
25
Social presence
0
YouTube
76
Engagement
0
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