Following his split with the Backstreet Boys and NSYNC, Lou Pearlman finds it increasingly difficult to keep up appearances around his rapidly crumbling empire. Soon, investors begin demanding their money back, and an accountant turned whistleblower threatens to expose Pearlman’s lies.
Listen to American Scandal on the Wondery App or wherever you get your ... Show More
Dec 2024
Challenger Disaster | Bigger, Faster, Cheaper | 1
<p>In January 1986, the Challenger Space Shuttle was poised to make history, carrying seven astronauts, including Christa McAuliffe, the first teacher and civilian selected for space travel. The launch was part of a decade-long effort by NASA to make flights cheaper and more freq ... Show More
37m 14s
Dec 2024
Challenger Disaster | Acceptable Risk | 2
<p>As NASA struggles to keep its ambitious launch schedule on track, engineers at contractor Morton Thiokol raise concerns about a key component of the space shuttle’s rocket boosters: O-Rings, which are designed to prevent fuel leaks. Amid this tension, the Teacher in Space prog ... Show More
36m 37s
Apr 2025
Virgin Territory: Richard Branson’s Business Beginnings | E for Export | 2
<p>Virgin gets into the music business, but 20-year-old founder Richard Branson is caught in an illegal scheme that threatens the future of his fledgling business empire.</p><p>Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at ... Show More
32m 11s
Aug 7
Howard Hughes Blows Up Hollywood | Censored | 2
<p>Howard Hughes embraces sex and violence in his quest to conquer Hollywood. But his sensationalist approach clashes with industry regulators and censors, sparking a high-stakes battle over artistic freedom, public morality, and the future of American cinema.</p><p>Be the first ... Show More
34m 56s
Apr 2025
Virgin Territory: Richard Branson’s Business Beginnings | Sowing the Seeds | 1
<p>British teenager Richard Branson finds his true calling as an entrepreneur, but it doesn’t take him long to ruffle a few feathers.</p><p>Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at <a href="https://wondery.fm/wonderyn ... Show More
33m 12s
Aug 28
Howard Hughes Blows Up Hollywood | Author Jeffrey Richardson explores Howard Hughes’s impact on Hollywood and the American film industry | 5
<p>Author Jeffrey Richardson discusses Howard Hughes’s career in Hollywood, and evaluates how far he changed the American film industry.</p><p>Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewslet ... Show More
39m 58s
Feb 2025
Pioneers and Rivals - Annie Turnbo Malone and Madam C.J. Walker | Crowning Achievements | 4
<p>With successful businesses and vast fortunes at their disposal, Black entrepreneurs Annie Malone and Sarah Walker turn their attention to their legacies.</p><p>Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wonde ... Show More
33m 16s