The StickyBeak

In the early 1980s, one of the most chaotic toy crazes in history took hold: Cabbage Patch Kids.
These weren’t ordinary dolls. Each one came with a name, a “birth certificate,” and official adoption papers — turning a children’s toy into something that felt strangely personal, almost like a real child.
What followed was unprecedented. Parents fought in department stores during the Christmas rush of 1983, with demand so extreme it led to riots, injuries, and nationwide media coverage. Priests and religious commentators questioned whether the dolls were appropriate for children, while conspiracy theories quickly emerged about their origins and meaning.
But behind the frenzy lies a far more complicated story.
Long before mass production and billion-dollar sales, there were handmade soft-sculpture dolls created by artist Martha Nelson Thomas, whose work some believe formed the inspiration for what would become the Cabbage Patch empire. Her role — and the question of credit and ownership — remains one of the most debated parts of the story.
This episode of The StickyBeak explores the true history of Cabbage Patch Kids — from their unusual beginnings and explosive rise to fame, to the cultural panic, lawsuits, and legacy they left behind.
It’s a story about nostalgia, consumer obsession, and how a simple toy became one of the most talked-about phenomena of the 1980s.

Thank you to Stephania Blum from Cabbage Patch Boutique: IG - @cabbagepatchboutique

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: thestickybeakpodcast@outlook.com
INSTAGRAM: @thestickybeakpodcast
TIKTOK: @thestickybeakpodcast
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/listen.with.mon
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What is it like to step inside the last tent boxing show in the world?
In this episode of The StickyBeak, Monika travels to Nambour on Queensland's Sunshine Coast to experience the legendary Fred Brophy's Boxing Troupe — a uniquely Australian attraction that has been entertaining crowds for generations.
Part history podcast, part documentary, and part personal adventure, this episode explores the fascinating world of tent boxing, a rough-and-ready tradition that dates back to Australia's travelling carnivals and outback shows. You'll hear the remarkable story of Fred Brophy, who was born into carnival life and has spent decades keeping this extraordinary piece of Australian history alive.
Featuring real audio recorded inside the boxing tent, Monika takes you behind the canvas walls to discover what really happens when everyday people climb through the ropes and face off in front of a live crowd.
From the colourful history of Australian tent boxing to the sights, sounds, and characters that make Fred Brophy's Boxing Troupe so iconic, this episode offers a rare glimpse into a disappearing tradition that may not be around for much longer.

🎧 In this episode:
• The history of Australian tent boxing
• The story of Fred Brophy and his famous Boxing Troupe
• Life inside a travelling carnival
• Real audio from inside the boxing tent
• Why this uniquely Australian tradition is fighting to survive
If you're interested in Australian history, Queensland culture, boxing, travelling shows, unusual subcultures, or hidden corners of Australia, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

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: thestickybeakpodcast@outlook.com
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're revisiting one of our most fascinating and talked-about episodes: the surprising history of glory holes.
While many people associate glory holes with modern adult culture, their story stretches much further back than you might expect. From their mysterious origins and underground history to the myths, legends, and social forces that helped shape them, this episode explores a little-known corner of human culture that is both strange and surprisingly complex.
Join Monika as she takes a curious, non-judgmental look at the history of glory holes, uncovering how they evolved, why they became popular, and what they can tell us about secrecy, sexuality, and society.
Whether you're here out of curiosity, historical interest, or simply because the title caught your eye, this is one eye-opening journey you won't forget.

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: thestickybeakpodcast@outlook.com
INSTAGRAM: @thestickybeakpodcast
TIKTOK: @thestickybeakpodcast
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/listen.with.mon
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why do we celebrate Pride Month? Where did Pride begin? And how did a protest become one of the world's biggest celebrations of LGBTQ+ identity and culture?
In this special Pride Month episode of The StickyBeak, Monika explores the fascinating history of Pride, from the pivotal events that sparked the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement to the colourful traditions and symbols that have become part of queer culture today.
Along the way, you'll discover surprising stories, lesser-known moments from LGBTQ+ history, and hear from some absolute legends whose lives and experiences help bring the story of Pride to life.
Whether you're part of the LGBTQ+ community or simply curious about the history behind Pride parades, rainbow flags, and the fight for equality, this episode is a celebration of resilience, visibility, community, and the people who helped change the world.

Here’s a list of support organisations and resources for the LGBTQIA+ community and allies in Australia:

QLife
- Website: (https://www.qlife.org.au/)
- Description: Provides anonymous and free LGBTQIA+ peer support and referral via phone and web chat.
- Phone: 1800 184 527

Minus18
- Website: (https://www.minus18.org.au/)
- Description: Youth-led organization focused on improving the lives of LGBTQIA+ youth through education, events, and resources.

Black Rainbow
- Website:(https://www.blackrainbow.org.au/)
- Description: An advocacy platform and support network for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LGBTQIA+ people.

Queer Organizations for Being a Good Ally (Australia-Wide)

PFLAG Australia
- Website: [pflag.org.au](https://www.pflag.org.au/)
- Description: A support network for parents, families, and friends of LGBTQIA+ people.

The Equality Project
- Website: [theequalityproject.org.au](https://www.theequalityproject.org.au/)
- Description: Focuses on creating a more inclusive and equal Australia through education, training, and advocacy.

Queer Organizations for Educational Resources (Australia-Wide)

The Pinnacle Foundation
- Website: (https://thepinnaclefoundation.org/)

Twenty10
- Website: (https://www.twenty10.org.au/)
- Description: Provides support services, including housing, mental health, and social support for LGBTQIA+ young people.

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: thestickybeakpodcast@outlook.com
INSTAGRAM: @thestickybeakpodcast
TIKTOK: @thestickybeakpodcast
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/listen.with.mon
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Before the sashes, strippers, and wild party antics, hens nights had deep cultural and historical roots. In this episode of The StickyBeak, Monika O’Hanlon explores the fascinating history of hens nights — from ancient Greek rituals and goddess worship to today’s modern bachelorette parties.
Discover how pre-wedding traditions have evolved across cultures, including sacred dances, symbolic hair offerings, and community celebrations leading up to marriage. We dive into how hens nights became what they are today — from meaningful rituals to karaoke-fuelled chaos.
This episode also explores feminist perspectives on hens parties, the rise of alternative and inclusive celebrations, and how queer communities are redefining what a hens night can look like in 2026.
If you’ve ever wondered where hens nights came from, how they changed over time, or what they say about modern relationships and identity, this episode is for you.
Heartfelt, funny, and occasionally a little bit cheeky (yes, there are penis-shaped props involved).

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: thestickybeakpodcast@outlook.com
INSTAGRAM: @thestickybeakpodcast
TIKTOK: @thestickybeakpodcast
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/listen.with.mon
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.