American Scandal

Rumors were already swirling about the Astros and sign-stealing when people on the inside tipped off reporter Evan Drellich with damning details of the scheme. What he and his colleague Ken Rosenthal published in The Athletic in 2019 rocked the baseball world and forced many people to question the Astros’ 2017 World Series title. Today, Drellich joins Lindsay to talk about the scandal and his book, Winning Fixes Everything: How Baseball’s Brightest Minds Created Sports’ Biggest Mess. Listen to American Scandal on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Experience all episodes ad-free and be the first to binge the newest season. Unlock exclusive early access by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial today by visiting wondery.com/links/american-scandal/ now. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Following their 2017 World Series win, the Astros cannot escape rumors that they cheated. They aren’t the only team accused of illegally stealing signs, but they become the focal point after their victory and continued success in the 2018 and 2019 seasons. Finally, two reporters find a former Astros player willing to go on the record about the team’s sign-stealing scheme. Need more American Scandal? With Wondery+, enjoy exclusive seasons, binge new seasons first, and listen completely ad-free. Start your free trial in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or visit wondery.app.link/IM5aogASNNb now. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The untold stories behind the products you’re obsessed with and the bold risk-takers who made them go viral. How did Birkenstocks go from a German cobbler’s passion project 250 years ago to a starring role in the Barbie movie? Who created that bottle of Sriracha permanently living in your fridge? Did you know the Air Jordans were initially banned by the NBA, or that Super Mario became the best-selling video game character ever thanks to a strategy called “The Infinite Game?” On Wondery’s new weekly podcast The Best Idea Yet, Nick Martell and Jack Crivici-Kramer (hosts of the award-winning daily pop-business podcast, The Best One Yet aka TBOY) have identified the most viral products of all time and reveal their untold origin stories — plus the bold risk-takers who brought them to life. From the Happy Meal to Levi’s 501 jeans, come for the products you’re obsessed with, stay for the business insights that’ll make you the most interesting person at your next brunch. Follow The Best Idea Yet on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to new episodes early and ad-free on Wondery+. Wondery.fm/TBIY_IP See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

By 2017, the Houston Astros are one of the most dominant teams in Major League Baseball. But the team also takes sign stealing to new heights when they discover a unique – and illegal – way to signal those signs to batters in real time. But as the team mounts a World Series run, some opposing coaches and players begin to grow suspicious of their hitters’ uncanny ability to anticipate pitches. Listen to American Scandal on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Experience all episodes ad-free and be the first to binge the newest season. Unlock exclusive early access by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial today by visiting wondery.com/links/american-scandal/ now. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As Jeff Luhnow and the Houston Astros work towards rebuilding the team, they hire veteran outfielder Carlos Beltran and bench coach Alex Cora to help guide their roster of younger, less experienced players. Both Beltran and Cora arrive in Houston with deep insights into the game, including the intricacies of sign stealing. And after the league expands access to instant replay in 2014, the veterans look for ways to take advantage of the new technology. Listen to American Scandal on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Experience all episodes ad-free and be the first to binge the newest season. Unlock exclusive early access by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial today by visiting wondery.com/links/american-scandal/ now. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Soon, the back catalog of American Scandal will be moving behind a paywall, but recent episodes will remain free. This change allows us to continue delivering the well-researched, high-quality stories you love. With a Wondery+ subscription, you'll get ad-free access to the full archive, early access to new seasons, and other exclusive perks across Wondery shows. Your support helps us keep producing engaging content that brings history to life. Thank you for being a loyal listener. Start your free trial of Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or by visiting wondery.app.link/d8R42WsSNNb now. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When Jeff Luhnow takes over as general manager of the Houston Astros in 2011, he promises owner Jim Crane he can do the seemingly impossible: propel the team from last place to the playoffs in just five years. But his win-at-all-costs attitude rubs many baseball insiders the wrong way and threatens to demoralize his players. Listen to American Scandal on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Experience all episodes ad-free and be the first to binge the newest season. Unlock exclusive early access by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial today by visiting wondery.com/links/american-scandal/ now. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Lindsay sits down with Charles Duhigg, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist who covers the tech industry. The two explore why venture capitalists work to create monopolies, and whether these powerful investors bear responsibility for the failures at Theranos. Listen to American Scandal on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Experience all episodes ad-free and be the first to binge the newest season. Unlock exclusive early access by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial today by visiting wondery.com/links/american-scandal/ now. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

An investigative journalist looks into Theranos, and is shocked by his discoveries. Elizabeth Holmes tries to fend off the potentially devastating story. Listen to American Scandal on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Experience all episodes ad-free and be the first to binge the newest season. Unlock exclusive early access by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial today by visiting wondery.com/links/american-scandal/ now. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Theranos prepares to go public with its blood-testing devices. But the company faces increased scrutiny, as problems with its technology—and its leadership—add up. Listen to American Scandal on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Experience all episodes ad-free and be the first to binge the newest season. Unlock exclusive early access by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial today by visiting wondery.com/links/american-scandal/ now. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Elizabeth Holmes has an idea that could revolutionize medicine—and make her very rich. But first, she'll need to find investors and put together a company. Listen to American Scandal on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Experience all episodes ad-free and be the first to binge the newest season. Unlock exclusive early access by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial today by visiting wondery.com/links/american-scandal/ now. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Launched in 1916, Boeing grew into the world’s leading manufacturer of commercial aircraft. Then Airbus came along, and Boeing had serious competition. In response, Boeing released a new plane, the 737 MAX, but design flaws led to two crashes and 346 deaths. Today, aviation industry consultant Scott Hamilton joins Lindsay to try to answer the question: how did Boeing get here? Hamilton is the author of Air Wars: The Global Combat Between Airbus and Boeing. Listen to American Scandal on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Experience all episodes ad-free and be the first to binge the newest season. Unlock exclusive early access by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial today by visiting wondery.com/links/american-scandal/ now. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

After a second 737 MAX 8 crash, Boeing executives and leaders at the Federal Aviation Association are under pressure to explain why the MAX wasn’t grounded sooner. The parents of Samya Stumo and other victims demand answers. Boeing fires CEO Dennis Muilenburg, and agrees to pay a multibillion dollar fine. Then, in January 2024, a door plug pops off the side of a 737 MAX 9 in mid-flight, putting Boeing’s safety failures back in the headlines. Listen to American Scandal on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Experience all episodes ad-free and be the first to binge the newest season. Unlock exclusive early access by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial today by visiting wondery.com/links/american-scandal/ now. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In 2012, Boeing engineers and test pilots are under pressure to deliver a redesigned 737 quickly, to compete with a similar plane from their rival, Airbus. The 737 MAX has bigger, more fuel efficient engines, but it’s also prone to stalling. A complete redesign is out of the question, so engineers settle on installing a piece of software instead, called MCAS, which can automatically push down the plane’s nose and prevent a stall. But to avoid costly additional training, Boeing opts not to tell pilots about the new software – with disastrous results. Listen to American Scandal on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Experience all episodes ad-free and be the first to binge the newest season. Unlock exclusive early access by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial today by visiting wondery.com/links/american-scandal/ now. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For decades, Boeing had a reputation as one of the most trusted companies in the U.S. But after a merger with plane manufacturer McDonnell Douglas in the 1990s, new leader Harry Stonecipher abandoned Boeing’s engineering-first roots in order to boost its stock price, leaving many longtime employees concerned about the future, and the safety of the company’s planes. Listen to American Scandal on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Experience all episodes ad-free and be the first to binge the newest season. Unlock exclusive early access by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial today by visiting wondery.com/links/american-scandal/ now. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On October 29, 2018, Lion Air Flight 610 crashes just minutes after taking off from Jakarta, Indonesia, killing all 189 people on board. At first, the cause of the crash is a mystery, especially since the plane was a brand new Boeing 737 MAX 8. Boeing CEO Dennis Muilenburg suggests the crash was due to pilot error. But soon, it comes out that a mysterious piece of software called MCAS may be to blame. Listen to American Scandal on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Experience all episodes ad-free and be the first to binge the newest season. Unlock exclusive early access by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial today by visiting wondery.com/links/american-scandal/ now. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Teapot Dome scandal was only one instance of corruption during the presidency of Warren G. Harding. Against the backdrop of gangsters and Prohibition, shady dealings permeated the top levels of government – all the way up to the Attorney General of the United States. Nathan Masters, host of the PBS series, Lost LA, couldn’t believe what he found in the archives. Today, Nathan joins Lindsay to talk about his book Crooked: the Roaring ‘20s Tale of a Corrupt Attorney General, A Crusading Senator, and the Birth of the American Political Scandal. Listen to American Scandal on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Experience all episodes ad-free and be the first to binge the newest season. Unlock exclusive early access by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial today by visiting wondery.com/links/american-scandal/ now. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As Thomas Walsh concludes his investigation in 1924, federal prosecutors take over the case, seeking to bring criminal charges against Albert Fall, Edward Doheny and Harry Sinclar, and invalidate the Teapot Dome oil leases. Over the next six years, a series of lawsuits and indictments force them in and out of court, leaving no one unscathed. Listen to American Scandal on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Experience all episodes ad-free and be the first to binge the newest season. Unlock exclusive early access by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial today by visiting https://wondery.com/links/american-scandal/ now. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

After months of chasing his tail, Teapot Dome investigator Thomas Walsh finally gets a lead when Denver Post reporter D.F. Stackelbeck reveals evidence that Albert Fall accepted bribes. Fall and his benefactors, Edward Doheny and Harry Sinclair, remain defiant, but their continued attempts to mislead the investigation backfire. Listen to American Scandal on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Experience all episodes ad-free and be the first to binge the newest season. Unlock exclusive early access by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial today by visiting https://wondery.com/links/american-scandal/ now. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Democratic congressional leaders and independent oil men are furious when they learn that Interior Secretary Albert Fall leased federal oil reserves with no open bidding or public debate.. Montana Senator Thomas Walsh reluctantly agrees to head an investigation, even as Fall brazenly sets out to collect his kickbacks and retire to his ranch in New Mexico. Listen to American Scandal on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Experience all episodes ad-free and be the first to binge the newest season. Unlock exclusive early access by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial today by visiting https://wondery.com/links/american-scandal/ now. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.