306 episodes
American Scandal Wondery
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- History
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4.6 • 17.3K Ratings
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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.
Listen to American Scandal on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Experience all episodes ad-free and be the first to binge the newest season. Unlock exclusive early access by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial today by visiting wondery.com/links/american-scandal/ now.
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Teapot Dome | A Mammoth Deal
Warren G. Harding is elected president in 1920, thanks in part to a backroom deal between Republican Party power brokers and influential oil men. To make good on that deal, Harding’s Secretary of the Interior, Albert Fall, quietly leases the federally owned Teapot Dome oil field in Wyoming and two others in California to oil magnates Harry Sinclair and Edward Doheny. But to hand out the leases, Fall wants something in return.
Listen to American Scandal on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Experience all episodes ad-free and be the first to binge the newest season. Unlock exclusive early access by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial today by visiting https://wondery.com/links/american-scandal/ now.
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Teapot Dome | Boiling Over
Democratic congressional leaders and independent oil men are furious when they learn that Interior Secretary Albert Fall leased federal oil reserves with no open bidding or public debate.. Montana Senator Thomas Walsh reluctantly agrees to head an investigation, even as Fall brazenly sets out to collect his kickbacks and retire to his ranch in New Mexico.
Listen to American Scandal on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Experience all episodes ad-free and be the first to binge the newest season. Unlock exclusive early access by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial today by visiting https://wondery.com/links/american-scandal/ now.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. -
Teapot Dome | An Extraordinary Transaction
After months of chasing his tail, Teapot Dome investigator Thomas Walsh finally gets a lead when Denver Post reporter D.F. Stackelbeck reveals evidence that Albert Fall accepted bribes. Fall and his benefactors, Edward Doheny and Harry Sinclair, remain defiant, but their continued attempts to mislead the investigation backfire.
Listen to American Scandal on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Experience all episodes ad-free and be the first to binge the newest season. Unlock exclusive early access by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial today by visiting https://wondery.com/links/american-scandal/ now.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. -
Teapot Dome | Contempt
This episode comes out for free on 7/30, and is available early and ad-free for Wondery+ subscribers.
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As Thomas Walsh concludes his investigation in 1924, federal prosecutors take over the case, seeking to bring criminal charges against Albert Fall, Edward Doheny and Harry Sinclar, and invalidate the Teapot Dome oil leases. Over the next six years, a series of lawsuits and indictments force them in and out of court, leaving no one unscathed. -
Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker | Faith Not Fact
After marrying and dropping out of bible college in the early 1960s, Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker launch a traveling evangelical show with puppets, which catches the attention of televangelist Pat Robertson. Robertson offers them their first TV show on his new Christian Broadcasting Network. By the 1970s, the Bakkers strike out on their own, launching their own ministry and television network, Praise the Lord. But as the Bakkers use their followers’ donations to fund their lavish lifestyle, it raises alarm bells for PTL staff.
Listen to American Scandal on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Experience all episodes ad-free and be the first to binge the newest season. Unlock exclusive early access by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial today by visiting https://wondery.com/links/american-scandal/ now.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. -
Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker | Hush Money
After the FCC concludes its investigation of the Bakkers for misusing donor funds, reporters in Charlotte start to uncover a series of complaints from former PTL staff members. Bakker and his underlings try to silence the whistleblowers, but they become increasingly worried when Charlotte Observer reporter Charles Shepard uncovers a damning allegation against Bakker.
Listen to American Scandal on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Experience all episodes ad-free and be the first to binge the newest season. Unlock exclusive early access by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial today by visiting https://wondery.com/links/american-scandal/ now.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Customer Reviews
Entertaining Spin on Interesting History
I was seeking an interesting podcast, but did not focus on all the noise from the news of the day. The series fits that perfectly. The stores are well told and more than entertaining. They also continue to remind any listener that those ignorant of the past are doomed to repeat its failures. I can highly recommend it as a great listen when you were looking to escape the noise of so many daily commentary shows.
Robert Hanssen - Russian Spy
Robert Hanssen, Russian Spy (Season 60) was extremely fascinating to hear. I liked how the different parts of his life were woven together. I like Lindsay Graham’s fascinating form of story telling!
Information is power
I keep reminding myself of this as I listen to these scandals and get angry. But then I’m reminded of how when the right folks get the information they need… a tipping point can happen and the journey toward justice can begin. Thank you Lindsey Graham and all the contributors, researchers and others who bring these stories to listeners today.