Born in 1920 to poor, Jewish immigrants, Leona Helsley spent the first 30 years of her life doing whatever it took to rise above her humble origins. She changed her name, bullied her competitors, and, if necessary, skirted the corners of the law, engaging in blackmail and fraud.
Parcasters - One of the greatest true crime cases in ever told is also one of th ... Show More
Apr 2024
Leona Helmsley: The Art of the Steal Part 1 | 101
Leona Helmsley escapes Depression-era poverty by marrying billionaire real estate magnate Harry Helmsley. She takes over his Manhattan hotels and declares herself Queen of the Palace, then earns a royal reputation for berating, bullying, and firing employees at the drop of a hat. ... Show More
44m 27s
Jul 2023
The Biggest Little Confidence Queen in Texas (and New York, Montana, and San Francisco): Bertha Heyman
A tale as old as crime. Phony wealthy widow seeks dupe to front her cash until her non-existent inheritance comes through. The queen of the hill, top of the heap when it came to these cons? Bertha Heyman aka Big Bertha. Derided by newspapers, besmitten by suitors, no one ran a co ... Show More
52m 5s
Nov 2019
How Bertha Heyman Conned Her Way Into Show Business
Bertha Heyman was a notorious con artist with a robust rap sheet and a penchant for bilking well-to-do, otherwise shrewd men. Listen in to learn how Bertha's life of crime led her, oddly enough, into showbiz. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.co ... Show More
42m 39s
Jan 2023
69: The Princess of the Press vs. The Media, Mobs, and the Man
Welcome to the Dark History podcast. Have you ever been made to seem like the bad guy? Have you ever had everyone turn against you when you were just trying to do something good? Well, what about, have you ever had people hate you so much for trying to do the right thing that the ... Show More
42m 6s
Oct 2018
The Ridiculous Story of the World’s First (Documented) Serial Killer
Locusta of Gaul, also known as Lucusta The Poisoner, was one of the most infamous criminals of ancient times. Alternately sponsored and betrayed by the noble class, she committed crimes with impunity for years — even, at one point, opening an academy to teach her poisoning skills ... Show More
34m 36s
Aug 2024
Wife, Nurse, Mother, Murderer: The Crimes of Daisy de Melker
Explore the lesser-known history of South Africa through the eyes of early settlers, intense colonial conflicts, and notorious figures like Daisy de Melker, the country’s first female serial killer.
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1h 1m