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
Nov 26, 2024 • 41min
Lou Pearlman: The Con Man of Pop | Tearin’ Up My Heart | 2
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.
Nov 19, 2024 • 41min
Lou Pearlman: The Con Man of Pop | I Want It That Way | 1
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!
10 snips
Nov 12, 2024 • 38min
Houston Astros: Caught Stealing | Uncovering the Scheme | 5
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.
Nov 5, 2024 • 38min
Houston Astros: Caught Stealing | Bottom of the Ninth | 4
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.
Oct 29, 2024 • 36min
Houston Astros: Caught Stealing | Dark Arts | 3
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.
Oct 22, 2024 • 36min
Houston Astros: Caught Stealing | The Game Within the Game | 2
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.
Oct 15, 2024 • 41min
Houston Astros: Caught Stealing | Radical Methods | 1
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.
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.
