Bizarre with Mick Molloy and Titus O’Reily

Bizarre with Mick Molloy and Titus O’Reily

Mick Molloy and Titus O’Reily are always on the lookout for a bizarre story. The harder to believe, the better.

Yet all these stories are true, even if many of them shouldn’t be.

Every Monday they delve into the world of sport with Sports Bizarre, and every Wednesday they turn their eye to the Animal Kingdom in Animal Bizarre.

From teammates who swapped wives to a crypto-investing hamster, one thing we guarantee if they are all bizarre.

You can also become a member of Bizarre Plus and receive a bonus episode every week, plus other benefits.

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Resumen del episodio

Titus O'Reilly interviews author and photographer Ronan O'Connell about his book, 'Hidden in Plain Sight,' which uncovers the untold histories of famous global landmarks. The conversation explores how O'Connell uses his journalism background to reveal extraordinary stories often overlooked by mainstream media, such as the underground Cult of Mithras in Rome and espionage involving Mata Hari at the Eiffel Tower. The episode also delves into the violent history of 19th-century Kyoto, examining the guerrilla warfare waged by masterless samurai known as Ronin against US intervention. The discussion concludes by reflecting on the importance of physical travel to expand one's perspective beyond digital screens.

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Destacados

I had that background in journalism of actually looking for stories all the time, trying to find little threads that would create something unusual.

00:02:19 · Ronan O'Connell explains how his experience as a crime and politics reporter shaped his approach to travel writing.

while there was gladiators battling in the Colosseum and there was all this violence going on, right next door there was these cult members that were in this underground lair where they were performing naked rituals

00:15:14 · The speaker highlights the contrast between the public spectacles of the Colosseum and the secret activities of the Mithraic cult nearby.

the Germans felt that if they could get access to her, that they would then be able to get access to these powerful men.

00:21:22 · This explains the strategic motivation behind the German intelligence service recruiting Mata Hari as a spy.

And so basically their calling card became decapitation.

00:29:15 · The speaker explains the extreme and violent method used by the Ronin to spread fear in Kyoto.

So they lost the battle, but arguably they won the war in that just after, within a few months of their campaign kind of ending, Japan's military government was actually toppled, and Japan returned then to a period of imperial rule.

00:32:15 · The speaker notes the paradoxical outcome where the violent uprising achieved its political goal despite losing the combat.

Episodios

316-

The Bizarrest Places in the World with Ronan O'Connell - Bizarre

Titus O'Reilly interviews author and photographer Ronan O'Connell about his book, 'Hidden in Plain Sight,' which uncovers the untold histories of famous global landmarks. The conversation explores how O'Connell uses his journalism background to reveal extraordinary stories often overlooked by mainstream media, such as the underground Cult of Mithras in Rome and espionage involving Mata Hari at the Eiffel Tower. The episode also delves into the violent history of 19th-century Kyoto, examining the guerrilla warfare waged by masterless samurai known as Ronin against US intervention. The discussion concludes by reflecting on the importance of physical travel to expand one's perspective beyond digital screens.

21 oct. 2026
315-

The History of Basketball Part 2 - Sports Bizarre

This episode explores the origins and early evolution of basketball, tracing James Naismith's journey from adapting outdoor sports to inventing a new game based on 'Duck on a Rock.' The narrative details the implementation of the original rules, the accidental determination of the ten-foot hoop height, and the chaotic nature of the sport's first experimental games. The discussion further covers the rapid global expansion of basketball through the YMCA and church networks, the standardization of equipment via Albert Spalding, and the eventual development of women's basketball and netball.

18 oct. 2026
314-

The Invention of Basketball Part 1 - Sports Bizarre

The episode traces the evolution of various sports, including tennis, football, and golf, before focusing on the life of James Naismith, the inventor of basketball. It details Naismith's tragic childhood hardships in Canada and his transition from farm work to studying at McGill University. The narrative explores how Naismith reconciled his religious devotion with his passion for athletics through the YMCA. The episode concludes with the pivotal moment in 1890 when, tasked with entertaining trainees during a harsh winter, Naismith designed a completely new indoor sport: basketball.

13 oct. 2026
313-

The History of the Bathurst 1000 - Sports Bizarre

Titus O'Reilly and Mick Malloy welcome motorsport historian Aaron Noonan to explore the rich history of the Bathurst 1000. The conversation delves into the origins of the Mount Panorama circuit, which was famously pitched as a scenic drive to secure funding during the Great Depression, and traces the evolution of the race from its early days at Phillip Island to its status as a cultural phenomenon driven by manufacturer competition. The episode examines the intense rivalry between Ford and Holden, the rise of V8 dominance, and the legendary status of drivers like Peter Brock and Alan Moffat. The discussion also recounts iconic, controversial moments in racing lore, such as Jim Richards' famous 1992 podium outburst and the wilder, more chaotic era of spectator culture at the track.

05 oct. 2026
312-

The Brawl at the Sydney Opera House - Sports Bizarre

Titus O'Reilly interviews author Anthony Cox about the 'lost decade' of Australian boxing between 1975 and 1985. The discussion explores chaotic historical moments, including a brawl at the Sydney Opera House involving promoters John Singleton and Tommy Raudonikis, and high-stakes matches held during the extreme heat of Ash Wednesday. The episode also delves into the eccentric side of the sport, such as Mick O'Brien's transition from professional fighting to promoting mud and jam wrestling tours. Finally, Cox discusses his research process for documenting boxing legends and provides an optimistic outlook on the current state of Australian boxing.

30 sep. 2026