
DISGRACELAND
Murder, infidelity, suicide, arson, overdose, religious cults, drug trafficking; this award winning podcast explores the alleged true crime antics and criminal connections of musicians we love like Jerry Lee Lewis, Jay Z, The Rolling Stones, Amy Winehouse, Tupac Shakur, the Grateful Dead, Sean "Diddy" Combs, Blondie and many more. Why? Because real rock stars are more like feral, narcissistic animals than functioning members of society and that is precisely what makes them so damn entertaining. If you love music history and you love true crime, then get ready to love this podcast. Welcome to DISGRACELAND, where these stories and more will grip you to the edge of your seat and cause you to binge episode after episode.DISGRACELAND publishes new, fully scripted, and sound-designed episodes every Tuesday and bonus episodes featuring listener voicemails, texts, and emails on Thursdays. Special "Rewind" episodes from our archive of over 230+ episodes are re-released on Fridays.DISGRACELAND is not a journalistic podcast. It is an entertainment podcast inspired by true events. Certain dialogue and scenes are sometimes fictionalized for dramatic purposes, as they are in most scripted entertainment based on true events. Sources and credits for each episode are available at www.disgracelandpod.com .To listen to DISGRACELAND ad-free and get access to an exclusive monthly episode, weekly bonus content, and more, become a Disgraceland All Access member at www.disgracelandpod.com/membership.
Latest episodes

Feb 11, 2025 • 43min
Louis Armstrong: Gangsters, the CIA, and Hot Music
Explore the surprising truth about Louis Armstrong, the jazz legend who influenced music and politics. Discover his connection to organized crime and a CIA coup in Africa. Learn how he used his platform for civil rights activism while facing racial discrimination. Delve into his dangerous performances that were shadowed by mob threats. This tale intertwines music, politics, and resilience, revealing Armstrong's dual life as a cultural ambassador and a man navigating a tumultuous social landscape.

Feb 6, 2025 • 40min
Bonus Episode: Strange Celebrity Deaths, Great Comedians, and Hot Takes
The discussion kicks off with Richard Pryor's shocking near-fatal incident that sparks thoughts on bizarre celebrity deaths. Tales of the strange demises of icons like Tennessee Williams and Isadora Duncan highlight the unsettling side of fame. A deep dive into Louis Armstrong reveals his unexpected ties to organized crime and hidden life. The hosts reflect fondly on legendary comedians like Robin Williams, emphasizing their cultural impact. Audience engagement shines as they share listener stories and insights into rock music legends.

6 snips
Feb 4, 2025 • 37min
Richard Pryor: Stabbing, Shooting, F***ing, Burning, and Freebasing
Dive into the tumultuous life of Richard Pryor, a comedic genius whose dark humor was shaped by personal pain. Discover the chaos behind his rise to fame, marked by addiction and brushes with death, including a harrowing moment of self-immolation. Explore his military experiences that influenced his comedy and the deeper struggles he faced growing up. This journey reveals the duality of genius, celebrating both his brilliance on stage and the battles he fought off it.

11 snips
Jan 30, 2025 • 41min
Bonus Episode: Are We Alone in the Universe?
This discussion dives into the tantalizing world of UFOs, the JFK assassination, and celebrity scandals like the Diddy case. It raises thought-provoking questions about conspiracy theories: Are they still captivating if proven true or false? The hosts share listener interactions, reminisce about nostalgic childhood music videos, and explore the unique stories that shape rock history. With a focus on personal connections to music and comedy, they invite fans to reflect on their own influential figures. Strap in for a ride through intrigue and nostalgia!

Jan 28, 2025 • 47min
Blink-182: Tom Was Right. Aliens Exist.
Discover how Tom DeLonge of Blink-182 shifted from punk rock to UFO hunting, challenging government secrecy and societal norms. The podcast dives into his personal struggles, including pivotal moments like a plane crash and a cancer diagnosis. Explore the intriguing connection between contemporary UFO disclosures and cultural reflections, along with the stark realities of fame through the lens of celebrity tax woes. It’s a wild ride through music, aliens, and the quest for truth!

Jan 23, 2025 • 47min
Bonus Episode - Official Narratives, Influence, and Telling the Whole Story
Jake dives into the rich history of the Beastie Boys, revealing the complexities of telling their story beyond the surface. He emphasizes the necessity for artists to own their narratives, sharing personal reflections on rock 'n' roll's messy realities. The anticipation builds for the upcoming discussion on Blink-182, touching on their unexpected ties to UFO phenomena. Engaging listeners, he encourages them to share their encounters with the extraordinary in music and life, blending nostalgia with thought-provoking conversations.

Jan 21, 2025 • 55min
Beastie Boys: How They Inspired A Crime Wave, Caused New Laws to be Written, and Influenced Culture
The rise of the Beastie Boys sparked a crime wave in London, leaving a mark on pop culture and legal changes. Their chaotic Liverpool concert showcased the band's shift from beloved figures to controversial icons. With roots in punk and a global hip-hop impact, they created a cultural phenomenon surrounded by chaos and creativity. The unusual theft of Volkswagen badges in 1987 highlighted their influence on youth culture. Their transformation from 'Licensed to Ill' to more mature artistry reflects the complexities of fame.

9 snips
Jan 17, 2025 • 33min
The Rolling Stones: Sleeping With the First Lady and Trafficking Heroin
Dive into the wild world of the Rolling Stones in the chaotic 1970s. From scandalous affairs involving Canada's First Lady to their infamous secret performance at El Macombo, the band's escapades are anything but ordinary. The intertwining stories of rock and roll fame, addiction, and legal woes reveal the darker side of their legendary status. Amid political intrigue and media frenzy, unexpected compassion from a judge gives the band a shot at redemption, proving that even rock gods can find a way out of trouble.

6 snips
Jan 16, 2025 • 40min
Bonus Episode - The Allegations Against Bill Murray, Your Bill Murray Stories and More
This bonus discussion tackles the troubling allegations against Bill Murray, contrasting his cherished on-screen image with troubling off-screen behavior. Listeners share vivid memories, like a chaotic moment from Lollapalooza 1992, evoking nostalgia and humor. The conversation also weaves in themes of musical influence, encouraging fans to think about their favorite artists. Listeners engage with personal anecdotes while reflecting on community resilience amidst recent challenges, all in the backdrop of compelling rock and roll stories.

7 snips
Jan 14, 2025 • 41min
Bill Murray: Airport Drug Busts, Backstage Brawls, and Crashing Elvis’s Burial
Discover the wild early days of Bill Murray, from his arrest for drug possession on his 20th birthday to his comedic rise. Hear about backstage brawls with Chevy Chase and infamous encounters during live performances. There's chaos at the National Lampoon shows and a poignant moment at Elvis's burial site, where he reflects on fame and personal struggles. Listen to tales of a tumultuous yet hilarious journey filled with introspection and wild antics that shaped an iconic career.