In this weekly series, journalist Monika O'Hanlon speaks with extraordinary people and delves into interesting topics and historical events. Hosted on Acast. Se...
What would you do for money? No, really... have you ever found yourself in a job you never expected to be doing? Perhaps it was something outside your comfort zone, something people judged you for, or maybe it just paid really well.This week, we’re sitting down with Zane Robinson, better known in the adult film industry as Elliot Finn. Zane made a name for himself as a performer in gay films, despite identifying as straight. The self-proclaimed “only straight bottom,” Zane found a niche that worked for him… even if the world didn’t quite understand.This conversation isn’t just about the sex industry, labels or what happens on set. It’s about identity, perception, and the choices we make to build the life we want. Thank you to Zane Robinson for taking the time to have a chat. Follow him here:INSTAGRAM: @theelliotfinnGot 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.INSTAGRAM: @thestickybeakpodcastTIKTOK: @thestickybeakpodcastFACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/listen.with.mon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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41:16
Victorian Mourning
In the Victorian era, mourning wasn’t just an emotion—it was a lifestyle. Strict rules dictated everything from what you wore to how long you could grieve, and death itself became a booming industry. From black-bordered stationery to post-mortem photography, the Victorians found ways to keep the dead close, even weaving their hair into intricate jewelry. But mourning wasn’t just about remembrance—it was a reflection of deep-seated fears, societal expectations, and, in some cases, pure superstition.In this episode, I’m joined by Al, a US-based collector who specializes in Victorian mourning artifacts. Together, we explore the eerie beauty of these relics, the paranoia of being buried alive, and the fascinating ways people tried to reach beyond the grave.A HUGE thanks to Al for taking the time to have a chat. Follow her here:INSTAGRAM: @al_curioTIKTOK: @al_curioIf you'd like to hear more about collecting the strange and the unusual you should check out my chat with Nick Bowman, the episode is called Collector of the Macabre. You can listen here.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.INSTAGRAM: @thestickybeakpodcastTIKTOK: @thestickybeakpodcastFACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/listen.with.mon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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45:27
Herpes Coach
Herpes is one of the most misunderstood and stigmatized STIs, yet in Australia, 1 in 8 sexually active adults has genital herpes— and the actual number is likely much higher. But why does the stigma persist when it’s so common? And how can people navigate a diagnosis in a way that feels empowering rather than shameful?This week on The StickyBeak, I sit down with Allie, a herpes coach and founder of Beyond Herpes, to talk about her journey—from receiving her own diagnosis to becoming an advocate for education, empowerment, and destigmatisation. Allie shares:🔹 Her personal story—how she got herpes and why she decided to help others🔹 The reality of living with herpes—why every experience is different, and why treatment is a personal choice🔹 Common misconceptions—what people get wrong about herpes and what the stats really say🔹 The role of faith in healing—how Allie, as a Christian, reconciles her beliefs with sex, sexuality, and stigma🔹 How to take back control—practical tips for managing herpes, dating with confidence, and breaking the shame cycleThis episode is insightful, uplifting, and packed with useful information, whether you have herpes, know someone who does, or just want to understand it better.A HUGE thank you to Allie for coming on the pod. To get in touch or keep up with her, follow the links below 👇WEBSITE: livebeyondherpes.comINSTAGRAM: @allie_beyondGot 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.INSTAGRAM: @thestickybeakpodcastTIKTOK: @thestickybeakpodcastFACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/listen.with.mon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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46:54
The Exorcist
In this week’s episode, I sit down with Mark Gardener, AKA the “Accidental Exorcist.” Mark shares how he found himself in the unexpected world of exorcism, what his work entails, and the fascinating—and sometimes chilling—stories from his unique career.As we touch on some heavier topics, including a discussion about suicide, if you're not feeling up to it, maybe skip this episode. And if you feel like you need to speak with a professional, get in touch with lifeline here: https://www.lifeline.org.au/Whether you're a skeptic or a believer, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Fun fact: Mark’s extraordinary story even inspired a movie!Disclaimer: While we discuss intriguing claims in this episode, such as miraculous healings, I wasn’t able to find solid evidence to verify these. Keep an open mind, but approach these with curiosity and caution.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. INSTAGRAM: @thestickybeakpodcastTIKTOK: @thestickybeakpodcastFACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/listen.with.mon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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57:53
The Hare Krishna Movement
What happens when you die? It’s a question as old as humanity itself, and for the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON)—more commonly known as the Hare Krishna movement—the answer is deeply intertwined with their spiritual philosophy.In this fascinating episode of The StickyBeak, Mon revisits an interview from her 2020 series Dying with Mon to share an engaging and thought-provoking conversation with Bhakta Dasa, a Minister of Religion for ISKCON who serves the Vaisnava Hindu community. Bhakta Dasa provides a unique insight into what Hare Krishnas believe happens when we shuffle off this mortal coil and how their spiritual practices shape their views on life, death, and the afterlife.Get in touch if you'd like to suggest an idea for an episode or just to say G'day <3INSTAGRAM: @thestickybeakpodcastTIKTOK: @thestickybeakpodcastFACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/listen.with.mon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this weekly series, journalist Monika O'Hanlon speaks with extraordinary people and delves into interesting topics and historical events. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Australia