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
17 snips
Jul 15, 2025 • 34min
Ruby Ridge Standoff | Northern Exposure | 2
Randy Weaver's arrest sparks a chilling standoff with law enforcement, fueled by misunderstandings and extreme beliefs. Vicki Weaver's discovery of troubling correspondence heightens tensions and paranoia about government entrapment. As federal marshals strategize for a peaceful resolution, the challenge of managing an armed family escalates. The episode underscores the psychological and emotional turmoil experienced by both the Weavers and law enforcement, revealing the broader ramifications on civil liberties and the complexities of confrontational policing.
30 snips
Jul 8, 2025 • 38min
Ruby Ridge Standoff | Visions of Armageddon | 1
Radical Christian survivalist Randy Weaver's life takes a turbulent turn as he retreats to Idaho, waiting for the Apocalypse. His growing links to neo-Nazi groups attract federal scrutiny. The podcast dives into the chaos of the Ruby Ridge standoff, examining Weaver's disillusionment rooted in military misconduct. It also explores his family's transformation from faith to a survivalist mentality and the shadows of extremism that loom over their isolated existence. Tension escalates as government agents grapple with the complexities of infiltrating radical circles.
18 snips
Jul 3, 2025 • 44min
ENCORE Watergate | The Smoking Gun | 5
Nixon grapples with the fallout from the Watergate scandal while recuperating in the hospital. The tension escalates as the special prosecutor demands the release of secret tapes. A pivotal moment arrives during the 'Saturday Night Massacre,' highlighting the clash between executive power and justice. As Nixon faces potential impeachment, he confronts the reality of his presidency unraveling. Listeners witness his emotional farewell and the relentless pursuit of truth by journalists, underscoring the scandal's lasting impact.
40 snips
Jul 1, 2025 • 41min
ENCORE: Watergate | The Cancer Within | 4
Dive into the gripping saga of the Watergate scandal, where L. Patrick Gray faces a daunting Senate hearing, weighing loyalty to Nixon against the FBI's integrity. John Dean wrestles with his conscience as he navigates a web of betrayal, looking for immunity while contemplating the dire consequences of exposing powerful figures. Additionally, explore the heartbreaking experiences of teenage mothers forced into adoption during this turbulent era—highlighting how personal stories intersect with political chaos. The stakes couldn't be higher!
22 snips
Jun 27, 2025 • 42min
ENCORE: Watergate | The Fifth Man | 3
Journalists Woodward and Bernstein uncover unsettling truths about President Nixon's chief of staff, revealing deep political corruption. Their relentless search for the truth leads them to the elusive informant Deep Throat, intensifying the dangers of their investigation. As legal pressures mount, the credibility of their findings is challenged, prompting a reassessment of their approach. Meanwhile, Nixon's aides engage in moral dilemmas to manage the fallout, showcasing the intricate loyalties and ethics at play within the Oval Office.
39 snips
Jun 26, 2025 • 41min
ENCORE: Watergate | The President's Decision | 2
A young reporter at The Washington Post stumbles into the Watergate scandal just as a burglary shakes the political landscape. Journalists uncover a web of conspiracy that ties back to the Nixon administration, raising the stakes and tensions. G. Gordon Liddy battles the fallout, while Bob Woodward makes critical connections revealing the scandal's depth. As Nixon grapples with moral dilemmas and tries to thwart the FBI, the pursuit of truth intensifies, spotlighting the risks journalists face in exposing hidden corruption.
25 snips
Jun 24, 2025 • 40min
ENCORE: Watergate | The Break In | 1
Dive into the origins of the Watergate scandal, where a seemingly minor burglary spirals into political chaos. Discover how Nixon's risky tactics aimed to secure reelection and unravel the ethical dilemmas faced by his administration. As pressure mounts, witness the internal struggles of a president grappling with self-doubt and the dire consequences of his decisions. Tension runs high during covert operations, revealing a web of espionage that changed American politics forever.
Jun 17, 2025 • 43min
Georgia Tann Interview | Guest T.J. Raphael "Liberty Lost" Podcast Host | 5
T.J. Raphael, a journalist and host of the podcast Liberty Lost, dives deep into the harrowing legacy of Georgia Tann and the ongoing coercive practices at the Liberty Godparent Home. She unpacks how vulnerable young women are pressured into giving up their babies and explores the troubling intersections of faith, politics, and profit. The conversation sheds light on personal struggles faced by young mothers and critiques systemic issues within the adoption industry, offering a compelling call for reform and better support for those in crisis.
23 snips
Jun 10, 2025 • 37min
The Woman Who Sold Babies | The Cold Hard Hand | 4
In the shadows of Memphis, Georgia Tann thrives in her black-market baby trading scheme, building a powerful empire. As health issues arise, so do cracks in her operation, revealing a mix of treachery and advocacy. A couple faces heart-wrenching choices against a backdrop of societal pressure in their pursuit of adoption. Whispers of child trafficking grow as activists push for justice. The final days of Tann unravel as legal challenges mount, exposing systemic failures and a legacy that impacts child welfare for generations.
8 snips
Jun 3, 2025 • 38min
The Woman Who Sold Babies | Sitting on a Goldmine | 3
Explore the chilling tale of Georgia Tann, who turned illegal adoptions into a booming business while neglecting child welfare. The stark contrast between the affluent lives of adoptive families and the dark reality of trafficked children reveals deep ethical issues in the adoption process. Hear the harrowing account of Mary Lee Calhoun, a mother tragically caught in Tann's web. Delve into Dr. Ella Oppenheimer's investigation of rising infant mortality rates, shedding light on a grim aspect of Memphis during the Great Depression.
