American Scandal

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.

The Houston Astros face intense scrutiny after their World Series win, with allegations of sign-stealing looming over them. Rivals investigate peculiar stadium communications that raise ethical questions. A whistleblower steps forward, threatening the team's reputation. Insights from a former player reveal the tactics behind the scheme, while fallout from an exposé leads to an MLB investigation. The episode delves into the backlash the Astros experience, reflecting on the integrity of baseball amidst evolving technology.

The Houston Astros dominate MLB while mastering an innovative and illegal sign-stealing method. As they leverage technology for real-time advantages, suspicions from rivals mount. Key figures navigate ethical dilemmas amid rising tensions. Their championship celebration is bittersweet, overshadowed by whispers of a whistleblower and the scrutiny of their tactics. The podcast dives deep into the intersection of competition and technology, shedding light on the moral complexities a powerhouse team faces in pursuit of glory.

The podcast dives into the strategic decisions shaping the Houston Astros as they rebuild their roster. It highlights the influence of veterans like Carlos Beltran and Alex Cora on younger players, particularly through the lens of sign stealing. As technology changes the game, the Astros contemplate using instant replay to gain an edge. The narrative reveals the pressure and innovation driving the team, showcasing both the competitive spirit and the complexities of modern baseball dynamics.

Explore the dramatic rise of the Houston Astros, who went from underdogs to champions through innovative strategies amidst brewing controversy. Discover the tension sparked by a mysterious banging sound linked to sign stealing during a crucial game. Delve into the clash between traditional baseball practices and modern data-driven methods that reshaped the sport. Unpack the tumultuous rebuilding phase marked by controversial management decisions that tested players' morale and the ethical boundaries of competition.

Charles Duhigg, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author known for his insightful works on habits and productivity, joins the discussion on venture capital's role in the rise and fall of Theranos. He dives into the problematic dynamics of venture capitalism, exploring how the 'blitzscaling' strategy can lead to reckless investments. The conversation critiques the lack of accountability among investors and considers the ethical dilemmas in Silicon Valley's high-stakes environment, shedding light on the urgent need for regulation.

Elizabeth Holmes, the controversial founder of Theranos, finds herself under scrutiny as investigative journalist dives deep into the scandal. They discuss the shocking discoveries about the company's deceptive blood testing technology. Insights from whistleblowers reveal the dangers they faced in exposing the truth. Tensions rise as the journalist navigates conflicts between seeking the truth and Theranos's attempts to conceal its misdeeds. The conversation highlights the intricate layers of deception that led to one of Silicon Valley's biggest scandals.