Scandal Water

CW: Adult themes/descriptions of violence

Sadly, Marilyn’s promising career was cut short in 1962 when she was found dead, nude in her bed with a telephone receiver in hand, the victim of an apparent overdose. She was only 36. 

But was Marilyn’s death really the result of an overdose and ‘probable suicide,’ as the coroner declared at that time? Or was Marilyn intentionally silenced, as many did and still believe, including her close friend Frank Sinatra?

In 2009, Time magazine included ‘Paul Is Dead’ in its article about the top 10 most enduring conspiracy theories. What’s more, ‘Paul Is Dead’ is widely considered to be the most famous of all music conspiracy theories. 

In 1969 stories began to circulate that Paul McCartney was killed in a car accident in 1966 and subsequently replaced by a look-alike in order to protect and continue the Beatles phenomenon. The ‘Paul Is Dead’ rumor was fed by clues fans believed to be purposely placed in Beatles songs and album artwork.

Despite refutation from Paul and other Beatles members, the theory has endured for more than 50 years. In this listener choice episode, Candy and Ashley discuss the evidence used to support the ‘Paul Is Dead’ conspiracy theory and weigh in with their opinions.

Where do YOU stand? Paul is dead… or is he?

CW: Themes/descriptions of violence

However, in 2013 new information about suspicious circumstances led the cause of death to be changed from “accidental drowning” to “drowning and other undetermined factors.” And a 2018 press conference revealed not only that new witness testimony had come to light, but also that Natalie’s husband, Robert Wagner, was now officially considered “a person of interest” in her death. Yet as of this moment, Natalie’s case remains open, her death still a mystery. 

This fascinating episode takes a look at the tragic loss of Natalie Wood and considers the question ‘Was it an accident or foul play?’

CW: Themes/descriptions of violence

Answer: Bernie Tiede, the man portrayed by Jack Black in the 2012 movie ‘Bernie,’ who murdered Marjorie Nugent in 1996 and managed to hide her body in a freezer for 9 months before his crime was discovered. 

Hear all about Bernie Tiede, “the most loved murderer,” in episode 26, and consider for yourself whether this was cold-blooded murder or an uncontrollable act triggered by Marjorie’s abuse.

CW: Themes/descriptions of violence

As it turned out, he was right. 

In episode 25 Candy and Ashley explore the mysterious death of actress and filmmaker Adrienne Shelly, and her husband’s quest to not only discover what really happened but to also ensure that Adrienne is remembered as the strong, incredible woman she was, not as a victim.

CW: Themes/descriptions of violence

While stalking was already a growing problem in America at that time, it was Rebecca’s tragic death, and the outcry that surrounded it, that led to the nation’s first anti-stalking laws. Listen to episode 24 to hear more about Rebecca’s story and the societal changes sparked by her murder. 

Who ya gonna call? Rose Mackenberg!

That’s right. Long before Peter Venkman and his crew showed up with their proton packs to fight the supernatural, there was Rose Mackenberg, Houdini’s top undercover spy in his war against crooked psychics and mediums.

Rose Mackenberg was described in a 1949  Hearst syndicate article as “perhaps the only woman ‘ghost-buster’ in the world.” In this episode, you’ll hear about the seance-gone-bad that essentially ended the friendship between Harry Houdini and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and escalated Houdini’s crusade against Spiritualism, the tactics used by the famed magician to expose psychic con artists, and the important role Rose Mackenberg played in that battle. We guarantee you’ll be fascinated by the story of this truly fearless female. 

Near the start of the pandemic, amid lockdowns and the emotional toll of isolation, Cheryl Allison headed to the park one afternoon for a fitness break. Little did she know how her life would change because of a simple encounter that occurred that day …or that her new bestie would be a goose. 

In this special guest episode, Ashley and Candy speak with Cheryl Allison, an award-winning actress and filmmaker who thousands of Honk fans may know simply as Honk’s Mom.  

In an interview that manages to be both highly entertaining and also touching at times, Cheryl shares the story of her ‘unlikely friendship’ with a Toulouse goose she named Honk. Listeners will hear Cheryl share the story of their first meeting, anecdotes about their time together, her reflections on the legacy of this incredible animal, and so much more, including fascinating memories of her time on Broadway and in film. 

In the spirit of Valentines’ Day, your hosts are honored to share Cheryl and Honk’s message of love and hope. They know you will enjoy it just as much as they did!

You’ve heard of the Hatfield and the McCoys, but how familiar are you with the infamous feud between Hollywood icons Bette Davis and Joan Crawford? Listen in to learn what sparked the initial feelings of hostility between these fiery women, and how their rivalry progressed to the legendary status it holds today.  Pettiness, drama, snarky comments… this episode has it all!

In her 2009 Oscar acceptance speech for Best Supporting Actress, Mo’Nique gave this shout-out to another well-known actress: “I want to thank Miss Hattie McDaniel for enduring all that she had to so that I would not have to.” 

Many will remember that Hattie McDaniel was the first Black actor to win an Oscar, but perhaps less well-known are some of her other achievements, such as Hattie’s status as the first Black woman to be broadcast on US radio or her two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Be sure to catch episode 20 to learn more about the life and legacy of this remarkable woman, “Trailblazer: Hattie McDaniel.”