In the Victorian era, mourning wasn’t just an emotion — it was a way of life. From black veils and funeral etiquetteto hair jewellery and post-mortem photography, grief became an art form — and death, a thriving industry.

In this episode of The StickyBeak, Monika O’Hanlon dives into the darkly fascinating world of Victorian mourning culture — a time when death was public, ritualistic, and deeply personal.

Monika is joined by Al, a U.S.-based collector of Victorian mourning artifacts, who shares eerie insights into the era’s most curious traditions. Together, they uncover:

• Why Victorians were so obsessed with death and the afterlife
• The fear of being buried alive — and the strange inventions to prevent it
• The meaning behind mourning jewellery made from human hair
• How grief became both a fashion statement and a social expectation

From superstition to sentimentality, this episode explores how Victorian mourning rituals reveal more about life than death itself.

A HUGE thanks to Al for taking the time to have a chat. Follow her here:

INSTAGRAM: @al_curio

TIKTOK: @al_curio

This episode was brought to you by Tüt, toilet lid stickers to zhuzh up your toot. Because every throne needs a crown.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/tutdeco/

🎉 Big news! The StickyBeak is about to go to two episodes a week!

• Wednesdays: Your regular deep dive into the weird, wonderful, and wonderfully strange stories from around the world.
• Mondays: A brand-new episode all about YOUR stories — the wild, funny, and outrageous confessions you send in.

Got a story to share? Be a StickyBeak and submit it here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScK_D0b6Cp7WAKDq4thfd4EZNrXJPba1C2r9VZkxptxbYmJtA/viewform! 🦜

Got an Idea for the Podcast?

I’d love to hear from you! If there’s a topic you’d like me to explore or someone you think would make a great guest, flick me a message.

EMAIL: [email protected]

INSTAGRAM: @thestickybeakpodcast

TIKTOK: @thestickybeakpodcast

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/listen.with.mon

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For centuries, the legend of Vagina Dentata—the “toothed vagina”—has terrified and fascinated cultures around the world. Tales of flesh-shredding femmes fatales and man-eating wombs aren’t just scary stories—they reveal deep truths about power, sexuality, fear, and control.

In this episode of The StickyBeak, we dive into the origins of Vagina Dentata, from ancient myths and cautionary folklore to its enduring presence in modern pop culture. Discover how this chilling legend has been used as both a warning and a metaphor, and uncover the hidden messages behind the myth.

Whether you’re a fan of folklore, feminist myth analysis, or just love a story with bite, this episode will leave you thinking—and maybe laughing—about the stories we tell about sex, power, and fear.

💀 Listen now and sink your teeth in!

This episode was brought to you by Tüt, toilet lid stickers to zhuzh up your toot. Because every throne needs a crown.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/tutdeco/

🎉 Big news! The StickyBeak is now two episodes a week!

• Wednesdays: Your regular deep dive into the weird, wonderful, and wonderfully strange stories from around the world.
• Mondays: A brand-new episode all about YOUR stories — the wild, funny, and outrageous confessions you send in.

Got a story to share? Be a StickyBeak and submit it here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScK_D0b6Cp7WAKDq4thfd4EZNrXJPba1C2r9VZkxptxbYmJtA/viewform! 🦜

Got an Idea for the Podcast?

I’d love to hear from you! If there’s a topic you’d like me to explore or someone you think would make a great guest, flick me a message.

EMAIL: [email protected]

INSTAGRAM: @thestickybeakpodcast

TIKTOK: @thestickybeakpodcast

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/listen.with.mon

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Herpes is one of the most common — and most misunderstood — sexually transmitted infections in the world. In Australia, around 1 in 8 sexually active adults has genital herpes… and the real number is likely much higher.

So why is there still so much shame and stigma around something so ordinary? And what does living with herpesactually look like today?

In this episode of The StickyBeak, I speak with Allie, a certified Herpes Coach and founder of Beyond Herpes, who helps people navigate diagnosis, disclosure, and dating with confidence.

Allie opens up about her own story — from getting herpes to transforming her experience into empowerment — and shares insight into what life with herpes is really like.

This episode is raw, informative, and empowering — whether you have herpes, know someone who does, or just want to replace fear with facts.

A huge thank you to Allie for her openness and wisdom.

You can find her work here 👇

🌐 Website: livebeyondherpes.com

📱 Instagram: @allie_beyond

This episode was brought to you by Tüt, toilet lid stickers to zhuzh up your toot. Because every throne needs a crown.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/tutdeco/

🎉 Big news! The StickyBeak is now two episodes a week!

• Wednesdays: Your regular deep dive into the weird, wonderful, and wonderfully strange stories from around the world.
• Mondays: A brand-new episode all about YOUR stories — the wild, funny, and outrageous confessions you send in.

Got a story to share? Be a StickyBeak and submit it here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScK_D0b6Cp7WAKDq4thfd4EZNrXJPba1C2r9VZkxptxbYmJtA/viewform! 🦜

Got an Idea for the Podcast?

I’d love to hear from you! If there’s a topic you’d like me to explore or someone you think would make a great guest, flick me a message.

EMAIL: [email protected]

INSTAGRAM: @thestickybeakpodcast

TIKTOK: @thestickybeakpodcast

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/listen.with.mon

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week’s episode, I sit down with Mark Gardener, AKA the “Accidental Exorcist.” Mark shares how he found himself in the unexpected world of exorcism, what his work entails, and the fascinating—and sometimes chilling—stories from his unique career.

As we touch on some heavier topics, including a discussion about suicide, if you're not feeling up to it, maybe skip this episode. And if you feel like you need to speak with a professional, get in touch with lifeline here: https://www.lifeline.org.au/

Whether you're a skeptic or a believer, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Fun fact: Mark’s extraordinary story even inspired a movie!

Disclaimer: While we discuss intriguing claims in this episode, such as miraculous healings, I wasn’t able to find solid evidence to verify these. Keep an open mind, but approach these with curiosity and caution.

This episode was brought to you by Tüt, toilet lid stickers to zhuzh up your toot. Because every throne needs a crown.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/tutdeco/

🎉 Big news! The StickyBeak is now two episodes a week!

• Wednesdays: Your regular deep dive into the weird, wonderful, and wonderfully strange stories from around the world.
• Mondays: A brand-new episode all about YOUR stories — the wild, funny, and outrageous confessions you send in.

Got a story to share? Be a StickyBeak and submit it here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScK_D0b6Cp7WAKDq4thfd4EZNrXJPba1C2r9VZkxptxbYmJtA/viewform! 🦜

Got an Idea for the Podcast?

I’d love to hear from you! If there’s a topic you’d like me to explore or someone you think would make a great guest, flick me a message.

EMAIL: [email protected]

INSTAGRAM: @thestickybeakpodcast

TIKTOK: @thestickybeakpodcast

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/listen.with.mon

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There’s an hour of the day when cheaters creep in. A place where people go to chase their wildest desires. And an eight-second rule that can totally change the course of someone’s life—maybe even end it.

Today, we’re stepping inside one of Europe’s largest brothels with Catherine De Noire—a woman who’s seen it all. You might already recognize her from social media, where her posts have gone gangbusters, but now she’s pulling back the curtain on what really goes on behind closed doors.

We dive into:

🔥 What it’s actually like managing a high-end brothel

😱 The wildest client requests she’s ever received

⏳ The infamous 8-second rule and why it’s so important

... and SO much more.

Catherine is insightful, warm, and completely unfiltered—this is one episode you don’t want to miss!

Thank you so much to Catherine for taking the time to have a chat. Follow her here:

INSTAGRAM: @Catherine_de_noire

TIKTOK: @Kate.denoire

This episode was brought to you by Tüt, toilet lid stickers to zhuzh up your toot. Because every throne needs a crown.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/tutdeco/

🎉 Big news! The StickyBeak is now two episodes a week!

• Wednesdays: Your regular deep dive into the weird, wonderful, and wonderfully strange stories from around the world.
• Mondays: A brand-new episode all about YOUR stories — the wild, funny, and outrageous confessions you send in.

Got a story to share? Be a StickyBeak and submit it here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScK_D0b6Cp7WAKDq4thfd4EZNrXJPba1C2r9VZkxptxbYmJtA/viewform! 🦜

Got an Idea for the Podcast?

I’d love to hear from you! If there’s a topic you’d like me to explore or someone you think would make a great guest, flick me a message.

EMAIL: [email protected]

INSTAGRAM: @thestickybeakpodcast

TIKTOK: @thestickybeakpodcast

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/listen.with.mon

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on The StickyBeak we'r revisiting an episode with the one and only, Arron Jones, AKA The Rockstar Magician.

We cover everything from why Arron became a magician to how the magic industry works, as well as some pretty wild stories - on that note if there are kids around, I'd recommend wearing headphones or saving this episode for a bit later. This is truly a magical conversation, you're going to love it.

A HUGE thank you to Arron Jones for coming on the pod.

Follow him on socials here:

INSTAGRAM: @therockstarmagician

TIKTOK: @therockstarmagician

WEBSITE: arronjones.co.uk

This episode was brought to you by Tüt, toilet lid stickers to zhuzh up your toot. Because every throne needs a crown.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/tutdeco/

🎉 Big news! The StickyBeak is now two episodes a week!

• Wednesdays: Your regular deep dive into the weird, wonderful, and wonderfully strange stories from around the world.
• Mondays: A brand-new episode all about YOUR stories — the wild, funny, and outrageous confessions you send in.

Got a story to share? Be a StickyBeak and submit it here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScK_D0b6Cp7WAKDq4thfd4EZNrXJPba1C2r9VZkxptxbYmJtA/viewform! 🦜

Got an Idea for the Podcast?

I’d love to hear from you! If there’s a topic you’d like me to explore or someone you think would make a great guest, flick me a message.

EMAIL: [email protected]

INSTAGRAM: @thestickybeakpodcast

TIKTOK: @thestickybeakpodcast

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/listen.with.mon

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Things are getting a little spooky today, because we’re going to hear from a real life GHOST HUNTER! That’s right, I was lucky enough to chat with the lovely Lauren – who actually taught me so much. She explains things really well and has also documented some pretty creepy situations. 

Find Lauren on social media here...

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/hauntinglauren/

YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@LaurenIsDawsomex

You can also find the company Lauren is a guide for, Haunted Heritage HERE.

This episode was brought to you by Tüt, toilet lid stickers to zhuzh up your toot. Because every throne needs a crown.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/tutdeco/

🎉 Big news! The StickyBeak is now two episodes a week!

• Wednesdays: Your regular deep dive into the weird, wonderful, and wonderfully strange stories from around the world.
• Mondays: A brand-new episode all about YOUR stories — the wild, funny, and outrageous confessions you send in.

Got a story to share? Be a StickyBeak and submit it here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScK_D0b6Cp7WAKDq4thfd4EZNrXJPba1C2r9VZkxptxbYmJtA/viewform! 🦜

Got an Idea for the Podcast?

I’d love to hear from you! If there’s a topic you’d like me to explore or someone you think would make a great guest, flick me a message.

EMAIL: [email protected]

INSTAGRAM: @thestickybeakpodcast

TIKTOK: @thestickybeakpodcast

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/listen.with.mon

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode was a special listener request from Ryan in New South Wales — and we’re diving into the fascinating origins of the Frisbee! 🥏

From backyard games to global phenomenon, discover how this simple flying disc came to capture the hearts of millions, the surprising history behind its invention, and the quirky stories that made it iconic.

Whether you’re a casual player, a sports enthusiast, or just love weird and wonderful history, this episode will have you seeing the Frisbee in a whole new way.

🎧 Listen in and get ready to have your mind thrown by the amazing story of the Frisbee!

This episode was brought to you by Tüt, toilet lid stickers to zhuzh up your toot. Because every throne needs a crown.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/tutdeco/

🎉 Big news! The StickyBeak is now two episodes a week!

• Wednesdays: Your regular deep dive into the weird, wonderful, and wonderfully strange stories from around the world.
• Mondays: A brand-new episode all about YOUR stories — the wild, funny, and outrageous confessions you send in.

Got a story to share? Be a StickyBeak and submit it here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScK_D0b6Cp7WAKDq4thfd4EZNrXJPba1C2r9VZkxptxbYmJtA/viewform! 🦜

Got an Idea for the Podcast?

I’d love to hear from you! If there’s a topic you’d like me to explore or someone you think would make a great guest, flick me a message.

EMAIL: [email protected]

INSTAGRAM: @thestickybeakpodcast

TIKTOK: @thestickybeakpodcast

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/listen.with.mon

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I’ve got a bit of an interesting one for you today. I’m speaking with Adam from Grave Line tours in LA.

We do go into lots of detail in the ep but basically it’s a murder tour. And it’s one of those things which I feel a bit weird about… But a the same time, I consume true crime content.

So it’s a bit of a funny one, and we do speak about the ethics of running this sort of business, but I’ll tell you what – Adam really knows his stuff, and these tours are more than just gory moments – it’s the history of one of the most interesting cities on the planet.

Now you’ve probably already clocked it, we are speaking about some pretty heavy and graphic topics, if you’re not feeling up to it, maybe save this episode for another time.

I really enjoyed this conversation, and I hope you do to…. Here’s Adam.

Grave Line Tours

INSTAGRAM: @gravelinetours

WEBSITE: www.graveline.rip

This episode was brought to you by Tüt, toilet lid stickers to zhuzh up your toot. Because every throne needs a crown.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/tutdeco/

🎉 Big news! The StickyBeak is now two episodes a week!

• Wednesdays: Your regular deep dive into the weird, wonderful, and wonderfully strange stories from around the world.
• Mondays: A brand-new episode all about YOUR stories — the wild, funny, and outrageous confessions you send in.

Got a story to share? Be a StickyBeak and submit it here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScK_D0b6Cp7WAKDq4thfd4EZNrXJPba1C2r9VZkxptxbYmJtA/viewform! 🦜

Got an Idea for the Podcast?

I’d love to hear from you! If there’s a topic you’d like me to explore or someone you think would make a great guest, flick me a message.

EMAIL: [email protected]

INSTAGRAM: @thestickybeakpodcast

TIKTOK: @thestickybeakpodcast

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/listen.with.mon

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mermaids have captivated human imagination for millennia. These mysterious beings, half-human and half-fish, have appeared in the myths and legends of cultures around the world, from the ancient seas of Mesopotamia to the icy waters of the North Atlantic. But where did these stories come from? What inspired our ancestors to create such enchanting and sometimes terrifying beings? 

This episode was brought to you by Tüt, toilet lid stickers to zhuzh up your toot. Because every throne needs a crown.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/tutdeco/

Got an Idea for the Podcast?

I’d love to hear from you! If there’s a topic you’d like me to explore or someone you think would make a great guest, flick me a message.

EMAIL: [email protected]

INSTAGRAM: @thestickybeakpodcast

TIKTOK: @thestickybeakpodcast

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/listen.with.mon

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.