Episodes

  • A Very Floozy Christmas

    A Very Floozy Christmas
    Dec 24 2025

    Holiday Horrors: JonBenét Update & Krampus' Legend In this Christmas-themed episode of the Wicked Stage Pod, the hosts delve into the darker side of the festive season. They start with Jen discussing ghost stories' deep roots in Christmas traditions, tracing back to medieval Europe and Charles Dickens' influence. Ashley updates listeners on the ongoing JonBenét Ramsey case, revealing new forensic analysis and potential breakthroughs. Olivia wraps up with an exploration of Krampus, the mythical anti-Santa of Alpine folklore, detailing his origins, cultural impact, and modern resurgence in pop culture and festivals. The episode balances dark true crime and folklore with festive cheer, ending with a surprising twist connecting host Jen to a Kevin Smith movie.

    00:00 Listener Discretion Advised

    00:17 Meet the Hosts

    00:42 Life Updates and Holiday Cheer 02:08 Olivia's Birth Story

    04:24 Floozy Merch Announcement 04:56 Special Christmas Episode

    08:16 The Tradition of Christmas Ghost Stories

    19:25 The Victorian Era and Charles Dickens

    27:35 JonBenet Ramsey Case Overview

    52:38 The Santa Theory

    54:13 DNA Evidence and CODIS

    56:41 New Forensic Analysis

    57:05 Burke Ramsey's Interview

    58:15 Annual Update from Boulder Police

    01:00:24 The Role of Orum Labs

    01:01:32 Genetic Genealogy and the JonBenet Ramsey Case

    01:02:43 Speculations and Theories

    01:08:29 Krampus: The Dark Side of Christmas

    01:10:01 Krampus in Modern Culture

    01:11:02 Krampus Festivals and Celebrations

    01:28:07 Krampus in Pop Culture

    01:35:09 Surprise Krampus Twist

    01:37:59 Wrapping Up and Future Plans
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    1 hr and 40 mins
  • Halloween Special: Jack the Ripper

    Halloween Special: Jack the Ripper
    Oct 30 2025
    In this special Halloween crossover episode, the Wicked Stage Podcast joins forces with the Fish 'N' Brits Podcast to delve into the infamous mystery of Jack the Ripper. The episode explores the historical context of the Whitechapel murders, examines different suspects including Joseph Barnett, John Pizer, and even the legendary Sergeant Boston Corbett, and discusses the sensational impact of the media at the time. With a detailed analysis of the canonical five victims and a review of modern theories, the podcast offers an in-depth look into one of the most captivating unsolved cases in history. Expert commentary, insightful discussions, and a touch of humor make this a must-listen for true crime enthusiasts. 00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene 00:40 Meet the Hosts 01:21 Podcast Crossover Chaos 04:01 Historical Context: London in 1888 06:54 Living Conditions in Whitechapel 12:22 Policing and Crime in Whitechapel 13:53 Prostitution and Social Issues 24:08 The Whitechapel Murders 39:38 Police Incompetence and Early Investigations 40:40 Press Involvement and Public Pressure 42:13 Introduction of Inspector Frederick Abberline 43:10 Details of the Murders and Victim Profiles 54:44 The Double Event: Two Murders in One Night 01:02:21 The Final Canonical Victim: Mary Jane Kelly 01:09:01 Letters from Jack the Ripper 01:21:12 Cannibalism and Jack the Ripper's Letters 01:23:20 Media Frenzy: The Role of Newspapers 01:27:25 Theories and Suspects: Criminal Profiling Begins 01:28:58 John Pizer: The Leather Apron Suspect 01:37:41 Montague John Druitt: The Educated Suspect 01:45:54 James Maybrick: The Diary Confession 01:52:15 Joseph Barnett: The Jealous Lover 01:58:43 George Chapman: The Poisoner Barber 02:02:41 William Gull: The From Hell Theory 02:07:16 Debunking the Jack the Ripper Suspect: Dr. Thomas Neill Cream 02:07:54 The Tragic Life of Jimmy Kelly James 02:09:55 The Great Escape: Kelly's Connection to the Ripper Murders 02:12:20 Boston Corbett: The Unlikely Suspect 02:15:47 Jill the Ripper: A Feminist Twist 02:20:47 Aaron Kosminski: The DNA Controversy 02:31:10 Final Thoughts and Speculations 02:47:56 Outro and Where to Find Us
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    2 hrs and 50 mins
  • The First Annual Floozy Awards

    The First Annual Floozy Awards
    Sep 19 2025
    The First Annual Floozy Awards - Celebrating a Year of Stories, Laughs, and True Crime In this special episode, hosts Jen, Ashley, and Olivia celebrate the one-year anniversary of their true-crime podcast 'Life Upon the Wicked Stage' by presenting the first annual Floozy Awards. The hosts discuss various memorable episodes from the past year, highlighting their favorite moments, one-liners, shocking twists, and unproblematic men. Categories include 'Biggest Thumb,' 'Creepiest Old Man,' 'Most Unproblematic Man,' 'Best One-Liner,' 'Best Fringe Show You Didn't Ask For,' and more. They also announce some exciting upcoming collaborations and discuss potential future merch. Join the fun as they reflect on a year full of intriguing stories and hilarious discussions. 00:00 Listener Discretion Advised 00:15 Meet the Hosts 01:04 The First Annual Floozy Awards 02:06 Upcoming Halloween Collaboration 03:00 Podcast Anniversary Celebration 03:39 Dress Code and Themes 09:02 Biggest Thumb Award 17:39 Creepiest Old Man Award 26:30 Most Haunted Episode Award 35:01 Best One-Liner Award 45:33 Best Side Character Award 52:53 Best Editing Award 55:24 Introduction to Problematic Stage Moms 55:37 Harry Houdini's Overbearing Mother 56:56 Mama Nesbitt's Negligence 58:51 George Reeves' Troubled Relationship with His Mother 01:02:14 Most Unproblematic Man Nominees 01:12:42 Most Shocking Moments 01:19:01 Best Fringe Show Ideas 01:23:51 Surprise Cameo Performances 01:27:16 Most Wanted Merch Items 01:31:07 Films Olivia Needs to Watch 01:34:57 Jen's Potential Dangers 01:38:28 Best Mispronunciation 01:41:33 Floozy of the Year 01:46:05 Closing Remarks and Thank Yous
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    1 hr and 51 mins
  • Rust: Tragedy on Set

    Rust: Tragedy on Set
    Sep 5 2025
    This podcast episode, featuring hosts Jen, Ashley, and Olivia, delves into the tragic on-set shooting that occurred during the filming of the movie 'Rust' on October 21, 2021. The hosts discuss the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting of cinematographer Helena Hutchins and the injury of director Joel Souza by a live round discharged from a revolver handled by actor Alec Baldwin. They highlight the safety failures, including inappropriate handling of firearms by the armorer, amateurish safety protocols by assistant director David Halls, and the broader procedural lapses. The episode explores the impact of the incident on those involved, including the ensuing legal battles and ultimate film completion as a tribute to Helena Hutchins. The hosts emphasize the critical importance of teamwork, safety, and accountability in film production. 00:00 Listener Discretion Advised 00:15 Meet the Hosts 00:43 Retrograde Vibes 01:08 Annabelle Doll Discussion 01:43 Introducing the Rust Incident 03:38 Background on the Film Rust 06:42 The Role of a Cinematographer 09:00 Producer Roles Explained 14:12 First Assistant Director: David Hall 18:01 Armorer Hannah Gutierrez Reed 30:03 The Incident on Set 43:24 Immediate Aftermath 48:36 The Confusion and Panic Unfolds 49:29 The Investigation Begins 51:30 Alec Baldwin's Emotional Response 53:05 The Blame Game and Legal Battles 54:53 The Shocking Discovery of Live Rounds 59:04 The Aftermath and Legal Consequences 01:06:30 Resuming Filming and Seeking Justice 01:27:24 Final Reflections and Lessons Learned
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    1 hr and 37 mins
  • Broadway Butterfly: NYC Corruption, Tammany Hall, and Vivian Gordon

    Broadway Butterfly: NYC Corruption, Tammany Hall, and Vivian Gordon
    Aug 22 2025
    In this episode, hosts Jen, Ashley, and Olivia delve into the true crime story of Vivian Gordon, also known as the Broadway Butterfly. The podcast explores her life, her involvement in the seedy underworld of 1920s and 30s New York, and the events leading up to her mysterious murder. The story includes her early life, attempts to escape the showgirl lifestyle, her ultimate entanglement in organized crime, blackmail schemes, and a tragic end that coincides with a significant political scandal involving New York City Mayor Jimmy Walker. The narrative also touches on the corruption within the police force and the judicial system, with notable appearances by FDR and Judge Samuel Seabury. The episode concludes with the sad suicide of Vivian's daughter, Benita, and an overview of key historical figures connected to the case. 00:00 Listener Discretion Advised 00:15 Meet the Hosts 00:50 Sponsored by Revenge 02:00 The Broadway Butterfly: Vivian Gordon 02:36 A Body in the Park 08:06 Vivian's Early Life 10:30 From Chorus Girl to Common Law Wife 15:54 A Setup and a Downfall 28:00 Vivian's Rise in the Underworld 29:16 Corruption and Blackmail 44:33 The Seabury Investigation 46:04 Vivian's Last Stand 46:41 Support the Podcast 48:59 Vivian's Bold Move 49:42 The Mysterious Death 50:08 The Investigation Begins 52:12 The Grand Jury and Corruption 57:21 A Tragic Turn 01:00:50 Breakthrough in the Case 01:08:41 The Aftermath and Legacy 01:19:57 Unsolved Mysteries and Reflections 01:28:07 Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts
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    1 hr and 33 mins
  • Before Bogie and Bacall: The Battling Bogarts

    Before Bogie and Bacall: The Battling Bogarts
    Aug 8 2025

    In this episode hosts Jen, Ashley, and Olivia delve into the tumultuous relationship of Hollywood legends Humphrey Bogart and Mayo Method. Known as the 'Battling Bogarts,' their marriage was marked by public brawls, violence, and Mayo's increasing paranoia and alcoholism. The episode covers Bogart's rise to fame, Method's early career, and their eventual split after Bogart falls in love with Lauren Bacall on the set of 'To Have and Have Not.' The hosts also explore themes of attachment styles, spousal abuse, and the concept of battered husband syndrome. The episode highlights how Bogart eventually found happiness with Bacall after years of personal turmoil and public scrutiny.

    00:00 Listener Discretion Advised 00:15 Meet the Hosts 00:37 Setting the Stage: The Battling Bogarts 05:20 Humphrey Bogart: Early Life and Career 24:47 Mayo Methot: Early Life and Career 34:03 Understanding Attachment Styles 42:20 Spousal Abuse vs. Battered Husband Syndrome 47:45 Emotional Coercion and Threats 48:39 Long-Distance Jealousy and Violence 49:17 Breaking Point and Self-Preservation 50:04 Shame and Silence Among Men 51:34 Psychological Impacts of Abuse 53:51 Reactionary Abuse Explained 55:09 Bogart and Meth's Tumultuous Relationship 01:00:59 Public Violence and Decline 01:10:52 Bogart's New Love: Lauren Bacall 01:18:03 The End of a Toxic Marriage 01:21:31 Mayo's Downfall and Bogart's Legacy 01:30:44 Conclusion and Next Episode Teaser
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    1 hr and 32 mins
  • Nobody Joins a Cult: NXIVM

    Nobody Joins a Cult: NXIVM
    Jul 25 2025
    This episode delves into the notorious NXIVM cult, uncovering its malicious inner workings and the harrowing experiences of its members. Hosts Jen, Ashley, and Olivia shine a light on the guise of self-improvement sold to recruits, the manipulative strategies employed by leader Keith Raniere, and the distressing ordeals faced by those involved, including forced labor, branded rituals, and sexual abuse. The episode also exposes the roles played by high-profile members and the eventual legal downfall orchestrated by brave whistleblowers. Plus a bonus PSA "Are YOU in a cult?" 00:00 Listener Discretion Advised 00:15 Meet the Hosts 00:41 A Chaotic Recording Session 02:17 Introducing the Episode Topic 03:27 NXIVM: The Cult Unveiled 05:54 The Dark Side of NXIVM 09:09 The Cult's Recruitment Tactics 11:37 Inside the Inner Circle 13:03 The Society of Protectors and Other Groups 34:58 Daily Life in the Cult 36:52 The Core of the Cult: DOS 42:33 Volleyball and Inner Circle Dynamics 43:17 The Victim-Abuser Dichotomy 43:46 Psychological Manipulation and Control 49:39 The Horrors of DOS 57:02 The Downfall of NXIVM 59:08 Legal Consequences and Trials 01:12:40 Guilty Pleas and Convictions 01:18:33 The Aftermath and Cult Traits 01:23:15 NXIVM's Lingering Influence 01:27:13 Final Thoughts and PSA
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    1 hr and 33 mins
  • A Very Special Interview Episode: What Would Matt Palm Do?

    A Very Special Interview Episode: What Would Matt Palm Do?
    Jul 18 2025
    In this episode, Jen, Ashley, and Olivia from the 'Wicked Stage' podcast interview Matt Palm, a notable writer and critic for the Orlando Sentinel. They discuss Matt's extensive focus on arts and culture, specifically his unique experiences covering the 'Basquiat art scandal' at the Orlando Museum of Art. Matt shares his journey, from his start as a theater and arts critic to handling the complexities of reporting on federal investigations. The conversation highlights the critical role of journalism, the challenges of balancing fair critique with community support, and the intricacies of covering a national-level art fraud case as a local journalist. The episode dives deep into the ethics of criticism, the evolution of Matt's career, and the dynamics of the Central Florida arts scene. 00:00 Introduction and Hosts 00:38 Special Guest: Matthew Palm 02:03 Matt Palm's Role and Responsibilities 04:31 Challenges of Being a Critic 09:28 Theme Park Performers and Local Arts 13:27 Social Media and Public Perception 21:21 The Orlando Museum of Art Scandal 49:04 Breaking News and Circus Chaos 51:48 Journalistic Integrity and Responsibility 56:10 Navigating Criticism and Reviews 01:01:40 The Art of Objectivity in Journalism 01:04:16 The Challenges of Live Theater 01:11:38 The Importance of Supporting Journalism 01:19:56 Matt Palm's Personal Artistic Journey 01:29:13 Final Thoughts and Reflections
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    1 hr and 32 mins