Scoundrel: History's Forgotten Villains

KAST MEDIA | Jason and Carissa Weiser

History consists of heroes and villains (and, I suppose everything in between)... but it's usually the villains who are the most interesting: Their flaws, their quirks, the voids in their hearts that force them to do the unthinkable. These are the characters that fascinate us, that pull us in, that compel us to watch and don’t let us look away. And these are the characters that Scoundrel: History’s Forgotten Villains is all about.

Scoundrel, is a new bi-weekly anthology podcast from Kast Media and the award winning creators of Myths & Legends, that tells the stories of the rapscallions through time who were just a little more adept at hiding their evil from historians than others. By joining them on their treacherous journeys, we not only learn about what makes them tick, but more importantly, the times that created them.

Sidney Gottlieb, George Remus, Thomas Blood, James McClintock. They’ve all done horrible things...on varying scales. If there’s anything we can salvage from their misdeeds and incalculable human suffering, it’s the opportunity to use them to elucidate the times they’ve lived… so that we can better understand ourselves.

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Our Editor's Take

There are plenty of stories about history's heroes. But what about the rogues of the past? The Scoundrel: History's Forgotten Villains podcast explores some of these figures. It examines the controversial parts of humanity that have always captured the imagination. Listeners should prepare to discover some new thrilling parts of history.

Podcast hosts Carissa and Jason Weiser are long-time history enthusiasts. Carissa is a former professor of audiology and a creative writer. Jason has a background in hospital research and narrative theory. In 2015, the married couple began their podcast, Myths and Legends. What started as a hobby became a passion for history and storytelling. Their podcast creations grew into the now popular production company, Nextpod. They started Scoundrel: History's Forgotten Villains in 2022.

The hosts' impeccable storytelling and research skills are apparent here. Tales about the real Great Gatsby and the fake Anastasia may delight listeners. A fake British princess and girls claiming to see dead people—history has its fair share of wild stories like these. The Scoundrel: History's Forgotten Villains podcast examines many. Listeners learn about other shocking figures. A Colorado cannibal and a radioactive snake oil salesman are two of the show's subjects. In another episode, the co-hosts discuss Hetty Green, the Witch of Wall Street. They even discuss the doctor who starved her patients and the man who tried to control minds.

The stories featured in these episodes sound too unbelievable to be true. Another example is the story about one mean pirate queen. Here listeners discover the peasant girl who became history's most successful pirate. They can also expect episodes about a murderous black widow and the misunderstood Bandit Queen.

New episodes are available twice a month. Each episode is under an hour long. Scoundrel: History's Forgotten Villains is more than a history podcast. Impeccable hosting and sound production make these episodes feel more like audio documentaries. History fans and curious listeners may find themselves immersed in this podcast. These incredible tales of scoundrels from the past can be captivating.

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Welcome to Scoundrel: History's Forgotten Villains

Welcome to Scoundrel: History's Forgotten Villains

History consists of heroes and villains (and, I suppose everything in between)... but it's usually the villains who are the most interesting: Their flaws, their quirks, the voids in their hearts that force them to do the unthinkable. These are the characters that fascinate us, that pull us in, that compel us to watch and don’t let us look away. And these are the characters that Scoundrel: History’s Forgotten Villains is all about. Scoundrel, is a new bi-weekly anthology podcast from Kast Media and the award winning creators of Myths & Legends, that tells the stories of the rapscallions through time who were just a little more adept at hiding their evil from historians than others. By joining them on their treacherous journeys, we not only learn about what makes them tick, but more importantly, the times that created them. Sidney Gottlieb, George Remus, Thomas Blood, James McClintock. They’ve all done horrible things...on varying scales. If there’s anything we can salvage from their misdeeds and incalculable human suffering, it’s the opportunity to use them to elucidate the times they’ve lived… so that we can better understand ourselves. Scoundrel: History's Forgotten Villains - premiers Wednesday, February 23 on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episodes

Wang Ti: The Icarus of Beijing

Wang Ti: The Icarus of Beijing

Born in Dalian province, China, Wang Ti always had her sights on becoming a fixture in the elite circles of Beijing aristocracy. Her place as the wife of a once star player on a former Chinese Super League champion team gave her access to the who’s who, but Wang Ti wanted more than just access, she desired to BE the who’s who, by any means necessary. The 2008 Olympics gave her a golden ticket to the top in the form of Xiao Qin, that year’s gold medalist in the Pommel Horse. Known by many names including “The Prince of the Pommel Horse” and “The Pony God” Xiao Qin’s victory on China’s home stage sprung him to international fame. At a fateful wedding reception, Wang Ti and The Pony God crossed paths, and she leveraged her cunning and his national stardom in the wake of the Olympics to enter the upper echelon of Chinese elite society through deception and trickery. One slip of the tongue in a meeting saw her assume the role as the de-facto luxury goods broker for Beijing’s elite athletes and socialites, but a sinister twist of fate landed her life in prison. While her story is recent, it seems that history has already swept the devious deeds of Wang Ti under the carpet in hopes to be forgotten, but we won’t let that happen! Listen to Scoundrel ad-free, with bonus content at Amazon Music! Check it out at https://KastMedia.com/KastPlus -- Sponsor: Talkspace: To match with a licensed therapist today, go to Talkspace.com, and use code SCOUNDREL to get $100 off of your first month and show your support for the show.

Hetty Green: The Witch of Wall Street

Hetty Green: The Witch of Wall Street

At the turn of the 20th century, Hetty Green was possibly the richest woman in America. She outsmarted the men of Wall Street at their own game, amassing a fortune that, today, would be worth billions. So, with all that money, why did she die in in squalor, wearing threadbare clothes, alienated from everyone she knew both personally and professionally, with the moniker of "The Witch of Wall Street?"Today, we tell the story of Hetty Green, and explore whether she was a monster who pinched pennies to the point that her son lost a leg because she refused to pay for medical care, or a tragic tale of what happens when money takes the place of love in someone’s life. Listen to Scoundrel ad-free, with bonus content at Amazon Music! Check it out at https://KastMedia.com/KastPlus-- Thank you to our sponsor: Talkspace: To match with a licensed therapist today, go to Talkspace.com, and use code SCOUNDREL to get $100 off of your first month and show your support for the show.

Matthew Hopkins: Witchfinder General

Matthew Hopkins: Witchfinder General

In 1645, the English Civil War caused a great divide in England - on both sides, the destruction, violence and famine were all blamed on malevolent witches, cursing towns and villages all throughout the countryside to fulfill their pacts with the devil. Thankfully, King Charles I endorsed a duo of witch-hunters, led by Matthew Hopkins to identify and condemn as many accused witches as they could lay eyes on, leading to national and international fame and infamy. Over their careers, Hopkins and his partner John Stearne torturously forced confessions and sent more people to the gallows than all witch-hunters for the prior 160 years combined, and Hopkins’ book ‘The Discovery of Witches’ eventually became the inspiration for the Salem Witch Trials when it arrived on American shores. History may have forgotten about Matthew Hopkins’ insidious influence, but we sure haven’t! Listen to Scoundrel ad-free, with bonus content, at KastMedia.com/KastPlus Listen to Scoundrel ad-free at Amazon MusicSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pearl and James O'Dell: The Honeymoon Murderers

Pearl and James O'Dell: The Honeymoon Murderers

In January of 1920, as their locomotive headed into Rochester, New York, a group of brakemen happened to spot a corpse lying in a nearby ditch. After a quick police investigation, authorities were able to point their fingers at a rather unusual couple of culprits: A married couple - Pearl and James O'Dell. Nicknamed "The Honeymoon Murderers," their strange motive, method and mayheim splashes its way all over national papers and popular culture...until time washed their story away. Join us as we bring them back to life and shed light on their human tragedy. Special Thanks to Our Sponsors: TalkSpace You'll get $100 off your first month at Talkspace.com and use code: Scoundrel. Listen to Scoundrel ad-free, with bonus content, at KastMedia.com/KastPlus Listen to Scoundrel ad-free, with bonus content at Amazon Music See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cattle Annie & Little Britches: Teen Girl Old West Outlaws

Cattle Annie & Little Britches: Teen Girl Old West Outlaws

They were two of the most feared outlaws in the Wild West. Known for their crack shots, and overall disregard of Oklahoma law, their names were on most wanted lists from Alda to Tulsa County. Oh, and the kicker? They were two teenage girls. The world may have forgotten about Cattle Annie and Little Britches, but we sure haven't! Listen to Scoundrel ad-free, with bonus content, at KastMedia.com/KastPlus Listen to Scoundrel ad-free, with bonus content at Amazon Music See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alferd Packer: Colorado Cannibal

Alferd Packer: Colorado Cannibal

On April 16, 1874, a desperate and frostbitten man wrapped in rags wandered into a basecamp in the frosty Colorado San Juan Mountains. Famished and half-dead, soldiers gathered around to quickly feed the poor guy. As he regained strength, Alferd Packer quickly threaded together a story about how he impossibly survived the winter stranded deep in the unforgiving mountains. His story... would be one giant lie. The truth, as it slowly revealed itself, involved unspeakable acts of violence, murder and perhaps most harrowing, cannibalism. History may have overlooked the disturbing true tales of Alferd Packer, but we sure haven't! Special Thanks to Our Sponsors: Aura Frames This holiday season, listeners can save on the perfect gift and get up to $30 off Aura’s best-selling frames. Just go to auraframes.com/SCOUNDREL The Jordan Harbinger Show Check out jordanharbinger.com/start for some episode recommendations, OR search for The Jordan Harbinger Show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts. Listen to Scoundrel ad-free, with bonus content, at KastMedia.com/KastPlus Listen to Scoundrel ad-free, with bonus content at Amazon Music See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Introducing Kast Plus!

Introducing Kast Plus!

For ad-free versions of Scoundrel and a bunch of great Kast shows, just go to kastmedia.com/kastplus. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Franziska Schanzkowska: Fake Anastasia

Franziska Schanzkowska: Fake Anastasia

On July 17, 1918, Nicholas II, Czar of Russia and his entire family were ushered into a dark basement where they were all killed by Bolshevik revolutionary gunmen. But people around the world prayed that perhaps the legend was true. That his 17-year-old daughter Anastasia Romanov survived the massacre. Well, a Polish woman for several decades preyed upon those false hopes and deviously masqueraded as the late Grand Duchess for sympathy, fame and worst of all money. The world may have forgotten about Franziska Schanzkowska, but we sure haven't, Special Thanks To Our Sponsors: Aura Frames This holiday season, listeners can save on the perfect gift and get up to $30 off Aura’sbest-selling frames. Just go to auraframes.com/SCOUNDREL. The Jordan Harbinger Show Check out jordanharbinger.com/start for some episode recommendations, OR search for The Jordan Harbinger Show! Listen to Scoundrel ad-free, with bonus content, at KastMedia.com/KastPlus Listen to Scoundrel ad-free, with bonus content at Amazon MusicSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Julian Harvey: Murderer At Sea

Julian Harvey: Murderer At Sea

He had it all. Good looks, a privileged upbringing, the adoration of women...yet in November 1961, Julian Harvey was responsible for murdering almost an entire family while captaining their vacation vessel off the shore of Florida. What made this villain tick and ultimately do the unthinkable? Take a listen now! Special Thanks To our Sponsors Story Worth Go to StoryWorth.com/scoundrel and save $10 on your first purchase! Aura Frames From now through Black Friday & Cyber Monday, listeners can get $20 off Aura’s best-selling frames. Just go to auraframes.com/SCOUNDREL The Jordan Harbinger Show Check out jordanharbinger.com/start for some episode recommendations, OR search for The Jordan Harbinger Show. Listen to Scoundrel ad-free, with bonus content, at KastMedia.com/KastPlus Listen to Scoundrel ad-free, with bonus content at Amazon MusicSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ching Shih: One Mean Pirate Queen

Ching Shih: One Mean Pirate Queen

You may have heard of famous pirates like Black Beard and Calico Jack, but did you know a 19th century former peasant girl assembled a pirate confederation so massive it made these men's fleets seem like a couple of row boats? Ching Shih was the most successful pirate the world has ever forgotten.... until today. Special Thanks To Our Sponsors: The Jordan Harbinger Show Check out jordanharbinger.com/start for some episode recommendations, OR search for The Jordan Harbinger Show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts. Field of Greens Join us and take Field of Greens too. And to help get you started; we got you 15% off your first order. And another 10% off when you subscribe. Visit FieldofGreens.com and use promo code SCOUNDREL. Listen to Scoundrel ad-free, with bonus content, at KastMedia.com/KastPlus Listen to Scoundrel ad-free, with bonus content at Amazon MusicSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lost in Panama is Available Now

Lost in Panama is Available Now

In 2014, Dutch friends Lisanne Froon and Kris Kremers disappeared while hiking a jungle trail in Panama. Two months later, investigators found their remains, as well as a backpack with a digital camera filled with photos that hinted at a darker story. What happened to Kris and Lisanne? In this investigative series, journalists Mariana Atencio and Jeremy Kryt retrace the last steps of the doomed women. Their search for the truth immerses them in eight years’ worth of conflicting evidence, testimonies, and rumors, as on-the-ground witnesses in Panama come forward for the first time. This explosive new evidence sets off a real-time race to reopen the case, and finally get justice for Kris and Lisanne.https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lost-in-panama/id1650171879https://open.spotify.com/show/552v0bU0KQrnNDoeinrYU9?si=iVTRQlLbQ7et-65Cx4EQ7ASee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Charles Boles: The Shotgun-Wielding Gentleman Outlaw

Charles Boles: The Shotgun-Wielding Gentleman Outlaw

The Wild West after the Civil War was famous for its unruly hooligans. But buried in the headlines under the rowdy shenanigans of Billy The Kid and Jesse James stood the story of a very different outlaw. One many had described as "Gentlemanly." Sure with each of his highway robberies, he'd hold a shotgun to your face, but he never wanted your personal belongings...only the money of certain banks that have wronged him. Even more, he'd end each heist with a please, thank you and even a charming poem. Sure the world may have forgotten about Black Bart aka Charles Boles, but we sure haven't. Special Thanks to Our Sponsors: The Jordan Harbinger Show Check out jordanharbinger.com/start for some episode recommendations, OR search for The Jordan Harbinger Show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts. The Sandman: Act III Check out the Sandman: Act III in all its dynamic 3D audio only on Audible! Listen to Scoundrel ad-free, with bonus content, at KastMedia.com/KastPlus Listen to Scoundrel ad-free, with bonus content at Amazon Music See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Linda Hazzard: The Doctor Who Starved Her Patients

Linda Hazzard: The Doctor Who Starved Her Patients

The year is 1911. In the idyllic beauty of Olalla Washington, sits a sanitarium - a supposed sanctuary for those suffering from health conditions to come and heal under the guidance of a "brilliant medical mind." Little do locals realize, it's in these walls that an unassuming health practitioner named Dr. Linda Hazzard is performing unspeakable horrors on her patients. Her torture and starvation tactics will ultimately results in the deaths of dozens that we know of...and many more we don't. The history books may have forgotten the horrors of Linda Hazzard...but we sure haven't. Special Thanks To Our Sponsors: Jordan Harbinger Show We really enjoy this show and we think you will as well! There’s just SO much here. Check out jordanharbinger.com/start for some episode recommendations, OR search for The Jordan Harbinger Show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts. Field of Greens Join us and take Field of Greens too. And to help get you started, we got you 15% off your first order. And another 10% off when you subscribe for recurring orders. Visit FieldofGreens.com and use promo code SCOUNDREL. Listen to Scoundrel ad-free, with bonus content, at KastMedia.com/KastPlus Listen to Scoundrel ad-free, with bonus content at Amazon MusicSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John Taylor: The Man Who Killed Bach

John Taylor: The Man Who Killed Bach

Everyone knows the Academy award winning film Amadeus, where a dramatic jealous-ridden Antonio Salieri contributed to the death of Mozart. But what you probably don't know is a man named John Taylor was complicit in the death of two other musical giants; Johann Sebastian Bach and George Friedrich Handel. And the greatest irony of all...he was their eye doctor. Join us this week on Scoundrel: History's Forgotten Villains as we dive deep into the scandalous, tumultuous and at times barbaric world of 18th century European ophthalmology to uncover the many blindings and killings of Dr. John Taylor. Give us your feedback at Kastmedia.com/scoundrelfeedback Special Thanks To Our Sponsors: The Jordan Harbinger Show Check out jordanharbinger.com/start for some episode recommendations, OR search for The Jordan Harbinger Show on Apple Podcasts. Talkspace As a listener of this podcast, you’ll get $100 off of your first month with Talkspace. To match with a licensed therapist today, go to Talkspace.com and use code SCOUNDREL. Listen to Scoundrel ad-free, with bonus content, at KastMedia.com/KastPlus Listen to Scoundrel ad-free, with bonus content at Amazon Music See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

GOOD CULT IS AVAILABLE NOW!

GOOD CULT IS AVAILABLE NOW!

Good Cult is an investigative podcast about the dark corners of the New Age self-help movements and the American counterculture. In season one, host River Donaghey will explore his family's group therapy cult to unpack the strange history of the Human Potential Movement, and try to understand how a violent self-help seminar in the 1980s evolved into a global phenomenon, which would capture his own family decades later. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-cult/id1643228328 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/32alR42n7RSjALWyiFOoAV?si=3ad152facfd54944See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Domenica Guillaume: Picassos, Hitmen and Murder

Domenica Guillaume: Picassos, Hitmen and Murder

Ever visit the world famous Louvre Museum in Paris? Ever gaze up at Picassos? How about the Matisses? Well, what if we told you that behind the beautiful colors and brush strokes, a dark history lingers as to why they're in the museum. You see, many of them used to belong to somebody...some say one of the richest and most ruthless women of 20th century Europe, who besides her art collecting hobby, spent much of 1959 trying to murder her only son. The story of Domenica Guillaume is a masterpiece of greed, hubris and destruction. We'd love your feedback; Please go to: kastmedia.com/scoundrelfeedback Special Thanks To Our Sponsors! Boll & Branch Get 15% off your first set of sheets when you use promo code SCOUNDREL at bollandbranch.com. Listen to Scoundrel ad-free, with bonus content, at KastMedia.com/KastPlus Listen to Scoundrel ad-free, with bonus content at Amazon Music See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Fox Sisters: The Girls Who "Saw" Dead People

The Fox Sisters: The Girls Who "Saw" Dead People

Mediums, Clairvoyants, Psychics. You can't turn on TV these days without seeing a reality show where some self-proclaimed "Communicator" is conversing with dead people. Where did this all come from? Well..it all began with two young sisters from the 1840s named Kate and Maggie Fox. The craziest part? It all started with a prank. Special Thanks To Our Sponsors: Honey Get Honey for FREE at Joinhoney.com/scoundrel Wondrium Wondrium is offering our listeners a FREE MONTH of unlimited access. To get this offer you need to visit our special URL: Wondrium.com/scoundrel The Jordan Harbinger Show Check out jordanharbinger.com/start for some episode recommendations, OR search for The Jordan Harbinger Show. Talk Space To match with a licensed therapist today, go to Talkspace.com. Make sure to use the code SCOUNDREL to get $100 off of your first month and show your support for the show. Listen to Scoundrel ad-free, with bonus content, at KastMedia.com/KastPlus Listen to Scoundrel ad-free, with bonus content at Amazon Music See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mata Hari: Exotic Dancer War Criminal

Mata Hari: Exotic Dancer War Criminal

October 15, 1917. A war criminal is marched before a French firing squad to receive their brutal final punishment. Their crime... selling secrets to the Germans resulting in the slaughter of 40,000 French officers in one of World War 1's bloodiest battles. As witnesses watch the despicable traitor being pushed before the guns, they are shocked. The perpetrator is none other than one of the most famous women of early 20th century Paris: An elegant 41 year old woman named Margaretha Geerthurida MacLeod or as the world knows her: Mata Hari. Join us as we explore the legend of this iconic figure and even beg the question: Was she guilty of the things they said she did...or was she merely a scapegoat. Listen to Scoundrel ad-free, with bonus content, at KastMedia.com/KastPlus Listen to Scoundrel ad-free, with bonus content at Amazon MusicSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

William Bailey: Radioactive Snake Oil Salesman

William Bailey: Radioactive Snake Oil Salesman

The turn of the 20th century was a wild and weird time, especially in medicine. New discoveries of radioactive elements created a medical craze with companies putting now-known poisonous substances in medicines with unproven promises to cure everything from arthritis to impotence. Unfortunately, the only thing these medicines did for people...was eventually kill them. And nobody poisoned more people and pushed more toxic cure-alls than one Dr. William Bailey, a Harvard dropout who wanted to make it big. Listen to Scoundrel ad-free, with bonus content, at KastMedia.com/KastPlus Listen to Scoundrel ad-free, with bonus content at Amazon MusicSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Belle Starr: Misunderstood Bandit Queen

Belle Starr: Misunderstood Bandit Queen

You've heard her name in the same breath as other gun slinging wild west hooligans like Billy the Kid and Jesse James. But who really was Belle Starr? Was she the pistol-packing bloodthirsty Bandit Queen who delighted in breaking the law as her legend dictates, or... was she more a victim of circumstance and the turbulent times she lived? More importantly, who actually killed her that fateful day on February 3 1889? There are so many questions lingering about Myra Maybelle Shirley Reed Starr, and on this week's episode, we attempt to answer them all! Listen to Scoundrel ad-free, with bonus content, at KastMedia.com/KastPlus Listen to Scoundrel ad-free, with bonus content at Amazon Music See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.