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  • William Desmond Taylor: ScaDAL in Hollywood

    William Desmond Taylor: ScaDAL in Hollywood
    2026/02/27

    The hosts of a true-crime arts-and-entertainment podcast discuss the 1922 unsolved murder of silent film director William Desmond Taylor, who was found shot in the back inside his Los Angeles bungalow; early crime-scene contamination and a mysterious "doctor" who wrongly declared a stomach hemorrhage complicated the case. Born William Cunningham Deane-Tanner in Ireland, Taylor immigrated to the U.S., married actress Ethel May Harrison, had a daughter, then disappeared in 1908, later resurfacing in California under a new name and building a successful directing career, including work with Mary Miles Minter. Suspects and theories include Mabel Normand (last known to see him, cocaine addiction), Minter and her mother Charlotte Shelby (who owned a .38 and claimed to discard it in a Louisiana bayou), former valet Edward Sands (criminal who vanished), valet Henry Peavy (a person of color targeted by sensational press), a drug-hit theory, and actress Margaret Gibson's uncorroborated deathbed confession.

    00:00 Listener Warning

    00:15 Meet the Hosts

    00:59 Robe Reveal Banter

    02:42 Case Introduction

    04:40 Early Life and Dude Ranch

    08:10 New York Marriage and Disappearance

    15:20 Reinvention in Hollywood

    20:34 War Service and Rising Fame

    24:16 Body Found and Crime Scene Chaos

    27:05 Autopsy Clues and Missing Cash

    35:05 Media Circus and Coverup Claims

    39:33 Suspect Mabel Normand

    44:19 Intermission and Sponsor Break

    45:10 Theories and Next Suspect Tease

    45:52 Minter Letters Scandal

    49:24 Press Fallout and Alibi

    53:11 Stage Mom Prime Suspect

    55:00 Bayou Gun Disposal

    01:00:17 Valet Vanishes

    01:05:32 Peevy and Profiling

    01:09:20 Hitman and Confession

    01:16:21 Hollywood Moral Panic

    01:21:40 Final Theories and Wrap
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    1 時間 30 分
  • The Murder of Sharon Tate: Once Upon a Time in Hollywood

    The Murder of Sharon Tate: Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
    2026/02/13
    In this episode of 'Life Upon the Wicked Stage,' hosts Jen, Ashley, and Olivia dive deep into the chilling events surrounding the Tate-LaBianca murders orchestrated by Charles Manson and his followers. They explore the brutal details of the crimes, discuss various motives including the infamous helter-skelter theory, failed music ambitions, and potential drug connections. The discussion also highlights the profound impact these murders had on Hollywood and American culture in the late 60s. The episode concludes with the fates of the perpetrators and fascinating, lesser-known connections Manson had with Hollywood's elite, including Dennis Wilson, Neil Young, and even Angela Lansbury's family. 00:00 Listener Discretion Advised 00:15 Meet the Hosts 00:39 New Year Resolutions 00:53 Beverage Choices 01:45 Upcoming Episodes 02:20 Introducing the Manson Murders 02:44 Benedict Canyon's Dark History 05:31 The Night of the Murders 10:21 The Horrific Details 24:06 The Aftermath and Trials 39:09 Cultural Impact and Hollywood's Dark Turn 45:03 The End of the Production Code 46:37 The Rise of Manson Exploitation Films 51:08 Exploring Possible Murder Motives 01:11:00 Manson's Hollywood Connections 01:19:32 Conclusion and Reflections
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    1 時間 30 分
  • A Very Floozy Christmas

    A Very Floozy Christmas
    2025/12/24

    Holiday Horrors: JonBenét Update & Krampus' Legend In this Christmas-themed episode of the Wicked Stage Pod, the hosts delve into the darker side of the festive season. They start with Jen discussing ghost stories' deep roots in Christmas traditions, tracing back to medieval Europe and Charles Dickens' influence. Ashley updates listeners on the ongoing JonBenét Ramsey case, revealing new forensic analysis and potential breakthroughs. Olivia wraps up with an exploration of Krampus, the mythical anti-Santa of Alpine folklore, detailing his origins, cultural impact, and modern resurgence in pop culture and festivals. The episode balances dark true crime and folklore with festive cheer, ending with a surprising twist connecting host Jen to a Kevin Smith movie.

    00:00 Listener Discretion Advised

    00:17 Meet the Hosts

    00:42 Life Updates and Holiday Cheer 02:08 Olivia's Birth Story

    04:24 Floozy Merch Announcement 04:56 Special Christmas Episode

    08:16 The Tradition of Christmas Ghost Stories

    19:25 The Victorian Era and Charles Dickens

    27:35 JonBenet Ramsey Case Overview

    52:38 The Santa Theory

    54:13 DNA Evidence and CODIS

    56:41 New Forensic Analysis

    57:05 Burke Ramsey's Interview

    58:15 Annual Update from Boulder Police

    01:00:24 The Role of Orum Labs

    01:01:32 Genetic Genealogy and the JonBenet Ramsey Case

    01:02:43 Speculations and Theories

    01:08:29 Krampus: The Dark Side of Christmas

    01:10:01 Krampus in Modern Culture

    01:11:02 Krampus Festivals and Celebrations

    01:28:07 Krampus in Pop Culture

    01:35:09 Surprise Krampus Twist

    01:37:59 Wrapping Up and Future Plans
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    1 時間 40 分
  • Halloween Special: Jack the Ripper

    Halloween Special: Jack the Ripper
    2025/10/30
    In this special Halloween crossover episode, the Wicked Stage Podcast joins forces with the Fish 'N' Brits Podcast to delve into the infamous mystery of Jack the Ripper. The episode explores the historical context of the Whitechapel murders, examines different suspects including Joseph Barnett, John Pizer, and even the legendary Sergeant Boston Corbett, and discusses the sensational impact of the media at the time. With a detailed analysis of the canonical five victims and a review of modern theories, the podcast offers an in-depth look into one of the most captivating unsolved cases in history. Expert commentary, insightful discussions, and a touch of humor make this a must-listen for true crime enthusiasts. 00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene 00:40 Meet the Hosts 01:21 Podcast Crossover Chaos 04:01 Historical Context: London in 1888 06:54 Living Conditions in Whitechapel 12:22 Policing and Crime in Whitechapel 13:53 Prostitution and Social Issues 24:08 The Whitechapel Murders 39:38 Police Incompetence and Early Investigations 40:40 Press Involvement and Public Pressure 42:13 Introduction of Inspector Frederick Abberline 43:10 Details of the Murders and Victim Profiles 54:44 The Double Event: Two Murders in One Night 01:02:21 The Final Canonical Victim: Mary Jane Kelly 01:09:01 Letters from Jack the Ripper 01:21:12 Cannibalism and Jack the Ripper's Letters 01:23:20 Media Frenzy: The Role of Newspapers 01:27:25 Theories and Suspects: Criminal Profiling Begins 01:28:58 John Pizer: The Leather Apron Suspect 01:37:41 Montague John Druitt: The Educated Suspect 01:45:54 James Maybrick: The Diary Confession 01:52:15 Joseph Barnett: The Jealous Lover 01:58:43 George Chapman: The Poisoner Barber 02:02:41 William Gull: The From Hell Theory 02:07:16 Debunking the Jack the Ripper Suspect: Dr. Thomas Neill Cream 02:07:54 The Tragic Life of Jimmy Kelly James 02:09:55 The Great Escape: Kelly's Connection to the Ripper Murders 02:12:20 Boston Corbett: The Unlikely Suspect 02:15:47 Jill the Ripper: A Feminist Twist 02:20:47 Aaron Kosminski: The DNA Controversy 02:31:10 Final Thoughts and Speculations 02:47:56 Outro and Where to Find Us
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    2 時間 50 分
  • The First Annual Floozy Awards

    The First Annual Floozy Awards
    2025/09/19
    The First Annual Floozy Awards - Celebrating a Year of Stories, Laughs, and True Crime In this special episode, hosts Jen, Ashley, and Olivia celebrate the one-year anniversary of their true-crime podcast 'Life Upon the Wicked Stage' by presenting the first annual Floozy Awards. The hosts discuss various memorable episodes from the past year, highlighting their favorite moments, one-liners, shocking twists, and unproblematic men. Categories include 'Biggest Thumb,' 'Creepiest Old Man,' 'Most Unproblematic Man,' 'Best One-Liner,' 'Best Fringe Show You Didn't Ask For,' and more. They also announce some exciting upcoming collaborations and discuss potential future merch. Join the fun as they reflect on a year full of intriguing stories and hilarious discussions. 00:00 Listener Discretion Advised 00:15 Meet the Hosts 01:04 The First Annual Floozy Awards 02:06 Upcoming Halloween Collaboration 03:00 Podcast Anniversary Celebration 03:39 Dress Code and Themes 09:02 Biggest Thumb Award 17:39 Creepiest Old Man Award 26:30 Most Haunted Episode Award 35:01 Best One-Liner Award 45:33 Best Side Character Award 52:53 Best Editing Award 55:24 Introduction to Problematic Stage Moms 55:37 Harry Houdini's Overbearing Mother 56:56 Mama Nesbitt's Negligence 58:51 George Reeves' Troubled Relationship with His Mother 01:02:14 Most Unproblematic Man Nominees 01:12:42 Most Shocking Moments 01:19:01 Best Fringe Show Ideas 01:23:51 Surprise Cameo Performances 01:27:16 Most Wanted Merch Items 01:31:07 Films Olivia Needs to Watch 01:34:57 Jen's Potential Dangers 01:38:28 Best Mispronunciation 01:41:33 Floozy of the Year 01:46:05 Closing Remarks and Thank Yous
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    1 時間 51 分
  • Rust: Tragedy on Set

    Rust: Tragedy on Set
    2025/09/05
    This podcast episode, featuring hosts Jen, Ashley, and Olivia, delves into the tragic on-set shooting that occurred during the filming of the movie 'Rust' on October 21, 2021. The hosts discuss the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting of cinematographer Helena Hutchins and the injury of director Joel Souza by a live round discharged from a revolver handled by actor Alec Baldwin. They highlight the safety failures, including inappropriate handling of firearms by the armorer, amateurish safety protocols by assistant director David Halls, and the broader procedural lapses. The episode explores the impact of the incident on those involved, including the ensuing legal battles and ultimate film completion as a tribute to Helena Hutchins. The hosts emphasize the critical importance of teamwork, safety, and accountability in film production. 00:00 Listener Discretion Advised 00:15 Meet the Hosts 00:43 Retrograde Vibes 01:08 Annabelle Doll Discussion 01:43 Introducing the Rust Incident 03:38 Background on the Film Rust 06:42 The Role of a Cinematographer 09:00 Producer Roles Explained 14:12 First Assistant Director: David Hall 18:01 Armorer Hannah Gutierrez Reed 30:03 The Incident on Set 43:24 Immediate Aftermath 48:36 The Confusion and Panic Unfolds 49:29 The Investigation Begins 51:30 Alec Baldwin's Emotional Response 53:05 The Blame Game and Legal Battles 54:53 The Shocking Discovery of Live Rounds 59:04 The Aftermath and Legal Consequences 01:06:30 Resuming Filming and Seeking Justice 01:27:24 Final Reflections and Lessons Learned
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    1 時間 37 分
  • Broadway Butterfly: NYC Corruption, Tammany Hall, and Vivian Gordon

    Broadway Butterfly: NYC Corruption, Tammany Hall, and Vivian Gordon
    2025/08/22
    In this episode, hosts Jen, Ashley, and Olivia delve into the true crime story of Vivian Gordon, also known as the Broadway Butterfly. The podcast explores her life, her involvement in the seedy underworld of 1920s and 30s New York, and the events leading up to her mysterious murder. The story includes her early life, attempts to escape the showgirl lifestyle, her ultimate entanglement in organized crime, blackmail schemes, and a tragic end that coincides with a significant political scandal involving New York City Mayor Jimmy Walker. The narrative also touches on the corruption within the police force and the judicial system, with notable appearances by FDR and Judge Samuel Seabury. The episode concludes with the sad suicide of Vivian's daughter, Benita, and an overview of key historical figures connected to the case. 00:00 Listener Discretion Advised 00:15 Meet the Hosts 00:50 Sponsored by Revenge 02:00 The Broadway Butterfly: Vivian Gordon 02:36 A Body in the Park 08:06 Vivian's Early Life 10:30 From Chorus Girl to Common Law Wife 15:54 A Setup and a Downfall 28:00 Vivian's Rise in the Underworld 29:16 Corruption and Blackmail 44:33 The Seabury Investigation 46:04 Vivian's Last Stand 46:41 Support the Podcast 48:59 Vivian's Bold Move 49:42 The Mysterious Death 50:08 The Investigation Begins 52:12 The Grand Jury and Corruption 57:21 A Tragic Turn 01:00:50 Breakthrough in the Case 01:08:41 The Aftermath and Legacy 01:19:57 Unsolved Mysteries and Reflections 01:28:07 Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts
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    1 時間 33 分
  • Before Bogie and Bacall: The Battling Bogarts

    Before Bogie and Bacall: The Battling Bogarts
    2025/08/08

    In this episode hosts Jen, Ashley, and Olivia delve into the tumultuous relationship of Hollywood legends Humphrey Bogart and Mayo Method. Known as the 'Battling Bogarts,' their marriage was marked by public brawls, violence, and Mayo's increasing paranoia and alcoholism. The episode covers Bogart's rise to fame, Method's early career, and their eventual split after Bogart falls in love with Lauren Bacall on the set of 'To Have and Have Not.' The hosts also explore themes of attachment styles, spousal abuse, and the concept of battered husband syndrome. The episode highlights how Bogart eventually found happiness with Bacall after years of personal turmoil and public scrutiny.

    00:00 Listener Discretion Advised 00:15 Meet the Hosts 00:37 Setting the Stage: The Battling Bogarts 05:20 Humphrey Bogart: Early Life and Career 24:47 Mayo Methot: Early Life and Career 34:03 Understanding Attachment Styles 42:20 Spousal Abuse vs. Battered Husband Syndrome 47:45 Emotional Coercion and Threats 48:39 Long-Distance Jealousy and Violence 49:17 Breaking Point and Self-Preservation 50:04 Shame and Silence Among Men 51:34 Psychological Impacts of Abuse 53:51 Reactionary Abuse Explained 55:09 Bogart and Meth's Tumultuous Relationship 01:00:59 Public Violence and Decline 01:10:52 Bogart's New Love: Lauren Bacall 01:18:03 The End of a Toxic Marriage 01:21:31 Mayo's Downfall and Bogart's Legacy 01:30:44 Conclusion and Next Episode Teaser
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    1 時間 32 分