PODCAST · history
Did You Know...?
by Darryl Atkins, Zac Atkins
Join a curious son and his history-obsessed dad as they uncover the wild, surprising, and often untold stories of Australia’s past. From convict ships and legendary explorers, to historic figures and forgotten heroes, this father-son duo unpacks the moments that shaped a nation, one curious question at a time.
Episodes
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#17- Macquarie Part One - The Man Before the Myth
Macquarie Bank. Macquarie University. Macquarie Street. His name is everywhere, but who was the man behind it? Before he became the Governor who left his mark across an entire colony, Lachlan Macquarie was a soldier carving out a career across India and Egypt. In this first instalment of our deep...
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#16 - A Sirius Story, Anchored in History
An anchor stands silent in Macquarie Place Park—but its story is anything but quiet. Join us as we uncover the dramatic final voyage of HMS Sirius, the lifeline of the First Fleet, and how its sinking sent shockwaves through a struggling colony. A story of hope, hardship, and history beneath the...
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#15 - Phil Russo: Protecting Parramatta’s Past
In this episode of Did You Know?, we chat with Phil Russo, former Deputy Mayor and Parramatta City Councillor, about his life, his time in office, and his passion for protecting the city’s heritage. Phil also reflects on his ongoing support for local Indigenous communities and the importance of...
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#14 - Across the Empire - Gareth’s Take on Aussie History
We welcome Gareth, a British history buff, to share his perspective on Australia’s past. From classroom lessons in the UK to the significance of our story today, we explore how history connects us across continents.
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#13 - Convicts, Captains, and Crossroads
In this episode, we explore four remarkable figures from the early colony, Henry Dod, James Ruse, Captain Watkin Tench, and Arabanoo. From the first farms to first contacts, we uncover their stories, struggles, and legacies in shaping Australia’s beginnings.
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#12 - The Fleets, the Farms, and the Families
In this episode, we explore the shift inland to Parramatta and why it became the new heart of the colony. We break down the arrival of the Second and Third Fleets, the challenges they brought, and how families like the Macarthurs and Wentworths began shaping the colony’s future through land…
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#11 - The Push to Parramatta
With Sydney Cove’s soil failing and hunger rising, the colony looked inland. This episode explores why the early settlers were forced to move up the Parramatta River—and how this shift laid the foundations for farming, survival, and expansion.
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#10 – The First Year: Survival and Struggle
In this episode, we dive into the tough early days of Australia’s first European settlement. From food shortages and harsh conditions to makeshift justice and fragile leadership, hear how the fledgling colony fought to survive its first year at Sydney Cove.
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#9 - Rules, Rations, and Rough Beginnings
With Botany Bay in the rearview, the First Fleet has landed—now what? In this episode, we explore the early days of settlement at Sydney Cove. Governor Arthur Phillip faces the daunting task of turning a penal colony into a functioning society. How do you impose law and order when most of your...
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#8 - Where the First Fleet Really Landed
January 1788: The First Fleet arrives at Botany Bay… and almost immediately regrets it. In this episode, we follow Governor Arthur Phillip as he sizes up the sandy disappointment of Botany, then sails north in search of something better. What he finds is the deep harbour and freshwater of Port...
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#7 - The Voyage of the First Fleet
In this episode, we follow the epic journey of the First Fleet as it sets sail from Portsmouth in 1787, bound for the unknown continent of New South Wales. From cramped convict quarters to stormy seas and tense stopovers, we trace the fleet’s 8-month voyage across the globe, all leading to their...
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#6 - Sir Joseph Banks - The Botanist Who Sailed the World
In this episode, we uncover the fascinating life of Sir Joseph Banks, the adventurous botanist who joined Captain Cook aboard the Endeavour. From exotic plants in Tahiti to scientific breakthroughs that reshaped Europe’s view of the natural world, discover how Banks became one of history’s most...
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#5 - Cook Part Four - Charting New Worlds
In the final chapter of our four-part series on Captain James Cook, we follow his journey as he sets sail from Tahiti, charts the coastlines of New Zealand, and becomes the first European to map the east coast of Australia. From encounters with Indigenous peoples to shipwrecks on the Great…
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#4 - Cook Part Three - Voyage into the Unknown
In this episode, we follow Captain James Cook as he sets sail from England on his very first voyage aboard the Endeavour. From navigating treacherous Atlantic waters to his arrival in the South Pacific, we explore the journey that took Cook and his crew halfway around the world. Hear about the...
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#3 - Cook Part Two - The Cartographer of Québec
Before he became a Pacific legend, James Cook was mapping coastlines in the cold waters of Canada. In this episode, we dive into Cook’s pivotal role during the Siege of Québec, where his precision charting helped the British gain a decisive edge. From icy rivers to military maneuvers, we explore...
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#2 - Cook Part One - Humble Beginnings
Join us as we explore the early life of Captain James Cook, from his humble beginnings in rural England to the start of his seafaring journey. In this episode, we dive into the events and decisions that shaped the man who would go on to chart unknown lands and leave a lasting mark on history.
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#1 - The Origins of Convict Transportation
Why did Britain start sending convicts to the other side of the world?In this debut episode, a curious son asks his dad the big question: how did convict transportation to Australia begin? Together, they explore the social chaos of 18th-century Britain, the overcrowded prisons, and the surprising...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Join a curious son and his history-obsessed dad as they uncover the wild, surprising, and often untold stories of Australia’s past. From convict ships and legendary explorers, to historic figures and forgotten heroes, this father-son duo unpacks the moments that shaped a nation, one curious question at a time.
HOSTED BY
Darryl Atkins, Zac Atkins
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Did You Know...? have?
Did You Know...? currently has 17 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Did You Know...? about?
Join a curious son and his history-obsessed dad as they uncover the wild, surprising, and often untold stories of Australia’s past. From convict ships and legendary explorers, to historic figures and forgotten heroes, this father-son duo unpacks the moments that shaped a nation, one curious...
How often does Did You Know...? release new episodes?
Did You Know...? has 17 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Did You Know...??
You can listen to Did You Know...? on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Did You Know...??
Did You Know...? is created and hosted by Darryl Atkins, Zac Atkins.
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