Once Upon a Time… In the Valley

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Before there were sex tapes, there were sex tapes. Before there were stars who became bigger stars when their private porn went public, there were porn stars. Traci Lords. The first, the best, the O.G. Hardcore since ’84. From the Peabody-nominated C13Originals studios and Vanity Fair's Lili Anolik, comes Once Upon a Time… in the Valley, featuring Ashley West.  In the roaring 1980s X world, Traci Lords reigned supreme. No one questioned her right to sovereignty. Only, it turned out, the biggest star in Adult, wasn’t one. As America would discover in July 1986, when the FBI busted down her door. Traci Lords was really Nora Kuzma, who entered the industry as a 15-year-old high school sophomore. Traci, the victim, was saved. And the industry, the villain, was very nearly destroyed. But what if the victim here was also the villain; the villain, also the victim? Once Upon a Time… in the Valley is the world's first real-life psychological thriller and porno-noir mystery. Just think Boogie Nights—if Boogie Nights had a three-way with Gone Girl and A Star is Born.

C13Originals


    • Apr 24, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 37m AVG DURATION
    • 37 EPISODES
    • 2 SEASONS

    Ivy Insights

    The Once Upon a Time? In the Valley podcast is an incredibly captivating and well-produced show that delves into the scandalous story of former adult film star Traci Lords. With its intriguing subject matter, excellent reporting, and engaging storytelling, this podcast is sure to keep listeners hooked from start to finish.

    One of the best aspects of this podcast is its ability to draw in listeners with its fascinating subject matter. While I initially thought I wouldn't be interested in a story about the porn industry in the 80s, the podcast proved me wrong. The way it dives into Traci Lords' life and career, exploring the complexities and controversies surrounding her, is truly compelling. Additionally, the podcast intertwines this story with cultural references from the time period, such as Bennington College and influential authors like Bret Easton Ellis and Donna Tartt. This adds depth and context to the narrative, making it even more engaging for fans of 80s culture.

    Furthermore, the podcast is expertly reported and researched. Host Lili Anolik does a fantastic job of uncovering details and conducting interviews that shed light on Traci Lords' experiences in the adult film industry. Her dedication to uncovering the truth behind this scandal shines through in every episode. The production value is also top-notch, with great sound quality and seamless editing that keeps the pace lively and ensures a smooth listening experience.

    However, one downside of The Once Upon a Time? In the Valley podcast is that it can be quite explicit at times. Given its subject matter involving adult films, there are graphic descriptions that may not be suitable for all listeners or those sensitive to explicit content. While it's important for a true crime podcast to delve into uncomfortable topics at times, some listeners may find certain episodes too explicit or uncomfortable.

    In conclusion, The Once Upon a Time? In the Valley podcast is an addictive listen that excels in storytelling and investigative journalism. Its ability to make an unlikely topic captivating, coupled with its strong reporting and production value, sets it apart from other investigative podcasts. While its explicit content may not appeal to all listeners, those who can handle it will surely be enthralled by this true crime story from the 80s.



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    S2 | Ep 14: It Was Like I Went Where I Failed To Go

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    S2 | Ep 13: The Farmer's Granddaughter

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    S2 | Ep 12: Sensational Sensationalism

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    S2 | Ep 10: An Impossible Shade of Green

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    S2 | Ep 8: Murder By Numbers

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    Welcome to "Once Upon A Time... at Bennington College"

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    S1 | Ep 12: After The Afterglow

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 15, 2020 40:17


    A crucial new piece of information comes to light. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    S1 | Ep 11: Afterglow

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    Traci Lords as the key to pop culture in the late 20th and early 21st century.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    S1 | Ep 10: Who Ratted Out Traci?

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 1, 2020 52:37


    The mystery is (maybe) solved. And we hear directly—and at length—from 1985 Traci, in a never-before-aired interview.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    S1 | Ep 9: The Ghost of Shauna Grant

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 25, 2020 60:55


    We return to the Valley, and it looks a whole lot different this time around. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    S1 | Ep 8: Marion Davies' Love Button

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 18, 2020 48:08


    Meet Troy Matherly, the heart of this story. The heart of Nora's story, and of Traci's story. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    S1 | Ep 7: Surf City, USA

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 11, 2020 42:59


    We leave the Valley and Traci Lords behind; go back to Redondo Beach and to Traci Lords before she was Traci Lords, when she was Nora Kuzma. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    S1 | Ep 6: Fake Out and Make Out

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 4, 2020 53:04


    The adult industry is screwed. The question is: Who's doing the screwing? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    S1 | Ep 5: Shooting (Porn) Star

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 28, 2020 46:27


    The only thing wilder than Traci on camera, is Traci off camera. Also: Traci gets a rival; Traci gets a company; Traci gets a passport; and Traci gets busted. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    S1 | Ep 4: A (Porn) Star is Born

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 21, 2020 39:49


    Traci goes from adult model to adult actress to adult phenomenon.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    S1 | Ep 3: We Kinda Made it Hardcore

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2020 37:03


    Traci lands the Penthouse centerfold--and the studliest stud in porn. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    S1 | Ep 2: Wanted: Figure Models

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2020 39:14


    A 15-year-old Redondo Union High sophomore learns to fake it so she can make it... as a nude model. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    S1 | Ep 1: T-R-A-C-I

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2020 46:08


    It's 1986. The San Fernando Valley. And, it turns out, the biggest star in Adult, isn't one. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Ep 0: Trailer

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2020 3:40


    Welcome to Once Upon a Time… in the Valley. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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