Episodes

  • 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
  • The Grift of De Groft

    The Grift of De Groft
    Jul 11 2025

    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 authentic. The story culminates in a massive scandal with the unmasking of the forger and De Groft’s subsequent legal battles, casting a spotlight on the murky underworld of art forgery.

    00:00 Listener Discretion Advised

    00:20 Meet the Hosts

    00:55 Today's Topic: Art World and Forgeries

    01:37 Introducing the Mona Lisa Peacock

    03:01 Art Forgery vs. Artistic Reproduction

    04:43 Basquiat: The Artist and His Legacy

    05:04 The Grift of Degraf: A Local Scandal

    06:06 Basquiat's Life and Artistic Style

    11:01 The 27 Club and Basquiat's Untimely Death

    22:04 The Orlando Museum of Art's New Director

    26:03 The Controversial Basquiat Exhibit

    44:19 Basquiat's Signature and Authentication Issues

    46:33 The FBI's Slow Burn Investigation

    47:14 Thad Mumford's Affidavit and the Orlando Museum of Art

    49:17 Jordana Morris Saggy's Involvement

    01:07:27 The Smoking Gun: FedEx Label

    01:13:45 The Aftermath and Legal Battles

    01:21:43 The Final Twist: Aaron Degraf's Death

    01:29:31 Conclusion and Reflections
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    1 hr and 31 mins
  • Cursed Curtains: The Haunting of Macbeth

    Cursed Curtains: The Haunting of Macbeth
    Jun 27 2025
    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 productions. They explore the potential origins of the curse, including King James I’s demonology and his obsession with witch hunts, touching on the connections to historical witch trials. Additionally, they cite numerous instances of accidents and tragedies linked to Macbeth performances and speculate whether the curse is rooted in superstition, psychological self-fulfillment, or deeper moral and cosmic disturbances. The episode wraps up with a detailed recount of the play's plot, adaptations, famous portrayals, and the rituals used to dispel the supposed curse. Words of caution for those who dare to mention 'Macbeth' in a theater, as the hosts highlight the lingering power of stories in the world of theater. 00:00 Listener Discretion Advised 00:15 Meet the Hosts 00:49 Housekeeping and Outfits 03:29 The Scottish Play: Macbeth 07:38 The Curse of Macbeth 14:51 King James and Witchcraft 37:17 Synopsis of Macbeth 40:37 Famous Adaptations of Macbeth 45:45 Sleep No More: An Immersive Experience 50:13 Famous Actors Who Played Macbeth 51:06 Origins of the Macbeth Curse 52:08 Famous Instances of the Macbeth Curse 53:03 The Astor Place Riot 54:51 The Old Vic Production and Other Accidents 57:16 Modern Productions and the Curse 01:07:04 The Curse in Popular Culture 01:09:52 Debunking the Curse 01:23:50 Theater Superstitions and Traditions 01:25:32 Upcoming Episode Teaser: The Grift of Degraf
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    1 hr and 30 mins
  • Superman is Dead: The Suspicious Death of George Reeves

    Superman is Dead: The Suspicious Death of George Reeves
    Jun 13 2025

    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 Leonora Lemon. The episode also highlights a deathbed confession by Tony Manix and various theories suggesting that Reeves' death was not a simple suicide but rather a murder orchestrated by those close to him. Join the discussion as the hosts navigate through conflicting reports, hidden motives, and the ultimate question: who killed George Reeves?

    00:00 Listener Discretion Advised

    00:16 Meet the Hosts

    00:37 A Touch of Humor

    00:59 Memorial Day Weekend Vibes

    01:28 The Mysterious Call

    02:11 The Life of George Reeves

    03:15 George's Early Life

    09:33 Hollywood Struggles

    19:23 Superman and Typecasting

    32:53 A New Relationship

    41:11 The Fateful Night

    47:52 Bizarre Details of the Crime Scene

    48:27 Suspicious Behavior and Delayed Police Call

    49:10 Inconsistencies in the Suicide Theory

    50:33 Leonora Lemon's Odd Statements

    51:43 Shady Findings and Theories

    55:52 Potential Motives and Suspects

    01:10:28 The Mafia Connection

    01:25:30 Deathbed Confession and Final Thoughts

    01:35:07 Conclusion and Legacy of George Reeves
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    1 hr and 39 mins
  • Helen Mintiks: Murder at the Met

    Helen Mintiks: Murder at the Met
    May 30 2025

    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 scenes at the iconic opera house, while raising questions about justice and the darker side of the arts world.

    00:00 Listener Discretion Advised

    00:15 Meet the Hosts

    00:36 Podcasting Challenges and Triumphs

    04:17 Murder at the Met: Setting the Scene

    12:00 The Investigation Begins

    28:43 A Break in the Case

    39:39 The Stagehand Connection

    43:27 The Investigation Begins

    44:00 Interviewing the Stage Crew

    45:03 A Suspicious Stagehand

    46:48 Craig Crimmins Under Scrutiny

    50:13 The Confession

    52:08 The Trial and Aftermath

    01:12:13 The Verdict and Parole

    01:20:30 Reflections and Closing Thoughts
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    1 hr and 24 mins
  • Olive Thomas: The Longest Run on Broadway

    Olive Thomas: The Longest Run on Broadway
    May 16 2025

    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 also discuss Olive's posthumous appearances as a ghost at the New Amsterdam Theater, believed to be one of the most active spirits on Broadway.

    00:00 Listener Discretion Advised

    00:15 Meet the Hosts

    00:36 Podcast Milestones and Updates

    02:15 True Crime and Theater

    03:42 Introducing Olive Thomas

    06:35 The Life and Career of Olive Thomas

    33:07 Olive's Personal Life and Marriage

    41:23 A Troubled Relationship

    43:39 The Final Days of Olive Thomas

    48:25 Unreliable Eyewitness Accounts

    49:12 The Honeymoon Timeline

    50:06 The Tragic Incident

    52:59 Speculations and Theories

    01:01:50 The Aftermath and Autopsy

    01:03:09 Theories Surrounding Olive's Death

    01:16:54 Olive's Haunting at the New Amsterdam Theater

    01:28:59 Conclusion and Next Episode Teaser
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    1 hr and 32 mins
  • John Wilkes Booth: American Brutus Pt. 2

    John Wilkes Booth: American Brutus Pt. 2
    May 2 2025
    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, ultimately reflecting on Booth's perceived and historical legacy. 00:00 Listener Discretion Advised 00:15 Meet the Hosts 00:36 Act Two: The Assassination Plot 01:21 John Wilkes Booth's Plan 06:13 The Assassination Night 19:38 Booth's Escape and Pursuit 38:27 The Aftermath and Legacy 42:07 Living in an Echo Chamber 43:30 The Turning Point: Lincoln's Decision 47:17 Booth's Final Days on the Run 53:28 The Capture and Death of John Wilkes Booth 01:02:41 The Aftermath and Legacy 01:21:35 Season Two Teasers and Wrap-Up
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    1 hr and 24 mins
  • John Wilkes Booth: Everybody Called Him Wilkеs Pt. 1

    John Wilkes Booth: Everybody Called Him Wilkеs Pt. 1
    Apr 18 2025
    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 historical context and modern analysis, integrating references from Stephen Sondheim's musical 'Assassins' to provide a comprehensive and engaging narrative. This episode is the first of a two-part exploration into the life of one of history's most notorious figures. 00:00 Listener Discretion Advised 00:15 Meet the Hosts 00:42 Season Two Begins 01:01 Celebrity Candles and Banter 03:06 Introducing John Wilkes Booth 03:47 The Infamous Assassination 05:27 Booth's Early Life and Family 31:57 Booth's Controversial Beliefs 38:52 Booth's Acting Career 46:35 John Wilkes Booth: The Theatrical Innovator 49:31 Booth's Romantic Entanglements 50:54 The Scandalous Correspondences 01:00:17 Booth's Rise to Fame 01:07:11 Booth's Confederate Ties 01:11:49 The Kidnapping Plot 01:27:59 The Decision to Assassinate Lincoln 01:31:04 Intermission and Cliffhanger
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    1 hr and 33 mins