On August 5, 1962, Marilyn Monroe—the glamorous actress whose beauty, charisma, vulnerability, and unforgettable screen presence made her one of Hollywood’s most enduring icons—died in Los Angeles at the age of 36. By the time of her death, Monroe had become one of the world’s biggest stars through films like Some Like It Hot, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, and The Seven Year Itch, while also becoming a symbol of fame’s pressures behind the scenes. More than six decades later, Marilyn Monroe remains one of the most recognizable and influential figures in popular culture, remembered not only for her timeless performances and unmistakable image but also for the humanity and complexity that continue to fascinate audiences around the world.
Hosts: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman

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Hosts:Derek Kaufman, Katie Hayes

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On June 22, 2026, Clive Davis — the legendary music executive whose extraordinary ear for talent helped shape the sound of popular music for more than six decades — remains one of the most influential figures in entertainment. From guiding the careers of artists like Whitney Houston, Alicia Keys, Barry Manilow, and Jennifer Hudson to helping launch countless chart-topping records, Davis has played a pivotal role in defining generations of music. Known for his keen instincts, industry leadership, and lasting impact on the recording business, his legacy continues to be felt across genres and throughout the music world.

Hosts: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman

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On February 19, 1980, Bon Scott — the hard-living Scottish-born singer whose raspy voice, mischievous charisma, and rebellious swagger helped transform AC/DC from an Australian pub-rock act into one of the most explosive bands in hard rock — died in London at the age of 33. At the time of his death, AC/DC was on the verge of international superstardom, having recently released Highway to Hell, the album that finally broke the band into the American mainstream. More than four decades later, Bon Scott remains one of rock's most iconic frontmen, a larger-than-life figure whose voice, humor, and reckless energy helped define the sound and spirit of hard rock.

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On February 21, 1965, Malcolm X — the influential civil rights leader whose powerful voice challenged America to confront racism, inequality, and injustice — was assassinated in New York City at the age of 39. Rising from a troubled youth to become one of the most prominent and controversial figures of the Civil Rights Movement, Malcolm X captivated audiences with his uncompromising rhetoric, intellectual rigor, and unwavering commitment to Black empowerment. In the final years of his life, his views evolved following a pilgrimage to Mecca, broadening his vision of racial unity while maintaining his demand for dignity and human rights. His assassination cut short a transformative life, but his ideas, activism, and enduring influence continue to shape conversations about race and justice around the world.

Hosts: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman

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Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie seemed destined to become Hollywood royalty after falling in love on the set of Mr. & Mrs. Smith, building a global empire of fame, philanthropy, and six children. But behind the glamorous image, cracks were forming that would eventually lead to one of the most bitter and prolonged celebrity breakups in modern history. On this episode of Splits, Derek Kaufman and Katie Hayes trace Brangelina’s rise from controversial beginnings to power-couple dominance, then unpack the private struggles, explosive allegations, custody war, and years-long legal battles that turned their separation into an international spectacle. From the infamous plane incident to the ongoing disputes over their French winery, this is the story of how Hollywood’s most iconic romance fell apart.

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On November 13, 2004, Russell Tyrone Jones — the wildly unpredictable rapper known as Ol' Dirty Bastard whose unfiltered charisma and singular voice helped define the Wu-Tang Clan’s rise from Staten Island streets to hip-hop immortality — died from an accidental drug overdose in New York City at the age of 35. A founding member of the influential rap group, ODB brought a chaotic brilliance to the Wu-Tang's mythology, blending raw humor, emotional vulnerability, and magnetic unpredictability into a persona unlike anything rap had seen before. He embodied both the creative freedom and personal turmoil that often accompanied hip-hop’s explosive growth in the 1990s. His death ended one of the genre’s most singular and uncompromising voices, leaving behind a legacy defined as much by his cultural impact as by the untamed artistry that made him impossible to ignore.

Hosts: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman

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On March 13, 1978, John Cazale — the quietly brilliant actor whose remarkable run of performances helped define a golden era of American cinema — died of lung cancer in New York City at the age of 42. Though his career spanned only a handful of films, Cazale left an extraordinary mark through unforgettable roles in classics such as The Godfather, The Conversation, and Dog Day Afternoon, bringing a rare vulnerability and authenticity to every character he portrayed. Revered by peers for his subtle artistry and emotional depth, he became one of Hollywood’s most respected actors despite never achieving traditional leading-man fame. His untimely death cut short a career of immense promise, leaving behind a legacy that continues to resonate through some of the greatest films ever made.

Hosts: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman

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On June 7, 1993, Dražen Petrović — the brilliant Croatian guard whose fearless scoring and relentless drive helped transform the NBA’s perception of European basketball — died in a car crash in Germany at the age of 28. From his dominance in Europe to his emergence as a star with the New Jersey Nets, Petrović played with a conviction that felt both deeply personal and profoundly trailblazing, opening doors for an international generation that followed in his wake. His sudden death cut short one of basketball’s most compelling ascents, leaving behind a legacy defined as much by unrealized greatness as by the revolutionary impact he had already achieved.

Hosts: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman

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On May 21, 2026, Kyle Busch — the fiercely competitive NASCAR champion whose relentless drive and unapologetic intensity made him one of the sport’s most polarizing and accomplished figures — died at the age of 41 following a sudden illness. A two-time Cup Series champion and one of the winningest drivers in NASCAR history, Busch built his career on raw talent, fearless aggression, and an unmatched hunger to win, earning admiration from fans and frustration from rivals in equal measure. Nicknamed “Rowdy” for his fiery personality and hard-edged racing style, he remained a defining presence in motorsports for more than two decades, balancing controversy with undeniable greatness. His sudden death leaves NASCAR mourning not only an elite competitor, but a singular personality whose impact on the sport will endure for generations.

Hosts: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman

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