American Scandal

by Wondery
16,409
All Genres #89History #3

Every scandal begins with a lie. But the truth will come out. And then comes the fallout and the outrage.
Scandals have shaped America since its founding. From business and politics to sports and society, we look on aghast as corruption, deceit and ambition bring down heroes and celebrities, politicians and moguls. And when the dust finally settles, we’re left to wonder: how did this happen? Where did they trip up, and who is to blame? From the creators of American History Tellers, Business Wars and Tides of History comes American Scandal, where we take you deep into the heart of America’s dark side to look at what drives someone to break the rules and what happens when they’re caught. Hosted by Lindsay Graham.
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 or on Apple Podcasts. Start your free trial today by visiting wondery.com/links/american-scandal/ now.

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Recent Reviews
  • esSilverlines
    I love THIS LG!
    Great podcast, great content always. I love LG voice.
  • Needafemale
    Could you add a female?
    Really interesting show! But could you use a female narrator— especially when there’s 2 person dialogue—one being female ??
  • SniffelBug
    Great
    I love your podcast! Love the way you tell the story…
  • (B-roller)
    A podcast the entire family can agree on
    Great for road trips with the family. My kids love the theme music as it crescendos.
  • Amy875
    Love the podcast
    Fascinating stories and masterful production
  • JaimeKD
    Rushed delivery ?
    I thought this was on 1.25x speed it’s so rushed, but it’s compelling
  • Benhoni
    Episode 4 Love Canal
    As much as I enjoyed this series I was shocked to hear the problem has come back in 2022, almost 18 years after the cleanup in 2004. Then in episode 5 there is no talk or mention of the continued problem by either the host or the interviewee. Love Canal seems to plague the environment to this day and yet it is not reaching the mainstream or even this podcast. Sounds as though a new episode or investigation into this continued issue is in order?
  • ElleNewCanaan
    I love Lindsay Graham
    All of his podcasts are excellent! I enjoy them immensely. Highly recommend!
  • SkyMiles25
    Engrossing
    Love this podcast, you can really tell there’s a great level of detail and research put into each scandal. The personal anecdotes from those that were there really helps to humanize the events: Would love love love a season on The Salem Witch Trials
  • bunkyruth
    Superior
    This podcast is superior. The content is exceptional.
  • RunnerinSD
    Mispronounces Tribal Name repeatedly
    If you are going to do an entire series of shows on the Oglala (Oh-glah-lah) please get it right. Listening to repeated mispronunciation (Oh-Guh-Lah-Lah) is just maddening, and honestly, disrespectful. I was SO looking forward to this one after the 4 others I’d listened to, but I just can’t. -A lifelong South Dakotan.
  • Little Rasor
    History I did not know
    Love this podcast. His voice is fantastic. I have learned things about history I did not know.
  • Fpnicolas
    History
    Lots of details and vocabulary . It’s very good to listen in the car. I definitely recommend it
  • Walnut petal
    Mesmerising true stories about American history
    The voice acting, the music, the sound effects and let alone the shocking stories about American history all come together to make this one of my favourite podcasts. Many of the stories are from “””modern history“ which I lived through, but was too young to thoroughly comprehend. It’s all played out here in a way that truly brings history to life - however scandalous.
  • LoveGrubHubExcept
    I’m changing my 5 star review to 2 stars
    This was one of my favorite podcasts until the decision was made to make some episodes only available to paid subscribers. If they thought it was an incentive for people to start paying, they might be right for some folks but not for me. Shame on you for being greedy, the ads inserted in the podcast should be enough. I will not be listening to any more from this program
  • MargeNotInCharge
    I’m finally learning some history!!
    I was frequently a truant when it came to attending my history classes; they seemed so boring! This podcast made me realize that history is fascinating when presented in an engaging, palatable and, still, informative way (though I’m ASSUMING my teachers likely weren’t going into too much detail about americas shameful scandals-but I wasn’t in class very often so can’t confirm 😂). I’ve listened to every season and want to thank you for helping me feel more knowledgeable about so many significant historical events. I will definitely be checking out your other podcasts!
  • --ishy--
    I like the podcast but..
    I’m not gonna pay. And i think the way the episodes are released is irritating. It’s a good podcast, so I’m still listening. But I don’t want to get notified about an episode until I can actually listen to it. Your system is flawed.
  • highlowunexpected
    Learn so much - and I enjoy listening!
    Mr. Graham has the best voice and the real stories of our country’s past are interesting, shocking and very illustrative. I recommend AS to anyone who asks for a “good podcast for my roadtrip.” It’s always a winner and often the seasons lead me to learn more about the specific historical scandal. Thank you for producing such quality “entertainment,” Mr. Graham!
  • A.Burke
    Show idea
    The Ashley Madison Data Breach Scandal.
  • Sanbahs the Teach
    Best Podcast Ever!
    I love his style as i have listened to his other podcast, but this one is even better! I just listened to the one on Robert Hanson…. So good! I am glad i found this series!!
  • seb415
    Great stories!
    I almost always love the American Scandal seasons. So fascinating, and well produced.
  • Chase5647
    Not so subtle
    Overall reporting is informational. Podcast mixes in current views on Trump, where Trump has no bearing on historical accounts.
  • OR - Living up!
    The best US history class!
    I stumbled on this podcast about two years ago looking to learn more about historical scandals —much of which have impacted the world we live in today. The narration, music, and production keep me glued to my earphones. I’ve also loved the last episodes of each season with experts on the subjects. Thanks, Lindsay! (Q: What inspired you to start this podcast?)
  • Idk what that is
    Love it
    I’m only 11 and live American scandle. My favorite one is “FBI Agent to Russian Spy” and I love the dialogue you do in it. And I encourage you to keep making them.
  • Usernameamber
    One of the best podcasts!!
    To say I love this podcast is an understatement. It’s so informative, well researched, and draws you in to every scandal. The only bad things is waiting for the whole season to drop, but when it does *drool* I almost wish I could listen to all of the episodes over again like they were new. You won’t regret subscribing and following. Thank you Not That LG for all your hard work. P.S. The voice is *chef’s kiss*. So soothing and I could listen to it forever.
  • Elise eckert
    Best Podcast Ever
    I’ve been listening to this podcast almost every day since June 2023. I am so bummed I’m all caught up but will be on high alert for future seasons!
  • Hannz Bunnz
    I’m IN LOVE
    I have seen EVERY SINGLE episode of this podcast and it’s absolutely the BEST one I’ve ever listened to. It has been my all time favorite since the beginning, the way Lindsey graham narrates is like you’re actually there with them, you can feel the raw emotion in his words, and the scene of the story is absolutely beautifully painted with the most descriptive and creative writing I’ve EVER listened to. I will never stop listening to this podcast and the stories are absolutely amazing, the way he highlights the detrimental events of our history and sheds a light on these corrupt businesses and people of America is jaw dropping, and really goes to show how horrible this country is as a whole. I LOVE this podcast.
  • Legoman12223
    Great podcast
    I can binge all episodes and still want more. It is so well done and entertaining. This has become my favorite podcast in a couple episodes. Thank you so much for the great podcast.
  • lolofaerie
    The best history lessons ever!!
    The writers, the narrator, and researchers go above and beyond! I love this and American History tellers so much. I love to hear more Black American history/experience
  • pipatty113
    Great work
    I have watched numerous documentaries on this subject. It’s so nice to listen to this work because something detailed yet overarching- entertaining but historical is brought out by this podcast. Even when I have read about a subject and listened to other documentaries - something new is brought out. Great work.
  • Sheila Stolt
    Positively brilliant!
    I’ve been searching for this my entire adult life! I listen to the evening news, but that only yields the tip of the iceberg. If you really want the full story, American Scandal is a MUST HAVE podcast! After binging for a week, I’ve listened to every season and now going through withdrawals. Love what you’re doing, Lindsey!
  • lynnedoodles
    Professional
    Very professional. I like the dramatized details - makes it a more interesting story.
  • Quintz Clortho
    Top Tier Podcasting
    This is one of my favorite shows. Topped only by Mr. Graham’s other podcast; American History Tellers. Now Lindsey, it’s the perfect time to do a season on OJ Simpson!
  • I ❤️ podcasts 1558
    Only one problem
    As with every one of Lindsay Graham’s podcasts, this one is excellent. So well researched and the delivery is outstanding. However, he refers to this awful person as a “devout Christian.” I think he should have said, “While Hanssen was still pretending to be a devout Christian…..”
  • Justicemama
    I want to love this but….
    If this podcast would actually talk about the corruption on both sides of the aisle, I would love it. They get close, then say, “he was right leaning”. Let’s be honest, both sides are corrupt. The narrator is such a fantastic storyteller. I just prefer not to hear what I can only imagine must be propaganda. Because again, all sides are corrupt.
  • Fergie V.
    Much love
    One of my favourite podcasts, well paced and written. I think it’s much better than its counterpart, British Scandals, in terms of presentation style, this one is more natural and no-cringey attempts at humour. I also enjoy this podcast more than other similar America-centric podcasts, hope this keeps going on and on, i can’t wait for every drop, seems to take too long.
  • Mary6218
    Not a fan of the season about John Burge
    In one of the episodes the narrator talks about how a man, Andrew Wilson killed 2 cops “but only because he was scared”. Then he mentions that Chicago PD tortured him (very wrong in my eyes and those police offices need to held accountable), but then he says something to the effect that Wilson’s crimes don’t matter because he was tortured by these crooked police officers. WHAT?!?! This whole season about the John Burge scandal, all you hear is crooked white cops are bad (I agree) and black criminals are good. They even paint officer Parker (the black officer that tried to get Burge in trouble first) in the same light as the black criminals. Officer Parker should have been awarded for his bravery to speak up, but this whole season only focuses on honoring murderers because something bad happened to them. John Burge deserves to spend the rest of his life in jail, but so does Andrew Wilson. Stop honoring criminals! Yes they have rights, and they should not be taken away. But don’t honor them. What about the 2 officers they killed? You glance over their story. Usually I love this podcast, but I HATE when criminals that have wronged so many get glorified because someone wronged them!
  • Marlanation
    Love this show!
    Love this show and all the many seasons. The host LG has a great voice!
  • Corv_Mackensen
    Oh my gosh this podcast is insane!!!!!
    This podcast is amazing for long days, car rides and any time I’m bored. This podcast is like a Time Machine!
  • Taz’sMom
    Excellent!
    Such a great podcast. From the narration to covering a subject in a manner that even appeals to people who have different tastes in podcasts. 5 stars!
  • Wild Humor
    To much power!
    Men in power don’t think before they do disgraceful things in political positions. They all go down eventually corruption is the worst thing politicians can do to the people they’re supposed to be working for the American people.
  • HeatherCBR
    OBSESSED
    These podcasts are amazing! I love learning about scandals, especially those I didn’t know much detail about it. These are well written, researched, and easy to follow.
  • J Clam
    Krishna Krishna
    I really enjoyed the podcast and learned a variety of things about a religion that was just as bizarre as Jim and Tammy, Jimmy Swaggart, and Jerry Faldwel. However, there is just one thing I’m dying to know. While committing all the murders, pedophilia, and subsequent interrogations; were the Krishna sporting their orange robes, painted foreheads and shaved heads along with a tap knot? That would certainly add a touch more “strange but true”! You did a lot of work and it really shows. A+!
  • Applereviewsm
    The reason I subscribe to wondery +
    One of the best podcasts out there.
  • mulderorscully
    Why listen to anything else
    Hands down the best podcast out there. I only wish there were more.
  • Mrs Skinny Skip
    Balco
    The name Junipero is pronounced “who-nip-er-oh”. Love the presentation.
  • MMBuga
    Binge-worthy
    I’ve listened to almost every season and they’re all worth recommending. This podcast makes chore time sail by!
  • Guest1285
    Great podcast definitely recommend
    I don’t have much to say this is my favorite podcast
  • Hiomb
    Favorite Podcast
    This and British Scandal are my top two favorite podcasts. The narration and detail are excellent and really set the scene for these historic events.
  • catchristmas
    Pentagon Papers
    I lived through this time, finishing college, a newly wed, worried about my husband’s raft status. Perhaps this is why I only knew the ‘Pentagon Papers” by name. As a political junkie it has been a pleasure to listen to Lindsay Graham read this story. The writing is superb and Mr Graham is truly an actor who allows one to return to the Vietnam era. Thank you!!
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