Bizarre with Mick Molloy and Titus O’Reily

Sports Bizarre Podcast with Mick Molloy and Titus O'Reily

Bizarre with Mick Molloy and Titus O’Reily is an Australian-produced podcast that explores unusual and often unbelievable true stories from the worlds of professional sport, the animal kingdom, and criminal history. Hosted by veteran comedian and radio personality Mick Molloy alongside author and sports satirist Titus O’Reily, the program focuses on narrative-driven accounts of eccentric historical events and contemporary oddities.

The show originally launched as *Sports Bizarre*, a series dedicated to deep dives into the weirdest moments in athletic history. These stories cover a broad spectrum of disciplines, ranging from the chaotic origins of the Tour de France and Olympic fencing duels to the off-field antics of professional cricketers and the management style of iconic figures like George Steinbrenner. Each Monday, the hosts unpack these sporting legends, emphasizing the human eccentricities and unlikely circumstances that define them.

The podcast has since expanded its scope to include two additional themed segments. *Animal Bizarre*, typically released on Wednesdays, examines strange biological phenomena and unusual human-animal interactions, such as crypto-investing hamsters or rogue rodeo bulls. More recently, the series has introduced *Crime Bizarre*, which investigates high-stakes heists and complex legal mysteries, such as the Great Bookie Robbery.

The format is conversational, blending Molloy’s comedic delivery with O’Reily’s detailed research. While the subject matter is frequently absurd, the program maintains a factual basis, highlighting the reality of events that often appear fictional. Produced under the LiSTNR network, the podcast publishes multiple times per week. A premium subscription service known as Bizarre Plus is also available, offering members weekly bonus episodes, early access to live show tickets, and access to a members-only archive.

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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
315-

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
314-

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
313-

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