Bizarre with Mick Molloy and Titus O’Reily

Sports Bizarre with Mick Molloy and Titus O'Reily

Bizarre with Mick Molloy and Titus O’Reily is an Australian podcast production that explores the unconventional and often absurd margins of history, athletics, and the natural world. Hosted by veteran comedian and broadcaster Mick Molloy alongside author and satirist Titus O’Reily, the program utilizes a storytelling format to examine true events characterized by their eccentricity or improbability. The podcast operates on a bi-weekly release schedule, bifurcating its content into two distinct thematic pillars: Sports Bizarre and Animal Bizarre.

Every Monday, the hosts present Sports Bizarre, a segment dedicated to the obscure annals of athletic history. These episodes focus on events ranging from the chaotic 1904 Olympic Marathon to the professional lives of eccentric figures and the unexpected outcomes of international competitions. The narratives typically highlight the human element of sport, specifically instances where standard procedures or logic were abandoned in favor of the surreal.

On Wednesdays, the focus shifts to Animal Bizarre. This series investigates peculiar phenomena within the animal kingdom, documenting accounts such as the historical use of animals in unconventional military roles or contemporary stories of animals interacting with human technology and economies. Similar to the sporting segments, these episodes prioritize factual reporting while maintaining a narrative style that emphasizes the inherent strangeness of the subject matter.

Mick Molloy brings a background in Australian radio and television, providing a conversational framework for the research-driven insights of Titus O’Reily, who is known for his satirical books on sporting history. Together, they reconstruct these stories by focusing on details often overlooked by mainstream historical records. The production offers a premium subscription service titled Bizarre Plus, which provides listeners with additional weekly bonus episodes and extended content. The show serves as a specialized archive of narrative non-fiction, catering to audiences interested in trivia, historical oddities, and the intersection of human behavior with the unpredictable.

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Episode's summary

With basketball growing rapidly, people were contacting James Naismith to learn about the game; however, one misunderstanding would lead to the creation of an entirely new sport. If you’d like more Sports Bizarre, become a member of Bizarre Plus. Click here to join today As a member, you’ll get: A weekly bonus podcast Access to all past episodes Exclusive behind-the-scenes access Access to the members-only chatroom Ability to vote on future episodes Early access to any live show tickets See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episodes

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The History of Basketball Part 3 - Sports Bizarre

With basketball growing rapidly, people were contacting James Naismith to learn about the game; however, one misunderstanding would lead to the creation of an entirely new sport. If you’d like more Sports Bizarre, become a member of Bizarre Plus. Click here to join today As a member, you’ll get: A weekly bonus podcast Access to all past episodes Exclusive behind-the-scenes access Access to the members-only chatroom Ability to vote on future episodes Early access to any live show tickets See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

25 Oct 2026
316-

The Bizarrest Places in the World with Ronan O'Connell - Bizarre

Titus O'Reilly interviews author and photographer Ronan O'Connell about his book, 'Hidden in Plain Sight,' which uncovers the untold histories of famous global landmarks. The conversation explores how O'Connell uses his journalism background to reveal extraordinary stories often overlooked by mainstream media, such as the underground Cult of Mithras in Rome and espionage involving Mata Hari at the Eiffel Tower. The episode also delves into the violent history of 19th-century Kyoto, examining the guerrilla warfare waged by masterless samurai known as Ronin against US intervention. The discussion concludes by reflecting on the importance of physical travel to expand one's perspective beyond digital screens.

21 Oct 2026
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The History of Basketball Part 2 - Sports Bizarre

This episode explores the origins and early evolution of basketball, tracing James Naismith's journey from adapting outdoor sports to inventing a new game based on 'Duck on a Rock.' The narrative details the implementation of the original rules, the accidental determination of the ten-foot hoop height, and the chaotic nature of the sport's first experimental games. The discussion further covers the rapid global expansion of basketball through the YMCA and church networks, the standardization of equipment via Albert Spalding, and the eventual development of women's basketball and netball.

18 Oct 2026
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The Invention of Basketball Part 1 - Sports Bizarre

The episode traces the evolution of various sports, including tennis, football, and golf, before focusing on the life of James Naismith, the inventor of basketball. It details Naismith's tragic childhood hardships in Canada and his transition from farm work to studying at McGill University. The narrative explores how Naismith reconciled his religious devotion with his passion for athletics through the YMCA. The episode concludes with the pivotal moment in 1890 when, tasked with entertaining trainees during a harsh winter, Naismith designed a completely new indoor sport: basketball.

13 Oct 2026
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The History of the Bathurst 1000 - Sports Bizarre

Titus O'Reilly and Mick Malloy welcome motorsport historian Aaron Noonan to explore the rich history of the Bathurst 1000. The conversation delves into the origins of the Mount Panorama circuit, which was famously pitched as a scenic drive to secure funding during the Great Depression, and traces the evolution of the race from its early days at Phillip Island to its status as a cultural phenomenon driven by manufacturer competition. The episode examines the intense rivalry between Ford and Holden, the rise of V8 dominance, and the legendary status of drivers like Peter Brock and Alan Moffat. The discussion also recounts iconic, controversial moments in racing lore, such as Jim Richards' famous 1992 podium outburst and the wilder, more chaotic era of spectator culture at the track.

05 Oct 2026