Firebug

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For ten years, a serial arsonist terrorized Southern California, burning down businesses in broad daylight. Four people were murdered. Then, a manuscript for a novel lead investigators to the last person they would have ever suspected. New episodes every Wednesday.

truth.media


    • Oct 7, 2024 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 20m AVG DURATION
    • 23 EPISODES
    • 1 SEASONS

    Ivy Insights

    The Firebug podcast is an absolutely captivating and wild story that is worth binging. From start to finish, the storytelling is impeccable and keeps the listener engaged and wanting more. The host, Kary Anotholis, does a fantastic job of immersing the audience in the emotions of those involved through interviews with close associates and survivors. The production quality and audio are top-notch, making it a pleasure to listen to without any distracting ads. Overall, this podcast is highly recommended for true crime enthusiasts or anyone looking for a thrilling and well-told story.

    One of the best aspects of The Firebug podcast is how well the story is presented and told. Unlike many other podcasts in the genre, this show doesn't drag on unnecessarily or dwell on biased perspectives. Instead, it maintains a tight narrative structure that keeps the listener hooked from beginning to end. The attention to detail and personal touch in the storytelling sets it apart from other similar podcasts, giving it a unique feel. Additionally, the voices of those interviewed are pleasant, adding to the overall enjoyment of listening.

    While there aren't many negative aspects to highlight about this podcast, some listeners may find that it slows down slightly after the initial episodes. However, this doesn't detract significantly from the overall experience as it allows for more in-depth exploration of various aspects of the story. Additionally, while some listeners may be familiar with parts of this story from other podcasts or news sources, The Firebug offers much more detail and a fresh perspective that makes it worth revisiting.

    In conclusion, The Firebug podcast is a phenomenal true crime series that will keep you entertained for hours on end. Kary Anotholis has done an exceptional job telling this wild story with clarity and captivating clarity. The insights provided by interviews with key individuals involved add depth and emotion to an already gripping narrative. Whether you're a fan of true crime podcasts or just looking for something engaging and well-told, The Firebug is a must-listen.



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    Latest episodes from Firebug

    Denise Didn't Come Home - A Woman's Search For Her Sister's Killer

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 7, 2024 4:28


    From the same team that brought you Firebug comes a new true crime podcast, Denise Didn't Come Home. Karen Falasca last saw her 15 year old sister Denise on July 14, 1969, when they parted ways not far from their Bergen County home.  The next day, Denise's body was found strangled next to a cemetery.  For almost 50 years, Karen searched for her sister's killer. In Denise Didn't Come Home, host Anthony Scalia joins her in her search and discovers an shocking and unexpected truth. Listen to Denise Didn't Come Home wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribers to The Binge can listen to all episodes right now, completely ad-free. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    The Hunt for the Psychic Scammer Who Robbed Over a Million Americans

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2024 3:37


    What would you do if one handwritten letter from a psychic promised to change your life forever? This is the story of 1 million hopeful Americans, the global scam that took $200m from them, and the mastermind who managed it all by sending out thousands of letters a week. Investigative journalist Rachel Browne exposes the shocking details of this massive scam on this season of Smoke Screen: The Greatest Scam Ever Written - available now wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribers to The Binge can listen to all episodes right now, completely ad-free. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Introducing The Confessions of Anthony Raimondi

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2024 3:10


    In 1978, Pope John Paul I was found dead in his bed just 33 days after he was elected. The official story is that he suffered a fatal heart attack. But in the years since his death, some have claimed he was murdered to cover up crimes in the Vatican. The question of the Pope's murder has never been definitively answered, but there is one man who claims to know the truth. A man from one of New York City's crime families who has deep ties to the Italian mafia. He was there the day of the Pope's death and witnessed his murder firsthand. Or, at least, that's what he says. His name is Anthony Raimondi, and these are his confessions. Listen to The Confessions of Anthony Raimondi right now, wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Behind Poisoned Letters - The Untold Story of the Anthrax Attacks

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 5, 2024 6:10


    In 2001, a series of letters laced with a deadly powder called anthrax appeared on the desks of prominent journalists and politicians in New York City and Washington D.C causing a national panic. But what started as an unprecedented case soon turned into an unsettling mystery. Who had sent these letters? And why? Join us as we trace the FBI's costly investigation into the attacks, all with an eye toward the question that remains today: Did the FBI identify the true killer, or is this case still unresolved? Unravel the story the played out behind closed doors on Cover Up: The Anthrax Threat, listen now wherever you get your podcasts Subscribers to The Binge can listen to all episodes of Cover Up: The Anthrax Threat right now, completely ad-free. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    My Fugitive Dad - Exposing Decades of Secrets Of a Wanted Criminal

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 4, 2023 8:07


    Meet Ashley Randele. Ashley's Dad, Thomas Randele, was her favorite person in the world. A great dad, a great golfer, and the love of her Mum's life. Ashley thought she knew him better than anyone. But at 38 years old, that notion would be shattered. Ashley's dad wasn't Thomas Randele, he was Ted Conrad - a wanted fugitive who had evaded authorities for over half a century. The mystery of Ted Conrad haunted law enforcement for decades, and now, for the first time, the secrets of his story are finally being revealed. Join host Jonathan Hirsch as he teams up with Ashley herself to unravel the truth behind her father's secretive past on Smoke Screen: My Fugitive Dad. Subscribers to The Binge can listen to all episodes of Smoke Screen: My Fugitive Dad right now, completely ad-free. Catch new episodes of Smoke Screen: My Fugitive Dad every week wherever you get your podcasts or subscribe to The Binge and unlock all episode's ad-free today. Just click ‘Subscribe' on the top of the Smoke Screen show page on Apple Podcasts or visit GetTheBinge.com to get access wherever you listen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Who is 'The Horse Queen'? The Secrets Behind the Scammer That Ruined Dixon, IL

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 2, 2023 8:49


    From the team that brought you Firebug and Crimetown comes a new true crime story, Crooked City: Dixon, IL, available now wherever you get your podcasts. It's the 1990's and in the world of show horses - Rita Crundwell was the name on everyone's lips. Known as "The Horse Queen," she was the proud owner of hundreds of champion quarter horses on her ranch outside the small city of Dixon, Illinois. But something wasn't adding up with Crundwell's equestrian empire. A shocking FBI investigation revealed a decades long scam that Rita was running from inside the halls of Dixon City Hall, a scam that drained the town completely dry. How did this horse crazed criminal get away with the largest municipal embezzlement in American history? Reveal the secrets of The Horse Queen on the new season of Crooked City: Dixon IL. Subscribers to The Binge can listen to all episodes of Crooked City: Dixon, IL right now, completely ad-free. Catch new episodes of Crooked City: Dixon, IL every week wherever you get your podcasts or subscribe to The Binge and unlock all episodes ad-free today. Just click ‘Subscribe' on the top of the Crooked City show page on Apple Podcasts or visit GetTheBinge.com to get access wherever you listen. A Truth Media & Sony Music Entertainment production. Find out more about The Binge and other podcasts from Sony Music Entertainment at sonymusic.com/podcasts and follow us @sonypodcasts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Secrets & Snitches - Witness Smoke Screen: Betrayal on the Bayou

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 8, 2023 6:44


    For almost two decades, DEA Special Agent Chad Scott ruled the streets just North of New Orleans. He controlled a network of snitches by convincing people he arrested to work for him as informants. Chad would stop at nothing to put drug dealers behind bars. His successes won awards at the DEA, but his willingness to bend the rules earned him a terrifying reputation on the streets. Some called him the Golden Boy. Others called him the White Devil. But when one of guys on Chad's team is caught dealing drugs, Chad's life is overturned. His right-hand men betray him and confess everything to the FBI. Investigators go over his career with a fine-toothed comb, asking the question: is Chad Scott the greatest DEA Agent in the South, or is he a criminal? Subscribers to The Binge can listen to all episodes of Smoke Screen: Betrayal On The Bayou right now, completely ad-free. Catch new episodes of Smoke Screen: Betrayal On The Bayou every week wherever you get your podcasts or subscribe to The Binge and unlock all episodes ad-free today. Just click ‘Subscribe' on the top of the Smoke Screen show page on Apple Podcasts or visit GetTheBinge.com to get access wherever you listen. A Neon Hum & Sony Music Entertainment production. Find out more about The Binge and other podcasts from Sony Music Entertainment at sonymusic.com/podcasts and follow us @sonypodcasts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    The Evaporated: Gone with the Gods

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 12, 2022 7:40


    What if someone close to you just … vanished one day? That happens to tens of thousands of families a year in Japan, and it happened to Jake Adelstein, too, back in 2018 — when his accountant disappeared, just before tax day. Adelstein, the author of Tokyo Vice, and co-host Shoko Plambeck go in search of that missing accountant, and take us on a  journey into the fascinating and bizarre world of Japan's johatsu, or “evaporated” people. The Evaporated: Gone With The Gods is a Campside Media & Sony Music Entertainment production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Introducing | Crooked City: Youngstown, OH

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 25, 2022 8:19


    From Marc Smerling, the creator of Crimetown and The Jinx, welcome to CROOKED CITY.  The Saturday Evening Post dubbed Youngstown, Ohio “Crimetown U.S.A.” It was a mob town. Illegal gambling was so lucrative that a mob war raged for decades, and bodies piled up.  Then, Jim Traficant ran for sheriff, riding into office as the city's steel industry fell on hard times. Traficant battles the local newspaper, then the FBI, the IRS and finally his own demons as an eight-term, twice-indicted congressman. Subscribe now to unlock all shows on The Binge - All Episodes. All at Once. A truth.media & Sony Music Entertainment production. Find out more about The Binge and other podcasts from Sony Music Entertainment at sonymusic.com/podcasts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Introducing | BioHacked: Family Secrets

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 15, 2022 7:25


    BioHacked tells startling true stories of the people caught between two multi-trillion-dollar industries — medicine and technology — and chronicles how their lives are transformed. In season 1, the children of anonymous sperm and egg donors — some with dozens or hundreds of half-siblings — take on the fertility industry. As they uncover the identities of their donors and gather vital medical information, unexpected ethical, scientific, and political challenges arise that will leave you questioning everything you thought you knew about the baby business. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Epilogue 2 | The D.C. Arsonist

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 13, 2021 36:38


    For decades, Washington D.C. was terrorized by a serial arsonist who set hundreds of fires. In letters to journalist Dave Jamieson, that arsonist discussed his strange motivations, and a murder no one knew about.

    Epilogue 1 | The Fifth Victim

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 6, 2021 35:58


    Investigators believed that the novel Points of Origin was based on real fires set by its author. But did its darker passages detail a brutal assault and murder?

    Chapter Ten | Jekyll and Hyde

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 22, 2021 37:11


    Host Kary Antholis explores the two sides of America's most prolific arsonist, in preparation for one last confrontation.

    Chapter Nine | Family Secrets

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 15, 2021 38:31


    Host Kary Antholis uncovers a hidden side of America's most prolific serial arsonist…by speaking to the people he was closest to.

    Chapter Eight | Call Me Back

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 8, 2021 36:21


    Almost thirty years after their first conversation, Kary tracks down America's most notorious serial arsonist, hoping to answer the question of 'why?'

    Chapter Seven | The Trial

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 25, 2021 33:32


    The author of Points of Origin is on trial for murder. The evidence: his own words.

    Chapter Six | The Novelist

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 18, 2021 33:24


    It's 1991.  Investigators finally make an arrest in the largest arson investigation in history.  Host Kary Antholis sits down with the author of “Points Of Origin.”  Is his book a confession?

    Chapter Five | The Pillow Pyro

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 11, 2021 30:25


    Fires break out all over Los Angeles, and ATF agent April Carroll is on the case.  When she widens her investigation, she meets Bakersfield arson investigator Marvin Casey, who leads her to a suspect she never expected...and a manuscript for a novel that reads like a confession.

    Chapter Four | College Hills

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 4, 2021 29:17


    The worst brush fire in Glendale history sweeps across the College Hills. While arson investigator John Orr races to the scene, 13-year old twin sisters Jennifer and Christina Raggio flee their home just steps ahead of the flames. Is this the work of the same serial arsonist?

    Chapter Three | Catch Me If You Can

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 2, 2021 33:45


    A brazen series of fires breaks out around an arson investigators conference. Bakersfield arson investigator Marvin Casey gets a break in the case: a sophisticated incendiary device...and a fingerprint. For pictures relating to this episode, visit our website at truth.media. 

    Chapter Two | The Coin Tosser

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 21, 2021 27:35


    Arson investigator John Orr and his new partner Doug Staubs face off against a serial arsonist lighting up Glendale, California. Orr is one of the most renowned arson investigators in the state, but this arsonist always seems one step ahead.

    Chapter One | Point of Origin

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 21, 2021 30:40


    In 1991, federal investigators arrest an arsonist in Los Angeles. In his home, they find a manuscript for a novel about a firebug burning down California. Is the book a work of fiction, or the confessions of a prolific arsonist turned murderer? Host Kary Antholis investigates to figure out where fiction meets reality.

    Coming Soon | Firebug

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 7, 2021 2:29


    For ten years, a fire bug terrorized Southern California, burning down businesses in broad daylight. Four people had died. Then a manuscript for a novel leads investigators to the last person they would have ever suspected. Host Kary Antholis goes on a journey to figure out where fiction meets reality.

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