x

75% of people globally want unbiased news (Pew Research) but are concerned they're not getting that.

Get balanced coverage with Symby. See how stories are covered across diverse outlets and spot when one side covers a story the other skips.

PODCAST

Life Upon the Wicked Stage

Under the spotlight of arts and entertainment, Jen, Olivia, and Ashley (who are, in fact, three different people) unpack details of "murder, mayhem, and Mame" in sagas of crime, scandal, hauntings, and more!

true crime performing arts

All Episodes

02:49:52

Halloween Special: Jack the Ripper

Life Upon the Wicked Stage ·

2025/10/30

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

en

01:50:32

The First Annual Floozy Awards

Life Upon the Wicked Stage ·

2025/09/19

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

en

01:37:04

Rust: Tragedy on Set

Life Upon the Wicked Stage ·

2025/09/05

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

en

01:32:58

Broadway Butterfly: NYC Corruption, Tammany Hall, and...

Life Upon the Wicked Stage ·

2025/08/22

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

en

01:31:47

Before Bogie and Bacall: The Battling Bogarts

Life Upon the Wicked Stage ·

2025/08/08

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,

en

01:32:41

Nobody Joins a Cult: NXIVM

Life Upon the Wicked Stage ·

2025/07/25

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

en

01:32:02

A Very Special Interview Episode: What Would Matt...

Life Upon the Wicked Stage ·

2025/07/18

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

en

01:30:37

The Grift of De Groft

Life Upon the Wicked Stage ·

2025/07/11

This episode of the podcast dives into a controversial and gripping true crime story in the art world. Hosts Jen, Ashley, and Olivia discuss the case of 25 alleged Basquiat paintings displayed at the Orlando Museum of Art. The episode explores the dubious provenance of these paintings, their eventual seizure by the FBI, and the downfall of art museum director Aaron De Groft. Despite expert warnings and a shady backstory involving a defunct authentication committee, the museum presented the works as

en

01:29:41

Cursed Curtains: The Haunting of Macbeth

Life Upon the Wicked Stage ·

2025/06/27

In this episode, hosts Jen, Ashley, and Olivia delve into the mysterious and spooky history of William Shakespeare's Macbeth, often referred to as 'The Scottish Play' due to its infamous curse. The program begins with a listener discretion warning due to descriptions of violence. The trio, dressed in eclectic outfits inspired by theater green rooms, discuss the history and superstitions surrounding the play, its historical context, and notable accidents and strange occurrences that have plagued its

en

01:39:04

Superman is Dead: The Suspicious Death of George Reeves

Life Upon the Wicked Stage ·

2025/06/13

In this episode of 'Life Upon the Wicked Stage,' hosts Jen, Ashley, and Olivia delve into the suspicious death of George Reeves, the original Superman. The episode explores the night of Reeves' death, the controversial ruling of his demise as a suicide, and the complex web of relationships and events leading up to his passing. The hosts uncover shady findings, including suspicious accidents and potential motives related to Reeves' breakup with his long-term lover, Tony Manix, and his engagement to

en

01:24:24

Helen Mintiks: Murder at the Met

Life Upon the Wicked Stage ·

2025/05/30

Hosts Jen, Ashley, and Olivia delve into the chilling true crime case of Helen Mintiks, a talented violinist who was murdered during a performance at the Metropolitan Opera House in 1980. Through a detailed narrative, the hosts explore the investigation led by detectives Mike Struck and Jerry Giorgio, uncovering the involvement of stagehand Craig Crimmins, who ultimately confessed to the crime. The episode provides an in-depth look at the evidence, interviews, and the complex dynamics behind the

en

01:32:10

Olive Thomas: The Longest Run on Broadway

Life Upon the Wicked Stage ·

2025/05/16

In this episode, Jen leads the discussion on Olive Thomas, an American silent film actress, model, and Ziegfeld girl who is rumored to haunt the New Amsterdam Theater in New York (and they celebrate Olivia finally getting a professional microphone). The episode details Olive's rise to fame, tumultuous marriage to Jack Pickford, and her mysterious death at age 25 from mercury poisoning under unclear circumstances. Various theories, including accident, suicide, and murder, are explored. The hosts

en

01:23:31

John Wilkes Booth: American Brutus Pt. 2

Life Upon the Wicked Stage ·

2025/05/02

This episode dives into the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln by actor John Wilkes Booth. Hosts Jen, Ashley, and Olivia explore how Booth's Confederate sympathies led him to kill Lincoln, detailing his failed plan to also assassinate other government leaders. They highlight Booth’s methodical approach, his escape, and eventual capture, while juxtaposing this with Edwin Booth's life and career. Through an in-depth discussion, they reveal the intertwining of art, history, and crime,

en

01:33:23

John Wilkes Booth: Everybody Called Him Wilkеs Pt. 1

Life Upon the Wicked Stage ·

2025/04/18

In the season two premiere of 'The Wicked Stage Pod,' hosts Jen, Ashley, and Olivia dive into the convoluted early life and career of infamous actor-turned-assassin, John Wilkes Booth. From his tumultuous family dynamics to his rise as a popular but controversial stage actor, Booth’s journey is explored in detail. The episode also examines his relationships, clandestine activities, and the events leading up to his fateful decision to assassinate President Abraham Lincoln. The hosts blend a mix of

en

01:33:05

The Black Dahlia: The Mystery, the Mob...and Orson...

Life Upon the Wicked Stage ·

2025/02/14

In the gripping season finale of 'The Wicked Stage Pod,' hosts Jen, Ashley, and Olivia dive into the mystery of the infamous Black Dahlia murder, exploring various suspects from shady nightclub owners to notorious mobsters and even the famous director Orson Welles. The episode balances detailed investigation with light-hearted banter, leading to an intense discussion on the possible culprits behind the unsolved murder of Elizabeth Short. Despite their extensive research and speculation, the case

en

01:30:01

The Black Dahlia: The Mystery, the Mob... and Orson...

Life Upon the Wicked Stage ·

2025/01/31

In the season one finale, hosts Jen, Ashley, and Olivia delve into the notorious unsolved case of Elizabeth Short, also known as the Black Dahlia. The episode begins with a warning about graphic content and then introduces the tragic tale of Short's life, her brutal murder, and the ensuing chaos of the investigation. Detailing the gruesome crime scene and the autopsy findings, the podcast also explores various suspects and theories surrounding the case. From the involvement of the LAPD and the

en

01:30:58

Radio City Music Hall and the Secrets of NYC

Life Upon the Wicked Stage ·

2025/01/17

Hosts Jen, Ashley, and Olivia explore hidden apartments and the fascinating history of New York City's iconic landmarks, including Radio City Music Hall and other hidden gems. They discuss the origins of the Big Apple nickname, delve into the life of Samuel 'Roxy' Rothafell, and reveal stories of hauntings and New York's golden age of entertainment. The episode is a deep dive into lesser-known facts and trivia, blending humor and rich historical insights. 00:00 Listener Discretion Advised 00:14 Meet

en

01:31:44

Daniel Wozniak: The Thumb of Community Theatre: Act II

Life Upon the Wicked Stage ·

2025/01/03

In this episode, the hosts delve into the chilling true crime case of Daniel Wozniak, a community theater actor who brutally murdered two people, Sam Herr and Julie Kibuishi, days before his wedding. The narrative follows his attempts to cover up the crimes by enacting an elaborate scheme, his bizarre behavior during the investigation, and his trial, showcasing the intersection of performance and real-life horror. The episode highlights the victims' stories, the investigation conducted by the

en

01:28:19

A Very Special Christmas Special 2024

Life Upon the Wicked Stage ·

2024/12/24

KRAMPUS CAME EARLY FLOOZIES! In this episode of the Wicked Stage Pod dives into the hidden crimes of beloved Christmas movies. Hosts Jen, Ashley, and Olivia discuss everything from trespassing Santa to a felony-laden 'Home Alone.' They also explore multiple versions of 'A Christmas Carol,' including their personal experiences with stage productions, and debate whether 'Die Hard' is a Christmas movie. Finally, they share their favorite adaptations and offer a unique perspective on these classic

en

01:04:44

Daniel Wozniak: The Thumb of Community Theatre Act I

Life Upon the Wicked Stage ·

2024/12/20

In this episode of 'Life Upon The Wicked Stage,' hosts Jen, Ashley, and Olivia delve into the true crime story of Daniel Wozniak, set against the backdrop of community theater. The episode begins with a listener warning due to the disturbing content involving violence. The hosts reminisce about their own experiences in community theater, comparing cast t-shirts and memorable roles. The main story unravels the events surrounding the murder of Julie Kiboishi and the disappearance of Sam Hare in Costa

en

28 results

Similar Podcasts

Australian True Crime

Bravecasting

True Crime Podcast 2025 - Police Interrogations, 911 Calls and True Police Stories Podcast

True Crime Podcast 2025

Ontario Cold Cases - The Podcast

Jay Nicoll

The Conspiracy Files

Bloody FM

Crime at Bedtime

Jack Laurence