Criminal

Deborah Blum, journalist and author of The Poisoner’s Handbook, gives historical context on a deadly Prohibition-era government plan. She narrates how poisoned industrial alcohol and methanol spikes caused hallucinations, blindness, and deaths. The story traces forensic pioneers, home distilling, and the policy debate that followed.

Sarah Miller, historian and author of The Miracle and Tragedy of the Dionne Quintuplets, guides a tour through one of Canada’s most sensational stories. She recounts the miraculous birth and frantic early medical care. She traces the government seizure, public display in “Quintland,” commercialization, family reunification struggles, and later legal battles over money and accountability.

Cecilia Gentili, a transgender activist and former sex worker from Argentina who won asylum in the U.S. and later led Trans Equity, tells a life story of survival and community. She talks about feeling like an outsider, choosing sex work to survive, migrating for safety, the harms of online law changes, and building support networks that became home.

Renu Rayasam, an investigative reporter who traced the history of 'excited delirium.' She explores the term’s origins in 1980s Miami, how law enforcement adopted it into training, and its racialized language and controversies. Short, clear segments unpack the spread, challenges to its validity, and recent policy shifts curbing its use.

Ranko (Ronko) Yamada, a longtime supporter who organized Chol Soo Lee’s defense, and Lizzie Peabody, narrator and Smithsonian Side Door host. They recount a Chinatown murder, problematic mug-book identifications by tourists, flawed ballistics, cross-racial ID issues, the rise of a pan-Asian defense movement, investigative journalism that reopened the case, and the long fight that led to a retrial and freedom.

Kate Clifford Larson, historian and author of The Assassin’s Accomplice, offers a concise portrait of Mary Surratt. The conversation traces Surratt’s boarding house as a Confederate hub, John Wilkes Booth’s shift from kidnap plot to assassination, the conspirators’ preparations and April 14 violence, and the controversial military trial and execution that followed.

Gavin Bain, Scottish musician and former member of duo Silibil N’ Brains and author of California Schemin', tells the wild story of posing as American rappers and signing with a major label. He describes crafting accents and personas. He recounts MTV spots, touring with Eminem, near-discoveries online and in person, and the personal cost that led to revealing the truth.

A tense airplane tale about an unruly exit-row passenger and how crew and gate agents handled removal. Talk about winter chaos from a broken heater and the scramble that follows. Quick takes on reading group picks, smoothie rituals, and odd anxieties about shared food and water. A sprinkle of quirky news like 'finger princess' slang and a found Earth-like planet.

Mikita Brottman, author and cultural commentator, guides the narrative with concise analysis. She unpacks a mysterious disappearance at Lake Seminole, a mother's relentless search, and a tangled web of affairs, insurance and a chilling 'test' plan. The story follows investigations, arrests, trials and the book that keeps the case alive.

Jeanne Abel, longtime collaborator and wife of prankster Alan Abel, recalls decades of public stunts and satirical campaigns. Jenny Abel, their daughter, shares family memories and how pranks shaped their home life. They recount the infamous White House picket, fake organizations and personas, media hijinks, and elaborate hoaxes that blurred comedy and provocation.