About this episode

The episode explores the host's journey of discovering his family history and the interplay of nature and nurture in shaping identity.

I'm adopted and – while I come from colourful characters who roamed from Ireland and England to Western Australia, Lord Howe Island and Sydney, via South Africa and the Western Front – I didn't know *any* of this family history before tracking down my birth mother in 2018! How much are we the product of nature and how much of nurture? How much of our lives is choice and chance? My family reunion story does come with some startling coincidences. See Forgotten Australia live! "Crashes, Chases and Crooks in Melton History" – as part of the Melton Heritage Festival. More info and free tickets: https://libraryevents.melton.vic.gov.au/event?id=209608 Forgotten Australia supporters get early ad-free access to all episodes, along with bonus shows and a podcast shout-out. To access a free trial, use these links and follow the easy steps. Cancel before the free-trial ends and you won't be charged. Continue to support from as little as $3 per month. Cancel any time. Patreon: patreon.com/forgottenaustralia Apple: apple.co/forgottenaustralia Want more original Australian history? Check out my books! They’ll Never Hold Me…

People in this episode

Host: Michael Adams

Topics covered

• adoption
• family history
• nature vs nurture
• coincidences
• personal story
• identity

Keywords

• adoption
• family reunion
• nature vs nurture
• personal history
• identity
• coincidences

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: They’ll Never Hold Me, The Murder Squad, Hanging Ned Kelly, Australia’s Sweetheart

Places: Ireland, England, Western Australia, Lord Howe Island, Sydney, South Africa, Western Front

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• Our First Olympic Hero – Part One: An Aussie’s Greek Odyssey · April 13, 2026 · 41 min

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