Revisionist History: The Alabama Murders
Pushkin Industries
Florence, Alabama. 1988. A preacher has an affair. A woman is murdered. One death cascades into more, stretching across decades and leaving no one untouched — victims, bystanders, perpetrators, and those just trying to help. Eventually, the consequences lead to the center of a hot national debate on who should be allowed to live, who should die, and how the state should kill them.
On The Alabama Murders, Malcolm Gladwell asks: why, in our efforts to alleviate suffering, do we so often make it worse?
Revisionist History is Malcolm Gladwell's journey through the overlooked and the misunderstood. Every episode re-examines something from the past—an event, a person, an idea, even a song—and asks whether we got it right the first time. From Pushkin Industries. Because sometimes the past deserves a second chance.
To get early access to ad-free episodes and extra content, subscribe to Pushkin+ in Apple Podcasts are pushkin.fm/plus.
iHeartMedia is the exclusive podcast partner of Pushkin Industries.
On The Alabama Murders, Malcolm Gladwell asks: why, in our efforts to alleviate suffering, do we so often make it worse?
Revisionist History is Malcolm Gladwell's journey through the overlooked and the misunderstood. Every episode re-examines something from the past—an event, a person, an idea, even a song—and asks whether we got it right the first time. From Pushkin Industries. Because sometimes the past deserves a second chance.
To get early access to ad-free episodes and extra content, subscribe to Pushkin+ in Apple Podcasts are pushkin.fm/plus.
iHeartMedia is the exclusive podcast partner of Pushkin Industries.
Episodes
Mentioned books
56 snips
Oct 2, 2025 • 33min
The Alabama Murders - Part 2: Coon Dog Cemetery Road
In a gripping examination of a 1988 murder in Florence, Alabama, local residents and investigators such as Lacey Kenimer and Detective Ricky Miller provide chilling firsthand accounts. They delve into the chaotic night of Elizabeth Sennett's attack, the community's initial suspicions toward her husband Charles, and the eventual revelations surrounding three young suspects named by an anonymous caller. With emotional testimonies and unsettling truths, this narrative explores how a gruesome crime impacted an entire town and spiraled into a complex saga of confusion and despair.
Oct 2, 2025 • 33min
The Alabama Murders - Part 1: The True Church
In a small town in the northwest corner of Alabama, a cascade begins with a man and an affair. Get early, ad-free access to the full season of The Alabama Murders by subscribing to Pushkin+ on Apple Podcasts or Pushkin.fm. Pushkin+ subscribers can access ad-free episodes, full audiobooks, exclusive binges, and bonus content for all Pushkin shows. Subscribe on Apple: apple.co/pushkinSubscribe on Pushkin: pushkin.com/plus See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
58 snips
Sep 22, 2025 • 5min
The Alabama Murders
In 1988, a preacher's affair leads to a shocking murder in Florence, Alabama, igniting a chain reaction of tragedy. The podcast explores the moral complexities surrounding the case, including the role of local church culture and the resilience of community ties. It delves into punishment rituals, failures of lethal injection, and the broader implications of how society addresses crime and suffering. Malcolm Gladwell examines the haunting question: do our attempts to relieve pain often backfire, creating deeper wounds instead?
45 snips
Aug 14, 2025 • 1h 18min
Americana Music Live with Drew Holcomb and Malcolm Gladwell
Drew Holcomb, a Memphis-born singer-songwriter known for his Americana sound, joins Malcolm Gladwell for an engaging conversation. They dive into the creative journey behind songs that blend personal memories with musical landscapes of Nashville and Memphis. Holcomb shares heartfelt insights on faith, grief, and the healing power of music following loss. Listeners are invited to embrace emotional expression through songwriting, with playful discussions about favorite country tracks and the joyful unity found in music and dance.
12 snips
Jul 24, 2025 • 40min
Encore: Good Old Boys
Join acclaimed singer-songwriter Randy Newman, known for his satirical songs and film scores, as he reflects on his iconic album 'Good Old Boys.' He explores the complexities of characters like Johnny Cutler within a historical context. The conversation touches on the power of music to address racial tensions, juxtaposing upbeat melodies with serious themes. Newman also discusses the importance of dialogue in bridging divides, demonstrating that even uncomfortable topics can spark meaningful conversations.
46 snips
Jul 17, 2025 • 53min
Encore: Analysis, Parapraxis, Elvis
Jack White, the iconic musician known for his work with The White Stripes, and Nashville’s singer-songwriter Casey Bowles dive into the intriguing world of Elvis. They explore the singer's emotional depth and control in performing classics like 'Are You Lonesome Tonight?' They also discuss how parapraxis reveals memory's role in music, and reflect on how sleep can unleash creative potential. Personal anecdotes and the complexity of identity in music make for a captivating conversation infused with nostalgia and artistic insight.
32 snips
Jul 10, 2025 • 44min
Encore: The King of Tears
Join songwriter Bobby Braddock, the genius behind heart-wrenching country hits like "He Stopped Loving Her Today." He discusses why country music evokes such deep emotions, contrasting its storytelling prowess with the upbeat nature of rock. Together, they delve into heartache through poignant songs like "D-I-V-O-R-C-E" and explore the profound connections of music with grief and love. The emotional tribute during a live performance of his iconic song showcases the charged atmosphere of storytelling that resonates with audiences.
37 snips
Jul 3, 2025 • 38min
Encore: Hallelujah
Discover how genius emerges as Malcolm revisits the powerful themes in Elvis Costello's music, especially 'Deportee.' Explore the lasting impact of childhood music memories and the role of sleep in unlocking creativity. Delve into the creative tensions between musicians and producers, where artistic integrity clashes with perfectionism. Unpack Leonard Cohen's 'Hallelujah' and its transformative journey through various interpretations, revealing its cultural significance and the challenges of musical innovation.
13 snips
Jun 26, 2025 • 2min
Encores
Dive into a heartfelt exploration of music's impact on our lives. Hear personal stories about iconic songs that have shaped memories and emotions. The discussion navigates through unforgettable experiences in Nashville, highlighting artists and tracks like 'Hallelujah' and the works of Randy Newman. Prepare for a nostalgic journey that intertwines music's power with personal narratives.
70 snips
May 29, 2025 • 36min
The Formula
Rachel Wyman, the talented head baker at Montclair Bread Company and instructor at the Culinary Institute of America, shares her baking prowess and competitive spirit. She dives into the secrets behind Thomas' English muffins, revealing the challenges of recreating their unique texture. Listeners are treated to insights on baking techniques, the art of flavor development, and the intriguing world of culinary competitions, where Rachel's innovative donut creations shine. The episode blends culinary expertise with the thrill of uncovering trade secrets in the baking industry.
