American Scandal

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.

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.

Lou Pearlman's empire crumbles after his split with the Backstreet Boys and NSYNC, revealing a tangled web of fraud and deception. An accountant-turned-whistleblower threatens to expose his lies, heightening the tension surrounding his financial struggles. Desperate for funds, a key associate scrambles for a $2.5 million loan amid mounting pressure. As investigators close in, critical evidence surfaces, including a telling photograph in Bali. The music mogul faces a harsh trial, revealing the emotional toll on his victims and the stark contrast between his downfall and the success of his once-popular groups.

Dive into the dramatic rise of Lou Pearlman, the mastermind behind the Backstreet Boys and NSYNC. Discover how he juggled his extravagant lifestyle while bands struggled with financial woes. Explore the legal battles and ethical dilemmas as Pearlman's empire began to crumble under the weight of exploitative contracts. Tensions escalate as rival boy bands emerge and legal issues unfold, revealing the darker side of pop music and the high stakes of fame. Witness the twists and turns of ambition gone awry in a tale of music and betrayal.

Discover the rise of Lou Pearlman, from his humble beginnings in Queens to launching a blimp company. The podcast dives into his ambitious journey of creating the Backstreet Boys and navigating the music industry. Tensions rise as accusations of fraud emerge, revealing the dark side of his success. Experience the thrilling transformation from aviation to boy band mastermind, highlighting the intricacies of pop music dynamics and the eventual erosion of trust among those who believed in him. A fascinating tale of ambition and deception unfolds!

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.