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
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.
18 snips
May 27, 2025 • 38min
The Woman Who Sold Babies | Supply and Demand | 2
Explore the chilling world of Georgia Tann, who manipulated vulnerable families during the Great Depression to expand her adoption empire. Tensions rise as Judge Camille Kelly's inspection threatens the Sisters of the Good Shepherd Orphanage. Hear the heartbreaking story of a mother fighting to keep her children against Tann's ruthless tactics. Delve into the disturbing Christmas Child Giveaway, where children were treated as commodities. This dark tale raises profound moral questions about exploitation and the true nature of love and family.
25 snips
May 20, 2025 • 39min
The Woman Who Sold Babies | The Judge's Daughter | 1
In the early 20th century, Georgia Tann emerges as a seemingly benevolent figure in adoption. However, her dark side reveals a shocking involvement in illegal baby trafficking. From duplicitous methods to manipulating the legal system, she builds a lucrative adoption scheme. The podcast unearths the devastating effects of her actions on countless families, challenging the notion of her as an advocate. It paints a haunting picture of ambition clashing with morality, leaving a chilling legacy in American adoption history.
16 snips
May 13, 2025 • 37min
ENCORE: Edward Snowden | Exile | 4
Edward Snowden's dramatic escape unfolds as he navigates a treacherous path, fleeing to Ecuador but becoming ensnared in Russia. The tension between heroism and betrayal intensifies amidst a U.S. government manhunt. As diplomatic negotiations falter, Snowden faces personal turmoil while stranded in a Moscow airport. The fallout from his NSA leaks shapes the conversation around surveillance reform, hinting at lasting political consequences. This gripping narrative not only illustrates his plight but also explores the broader implications of his actions.
10 snips
May 6, 2025 • 39min
ENCORE: Edward Snowden | Going Public | 3
Edward Snowden's dramatic choice to leak NSA secrets unfolds in a Hong Kong hotel, revealing his quest for transparency over self-preservation. The intense ethical dilemmas faced by journalists highlight the tension of unveiling government surveillance. As Snowden transforms from a programmer to a whistleblower, his personal sacrifices become evident, especially through the emotional turmoil experienced by his partner, Lindsay Mills. The countdown to publication sparks discussions on journalistic integrity and the implications of exposing hidden truths.
7 snips
Apr 29, 2025 • 40min
ENCORE: Edward Snowden | Read, Write, Execute | 2
Edward Snowden lands a job with the NSA. But when he stumbles on a shocking government secret, Snowden has to face a moral dilemma.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.
8 snips
Apr 22, 2025 • 41min
ENCORE: Edward Snowden | Meet the Press | 1
Filmmaker Laura Poitras gets a tip from a mysterious informant. Despite the enormous risks, Poitras pursues the story, and teams up with reporter Glenn Greenwald.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.
