Tales from Rat City
Dedicated to uncovering the forgotten stories of Ballarat’s dark and bizarre past, we are an award-winning podcast series. Our period is roughly 1850 – 1920s, a period that’s easily researched thanks to the extensive digitisation of newspaper archives.
David Waldron
David, the co-host on each episode, is a folklorist and historian with Federation University. He specialises in popular legends and urban folklore, with a particular focus on the Ballarat region. His work has encompassed a wide range of fascinating topics, and in many ways this podcast is a highlights reel of the most interesting stories unearthed in his extensive research.
David has written several books, most recently the excellent Goldfields & the Gothic. His books can be bought online.
Tom Hodgson
Tom’s work as a journalist has taken him around the globe, but he eventually chose to make Ballarat his home when he fell in love with Ballarat’s rich history and architecture. With a background in radio, audio production, writing and editing – Tom develops scripts for the episodes, co-hosts, and does the technical stuff.
Tom helped set up Ballarat Frolic Festival, Ballarat’s Queer Festival. He also writes at Insert Wisdom.
Katrina Hill
Katrina is an experienced and talented performer with extensive experience in the 1800s Goldfields period.
On Tales from Rat City, Katrina brings her considerable experience in the performing arts & 1800s life to cast and direct our actors in accurately portraying the era. Katrina also performs in our episodes.
