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
Oct 8, 2024 • 35min
Encore: Theranos | Are Venture Capitalists to Blame? | 4
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.
14 snips
Oct 1, 2024 • 41min
Encore: Theranos | The Race to Publish | 3
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.
Sep 24, 2024 • 37min
Encore: Theranos | The Walgreens Deal | 2
Dive into the toxic culture at Theranos, where employee Chelsea Burkett confronts alarming practices and patient safety risks. Tensions rise as employees resign amid disillusionment and emotional turmoil. Follow the high-stakes moments as Elizabeth Holmes battles skepticism from Walgreens while trying to secure a pivotal deal. The bustling cafeteria serves as a backdrop for both excitement and moral dilemmas, setting the stage for potential confrontations about the company's integrity. The pressure mounts as secrets are suppressed under growing media scrutiny.
15 snips
Sep 17, 2024 • 41min
Encore: Theranos | Startup | 1
Elizabeth Holmes, the ambitious founder of Theranos, dreams of revolutionizing medicine with her groundbreaking blood-testing technology. The discussion unveils her early years of relentless determination, including her pivotal choice to leave Stanford. As pressure mounts within her company, the darker realities of her flawed technology emerge, raising serious concerns for patient safety. Listeners get a glimpse of the internal chaos and ethical dilemmas that ultimately shaped Theranos' dramatic fall from grace.
48 snips
Aug 13, 2024 • 38min
Boeing | Impact | 1
In this conversation, Dennis Muilenburg, the former CEO of Boeing, discusses the tragic crash of Lion Air Flight 610. He reflects on the initial confusion regarding the disaster's cause and the subsequent revelations about the MCAS software. Muilenburg addresses the intense scrutiny Boeing faced after both the Lion Air and Ethiopian Airlines crashes. The dialogue offers insight into corporate negligence, the emotional toll on victims' families, and the broader implications for aviation safety practices.
Jul 9, 2024 • 39min
Teapot Dome | A Mammoth Deal | 1
The podcast delves into the secret deals that helped Warren G. Harding become President, focusing on the controversial leasing of the Teapot Dome oil field to oil magnates Sinclair and Doheny. It explores political maneuvering, corrupt actions by Albert Fall, and the rise of scandal surrounding the naval oil reserves.
Jun 11, 2024 • 38min
Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker | Faith Not Fact | 1
Evangelical leader Jim Bakker faces publicized trial for alleged sexual assault and business decisions after empire falls apart in 1987. Podcast discusses their rise to fame, strained relationship with wife Tammy Faye, and legal issues over fund misallocation.
May 7, 2024 • 41min
Love Canal | The Education of Lois Gibbs | 1
In this podcast, Lois Gibbs, a mother and activist, shares her journey in fighting for the cleanup of Love Canal. The podcast covers the transformation of Love Canal into a toxic waste site, residents' health concerns, and Gibbs' efforts in forming a group to clean up the neighborhood. It highlights the challenges faced by the community and the determination to protect their families and environment.
Apr 2, 2024 • 41min
FBI Agent Turned Russian Spy | World of Secrets | 1
Former FBI agent Robert Hanssen turns into a Russian spy during the Cold War, selling valuable information to the Soviet Union. The podcast explores his social awkwardness, resentment towards his employers, and his transition from a white-collar job to espionage. It also delves into his complex relationship with his father, struggles for acceptance within the intelligence community, and the inner turmoil of betraying his country for financial gain.
Feb 27, 2024 • 39min
Rod Blagojevich | Making of a Congressman | 1
Follow the rise of Rod Blagojevich in Chicago politics and his determination to prove himself in the political arena. Explore the charismatic encounter and connection with Patti, as well as the intertwining paths of love, loss, and political ambition. Witness the importance of family concerns and political integrity, along with Blagojevich's strategic campaign planning and crucial election win.
