BADLANDS

Double Elvis

Badlands is a true crime podcast that explores the real life stories of the famous at their most infamous. Badlands is voiced by Jake Brennan, host of the award-winning podcast DISGRACELAND. In Badlands, each episode digs into the crimes and scandals of our most beloved cultural figures. How did Marilyn Monroe really die? What caused Heath Ledger to end up on the bad side of revenge-seeking paparazzi? How did Winona Ryder help solve a kidnapping case in her adoptive hometown? New scripted episodes of Badlands are released every Wednesday while bonus episodes are released every Friday. Badlands is not a journalistic podcast. It is an entertainment podcast inspired by true events. Certain dialogue and scenes are sometimes fictionalized for dramatic purposes as they are in most scripted entertainment based on true events. Sources and credits for each episode are available at disgracelandpod.com/badlands. Badlands is available wherever you get your podcasts. read less

Our Editor's Take

In BADLANDS, host Jake Brennan narrates a graphic, no-holds-barred true crime podcast. Episodes offer new perspectives and unique retellings of shocking celebrity scandals and crimes. Brennan digs into the timeless stories and real-life mysteries of the rich and infamous. His storytelling entertains, but also reveals the troubling and sometimes traumatic side of fame. Consider this a trigger warning—this series does not hold back on the gory details.

This podcast is a true crime docuseries for adults, offering potent narration and vivid sound effects. From athletes to actors, no one’s scandal or crime is off limits. Each episode investigates a single story, with some historic events spanning several episodes. The detail Brennan provides is impressive, even if the information is unsettling.

As narrator and host, Jake Brennan takes listeners on a journey through sordid tales of fame gone sour. His narrative style adds depth to these stories. Brennan deftly examines the despair, addictions, trials, convictions, and deaths of infamous celebrities. Many know of the questions around Marilyn Monroe's mysterious death, but Brennan excels at uncovering unique views and exploring new narratives.

BADLANDS spotlights the secrets of the world's biggest stars, and listeners are in for a shock. Join Jake as he focuses his true crime lens on what celebrities try to hide — everything from Armie Hammer's bizarre cannibalism and abuse claims to O.J. Simpson's lead role in one of Las Vegas's most unbelievable armed robberies.

These protagonists may be familiar, but not the intricacies of their unsavory pasts. Learn the details behind celebrities' personal calamities. Listen to BADLANDS on Amazon Music to hear scandalous celebrity crime stories that stick around well after the credits roll.

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HistoryHistory
Phil Hartman: Blackmail, an Attempted Presidential Assassination, and a Murder-Suicide
Nov 15 2023
Phil Hartman: Blackmail, an Attempted Presidential Assassination, and a Murder-Suicide
Before he was deemed “the Glue” by his castmates at Saturday Night Live, Phil Hartman worked as a rock ‘n roll roadie and a graphic designer. He created album covers for the bands Poco and America, as well as the logo for Crosby, Stills & Nash. He did those things as a card-carrying member of the peace and love movement. A movement that was infamously disrupted by the Manson family, a ragtag group of hippies gone evil that just so happened to include one of his former friends from high school. A friend who would later attempt to assassinate an American president. A friend who helped steer sunny California into an age of darkness. A darkness that, for Phil Hartman, led to secrets, blackmail, guns, and ultimately, a murder-suicide. This episode contains themes that may be disturbing to some listeners, including suicide. If you're thinking about suicide, or are worried about a friend or loved one, call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255. To see the complete list of contributors, visit disgracelandpod.com/badlands. Sign up for our newsletter and get the inside dirt on events, merch and other awesomeness - GET THE NEWSLETTER Support our Advertising Partners: Prize Picks: Prizepicks.com/badlands Code: Badlands Factor: factormeals.com/badlands50 Code: Badlands50 Nutrisense :nutrisense.com/badlands Rocket Money: rocketmoney.com/badlands Follow Jake and DISGRACELAND: Instagram YouTube X (formerly Twitter)  Facebook Fan Group TikTok Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
U2: Death Threats, a Song that Inspired a Killer, and the Murder of Rebecca Schaeffer
Nov 14 2023
U2: Death Threats, a Song that Inspired a Killer, and the Murder of Rebecca Schaeffer
Years before a free album made them the most unpopular popular band on the planet, U2 ran into the arms of America. In 1987, touring behind their blockbuster album The Joshua Tree, their songs became lightning rods for violence. They received death threats in the States and became targets of terrorists back in their native Ireland. But it was the song “Exit,” written from the POV of a killer, that was linked with pure evil. That song allegedly inspired a man to hop an overnight bus to Los Angeles, carrying a loaded .357 Magnum and a copy of The Joshua Tree, ready to do whatever it took to meet the women he was obsessed with. This episode contains themes that may be disturbing to some listeners, including descriptions of stalking. To see the full list of contributors, see the show notes at www.disgracelandpod.com. Sign up for our newsletter and get the inside dirt on events, merch and other awesomeness - GET THE NEWSLETTER Support our Advertising Partners: Factor: factormeals.com/disgraceland50 Code: DISGRACELAND50 Fum: tryfum.com DISGRACELAND Liquid IV: liquid-iv.com/disgraceland Code: DISGRACELAND NextEvo Naturals: nextevo.com Code: DISGRACELAND Prize Picks: prizepicks.com/DISGRACELAND Code: DISGRACELAND Uncommon Goods: uncommongoods.com/disgraceland ZBiotics: ZBiotics.com/DISGRACELAND  Code: DISGRACELAND Follow Jake and DISGRACELAND: Instagram YouTube X (formerly Twitter)  Facebook Fan Group TikTok Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices