Mystifying Melbourne

02/11/2023

Gosh! Mystifying Melbourne's last-ever show. What a wild ride it has been! I'll be lamenting and crooning tonight about the wonderful time I've had over the years.

We also have two subjects on tonight's menu. As asked by a regular listener (thank you), during the first half of the show, there will be a mini-deep dive on Frederick Valentich. Frederick disappeared in 1978 while flying across the Bass Strait. Still unsolved, there are strong theories about UFOs.

In the second half of the show, I have an interview to share with you with Bridie Fennessy, General Manager of Distribution Services at Yarra Valley Water. We discuss what weird and strange things they have found in the sewer and a PSA about what can and can't go down the sink and the toilet.

Absolutely surreal that this is the last show, and I want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart for joining me on this journey. It has meant so much to me.

And for those that have asked, below you'll find the link to listen back to the radio play! Enjoy.

I'll catch you tonight, my friends, on 102.7fm.

Yes, I smooshed some photos together for a little MM collage. I couldn't help myself! xx

https://www.rrr.org.au/explore/programs/live-at-rrr/episodes/26804-live-at-rrr-writhe-to-air

26/10/2023

Tonight, I invite you to embark on a captivating journey through Melbourne's early twentieth century, a world steeped in mystery with phrenologists and spiritualists.

Our special guests, Dr. Alexandra Roginski and Professor Andrew Singleton, share fascinating insights into their upcoming talk, "An Evening of Mystery in the Eastern Arcade: Phrenologists & Spiritualists," as they unveil some enigmatic stories of this era.

I have a fabulous two-part interview where we dive deep into the lives of phrenologists and spiritualists in early twentieth-century Melbourne. We chat about this unique world, meet intriguing characters, and explore the world of quirky theatrics that were often associated with these roles.

"An Evening of Mystery in the Eastern Arcade: Phrenologists & Spiritualists" talk is being held on the 31st of October (Halloween!) at the Victorian Archives Centre in North Melbourne from 6.30pm - 7.30pm. Tickets are available through the link below. If you cannot make it in person, you can stream via Zoom.

https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/an-evening-of-mystery-in-the-eastern-arcade-phrenologists-spiritualists-tickets-715858842067

Catch you tonight, my friends on 102.7fm

Photo lifted from the event page.

12/10/2023

PSA!!!!

A while back, I pitched an idea to the powers that be over at Triple R to bring a radio play to life. Believe it or not, they embraced the concept with open arms and said, 'Let's do it!'

Fast forward to next Friday, October 20th 7pm, as part of the Fringe Festival, we're all set for something truly special - a Live to Air radio play event featuring an exceptional lineup of Triple R broadcasters.

The feeling of creating something and sharing it with the world is wild, and I can't wait to share this experience with you. Picture a classic 1940s suspense style, complete with live Foley on stage!
You can snag your tickets through the Melbourne Fringe Festival website at this link: https://melbournefringe.com.au/event/writhe-to-air/

All you amazing Triple R subscribers: you've got a shot at scoring a double pass via rrr.org.au.

If you can't make it to the live performance, fret not! We'll be broadcasting it live, and you can also catch it on-demand via radio. So mark your calendars, spread the word, and travel back to the late 1940s.
https://www.rrr.org.au/events/live-at-rrr-writhe-to-air

"Writhe to Air" is a unique fictionalised horror radio play that draws inspiration from Melbourne's history and honours the golden era of radio.Our story takes place in the 1940s and follows Ronnie, a nondescript and disgruntled radio station broadcaster who longs for a better time slot. Determined....

12/10/2023

Who *is* haunting Heidi?! That is the question!

Tonight's featured guest is the Head Gardner of the Heidi Museum of Modern Art - David Murphy. David has created a special Halloween-themed event -turned 'whodunnit' called "Who's Haunting Heidi?" David will take participants on a twilight talk and walking tour of the Heide gardens and cottage, the original home of museum founders John and Sunday Reed. He will delve into the spookier aspects of Heide’s history and share some lesser-known stories and even some unexplained sightings.

The Halloween event has sold out but never fear! Another event has been added due to popular demand on the 28th of October. Head to https://www.heide.com.au/events to nab yourself a ticket.

We also touch on what it is like being Head Gardner of such a unique and significant space. 6.5 Hectares of land- that's no easy feat!

In the show's second half, I'll be chatting a bit about the origins of Friday the 13th by listener request.

Catch you tonight my friends on 102.7m.

Photo- Heidi cottage by David Murphy

04/10/2023

Interviewing Rose Chong Costumes has been at the top of my list for quite some time. Yesterday, I had the absolute pleasure of speaking with Rose herself. Rose Chong Costumes holds a special place in the community as the longest-standing store on Gertrude Street in Fitzroy. We delved into the rich history of Rose Chong Costumes, reminisced about the Gertrude Street scene in the late 1970s, and explored the enchanting world of transformative costumes.

I'll be sharing our interview tonight, beginning 12.30 a.m.

Catch you tonight my friends on 102.7fm!

Rose Chong costumes outdoor photo from Timeout.

28/09/2023

You asked for it, so here we are! Thank you for your listener requests.

We have a captivating conversation lined up tonight, delving into the enchanting world of the Lido Cinema in Hawthorn. I'm thrilled to be joined by the incredibly passionate and effervescent Cassidy, who will share her fascinating journey to becoming the General Manager of the Lido Cinema. We'll explore the cinema's rich and vibrant history, as well as some of the truly one-of-a-kind events it hosts.

Catch you tonight at midnight, my friends on 102.7m

Photo from The Lido’s FB page.

21/09/2023

Hello, my champions!

It's a bit busy in Aisha-land at the moment so I won't be making it into the studio tonight. You'll have a wonderful fill-in host and I'll be back with you next week 🦇🦇

14/09/2023

You heard it right, folks! It's a phone-in show! I'll give you some prompts to call in throughout the first hour. Your topics for this evening are:

-What is the most 'peak' Melbourne thing you've ever seen or experienced?
-What are some Melbourne urban legends you've heard that you want to share?
And just to throw a corker in the mix:
-Do you think we are the only intelligent life forms out there?

If you want to share your thoughts and do not want to chat on air or on the phone - that is completely a-okay! You are welcome to text in at any time throughout the evening or send me a DM on here.

Catch you tonight on 102.7fm

07/09/2023

Why, hello there, my glorious people!

Tonight we have a mini deep-dive on the Point Nepean Quarantine Station as requested by a listener (thank you!), and during the second half, some cheeky X-minus One Radio play action!

A big thank you all for your subscriptions during Radiothon. It's still on! Head to rrr.org.au to subscribe. Come and join the cool gang xx

Images courtesy of ABC and Parks Victoria.

Catch you tonight at midnight on 102.7fm

31/08/2023

It’s educational! X

We love learning about the weird and mysterious side of Melbourne with Aisha every Thursday night. If you do too – subscribe and donate to Mystifying Melbourne!

Triple R – It's Educational!

29/08/2023

With Mystifying Melbourne's first foray onto the airwaves back in 2019, I did not think we would be here - on its third Radiothon! It's such a thrill and honour to present this show each week as we peek into the crevices of Naarm's quirkiness.

This year's theme is 'It's Educational' - a throwback to the beginnings of the R's, and I like to think that Mystifying Melbourne embodies that theme each and every week - I love to get the cogs turning! I hear from listeners every show about the topics we explore with their thoughts and curiosities. It's such a special place, and I thank everyone for tuning in and spending time with me.

I wasn't a fan of school - not my jam. I was the token "weird kid" in school- then progressed to token “goth kid” in my high school (not that you can tell by this picture, that came a bit later!) - but let's just say being different wasn't exactly encouraged at the time, nor really understood.

3RRR is the total opposite of that. It's a beacon of magic, the weird and wonderful, and much more. I learn something every day from tuning in. We are supported, challenged and cheered on - on all levels! - As listeners, vols and broadcasters. I can say wholeheartedly that tiny Aisha in this photo would be so proud and stoked for current Aisha.

If you're in the position to subscribe or donate this year, please do so. We gotta keep this grand thing going.

Head over to rrr.org.au

PS- for this weeks Radiothon show I'm preparing a fun little quiz for you all! Make sure you tune on in x Catch you Thursday night!

24/08/2023

Ben Pobjie is back on Mystifying Melbourne this evening, giving us the down-low on his new book "100 Weirdest Tales From Across Australia". It's always such a delight! We chat all things weird and wonderful ranging from the Gippsland Panther to Cricketers.

100 Weirdest Tales From Across Australia is out now through Affirm Press.

Catch you tonight, my friends on 3RRR.

17/08/2023

Oh my gosh, hello!

So excited to be back in the studio with you tonight. I cannot wait to come out and hang with you all. A massive thanks to Oliver Coleman for taking the reins while I've been in NZ. What marvellous fill-in shows.

This evening we have two stories - one more urban legend/ folklore from America with some hints of arriving in Melbourne. The second is based in Box Hill as we touch on some unique and semi-dark history. A slight content warning tonight as the mention of death and su***de in the second half of the show (albeit briefly).

Catch you tonight on 102.7fm!

20/07/2023

Hello, my wonderful folks,

I need to skedaddle over to The Land of the Long White Cloud for a bit, but I'll be back in a few weeks!

You'll have some wonderful fill-in hosts to keep you company and I'll be back before you know it. 🦇✨

13/07/2023

Hey, my champions.

It's a music show tonight so strap yourself in for an (as always), wild ride. We'll be back to regular MM programing next week!

Catch you tonight on 102.7fm

06/07/2023

Oh, hello there!

We've got a fascinating interview tonight with featured guest artist and creator Honi Ryan, all about the Silent Dinner project, which is currently on at Project8 Gallery in Melbourne.

The Silent Dinner Project, initiated by Honi Ryan, is a truly unique dining experience designed to cultivate mindfulness and deeper connection through the absence of verbal communication.

Participants are strongly encouraged not to talk while sharing a meal, fostering a space for reflection, heightened sensory awareness, and meaningful connections beyond words.

I have a two-part interview to share with you tonight as we delve into the inspiration behind Honi's Silent Dinners, her creative process, and the profound impact this experience has on participants.

You can book now for the next Silent dinner, which is coming up on the 14th of July. Honi is also presenting a floor talk at 3pm this Saturday at Project8 Gallery.

https://www.silentdinner.net/rsvp

I'll catch you tonight, my friends!