By 1985, Charles Keating had parlayed his go-getter’s hustle and dubious ethical compass into a multi-million dollar banking and real estate empire. When a federal investigation threatened everything, he called in a favor to five U.S. senators, including John McCain and John Glenn. 

From successful lawyer to Senator to disgraced presidential candidate… John Edwards’ political star rose and fell in the decade between 1997 and 2008. With his wife Elizabeth dying of cancer, he had an affair, impregnated his mistress, and used everything—and everyone—at his disposal to cover it up. 

After President Monroe’s so-called “Era of Good Feelings,” bitter factions from the North, South and West fought for power. With four presidential candidates battling for votes in the House of Representatives, the mudslinging was fierce—and the outcome contentious. 

In the late 1700s, William Blount was a land speculator-turned-senator. A failed conspiracy to get himself out of debt triggered the first impeachment trial in United States history. 

Uncover the dirty dealings of history’s most badly behaved presidents in the NEW Spotify Original from Parcast, Very Presidential with Ashley Flowers. Every Tuesday through the 2020 election, Ashley shines a light on the darker side of the American presidency… From secret love affairs and all-night ragers to blackmail schemes and excessive drug use, she’ll expose the personal and professional controversies you may never knew existed.Enjoy this exclusive clip from our first episode of Very Presidential with Ashley Flowers! Then search Very Presidential to find more episodes, free on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts! 

During the late 1980s, Pennsylvania State Treasurer Budd Dwyer was in charge of awarding a bidding contract to repay state teachers for tax overpayments. But when an investigation into bribery ensued, Dwyer's mental health began to unravel, yielding dire consequences... 

At the height of his power in the 1860s, William “Boss” Tweed was the head of Tammany Hall, the Democratic political machine that controlled New York City. Tweed’s greed and ill-gotten assets made him obscenely rich—all while the taxpayers suffered. 

True crime fans: There’s a new Parcast original on the roster, and it’s packed with passionate opinions on the worst serial killers, creepiest cults, coldest cold cases, and all things criminal… Every Monday, co-hosts Ash and Alaina from the hit podcast Morbid rank ten true crime stories centered around a common theme—debating each case and their rankings with a hint of humor to lighten the mood. Enjoy this exclusive clip from our first episode of Crime Countdown!Then search Crime Countdown to find more episodes, free on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts! 

He made a career out of keeping secrets, starting in a wartime intelligence group and working his way up to Director of the CIA in 1966. But when Congress questioned him about U.S. involvement in the 1970 Chilean presidential election, Helms found himself caught between two oaths—one to secrecy, and one to truth-telling. 

President Andrew Jackson had just secured the presidency in 1828 when his good friend married a scandalous Washington widow. As the wives and daughters of D.C.'s elite retaliated, Jackson was forced to make a decision that would alter his cabinet—and set Martin Van Buren up for the future presidency.