Best Damian Callinan Podcasts (2025)

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Willaura & Moyston Ep 2. - Dr Checchi's big needle; general store auction & the town quiz! 48:32

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7M ago48:32

48:32

We begin by diving into the history of Grampians towns, Willaura and Moyston... from the early days of wheat cropping to the wool boom of the 1950s and 60s when the towns reached their peak population. Damian gets a tour of the Willaura Historical Society building, and discovers the beloved Dr Cyril Checci, a WWI doctor, who went on to deliver abou…

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Willaura and Moyston: The birthplace of AFL, the best bakery in Victoria ... and a snap mayoral election! 41:11

7M ago41:11

41:11

We head to Moyston and Willaura, two towns in the Grampians region of western Victoria. Both towns have populations of around 500 and have recently merged their football teams to become “the Pumas”. Despite neither town having a pub, they have each become tourist attractions in their own right! This episode has been recorded live on stage at the Wi…

1
Fear and Loathing with Dan Ilic 57:54

1y ago57:54

57:54

Pitch Bleak’s second season ends with the detectives finally cornering a long-hunted suspect - the one man media machine, Dan Ilic. While Hayden and Chris investigate who prevented Ilic’s preposterously successful podcast ‘A Rational Fear’ from making the jump to TV, they’ll also discover the terrifying truth about the Beaconsfield backlash, the Op…

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A Series of Unfortunate Events with Geraldine Quinn 49:06

1y ago49:06

49:06

In a Very Special Episode, Chris and Hayden tackle their first missing persons case. She’s a supremely talented singer-songwriter and a highly-awarded cabaret queen, so when it comes to the entertainment A-list, just where IS Geraldine Quinn? Has someone - or something - conspired against her? The investigation will lead the detectives somewhere th…

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To Sketch a Killer with Andy Matthews 40:42

1y ago40:42

40:42

The detectives grill comedian Andy Matthews in the case of a TV sketch comedy project that was brutally put down. Their investigation will lead them to big name suspects, highly problematic jokes, and a world that’s dirty, dangerous and largely hidden from the general public- university law revues. (01:17) Engineering to Comedy (05:34) The Law Revu…

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Watchlist with Lally Katz 43:06

1y ago43:06

43:06

Hayden and Chris throw out the rule book and cross international borders to interrogate the acclaimed dramatist and self-confessed American, Lally Katz. Are the detectives out of their jurisdiction? Unclear. Who killed the movie adaptation of Lally’s hit play, ‘Neighbourhood Watch’? Even murkier. (03:51) The 12-Year-Old Book Deadline (07:42) Magic …

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Minority Report with Lorin Clarke 57:18

1y ago57:18

57:18

The Pitch Bleak unit takes on the formidable kids TV writer, author and filmmaker Lorin Clarke in a case that threatens to set them against the shadowy forces of the Short Skirt, Long Jacket Department. Clarke discusses her famous father’s legacy, her time at Bluey, what it’s like having a successful podcast, and the brutal murder of her unrealised…

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Mourning in America with John Safran 1:00:24

1y ago1:00:24

1:00:24

Pitch Bleak’s second season opens with a bang as Hayden and Chris interrogate author, documentarian and professional troublemaker John Safran. After canvassing his crimes new (squatting in Kanye’s mansion) and old (rifling through Ray Martin’s garbage), the detectives zero in on their main target: what became of John Safran Vs America, his US-based…

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PREVIOUSLY… On Pitch Bleak 4:11

1y ago4:11

4:11

With the true creative crime show being dual-nominated at the 2024 Australian Podcast Awards, it’s time to catch up on the action so far with this dizzying highlight reel! Come on a whirlwind trip through Season 1 with Detectives Hayden and Chris (and then go back and hit up all the individual episodes again, it’s good for our numbers). SEASON TWO …

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Portland, VIC Ep 2: Top Secret Surf, Seals and Sport 58:56

1y ago58:56

58:56

We continue our adventure through Portland, this time getting into the sport of the town. Whether you’re into footy, basketball, surfing… or even walking, Portland does it better than most. The surf beaches are so good, Damian gets put in a car boot for a secret tour from a local surfer, who cannot be named, for fear of retribution. While Kirsten g…

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Portland, VIC - Woodchips, Whales & A Politician on the Run 1:04:14

1y ago1:04:14

1:04:14

We’ve stopped in Portland, on the south-west coast of Victoria. On this adventure, Damian and Kirsten gain access to the Port of Portland, learn about Portland’s very own Town Crier and in an exclusive, find out about a Premier who had a rather embarrassing moment at a 1984 parade. We learn about the fierce women of the Digby Rifle Club, zoom aroun…

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Here Come the Town Criers... 3:33

1+ y ago3:33

3:33

Hey there, we’re Kirsten and Damian! Join us as we embark on a road trip to discover Australia’s hidden gems. From tiny towns with just a hall and footy field to larger rural communities with arts centres and multiple Aldis, each episode offers a humorous, yet insightful look into the unique stories and characters that make these places tick. With …

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Richmond: Crime in the library 1:00:52

1+ y ago1:00:52

1:00:52

Penny and Christina are joined by Julianne Negri to talk about library work and crime. Julianne is an author, artist, library worker and Trove-lover and in this episode she applies her incredible skill set to solving cold-case crimes from the Richmond Library. Trove articles 'Lady Librarian', Richmond Guardian, 23 December 1922 'Librarian Denies he…

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Richmond: Baby Expert Depot 1:21:02

1+ y ago1:21:02

1:21:02

We read newspaper articles about some of the first services for mothers and babies in Richmond. Penny's friends Jo Rosenberg and Vaya Pashos compare this to their own experiences of Maternal Child Health services. Then proper oral historian, Carla Pascoe-Leahy, talks to Penny and Christina about how ideas around mothercraft have changed over the pa…

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Richmond: Band Blasts from the Past and Present 1:18:54

2y ago1:18:54

1:18:54

Musician and educator, Adam Arnold talks to us about brass bands in Richmond. We find some uncanny parallels between Adam's current bands and the Richmond Boys Brass Band started a hundred years earlier. Trove '50 Years Since he Led First Band', Bairnsdale Advertiser and East Gippsland Stock and Station Journal, 16 March 1953 'Richmond Boys Brass B…

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Richmond: the Globe Theatre with Damian Callinan 1:08:16

2y ago1:08:16

1:08:16

Penny and Christina are joined by star of stage and screen, Damian Callinan, to talk about stages and screens in Richmond in the olden days. Specifically we read articles from Trove about the Globe Picture Theatre, which was built in 1912 on the site of the current Richmond Library. And musician-of-the pod Tim Carruthers joins us to bring some old …

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Richmond: In the Library with the Professor 57:58

2y ago57:58

57:58

Penny and Christina are joined by Mary Carroll, Associate Professor in the School of Information and Communication Studies, Charles Sturt University. Mary is a historian of Australian libraries. We read 1870s newspaper articles from Trove about the Richmond at the Town Hall and talk about whether anything has really changed. We cover some hot butto…

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The Royal Derby: Stage time in the olden days 1:09:49

2y ago1:09:49

1:09:49

Comedian and broadcaster Charlie Pickering joins us to discuss Brunswick Street pub, The Royal Derby. As a new comic, Charlie started a stand-up room at the Derby with Michael Chamberlain. He tells us about the origins and philosophy of Stage Time and we discuss Royal Derby entertainments from the even more olden days. Trove 'Royal Derby Hotel', Me…

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BONUS: Has It Got Legs? THE ADULT CENTRE 5:35

2y ago5:35

5:35

Pitch Bleak extends end-of-season’s greetings to you all with this special ‘Has It Got Legs?’ mini episode. Thankyou for supporting our vital work and we look forward to bringing you more true creative crime in 2024!Follow Pitch Bleak on all the socials except Twitter…YouTubeTikTokInstagramThreadsFacebookBluskyPitch Bleak is produced by Posterboy M…

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When OOSH Comes to Shove w/ Damian Callinan 42:21

2y ago42:21

42:21

Pitch Bleak’s first season ends in the murky world of children’s TV, and the mysterious knifing of a kid’s comedy series that had everything going for it. As the lines blur between hero and villain, victim and investigator, Hayden and Chris will face their darkest hour.Featuring award-winning comedian, author and actor Damian Callinan.Has It Got Le…

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Disgraced w/ Katy Warner 40:22

2y ago40:22

40:22

Pitch Bleak treads the boards of the theatre world as the detectives investigate the untimely demise of Grace, a play that looked set to take regional Australia by storm. Was this simply a tragedy, or was it murder most foul?Featuring award-winning playwright, actor and author Katy Warner.Has It Got Legs: (0:36)Interview: (4:54)Follow @pitchbleakpo…

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Burned Alive w/ Rove McManus 53:41

2y ago53:41

53:41

Hayden and Chris feel the heat as they face their biggest case yet - the fiery demise of a live TV sketch show from a production powerhouse. With a high profile victim and actual crimes possibly in the mix, will this be the case that gets the Pitch Bleak division shut down once and for all?Featuring triple Gold Logie winner Rove McManus.Has It Got …

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Who Killed Brian Munich? w/Jason Marion 49:27

2y ago49:27

49:27

Danger and treachery lurk at every turn as Pitch Bleak takes on a cold case: the brutal slaying of the acclaimed absurdist stage comedy act Brian Munich and Friends nearly two decades ago. Skeletons will be pulled from closets, and possibly danced with.Featuring award-winning comedian, writer and director Jason Marion.Has It Got Legs: (1:20)Intervi…

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Tied To The Tracks w/ Nicklas Wallberg 40:57

2y ago40:57

40:57

How did Tram Sessions - a roll call of A-list musicians playing live on Melbourne’s beloved public transport - go off the rails? Hayden and Chris will interrogate a very Swedish man in order to find out.Featuring international social entrepreneur and unapologetic Swede Nicklas Wallberg.Has It Got Legs: (1:23)Interview : (5:43)Follow @PitchBleakPod …

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Lonely Hearts Club, Banned w/ Em Rusciano 40:51

2y ago40:51

40:51

The Pitch Bleak unit goes into overdrive when confronted with the sudden and violent death of a dating show for ugly people. It seems like an open and shut case, but the prime suspect will not go quietly…Featuring award-winning singer, comedian and podcaster Em Rusciano (Emsolation, Masked Singer, Australian Idol).Has It Got Legs: (1:12)Interview: …

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Fobbed Off w/ Ro Mukerjea 42:57

2y ago42:57

42:57

Hayden and Chris venture into the hip-hop world to tackle their first case - the mystery of a multicultural TV comedy project that simply disappeared. CONTENT WARNING: this recording features ‘Rap hands’ as well as white dudes ‘Keeping It Real’.Featuring ARIA-nominated hip-hop artist Ro Mukerjea (Justice & Kaos).Has It Got Legs: (1:29)Interview: (4…

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The Greenaway Way 1:00:06

2y ago1:00:06

1:00:06

Kids Lit allrounder and MVP Emily Gale joins Christina and Penny to talk about illustrator Kate Greenaway. Emily also gives some great advice for writers and illustrators on the state of the industry. Emily Gale Website Substack - Voracious Trove 'A Charming Artist', Launceston Examiner, 5 June 1893 'Miss Kate Greenaway's Latest Child's Book', The …

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The Pitch 1:41

2y ago1:41

1:41

What is PITCH BLEAK? Find out here as Detectives Hayden and Chris pin mug shots to the wall, connect them with red string, drop coffee mugs to the floor, and prepare to open their creative crime investigation.Follow Pitch Bleak on all the socials except Twitter…YouTubeTikTokInstagramThreadsFacebookBluskyPitch Bleak is produced by Posterboy Media…

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Alison in Canberra-land 1:16:41

2+ y ago1:16:41

1:16:41

Linnett Turner joins Penny and husband-of-half-of-the-pod Lincoln to talk about Alison Sanchez (nee Binns). Linnett's mother Alison grew up in Canberra in the early days of Australia's capital. A tragedy in her early-20s transformed Alison's plans and she travelled the world before returning to Canberra again. Trove 'Farewell Evening', The Canberra…

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One Day in Faraday 1:26:32

2+ y ago1:26:32

1:26:32

Primary school teacher Anna Grace joins Penny and Christina to talk about the Faraday kidnappings. With a special guest appearance from Peter Tangey. Trove '$1 Million Demand for Teacher', 6 Pupils, The Canberra Times, 7 October 1972 'Big Hunt for School Kidnappers', The Canberra Times, 9 October 1972 '2 Men Charged over Kidnap', The Papua New Guin…

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S3E5 – You Are Now Leaving Bodgy Creek 1:20:42

2+ y ago1:20:42

1:20:42

Sadly, this is the finale of the Bodgy Creek Community Podcast, but we’ve gone out with a decent roost over the silos. Recorded live at the Comedy Republic in Melbourne on July 1st, 2023, Troy, Warwick & Stan are joined on stage by the likes of Rusty Berther, Michelle Brasier, Tim Lancaster, Ben Knight, Tony Wilson, Stephen Hall, Zillah Morrow & Em…

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Chorkles Sees Red 35:32

2+ y ago35:32

35:32

Peter Tangey is back to talk about another chapter in Chorkles Moss's life. She gave evidence at the Victorian Royal Commission on Communism in 1949. We talk about how divisive communism became for Australian politics and communities. Trove 'Ideals akin to Christianity', The Herald, 26 July 1949 'Woman farmer's evidence at Red inquiry', The Argus, …

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Bushrangers: Real or fake? 57:41

2+ y ago57:41

57:41

Tim Carruthers returns to hear more about our sailor's journey from Melbourne to the Goldfields. The sailor reaches the Black Forest and comes across a notorious "bushranger", Black Douglas. We also hear the true story of Tim's star-turn in Castlemaine North's production of Captain Midnite the musical. Trove 'A Sailor's Trip from Melbourne to Mount…

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S3E4 – Reverse Raffle 48:21

2+ y ago48:21

48:21

In the penultimate ever episode, you’ll learn how the always resourceful Bodgy Creek Roosters playing list negotiated their way through the multiverses & back to current day Bodgy Creek. On their return, will Almond Milk forgive his wife for selling his Golden Book collection on E-Bay; Will Hip Flask remember where he lived? Will anyone come to War…

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Stamp Love 54:02

2+ y ago54:02

54:02

We're joined by Gerard and Celeste McCulloch from the podcast Stamps Aren't Cool. We discover a surprising intersection in Trove's newspaper archives between philately and relationships. Stamps Aren't Cool Podcast YouTube channel Blog - Punk Philatelist Trove 'Hobbies for Husbands', The Australian Star, 16 December 1905 'Women Philatelists are Disc…

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Chorkles Book of Rhymes 59:16

2+ y ago59:16

59:16

We talk to Peter Tangey about Newstead identity Chorkles Kasner Moss. Chorkles and her family were mentioned in a number of newspaper articles but this still left some big questions we couldn't answer. Trove Coranation recipes 'Reader's Recipes Coronation Pigeon Pie', Truth, 18 April 1937 'Three Coronation Cake Recipes', The Australasian, 15 May 19…

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Rush to the Goldfields 33:59

2+ y ago33:59

33:59

Tim Carruthers joins us as we attempt to read a very long account of a journey from Melbourne to the Victorian goldfields in 1852. Tim tells us about the time he tried to walk from Melbourne to Castlemaine for a bet. Two ambitious goals. One outcome. Trove 'A Sailor's Trip from Melbourne to Mount Alexander', The Sydney Morning Herald, 10 May 1952 H…

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Albury Girls Gone Wild 49:13

2+ y ago49:13

49:13

We talk to Nerida Lloyd about her great aunts Pat and Nonie McCarthy. They grew up in the Court House Hotel, owned by their publican father. Through the writings of Border Morning Mail journalist "Constance" we discuss their active Albury social lives. Trove 'Mrs J. J. McCarthy', Corowa Free Press, 23 September 1927 'Border Personalities', Border M…

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Interesting Easter treats 30:45

3y ago30:45

30:45

Vaya Pashos joins Penny and Christina to talk about Greek and Skip Easter traditions and some "interesting" Easter recipes from Trove's archives. Vaya Neighbuzz Instagram Trove Trove Blog, 'Don's Party' Louise Zedda-Sampson, Trove, 'Batter up, ladies' 'Easter Recipes', Sunday Mail, 10 April 1927 'Lost Prestige', The Newcastle Sun, 25 March 1929 'Ho…

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Princess of Quiz 54:26

3y ago54:26

54:26

Trove lover and television writer Vaya Pashos joins us to take part in a 1943 Ladies Quiz written by Princess Alexandra Kropotkin. Vaya spills some TV quiz show secrets and tells us about her biggest fact-checking regret. You can find Vaya on Instagram and listen to her fabulous podcast Neighbuzz all about the Australian soap opera Neighbours. The …

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Let's Talk About Pelvic Floors 38:57

3y ago38:57

38:57

Physiotherapist Mary-Anne Tangey joins us to discuss historical articles about the pelvic floor. We try to answer the question that launched 1000 opinion columns: Should women ride horses side-saddle or astride? Trove National Library of Australia, 'Trove Strategy' 'How Should Women Ride', Adelaide Advertiser, 13 July 1914 'Improving on Nature', Br…

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Giving a Flying Phalanger 43:56

3y ago43:56

43:56

Support Trove Contact the Federal Minister for Arts and your local member to tell them you think ongoing Trove funding is important. The Hon. Tony Burke MP, Minister for Arts PO Box 6022 House of Representatives Parliament House Canberra ACT 2600 Tel: 02 6277 4410 The Australian Libraries and Information Association has a great resource on how to s…

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S3E3 – Lady Doddle’s Minstrels FNC 45:36

3y ago45:36

45:36

Having taken refuge in a perpendicular universe in a seemingly endless agricultural show ground, the exiled Bodgy Creek Football Club Community fall foul of the belligerent woodchopping community & make a hasty exit. However, their escape leads them through a series of increasingly perilous multiverses. After a close shave with a marauding order of…

1
An Australian Christmas Tradition 37:30

3y ago37:30

37:30

Trove articles 'Christmas', The Sydney Mail and New South Wales Advertiser, 27 December 1879 'Christmas Pudding Reform', The Register, 13 December 1901 'An Australian Christmas Dinner; cold dishes for choice', Newcastle 24 December 1935 Other Wassail bowl Moulded Meats, Messy NessyBy Penny Tangey

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Pen Hall: A rose by any name 54:58

3y ago54:58

54:58

Trove articles Presentation to the Mayoress, Queensland Figaro, 26 February 1903 The Mayoress's Fete, The Queenslander, 1 November 1902 Death of Mr L.G. Corrie, The Daily Mail, 3 August 1918 The State Ball, The Queenslander, 7 August 1920 Fined for Trespassing, The Brisbane Telegraph, 6 April 1922 Family Notices, Brisbane Courier, 8 May 1922 Naming…

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Space Available for Major Sanchez 57:39

3y ago57:39

57:39

Trove articles Old Yankee Spirit, The Canberra Times, 14 March 1968 Letters to the Editor - Australian or British, The Canberra Times, 27 May 1969 Letters to the Editor - Australia and US, The Canberra Times, 30 May 1969 Letters to the Editor - Subservient Australia, The Canberra Times, 12 September 1969 Letters to the Editor - Mother's Boys, The C…

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S3E2 – The Perpendicular Universe 59:51

3+ y ago59:51

59:51

After the entire Bodgy Creek footy team seemingly return from the dead, the town folk votes to exile them, fearful that ‘weird shit’ will start happening. With nowhere to go, the Roosters take refuge in the Multiverse & find themselves living in a world that appears to be an endless agricultural show. Will Porterhouse finally fulfil his dream of be…

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S3E1 – The Lightning Premiership 43:37

3+ y ago43:37

43:37

Why did the Bodgy Creek Community Podcast suddenly plunge into radio silence after taking out the Silver Medal for Best Comedy at the Australian Podcast Awards? What caused the disappearance of the Roosters Footy Club playing list, all club officials & the training bag of footies? Why is Matt Nelson trying to flog Aeroflot Flight Attendant Uniforms…

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S2E3 – Carols in the IGA Car Park 57:40

4y ago57:40

57:40

How do you get invited to the Conger Creek Hotel Dickhead’s Christmas Lunch? Will Snap Printing take out the local business, Mt. Gurlie Giant Bauble Roll for the second year running? Is Poplarville the only regional town to adopt the principles of German Expressionism & Immersive theatre in their community Nativity Play? Join Troy Carrington & the …

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S2E2 – The Caxton Valley Podcast Festival 58:18

4y ago58:18

58:18

The unfortunate cancellation of the Caxton Valley Podcast Festival sees Troy Carrington extend a collegial hand & play excerpts from other podcasts produced in the region, including – Extreme Scrapbooking with Pauline, Mary Mary Stationary & Tyler Talks to his Dead Dad Bryan. Meanwhile Warwick Randall describes the historical background of each of …