Wayne Simmons had a dramatic 27-year career with the CIA taking down cartels and busting arms smugglers ? or did he? The ex-CIA military analyst and cable news star stands accused of being a fraud. Hosted by the reporter who broke the story, Impostors follows the investigation into who Wayne Simmons really is? Hero, or conman? Impostors is a Spotify Original from Parcast. Produced by Topic Studios and Transmitter Media. Hosted by Alex French. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we?re bringing you a special two-part episode from another Spotify Original from Parcast. If you enjoy it, check out Female Criminals on Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts!  If you enjoyed The Dark Side Of: Hollywood, you?ll love the story of the ?Scandalous Screen Siren?: When one of the most famous entertainers in America couldn?t find another good role, she wrote one for herself. The result was a play titled ?Sex,? and it became a Broadway smash in 1926 ? but moral reformers couldn?t handle its heat, and took drastic action. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we?re bringing you a special two-part episode from another Spotify Original from Parcast. If you enjoy it, check out Female Criminals on Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts!  If you enjoyed The Dark Side Of: Hollywood, you?ll love the story of the ?Scandalous Screen Siren?: When one of the most famous entertainers in America couldn?t find another good role, she wrote one for herself. The result was a play titled ?Sex,? and it became a Broadway smash in 1926 ? but moral reformers couldn?t handle its heat, and took drastic action. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Renowned horror and mystery author Edgar Allan Poe achieved critical acclaim with his bone-chilling literary works, like ?The Tell-Tale Heart? and ?The Raven.? But behind his writing?s success was a life filled with heartbreak, tragedy and death. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From the deaths surrounding Rosemary?s Baby to the curse of The Exorcist, supernatural scares and morbid accidents have plagued Tinseltown for decades. But modern Hollywood horrors are often due to something much more insidious. What?s really to blame when movie-making goes horribly wrong? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The 21st century has seen the evolution of haunted house fascination into pay-to-play scares, where bold visitors seek out rattling experiences to test their resolve in the face of terror. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It?s an injection of over-the-top luxury and a grueling marathon of showmanship. New York Fashion Week is a ritual, kept alive by devotion. But as the costs mount and relevancy declines, will it become a relic of an industry in constant flux? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brands like H&M, Zara, Forever 21 and Fashion Nova draw in customers with the promise of trendy clothing on the cheap. But beneath the low price tag lurks a high cost to the environment, public health and garment workers around the world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Throughout the ?90s and 2000s, the world knew Alexander McQueen as the ?hooligan of English fashion.? Celebrities like Lady Gaga, Naomi Campbell and Rihanna all walked Hollywood red carpets in his glamorous gowns. But behind his masterful designs was a man who battled addiction, anxiety and depression. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Reality shows like America's Next Top Model and the broadcast of Victoria's Secret Fashion Show can offer an inside look at the glitz and glamor of modeling. They also promote narrow standards of beauty and mask a culture of sexual harassment and assault. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Modern day fairy tale, or nightmare of twisted proportions? Despite being the face of the fashion industry, a model?s life is not as glamorous or wealthy as it may seem. Body image disorders, sexual abuse, and racism run rampant in this line of work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Blue jeans have long been heralded as an iconic American wardrobe staple. The lust for that perfect pair of jeans transformed not only an era, but an entire industry?and not necessarily for the better. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Their brands represent luxury and glamour, but both Coco Chanel and Hugo Boss sided with the Nazis during World War II?contributing information and designs to the party, and forever stitching hate into their legacies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we?re unraveling the fashion industry?s 19th century origins. Progress was everywhere? But with each apparently miraculous innovation came pain, illness?and even death. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When you think of fashion, you might think of a particularly stylish friend, or the latest ?it? bag, or a haute couture runway. Fashion can be beautiful and intriguing?but it?s not just an innocent expression of beauty or creativity. It?s an industry. And it?s largely in the business of garnering as much profit as possible, whatever the cost to workers, consumers, or the planet.  For 8 weeks, starting August 24th, we?re discussing fashion?s darkest secrets, from the bone-crushing origins of the corset to the dirty impact of denim to the ugly underbelly of Victoria?s Secret. Listen free on Spotify, or wherever you find your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Teenagers in the ?90s came of age in a decade that?s a lot less charmed than we?d like to remember. A certain jadedness permeated adolescence, and lay at the root of everything from the bubbly irony of Clueless to the horrific massacre at Columbine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the mid-to-late ?90s, collecting Beanie Babies was all the rage. But the cute stuffed animals belied the sketchy business practices of the company that produced them, and the sinister greed of the adults who invested in the fad. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Equipped with the talent of Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman, the Chicago Bulls dominated NBA basketball in the ?90s. But their dynasty was plagued with vicious conspiracies, betrayals, and fractured teammate relationships. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 1992, the brutal beating of Rodney King by LAPD officers sparked a chaotic uprising in Los Angeles. Two years later, the nation absorbed every detail of the trial of O.J. Simpson, which again highlighted the lingering tension and mistrust between police and the Black community. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Throughout the 1990s, much of America?s food was made by machines, flavored by labs, and kept safe from regulation by lobbyists. Add an explosion of fast-food marketing and fad diets, and consumer eating habits changed drastically?with dire consequences. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For the family of Queen Elizabeth II, the ?90s were a disaster. The British monarchy received unprecedented scrutiny on everything from sex scandals to castle fires to Diana?s death at the end of the decade. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Since its origins in the U.K. back in the 1950s, pop music has developed quite the sugary-sweet reputation. But during the ?90s, the underbelly of the candy-coated industry was rotting away?and endangering its young stars in more ways than one. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As rap and hip-hop experienced a meteoric rise in the ?90s, an intense rivalry developed between East Coast rapper The Notorious B.I.G. and West Coast rapper Tupac Shakur. Their feud, their diss tracks and their deaths still resonate decades later, showing how a ?beef? between artists can turn deadly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While Nickelodeon became a breakout network that would both excite and intrigue younger viewers, in its heyday, the channel had its fair share of grim moments. This included everything from the stomach-churning origins of its show props, to the decidedly mature themes of its animated series. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Many people expected that the Internet would be one of the most radically impactful tools since the invention of the wheel?and they weren?t wrong. But while the web fulfilled its bright promises of a global person-to-person connection, it turns out this bond isn?t always friendly or cooperative. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When you think of the 1990s, you probably think of your favorite cartoons, music groups, and wacky fruit snacks. And you probably think of them fondly. But all the nostalgia around the ?90s has made us forget the rampant exploitation, violence, and tragedy that also characterized the decade. For 10 weeks, starting June 15th, we?re tackling The Dark Side Of: The ?90s. It will be disturbing. Gripping. And, as always, it will feature the in-depth research you?ve come to expect from us. Listen free on Spotify, or wherever you find your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Space has had militaristic ties since man had dared travel into the beyond. So it begs the question, what does it mean for the fate of all those living on earth if a militarized region eventually becomes weaponized? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever wanted to live farther away from society? Although government and private agencies are racing to visit our ?red? neighbor, a trip to Mars would take nine months. When, and if, colonists land, they'll face inhospitable conditions unlike anything on earth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A vacation house on the moon? It could happen. NewSpace is a global industry created by billionaire corporations to monetize the Milky Way. Tourism, colonization, and outsourced manufacturing are just a few of the ways these companies are hoping to capitalize on space. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It?s easy to ignore the fact that rocket launches have environmental impacts. After all, spaceships are constantly leaving the earth, and it?s admittedly a majestic sight to behold. But just how much pollution do they create outside the atmosphere? The answer could be deadly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Space Race and Civil Rights movements overlapped during the 1960s. But even after the Apollo program fulfilled its initial mission, future expeditions would remain a priority...and at a hefty?and controversial?price tag. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The United States learned collectively with the Challenger shuttle disaster in 1986 that a big day in space exploration can, in mere seconds, turn from bad to tragic. But how many know that this disaster, and others like it, could've been prevented? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Since its inception in the 1950s, the nature of the Space Race has been to champion fortitude and mental stability for astronauts?which is quite a problem, granted that sending mankind into space poses an assortment of frightening health and mental hazards. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We are thrilled to bring you a brand new episode of The Dark Side Of today and for the foreseeable future. We thank you for your patience during this unprecedented time. Before man ever went into orbit, a host of other species were forced to make the dangerous, and often fatal voyage. And while America was championing the famed Mercury 7 astronauts, NASA was sidelining a slew of qualified females and other, non-white candidates? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you enjoy the stories told in The Dark Side Of, check out this episode from our series Female Criminals: By 2004, Lisa Nowak?s friendship with Bill Oefelein had heated up into an extramarital affair. Despite knowing she was risking her marriage and job, Lisa didn?t care. She loved Bill. But when he tried to leave her for a younger woman, Lisa?s love turned into a dangerous obsession. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you enjoy the stories told in The Dark Side Of, check out this episode from our series Female Criminals: All her life, Lisa Nowak dreamt of becoming an astronaut. She worked tirelessly in pursuit of this goal. And then in 2003, when space flight was just within her grasp, Lisa met fellow astronaut, Bill Oefelein. She had no idea that her relationship with Bill would soon make her risk everything. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As World War II drew to a close, the U.S. military began a covert process of trying to extricate Germany's most studious Nazi scientists?in order to bring them to America for contracts on our own nuclear projects. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When Apollo 11 reached the moon in 1969, the Space Race between the U.S. and the Soviet Union was over. But what were the real motivations behind this arbitrary competition? And who actually reached those first milestones? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Due to the unfortunate spread of COVID-19, Parcast has decided to halt recording for the time-being. This is a precautionary measure taken to ensure the safety of our hosts and staff. In the meantime, we're excited to share one of our classic episodes that we know you'll enjoy! By 1932, budding Hollywood starlet Peg Entwistle had everything: money, a successful Broadway career, accolades, and undeniable charm. But none of that stopped her from throwing herself off the Hollywood sign, and plummeting to her death. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Love?s demise is inevitable. Death, divorce, or a nasty breakup comes to us all?bringing with it a world of pain, no matter which side you?re on. And for some, this loss can be deadly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Though weddings can often be seen as the final leap on the quest for love, the slew of expectations that come with throwing such a celebration often forces couples to forgo their own needs to please family and friends. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It has existed for as long as human history, and yet it remains taboo. From government fines to public humiliation to murder?wandering outside your relationship has always been fraught with danger. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From Bonnie and Clyde to more modern iterations, the past century has seen a plethora of corrupt duos?pulling off stunts that range from stupid to lethal. For some lovers, the slogan ?us against the world" gets taken to a whole new level. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the last Sunday of every month, Parcast Rewind replays a classic episode of The Dark Side Of that you might have missed!  Once envisioned as a Christian utopia, the land of Hollywood quickly evolved into a place of crime and debauchery. When the film industry infiltrated the quiet community in the early 1900s, it brought with it a world of chaos and anarchy?wild enough that its impact would change our cultural history forever. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As of 2011, it?s estimated that one out of every six women in the United States has been a victim of stalking. It?s a chilling behavior that can follow both casual dates and long term relationships alike. And stalkers don?t just terrorize victims?they wreak havoc on their families too. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It?s a date steeped in erotic history and obligatory mating rituals. For many it induces feelings of panic or loneliness. You can try to ignore it, but come February 14th, love will be in the air. Or sometimes, revenge. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From emotional fraud to financial ruin, romance has a long relationship with deceit. Nothing has made this pairing stronger than modern technological developments?making the innocent search for love chock-full of swindlers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Since their inception in the 1960s, dating game shows have enthralled millions of viewers. And as the stakes have risen over the years with bigger and better trips and prizes, it?s no wonder we?ve remained hooked?despite the fact that they rarely lead to happily ever after. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Methods for finding your "perfect match" have become far more efficient in the 21st century with the invention of internet dating. While the rise of online matchmaking and app culture has opened up numerous doors for singles, it's also unleashed a minefield of unexpected pitfalls. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dating is celebrated as the natural and necessary path toward love, stability, and family?all things that humanity has held dear for centuries. Complaints about a bad first date are usually tempered by the knowledge that it?s all worth it in the end...but the search for "the one" can have terrible consequences.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices