Scandal Water

*Warning: There are brief descriptions of child abuse in this episode. Listener discretion is advised. As Shari Franke watched the police break into her family’s home on August 30, 2023, her Instagram post simply read, “Finally.” In Part 3 we finish our series on Ruby Franke, the Utah mother of 6 who somehow moved from beloved family YouTube vlogger to convicted child abuser.  What happened when S...

Duunnn dunnn… duuuunnnn duun… It’s hard to believe it’s been 50 years since “Jaws” arrived with a splash, bringing acclaim to young director Steven Spielberg, forever changing the public perception of sharks, and introducing the concept of the summer blockbuster for the very first time.  So what better way to celebrate than with a trip to the Falcon Theatre in Newport, Kentucky, to see the regiona...

Were you Team Coco or Team Jay?  We’re referring to the highly publicized battle that occurred between Jay Leno and Conan O’Brien over “The Tonight Show” back in 2010. And if you remember that, you may also recall a similar rivalry that took place years before– this time between Jay Leno and Dave Letterman.  But these late night talk show conflicts are just part of what we cover in Part 2 of this...

Which late-night talk show hosts have kept YOU company during the wee hours?  Chances are, there’ve been several because the history of late night talk shows extends back more than 70 years… and is the subject of this fascinating Part 1 episode! What woman holds the distinction of being the very first late night talk show host? Who established trademark features of the genre, like the opening mono...

Whether you’ve seen Dawne Gee anchoring the news, hosting a talk show, being awarded the 2024 Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Award, or simply enjoying a meal out with her family, Dawne’s friendly face is likely one you recognize if you’ve spent any time in the Louisville area.  In this fascinating episode, we interview news personality and humanitarian Dawne Gee.  How did Dawne move from one-time bounc...

What do you consider to be the most memorable talk show moment?  Tom Cruise’s couch-jumping interview? Presidential candidate Bill Clinton’s saxophone performance of “Heartbreak Hotel?” The shocking announcement that a certain morning talk show host had just been fired for sexual misconduct?  Listen to this fun, nostalgic episode to hear OUR top picks!  Join us as we peek behind the scenes of memo...

Note: The content discussed in this episode may not be suitable for all ages.  “The Jerry Springer Show” sparked boycotts and protests led by a priest, was referred to as the pioneer of Trash TV, and released an episode that was immediately banned due to its inappropriate content.  Yet the tabloid talk show has also been referred to as a cultural phenomenon, so popular that it once bested the wild...

Billed as a simple “High School Musical,”  it was actually a global phenomenon.  The 2006 made-for-TV Disney Original launched the careers of actors like Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens, transformed the Disney Channel’s programming, and garnered $4 billion in retail sales.  Which elements of the movie were based on the screenwriter’s own life? How was director Kenny Ortega able to film a Broadway st...

It’s a TV series about a group of teens growing up in Northern Ireland in the 1990s during the Troubles. It’s also laugh-out-loud funny. We’re talking about the charming, if somewhat irreverent coming-of-age TV show “Derry Girls,” and in this ‘grand’ episode we take you behind the scenes with the whole gang– Erin, Michelle, Orla, Clare, the wee English fella, and even Sister Michael! What characte...

The coming-of-age classic “Stand By Me” is now pushing 40, but the story it tells is timeless– that of young friendship, and the enduring love that comes with it.  In this episode we delve into the backstory of the beloved film, then share a few impressions after watching “Stand By Me” during our break– the first time for Ashley! What famous author wrote the novella on which the movie was based, c...

Miss this episode on the beloved rom-com “Clueless” that tells the story of Cher, a self-absorbed Betty with a heart of gold, whose annoying step-brother Josh (a Baldwin himself!) ends up being her love interest? As if! This classic 90s film was more than just a work of entertainment. It not only changed the way we speak, but also influenced fashion and launched the careers of young stars such as...

What does it take to save a marriage headed toward divorce? For Ben Stiller and Christine Taylor the answer is: A pandemic.  In this episode, we share the love story of Hollywood couple and frequent on-screen costars Ben Stiller and Christine Taylor, including a few highlights from their individual lives and careers. What was it like having comedy legends as parents, and how did that affect Ben’s...

Kimberly Williams recently opened up about the “terrifying” medical ordeal that stole her voice for 2 years. While husband Brad Paisley has praised her strength in fighting to figure out the problem, Kimberly has shared how much Brad’s support and sense of humor meant to her during that time. Married nearly 22 years, the country music star and popular actress have supported each other personally a...

They first crossed paths in 1978 when Kyra Sedgwick was 12 and Kevin Bacon 19, though he doesn’t remember it! The pre-teen complimented the young actor after seeing Kevin perform in an Off-Broadway play. Ten years later the two were married, and they’ve remained happily so for 36 years. Just ask the goats they occasionally serenade when posting Instagram videos from their Connecticut farm. In this...

Named the greatest actor of the 20th century by the New York Times in 2020, Denzel Washington is one of today’s most well-known and highly respected actors. Less well-known is his wife of 41 years, Pauletta Washington, an accomplished musician and actress with whom Denzel has shared a life and raised four successful children… and without whom Denzel has said, “I wouldn’t be alive.”  In this episod...

Special thanks to friends and listeners Lizzie and Hayden for submitting the Beverly Hills Supper Club Fire episode as their Fan Favorite, and sharing insights for the new introduction. In addition, Ashley also weighs in on the conspiracy theory explored in “Forbidden Fruit: Sin City’s Underworld and the Supper Club Inferno,” a book mentioned in the episode.  (Originally aired 9/19/2023) It’s the...

Special thanks to friend and listener Rich for submitting “The Fugitive” as his Fan Favorite topic and providing audio for the new introduction.  Part 1: (Originally aired 11/5/2024) Accused of brutally murdering his wife, Dr. Richard Kimble, played by megastar Harrison Ford, is relentlessly pursued by the shrewd and witty U.S. Marshal Sam Gerard, played by Tommy Lee Jones.  This is the simple but...

Special thanks to friend and listener Jodi for submitting “The Princess Bride” episode as her Fan Favorite and providing audio for the new introduction.  (Originally aired 2/13/2024) “The Princess Bride” (1987) remains a beloved cult classic nearly 40 years after its release… and after you listen to this fun episode, you’ll remember exactly why! Why did author William Goldman and director Rob Rein...

You count aloud the seconds as the clock approaches midnight of New Year’s Eve, watching the massive, twinkling ball lower in One Times Square. At midnight you share a kiss with a loved one, then sing along to a rousing chorus of “Auld Lang Syne.” This is what you do to welcome every New Year. The question is: Why? In this lively episode we first touch on a few customs followed in other countries...

Son of a Nutcracker! That’s what you’ll be saying if you miss this celebration of the beloved  2003 Christmas classic “Elf” starring Will Ferrell.  With the media attention surrounding the return of “Elf: The Musical” to Broadway– and fan favorite Sean Astin in the role of Santa– what better time to revisit the film that first introduced us to the lovable Buddy the Elf? What classic holiday movie...

Ah, Christmas… the time for peace, goodwill– and for those caught up in one of the famous must-have toy crazes– store brawls and price-gouging! In this fun, nostalgic episode we revisit 3 notable toy crazes– one from the 80s, one from the 90s, and one from the 2010s.  Which toy sparked so many riots, some stores started having shipments delivered by armored truck? How did a popular talk show host...

It’s America’s largest home, its grounds were designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, and it’s now the setting of a Hallmark movie! We’re talking about Biltmore Estate–“the closest thing Americans have to a royal fairytale castle,” as the Travel Channel puts it. How did this privately owned estate evolve from a bachelor’s country home to one of America’s most visited houses–and wineries? What near miss...

Silent Night… hold on tight! You’re about to experience “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” with the worst kids in the history of the world! After 20 years of working to gain the rights, Dallas Jenkins, creator of “The Chosen,” has finally brought the beloved Christmas classic “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” to the big screen. And in this special holiday episode, we bring the film to YOU through o...

Word(le) on the street is there’s a lot of money to be made through word games!  Don’t believe me? Just ask the New York Times, which boasts billions of game plays every year, and Josh Wardle, whose invention of the game Wordle earned him a cool million.  You are invited to play along during this episode as Candy challenges Ashley with a few of history’s most famous word games. Then hear the fasci...

You’ve seen his hysterically funny “Washington’s Dream” sketch from SNL, his comedy routines on streaming services and social media, and his guest appearances on late night talk shows. He’s ‘Tennessee Kid’ Nate Bargatze, who has not only earned his spot among today’s top comedians, but also the title of Nicest Man in Stand-Up. And in this episode we discuss the circumstances and personal qualities...