PodcastsHistoryThe StickyBeak

The StickyBeak

Monika O'Hanlon
The StickyBeak
Latest episode

142 episodes

  • The StickyBeak

    How Pride Began: The Riot That Changed the World

    16/06/2026 | 26 mins.
    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.
  • The StickyBeak

    What REALLY Happens on Hens Nights (And Where It All Started)

    09/06/2026 | 11 mins.
    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.
  • The StickyBeak

    Drag Kings: The Forgotten History of Drag’s Most Overlooked Performers

    02/06/2026 | 29 mins.
    Drag queens have long dominated mainstream drag culture — from RuPaul’s Drag Race to club nights, brunches, and bingo shows. But Drag Kings have always been part of drag history too… they’ve just rarely been given the spotlight.
    In this episode of The StickyBeak, Monika explores the hidden history and modern resurgence of Drag Kings — performers who have been challenging gender norms and shaping queer performance culture since the 1800s.
    From vaudeville stages and underground cabaret to punk shows and queer club nights, Drag Kings have been here all along.
    Monika speaks with three incredible Drag Kings from the US about their artistry, their journeys, and what it means to build visibility in a drag scene that has historically centred drag queens.
    This episode explores Drag Kings, drag history, queer culture, gender performance, and the evolution of drag as an art form.

    HUGE thank you to...

    Buck Wylde : IG @buckwylde_dragking

    Hannibal Lickher : IG @hannibal.lickher

    Prinze Valentino : IG @ Prinze_valentino

    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.
  • The StickyBeak

    The Guillotine: The Shocking History of the World’s Deadliest Execution Machine

    27/05/2026 | 11 mins.
    This week on The StickyBeak, we dive into the shocking history of the guillotine — one of the most infamous execution machines ever created.
    Born out of the chaos of the French Revolution, the guillotine was designed as a “humane” method of execution. But what followed was anything but simple. It quickly became a symbol of terror, justice, and mass public spectacle, used to carry out executions on an unprecedented scale.
    In this episode, we explore how and why the guillotine was invented, how it became central to revolutionary France, and why it still fascinates (and horrifies) us today. From its surprisingly bureaucratic origins to its brutal legacy, this is the story of how a machine changed the meaning of death itself.
    If you’re interested in dark history, true crime, or the strange inventions that shaped the world, this episode is for you.

    🎉 Big news! The StickyBeak will be returning 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.
  • The StickyBeak

    Pet Psychics: Can They Really Read Your Pet’s Mind?

    19/05/2026 | 33 mins.
    Ever wondered if animals can really communicate with humans on a psychic level? In this fascinating episode of The StickyBeak, Mon sits down with Cynthia, a professional pet psychic and animal communicator, to explore the strange world of pet telepathy, energy reading, and the hidden thoughts of our furry companions.
    Can pet psychics really read your pet’s mind? Are animals trying to tell us something? And why do so many people swear these readings changed their lives? Whether you’re a skeptic, believer, or simply curious, this episode is packed with surprising stories and thought-provoking insights.

    Thank you to Cynthia for coming on the pod!

    You can follow her here:
    Instagram:
    TikTok: @lilmisspetpsychic
    Instagram: @lilmisspetpsychic @nydognanny

    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: 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.
More History podcasts
About The StickyBeak
In this weekly series, journalist Monika O'Hanlon speaks with extraordinary people and delves into interesting topics and historical events. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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