The StickyBeak

What happens when women become the clients — and men become the product?In this episode of The StickyBeak, Monika O’Hanlon goes behind the scenes of Her Confidant, Australia’s first male escort agency, founded by Anna Grosman.While conversations about sex work often focus on female sex workers, male escorts and the women who hire them offer a fascinating and rarely explored perspective. Through Anna’s story, we explore female sexuality, male escorts, intimacy, emotional connection, loneliness, pleasure and the changing dynamics of sex work.What are women actually paying for when they hire a male escort? Is it sex, companionship, confidence, intimacy — or something else entirely?With warmth and curiosity, this episode explores the realities of male escorting and sex work in Australia, as well as the stigma and double standards that can surround women’s sexual desire.This is a conversation about sex, intimacy, power, loneliness and what happens when women are finally given permission to be the ones doing the choosing.Note: This episode is told largely from a heteronormative perspective. Monika acknowledges the gaps and would love to explore women-on-women pleasure, queer sex work and LGBTQIA+ experiences of intimacy in a future episode.Thanks to Anna Grosman for jumping on the pod. You can find out more about Her Confidant here: https://herconfidant.com.au/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 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.comINSTAGRAM: @thestickybeakpodcastTIKTOK: @thestickybeakpodcastFACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/listen.with.mon

What if one of the most recognisable faces in first aid was based on a real person?In this episode of The StickyBeak, we’re diving into the surprisingly strange and fascinating story behind Resusci Anne, the CPR training mannequin used to teach generations of people how to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).You might know her as the “resuscitation doll” or the woman behind the famous “The Resuscitation Man” story — but the origins of her mysterious face go somewhere much darker.From a mysterious death in 19th-century France to the development of the CPR training mannequin we know today, this is the story of how an unidentified woman became one of the most reproduced faces in the world.It’s a sad story, but there’s something strangely beautiful about what came from it: a face associated with death ultimately became a symbol of saving lives.So, take a deep breath… and let’s get into the story of Resusci Anne.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.comINSTAGRAM: @thestickybeakpodcastTIKTOK: @thestickybeakpodcastFACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/listen.with.mon

What if your most meaningful romantic or sexual relationship wasn't with another person—but with yourself?In this episode of The StickyBeak, Mon explores autosexuality and autoromanticism—identities where romantic or sexual attraction is directed inward rather than toward others. While these identities are often misunderstood, they offer a fascinating perspective on love, intimacy, relationships and self-connection.You'll hear from Ghia Vitale, who shares what it really means to be autosexual and autoromantic, what self-romance looks like in everyday life, and the misconceptions they've encountered. Together, we explore how these identities challenge conventional ideas about attraction, sexuality, self-love and human connection.Whether you've never heard of autosexuality before or you're curious to learn more, this conversation offers an open-minded and thought-provoking look at one of the lesser-known identities on the sexuality spectrum.In this episode:What autosexuality and autoromanticism meanCommon myths and misconceptionsWhat self-romance actually looks likeHow attraction, intimacy and relationships can take many different formsWhy understanding diverse identities helps us rethink love and connectionIf you enjoy conversations that challenge assumptions and explore the fascinating diversity of human experience, be sure to follow The StickyBeak and leave a rating or review—it helps more curious listeners discover the show.Autosexuality 101: http://www.quailbellmagazine.com/the-real-20/autosexuality-101-the-autosexual-cheat-sheetA massive thank you to Ghia Vitale.Keep up with her happenings on Instagram @angel0fthe0ddCheck out her website: https://angeloftheodd.comQuail Bell Magazine: http://www.quailbellmagazine.com 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.comINSTAGRAM: @thestickybeakpodcastTIKTOK: @thestickybeakpodcastFACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/listen.with.mon

Salt is something most of us sprinkle on our chips without giving it a second thought. But what if I told you this humble white crystal helped shape empires, start wars, build trade routes and change the course of human history?In this episode of The StickyBeak, we're diving into the fascinating history of salt and uncovering why it was once one of the most valuable commodities on Earth. Long before supermarkets and table salt, entire civilizations depended on it for survival, food preservation and wealth. In some places, people were even paid in salt, giving rise to the word "salary."From ancient Egypt and the Roman Empire to medieval Europe and beyond, discover how salt influenced exploration, economics, politics and everyday life. It's one of those everyday ingredients hiding an extraordinary story.If you love weird history, surprising facts and the hidden stories behind ordinary things, this episode is for you.In this episode:Why salt became one of history's most valuable resourcesHow salt helped build powerful civilizationsThe surprising origin of the word "salary"Why nations fought over saltHow this everyday ingredient changed the world foreverIf you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to follow The StickyBeak and leave a rating or review—it really helps more curious listeners discover the show.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.comINSTAGRAM: @thestickybeakpodcastTIKTOK: @thestickybeakpodcastFACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/listen.with.mon

What does it take to become India's first and only female sumo wrestler?This week on The StickyBeak, we're revisiting one of the podcast's most memorable early episodes: an inspiring conversation with Hetal Dave, the trailblazer who broke barriers to become India's first female sumo wrestler.Growing up in Mumbai, Hetal pursued a sport traditionally dominated by men and went on to represent India on the international stage. Her remarkable journey of determination, resilience and challenging cultural expectations has inspired countless people—and even became the subject of a biopic.In this episode, Hetal shares what it was like to enter the world of sumo wrestling, the obstacles she faced, how she trained, and what it means to be a pioneer in one of the world's oldest sports.As Hetal joins us from the heart of Mumbai, you may hear a little background noise throughout the conversation—but we think it adds to the atmosphere and makes you feel like you're right there with us.If you're fascinated by unusual sports, inspiring women, world cultures, or incredible true stories, this is an episode you won't want to miss.Follow Hetal Dave:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sumodidii/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.comINSTAGRAM: @thestickybeakpodcastTIKTOK: @thestickybeakpodcastFACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/listen.with.mon

Have you ever wondered why the world's most prestigious restaurant awards are called Michelin Stars?It all begins with a tyre company... and one of the world's most recognisable mascots.Long before he became an advertising icon, the Michelin Man — also known as Bibendum — was helping motorists discover new places to visit. What started as a simple travel guide designed to encourage people to drive more eventually evolved into the famous Michelin Guide, transforming the world of fine dining forever.In this episode of The StickyBeak, Monika uncovers the surprising true history of the Michelin Man, explores the origins of the Michelin Guide, and reveals how a company best known for making tyres became the most influential name in global gastronomy.It's a bizarre, fascinating story filled with clever marketing, unexpected history, and one of the greatest branding successes of all time.If you've ever wondered where Michelin Stars came from, this is the episode for you.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.comINSTAGRAM: @thestickybeakpodcastTIKTOK: @thestickybeakpodcastFACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/listen.with.mon

What is it like to step inside the last tent boxing show in the world?In this episode of The StickyBeak, Monika travels to Nambour on Queensland's Sunshine Coast to experience the legendary Fred Brophy's Boxing Troupe — a uniquely Australian attraction that has been entertaining crowds for generations.Part history podcast, part documentary, and part personal adventure, this episode explores the fascinating world of tent boxing, a rough-and-ready tradition that dates back to Australia's travelling carnivals and outback shows. You'll hear the remarkable story of Fred Brophy, who was born into carnival life and has spent decades keeping this extraordinary piece of Australian history alive.Featuring real audio recorded inside the boxing tent, Monika takes you behind the canvas walls to discover what really happens when everyday people climb through the ropes and face off in front of a live crowd.From the colourful history of Australian tent boxing to the sights, sounds, and characters that make Fred Brophy's Boxing Troupe so iconic, this episode offers a rare glimpse into a disappearing tradition that may not be around for much longer.🎧 In this episode:• The history of Australian tent boxing• The story of Fred Brophy and his famous Boxing Troupe• Life inside a travelling carnival• Real audio from inside the boxing tent• Why this uniquely Australian tradition is fighting to surviveIf you're interested in Australian history, Queensland culture, boxing, travelling shows, unusual subcultures, or hidden corners of Australia, this is an episode you won't want to miss.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.comINSTAGRAM: @thestickybeakpodcastTIKTOK: @thestickybeakpodcastFACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/listen.with.mon

This week on The StickyBeak, we're revisiting one of our most fascinating and talked-about episodes: the surprising history of glory holes.While many people associate glory holes with modern adult culture, their story stretches much further back than you might expect. From their mysterious origins and underground history to the myths, legends, and social forces that helped shape them, this episode explores a little-known corner of human culture that is both strange and surprisingly complex.Join Monika as she takes a curious, non-judgmental look at the history of glory holes, uncovering how they evolved, why they became popular, and what they can tell us about secrecy, sexuality, and society.Whether you're here out of curiosity, historical interest, or simply because the title caught your eye, this is one eye-opening journey you won't forget.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.comINSTAGRAM: @thestickybeakpodcastTIKTOK: @thestickybeakpodcastFACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/listen.with.mon