Loose Units: The Podcast

Icelandic witches, weird zombie rituals, and pants made from dead people. It’s a super-grisly Icelandic folklore edition of Loose Ends! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A cemetery the size of a suburb, a procession of a hundred cars following you, a dead body in the back, and wife of the departed running out of oxygen. What could possibly go wrong? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can you smother a person to death, then get water into their lungs to make it look like a drowning? And why on Earth would you WANT to? It's time for a violent, speculative and hilarious episode of Loose Ends! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A nervous, inept minister who has crossed paths with young John before nearly does something truly terrible. That’s right: the Anglican minster who flings holy water and rocks up at the Catholic masses to wreak havoc is back, and this time… there’s a body on the line. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

John tells Paul about how to sort through a garbage bag full of pulverized dead person to find something you can actually fingerprint. It's time for a bloody, soupy, and very loose Father's Day episode of Loose Ends! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

John walks Paul through his worst day as a funeral director. A dead child, a secret stash of holy water, and several staggering funeral mistakes add up to make this a truly unforgettable day for young John. TRIGGER WARNING: Deceased children, SIDS. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

John and Paul revisit a tale involving Roger Rogerson, Sallie-Ann Huckstepp and penile rigor mortis. An accident on the Sydney Harbour Bridge leads to an unlikely meeting, and John's secret passion takes centre stage. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Finally, John goes supernatural. From a mysterious stranger who appears under the Verhoeven's house, to a dead person spontaneously sitting upright and making a horrifying sound, this is the first time Loose Units has gone paranormal. Its about to get seriously spooky, folks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's launch week for Electric Blue, so John and Paul discuss the release and the impending Zoom launch party! John talks the qualifications needed to join forensics, but he also tells Paul about what is involved putting make-up on dead people (and shaving them, too). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

To celebrate today's release of Electric Blue, Paul's new book based on John's real cases, John revisits a case which didn't make it into the book. A body has been found under deeply suspicious and odd circumstances, and John is sent in to figure out what happened. Strange fluid on the ceiling, sex toys everywhere, and something that just doesn't add up.All the various outlets selling Electric Blue, in hard copy, ebook and audiobook, are right here: https://bit.ly/2Y913Tg Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when John's Dad helps him carry a coffin at a potential mafia funeral? Can you cook popcorn inside a body being cremated? And what is the single strangest story from John's childhood, one which will haunt Paul FOREVER? It's time for Loose Ends! Also, get ready for the Electric Blue online launch party, 22nd of August! Tickets go on sale next week! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does embalming involve? Making the dead look alive, and keeping them preserved, seems like a subtle art. But as John learned one very odd day at the funeral home, it was a lot stranger, more complex and more visceral than he'd ever have suspected. It's time for an in-depth look at embalming, people. Strap in. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Loose Ends, John ends up in court embroiled in an art forgery case. No, seriously. He and Paul also discuss whether you'll be ending up with other people mixed in with your ashes after cremations, and there's some pretty odd talk about elves. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sure, John is an emergency services jack-of-all-trades. But what happened the first time he was trusted to conduct a funeral? The wheels fell off, that's what. Paul pries from his Dad an embarrasing tale of funerary woe, and then he and John discuss National Missing Persons Week. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when you scatter the wrong ashes? Do teddy bears get cremated with their owners? And what's it like to carry your Dad's ashes around with you? It's time for another episode of Loose Ends! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The death of a familiar character from Loose Units (the book) sees John fast-tracked from cleaning hearses to actively helping. But what was it like to be an ex-cop working at a cop's funeral? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Loose Ends, John and Paul discuss live-streaming funerals, how double plots work, and how sports fans might want their ashes used after they pass away. John also tells Paul what is apparently one of his finest jokes. Does it land? You be the judge. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, John and Paul discuss the funeral of John's Dad, Henk Verhoeven. What is it actually like to deal with a death in the family when you're the one helping organise it? They also discuss how to talk (or not talk) to people who've just lost someone.You can pre-order Electric Blue, the sequel to Loose Units, right now at Booktopia: https://t.co/YygJeGMVWB?amp=1 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's Loose Ends, John and Paul discuss the passing of Henk, John's father. They then burrow into a treasure trove of brilliant and hilarious funeral stories from their wonderful listeners, before weighing up whether or not Costco coffins and caskets are a bargain or a bust. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, there's an actual death in the family, which John and Paul discuss on the show. Then, John tells Paul about hearses, Paul makes some truly dumb jokes about his or hearse, and we begin our journey into John's time running a funeral home in the nineties. It's a fascinating, weird and heartbreaking episode of Loose Units: Dead Serious. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode of Loose Ends, John and Paul tease the coming season, hear a chilling tale from a listener’s first encounter with a dead body, and discuss the perils of minimalism. Then, John tells the legitimately horrifying story of his worst injury ever, and Paul and John announce a donation to a truly wonderful charity.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A brand new season of Loose Units is here. This season, John talks to Paul about his time running a funeral home, and in our first episode, you'll hear about the very first time John saw a dead body. You'll also hear about a funeral that almost goes very, very wrong.If you want to ask John and Paul any questions, you can head to facebook.com/looseunits and send a message. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Loose Ends, John and Paul discuss volunteer work, mental health care for emergency service workers, cops who won't take their helmets off... and John is finally forced to say The V Word. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Loose Units, John and Paul continue their look at bullying and suicide in the Emergency Services.If you're feeling vulnerable or triggered, or like you need to talk to someone, call Lifeline on 131114, or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636. You can also get in touch with the folks over at standbysupport.com.au. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

TW: SUICIDE. This week, we have a long overdue talk about bullying and suicide. John brings several very personal stories to the table, and Paul talks about his experiences being bullied. Part two will air next week.If you're feeling vulnerable or triggered, or like you need to talk to someone, call Lifeline on 131114, or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Loose Units: Hot Stuff Coming Through, we talk flaming rats, listener questions, using acid to get rid of bodies, and even what happens when a beloved brand of doll gets stuck where the sun doesn't shine. Prepare for a very odd, very special chat between Paul and John. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's bonus Loose Ends, John tells Paul that his grandma taught the Crossbow Killer, and they discuss whether there may have been any early warning signs. They also answer a fiery listener question, and delve into the difference between a synthetic and an ivory snooker ball, specifically ones stuck into bodily orifices! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Loose Units: Hot Stuff Coming Through, John talks Paul through some of the hazards that come with trying to keep a house warm during the winter. They chat about how heat can render a corpse impossible to identify, what happens when someone sits on a pavlova magic egg, and about fresh laundry busting into flames!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You heard us. An actual ghost story. This week's bonus episode of Loose Ends begins with a super-creepy tale, features a cracker of a listener question, has some talk about the upcoming Electric Blue release, and finishes with imagery so gross, Paul had to terminate the call! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Time for our Queen’s Birthday special episode of Loose Units! We talk watching the Royal Wedding overseas, which swiftly leads to a truly shocking story about Dad finding a body by the side of the road whilst living in Thailand. Paul and John then discuss the infamous 1992 Windsor Castle fire! It’s a jam-packed Queen’s Birthday episode, so grab some scones, string up some bunting and have a listen! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on our bonus Loose Ends, Paul and John discuss booby traps, what happens when firefighters enter an apartment and the occupant has no idea they’re there, and more! Paul and John even learn that they both harbor some truly odd, and embarrassing, bathroom secrets. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, John answers some sticky questions, leading he and Paul to some uncomfortable places... including how this ex-cop John would dispose of a dead body.Hypothetically, of course.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's Loose Ends, Christine comes on to tell about the time someone cut her brake lines. No, really. Also, John and Paul finally talk about that vital pillar of father-son relationships: the bad Dad joke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we return to stories about the police! John and Paul talk police scanners, breaking into police stations to steal uniforms and weapons, and what happens when someone takes an APC for a joyride. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

John and Paul talk about getting off your f*cking phone whilst driving, then they dive into stories about skydiving, basejumping and other hair-raising falls. They also talk, for some reason, about the logistics of catching a very, very heavy baby. And they even talk about how John would survive if he jumped out of a building. It's a hilarious, and truly stupid, episode of Loose Ends! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Loose Units, John and Paul follow a lead from last week's episode... and end up discussing John's weird link to a truly horrifying series of murders carried out by a disturbed individual. TRIGGER WARNING: Graphic violence. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Loose Ends, John and Paul talk antiques! John tells Paul all about his time as an antique dealer, about treasures hidden in furniture, and more weird tales. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, after a chronic case of the giggles, John and Paul talk back-burning. What is it, how does it work, and just how wrong can it go? John also talks Paul through a back-burning related incident which took place during his time helping run a funeral home.Don't forget: You can now pre-order Paul's second book based on John's stories, Electric Blue! Grab yours ahead of time right here: https://www.penguin.com.au/books/electric-blue-9781760897772 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Paul's sequel to Loose Units, ELECTRIC BLUE, is available for pre-order now! You can grab it right here: https://www.penguin.com.au/books/electric-blue-9781760897772 - and the boys discuss what it's like for Paul to have a second book about John hitting bookstores this father's day. They also talk about Paul and Tegan's car getting written off and their interactions with some truly lovely police, and John reveals that he once tried to create a kids book about a... wait. A talking sausage? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, John tells Paul a terrible story he was entrusted with involving an unspeakable tragedy that took place on the side of the road one morning many decades ago. It's a disturbing story which provokes a very intense talk between John and Paul about the responsibilities of people with jobs as high-stakes as firefighters. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's bonus episode of Loose Ends, Paul and John delve into spontaneous human combustion, John tells Paul a truly bizarre and eye-opening story about firemen rescuing a possum, and they get to the bottom of what being a "koala" really means! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Turns out that being a relief firefighter leads to some pretty weird nights at the station. In this revealing episode, John takes Paul through one weird night involving undies, KFC and a mysterious snooker room. he also reveals what it was really like moving from station to station, and explains to a horrified Paul one of his stupidest station Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this bonus phonecall episode, Paul and John discover that... yeah. John maybe DID drive an ambulance. He also tells Paul the story of the time he helped deliver a baby, and Paul confesses that maybe John didn't nail it when he named his son! It's a bumper bonus Loose Ends this week, and we hope you enjoy it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, at long last… arson. Why do arsonists light fires? John and Paul discuss the bizarre, terrifying and baffling motivations behind one of the worst crimes there is. John reveals some of the frightening practices of the most cunning arsonists, talks about arsonists who are also firefighters, and confesses to his first encounter with fire. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's bonus episode, John tells Paul some INCREDIBLE stories from his time working at the Sydney Opera House, and Paul gets grilled on why he doesn't have his drivers licence yet. They also talk about what happened when John got his very first speeding fine! It's a surprising, packed and frankly slightly spooky episode of LOOSE ENDS. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How many firefighters die on the job? How does CPR work? What emergency powers do firies get? This week on Loose Units, John tells Paul an array of fascinating stories, including one of his most grisly. They also discuss The Bootlicker, an infamous figure from the world of NSW firefighting.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Self isolation getting you down? Paul and John are here with a huge bonus Loose Ends! John tells Paul a very, very odd story about a mysterious rug, then they stray towards some proper forensic detective work. They also discuss Paul's upcoming book, the sequel to Loose Units! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ex-firefighter John and author son Paul talk ladders. Scaling these things to fight fires from terrifying heights was a huge part of John's job. But the scariest part of being a ladder driver? Maneuvering these incredibly cumbersome vehicles through city streets at high speed with the siren going. A scary, intense and hilarious episode of Loose Units: Hot Stuff Coming Through is here! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Locked inside? Bored? Restless? Don't worry, Paul and John are now doing weekly bonus episodes for you. Loose Ends is a phonecall from Paul to John, with your favourite Loose Units answering listener questions, no matter how bizarre. This week, some people smuggling, and a thrilling tale involving John's infamous red underpants. You won't want to miss this. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this thrilling and terrifying episode. John tells Paul what it’s actually like to crawl into the heart of a house on fire. They delve into what it’s like to have your firefighting efforts ambushed by arson, and about the time John donned a hazmat suit to deal with a chemical spill that could have killed him in the process Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.