

Ridiculous Crime
iHeartPodcasts
True Crime is more than blood, guts, mayhem, and murder. Zaron Burnett and Elizabeth Dutton share outlandish tales of capers, heists, and cons that shine a light on the absurd and outrageous side of criminality. Always 99% murder-free and 100% ridiculous, this is Ridiculous Crime, a podcast by iHeartRadio.
Episodes
Mentioned books

May 18, 2023 • 46min
Watch Me Eat this Chicken: Lawrence Joseph Bader
Most people spice up their boring lives with fun hobbies or social events. That wasn't enough for Lawrence Bader. He went and made himself a whole new life, this time as Omaha, Nebraska's hippest bachelor. Flagpole sitting, war injuries, hearses, pillow piles -- his new life had it all!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 16, 2023 • 53min
Call Me… Robb TaLLLLL University, I Am A Rock Star*
He was not a real rock star but Robb TaLLLLL University played one in his fantasies. In reality, Mr. University lacked star power or musical talent. Kinda a shame, but he was one helluva bank scammer. He made millions as a pretend rock star. Too bad no one really dreams of growing up to be a bank scammer!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 11, 2023 • 53min
Someday My Prince Will Con: Michael Romanoff
Everybody loves an entertaining exiled royal. And when that royal is exposed as a fraud? Everybody still loves him! From slinging lies in Brooklyn to slinging fancy strawberry desserts for Hollywood celebrities, Prince Mike lived one ridiculous life.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 9, 2023 • 52min
The Ballad of L. W. Wright
Like Ricky Bobby, he was a pretend NASCAR driver — only this was no movie. L.W. Wright was a fake racer in real life who took on the legends of NASCAR by scamming his way onto the track at Talladega. “Shoot, this story should be a movie!”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 4, 2023 • 46min
Molto Ridicolo: Vincenzo Pipino
A city as fabulous and sinister and romantic as Venice, Italy, deserves a fabulous, sinister, and romantic cat burglar. The ultra wealthy were honored to be his target, and he was happy to take their priceless works of art (and the occassional cashmere sweater). His crimes were almost as egregious as Elizabeth's butchering of the Italian language.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 2, 2023 • 51min
The Eagles vs. Hotel California (…the band not the football team)
The song is the band’s most popular. The legends, the conspiracies, and lore that surrounds the song are incredible. But the legal struggles, inspired criminals, and cocaine antics take center stage as we focus on the Eagles and Hotel California.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apr 27, 2023 • 46min
Diamonds Are a Serb's Best Friend: The Pink Panthers
What do you get when you mix millions of dollars in gems, stolen cars, wigs, international crime families, a French detective, and 800 Serbians? You get a heist gang Inspector Clouseau couldn't imagine in his wildest dreams.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apr 25, 2023 • 48min
The Love Song of Fred W Demara
🎶 Oh yes, he was the Great Impostor. (Woo-woooo) 🎶His government name was Fred Demara, but he rarely used that. Unlike most crimers with his particular skillset, Fred used his powers for good — he liked to heal others. For instance, that time he had to perform 19 surgeries because he was pretending to be a doctor.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apr 20, 2023 • 48min
The Heart of the Matter: Irish Relic Theft
It has to be bad mojo to steal a religious artifact, and especially bad mojo if it's a sainted body part. Ireland, it seems, has a problem with this. Will the perpetrators be caught? God only knows.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apr 18, 2023 • 53min
Endless Bummer: Beach Bad Boys Rob Hall of Gems
Murf the Surf was an all-star midcentury party boy turned criminal folk hero. Bob Dylan loved his style. Murf and his partner got famous for stealing JP Morgan’s gem collection. But a freelance-writing used car salesman was the true hero; and he’s the one who eventually saves the day.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.


