In this episode, hosts Jen, Ashley, and Olivia delve into the true crime story of Vivian Gordon, also known as the Broadway Butterfly. The podcast explores her life, her involvement in the seedy underworld of 1920s and 30s New York, and the events leading up to her mysterious murder. The story includes her early life, attempts to escape the showgirl lifestyle, her ultimate entanglement in organized crime, blackmail schemes, and a tragic end that coincides with a significant political scandal involving New York City Mayor Jimmy Walker. The narrative also touches on the corruption within the police force and the judicial system, with notable appearances by FDR and Judge Samuel Seabury. The episode concludes with the sad suicide of Vivian’s daughter, Benita, and an overview of key historical figures connected to the case.   00:00 Listener Discretion Advised   00:15 Meet the Hosts   00:50 Sponsored by Revenge   02:00 The Broadway Butterfly: Vivian Gordon   02:36 A Body in the Park   08:06 Vivian's Early Life   10:30 From Chorus Girl to Common Law Wife   15:54 A Setup and a Downfall   28:00 Vivian's Rise in the Underworld   29:16 Corruption and Blackmail   44:33 The Seabury Investigation   46:04 Vivian's Last Stand   46:41 Support the Podcast   48:59 Vivian's Bold Move   49:42 The Mysterious Death   50:08 The Investigation Begins   52:12 The Grand Jury and Corruption   57:21 A Tragic Turn   01:00:50 Breakthrough in the Case   01:08:41 The Aftermath and Legacy   01:19:57 Unsolved Mysteries and Reflections   01:28:07 Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts

In this episode hosts Jen, Ashley, and Olivia delve into the tumultuous relationship of Hollywood legends Humphrey Bogart and Mayo Method. Known as the 'Battling Bogarts,' their marriage was marked by public brawls, violence, and Mayo's increasing paranoia and alcoholism. The episode covers Bogart's rise to fame, Method's early career, and their eventual split after Bogart falls in love with Lauren Bacall on the set of 'To Have and Have Not.' The hosts also explore themes of attachment styles, spousal abuse, and the concept of battered husband syndrome. The episode highlights how Bogart eventually found happiness with Bacall after years of personal turmoil and public scrutiny.

00:00 Listener Discretion Advised   00:15 Meet the Hosts   00:37 Setting the Stage: The Battling Bogarts   05:20 Humphrey Bogart: Early Life and Career   24:47 Mayo Methot: Early Life and Career   34:03 Understanding Attachment Styles   42:20 Spousal Abuse vs. Battered Husband Syndrome   47:45 Emotional Coercion and Threats   48:39 Long-Distance Jealousy and Violence   49:17 Breaking Point and Self-Preservation   50:04 Shame and Silence Among Men   51:34 Psychological Impacts of Abuse   53:51 Reactionary Abuse Explained   55:09 Bogart and Meth's Tumultuous Relationship   01:00:59 Public Violence and Decline   01:10:52 Bogart's New Love: Lauren Bacall   01:18:03 The End of a Toxic Marriage   01:21:31 Mayo's Downfall and Bogart's Legacy   01:30:44 Conclusion and Next Episode Teaser

This episode delves into the notorious NXIVM cult, uncovering its malicious inner workings and the harrowing experiences of its members. Hosts Jen, Ashley, and Olivia shine a light on the guise of self-improvement sold to recruits, the manipulative strategies employed by leader Keith Raniere, and the distressing ordeals faced by those involved, including forced labor, branded rituals, and sexual abuse. The episode also exposes the roles played by high-profile members and the eventual legal downfall orchestrated by brave whistleblowers. Plus a bonus PSA "Are YOU in a cult?"   00:00 Listener Discretion Advised   00:15 Meet the Hosts   00:41 A Chaotic Recording Session   02:17 Introducing the Episode Topic   03:27 NXIVM: The Cult Unveiled   05:54 The Dark Side of NXIVM   09:09 The Cult's Recruitment Tactics   11:37 Inside the Inner Circle   13:03 The Society of Protectors and Other Groups   34:58 Daily Life in the Cult   36:52 The Core of the Cult: DOS   42:33 Volleyball and Inner Circle Dynamics   43:17 The Victim-Abuser Dichotomy   43:46 Psychological Manipulation and Control   49:39 The Horrors of DOS   57:02 The Downfall of NXIVM   59:08 Legal Consequences and Trials   01:12:40 Guilty Pleas and Convictions   01:18:33 The Aftermath and Cult Traits   01:23:15 NXIVM's Lingering Influence   01:27:13 Final Thoughts and PSA

In this episode, Jen, Ashley, and Olivia from the 'Wicked Stage' podcast interview Matt Palm, a notable writer and critic for the Orlando Sentinel. They discuss Matt's extensive focus on arts and culture, specifically his unique experiences covering the 'Basquiat art scandal' at the Orlando Museum of Art. Matt shares his journey, from his start as a theater and arts critic to handling the complexities of reporting on federal investigations. The conversation highlights the critical role of journalism, the challenges of balancing fair critique with community support, and the intricacies of covering a national-level art fraud case as a local journalist. The episode dives deep into the ethics of criticism, the evolution of Matt's career, and the dynamics of the Central Florida arts scene.   00:00 Introduction and Hosts   00:38 Special Guest: Matthew Palm   02:03 Matt Palm's Role and Responsibilities   04:31 Challenges of Being a Critic   09:28 Theme Park Performers and Local Arts   13:27 Social Media and Public Perception   21:21 The Orlando Museum of Art Scandal   49:04 Breaking News and Circus Chaos   51:48 Journalistic Integrity and Responsibility   56:10 Navigating Criticism and Reviews   01:01:40 The Art of Objectivity in Journalism   01:04:16 The Challenges of Live Theater   01:11:38 The Importance of Supporting Journalism   01:19:56 Matt Palm's Personal Artistic Journey   01:29:13 Final Thoughts and Reflections

This episode of the podcast dives into a controversial and gripping true crime story in the art world. Hosts Jen, Ashley, and Olivia discuss the case of 25 alleged Basquiat paintings displayed at the Orlando Museum of Art. The episode explores the dubious provenance of these paintings, their eventual seizure by the FBI, and the downfall of art museum director Aaron De Groft. Despite expert warnings and a shady backstory involving a defunct authentication committee, the museum presented the works as authentic. The story culminates in a massive scandal with the unmasking of the forger and De Groft’s subsequent legal battles, casting a spotlight on the murky underworld of art forgery.

00:00 Listener Discretion Advised

00:20 Meet the Hosts

00:55 Today's Topic: Art World and Forgeries

01:37 Introducing the Mona Lisa Peacock

03:01 Art Forgery vs. Artistic Reproduction

04:43 Basquiat: The Artist and His Legacy

05:04 The Grift of Degraf: A Local Scandal

06:06 Basquiat's Life and Artistic Style

11:01 The 27 Club and Basquiat's Untimely Death

22:04 The Orlando Museum of Art's New Director

26:03 The Controversial Basquiat Exhibit

44:19 Basquiat's Signature and Authentication Issues

46:33 The FBI's Slow Burn Investigation

47:14 Thad Mumford's Affidavit and the Orlando Museum of Art

49:17 Jordana Morris Saggy's Involvement

01:07:27 The Smoking Gun: FedEx Label

01:13:45 The Aftermath and Legal Battles

01:21:43 The Final Twist: Aaron Degraf's Death

01:29:31 Conclusion and Reflections

 

In this episode, hosts Jen, Ashley, and Olivia delve into the mysterious and spooky history of William Shakespeare's Macbeth, often referred to as 'The Scottish Play' due to its infamous curse. The program begins with a listener discretion warning due to descriptions of violence. The trio, dressed in eclectic outfits inspired by theater green rooms, discuss the history and superstitions surrounding the play, its historical context, and notable accidents and strange occurrences that have plagued its productions. They explore the potential origins of the curse, including King James I’s demonology and his obsession with witch hunts, touching on the connections to historical witch trials. Additionally, they cite numerous instances of accidents and tragedies linked to Macbeth performances and speculate whether the curse is rooted in superstition, psychological self-fulfillment, or deeper moral and cosmic disturbances. The episode wraps up with a detailed recount of the play's plot, adaptations, famous portrayals, and the rituals used to dispel the supposed curse. Words of caution for those who dare to mention 'Macbeth' in a theater, as the hosts highlight the lingering power of stories in the world of theater.   00:00 Listener Discretion Advised   00:15 Meet the Hosts   00:49 Housekeeping and Outfits   03:29 The Scottish Play: Macbeth   07:38 The Curse of Macbeth   14:51 King James and Witchcraft   37:17 Synopsis of Macbeth   40:37 Famous Adaptations of Macbeth   45:45 Sleep No More: An Immersive Experience   50:13 Famous Actors Who Played Macbeth   51:06 Origins of the Macbeth Curse   52:08 Famous Instances of the Macbeth Curse   53:03 The Astor Place Riot   54:51 The Old Vic Production and Other Accidents   57:16 Modern Productions and the Curse   01:07:04 The Curse in Popular Culture   01:09:52 Debunking the Curse   01:23:50 Theater Superstitions and Traditions   01:25:32 Upcoming Episode Teaser: The Grift of Degraf

In this episode of 'Life Upon the Wicked Stage,' hosts Jen, Ashley, and Olivia delve into the suspicious death of George Reeves, the original Superman. The episode explores the night of Reeves' death, the controversial ruling of his demise as a suicide, and the complex web of relationships and events leading up to his passing. The hosts uncover shady findings, including suspicious accidents and potential motives related to Reeves' breakup with his long-term lover, Tony Manix, and his engagement to Leonora Lemon. The episode also highlights a deathbed confession by Tony Manix and various theories suggesting that Reeves' death was not a simple suicide but rather a murder orchestrated by those close to him. Join the discussion as the hosts navigate through conflicting reports, hidden motives, and the ultimate question: who killed George Reeves?

00:00 Listener Discretion Advised

00:16 Meet the Hosts

00:37 A Touch of Humor

00:59 Memorial Day Weekend Vibes

01:28 The Mysterious Call

02:11 The Life of George Reeves

03:15 George's Early Life

09:33 Hollywood Struggles

19:23 Superman and Typecasting

32:53 A New Relationship

41:11 The Fateful Night

47:52 Bizarre Details of the Crime Scene

48:27 Suspicious Behavior and Delayed Police Call

49:10 Inconsistencies in the Suicide Theory

50:33 Leonora Lemon's Odd Statements

51:43 Shady Findings and Theories

55:52 Potential Motives and Suspects

01:10:28 The Mafia Connection

01:25:30 Deathbed Confession and Final Thoughts

01:35:07 Conclusion and Legacy of George Reeves

Hosts Jen, Ashley, and Olivia delve into the chilling true crime case of Helen Mintiks, a talented violinist who was murdered during a performance at the Metropolitan Opera House in 1980. Through a detailed narrative, the hosts explore the investigation led by detectives Mike Struck and Jerry Giorgio, uncovering the involvement of stagehand Craig Crimmins, who ultimately confessed to the crime. The episode provides an in-depth look at the evidence, interviews, and the complex dynamics behind the scenes at the iconic opera house, while raising questions about justice and the darker side of the arts world.

00:00 Listener Discretion Advised

00:15 Meet the Hosts

00:36 Podcasting Challenges and Triumphs

04:17 Murder at the Met: Setting the Scene

12:00 The Investigation Begins

28:43 A Break in the Case

39:39 The Stagehand Connection

43:27 The Investigation Begins

44:00 Interviewing the Stage Crew

45:03 A Suspicious Stagehand

46:48 Craig Crimmins Under Scrutiny

50:13 The Confession

52:08 The Trial and Aftermath

01:12:13 The Verdict and Parole

01:20:30 Reflections and Closing Thoughts

In this episode, Jen leads the discussion on Olive Thomas, an American silent film actress, model, and Ziegfeld girl who is rumored to haunt the New Amsterdam Theater in New York  (and they celebrate Olivia finally getting a professional microphone). The episode details Olive's rise to fame, tumultuous marriage to Jack Pickford, and her mysterious death at age 25 from mercury poisoning under unclear circumstances. Various theories, including accident, suicide, and murder, are explored. The hosts also discuss Olive's posthumous appearances as a ghost at the New Amsterdam Theater, believed to be one of the most active spirits on Broadway.

 

00:00 Listener Discretion Advised

 

00:15 Meet the Hosts

 

00:36 Podcast Milestones and Updates

 

02:15 True Crime and Theater

 

03:42 Introducing Olive Thomas

 

06:35 The Life and Career of Olive Thomas

 

33:07 Olive's Personal Life and Marriage

 

41:23 A Troubled Relationship

 

43:39 The Final Days of Olive Thomas

 

48:25 Unreliable Eyewitness Accounts

 

49:12 The Honeymoon Timeline

 

50:06 The Tragic Incident

 

52:59 Speculations and Theories

 

01:01:50 The Aftermath and Autopsy

 

01:03:09 Theories Surrounding Olive's Death

 

01:16:54 Olive's Haunting at the New Amsterdam Theater

 

01:28:59 Conclusion and Next Episode Teaser

This episode dives into the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln by actor John Wilkes Booth. Hosts Jen, Ashley, and Olivia explore how Booth's Confederate sympathies led him to kill Lincoln, detailing his failed plan to also assassinate other government leaders. They highlight Booth’s methodical approach, his escape, and eventual capture, while juxtaposing this with Edwin Booth's life and career. Through an in-depth discussion, they reveal the intertwining of art, history, and crime, ultimately reflecting on Booth's perceived and historical legacy.   00:00 Listener Discretion Advised   00:15 Meet the Hosts   00:36 Act Two: The Assassination Plot   01:21 John Wilkes Booth's Plan   06:13 The Assassination Night   19:38 Booth's Escape and Pursuit   38:27 The Aftermath and Legacy   42:07 Living in an Echo Chamber   43:30 The Turning Point: Lincoln's Decision   47:17 Booth's Final Days on the Run   53:28 The Capture and Death of John Wilkes Booth   01:02:41 The Aftermath and Legacy   01:21:35 Season Two Teasers and Wrap-Up