The podcast dives deep into the chilling aftermath of the Challenger disaster. Engineers face their guilt over ignored warnings about O-ring flaws. Richard Feynman’s daring demonstration highlights the critical design failures. Tension mounts during the Rogers Commission hearings as corporate shortsightedness and safety concerns clash. Heartfelt testimonies reveal the emotional toll on colleagues, while the brave recovery efforts uncover shocking truths about the astronauts' final moments. The tragedy sparks crucial changes in safety protocols and haunting questions about the future of manned space flight.

Tensions rise in the critical hours before the Challenger launch as engineers confront management over safety risks posed by freezing temperatures and faulty O-rings. The countdown unfolds with excitement and dread, revealing a clash between the urgency of the launch and pressing safety concerns. As the launch commences, a tragic event unfolds, turning initial anticipation into shock. The aftermath grapples with emotional turmoil for the families and hints at deeper issues within NASA, raising questions about potential cover-ups and accountability.

Tensions rise as engineers at Morton Thiokol voice concerns over the safety of O-rings crucial for shuttle launches. Amid the pressure to launch the Teacher in Space program, Krista McAuliffe becomes a beloved symbol of hope. Safety versus ambition creates a gripping backdrop, highlighting the personal stakes of the Challenger mission. As launch day approaches, critical warnings about potential failures clash with operational demands, setting the stage for a devastating catastrophe.

January 1986 saw the highly anticipated launch of the Challenger Space Shuttle, which included the first teacher in space, Christa McAuliffe. Excitement quickly turned to horror as signs of malfunction arose post-liftoff, leading to a tragic disaster. The podcast explores NASA's struggles with budget cuts and risky decisions, and the emotional turmoil faced by the astronauts' families. It also highlights the ongoing push for diversity in the astronaut program and the challenges of transitioning to a cost-effective shuttle system amid changing political support.

On June 10th, 1983, the decomposing body of a well-dressed man was found in a desolate canyon near Los Angeles. John Doe #94 would soon be identified as missing variety show producer Roy Radin. He'd last been seen after meeting with a mysterious woman in a gold dress. Her name was Lanie Jacobs.Jacobs and Radin were obsessed with becoming Hollywood movie producers. And when their paths collided, it led them to a tantalizing film deal promising fame and fortune. But then, a twisted script unfolded, plunging them into a million-dollar cocaine and cash heist, a tangled web of lies, and ultimately – murder.The trail led investigators right to Hollywood's doorstep, linking former golden boy producer Robert Evans to the case and dredging up Radin's own troubled past.But the case turned ice cold. It would take more than five years of dogged pursuit by the L.A. Sheriff’s Department detectives, a secret undercover witness, and another murder almost 3,000 miles from Hollywood – to unlock the truth.This is the story of a doomed Hollywood partnership, a grisly murder and the search that stretched across the country for a killer – or killers.From Wondery, and the team behind the hit series Hollywood & Crime: The Dating Game Killer, The Wonderland Murders, Death of Starlet, and the Execution of Bonny Lee Bakley comes a six part series that dives into the dark side of Hollywood through a shocking murder – fueled by ruthless ambition and desperate dreams. Co-hosted by Tracy Pattin and Josh Lucas.Listen to Hollywood & Crime: The Cotton Club Murder: Wondery.fm/Hollywood_and_Crime_See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Journalist Tyler Gray was working in Orlando when he first heard about Lou Pearlman and his growing business empire. But it wasn’t until authorities apprehended Pearlman in Bali in 2007 that Gray began to investigate the story behind the man who created the boy bands NSYNC and Backstreet Boys. Today, Tyler Gray joins Lindsay to talk about his book, The Hit Charade: Lou Pearlman, Boy Bands, and the Biggest Ponzi Scheme in U.S. History. Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterListen to American Scandal on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Experience all episodes ad-free and be the first to binge the newest season. Unlock exclusive early access by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial today by visiting wondery.com/links/american-scandal/ now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Following his split with the Backstreet Boys and NSYNC, Lou Pearlman finds it increasingly difficult to keep up appearances around his rapidly crumbling empire. Soon, investors begin demanding their money back, and an accountant turned whistleblower threatens to expose Pearlman’s lies. Listen to American Scandal on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Experience all episodes ad-free and be the first to binge the newest season. Unlock exclusive early access by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial today by visiting wondery.com/links/american-scandal/ now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Lou Pearlman is eager to replicate his success with the Backstreet Boys and secretly forms a second boy band, NSYNC. But as he continues to fund his extravagant lifestyle and recruit new investors for his other business ventures, both bands question why their fame is outpacing their income.  Listen to American Scandal on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Experience all episodes ad-free and be the first to binge the newest season. Unlock exclusive early access by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial today by visiting wondery.com/links/american-scandal/ now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Lou Pearlman rises from humble beginnings in Queens, New York to launch a successful blimp and charter plane company called Trans Continental. In the ‘90s, he cements his reputation as a risk-taking entrepreneur when he creates a pop music “boy band,” the Backstreet Boys. But Pearlman’s “fake it till you make it” approach is built on a foundation of deception, setting the stage for his ultimate downfall.Listen to American Scandal on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Experience all episodes ad-free and be the first to binge the newest season. Unlock exclusive early access by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial today by visiting wondery.com/links/american-scandal/ now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Evan Drellick, a senior writer for The Athletic and author of "Winning Fixes Everything," sheds light on the explosive sign-stealing scandal that rocked the Houston Astros. He recounts the grave implications of their tactics during the 2017 World Series. Drellick details the journey of uncovering the truth amid a culture of secrecy and backlash. He explores the technological innovations behind the cheating and reflects on the scandal's lasting impact on baseball's integrity. Tune in for an insightful look into one of sports' biggest controversies.