American Scandal
Wondery
Every scandal begins with a lie. But the truth will come out. And then comes the fallout and the outrage.Scandals have shaped America since its founding. From business and politics to sports and society, we look on aghast as corruption, deceit and ambition bring down heroes and celebrities, politicians and moguls. And when the dust finally settles, we’re left to wonder: how did this happen? Where did they trip up, and who is to blame? From the creators of American History Tellers, Business Wars and Tides of History comes American Scandal, where we take you deep into the heart of America’s dark side to look at what drives someone to break the rules and what happens when they’re caught. Hosted by Lindsay Graham.Need more American Scandal? With Wondery+, enjoy exclusive seasons, binge new seasons first, and listen completely ad-free. Start your free trial in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or visit wondery.app.link/IM5aogASNNb now.
Episodes
Mentioned books
16 snips
Jan 13, 2026 • 33min
Lehman Brothers | The Gorilla of Wall Street | 1
Explore the dramatic rise of Dick Fuld at Lehman Brothers, from intern to the powerful CEO known as 'the Gorilla.' Discover the risky bets he made, the internal warnings about mortgage exposure, and the moments leading up to Lehman's infamous collapse. Hear about Fuld's response to 9/11, the aggressive push into mortgage-backed securities, and his relationship with Treasury Secretary Hank Paulson. As the financial crisis looms, tensions mount and resignations occur, setting the stage for a historic fall.
7 snips
Jan 8, 2026 • 43min
ENCORE The Kidnapping of Patty Hearst | 4 Free Will | 4
Patricia Hearst's kidnapping and trial captivated the nation, turning her into a media sensation. Her defense lawyer, F. Lee Bailey, fought to reshape her public image while the prosecution prepared damning evidence. Tensions soared as Hearst testified about coercion and sexual assault, leaving the jury to grapple with her complex case. The aftermath revealed her struggle with identity and choice, leading to a commuted sentence and a reflective memoir. The courtroom drama highlighted deep questions about free will and manipulation.
6 snips
Jan 6, 2026 • 41min
ENCORE The Kidnapping of Patty Hearst | On the Road | 3
Patricia Hearst's dramatic transformation unfolds as she goes on the run after the SLA's collapse. A chaotic shootout in L.A. leaves her grappling with shock and guilt. A journalist's unusual pitch leads Hearst deeper into the group's turmoil, while cross-country attempts to escape highlight her internal struggle. The tension escalates with a fateful FBI tip that narrows down her location. The podcast explores themes of loyalty and resistance as Hearst faces a heart-wrenching decision: surrender or continue the fight.
6 snips
Jan 1, 2026 • 41min
ENCORE The Kidnapping of Patty Hearst | The Negotiation | 2
The gripping saga of Patty Hearst unfolds as the audacious Symbionese Liberation Army plots her kidnapping to challenge privilege. Dramatic moments reveal her harrowing confinement and brutal re-education, where loyalty shifts in unexpected directions. The tension escalates during a botched bank robbery, marking a point of no return for Hearst. The clash with law enforcement paints a chaotic, fiery confrontation, all while media frenzy orchestrates public perception. It’s a riveting exploration of identity, survival, and radicalization.
8 snips
Dec 30, 2025 • 44min
ENCORE The Kidnapping of Patty Hearst | The Plot | 1
Dive into the dramatic saga of Patricia Hearst's kidnapping, exploring her troubled life in Berkeley just before the ambush. Discover the tensions in her relationship with fiancé Steve Weed and the pressures from the powerful Hearst family. Learn about the violent rise of the Symbionese Liberation Army, their radical motivations, and chilling plans to restore their image through the abduction of a media heiress. The intertwining of family legacy, media frenzy, and political extremism sets the stage for a gripping tale.
10 snips
Dec 23, 2025 • 33min
West Memphis Three | When Justice Gets It Wrong | 5
David Moran, a law professor and co-founder of the Michigan Innocence Clinic, sheds light on wrongful convictions, sharing how his journey started with systemic flaws he uncovered in Detroit. He delves into the haunting dynamics of misidentification, false confessions, and the pressures of high-profile cases like the West Memphis Three. Moran discusses the stubborn persistence of flawed theories among prosecutors, the emotional toll of fighting for justice, and emphasizes the crucial role of non-DNA exonerations in the ongoing battle against wrongful convictions.
6 snips
Dec 16, 2025 • 35min
West Memphis Three | No Kind of Justice | 4
The podcast delves into the harrowing journey of the West Memphis Three, who fight against their wrongful convictions for nearly two decades. Key discussions include forensic battles over bite-mark evidence, dramatic courtroom confrontations, and alarming revelations from witnesses recanting their testimonies. New DNA testing identifies alternative suspects, sparking renewed hope for justice. The emotional aftermath reveals the complex feelings of the victims' families and the systemic failures that allowed these injustices to persist.
8 snips
Dec 9, 2025 • 35min
West Memphis Three | Beyond a Reasonable Doubt | 3
The trial of Damien Echols and Jason Baldwin over the murder of three boys stirs up the community with accusations of satanism and limited forensic evidence. Jesse Miskelley's controversial confession complicates the defense, while pressure mounts on Baldwin to testify. The courtroom drama reveals flaws in the investigation and dubious expert testimonies, leading to guilty verdicts amid public outcry. Support for the trio grows, fueled by an HBO documentary, as suspicions about other potential suspects emerge, keeping the legal battle alive.
11 snips
Dec 2, 2025 • 35min
West Memphis Three | Crime and Punishment | 2
The brutal murders of three young boys in West Memphis spark a controversial investigation. A suspect's confession leads to the arrest of two teenagers accused of a satanic ritual. Families voice doubts as contradictions emerge in the confession. Autopsy results raise questions about the planted narrative of sexual assault. Tensions climb during the trial, with defense attorneys challenging critical inconsistencies. Throughout, the prosecutor paints the accused as embodiments of evil, culminating in a shocking guilty verdict that shakes the community.
8 snips
Nov 25, 2025 • 36min
West Memphis Three | The Devil comes to West Memphis | 1
In a shocking tale, three young boys are found murdered in West Memphis, triggering chaos in the small town. The overwhelmed police face immense pressure to solve the case, despite limited evidence. The investigation takes a dark turn with cult theories and dubious informants infiltrating the scene. A controversial confession from a suspect raises questions about coercion and credibility. This harrowing story uncovers the complexities of crime, suspicion, and the struggle for justice in the face of overwhelming tragedy.
