He’s famous for being a Founding Father and a groundbreaking inventor. But behind his electric experiments, Benjamin Franklin kept dark secrets not taught in the history books — stories marked with adultery, betrayal, manslaughter, and possible treason.
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May 6
Salem Witch Trials: The Dark Forces That Divided a Town
The injustice and hysteria that defined the Salem Witch Trials of 1692 is so shocking, historians have spent centuries looking for an explanation. In reality, it was a perfect storm of tensions that led to the deaths of at least 24 innocent people. But in all of that confusion, w ... Show More
50m 12s
Apr 29
The Superman Curse and the Death of George Reeves
In the 1950s, Adventures of Superman dominated TV screens thanks to its star George Reeves. However, while the world loved him as Superman, George reportedly felt trapped in the role. According to the Hollywood rumor mill, the resulting depression drove him to die by suicide. But ... Show More
45m 39s
Apr 22
The Colorado Cannibal: Alfred Packer
A man stumbles out of the Colorado wilderness in 1873. After his traveling party ran out of food in the dead of winter, he’s the only survivor. Except he looks surprisingly well-fed. Alfred Packer’s story of what became of his companions changes not once, but twice. In the end, w ... Show More
39m 30s
Mar 2022
Benjamin Franklin with Ken Burns
<p>Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) was a scientist, inventor, writer and diplomat. As one of the leading figures of early American history, Franklin helped to draft the Declaration of Independence in 1776, worked to negotiate the Treaty of Paris that ended the Revolutionary War in ... Show More
33m 26s
Jul 2020
“The Racist Killer” Joseph Paul Franklin Pt. 2
Still desperate to ignite a race war in the United States, Joseph Paul Franklin sought more prominent targets, hoping to draw attention to his cause. But he also found satisfaction in impulsive, isolated murders. When it seemed no one would ever catch him, he got careless. Learn ... Show More
39m 48s
Mar 2020
Frank Abagnale Pt. 2: “Catch Me If You Can”
In a span of five years, Frank Abagnale Jr. took on various identities: airline pilot, pediatrician, lawyer. He had perfected the art of counterfeiting… until eventually, the law caught up with him. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
50m 41s