Tall Tales & True ABC Podcasts

The best of Australian storytelling... true stories, told live, from the mountains to the sea, across the desert and right around Australia. This season we're talking about strangers and how planned or unexpected encounters can turn our lives upside down. You'll hear five stories about those we invite into our homes, those we can't keep out... and others whose suggestions take us far from our comfort zones.

Veteran Northern Territory broadcaster Charlie King is the son of two people from very different worlds and a consummate storyteller. After arriving in Darwin by bicycle, Charlie's 19-year-old father, from a well-to-do Victorian family, became ill and ended up in hospital where he met his bride-to-be, a Gurindji woman. Charlie's Dad was determined their different backgrounds wouldn't keep them apart. This story was first told at SPUN Stories, a live storytelling podcast created in Darwin, hosted by Jess Ong with production by Johanna Bell.

Midnight footsteps on a central staircase and a misplaced baby. New South Wales ABC TV newsreader Juanita Phillips was someone who didn't believe in ghosts or haunted houses... until she lived in one. A seriously rattled mother-in-law finally sparked a call for help. Enter ghost whisperer Pat, courtesy of a spiritualist church in Sydney.

This story was first told at The Full Catastrophe, a live storytelling event at Giant Dwarf, Sydney.

Working on a boat off an island in the West Australian Kimberley region, Dave Pears learns a lesson about relying on the care of strangers. Stung by a blue-ringed octopus while making his way to the toilet, he manages to get to a house where the occupants and his crew mates must take action to save his life.

The last day of the school term can be exhausting for parents, kids and teachers alike. For ABC broadcaster Sarah Macdonald, the last day of school was particularly memorable. It started with her leaving a tin full of Afghan money at the school office and ended with police being called amid fears of a terror attack.

This story was first told at The Full Catastrophe, a live storytelling event at Giant Dwarf, Sydney.

The best of Australian storytelling... true stories, told live, from the mountains to the sea, across the desert and right around Australia. This season we're talking about strangers and how planned or unexpected encounters can turn our lives upside down. You'll hear five stories about those we invite into our homes, those we can't keep out... and others whose suggestions take us far from our comfort zones.