The Muck Podcast

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The Muck Podcast episodes

May 31, 2023 Episode 177: Such a Force | Clotilda Slave Ship
Hillary and Tina cover America's last slave ship, the Clotilda.
Once a ship of human suffering, the Clotilda set the stage for an unimaginable bet. BUT its legacy continues to haunt Alabama’s history.
Sources
Hillary's Story
The Guardian
'Still fighting': Africatown, site of last US slave shipment, sues over pollution--by Lauren Zanolli
National Geographic
Last American slave ship is discovered in Alabama--by Joel K. Bourne
National Museum of African History
The Clotilda Has Been Found
NPR WLRN
Exploring the Clotilda, the last known slave ship in the U.S., brings hope--by Debbie Elliot and Marisa Penaloza of Morning Edition
The New York Times
Last Known Slave Ship Is Remarkably Well Preserved, Researchers Say--by Michael Levenson
Smithsonian Magazine
The ‘Clotilda,’ the Last Known Slave Ship to Arrive in the U.S., Is Found--by Allison Keyes
Time
A New Netflix Documentary Recounts the Last Known Slave Ship—and the Community Who Won't Let the World Forget--by Olivia B. Waxman
Wikipedia
Africatown
Clotilda (slave ship)
Cudjoe Lewis
Redoshi
Photos
Timothy Meaher--from public domain via Encyclopedia of Alabama
Cudjoe and Abache Lewis--by Emma Langdon Roche (public domain) via Wikipedia
Mural of the Clotilda--photo by Emily Kask via Time
Africatown Sign--by Amy Walker via Wikimedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Piece of Clotilda Wreckage--by Joe Turner via Time
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1 hr 5 min
May 24, 2023 Episode 176: Kardashian Vibes | Richard Como
Tina and Hillary cover former superintendent Richard Como.
Superintendent Richard Como had a promising career in education, but text messages brought his career crashing down.
Sources
Tina's Story
ABC News
Pennsylvania School Officials Under Fire for 'Racist and Sexist' Text Messages--by Christina Ng
Resignations Accepted for Pa. School Officials Under Fire for Text Messages--by Christina Ng
CBS News Philadelphia
Ex-Officials Charged With Theft From School District
Main Line Times & Suburban
Chester County DA announces charges against former Coatesville school administrators
The Mercury
Ex-Superintendent Como sentenced to prison for theft of school funds--by Mike Rellahan
NBC 10 Philadelphia
Former Superintendent in Racist Text Scandal Received $40K Payout--by David Chang
Pennsylvania Court Documents
Memorandum Opinion
Philadelphia
Coatesville’s Racist Texting Scandal Yields Federal Whistleblower Lawsuit--by Victor Fiorello
2 Coatesville Officials Charged with Stealing School Funds--by Dan McQuade
The Reporter
Witnesses testify in former Coatesville superintendent’s fraud case--by Michael Price
Photos
Richard Como--via Chaddsford Live
James Donato-via Chaddsford Live
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1 hr
May 17, 2023 Episode 175: Bobbed-Hair Bandit | The Forty Elephants Gang
Hillary and Tina cover the Forty Elephants gang.
The Forty Elephants were once the most notorious all-female gang in London, BUT their criminal empire came crashing down when law enforcement finally caught up with them.
Hillary's Story
AV Club
Meet the female shoplifting gang who ruled London’s West End for a century--by Mike Vago
The Crime Wire
Forty Elephants: Notorious All-Female Gang of Victorian London--by Ravi Fajan
Culture Trip
The Story Behind London's Notorious Girl Gang, the Forty Elephants--by Ling Tang
The Guardian
Girl gang's grip on London underworld revealed--by Amelia Hill
History
London’s Notorious Female Gangsters: The 40 Elephants--by Lauren Dillon
My London
London history: The women-only crime gang that ran amok in South London for over 200 years--Ertan Karpazil
Weird History (YouTube Channel)
Diamond Annie and the Forty Elephants - The All-Female Gang That Terrorized London
Wikipedia
Alice Diamond
Forty Elephants
Photos
Lillian Rose Kendall the Bob Haired Bandit--via The Daily Mail
Gang Mugshots--via Southwark News
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43 min
May 10, 2023 Episode 174: Pork Roll | Tony Mack
Tina and Hillary cover former Trenton Mayor Tony Mack.
Trenton Mayor Tony Mack was once a rising political star, BUT his promising career was cut short when he was arrested on corruption charges.
Sources
Tina's Story
ABC 6
Ex-Trenton Mayor Tony Mack reports to prison
BBC News
Trenton Mayor Tony Mack removed from office
CBS News
N.J. Mayor Tony Mack arrested in corruption probe
FBI (Newark)
Trenton Mayor Sentenced to 58 Months in Prison on Federal Extortion, Bribery, and Mail and Wire Fraud Charges
NBC News 4
FBI Arrests Trenton Mayor, Others in Corruption Probe--by Jonathan Dienst, Shimon Prokupecz, and Joe Valiquette
New Jersey Times
A year of turmoil, stumbles for Trenton's mayor
Mack wins, water fails--by Meir Rinde
Trenton Mayor Tony Mack is arrested by FBI on corruption charge--by Alex Zdan
The New York Times
Trenton Mayor and Two Others Are Charged in Bribery Case--by Kate Zernike
WHYY PBS
Trenton mayor Tony Mack arrested on conspiracy charges, taking bribes
Trenton Mayor Tony Mack convicted of corruption--by Phil Gregory
Wikipedia
Tony F. Mack
The World
Tony Mack, New Jersey mayor, arrested by FBI in corruption probe--by Talia Ralph
Photos
Tony Mack--by City of Trenton via Fox 8 News
US Attorney Phil Fishman at Press Conference--screenshot from NJ Spotlight News via YouTube
Tony Mack at Press Conference--screenshot from NJ Spotlight News via YouTube
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48 min
May 03, 2023 Episode 173: Jerry! Jerry! Jerry! | Jerry Springer
Hillary and Tina cover former Cincinnati Mayor, Jerry Springer.
Hillary's Story
In 1971, prior to his talk show host fame, Jerry Springer was elected to the Cincinnati City Council. But his political career was cut short when he had to resign amid allegations of solicitation.
Sources
Hillary's Notes
Cincinnati The Enquirer
Jerry Springer in the news: How the prostitution scandal broke--by Cameron Knight
Cinncinnati Magazine
This is your life, Jerry Springer
The New York Times
Live, at Chicago's City Hall: It's the 'Jerry Springer Show--by Bruce Weber
OHIO CANDIDATE TELLS OF PAYING FOR PROSTITUTE
Pittsburgh Post Gazette
Jerry Springer--by Patricia Sheridan
Slate
Jerry Springer--by David Plotz
Variety
Jerry Springer, Host of Rowdy and Controversial Daytime Talk Show, Dies at 79--By Carmel Dagan
Wikipedia
Jerry Springer
Photos
Jerry Springer--by David Shankbone CC BY 3.0 via Wikipedia
Blind Item--from The Enquirer Archive via The Enquirer/ Cincinnati.com
Springer Quits--from The Enquirer Archive via The Enquirer/ Cincinnati.com
Fight at The Jerry Springer Show--by Todd Buchanan via The Guardian
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1 hr 5 min
April 26, 2023 Episode 172: Download Numbers | Bill Higgins
Tina and Hillary cover former Bedford County, PA District Attorney, Bill Higgins.
Bill Higgins was as County DA, BUT when he traded favors for lesser sentences, he traded in his career.
Sources
Tina's Story
ABC27
Ex-DA pleads guilty to accusations he aided drug dealers--by Myles Snyder
Altoona Tribune
Higgins gets 8 years of probation--by SHEN WU TAN
The Legal Intelligencer
Central Pa. District Attorney Accused of Protecting Drug Dealers, Outing Police Informants--by PJ D'Annunzio
Pennyslvania Attorney General's Office
ATTORNEY GENERAL SHAPIRO ANNOUNCES CRIMINAL CHARGES AGAINST BEDFORD COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY WILLIAM HIGGINS
Pennsylvania Bar Association
William J. Higgins Jr., Zone 8 Governor
Penn Live Patriot News
Pa. prosecutor who's accused of helping drug dealers for sex resigns
Speaker Hub
Bill Higgins Never Quit
The Tribune Democrat
AG says Higgins betrayed Bedford County’s trust; ex-DA's attorney wants change of venue--By Jocelyn Brumbaugh
'Big believer in second chances': Former Bedford DA Higgins aims to 'move the ball forward' after criminal charges, disbarment--By Jocelyn Brumbaugh
Former Bedford DA sentenced to house arrest--By Jocelyn Brumbaugh
WPSU
Top Bedford County Prosecutor Arrested On 31 Charges, Resigns
Photos
Bill Higgins--via Speaker Hub Bio Page
Press Conference About Higgins's Indictment--Screenshot from Altoona Mirror via YouTube
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43 min
April 19, 2023 Episode 171: No Questions Asked | Roy McGrath
Hillary and Tina cover former chief of staff to Maryland's governor, Roy McGrath.
Roy McGrath was once a highly respected political figure, BUT when he was awarded a controversial severance package, he faced public scrutiny and he tarnished his reputation.
Sources
Hillary's Story
Baltimore Sun
Feds searching for former Maryland governor’s top aide after he does not appear for his trial
New Hogan chief of staff got six-figure payout as he left Maryland Environmental Service to work for governor
On top of severance, Maryland Environmental Service paid director $55K in expenses as he left to lead Hogan staff
Search for fugitive Roy McGrath continues a week after federal fraud trial absence
CBS News
FBI investigating death of fugitive Roy McGrath
Fugitive Roy McGrath, Maryland governor's ex-chief of staff, dead after "agent-involved shooting" with FBI--by Caitlin Yilek and Jordan Freiman
Roy McGrath, Maryland governor's ex-chief of staff, dead after manhunt--by Caitlin Yilek
FBI.GOV
The FBI Is Offering a $10,000 Reward for Information Leading to the Arrest of Fugitive Roy C. McGrath
NBC Washington
FBI Raids Home of Larry Hogan's Ex-Chief of Staff as Manhunt Continues--by Lea Skene
Slate
The Weird Story of the Nerdy Maryland Bureaucrat Who Died in a Confrontation With the FBI--by Ben Mathis-Lilley
Wikipedia
Roy McGrath
Photos
Roy McGrath--from Maryland GovPics via Wikipedia (CC BY 2.0)
Former Governor Hogan--from Maryland GovPics via Wikipedia (CC BY 2.0)
McGrath Wanted Poster--from US Marshals Service via Reuters
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1 hr 1 min
April 12, 2023 Episode 170: A Letter to Daddy | Susanna Salter
Tina and Hillary cover America's first female mayor, Susanna Salter.
Tina's Story
Susanna Salter served on several community boards. BUT it was a prank from locals that led to her becoming mayor.
Sources
Tina's Story
All That's Interesting
How Susanna Salter Became An Activist
Better Cities Project
Remembering Susanna M. Salter: The first woman mayor--by Lawrence Reed
Carrie Karens-Fannin
A Stamp for Susanna
Fact Republic
Susanna M. Salter
Fee Stories
Susanna M. Salter: The First Woman Mayor--by Lawrence Reed
Kansas Historical Society
Susanna Madora Salter First Woman Mayor--by Monroe Billington
Kansaspedia
Susanna Madora Salter
Medium
She Became America’s First Female Mayor Because of a Sexist Prank
Smithsonian Magazine
130 Years Ago, Men Against Women’s Suffrage Put Susanna Salter’s Name on the Ballot--by Kat Eschner
SheHeroes
SheHeroes in History: Susanna Madora Salter
Timeline
Men put her on the ballot as a sexist practical joke; then she won--by Erin Blakemore
Upworthy
The first female U.S. mayor was nominated by men as a joke. She won with 2/3 of the vote.--by Annie Reneau
Wikipedia
Susanna M. Salter
Photos
Susanna Salter--via Kansas Historical Society
Letter Announcing Salter's Win--via Kansas Historical Society
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57 min
April 05, 2023 Episode 169: Kneecap the MF'ers | Leo Frank
Tina and Hillary cover the murder of Leo Frank.
Hillary’s Story
In April 1913, a heinous murder happened at the National Pencil Company. BUT despite several leads to the contrary, Leo Frank is charged and later murdered for the crime.
Sources
Hillary's Story
Library of Congress
Trial and Lynching of Leo Frank: Topics in Chronicling America
Museum of Jewish Heritage
Seeking Justice: The Leo Frank Case Revisited
The New York Times
GEORGIA PARDONS VICTIM 70 YEARS AFTER LYNCHING
PBS
Exploring Hate: Today In History: The Lynching of Leo Frank
PBS Learning Media
The New South and Leo Frank | Georgia Stories
The Washington Post
Leo Frank was lynched for a murder he didn't commit. Now neo-Nazis are trying to rewrite history--by Jacob Bogage
Wikipedia
Leo Frank
Photos
Leo Frank--from Bettman Archive via Time
Mary Phagen--from the Atlanta Georgian via Public Domain
Trial with Frank and witness, Newt Lee--by Walter Frank Winn/Atlanta Journal via Public Domain
Leo Frank Lynching Historical Marker--by David Seibert via Historical Marker Database
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1 hr 26 min
March 29, 2023 Episode 168: Dr. Bombay | Patricia Derges and Edwin Edwards
Tina and Hillary cover former Missouri State Representative Patricia Derges and former Governor of Louisiana Edwin Edwards.
Tina’s Story
Patricia Derges served as a Missouri state rep beginning in November 2020. BUT when she sold fake cures for Covid she swindled herself out of a job and into jail.
Hillary’s Story
Edwin Edwards served as Louisiana's governor on and off for nearly 25 years. BUT his unscrupulous wheelings and dealings took him from the bayou to a prison cell.
Sources
Tina's Story
KCUR
Missouri Rep. Patricia Derges convicted of multiple counts of health care fraud--by Dan Margolies
KSMU
Former MO lawmaker Tricia Derges is sentenced to 75 months in prison--by Michele Skalicky
Med Page Today
HCP Busted for Selling Fake Stem Cell Therapy--by Kristina Fiore
The New York Post
Missouri Rep. Tricia Derges resigns after $900K COVID clinic fraud scheme conviction--by Danielle Wallace
St. Louis Dispatch
Sentencing set for ex-Missouri lawmaker in medical fraud case--by Kurt Erickson
US Attorney's Office (Western District of Missouri)
Jury Convicts State Lawmaker of COVID-19 Fraud Scheme at Springfield Health Care Charity
US Treasury
About the CARES Act and the Consolidated Appropriations Act
Photos
Patricia Derges--from Missouri House of Representatives via KCUR/NPR
Derges Ozark Valley Medical Clinic--from Google Maps via The New York Post
Hillary's Story
The Advocate
93-year-old Edwin Edwards left all of his assets to his 8-year-old son, according to handwritten will--by Tyler Bridges and Mark Ballard
Associated Press
Ex-Louisiana Gov. Edwin Edwards dies; knew power and prison--by Kevin McGill
Louisiana Secretary of State
Edwin Edwards
The New York Times
Edwin Edwards, Flamboyant Louisiana Governor, Is Dead at 93--by Robert D. McFadden
nola.com
The rise and fall of Gov. Edwin Edwards
NPR
Edwin Edwards, Ex-Louisiana Guv, Leaves Prison For Halfway House--by Frank James
Edwin Edwards: Governor, Convict, Reality TV Star — Congressman?--by Liz Halloran
Ex-Con, Future Congressman? Former Gov. Edwin Edwards Campaigns Again--by Debbie Elliot (Morning Edition)
Louisiana's Edwin Edwards May Be On His Last Political Stand--by Debbie Elliot (All Things Considered WLRN)
Photos
Edwin W. Edwards--from 1986 Northwestern State University Potpourri Yearbook via Wikipedia (CC0)
1991 Governor Race Bumper Sticker--photo by Chris Granger via The Advocate
Edwards, his wife Trina, and baby--screenshot via KLFY
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1 hr 21 min

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A weekly podcast where the dark, and sometimes weird, true stories in American politics are discussed.

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The Muck Podcast

The Muck Podcast episodes

About The Muck Podcast