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When two of the most influential figures in film become the personal hostages of Kim Jong Il, they have two objectives: to elevate North Korean cinema on the world stage, and to plot their daring escape. * Hosted by Dana Schwartz, Zaron Burnett, and Jason EnglishWritten by Adrien Behn and edited by Carmen Borca-Carrillo at Acast Creative StudiosProduced by Josh FisherEditing and Sound Design by Chris ChildsMixing and Mastering by Chris ChildsAdditional Editing by Mary DooeFact-Checking by Austin ThompsonOriginal Music by Elise McCoyShow Logo by Lucy QuintanillaExecutive Producer is Jason English SOURCES + FURTHER READING/LISTENING/VIEWING A Kim Jong-Il Production, by Paul FisherThe Observant, by Ravi ManglaMichelle Cho, assistant professor, University of Toronto"Are You There Godzilla? It's Me, Kim Jong Il" [Ridiculous Crime podcast]Country Reports on Human Rights Practices, U.S. State DepartmentBig Brother: North Korea's Forgotten Prince [An iHeart Original Podcast]"Kim Jong Il, the Director he Kidnapped, and the Awful Godzilla Film They Made Together" [Mental Floss Magazine]The Korean War [PBS]See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When two of the most influential figures in film become the personal hostages of Kim Jong Il, they have two objectives: to elevate North Korean cinema on the world stage, and to plot their daring escape. * We're hard at work on our next season of new VSEs. If you've already heard this one, email us — veryspecialepisodes@gmail.com — and we'll recommend something else you can listen to instead! Hosted by Dana Schwartz, Zaron Burnett, and Jason EnglishWritten by Adrien Behn and edited by Carmen Borca-Carrillo at Acast Creative StudiosProduced by Josh FisherEditing and Sound Design by Chris ChildsMixing and Mastering by Chris ChildsAdditional Editing by Mary DooeFact-Checking by Austin ThompsonOriginal Music by Elise McCoyShow Logo by Lucy QuintanillaExecutive Producer is Jason English SOURCES + FURTHER READING/LISTENING/VIEWING A Kim Jong-Il Production, by Paul FisherThe Observant, by Ravi ManglaMichelle Cho, assistant professor, University of Toronto"Are You There Godzilla? It's Me, Kim Jong Il" [Ridiculous Crime podcast]Country Reports on Human Rights Practices, U.S. State DepartmentBig Brother: North Korea's Forgotten Prince [An iHeart Original Podcast]"Kim Jong Il, the Director he Kidnapped, and the Awful Godzilla Film They Made Together" [Mental Floss Magazine]The Korean War [PBS]See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When two of the most influential figures in film become the personal hostages of Kim Jong Il, they have two objectives: to elevate North Korean cinema on the world stage, and to plot their daring escape. * We're hard at work on our next season of new VSEs. If you've already heard this one, email us — veryspecialepisodes@gmail.com — and we'll recommend something else you can listen to instead! Hosted by Dana Schwartz, Zaron Burnett, and Jason EnglishWritten by Adrien Behn and edited by Carmen Borca-Carrillo at Acast Creative StudiosProduced by Josh FisherEditing and Sound Design by Chris ChildsMixing and Mastering by Chris ChildsAdditional Editing by Mary DooeFact-Checking by Austin ThompsonOriginal Music by Elise McCoyShow Logo by Lucy QuintanillaExecutive Producer is Jason English SOURCES + FURTHER READING/LISTENING/VIEWING A Kim Jong-Il Production, by Paul FisherThe Observant, by Ravi ManglaMichelle Cho, assistant professor, University of Toronto"Are You There Godzilla? It's Me, Kim Jong Il" [Ridiculous Crime podcast]Country Reports on Human Rights Practices, U.S. State DepartmentBig Brother: North Korea's Forgotten Prince [An iHeart Original Podcast]"Kim Jong Il, the Director he Kidnapped, and the Awful Godzilla Film They Made Together" [Mental Floss Magazine]The Korean War [PBS]See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Velvalee Dickinson ran a doll shop on Madison Avenue that catered to wealthy collectors. But in one of the strangest espionage cases of World War II, Dickinson's clients had no idea she was using correspondence about doll orders to transmit coded U.S. military intelligence to the Japanese. * We're hard at work on our next season of new VSEs. If you've already heard this one, email us — veryspecialepisodes@gmail.com — and we'll recommend something else you can listen to this week! Hosted by Dana Schwartz, Zaron Burnett, and Jason EnglishWritten by Joe PompeoProduced by Josh FisherEditing and Sound Design by Jonathan Washington and Josh FisherMixing and Mastering by Baheed FrazierResearch and Fact-Checking by Joe Pompeo and Austin ThompsonOriginal Music by Elise McCoyShow Logo by Lucy QuintanillaExecutive Producer is Jason EnglishSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Thanks to her McDonald’s fortune, Joan Kroc was one of the world’s wealthiest people. And she was determined to die nearly broke. * Special thanks to our guests Lisa Napoli, Dick Starmann, and Stephanie Bergsma. Go check out Lisa's excellent book Ray & Joan. Hosted by Dana Schwartz, Zaron Burnett, and Jason EnglishWritten by Jake RossenSenior Producer is Josh FisherEditing and Sound Design by Chris ChildsAdditional Editing by Mary DooeMixing and Mastering by Josh FisherOriginal Music by Elise McCoyShow Logo by Lucy QuintanillaExecutive Producer is Jason English You can always reach us at veryspecialepisodes@gmail.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In episode 2086, Miles and guest co-host Blake Wexler are joined by co-hosts of Ridiculous Crime, Zaron Burnett & Elizabeth Dutton, to discuss… Blake Goes Viral, Immortal Biohacker Bryan Johnson Has “Incurable Autoimmune Disease”, AI “Actress” Tilly Norwood To Star In New Movie No One Will Ever Watch, HOW TO MIDTERM F**KERY, Could Being Annoyed At Taylor Swift And Travis Kelce’s Wedding Heal The Nation? And more! The Surprising Reason Tech Entrepreneur and Anti-Aging Zealot Bryan Johnson Gets Botox in His Penis Tech millionaire Bryan Johnson says, ‘I don’t plan on dying, like actually I won’t die; I am 47, but biologically my cardiovascular abilities, lung health, telomeres are age 18 Biohacker Bryan Johnson reveals he has incurable disease: ‘My stomach is eating itself’ A Lara Trump Interview: The Healthiest Man in the World The Meme King of Longevity Now Wants to Sell You Olive Oil This longevity guru is trying to live forever. It may have made him sick Tilly Norwood to Lead New Movie ‘Misaligned,’ Marking Feature Debut for AI ‘Actor’ Meet Tilly Norwood, an AI Actress Causing a Stir in Hollywood Talent Agents Circle AI Actress Tilly Norwood As Studios Quietly Embrace AI Technology – Zurich Summit Steve Bannon on midterm subversion plot: “I have not seen the classified information, but my understanding is that there's information coming out about Venezuela and there's information coming out about China” Why Adam Sandler officiated the Taylor Swift, Travis Kelce wedding Taylor Swift fans ‘sickened’ after ICE contractor attends wedding Nation's largest ICE detention facility 'wasted' millions after rushed opening, federal report says AMC Theaters CEO Lets Slip Details of Taylor Swift’s Wedding Before Deleting Post Paul McCartney Performed This Beloved No. 1 Beatles Hit at Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's Wedding Reception Taylor Swift Reportedly Performing at Her Madison Square Garden Wedding With Stevie Nicks, Paul McCartney Inside the security and secrecy around Taylor Swift’s reported MSG wedding Several food trucks were spotted making their way into MSG for Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's wedding Taylor Swift Wedding Details Revealed in New York Police Memo Street closures for Taylor Swift’s wedding add to chaos for commuters already stricken by record heat Photo shows NYPD cop with ‘Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce wedding' folder outside MSG Hasan Piker Drags Taylor Swift’s “Insane” Wedding: “A Dramatic Misuse of Public Resources” New York Republican says Swift, Kelce should pay for police securing wedding Blake's Piece of Media: Portuguese Football Fan Looks Like Human Shrek LISTEN: FAST FWD by Port LondonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Thanks to her McDonald’s fortune, Joan Kroc was one of the world’s wealthiest people. And she was determined to die nearly broke. * Special thanks to our guests Lisa Napoli, Dick Starmann, and Stephanie Bergsma. Go check out Lisa's excellent book Ray & Joan. Hosted by Dana Schwartz, Zaron Burnett, and Jason EnglishWritten by Jake RossenSenior Producer is Josh FisherEditing and Sound Design by Chris ChildsAdditional Editing by Mary DooeMixing and Mastering by Josh FisherOriginal Music by Elise McCoyShow Logo by Lucy QuintanillaExecutive Producer is Jason English You can always reach us at veryspecialepisodes@gmail.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Comic Sans is a punchline. A design crime. Cultural shorthand for bad taste. But the notorious font's legacy isn't one of failure. Because Comic Sans succeeded in ways its critics never saw coming. * Hosted by Dana Schwartz, Zaron Burnett, and Jason EnglishWritten by Bess LovejoySenior Producer is Josh FisherStory Editor is Virginia PrescottEditing and Sound Design by Jesse NighswongerMixing and Mastering by Josh FisherResearch and Fact-Checking by Austin Thompson and Bess LovejoyOriginal Music by Elise McCoyShow Logo by Lucy QuintanillaExecutive Producer is Jason English Today's episode was produced in partnership with School of Humans. For School of Humans, Producers are Emilia Brock and Edeliz Perez. Executive Producer is Virginia Prescott.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Comic Sans is a punchline. A design crime. Cultural shorthand for bad taste. But the notorious font's legacy isn't one of failure. Because Comic Sans succeeded in ways its critics never saw coming. * Hosted by Dana Schwartz, Zaron Burnett, and Jason EnglishWritten by Bess LovejoySenior Producer is Josh FisherStory Editor is Virginia PrescottEditing and Sound Design by Jesse NighswongerMixing and Mastering by Josh FisherResearch and Fact-Checking by Austin Thompson and Bess LovejoyOriginal Music by Elise McCoyShow Logo by Lucy QuintanillaExecutive Producer is Jason English Today's episode was produced in partnership with School of Humans. For School of Humans, Producers are Emilia Brock and Edeliz Perez. Executive Producer is Virginia Prescott.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Comic Sans is a punchline. A design crime. Cultural shorthand for bad taste. But the notorious font's legacy isn't one of failure. Because Comic Sans succeeded in ways its critics never saw coming. * Hosted by Dana Schwartz, Zaron Burnett, and Jason EnglishWritten by Bess LovejoySenior Producer is Josh FisherStory Editor is Virginia PrescottEditing and Sound Design by Jesse NighswongerMixing and Mastering by Josh FisherResearch and Fact-Checking by Austin Thompson and Bess LovejoyOriginal Music by Elise McCoyShow Logo by Lucy QuintanillaExecutive Producer is Jason English Today's episode was produced in partnership with School of Humans. For School of Humans, Producers are Emilia Brock and Edeliz Perez. Executive Producer is Virginia Prescott.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In 1968, a woman wrote a romantic story about Kirk and Spock, passed it quietly among friends, and hoped it would never see the light of day. Before vanishing entirely, The Ring of Soshern had become the stuff of legend. The quest to recover it would lead back to a community of women who'd been building something remarkable in the shadows for generations. Listen to Very Special Episodes wherever you get your podcasts! Hosted by Dana Schwartz, Zaron Burnett, and Jason EnglishWritten by Edie Allard Story Editor is Carmen Borca-Carrillo Senior Producer is Josh FisherEditing and Sound Design by Chris ChildsAdditional Editing by Mary DooeMixing and Mastering by Josh FisherOriginal Music by Elise McCoyShow Logo by Lucy QuintanillaExecutive Producer is Jason English Happy Pride month from Very Special Episodes! For more of your favorite LGBTQ+ content, check out the Outspoken Network from iHeartPodcasts. Today’s episode was produced in partnership with Acast Creative Studios. Very Special Episodes is a production of iHeartPodcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In 1968, a woman wrote a romantic story about Kirk and Spock, passed it quietly among friends, and hoped it would never see the light of day. Before vanishing entirely, The Ring of Soshern had become the stuff of legend. The quest to recover it would lead back to a community of women who'd been building something remarkable in the shadows for generations. Hosted by Dana Schwartz, Zaron Burnett, and Jason EnglishWritten by Edie Allard Story Editor is Carmen Borca-Carrillo Senior Producer is Josh FisherEditing and Sound Design by Chris ChildsAdditional Editing by Mary DooeMixing and Mastering by Josh FisherOriginal Music by Elise McCoyShow Logo by Lucy QuintanillaExecutive Producer is Jason English Happy Pride month from Very Special Episodes! For more of your favorite LGBTQ+ content, check out the Outspoken Network from iHeartPodcasts. Today’s episode was produced in partnership with Acast Creative Studios. Very Special Episodes is a production of iHeartPodcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In 1968, a woman wrote a romantic story about Kirk and Spock, passed it quietly among friends, and hoped it would never see the light of day. Before vanishing entirely, The Ring of Soshern had become the stuff of legend. The quest to recover it would lead back to a community of women who'd been building something remarkable in the shadows for generations. Hosted by Dana Schwartz, Zaron Burnett, and Jason EnglishWritten by Edie Allard Story Editor is Carmen Borca-Carrillo Senior Producer is Josh FisherEditing and Sound Design by Chris ChildsAdditional Editing by Mary DooeMixing and Mastering by Josh FisherOriginal Music by Elise McCoyShow Logo by Lucy QuintanillaExecutive Producer is Jason English Happy Pride month from Very Special Episodes! For more of your favorite LGBTQ+ content, check out the Outspoken Network from iHeartPodcasts. Today’s episode was produced in partnership with Acast Creative Studios. Very Special Episodes is a production of iHeartPodcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In the winter of 1939, Finland faced overwhelming odds. The Soviet Union was invading with hundreds of thousands of troops. Standing in their way was an unlikely defender: a shy farmer and expert marksman who would later become known as “The White Death.” But behind the myth was simply a reserved man fighting for his homeland. Hosted by Zaron Burnett, Dana Schwartz, and Jason EnglishWritten by Lucas ReillyStory Editor is Virginia PrescottSenior Producers are Josh Fisher and Emilia BrockAdditional Production by Edeliz PerezStory Editor is Virginia PrescottEditing and Sound Design by Jesse NighswongerMixing and Mastering by Jesse NighswongerResearch and Fact-Checking by Austin Thompson and Lucas ReillyOriginal Music by Elise McCoy and Jesse NighswongerShow Logo by Lucy QuintanillaExecutive Producers are Virginia Prescott and Jason English Give it up for our excellent cast who brought this one to life! Featuring Miska Kajanus as Simo Häyhä Additional voices provided by Tuomas Ahva,Jukka Hurme, Tuomas Brock, and Tuukka Rantanen Special thanks to Sirpa Ristimäki-BrockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In the winter of 1939, Finland faced overwhelming odds. The Soviet Union was invading with hundreds of thousands of troops. Standing in their way was an unlikely defender: a shy farmer and expert marksman who would later become known as “The White Death.” But behind the myth was simply a reserved man fighting for his homeland. Hosted by Zaron Burnett, Dana Schwartz, and Jason EnglishWritten by Lucas ReillyStory Editor is Virginia PrescottSenior Producers are Josh Fisher and Emilia BrockAdditional Production by Edeliz PerezStory Editor is Virginia PrescottEditing and Sound Design by Jesse NighswongerMixing and Mastering by Jesse NighswongerResearch and Fact-Checking by Austin Thompson and Lucas ReillyOriginal Music by Elise McCoy and Jesse NighswongerShow Logo by Lucy QuintanillaExecutive Producers are Virginia Prescott and Jason English Give it up for our excellent cast who brought this one to life! Featuring Miska Kajanus as Simo Häyhä Additional voices provided by Tuomas Ahva,Jukka Hurme, Tuomas Brock, and Tuukka Rantanen Special thanks to Sirpa Ristimäki-BrockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In the winter of 1939, Finland faced overwhelming odds. The Soviet Union was invading with hundreds of thousands of troops. Standing in their way was an unlikely defender: a shy farmer and expert marksman who would later become known as “The White Death.” But behind the myth was simply a reserved man fighting for his homeland. Hosted by Zaron Burnett, Dana Schwartz, and Jason EnglishWritten by Lucas ReillyStory Editor is Virginia PrescottSenior Producers are Josh Fisher and Emilia BrockAdditional Production by Edeliz PerezStory Editor is Virginia PrescottEditing and Sound Design by Jesse NighswongerMixing and Mastering by Jesse NighswongerResearch and Fact-Checking by Austin Thompson and Lucas ReillyOriginal Music by Elise McCoy and Jesse NighswongerShow Logo by Lucy QuintanillaExecutive Producers are Virginia Prescott and Jason English Give it up for our excellent cast who brought this one to life! Featuring Miska Kajanus as Simo Häyhä Additional voices provided by Tuomas Ahva,Jukka Hurme, Tuomas Brock, and Tuukka Rantanen Special thanks to Sirpa Ristimäki-BrockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Hi, Red Elvis fans! Today we're sharing a story from the Very Special Episodes podcast. In the winter of 1939, Finland faced overwhelming odds. The Soviet Union was invading with hundreds of thousands of troops. Standing in their way was an unlikely defender: a shy farmer and expert marksman who would later become known as “The White Death.” But behind the myth was simply a reserved man fighting for his homeland. Very Special Episodes is a production of iHeartPodcasts and School of Humans. Hosted by Zaron Burnett, Dana Schwartz, and Jason EnglishWritten by Lucas ReillyStory Editor is Virginia PrescottSenior Producers are Josh Fisher and Emilia BrockAdditional Production by Edeliz PerezStory Editor is Virginia PrescottEditing and Sound Design by Jesse NighswongerMixing and Mastering by Jesse NighswongerResearch and Fact-Checking by Austin Thompson and Lucas ReillyOriginal Music by Elise McCoy and Jesse NighswongerShow Logo by Lucy QuintanillaExecutive Producers are Virginia Prescott and Jason English Give it up for our excellent cast who brought this one to life! Featuring Miska Kajanus as Simo Häyhä Additional voices provided by Tuomas Ahva,Jukka Hurme, Tuomas Brock, and Tuukka Rantanen Special thanks to Sirpa Ristimäki-BrockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In the winter of 1939, Finland faced overwhelming odds. The Soviet Union was invading with hundreds of thousands of troops. Standing in their way was an unlikely defender: a shy farmer and expert marksman who would later become known as “The White Death.” But behind the myth was simply a reserved man fighting for his homeland. Hosted by Zaron Burnett, Dana Schwartz, and Jason EnglishWritten by Lucas ReillyStory Editor is Virginia PrescottSenior Producers are Josh Fisher and Emilia BrockAdditional Production by Edeliz PerezStory Editor is Virginia PrescottEditing and Sound Design by Jesse NighswongerMixing and Mastering by Jesse NighswongerResearch and Fact-Checking by Austin Thompson and Lucas ReillyOriginal Music by Elise McCoy and Jesse NighswongerShow Logo by Lucy QuintanillaExecutive Producers are Virginia Prescott and Jason English Give it up for our excellent cast who brought this one to life! Featuring Miska Kajanus as Simo Häyhä Additional voices provided by Tuomas Ahva,Jukka Hurme, Tuomas Brock, and Tuukka Rantanen Special thanks to Sirpa Ristimäki-BrockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Emma has never felt the sun on her skin. Born with a rare condition that makes UV light dangerous, she lives by sunscreen, meters, and moonlight. But she’s also part of a community finding extraordinary ways to make ordinary childhood possible. And thanks to new research, the future may actually be bright. Hosted by Dana Schwartz, Zaron Burnett, and Jason EnglishWritten by Jake RossenSenior Producer is Josh FisherEditing and Sound Design by Jonathan WashingtonAdditional Editing by Mary DooeMixing and Mastering by Josh FisherOriginal Music by Elise McCoyShow Logo by Lucy QuintanillaExecutive Producer is Jason English Question? Comment? Want to share your favorite episode? You can always reach us at veryspecialepisodes@gmail.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Emma has never felt the sun on her skin. Born with a rare condition that makes UV light dangerous, she lives by sunscreen, meters, and moonlight. But she’s also part of a community finding extraordinary ways to make ordinary childhood possible. And thanks to new research, the future may actually be bright. Hosted by Dana Schwartz, Zaron Burnett, and Jason EnglishWritten by Jake RossenSenior Producer is Josh FisherEditing and Sound Design by Jonathan WashingtonAdditional Editing by Mary DooeMixing and Mastering by Josh FisherOriginal Music by Elise McCoyShow Logo by Lucy QuintanillaExecutive Producer is Jason English Question? Comment? Want to share your favorite episode? You can always reach us at veryspecialepisodes@gmail.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Emma has never felt the sun on her skin. Born with a rare condition that makes UV light dangerous, she lives by sunscreen, meters, and moonlight. But she’s also part of a community finding extraordinary ways to make ordinary childhood possible. And thanks to new research, the future may actually be bright. Hosted by Dana Schwartz, Zaron Burnett, and Jason EnglishWritten by Jake RossenSenior Producer is Josh FisherEditing and Sound Design by Jonathan WashingtonAdditional Editing by Mary DooeMixing and Mastering by Josh FisherOriginal Music by Elise McCoyShow Logo by Lucy QuintanillaExecutive Producer is Jason English Question? Comment? Want to share your favorite episode? You can always reach us at veryspecialepisodes@gmail.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When Ian Fleming needed a name for the secret agent at the center of his new novel, he stole one from the cover of a birdwatching book. The real James Bond wasn’t a martini-drinking spy, but a shy American ornithologist who spent decades exploring the Caribbean. Then one surreal day, he finally tracked down the man who stole his identity. Special thanks to Jim Wright and his excellent book, The Real James Bond: A True Story of Identity Theft, Avian Intrigue, and Ian Fleming. * Hosted by Dana Schwartz, Zaron Burnett, and Jason EnglishWritten by Dave RoosSenior Producer is Josh FisherEditing and Sound Design by Chris ChildsAdditional Editing by Mary DooeMixing and Mastering by Chris ChildsOriginal Music by Elise McCoyShow Logo by Lucy QuintanillaExecutive Producer is Jason English Got a very special question? Willing to share your favorite Very Special Episode? You can reach us at veryspecialepisodes@gmail.com. And go pick up Dana's new book!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When Ian Fleming needed a name for the secret agent at the center of his new novel, he stole one from the cover of a birdwatching book. The real James Bond wasn’t a martini-drinking spy, but a shy American ornithologist who spent decades exploring the Caribbean. Then one surreal day, he finally tracked down the man who stole his identity. Special thanks to Jim Wright and his excellent book, The Real James Bond: A True Story of Identity Theft, Avian Intrigue, and Ian Fleming. * Hosted by Dana Schwartz, Zaron Burnett, and Jason EnglishWritten by Dave RoosSenior Producer is Josh FisherEditing and Sound Design by Chris ChildsAdditional Editing by Mary DooeMixing and Mastering by Chris ChildsOriginal Music by Elise McCoyShow Logo by Lucy QuintanillaExecutive Producer is Jason English Got a very special question? Willing to share your favorite Very Special Episode? You can reach us at veryspecialepisodes@gmail.com. And go pick up Dana's new book!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Gene Fleming and his pet goose Andy made headlines around the world. They brought out the best in the people of Hastings, Nebraska. But amid all this attention, Andy also brought out the worst. And three decades later, Andy's legacy is still reverberating around their hometown. Note: This episode, which we originally published in early 2025, includes the murder of a beloved goose. And don't forget to check out Dana's new book, The Arcane Arts. Out this week in bookstores everywhere! * Very Special Thanks to Jessica Korgie for sharing her family's story with us. Hosted by Dana Schwartz, Zaron Burnett, and Jason EnglishWritten by Sara Schleede and edited by Carmen Borca-Carrillo at Wonder Media NetworkProduced by Josh FisherEditing and Sound Design by Josh FisherMixing and Mastering by Baheed FrazierAdditional Editing by Mary DooeFact-Checking by Austin ThompsonOriginal Music by Elise McCoyShow Logo by Lucy QuintanillaExecutive Producer is Jason English We'll see you back here next Wednesday. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In June 1970, Dock Ellis of the Pittsburgh Pirates somehow tossed a no-hitter while tripping on acid. The LSD stunt made him a legend, but it overshadowed a much deeper story: a man who spent the second half of his life searching for redemption, purpose, and a way to help others escape the same darkness that once enveloped him. * Today's episode was produced in partnership with School of Humans. For School of Humans, Producers are Emilia Brock and Edeliz Perez. Executive Producer is Virginia Prescott. Special thanks to American Public Media’s Weekend America, and to Todd Snider. - “Dock Ellis: An LSD No-No” from American Public Media - “America’s Favorite Pastime” by Todd Snider Hosted by Zaron Burnett, Dana Schwartz, and Jason EnglishWritten by Zaron BurnettStory Editor is Virginia PrescottSenior Producer is Josh FisherEditing and Sound Design by Jesse NighswongerMixing and Mastering by Jesse NighswongerResearch and Fact-Checking by Austin Thompson and Zaron BurnettOriginal Music by Elise McCoyShow Logo by Lucy QuintanillaExecutive Producer is Jason English See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In June 1970, Dock Ellis of the Pittsburgh Pirates somehow tossed a no-hitter while tripping on acid. The LSD stunt made him a legend, but it overshadowed a much deeper story: a man who spent the second half of his life searching for redemption, purpose, and a way to help others escape the same darkness that once enveloped him. * Today's episode was produced in partnership with School of Humans. For School of Humans, Producers are Emilia Brock and Edeliz Perez. Executive Producer is Virginia Prescott. Special thanks to American Public Media’s Weekend America, and to Todd Snider. - “Dock Ellis: An LSD No-No” from American Public Media - “America’s Favorite Pastime” by Todd Snider Hosted by Zaron Burnett, Dana Schwartz, and Jason EnglishWritten by Zaron BurnettStory Editor is Virginia PrescottSenior Producer is Josh FisherEditing and Sound Design by Jesse NighswongerMixing and Mastering by Jesse NighswongerResearch and Fact-Checking by Austin Thompson and Zaron BurnettOriginal Music by Elise McCoyShow Logo by Lucy QuintanillaExecutive Producer is Jason English See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In June 1970, Dock Ellis of the Pittsburgh Pirates somehow tossed a no-hitter while tripping on acid. The LSD stunt made him a legend, but it overshadowed a much deeper story: a man who spent the second half of his life searching for redemption, purpose, and a way to help others escape the same darkness that once enveloped him. * Today's episode was produced in partnership with School of Humans. For School of Humans, Producers are Emilia Brock and Edeliz Perez. Executive Producer is Virginia Prescott. Special thanks to American Public Media’s Weekend America, and to Todd Snider. - “Dock Ellis: An LSD No-No” from American Public Media - “America’s Favorite Pastime” by Todd Snider Hosted by Zaron Burnett, Dana Schwartz, and Jason EnglishWritten by Zaron BurnettStory Editor is Virginia PrescottSenior Producer is Josh FisherEditing and Sound Design by Jesse NighswongerMixing and Mastering by Jesse NighswongerResearch and Fact-Checking by Austin Thompson and Zaron BurnettOriginal Music by Elise McCoyShow Logo by Lucy QuintanillaExecutive Producer is Jason English See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In June 1970, Dock Ellis of the Pittsburgh Pirates somehow tossed a no-hitter while tripping on acid. The LSD stunt made him a legend, but it overshadowed a much deeper story: a man who spent the second half of his life searching for redemption, purpose, and a way to help others escape the same darkness that once enveloped him. * Today's episode was produced in partnership with School of Humans. For School of Humans, Producers are Emilia Brock and Edeliz Perez. Executive Producer is Virginia Prescott. Special thanks to American Public Media’s Weekend America, and to Todd Snider. Hosted by Zaron Burnett, Dana Schwartz, and Jason EnglishWritten by Zaron BurnettStory Editor is Virginia PrescottSenior Producer is Josh FisherEditing and Sound Design by Jesse NighswongerMixing and Mastering by Jesse NighswongerResearch and Fact-Checking by Austin Thompson and Zaron BurnettOriginal Music by Elise McCoyShow Logo by Lucy QuintanillaExecutive Producer is Jason English See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In 1978, Soviet geologists flying over Siberia spotted something impossible: a family living in total isolation, untouched for decades by the modern world. But when outsiders finally reached their remote cabin, the family’s hidden world began to change forever. * Special thanks to Rebecca E. Marshall for letting us share clips from her documentary, The Forest in Me. We also want to shout out the film's composer, Xylouris White. You can stream The Forest in Me right now on Pijama Films. * Hosted by Dana Schwartz, Zaron Burnett, and Jason EnglishWritten by Dave RoosSenior Producer is Josh FisherEditing and Sound Design by Chris ChildsAdditional Editing by Mary DooeMixing and Mastering by Chris ChildsVoice Actors are Katie Mattie and Chris ChildsOriginal Music by Elise McCoyShow Logo by Lucy QuintanillaExecutive Producer is Jason English Got a very special question? You can reach us at veryspecialepisodes@gmail.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today's episode is a tour of New York’s secret history with a very special guest! Greg Young of the beloved Bowery Boys podcast joins us to prove the world is a very interesting place, if you just know where to look. There's hidden history in subway grates, SoHo stores, Central Park statues, and Hamilton lyrics. * Hosted by Dana Schwartz, Zaron Burnett, and Jason EnglishWritten by Dana SchwartzSenior Producer is Josh FisherEditing and Sound Design by Jonathan WashingtonAdditional Editing by Mary DooeMixing and Mastering by Josh FisherOriginal Music by Elise McCoyShow Logo by Lucy QuintanillaSocial Clips by Yarberry MediaExecutive Producer is Jason English In an upcoming episode, Zaron will be giving the Very Special Places treatment to San Francisco. If there's a city or town you'd like us to visit, email veryspecialepisodes@gmail.com. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Long before the NCAA Basketball Tournament became a billion-dollar business, there was a massive betting pool run out of a neighborhood bar on Staten Island. The Irish pub’s $10 game handed out million-dollar prizes and drew players from around the world. But when the pool got too big, it threatened to bring down the bar where it all began. * Hosted by Zaron Burnett, Dana Schwartz, and Jason EnglishWritten by Zaron BurnettSenior Producer is Josh FisherEditing and Sound Design by Jonathan WashingtonMixing and Mastering by Josh FisherOriginal Music by Elise McCoyShow Logo by Lucy QuintanillaExecutive Producer is Jason EnglishSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In honor of April Fools' Day, Zaron Burnett digs into a persistent legend surrounding VSE regular Richard Nixon. With a little help from his pops, Zaron ventures into smoky clubs to unpack a bizarre tale of jazz, drugs, and politics. After the episode, Dana talks about her upcoming book, The Arcane Arts. Zaron discusses his role in a recent Jordan Peele documentary, and Jason reveals his real name for the first time on this podcast. * Hosted by Zaron Burnett, Dana Schwartz, and Jason EnglishWritten by Zaron BurnettSenior Producer is Josh FisherEditing and Sound Design by Chris ChildsAdditional Editing by Mary DooeMixing and Mastering by Josh FisherOriginal Music by Elise McCoyShow Logo by Lucy QuintanillaExecutive Producer is Jason EnglishSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In honor of April Fools' Day, Zaron Burnett digs into a persistent legend surrounding VSE regular Richard Nixon. With a little help from his pops, Zaron ventures into smoky clubs to unpack a bizarre tale of jazz, drugs, and politics. After the episode, Dana talks about her upcoming book, The Arcane Arts and Zaron discusses his role in a recent Jordan Peele documentary. * See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In honor of April Fools' Day, Zaron Burnett digs into a persistent legend surrounding VSE regular Richard Nixon. With a little help from his pops, Zaron ventures into smoky clubs to unpack a bizarre tale of jazz, drugs, and politics. After the episode, Dana talks about her upcoming book, The Arcane Arts. Zaron discusses his role in a recent Jordan Peele documentary, and Jason reveals his real name for the first time on this podcast. * Hosted by Zaron Burnett, Dana Schwartz, and Jason EnglishWritten by Zaron BurnettSenior Producer is Josh FisherEditing and Sound Design by Chris ChildsAdditional Editing by Mary DooeMixing and Mastering by Josh FisherOriginal Music by Elise McCoyShow Logo by Lucy QuintanillaExecutive Producer is Jason EnglishSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On a quiet morning in Hawaii, cell phones across the islands lit up with a text message that felt impossible — a ballistic missile was inbound, and this was not a drill. For 38 minutes, hundreds of thousands of people believed they were living their final moments. This is the real story of what happens when ordinary folks are forced to confront the end of everything, all at once. * Hosted by Dana Schwartz, Zaron Burnett, and Jason EnglishWritten by Jake RossenSenior Producer is Josh FisherEditing and Sound Design by Chris ChildsAdditional Editing by Mary DooeMixing and Mastering by Josh FisherOriginal Music by Elise McCoyShow Logo by Lucy QuintanillaSocial Clips by Yarberry MediaExecutive Producer is Jason English Get your very special questions in for our next mailbag! You can reach us at veryspecialepisodes@gmail.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On a quiet morning in Hawaii in 2018, cell phones across the islands lit up with a text message that felt impossible — a ballistic missile was inbound, and this was not a drill. For 38 minutes, hundreds of thousands of people believed they were living their final moments. This is the real story of what happens when ordinary folks are forced to confront the end of everything, all at once. * Hosted by Dana Schwartz, Zaron Burnett, and Jason EnglishWritten by Jake RossenSenior Producer is Josh FisherEditing and Sound Design by Chris ChildsAdditional Editing by Mary DooeMixing and Mastering by Josh FisherOriginal Music by Elise McCoyShow Logo by Lucy QuintanillaSocial Clips by Yarberry MediaExecutive Producer is Jason English Get your very special questions in for our next mailbag! You can reach us at veryspecialepisodes@gmail.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In the 1960s, a newly independent Zambia entered the space race with a bold — and baffling — plan. Led by self-declared “Minister of Space” Edward Nkoloso, a team of would-be astronauts trained in oil drums, dreamed of Mars, and captured the world’s attention. To Western observers, it looked like a joke. But Zambia's space ambitions may have been a front for something far more earthly — and far more dangerous. * Hosted by Zaron Burnett, Dana Schwartz, and Jason EnglishWritten by Lucas ReillySenior Producer is Josh FisherEditing and Sound Design by Jesse NighswongerMixing and Mastering by Josh FisherResearch and Fact-Checking by Austin Thompson and Lucas ReillyOriginal Music by Elise McCoyShow Logo by Lucy QuintanillaExecutive Producer is Jason English For School of Humans, Producers are Emilia Brock and Edeliz Perez. Executive Producer is Virginia Prescott. Thanks to Anthony West for his excellent voiceover work!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On a quiet morning in Hawaii, cell phones across the islands lit up with a text message that felt impossible — a ballistic missile was inbound, and this was not a drill. For 38 minutes, hundreds of thousands of people believed they were living their final moments. This is the real story of what happens when ordinary folks are forced to confront the end of everything, all at once. * Hosted by Dana Schwartz, Zaron Burnett, and Jason EnglishWritten by Jake RossenSenior Producer is Josh FisherEditing and Sound Design by Chris ChildsAdditional Editing by Mary DooeMixing and Mastering by Josh FisherOriginal Music by Elise McCoyShow Logo by Lucy QuintanillaSocial Clips by Yarberry MediaExecutive Producer is Jason English Get your very special questions in for our next mailbag! You can reach us at veryspecialepisodes@gmail.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In the 1960s, a newly independent Zambia entered the space race with a bold — and baffling — plan. Led by self-declared “Minister of Space” Edward Nkoloso, a team of would-be astronauts trained in oil drums, dreamed of Mars, and captured the world’s attention. To Western observers, it looked like a joke. But Zambia's space ambitions may have been a front for something far more earthly — and far more dangerous. * Hosted by Zaron Burnett, Dana Schwartz, and Jason EnglishWritten by Lucas ReillySenior Producer is Josh FisherEditing and Sound Design by Jesse NighswongerMixing and Mastering by Josh FisherResearch and Fact-Checking by Austin Thompson and Lucas ReillyOriginal Music by Elise McCoyShow Logo by Lucy QuintanillaExecutive Producer is Jason English For School of Humans, Producers are Emilia Brock and Edeliz Perez. Executive Producer is Virginia Prescott. Thanks to Anthony West for his excellent voiceover work!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In the 1960s, a newly independent Zambia entered the space race with a bold — and baffling — plan. Led by self-declared “Minister of Space” Edward Nkoloso, a team of would-be astronauts trained in oil drums, dreamed of Mars, and captured the world’s attention. To Western observers, it looked like a joke. But Zambia's space ambitions may have been a front for something far more earthly — and far more dangerous. * Hosted by Zaron Burnett, Dana Schwartz, and Jason EnglishWritten by Lucas ReillySenior Producer is Josh FisherEditing and Sound Design by Jesse NighswongerMixing and Mastering by Josh FisherResearch and Fact-Checking by Austin Thompson and Lucas ReillyOriginal Music by Elise McCoyShow Logo by Lucy QuintanillaExecutive Producer is Jason English For School of Humans, Producers are Emilia Brock and Edeliz Perez. Executive Producer is Virginia Prescott. Thanks to Anthony West for his excellent voiceover work!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In the 1960s, a newly independent Zambia entered the space race with a bold — and baffling — plan. Led by self-declared “Minister of Space” Edward Nkoloso, a team of would-be astronauts trained in oil drums, dreamed of Mars, and captured the world’s attention. To Western observers, it looked like a joke. But Zambia's space ambitions may have been a front for something far more earthly — and far more dangerous. * Hosted by Zaron Burnett, Dana Schwartz, and Jason EnglishWritten by Lucas ReillySenior Producer is Josh FisherEditing and Sound Design by Jesse NighswongerMixing and Mastering by Josh FisherResearch and Fact-Checking by Austin Thompson and Lucas ReillyOriginal Music by Elise McCoyShow Logo by Lucy QuintanillaExecutive Producer is Jason English For School of Humans, Producers are Emilia Brock and Edeliz Perez. Executive Producer is Virginia Prescott. Thanks to Anthony West for his excellent voiceover work!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In 2000, weeks before the Academy Awards ceremony, 55 Oscars vanished during shipment to Los Angeles. The disappearance triggered a frantic search. Then, in a twist worthy of a movie plot, a man digging through a grocery store dumpster stumbled on dozens of missing trophies. He was hailed as a hero. But that was only the beginning. * Hosted by Dana Schwartz, Zaron Burnett, and Jason EnglishWritten by Jake RossenSenior Producer is Josh FisherEditing and Sound Design by Jonathan WashingtonAdditional Editing by Mary DooeMixing and Mastering by Josh FisherOriginal Music by Elise McCoyShow Logo by Lucy QuintanillaExecutive Producer is Jason English Listen to Very Special Episodes wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes every Wednesday!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In 2000, weeks before the Academy Awards ceremony, 55 Oscars vanished during shipment to Los Angeles. The disappearance triggered a frantic search. Then, in a twist worthy of a movie plot, a man digging through a grocery store dumpster stumbled on dozens of missing trophies. He was hailed as a hero. But that was only the beginning. * Hosted by Dana Schwartz, Zaron Burnett, and Jason EnglishWritten by Jake RossenSenior Producer is Josh FisherEditing and Sound Design by Jonathan WashingtonAdditional Editing by Mary DooeMixing and Mastering by Josh FisherOriginal Music by Elise McCoyShow Logo by Lucy QuintanillaExecutive Producer is Jason English Listen to Very Special Episodes wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes every Wednesday!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In 2000, weeks before the Academy Awards ceremony, 55 Oscars vanished during shipment to Los Angeles. The disappearance triggered a frantic search. Then, in a twist worthy of a movie plot, a man digging through a grocery store dumpster stumbled on dozens of missing trophies. He was hailed as a hero. But that was only the beginning. * Get your very special questions in for our next mailbag! You can reach us at veryspecialepisodes@gmail.com. * Hosted by Dana Schwartz, Zaron Burnett, and Jason EnglishWritten by Jake RossenSenior Producer is Josh FisherEditing and Sound Design by Jonathan WashingtonAdditional Editing by Mary DooeMixing and Mastering by Josh FisherOriginal Music by Elise McCoyShow Logo by Lucy QuintanillaExecutive Producer is Jason English See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In 1929, a pair of European lovers abandoned civilization for a remote island in the Galápagos. Their utopian experiment made headlines around the world. But within a few years, several residents had vanished or died under unsettling circumstances, leaving behind one of the strangest murder mysteries in the history of the islands. * Special thanks to Abbott Kahler! Check out her book, Eden Undone: A True Story of Sex, Murder, and Utopia at the Dawn of World War II. Hosted by Dana Schwartz, Zaron Burnett, and Jason EnglishWritten by Joe PompeoProduced by Josh FisherEditing and Sound Design by Chris ChildsMixing and Mastering by Josh FisherAdditional Editing by Mary DooeOriginal Music by Elise McCoyShow Logo by Lucy QuintanillaExecutive Producer is Jason English See you next Wednesday!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In 1929, a pair of European lovers abandoned civilization for a remote island in the Galápagos. Their utopian experiment made headlines around the world. But within a few years, several residents had vanished or died under unsettling circumstances, leaving behind one of the strangest murder mysteries in the history of the islands. * Special thanks to Abbott Kahler! Check out her book, Eden Undone: A True Story of Sex, Murder, and Utopia at the Dawn of World War II. Hosted by Dana Schwartz, Zaron Burnett, and Jason EnglishWritten by Joe PompeoProduced by Josh FisherEditing and Sound Design by Chris ChildsMixing and Mastering by Josh FisherAdditional Editing by Mary DooeOriginal Music by Elise McCoyShow Logo by Lucy QuintanillaExecutive Producer is Jason EnglishSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In 1929, a pair of European lovers abandoned civilization for a remote island in the Galápagos. Their utopian experiment made headlines around the world. But within a few years, several residents had vanished or died under unsettling circumstances, leaving behind one of the strangest murder mysteries in the history of the islands. * Special thanks to Abbott Kahler! Check out her book, Eden Undone: A True Story of Sex, Murder, and Utopia at the Dawn of World War II. Hosted by Dana Schwartz, Zaron Burnett, and Jason EnglishWritten by Joe PompeoProduced by Josh FisherEditing and Sound Design by Chris ChildsMixing and Mastering by Josh FisherAdditional Editing by Mary DooeOriginal Music by Elise McCoyShow Logo by Lucy QuintanillaExecutive Producer is Jason English See you next Wednesday!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In the winter of 1980, the world turned its eyes to Lake Placid, New York, host of the Winter Olympics. But behind the pageantry, another structure loomed in the Adirondack woods. Built to house 1,800 athletes, the Olympic Village looked less like a dormitory than a detention center — because that’s exactly what it was designed to become. * Hosted by Zaron Burnett, Dana Schwartz, and Jason EnglishWritten by Zaron BurnettSenior Producer is Josh FisherEditing and Sound Design by Jesse NighswongerMixing and Mastering by Josh FisherOriginal Music by Elise McCoyShow Logo by Lucy QuintanillaExecutive Producer is Jason English For School of Humans, Producers are Emilia Brock and Edeliz Perez. Executive Producer is Virginia Prescott. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In the winter of 1980, the world turned its eyes to Lake Placid, New York, host of the Winter Olympics. But behind the pageantry, another structure loomed in the Adirondack woods. Built to house 1,800 athletes, the Olympic Village looked less like a dormitory than a detention center — because that’s exactly what it was designed to become. * Hosted by Zaron Burnett, Dana Schwartz, and Jason EnglishWritten by Zaron BurnettSenior Producer is Josh FisherEditing and Sound Design by Jesse NighswongerMixing and Mastering by Josh FisherOriginal Music by Elise McCoyShow Logo by Lucy QuintanillaExecutive Producer is Jason English For School of Humans, Producers are Emilia Brock and Edeliz Perez. Executive Producer is Virginia Prescott. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In the winter of 1980, the world turned its eyes to Lake Placid, New York, host of the Winter Olympics. But behind the pageantry, another structure loomed in the Adirondack woods. Built to house 1,800 athletes, the Olympic Village looked less like a dormitory than a detention center — because that’s exactly what it was designed to become. * Hosted by Zaron Burnett, Dana Schwartz, and Jason EnglishWritten by Zaron BurnettSenior Producer is Josh FisherEditing and Sound Design by Jesse NighswongerMixing and Mastering by Josh FisherOriginal Music by Elise McCoyShow Logo by Lucy QuintanillaExecutive Producer is Jason English For School of Humans, Producers are Emilia Brock and Edeliz Perez. Executive Producer is Virginia Prescott. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.