85,000: The Podcast

This episode of "85,000" explores the untold story behind the Enron scandal, focusing on the 85,000 lives disrupted at Arthur Andersen—a company not named Enron. Through investigative reporting, interviews, and firsthand accounts, the series challenges the mainstream narrative and examines the real consequences of corporate collapse, misplaced blame, and the far-reaching impact of corruption. Spec...

This episode continues the in-depth exploration of the people and events behind the Arthur Andersen and Enron saga, focusing on the personal journey of Larry R. Katzen and the culture of Arthur Andersen. The episode weaves together personal stories, corporate history, and the ethical standards that shaped one of the world’s most respected accounting firms. Special Offer & Sponsor (AS4) This ep...

This episode follows the personal and professional journey of Larry Gorrell as Arthur Andersen faces seismic changes, both internally and in the world at large. The story weaves together the firm’s shifting culture, the impact of 9/11, and the fallout from the Enron scandal, all set against the backdrop of Larry’s impending retirement. Special Offer & Sponsor (AS4) This episode is presented ad...

This episode explores the congressional fallout from the Enron scandal, the scrutiny faced by Arthur Andersen, and the personal and professional consequences for key figures like David Duncan. The story highlights the intersection of politics, corporate accountability, and the search for scapegoats in one of the most infamous corporate collapses in history. Special Offer & Sponsor (AS4) This e...

This episode covers the rapid legal and public fallout from the Enron scandal, focusing on the indictment and trial of Arthur Andersen. It explores the government’s case, the defense’s strategy, and the personal and professional consequences for those involved, all while highlighting the chaos and uncertainty faced by employees during the firm’s collapse. Special Offer & Sponsor (AS4) This epi...

This episode captures the chaos and personal toll inside Arthur Andersen as the firm collapses in the wake of the Enron scandal. It follows Larry R. Katzen and his colleagues as they struggle to keep the business afloat, navigate the scramble to sell offices, and face the devastating aftermath—including IRS demands and the loss of retirement security. The episode also sets the stage for Andersen’s...

This episode chronicles Arthur Andersen’s final legal battle at the Supreme Court, the emotional aftermath for its people, and the broader implications for justice and corporate America. It explores the flawed conviction, the unanimous reversal, and the lasting scars left on thousands of innocent employees. Special Offer & Sponsor (AS4) This episode is presented ad-free by AS4, a plant-based,...

This episode shifts the focus from the innocent employees of Arthur Andersen to the deeper roots of the Enron scandal, examining who was truly responsible for the collapse of both Enron and Arthur Andersen. Through firsthand accounts, expert interviews, and whistleblower testimony, the episode unpacks the complex web of corporate fraud, political influence, and the search for accountability. Speci...

This episode moves beyond headlines and legal battles to focus on the lived experiences of Arthur Andersen’s employees—the 85,000 individuals whose lives were upended by the firm’s collapse. Through firsthand accounts, listeners hear about the emotional, professional, and personal toll of the scandal, and the resilience that emerged in its aftermath. Special Offer & Sponsor (AS4) This episode...