
Fiasco
Host Leon Neyfakh transports listeners into the day-to-day reality of our country's most pivotal historical events, bringing to life the forgotten twists and turns of the past while shedding light on the present.
Iran-Contra exposes a secret war, a secret deal, and a scandal that threatened to destroy Ronald Reagan’s presidency—until it didn’t.
Bush v. Gore recounts what happened during the contested 2000 election between Al Gore and George W. Bush, and the extraordinary legal battle that unfolded in Florida.
Subscribe to Pushkin+ to hear the entire season of Fiasco: Iran-Contra, ad-free. Find Pushkin+ on the Fiasco show page in Apple Podcasts or at Pushkin.fm.
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Latest episodes

Oct 23, 2024 • 56min
Bush v. Gore: Episode 3 – Ballot With Butterfly Wings
What happened in Palm Beach County when a bitterly-contested national election came to town–and who paid the price? For a full list of sources, check out the Fiasco website.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 16, 2024 • 51min
Bush v. Gore: Episode 2 – Real Numbers
On election night 2000 an ad hoc network of statisticians, news producers, TV anchors, and political operatives tried to figure out what the hell was going on in Florida–and failed spectacularly. For a full list of sources, check out the Fiasco website.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 16, 2024 • 52min
Bush v. Gore: Episode 1 – Homestead
Al Gore, the former U.S. Vice President, shares insights from the tumultuous 2000 presidential election recount against George W. Bush. He discusses the vital role Florida played long before the infamous hanging chad. The podcast delves into the complex political landscape, including tensions over the Elian Gonzalez custody case and Gore's struggle to connect with Cuban-American voters. Key moments, like the proposed airport at Homestead Air Force Base, showcase the intersection of environmental concerns and electoral strategy, shaping the future of U.S. politics.

Oct 15, 2024 • 3min
Trailer: Bush v. Gore
Bush v. Gore recounts what happened during the contested 2000 election between Al Gore and George W. Bush, and the extraordinary legal battle that unfolded in Florida in the aftermath of Election Day. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 9, 2023 • 57min
The AIDS Crisis: Episode 8 - No Harm
The Clinton administration promises a new approach to the AIDS epidemic — but gets bogged down in the politics of sex, drugs, and morality. You can find a list of books, articles, and documentaries we used in our research at bit.ly/fiascopod If you like this series, mark your calendars: a new season of Fiasco is coming July 27, 2023, exclusively on Audible. Fiasco: Vigilante tells the story of a shooting that took place in 1984 on the New York City subway, leaving four Bronx teenagers gravely wounded and turning a man named Bernie Goetz into a national folk hero. Fiasco: Vigilante offers a panoramic but intimate view of how this era-defining story unfolded, giving voice for the first time to key players, and immersing listeners in the gritty, paranoid world of ’80s New York City. Listen to the trailer now at adbl.co/vigilante, only on Audible.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 9, 2023 • 45min
The AIDS Crisis: Episode 7 - Lazarus
After years of frustration and despair, scientists finally make a breakthrough. You can find a list of books, articles, and documentaries we used in our research at bit.ly/fiascopod If you like this series, mark your calendars: a new season of Fiasco is coming July 27, 2023, exclusively on Audible. Fiasco: Vigilante tells the story of a shooting that took place in 1984 on the New York City subway, leaving four Bronx teenagers gravely wounded and turning a man named Bernie Goetz into a national folk hero. Fiasco: Vigilante offers a panoramic but intimate view of how this era-defining story unfolded, giving voice for the first time to key players, and immersing listeners in the gritty, paranoid world of ’80s New York City. Listen to the trailer now at adbl.co/vigilante, only on Audible.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 9, 2023 • 55min
The AIDS Crisis: Episode 6 - Drugs into Bodies
A new coalition of AIDS activists takes on the American medical establishment, pushing for access to clinical trials and experimental drugs. You can find a list of books, articles, and documentaries we used in our research at bit.ly/fiascopod If you like this series, mark your calendars: a new season of Fiasco is coming July 27, 2023, exclusively on Audible. Fiasco: Vigilante tells the story of a shooting that took place in 1984 on the New York City subway, leaving four Bronx teenagers gravely wounded and turning a man named Bernie Goetz into a national folk hero. Fiasco: Vigilante offers a panoramic but intimate view of how this era-defining story unfolded, giving voice for the first time to key players, and immersing listeners in the gritty, paranoid world of ’80s New York City. Listen to the trailer now at adbl.co/vigilante, only on Audible.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 9, 2023 • 58min
The AIDS Crisis: Episode 5 - Leading Men
One of the most famous actors in Hollywood tries to keep his diagnosis under wraps - and ends up becoming the face of AIDS in America. You can find a list of books, articles, and documentaries we used in our research at bit.ly/fiascopod If you like this series, mark your calendars: a new season of Fiasco is coming July 27, 2023, exclusively on Audible. Fiasco: Vigilante tells the story of a shooting that took place in 1984 on the New York City subway, leaving four Bronx teenagers gravely wounded and turning a man named Bernie Goetz into a national folk hero. Fiasco: Vigilante offers a panoramic but intimate view of how this era-defining story unfolded, giving voice for the first time to key players, and immersing listeners in the gritty, paranoid world of ’80s New York City. Listen to the trailer now at adbl.co/vigilante, only on Audible.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 9, 2023 • 48min
The AIDS Crisis: Episode 4 - Blood
AIDS spreads through the country's blood supply, endangering people with hemophilia and leading to a breakthrough about the cause of the disease. You can find a list of books, articles, and documentaries we used in our research at bit.ly/fiascopod If you like this series, mark your calendars: a new season of Fiasco is coming July 27, 2023, exclusively on Audible. Fiasco: Vigilante tells the story of a shooting that took place in 1984 on the New York City subway, leaving four Bronx teenagers gravely wounded and turning a man named Bernie Goetz into a national folk hero. Fiasco: Vigilante offers a panoramic but intimate view of how this era-defining story unfolded, giving voice for the first time to key players, and immersing listeners in the gritty, paranoid world of ’80s New York City. Listen to the trailer now at adbl.co/vigilante, only on Audible.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

13 snips
Jun 9, 2023 • 54min
The AIDS Crisis: Episode 3 - The Baths
In this engaging discussion, activist Cleve Jones, dermatologist Marcus Conant, and public health director Mervyn Silverman delve into the contentious debate over the closure of San Francisco's bathhouses during the AIDS crisis. They explore the crucial role these spaces played in the LGBTQ+ community, offering sanctuary and solidarity amid panic. The guests share insights on navigating civil liberties versus public health, the community's emotional turmoil, and the broader implications of activism as they battled the epidemic. Their experiences illustrate resilience in the face of adversity.