She climbed to the top of New York City’s real estate scene by bullying and blackmailing, earning her the moniker "The Queen of Mean." In the late 1980s, when Leona Helmsley was put on trial for fraud and tax evasion, all the little people she'd stepped on over the years lined up for their chance to take a swing at Leona.
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Nov 2022
Thanksgiving Special: Just Add Arsenic
Over the ages, arsenic has had many lives — beauty fad, household product, medical prescription… and weapon of choice wielded by killers everywhere from Alabama to ancient Rome. Brine your turkey, knead your dough, and listen to our Thanksgiving Special on the regime-changing, as ... Show More
42m 41s
Oct 2022
Sarah Winchester, Mistress of the Mystery House
After marrying the heir to the Winchester Repeating Arms Company in 1862, Sarah Winchester was seemingly set for life. But while her finances never despaired, Sarah did — experiencing a string of tragedies that would haunt her. She built a strange and sweeping mansion to try and ... Show More
41m 26s
Jun 2019
Hollywood: Johnny Stompanato & Lana Turner, The Gangster and The Film Star
After a childhood struggle with poverty, 16-year-old Lana Turner became a world famous movie star in 1937, praised for her grace, and talent. Her public life seemed like a fairy tale, but over the next 20 years, her private life was plagued with toxic relationships. Sponsors! Dai ... Show More
1h 2m
Jun 2019
Hollywood: The Roscoe “Fatty” Arbuckle Trial
In 1921, Arbuckle was the king of Hollywood. The highest-paid actor of the day, surpassing even the likes of Charlie Chaplin. But one booze-filled, wayward hotel party would leave Arbuckle accused of murder, as every friend he had in town abandoned him to a media feeding frenzy. ... Show More
54m 58s
May 2019
Bellerophon Pt. 2: Soaring Victories
Falsely accused of a horrific crime, Bellerophon is punished by King Lobates, who desperately wants to see him dead. The King sends Bellerophon on a suicide mission; to fight and kill the chimaera, a nightmarish beast with the heads of a lion, a goat, and a venomous serpent. Spon ... Show More
43m 13s
Feb 2019
E132: “Philadelphia Framing” - Dolores Della Penna
In 1972, she was abducted one block away from her home in the Kensington area of Philadelphia. Dolores Della Penna’s body was found piece by piece, her limbs scattered just off the country roads near the city. After years of persistent investigation, this cold case may now be hea ... Show More
50m 56s
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
Sep 2019
Music: Selena, The Queen of Tejano Music
Breaking into the spotlight at the age of fifteen, Selena Quintanilla was constantly under the watchful eye of her strict father-turned-manager, stereotype-driven record labels, and possessive fans. Through it all, Selena willfully fought for control of her own life - and the con ... Show More
49m 57s
Jun 2021
The Disappearance of Leona Kinsey: Carolyn DeFord, Part 2
Leona Kinsey disappeared on October 25, 1999; her daughter Carolyn has both searched for answers in her mother’s cold case—and has pondered what she’ll do if she finds what she seeks. Now an adult and an activist for MMIGW, and all missing and murdered Indigenous people through h ... Show More
47m 14s