Losers, Pretenders & Scoundrels

Zog I of Albania was that country's youngest prime minister, and eventually its king. He chainsmoked a mind-boggling amount of cigarettes every day, and experienced a significant amount of assasination attempts.

Delve into the outrageous life of Alfalfa Bill Murray, Oklahoma's most eccentric governor. He declared martial law over trivial matters and attempted a failed colony in Bolivia after losing an election. Murray's embarrassing autobiography was so cringe-worthy that his family stole copies from libraries. Explore his controversial legacy filled with populist paradoxes and extreme views, all while laughing at the absurdities of his political career and the quirky tale behind the name 'Toad Suck.' It's a wild ride through history and hilarity!

Gregor MacGregor was a Scotsman who joined revolutionary causes in South America, slowly morphed into a coward, THEN evolved into a fantabulist who tricked hundreds of destitute Scots to starve and die in a fake colony that never existed. And yet, he is buried with honors in Caracas Cathedral as a war hero.

Gregor MacGregor was a Scotsman who joined revolutionary causes in South America, slowly morphed into a coward, THEN evolved into a fantabulist who tricked hundreds of destitute Scots to starve and die in a fake colony that never existed. And yet, he is buried with honors in Caracas Cathedral as a war hero.

Daniel Edgar Sickles was an American Civil War general, and later, a U.S. congressman. While serving in Congress he gunned down a man in broad daylight in front of the White House, and was acquitted on grounds of temporary insanity--the first in American history!

Michael Goleniewski was a Polish intelligence agent but ALSO spying on the Poles on behalf of the Soviets BUT ALSO reporting on all of it to the Americans.  A triple agent! Best secret agent ever? We'll explore on this episode. 

Karl Wilhelm Naurndorff made a compelling case that he was the dauphin of France, spirited away by Talleyrand or some other insider after the death of his father, King Louis XVI. He was convincing enough that he kept getting stabbed, shot, and run out of countries, before winding up in the Netherlands as the head of pyrotechnics.  But WAS he really the king? In this LPS episode, we settle it once and for all!

Cassie Chadwick went from a Canadian nobody to a psychic to the opulent heiress presumed to be Andrew Carnegie's natural born daughter. At the very least, she is the Queen of Cons!

Guest John Romulus Brinkley, a quack doctor, discusses his controversial career trajectory involving goat testicle transplants, radio fame, and a failed political campaign. The podcast explores his rise to notoriety, legal issues, and ultimate downfall, revealing a colorful and deceptive legacy.

John Romulus Brinkley became wealthy, famous, and powerful as one of America's most colorful, ludicrous quacks. He made his fortune by "curing" male impotence by sewing goat testicles into clients. As well as becoming a radio tycoon, politician, and more.