Did You Know...?

Darryl Atkins, Zac Atkins
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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.

  1. 12/07/2025

    #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 waves.

    27 min

  2. 11/18/2025

    #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 preserving culture in a rapidly growing city.

    41 min

  3. 08/19/2025

    #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.

    38 min

  4. 08/11/2025

    #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.

    29 min

  5. 07/28/2025

    #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, power, and ambition.

    29 min

  6. 07/21/2025

    #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.

    29 min

  7. 07/14/2025

    #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.

    39 min

  8. 07/07/2025

    #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 population are convicts? What do you prioritise when everything is scarce? Join us as we unpack the chaos, compromises, and clever decisions that laid the groundwork for modern Australia.

    31 min
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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 question at a time.

Information

  • Creator
    Darryl Atkins, Zac Atkins
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    16
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Darryl Atkins, Zac Atkins
  • Show Website
    Did You Know...?