On the last day of her grandmother’s life, journalist Maya Lin Sugarman finds a box of forgotten screenplays that sets her on a journey to uncover the truth about their author: her late uncle, Galen. She discovers that he was a leader of a Chinese gang, that he went to jail, and, in a final twist, that he poured his life story into a screenplay that was turned into a ’90s Hollywood action movie…starring Rob Lowe, Burt Reynolds, and Ice-T. Magnificent Jerk is an Apple Original podcast, produced by Pineapple Street Studios. Listen and follow on Apple Podcasts. apple.co/MagnificentJerk
Apple TV+ / Pineapple Street Studios
The Magnificent Jerk podcast is an outstanding piece of storytelling that delves into the life of Galen, the host's uncle. This podcast stands out for its poignant and beautiful storytelling, as well as its excellent sound design and writing. The story is raw and true, with no cover-up of details, allowing the audience to truly understand that this person mattered and had a family. The exploration of Galen's life is multi-layered, showcasing the complexity of the Asian American experience while also emphasizing the universal truth of a mother's love for her children. The podcast does an exceptional job of finding an original tale about a unique character and telling it in a way that resonates with everyone.
One of the best aspects of The Magnificent Jerk podcast is its ability to capture the essence of Galen through various sources such as family stories, interviews with friends and associates, his writings, and transcripts. This deep dive into his life allows for a nuanced portrayal that showcases both his flaws and his fascinating nature. The podcast successfully creates an intimate feeling by incorporating interviews and reporting, making it feel like the audience is on the journey in real time.
Additionally, the podcast excels at weaving together different elements to tell a compelling story. It explores not only Galen's personal journey but also touches on local history, sociology (such as Chinatown gangs), family dynamics, and even movie-making. This multi-faceted approach adds depth to the narrative and keeps listeners engaged throughout.
While it is challenging to find any major negatives about The Magnificent Jerk podcast given its exceptional quality, one possible drawback could be that some listeners may prefer a more focused or linear storyline. This podcast jumps between different aspects of Galen's life and may not appeal to those looking for a straightforward narrative structure.
In conclusion, The Magnificent Jerk podcast is a brilliant piece of storytelling that beautifully dives into the life of Galen. Maya Lin Sugarman, the host, excels at capturing the essence of her uncle and weaving together a multi-layered tale that explores various aspects of his life and the Asian American experience. The podcast stands out for its raw emotion, intimate storytelling, and impeccable sound design. It is a must-listen for fans of true crime, family drama, and heartfelt oral histories.
Hysterical investigates a mysterious illness that spreads among a group of high school girls in upstate New York. What is causing their sudden, often violent symptoms? Is there something in the water or inside the school? Or is it “all in their head?” The series examines the outbreak in LeRoy, NY, believed by some to be the most severe case of mass hysteria since the Salem Witch Trials. In his search for answers, Dan Taberski (9/12, Missing Richard Simmons, Running from Cops) explores other seemingly inexplicable events of the last few years – CIA officers being crippled with nausea and vertigo; cops OD'ing from exposure to fentanyl – and discovers they're far more connected than we realize.From Wondery and Pineapple Street Studios, this 7-part series forces us to grapple with the mysteries of our own minds, and reckon with a contagion that we thought was long dead, but may be the defining disorder of our time.Follow Hysterical on Apple Podcasts. You can binge all episodes of Hysterical early and ad-free right now by joining Wondery+
Like the DVD commentary of old, we get a behind-the-scenes look at the making of Magnificent Jerk. Magnificent Jerk is an Apple Original podcast, produced by Pineapple Street Studios. Follow and listen on Apple Podcasts.apple.co/MagnificentJerk
Maya returns to her aunties, nervous to tell them all that she's learned. Magnificent Jerk is an Apple Original podcast, produced by Pineapple Street Studios. Follow and listen on Apple Podcasts.apple.co/MagnificentJerk
Galen takes the helm as a director in a final bid for success. Maya revisits his other scripts and realizes what he was trying to say all along. Magnificent Jerk is an Apple Original podcast, produced by Pineapple Street Studios. Follow and listen on Apple Podcasts.apple.co/MagnificentJerk
Deep in Slovakia, a ragtag team of filmmakers do their best to create a high-octane action film. Maya finally learns how her uncle's story was whitewashed.Magnificent Jerk is an Apple Original podcast, produced by Pineapple Street Studios. Follow and listen on Apple Podcasts.apple.co/MagnificentJerk
Maya traces Galen's surprising move to Hollywood to become an actor. And she learns that his greatest asset in this new world is his past.Magnificent Jerk is an Apple Original podcast, produced by Pineapple Street Studios. Follow and listen on Apple Podcasts.apple.co/MagnificentJerk
A recording reveals the crime that would ultimately put Galen in jail. But how bad did things need to get before it was time for him to make a change? Fiction becomes reality when Maya discovers the real-life love interest from his screenplay. Magnificent Jerk is an Apple Original podcast, produced by Pineapple Street Studios. Follow and listen on Apple Podcasts.apple.co/MagnificentJerk
Growing up in Oakland's Chinatown, Galen Yuen was known for getting into trouble. But was he capable of murder? Maya ventures into her uncle's past to learn the truth about a violent gang war and how it influenced his Hollywood screenplay.Magnificent Jerk is an Apple Original podcast, produced by Pineapple Street Studios. Follow and listen on Apple Podcasts.apple.co/MagnificentJerk
Maya goes to visit her dying grandmother. While there, she's given a box that sends her on a mission to discover her family's biggest secrets and their connection to Rob Lowe, Burt Reynolds, and Ice-T.Magnificent Jerk is an Apple Original podcast, produced by Pineapple Street Studios. Follow and listen on Apple Podcasts.apple.co/MagnificentJerk
Meet Maya Lin Sugarman and her uncle Galen in the true story—of a fake story—about a real life.Magnificent Jerk is an Apple Original podcast, produced by Pineapple Street Studios. Follow and listen on Apple Podcasts.apple.co/MagnificentJerk
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