Fat Leonard
It’s the most shocking unknown tale of our era: a defense contractor who bribed Navy officers with cash, prostitutes and luxury items in return for multi-million-dollar deals. Now, under arrest and battling cancer, Leonard Francis, AKA Fat Leonard, is angry, and he’s talking for the first time. His explosive story will change the way you look at the U.S. Navy forever. With exclusive access to Leonard Francis himself, Fat Leonard reveals the true story of the misogynistic men at the heart of the Navy and the brave women who brought them down. To access all episodes of the Fat Leonard podcast, subscribe to Brazen+ on Apple Podcasts, or on other podcast apps by visiting www.brazen.fm/plus. Subscribing will not only unlock Fat Leonard, but it’ll also give you early access to new Brazen shows, as well as ad-free listening and exclusive subscriber-only content across all podcasts in our network. For more, visit: www.fatleonardpodcast.com Fat Leonard is a Project Brazen production. For more fearless storytelling, search for the Brazen channel on Apple Podcasts or visit brazen.fm, home to all our podcasts, documentaries and newsletters. At Brazen, we show you how the world really works – from espionage and corruption to deal-making and organised crime, we’ll take you inside stories from hidden worlds. For the latest from Brazen delivered straight to your inbox, subscribe to our newsletters at brazen.fm/newsletters.Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://brazen.fm/plus/
Latest episodes
Jul 7, 2022 • 35min
#3: Paula
We look back at the Tailhook sexual assault scandal of 1991 through the voice of Navy whistleblower Paula Coughlin. The Navy’s problem with misogyny is deep seated and it set the stage for Leonard’s rise.Fat Leonard is a Project Brazen production. Subscribe to Brazen+ on Apple Podcasts or at brazen.fm/plus and get bonus episodes, ad-free listening and early access to new podcasts. For more fearless storytelling, visit brazen.fm, home to all our podcasts, documentaries and newsletters. At Brazen, we show you how the world really works – from espionage and corruption to deal-making and organised crime, we’ll take you inside stories from hidden worlds. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSupport our show by becoming a premium member! https://brazen.fm/plus/
Jul 7, 2022 • 34min
#2: Ring of Steel
Out of jail, aged 21, Leonard begins his career as a defense contractor, just as the U.S. embarks on its Forever Wars. Through skill, bribes and luck, we chart the Wolf of Wall Street-like rise of Leonard, on the back of a product called the Ring of Steel.Fat Leonard is a Project Brazen production. Subscribe to Brazen+ on Apple Podcasts or at brazen.fm/plus and get bonus episodes, ad-free listening and early access to new podcasts. For more fearless storytelling, visit brazen.fm, home to all our podcasts, documentaries and newsletters. At Brazen, we show you how the world really works – from espionage and corruption to deal-making and organised crime, we’ll take you inside stories from hidden worlds. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSupport our show by becoming a premium member! https://brazen.fm/plus/
Jul 7, 2022 • 39min
#1: Paper Ships
Leonard Glenn Francis, infamously known as Fat Leonard, is a Malaysian businessman entangled in a major U.S. Navy bribery scandal. In a gripping conversation, he shares insights into his rise as a powerful military contractor and the lavish lifestyle that accompanied it. He recounts tales from his tumultuous childhood in Penang, navigating a world filled with corruption and high-stakes drama. Leonard reflects on the personal and systemic betrayals he faced, revealing the intricate connections between ambition, power, and morality in the shady underbelly of military operations.
Jul 7, 2022 • 4min
Introducing Fat Leonard
Dive into the explosive revelations of Leonard Francis, the man behind a massive naval corruption scandal. Discover how his influence reached deep within the U.S. Navy, leading to shocking ethical compromises. The intricate web of power and misconduct unravels as we explore the consequences faced by those involved. Get ready to see the military through a lens of hidden truths and scandalous dealings.
