Podcast appearances and mentions of holly frey

Force help them, Holly Frey and Bryan Young took another episode to talk about Andor, particularly the Ghorman Massacre and its relationship to history as well as its startling similarities to current events. They also talked about George Lucas and Star Wars being inherently political.

Bryan Young and Holly Frey talked far too briefly about Andor Season 2 and everything they loved about it and what nuances and subtleties that made it some of the best Star Wars storytelling they've seen.

Bryan Young and Holly Frey got together to talk about Star Wars: Tales of the Underworld, the new show that premiered on May 4th, 2025. There was also a roundtable interview that happened with Nika Futterman, the voice of Asajj Ventress that you won't want to miss.

Bryan Young and Holly Frey recorded an episode live from Star Wars Celebration in Japan to talk about the Andor panel and to review the first three episodes of Andor. Give this one a listen after you've had a chance to watch the show!

Holly Frey and Bryan Young had the opportunity to do roundtable interviews for the second season of Andor. They got to speak with cast and crew including Tony Gilroy, Diego Luna, and more. Listen in and hear Holly, Bryan, and some of your other favorite podcasters talk to the stars of Andor. This is spoiler free for season two, so feel safe in listening.

Live from Indiana Comic-Con, Bryan Young and Holly Frey (with special guests including Clayton Sandell) talk about the classic Star Wars film The Empire Strikes Back and its staying power after 45 years and what makes it such a great and lasting film.

Bryan Young and Holly Frey join the audience live from Indiana Comic Con to talk about Star Wars, Andor Season 2, and anything else the audience wanted to talk about!

We are discussing the current State of Star Wars as we see it focusing mainly on the fan aspect but also talking other aspects of the franchise itself. And joining us today are Holly Frey of Full of Sith and newcomer to the show, Mark Newbold from FanthaTracks.  Talkin' Tauntauns is a Star Wars discussion podcast hosted by Jim Lehane and Nicole H. Quinn. From reviews of the latest shows and books, to breaking news and thoughtful interviews, join us as we dive into all things from a galaxy far, far away. Find us on the socials for more Star Wars conversation:Find the show on Instagram at TalkinTauntauns, Threads at TalkinTauntauns, Bluesky at TalkinTauntauns,or at our website TalkinTauntauns.com. Find Jim on IG @Dinojim, on Bluesky, or on his website at dinojim.com. Find Nicole on IG @NicoleHQuinn, Bluesky, or on her website at herviewcreative.com You can get in touch with us via our website (TalkinTauntauns.com) or email us at Contact@TalkinTauntauns.com. Talkin' Tauntauns can be found on iTunes, Spotify, Pandora, iHeartRadio, or anywhere else you listen to podcasts. If you enjoy the show, be sure to subscribe, leave us a review, and tell your friends!

In this episode of Full of Sith, Bryan Young and Holly Frey dive deep into the Confederacy of Independent Systems and their reasons for leaving the Republic and the politics and the corruption of the Clone Wars.

Bryan Young and Holly Frey discuss those moments in the Star Wars movies that could have changed everything irreparably. Mace Windu would have called them shatterpoints, those moments so vital to the fabric of Star Wars that changing them would have changed everything forever. It turned into a really fun conversation.

Bryan Young and Holly Frey talk about the finale of Star Wars: Skeleton Crew, the latest show in Lucasfilm's DisneyPlus series of Star Wars masterpieces. They talk in detail about the arcs on the show, Jod Na Nawood's character, the concept of filler episodes, and more!

Friends of the show Holly Frey and Maria Trimarchi of the podcast Criminalia and the book Killer Cocktails join us for a conversation about women, true crime, cocktails, and working together as friends.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Historical true crime doesn’t have to be dry. We chat with Holly Frey and Maria Trimarchi, hosts of the podcast Criminalia, about how they illuminate stories through cocktails (and mocktails!) in their show and new book: Killer Cocktails: Dangerous Drinks Inspired by History’s Most Nefarious Criminals.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hosts Bryan Young and Holly Frey got together to talk about recent rumors about recasting Baylon Skoll and where the line is drawn over recasting a Star Wars actor versus remaking them in CGI. They also delved deep into Kelly Knox's Star Wars conversation cards in a vain bid to hold off on talking about Skeleton Crew until the show is over.

Inspired by Skeleton Crew's Trash Crabs, Bryan Young and Holly Frey got together to talk about the myriad creatures of Star Wars and their makers. They talked about Phil Tippett, Stuart Freeborn, Teryl Whitlatch, and more, as well as their favorites across the Star Wars saga.

Criminalia podcast hosts Holly Frey and Maria Trimarchi join host Aaron Sagers to discuss their new book, Killer Cocktails: Dangerous Drinks Inspired by History's Most Nefarious Criminals. Every month, over 200,000 listeners download Criminalia to hear stories of history's wildest and most devious criminals they never knew existed. But this isn't just any true-crime podcast—more than an engaging history lesson, Criminalia also offers a cocktail recipe to go with each criminal. Now, the hosts of Criminalia, Holly Frey and Maria Trimarchi, expand their pursuits with the new book Killer Cocktails, where they serve up stories of heists, murders, tragic persecutions, and more — all with alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks inspired by the tales. _______________________________________________________________ Talking Strange Paranormal Show with Aaron Sagers is a weekly paranormal pop culture podcast featuring celebrity and author interviews, as well as learned experts in all things strange and unexplained. Sagers is a paranormal journalist and researcher who appears as host of 28 Days Haunted on Netflix, and on Paranormal Caught On Camera on Travel Channel/Discovery+, and Talking Strange is part of the Den of Geek Network. If you like Talking Strange, please subscribe, leave a nice review, and share with your friends. The Talking Strange Paranormal Show is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and wherever you check out spooky content. For more paranormal pop culture, head to Den of Geek, and follow @TalkStrangePod on Twitter. Email us with episode ideas, and guest suggestions, or for a chance to have your letter read on a future episode: TalkingStrange@DenOfGeek.com Follow Host Aaron Sagers: Twitter.com/aaronsagers Instagram.com/aaronsagers Facebook.com/AaronSagersPage tiktok.com/@aaronsagers Patreon.com/aaronsagers (For Q&As, livestreams, cocktail classes, and movie watches) Until Next Time: Be Kind. Stay Spooky. Keep It Weird. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bryan Young and Holly Frey take a look back at all of the Star Wars stories that came out in 2024 and talk about their favorite parts and get into a little bit about what they're most excited for coming out in 2025 and beyond. They also answered an intriguing fan question about Carrie Fisher's role in The Rise of Skywalker.

What pairs well with the story of an identity-shifting murderess who burned her house down to cover up a crime? A fiery jalapeño cocktail (or mocktail), of course. How about the Charles Dickens super-fan who took things a bit too far? That one's less obvious, so you'll have to consult page 44. From poison to pirates, identity theft to art heists, KILLER COCKTAILS has a cocktail - and mocktail option - to pair with 144 of the wildest, wackiest historical crimes that co-authors Holly Frey and Maria Trimarchi could dig up. A small sampling of the menu: The Legend of Locusta, the Imperial Poison Maker of Ancient Rome (p20) and cocktail: The Botanist's Latte (p22)This Just In: Elizabeth "Betty" Bigley Was Not Really the Daughter of Andrew Carnegie (71) and cocktail: The Calling Card (74)Jeanne de Clisson and Her Bloodthirsty Revenge (108) and cocktail: Red Sails (110)William Cunningham, the "Bogeyman" of Cincinnati (163) and cocktail: Corpse Juice (165)The Day the Dali Escaped From Prison (240) and cocktail: Dali's Antics (242) Why the combo of baddies and booze? The authors explain: "In some instances, the cocktail is a way to lighten the mood after a particularly grueling or grisly tale. In others, it's about celebrating someone who bypasses the law for the common good, or even someone who has transitioned from villainous to . . . less villainous? More than anything, it's about finding ways to give stories from the past a festive, exciting, and new spin-and have fun doing it." The beloved co-hosts of iHeartPodcasts' "Criminalia" (both) and "Stuff You Missed in History Class" (Frey) bring their trademark humor and deep research - as well as their mixology skills - to the project. But as they write in the introduction, "It's OK to play. Tweak your drinks to your tastes! If you make a bad drink you'll only mourn the wasted ingredients. There's no such thing as cocktail jail and the family will not seek revenge. usually."Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/arroe-collins-unplugged-totally-uncut--994165/support.

Who's the Bossk? - Episode 208: Skeleton Crew with Holly Frey Date: December 5th, 2024 (recorded December 4th) Listen Topics Returning guest Holly Frey from the "Full of Sith" podcast joins "Who's the Bossk?" host Mike Celestino for a discussion of the two-episode premiere of Lucasfilm's new live-action Disney+ series Star Wars: Skeleton Crew. Plus this week's Star Wars headlines and more! Subscribe iTunes Google Spotify

Bryan Young and Holly Frey review the first two episodes of Star Wars: Skeleton Crew, spoilers and all. They talk about the entire crew, Wim, Neel, KB, and Fern, as well as their journey into the stars--which they've never seen before.

Bryan Young and Holly Frey got together on a new episode of Full of Sith to talk about the history of Star Wars as a political allegory and how it's been used as a coping mechanism for folks in the wake of recent political events and how they have a new way of looking at Andor and The Rise of Skywalker.

Bryan Young and Holly Frey got together to talk about her exploits in Iceland visiting Rogue One shooting locations, the phenomenon of Wookiee Life Day, and tips for traveling to Japan for Star Wars Celebration.

It's a celebration of HALLOWEEN with Holly Frey (Full of Sith, Stuff You Missed in History Class, Criminalia podcasts)! She's also an author, clothes designer, and lover of all things Halloween. We have a Halloween Happy Hour, of sorts - Richard, Sarah, and Holly share favorite Halloween childhood memories, first scary movie we saw, favorite Halloween costume, and we ask “You're a late-night horror host, what is your name and what is your show about?” (we also want to know your answers as well so let us know in the comment).  In true Skywalking form, there's also a HOLLYween Trivia Game of TERROR!     Holly and her Criminalia co-host Maria Trimarchi's NEW book, Killer Cocktails: Dangerous Drinks Inspired by History's Most Nefarious Criminals, is available now wherever books are sold. Please let us know which cocktails inspire you the most!   Today in Star Wars History - 10/27/2005   Star Wars: Where Science Meets Imagination opens at the Museum of Science in Boston, Massachusetts. The tour, which consists of eighteen engagements, continues until February 23, 2014. (9 years!)The Museum of Science created this traveling exhibit that features numerous props, models, and over a dozen costumes used in the Star Wars saga. The exhibit focuses on the science behind the technology in the films such as Luke's landspeeder and Anakin's prosthetic hand and showcases real world comparisons. A reproduction of the Millennium Falcon cockpit simulates the jump to lightspeed and features narration by Anthony Daniels and R2-D2.   SPONSORS   Small World Vacations is an official sponsor of Skywalking Through Neverland. Contact them for a no obligation price quote at www.smallworldvacations.com. Tell them Skywalking Through Neverland sent you.   SUPPORT THE SHOW   Find out how you can become a part of the Skywalking Force and unlock bonus content.   CONTACT US   Instagram: http://instagram.com/skywalkingpod   Twitter: https://twitter.com/SkywalkingPod   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skywalkingthroughneverland   Send emails to share@skywalkingthroughneverland.com and follow us on Facebook.   If you dug this episode, click over to iTunes | Stitcher | YouTube and leave us a review!   Never Land on Alderaan!

It's a celebration of HALLOWEEN with Holly Frey (Full of Sith, Stuff You Missed in History Class, Criminalia podcasts)! She's also an author, clothes designer, and lover of all things Halloween. We have a Halloween Happy Hour, of sorts - Richard, Sarah, and Holly share favorite Halloween childhood memories, first scary movie we saw, favorite Halloween costume, and we ask “You're a late-night horror host, what is your name and what is your show about?” (we also want to know your answers as well so let us know in the comment).  In true Skywalking form, there's also a HOLLYween Trivia Game of TERROR!     Holly and her Criminalia co-host Maria Trimarchi's NEW book, Killer Cocktails: Dangerous Drinks Inspired by History's Most Nefarious Criminals, is available now wherever books are sold. Please let us know which cocktails inspire you the most!   Today in Star Wars History - 10/27/2005   Star Wars: Where Science Meets Imagination opens at the Museum of Science in Boston, Massachusetts. The tour, which consists of eighteen engagements, continues until February 23, 2014. (9 years!)The Museum of Science created this traveling exhibit that features numerous props, models, and over a dozen costumes used in the Star Wars saga. The exhibit focuses on the science behind the technology in the films such as Luke's landspeeder and Anakin's prosthetic hand and showcases real world comparisons. A reproduction of the Millennium Falcon cockpit simulates the jump to lightspeed and features narration by Anthony Daniels and R2-D2.   SPONSORS   Small World Vacations is an official sponsor of Skywalking Through Neverland. Contact them for a no obligation price quote at www.smallworldvacations.com. Tell them Skywalking Through Neverland sent you.   SUPPORT THE SHOW   Find out how you can become a part of the Skywalking Force and unlock bonus content.   CONTACT US   Instagram: http://instagram.com/skywalkingpod   Twitter: https://twitter.com/SkywalkingPod   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skywalkingthroughneverland   Send emails to share@skywalkingthroughneverland.com and follow us on Facebook.   If you dug this episode, click over to iTunes | Stitcher | YouTube and leave us a review!   Never Land on Alderaan!

What pairs well with the story of an identity-shifting murderess who burned her house down to cover up a crime? A fiery jalapeño cocktail (or mocktail), of course. How about the Charles Dickens super-fan who took things a bit too far? That one's less obvious, so you'll have to consult page 44. From poison to pirates, identity theft to art heists, KILLER COCKTAILS has a cocktail - and mocktail option - to pair with 144 of the wildest, wackiest historical crimes that co-authors Holly Frey and Maria Trimarchi could dig up. A small sampling of the menu: The Legend of Locusta, the Imperial Poison Maker of Ancient Rome (p20) and cocktail: The Botanist's Latte (p22)This Just In: Elizabeth "Betty" Bigley Was Not Really the Daughter of Andrew Carnegie (71) and cocktail: The Calling Card (74)Jeanne de Clisson and Her Bloodthirsty Revenge (108) and cocktail: Red Sails (110)William Cunningham, the "Bogeyman" of Cincinnati (163) and cocktail: Corpse Juice (165)The Day the Dali Escaped From Prison (240) and cocktail: Dali's Antics (242) Why the combo of baddies and booze? The authors explain: "In some instances, the cocktail is a way to lighten the mood after a particularly grueling or grisly tale. In others, it's about celebrating someone who bypasses the law for the common good, or even someone who has transitioned from villainous to . . . less villainous? More than anything, it's about finding ways to give stories from the past a festive, exciting, and new spin-and have fun doing it." The beloved co-hosts of iHeartPodcasts' "Criminalia" (both) and "Stuff You Missed in History Class" (Frey) bring their trademark humor and deep research - as well as their mixology skills - to the project. But as they write in the introduction, "It's OK to play. Tweak your drinks to your tastes! If you make a bad drink you'll only mourn the wasted ingredients. There's no such thing as cocktail jail and the family will not seek revenge. usually."Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/arroe-collins-like-it-s-live--4113802/support.

Bryan Young and Holly Frey got together to talk about the new Star Wars video game Outlaws. They talk about the story, what they love, how it connects with other bits of lore and what they would like to see more of.

Bryan Young and Holly Frey sit down with Rancho Obi-Wan's Steve Sansweet and Anne Neuman to discuss the passing of James Earl Jones as well as the upcoming fundraiser gala for Rancho Obi-Wan, the museum dedicated to Star Wars. It'a an incredible conversation and you want to listen in.

Introducing Shifting Gears: Olympic Hopeful Mandy Marquardt on Conquering Psoriasis from Our Skin: A Personal Discovery Podcast.Follow the show: Our Skin: A Personal Discovery PodcastIn this episode of Our Skin, we're joined by world-class athlete Mandy Marquardt of the USA Cycling National Team to discuss her experience as an Olympic hopeful living with psoriasis.   Mandy shares how being diagnosed with psoriasis threw her for a loop, even as she continued to train at an elite level. Mandy also opens up about the importance of her support network and the role it played in helping her navigate this unexpected challenge.   But that sense of community wasn't always available to people with chronic disorders. After Mandy's inspiring story, host Holly Frey takes us through the little-known and emotional history of the isolation faced by those with psoriasis in the past and what we all can learn from the history of our skin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to team@podroll.fm.

Tracy Wilson and Holly Frey talk about their popular podcast, Stuff You Missed in History Class. (From November 6, 2019)

We are talking the next two episodes of The Acolyte, Episode 6: Teach/Corrupt and Episode 7: Choice. Nicole is out today so keeping her seat warm is the wonderful Holly Frey, and joining us is the ever fantastic Mark Perez.  Talkin' Tauntauns is a Star Wars discussion podcast hosted by Jim Lehane and Nicole H. Quinn. From reviews of the latest shows and books, to breaking news and thoughtful interviews, join us as we dive into all things from a galaxy far, far away. Join our Patreon! You can find it at patreon.com/talkintauntauns. Find us on the socials for more Star Wars conversation:Find the show on X: @TalkinTauntauns, Instagram at TalkinTauntauns, Threads at TalkinTauntauns, Bluesky at TalkinTauntauns,or at our website TalkinTauntauns.com. Find Jim on X @Jazinator, IG @Dinojim, or Bluesky, or on his website at dinojim.com. Find Nicole on IG @NicoleHQuinn, Threads @NicoleHQuinn, Bluesky, or on her website at herviewcreative.com You can get in touch with us via our website (TalkinTauntauns.com) or email us at Contact@TalkinTauntauns.com. Talkin' Tauntauns can be found on iTunes, Spotify, Pandora, iHeartRadio, or anywhere else you listen to podcasts. If you enjoy the show, be sure to subscribe, leave us a review, and tell your friends!

We wrap up our coverage of Ahsoka season 1 covering episode 8, Part 8: The Jedi, the Witch, and the Warlord and joining us is our favorite Holly Frey!  Talkin' Tauntauns is a Star Wars discussion podcast hosted by Jim Lehane and Nicole H. Quinn. From reviews of the latest shows and books, to breaking news and thoughtful interviews, join us as we dive into all things from a galaxy far, far away. Join our Patreon! You can find it at patreon.com/talkintauntauns. Find us on the socials for more Star Wars conversation:Find the show on X: @TalkinTauntauns, Instagram at TalkinTauntauns, Threads at TalkinTauntauns, Bluesky at TalkinTauntauns,or at our website TalkinTauntauns.com. Find Jim on X @Jazinator, IG @Dinojim, or Bluesky, or on his website at dinojim.com. Find Nicole on IG @NicoleHQuinn, Threads @NicoleHQuinn, Bluesky, or on her website at herviewcreative.com You can get in touch with us via our website (TalkinTauntauns.com) or email us at Contact@TalkinTauntauns.com. Talkin' Tauntauns can be found on iTunes, Spotify, Pandora, iHeartRadio, or anywhere else you listen to podcasts. If you enjoy the show, be sure to subscribe, leave us a review, and tell your friends!

“It's the Hair – not the Hat That Makes a Woman Attractive,” read one ad for the Seven Sutherland Sisters' scalp cleaner. Sisters Sarah, Victoria, Isabella, Grace, Naomi, Dora, and Mary Sutherland were performers who sang and played instruments, but what the crowds came to see was their hair; primarily because there was, collectively, 37 feet of it. By 1880, they were billed as the "Seven Wonders" – and just four years later, their patent hair tonic had made them a fortune. This is a Victorian rags-to-riches story. Well, it's more of a rags-to-riches-to-rags story. As it goes.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 1946, R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company launched an ad campaign with the slogan, “More doctors smoke Camels than any other cigarette.” Long before Camel cigarettes became the doctor-approved cigarette of choice, at least in advertising, people living with asthma were often instructed to inhale smoke to relieve their symptoms. And that advice was for asthmatic adults – and children. ‘Asthma cigarettes', as they were called, and related products, weren't packed full of tobacco, though many did include it; they were, essentially, psychotropic drugs from the nightshade family that people inhaled in hopes of finding respiratory relief. Let's take a look at what kinds of quack – and, to be honest, some not-so-quack – products for asthma before the invention of the modern inhaler.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

By the time he was in his 40s, Perry Davis was an entrepreneur who had tried, unsuccessfully, to start multiple businesses; and those failures had left him $4,500 in debt – roughly more than $160,000 today. In 1839, his bad luck continued when he then became ill with debilitating pain. Seeking even just any little bit of relief, he mixed up a concoction, containing mostly opiates and alcohol – a mix that would later become known around the world as, “Perry Davis' Vegetable Pain Killer.” And Davis would become known as the guy who trademarked the word, ‘painkiller'.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John Healy wasn't a real doctor. Charles Bigelow was never a scout in the United States Army. And, the products they sold weren't actually based on healing secrets of the Kickapoo people. Yet, the two men made a fortune from their Kickapoo Indian Medicine Company patent medicines – which, while named for them, not a single Kickapoo was involved with the company or its remedies. The story of Healy and Bigelow is one of quackery, lies, native cultural appropriation, and ... wait, did we call out the cultural appropriation? Yes? Well, then, let's talk about this. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Norman Baker was an entrepreneur, a pioneering radio personality, and a fake doctor. He was a masterful propagandist, and through his radio station and multiple tabloid publications, he manipulated American anxieties about everything from politics to alleged ills of vaccinations. But his biggest claim was that he could cure cancer, in just six weeks, with his own elixir -- and your money.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Though the Pink Pills couldn't stand up to the wild advertising claims that the product was a cure-all, the pills were actually potentially medically beneficial to some people with a certain -- common -- condition; in theory. Maybe. Hey, we're not doctors. Let's talk about, how despite that, why this potentially potent patent medicine was under fire from the U.S. government.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

William Bailey called himself a doctor, but his career was as a shady businessman, not a medical professional. In the early 20th century, he launched a series of start-up companies, capitalizing on the new discoveries of radioactive elements, and sold patent medicine products with lethal radioactive substances with unproven promises to cure everything from arthritis to impotence – it was said they could help you regain your youth. But instead, they were deadly.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, if you're asked to think of a tractor, most of us probably imagine farm equipment. But in the late 18th century, a physician named Elisha Perkins made and sold a different kind of tractor – a device consisting of small metal rods that could cure what ails you simply through touch. And for several years, people were mad for the Perkins Patent Metallic Instruments, or Perkins Tractors as they became popularly known -- even though it all turned out to be what we now know as the placebo effect.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode DescriptionWhen Maude Mayberg was 38 years old, this was back in 1890, she 'discovered' an elixir that transformed her life. It was called Fruitcura, she said, and it cured her ailments when medical doctors could not. Two years later, she was a patent medicine entrepreneur and saleswoman going by the name, Madame Yale. Let's talk about how that's code for, snake oil peddler. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Clark Stanley was a silver-tongued Texas cowboy who called himself the ‘Rattlesnake King'. Back in the late 19th century, he wasn't the first charlatan going from town to town in the American West, hawking quack products -- during this time when patent medicines were gaining popularity, American consumers could buy all sorts of fraudulent snake oil products like his. But Clark had a certain flair. A certain charisma and showmanship others didn't. And, for a few years, he really was the Rattlesnake King -- and king of the snake oil salesmen.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From illicit love letters to political bribes, everyone has a secret, and it's the threat of exposure that's key to this crime -- and we discovered a whole lot of surprising examples along the way -- including a man who built his own submarine, hoping to escape with his payout under Lake Michigan; it sounds made up, but we speak the truth. We have enjoyed sharing these sometimes-almost-unbelievable stories of crime and criminals with you. Listen as Holly and Maria share their favorite shows and drinks from the season in our 'Blackmail' season finale. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Snake oil. Today the term describes any worthless remedy that's promoted as a cure-all. And, by extension, snake oil salesmen are considered a bunch of rip-off artists who peddle fraudulent goods. We're rolling straight from the criminal world of blackmail and extortion into a new season -- we'll see you there, not only with some very real stories about some very bogus things, but also with the cocktails and mocktails made to go with them.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is a story of a Texas oil tycoon, a congressman from Idaho, and a financial commodities broker in Oklahoma City. It's a story of blackmail, yes. But it's also a story of political corruption and ethics uncovered by that blackmail. There's a lot going on here, and pretty much everyone's guilty.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mary Ann Clarke attempted to blackmail her ex-lover, the Duke of York — who led the British army — by threatening to publish his letters. Sounds similar to Wellington but it takes a turn: His political enemies took notice, and they discovered that Mary Ann was selling army commissions (meaning, men who wanted a military rank or promotion would pay off Clarke, who would then demand that the Duke give her clients what they wanted). See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Milwaukee Magazine once described Walter Minx as slender and fidgety, with, "the kind of sharp-featured handsomeness that the movies had taught people not to trust." He was German-born, and immigrated to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with his parents, his brother, and his sister in 1925. He aspired to be a successful American businessman; he wanted to make a fortune -- and a name for himself. He did make a name for himself, but not quite the kind as he'd hoped for. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When All-American footballer George Ratterman announced his candidacy for sheriff of Campbell County, Kentucky, in April of 1961, he said, “I am told that if I run for sheriff, I will be the victim of all sorts of personal slanderous attacks, but I say to our opponents, let the attacks start now, if they must.” And, well, the attacks did start – culminating in a high-profile set-up of Ratterman in a compromising position with a woman named April Flowers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joseph Jenkins Knapp, Jr. was expecting to receive a sizable inheritance upon the death of his 82-year-old great uncle, wealthy retired shipmaster and trader Captain Joseph White. But with debts piling up, Knapp decided he couldn't wait for natural causes; in April of 1830, he and his brother, John Francis Knapp, hired a hitman to murder him, faked some blackmail letters, and, in the end, didn't get any inheritance at all.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It started just after Labor Day, with an envelope postmarked September 13, 1935, sent special delivery, addressed to Miss Mae West of 570 N. Rossmore, Ravenswood Apartments, Hollywood, California. There was nothing unusual about the envelope, but its contents were a different matter. It was the first of what would become a series of extortion letters threatening disfigurement by acid if she didn't pay $1,000. This wasn't about keeping secrets or giving favors; it was about taking money from Mae West. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Described by some as a, “charming rogue,” Charles Augustus Howell was a dodgy figure in Victorian art circles, in particular London's Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood movement. There was extortion. There was forgery. And just a whole lot of unsavory bits. Howell was an art dealer by trade who was also known to manipulate those around him so he could acquire works that would establish and increase his reputation – and his financial security. When that didn't work, in the words of biographer Humphrey Hare, "Howell did not hesitate to blackmail." So let's get to know this charming-yet-unsavory character.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.