American Scandal
Book Recommendations

American Scandal

Every scandal begins with a lie. But the truth will come out. And then comes the fallout and the outrage.Scandals have shaped America since its founding. From business and politics to sports and society, we look on aghast as corruption, deceit and ambition bring down heroes and celebrities, politici...

Episodes 428
Books 183

Recently mentioned

Latest Recommendations

How to Drive the Devil Nuts cover

How to Drive the Devil Nuts

Craig Leavitt

Mentioned 7 months ago

West Memphis Three | No Kind of Justice | 4

This book was recommended as a source for listeners who wanted to learn more about the West Memphis Three case.

If you'd like to learn more about the West Memphis Three, we recommend the book Devil's Nut, the true story of the West Memphis Three by Mara Leverett, and the three-part HBO documentary Paradise Lost.

Buy on Amazon
The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business cover

The Power of Habit

Charles Duhigg

Mentioned 1 year ago

Encore: Theranos | The Race to Publish | 3

The podcast mentioned it in reference to its author, Charles Duhigg, who would be interviewed in a future episode to discuss the relationship between venture capitalists and tech companies, and whether powerful investors help set the stage for fraud.

On the next episode, I sit down with Charles Duhigg, the best-selling author of the book The Power of Habit and a journalist who covers the tech industry.

Buy on Amazon
Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup cover

Bad Blood

John Carreyrou

Mentioned 1 year ago

Encore: Theranos | Startup | 1

The podcast recommended this book as a good source for further information on Theranos, its founder, and the downfall of the company.

If you'd like to learn more about Theranos, we recommend the book Bad Blood, Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup by John Keriwook.

Buy on Amazon
Air Wars: The Global Combat between Airbus and Boeing cover

Air Wars

Scott Hamilton

Mentioned 1 year ago

Boeing | What Went Wrong? | 5

This book details the long-standing rivalry between Boeing and Airbus, covering the evolution of both companies and their strategies in the global aviation market. It also explores pivotal moments and figures that shaped this competition, such as John Leahy's impact on Airbus.

In my book Air Wars I wrote that I don't buy into the thesis that Boeing made a conscious decision to sacrifice safety for shareholder value, that just does nobody any good but I think it is fair to say that the cost cutting mentality in order to increase profits in order to benefit shareholder value meant that some of research and development and protocols that went into safety had cost cutting as well but I do not agree that there was a conscious decision to sacrifice safety for profits.

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Flying Blind: The 737 MAX Tragedy and the Fall of Boeing cover

Flying Blind

Peter Robison

Mentioned 1 year ago

Boeing | No Nerds, No Birds | 2

The podcast recommended this book as a resource for listeners wanting to learn more about the Boeing 737 Max story, referencing it alongside a documentary.

If you'd like to learn more about this story, we recommend the book Flying Blind by Peter Robinson and the documentary Downfall, The Case Against Boeing, directed by Rory Kennedy.

Buy on Amazon
Crooked: Outwitting the Back Pain Industry and Getting on the Road to Recovery cover

Crooked

Cathryn Jakobson Ramin

Mentioned 1 year ago

Teapot Dome | Corruption in the Harding Era | 5

It focused on Harry Daugherty, the Attorney General during the 1920s, and explored the widespread corruption within the Harding administration, particularly his involvement in illegal activities and his use of the Justice Department for personal gain.

My guest today is Nathan Masters, host of the PBS series Lost LA and author of the book Crooked, the roaring 20s tale of a corrupt attorney general, a crusading senator and the birth of the American political scandal.

Buy on Amazon
Dark Side of Fortune: Triumph and Scandal in the Life of Oil Tycoon Edward L. Doheny cover

Dark Side of Fortune

Margaret Leslie Davis

Mentioned 2 years ago

Teapot Dome | A Mammoth Deal | 1

This book details the Teapot Dome Scandal.

Dark Side of Fortune by Margaret Leslie Davis and Teapot Dome by Burl Noggle.

Buy on Amazon
The Teapot Dome Scandal: How Big Oil Bought the Harding White House and Tried to Steal the Country cover

The Teapot Dome Scandal

Laton McCartney

Mentioned 2 years ago

Teapot Dome | A Mammoth Deal | 1

This book details the Teapot Dome Scandal.

Dark Side of Fortune by Margaret Leslie Davis and Teapot Dome by Burl Noggle.

Buy on Amazon
PTL: The Rise and Fall of Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker's Evangelical Empire cover

PTL

John Wigger

Mentioned 2 years ago

Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker | Holy War | 3

The book PTL was mentioned in a concluding segment of the podcast episode, as a resource for viewers who want to learn more about Jim and Tammy Faye Baker.

If you'd like to learn more about Jim and Tammy Faye Baker, we recommend Shepard's book Forgiven, plus PTL by John Wigger, and I Was Wrong by Jim Baker.

Buy on Amazon
I Was Wrong: The Untold Story of the Shocking Journey from Ptl Power to Prison and Beyond cover

I Was Wrong

Jim Bakker

Mentioned 2 years ago

Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker | Holy War | 3

The book I Was Wrong was mentioned in a concluding segment of the podcast episode, as a resource for viewers who want to learn more about Jim and Tammy Faye Baker.

If you'd like to learn more about Jim and Tammy Faye Baker, we recommend Shepard's book Forgiven, plus PTL by John Wigger, and I Was Wrong by Jim Baker.

Buy on Amazon
Forgiven: A Guide to Confession and the Examen Prayer cover

Forgiven

Sister Orianne Pietra René Dyck FSP

Mentioned 2 years ago

Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker | Holy War | 3

The book Forgiven was mentioned in a concluding segment of the podcast episode, as a resource for viewers who want to learn more about Jim and Tammy Faye Baker.

In our next episode, I speak to journalist Charles Shepard about his extensive reporting on Jim Baker and PTL, including his book, Forgiven.

Buy on Amazon
Paradise Falls: The True Story of an Environmental Catastrophe cover

Paradise Falls

Keith O'Brien

Mentioned 2 years ago

Love Canal | Unlikely Heroes | 5

The book tells the true story of the environmental catastrophe at Love Canal, focusing on the human stories of the families living in the neighborhood. It highlights the fight against big corporations and political power that sparked some of the modern-day environmental legislation.

I'm a historian. I am a journalist. I'm an author. And like every storyteller, I'm always looking for stories.

Buy on Amazon

Most Recommended

The Icepick Surgeon: Murder, Fraud, Sabotage, Piracy, and Other Dastardly Deeds Perpetrated in the Name of Science Cover

Sam Kean

The Icepick Surgeon

Murder, Fraud, Sabotage, Piracy, and Other Dastardly Deeds Perpetrated in the Name of Science

The podcast recommends this book to listeners wanting to learn more about Walter Freeman and other scandals in science. It was mentioned at the end of the episode.

"

If you'd like to learn more about Walter Freeman and other scandals in science, we recommend the book, The Ice Pick Surgeon by Sam Keen.

— Episode: The Ice Pick Surgeon | A New Threat | 3

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Episode: The Ice Pick Surgeon | A New Threat | 3

The podcast recommends this book to listeners wanting to learn more about Walter Freeman and other scandals in science. It was mentioned at the end of the episode.

"

If you'd like to learn more about Walter Freeman and other scandals in science, we recommend the book, The Ice Pick Surgeon by Sam Keen.

Episode: The Ice Pick Surgeon | Trial and Error | 2

The podcast recommends this book for those who want to learn more about Walter Freeman and other scandals in science. It was mentioned at the end of the episode.

"

If you'd like to learn more about Walter Freeman and other scandals in science, we recommend the book The Ice Pick Surgeon by Sam Keen.

Wheelmen: Lance Armstrong, the Tour de France, and the Greatest Sports Conspiracy Ever Cover

Reed Albergotti

Wheelmen

Lance Armstrong, the Tour de France, and the Greatest Sports Conspiracy Ever

The podcast recommends this book to learn more about Lance Armstrong. A special edition and interview with Vanessa O'Connell are included in this episode.

"

If you'd like to learn more about Lance Armstrong, we recommend the book Wheelman by Reid Alberghati and Vanessa O'Connell.

— Episode: Lance Armstrong | The Boy from North Tex...

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Episode: Lance Armstrong | The Boy from North Texas | 1

The podcast recommends this book to learn more about Lance Armstrong. A special edition and interview with Vanessa O'Connell are included in this episode.

"

If you'd like to learn more about Lance Armstrong, we recommend the book Wheelman by Reid Alberghati and Vanessa O'Connell.

The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business Cover

Charles Duhigg

The Power of Habit

Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business

The podcast host mentioned this book's author, Charles Duhigg, in relation to an upcoming episode's guest; the book itself wasn't discussed.

"

On the next episode, I sit down with Charles Duhigg, the best-selling author of the book The Power of Habit and a journalist who covers the tech industry.

— Episode: Theranos | The Race to Publish | 3

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: Theranos | The Race to Publish | 3

The podcast host mentioned this book's author, Charles Duhigg, in relation to an upcoming episode's guest; the book itself wasn't discussed.

"

On the next episode, I sit down with Charles Duhigg, the best-selling author of the book The Power of Habit and a journalist who covers the tech industry.

Episode: Encore: Theranos | The Race to Publish | 3

The podcast mentioned it in reference to its author, Charles Duhigg, who would be interviewed in a future episode to discuss the relationship between venture capitalists and tech companies, and whether powerful investors help set the stage for fraud.

"

On the next episode, I sit down with Charles Duhigg, the best-selling author of the book The Power of Habit and a journalist who covers the tech industry.

Agent Sonya: Moscow's Most Daring Wartime Spy Cover

Ben Macintyre

Agent Sonya

Moscow's Most Daring Wartime Spy

It was recommended along with two other books as a way to learn more about Robert Hanson.

"

If you'd like to learn more about Robert Hanson, we recommend the books Spy by David Wise, The Spy Next Door by Ann Blackman and Elaine Shannon, and Grey Day by Eric O'Neill.

— Episode: FBI Agent Turned Russian Spy | Caught in...

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: FBI Agent Turned Russian Spy | Caught in the Act |...

It was recommended along with two other books as a way to learn more about Robert Hanson.

"

If you'd like to learn more about Robert Hanson, we recommend the books Spy by David Wise, The Spy Next Door by Ann Blackman and Elaine Shannon, and Grey Day by Eric O'Neill.

Episode: FBI Agent Turned Russian Spy | Playactor | 3

The book 'The Spy Next Door' was also recommended as a resource to learn more about Robert Hansen, the FBI agent who turned Russian spy.

"

and the Spy Next Door by Ann Blackman and Elaine Shannon

Episode: FBI Agent Turned Russian Spy | Call Me Ramon | 2

The podcast recommends this book to learn more about Robert Hansen, who was revealed to be a Russian spy in this episode.

"

If you'd like to learn more about Robert Hansen we recommend the books Spine by David Wise and The Spy Next Door by Ann Blackman and Elaine Shannon.

Golden: How Rod Blagojevich Talked Himself out of the Governor's Office and into Prison Cover

Jeff Coen

Golden

How Rod Blagojevich Talked Himself out of the Governor's Office and into Prison

It was recommended for being a compelling account of Blagojevich's downfall and how he ended up in prison.

"

If you'd like to learn more about Rod Blagojevich, we recommend the books Golden, How Rod Blagojevich talked himself out of the governor's office and into prison, by Jeff Cohen and Jo...

— Episode: Rod Blagojevich | The Unraveling | 4

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Episode: Rod Blagojevich | The Unraveling | 4

It was recommended for being a compelling account of Blagojevich's downfall and how he ended up in prison.

"

If you'd like to learn more about Rod Blagojevich, we recommend the books Golden, How Rod Blagojevich talked himself out of the governor's office and into prison, by Jeff Cohen and John Chase, and a just cause by Bernard Soracchi as well as the archive of the Chicago Tribune.

Episode: Rod Blagojevich | Board Games | 3

The book was mentioned as a recommendation to learn more about Rod Blagojevich, suggesting it was an informative account of his political career and downfall.

"

If you'd like to learn more about Rod Blagojevich we recommend the books Golden how Rod Blagojevich talked himself out of the governor's office and into prison by Jeff Cohen and John Chase

Episode: Rod Blagojevich | Pay to Play | 2

This book, co-authored by Jeff Cohen and John Chase, provides an account of Rod Blagojevich's political downfall, which led to his imprisonment.

"

If you'd like to learn more about Rod Lugojevich, we recommend the books Golden, How Rod Lugojevich Talked Himself Out of the Governor's Office and Into Prison by Jeff Cohen and John Chase, and A Just Cause by Bernard Siracchi, as well as the archives of the Chicago Tribune.

One Heartbeat Away: Your Journey into Eternity Cover

Mark Cahill

One Heartbeat Away

Your Journey into Eternity

This book also seems to be about Spiro Agnew, though this time it highlights his career as Vice President.

"

the books White Night, The Rise of Spiro Agnew by Jules Whitcover, Heartbeat Away by Richard M. Cohen and Jules Whitcover,

— Episode: Spiro Agnew: Downfall of a Vice Presiden...

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Episode: Spiro Agnew: Downfall of a Vice President | Secret...

This book also seems to be about Spiro Agnew, though this time it highlights his career as Vice President.

"

the books White Night, The Rise of Spiro Agnew by Jules Whitcover, Heartbeat Away by Richard M. Cohen and Jules Whitcover,

Episode: Spiro Agnew: Downfall of a Vice President | How Th...

This book was recommended for learning more about Spiro Agnew.

"

If you'd like to learn more about Spiro Agnew, we recommend the books, White Night, The Rise of Spiro Agnew by Jules Whitcover, Heartbeat Away by Richard M. Cohen and Jules Whitcover, The Rise of the Republican Right by Brian M. Conley, and Watergate, A New History by Garrett Graff.

Episode: Spiro Agnew: Downfall of a Vice President | How Th...

This book explores the political career of Spiro Agnew, potentially delving into his vice presidency and the events that led to his resignation.

"

If you'd like to learn more about Spiro Agnew, we recommend the books, White Night, The Rise of Spiro Agnew by Jules Whitcover, Heartbeat Away by Richard M. Cohen and Jules Whitcover, The Rise of the Republican Right by Brian M. Conley, and Watergate, A New History by Garrett Graff.

The Autobiography of Abbie Hoffman Cover

Abbie Hoffman

The Autobiography of Abbie Hoffman

The book was mentioned as a recommendation to learn more about the Chicago 7.

"

If you'd like to learn more about the Chicago 7, we recommend the books, The Autobiography of Abby Hoffman, Reunion by Tom Hayden, From Yale to Jail by David Dellinger, Seize the Time by Bobby Seale,...

— Episode: The Chicago Seven | Bound and Gagged | 2

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: The Chicago Seven | Bound and Gagged | 2

The book was mentioned as a recommendation to learn more about the Chicago 7.

"

If you'd like to learn more about the Chicago 7, we recommend the books, The Autobiography of Abby Hoffman, Reunion by Tom Hayden, From Yale to Jail by David Dellinger, Seize the Time by Bobby Seale, My Life as a Radical Lawyer by William Kunstler with Sheila Eisenberg, and Conspiracy in the Streets edited by John Weiner.

Episode: The Chicago Seven | Bound and Gagged | 2

The podcast recommends this book to learn more about the Chicago 7.

"

If you'd like to learn more about the Chicago 7, we recommend the books The Autobiography of Abby Hoffman, Reunion by Tom Hayden, From Yale to Jail by David Dellinger, Seize the Time by Bobby Seale, My Life as a Radical Lawyer by William Kunstler with Sheila Eisenberg, and Conspiracy in the Streets, edited by John Weiner.

Episode: The Chicago Seven | The Battle of Michigan Avenue...

This book provides insights into the life and ideology of Abby Hoffman, a radical activist and co-founder of the Yippies, who was also involved in the Chicago 7 protests.

"

If you'd like to learn more about the Chicago 7, we recommend the books Reunion, a memoir by Tom Hayden, The Autobiography of Abby Hoffman,

My Life As a Radical Lawyer Cover

William M. Kunstler

My Life As a Radical Lawyer

The book was mentioned as a recommendation to learn more about the Chicago 7.

"

If you'd like to learn more about the Chicago 7, we recommend the books, The Autobiography of Abby Hoffman, Reunion by Tom Hayden, From Yale to Jail by David Dellinger, Seize the Time by Bobby Seale,...

— Episode: The Chicago Seven | Bound and Gagged | 2

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: The Chicago Seven | Bound and Gagged | 2

The book was mentioned as a recommendation to learn more about the Chicago 7.

"

If you'd like to learn more about the Chicago 7, we recommend the books, The Autobiography of Abby Hoffman, Reunion by Tom Hayden, From Yale to Jail by David Dellinger, Seize the Time by Bobby Seale, My Life As a Radical Lawyer by William Kunstler with Sheila Eisenberg, and Conspiracy in the Streets edited by John Weiner.

Episode: The Chicago Seven | Bound and Gagged | 2

The podcast recommends this book to learn more about the Chicago 7.

"

If you'd like to learn more about the Chicago 7, we recommend the books The Autobiography of Abby Hoffman, Reunion by Tom Hayden, From Yale to Jail by David Dellinger, Seize the Time by Bobby Seale, My Life As a Radical Lawyer by William Kunstler with Sheila Eisenberg, and Conspiracy in the Streets, edited by John Weiner.

Conspiracy in the Streets: The Extraordinary Trial of the Chicago Seven Cover

Jules Feiffer

Conspiracy in the Streets

The Extraordinary Trial of the Chicago Seven

The book was mentioned as a recommendation to learn more about the Chicago 7.

"

If you'd like to learn more about the Chicago 7, we recommend the books, The Autobiography of Abby Hoffman, Reunion by Tom Hayden, From Yale to Jail by David Dellinger, Seize the Time by Bobby Seale,...

— Episode: The Chicago Seven | Bound and Gagged | 2

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: The Chicago Seven | Bound and Gagged | 2

The book was mentioned as a recommendation to learn more about the Chicago 7.

"

If you'd like to learn more about the Chicago 7, we recommend the books, The Autobiography of Abby Hoffman, Reunion by Tom Hayden, From Yale to Jail by David Dellinger, Seize the Time by Bobby Seale, My Life as a Radical Lawyer by William Kunstler with Sheila Eisenberg, and Conspiracy in the Streets edited by John Weiner.

Episode: The Chicago Seven | Bound and Gagged | 2

The podcast recommends this book to learn more about the Chicago 7.

"

If you'd like to learn more about the Chicago 7, we recommend the books The Autobiography of Abby Hoffman, Reunion by Tom Hayden, From Yale to Jail by David Dellinger, Seize the Time by Bobby Seale, My Life as a Radical Lawyer by William Kunstler with Sheila Eisenberg, and Conspiracy in the Streets, edited by John Weiner.

Episode: The Chicago Seven | The Battle of Michigan Avenue...

This book, edited by John Weiner, provides an overview of the Chicago 7, including details about the events leading to the protests, the trial itself, and the legacy of the movement.

"

If you'd like to learn more about the Chicago 7, we recommend the books Reunion, a memoir by Tom Hayden, The Autobiography of Abby Hoffman, From Yale to Jail by David Dellinger, Conspiracy in the Streets edited by John Weiner,

Three Mile Island: A Nuclear Crisis in Historical Perspective Cover

J. Samuel Walker

Three Mile Island

A Nuclear Crisis in Historical Perspective

This book was mentioned as containing rich details about the nuclear accident at Three Mile Island. It was recommended for listeners wanting to learn more about the event.

"

He is the author of the book Three Mile Island, a nuclear crisis in historical perspective, which contains more rich details about the nuclear accident.

— Episode: Three Mile Island | Fight or Flight | 3

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: Three Mile Island | Fight or Flight | 3

This book was mentioned as containing rich details about the nuclear accident at Three Mile Island. It was recommended for listeners wanting to learn more about the event.

"

He is the author of the book Three Mile Island, a nuclear crisis in historical perspective, which contains more rich details about the nuclear accident.

Fixed.: How to Perfect the Fine Art of Problem Solving Cover

Amy E Herman

Fixed.

How to Perfect the Fine Art of Problem Solving

This book was recommended to listeners who want to learn more about the Boston College gambling scheme.

"

If you'd like to learn more about the Boston College gambling scheme, we recommend Fixed by David Porter and The Lufthansa Heist by Daniel Simone.

— Episode: Boston College Gambling Scheme | Against...

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: Boston College Gambling Scheme | Against the Odds...

This book was recommended to listeners who want to learn more about the Boston College gambling scheme.

"

If you'd like to learn more about the Boston College gambling scheme, we recommend Fixed by David Porter and The Lufthansa Heist by Daniel Simone.

Note: The book recommendations on this page are discovered automatically from podcast transcripts, and may be incorrect or incomplete.