Ashley Flowers explores 15 of the world?s worst crimes in the new Spotify Original from Parcast, International Infamy. The first episode takes you to Mexico and the true story of Juana Barraza ? a pro wrestler who became a serial killer known as the ?Little Old Lady Killer.? Listen to an exclusive clip right here, then follow International Infamy for the full episode. New episodes every Tuesday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With revolution spreading, the young Franz Joseph I succeeded to the throne of the Habsburg Dynasty in 1848. The new emperor set to work crushing an insurrection in Hungary, negotiating with the King of Prussia, and ensuring his rule would be absolute.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With the newly formed Free Congo State in his possession, Leopold II was determined to extract all the ivory and rubber he could. But in the process, his colonial agents wreaked havoc on the indigenous people, slaughtering, torturing, and enslaving Africans. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ever since he was a child, Leopold II was obsessed with bringing prestige to the nascent Kingdom of Belgium. As king, he spent decades scheming and conning European powers to fulfill his single-minded goal ? and carve out his own African kingdom in the Congo.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A crash course on Marxist theory and how it evolved over the years from Marxism, Marxism-Leninism, Maoism, and Guevarism. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Fearing the spread of communism in Southeast Asia, the U.S. began sending more troops to Vietnam in the 1960s. The divided country was already embroiled in political chaos and violence ? and now, escalating tensions would grow into all-out conflict, claiming millions of lives. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dreaming of an independent Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh led a guerilla army against French imperialists in the late 1940s. By 1954, his dream had come true ? but it wouldn?t take long for another massive conflict to engulf the nation.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Entering the 1970s, Fidel focused his attention on building the Cuban economy in the wake of Che Guevara?s failed plans and a U.S. embargo. But when the Soviet Union collapsed, all eyes turned to the tiny island, and waited with bated breath for Fidel to fall, too.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When Cuba gained independence from Spain in the late 1800s, it ushered in a wave of authoritarian leaders backed by American interests. Violence and suppression were rampant, turning a young lawyer into a fiery revolutionary in the 1950s. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After seizing power in 1917, Lenin began what would be a brief, but brutal, reign. He would become one of the most influential and controversial figures of the 20th century, setting the stage for how future Soviet leaders and communist dictators alike would rule.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When Vladimir Lenin's older brother was executed by Romanov tsars in 1887, Lenin was thrust into a world of revolutionary politics. From then on he had a single, fervid mission in life: topple the Romanov dynasty and overthrow world capitalism. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The most successful pirate in history is one few have heard of: Ching Shih, the pirate queen of the South China Sea. At her height in the early 1800s, Shih commanded nearly 80,000 pirates. She took on entire nations? and won. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Anne Bonny and Mary Read may have been the two most famous lady pirates, but they certainly weren't the only ones. History is full of women taking to the sea and ruthlessly taking what they want. Jeanne de Clisson, Sayyida al Hurra, and Grace O'Malley are three more successful women pirates, whose tales of revenge and looting are legendary. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

During the Golden Age of Piracy, two women terrorized the Caribbean alongside some of the most infamous pirates of the day. Dispelling the old sea superstitions of having women on board, Anne Bonny and Mary Read proved to be even more cutthroat than the men they sailed with.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In 1812, using his extensive network of rogues and hidden caches of supplies, Lafitte turned the tide of an entire war? then vanished a few years later. The mystery surrounding his disappearance lasted until the 1950s, when a newly discovered journal shed light on his final exploits. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

From his base in New Orleans, the ?gentleman pirate? Jean Lafitte changed the young United States' entire outlook on piracy. In 1812, when war with England seemed imminent, it was New Orleans? pirate admiral that the U.S. Army turned to for help. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After sending a message with the destruction of the Protestant Caesar, Blackbeard knew he needed to make a bigger name for himself. So, he decided to do the unthinkable: hold an entire city hostage. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

No pirate captain has captured the imagination of the masses like the one known as Blackbeard. From obscure crew member to fearsome legend, his very name evokes an image of the devil incarnate?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Captain Every led his men in a revolt that brought them to the far side of the world. Now it was time to make their fortune ? and escape before England caught up with them. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this new season of Dictators, we're looking at a unique kind of tyrant: the pirate captain. Leading dictatorial democracies, these captains held onto freedom with an iron grip. Today, we'll investigate Captain Henry Every's murky origins and the fateful mutiny that led to his career as the first pirate king. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Franco was one of the only European dictators left standing after WWII, but times were changing. As much as the Generalissimo wanted ? and tried ? to establish a new monarchy, the tides were shifting against totalitarianism? and toward democracy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Spanish dictator Francisco Franco came to power during the Spanish Civil War, just in time to face the rise of Hitler and Mussolini in Europe. As the world went to war, Franco saw he would have to choose sides ? or would he? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Elected president in 1946, Perón spent nine years in office. His regime became increasingly corrupt and repressive, and in 1955, he was excommunicated by the Catholic Church. But Juan Perón would not stay in exile forever. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

He rose through the ranks as an ambitious infantry officer in the Argentine army, learning to play politics and enact coups. In the 1940s, after years of pulling the strings of power behind the scenes, Juan Perón became the most powerful man in Argentina.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Embarrassed by a failing presidential campaign in 1952, Batista orchestrated a military coup that seated him in power. But as the populist leader became corrupt and violent, a young lawyer inspired thousands to bring Batista?s regime to an end.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

An ambitious young man from a poor family, Batista worked his way up through the turmoil of early 20th century Cuba to become a reform-minded leader. But when his power started to wane, Batista decided to hold onto it by whatever means necessary. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For decades, family members and sleuths have tried to determine what really happened the night of the fire. As of yet, they have been unsuccessful. But the clues remain, the questions linger, and the case unofficially stays open?  This episode is presented by Unexplained Mysteries, a Spotify Original from Parcast. For more of history?s greatest puzzles, follow Unexplained Mysteries free on Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the aftermath of the fire, a startling number of tips, twists, and witnesses came forward regarding the fate of the Sodder children. Their father, George, followed the clues for decades, driven by a suspicion of the ?official? story and a belief that the blaze was no accident. This episode is presented by Unexplained Mysteries, a Spotify Original from Parcast. For more of history?s greatest puzzles, follow Unexplained Mysteries free on Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Early Christmas day in 1945, Jennie Sodder woke up to her house on fire. The blaze consumed her home, and five of her young children. Or did it? Strange events, prescient remarks, and a lack of human remains hinted at more nefarious ? though no less tragic ? outcomes.  This episode is presented by Unexplained Mysteries, a Spotify Original from Parcast. For more of history?s greatest puzzles, follow Unexplained Mysteries free on Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Forced labor, unyielding rice quotas, and executions meant to root out anti-communist resistance plunged the country into a terrible nightmare. Pol Pot was finally forced to flee in 1984, but his reign left a grim legacy that persists to this day.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The secretive leader of the communist Khmer Rouge was responsible for killing around a quarter of Cambodia?s population ? one of the worst mass killings of the 20th century. He was born Saloth Sar in 1925, but is most recognizable by one of his many nicknames: Pol Pot.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Now in total control, Mao Zedong had a nation to build. But his ambition to transform China into a global superpower led to one of the worst crimes ever committed against humanity. Forced to retreat from his failure, Mao?s attempt to recapture power would send China into ten more years of violent chaos.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Qing Dynasty fell in 1911, ending imperialism in China. But the instability created a power struggle over the country?s future. Between the Warlords, the Nationalists, the Communists, and even the Japanese, one man seized control of China and turned it into the second largest communist nation in the world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today we?re bringing you a special two-part episode from another Spotify Original from Parcast. If you enjoy these episodes, check out Medical Murders on Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts!  Before he was a fanatical Nazi doctor, Josef Mengele was a mediocre student studying medicine and anthropology. His quest for renown drove an obsession with human experimentation, and a horrific tenure at Auschwitz-Birkenau.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today we?re bringing you a special two-part episode from another Spotify Original from Parcast. If you enjoy these episodes, check out Medical Murders on Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts!  Before he was a fanatical Nazi doctor, Josef Mengele was a mediocre student studying medicine and anthropology. His quest for renown drove an obsession with human experimentation, and a horrific tenure at Auschwitz-Birkenau.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As the Great Fire of Rome wreaked havoc on the city, the emperor practiced his singing. Nero's artistic obsessions led not only to Rome's downfall, but his own. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

He never wanted to be emperor, but his mother Agrippina was determined to put the young Nero on the throne. The boy artist followed her wishes? and led Rome to destruction. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In 37 CE, Caligula became the third emperor of Rome, ushering in a brief era of prosperity before pilfering the treasury and embarking on a quest to conquer Britannia. Before too long, his sadistic ? and sometimes darkly comedic ? rulings inspired a fatal conspiracy.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As a child, Caligula lived in the shadow of his father, Germanicus ? a hero of Rome. When Germanicus suddenly dies, Caligula is forced to spend his teenage years at the mercy of Emperor Tiberius. And a once pampered life quickly descends into hell. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the final years of Emperor Tiberius?s reign, he built lavish villas on Capri, hosted orgies with young boys and girls, and tortured and executed people who spoke out against him. He was more than a dictator. He was a monster. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This legendary ruler of Rome, known for his wickedness and depravity, was never meant to be emperor. Tiberius came into power in 14 CE only after his adopted father?s heirs all died. He ruled for a decade with surprising moderation before descending into madness.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Despite an auspicious early ruling period, Mary?s reign was upended by an event that triggered deep emotional distress. Her pain manifested in burning her perceived enemies at the stake?a punishment that earned her the nickname that has defined her legacy: Bloody Mary.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As the daughter of England?s most famous king, Mary Tudor spent much of her life in Henry VIII?s shadow, forced to navigate his capricious moods and murderous whims. But she played the long game, outlasting nearly everyone around her to assume the throne in 1553 as Britain?s first ruling queen.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the 15th century, Queen Isabella became convinced that heretics and infidels were threatening Christendom. She became the architect of a 300-year-long religious genocide: The Spanish Inquisition. Then she set her sights to the West, and funded an audacious plan by an Italian navigator.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

She was never supposed to be queen. But in 1474, when Isabella of Castile?s half-brother King Enrique died, she seized her chance to take what was hers. And after holding onto the crown from Portuguese invaders, Isabella set out to do what no other Spanish monarch had been able to accomplish in nearly 700 years: reclaim Granada.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tired of playing second fiddle, Isabella decided to turn on her husband and join forces with his enemies: the exiled barons. Together, they planned an invasion of England to take the throne from Edward II and install Isabella's young son as king... with Isabella as the ruling regent. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

All her life, Isabella of France knew she was going to be Queen consort of England. But when her husband took the throne in 1307, it became obvious that he had chosen another as his favorite: Piers Gaveston. To survive, Isabella walked the tightrope of court politics, proving she was more than a pawn in the ever-changing relationship between England and France. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

He attacked the press, oversaw egregious human rights violations, and even welcomed a notorious Nazi war criminal into his country. For decades, Alfredo Stroessner largely acted with impunity?until the late 1980s, when a chaotic schism in his party drove him into exile. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In 1932, 20-year-old Alfredo Stroessner was a cadet at the Paraguayan military academy. It would take a little over two decades for him to seize power through a military coup, and begin his 35-year reign as an implacable autocrat.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

From 1973 to 1990, Augusto Pinochet ruled over Chile with a brutality that left tens of thousands people missing, tortured, or dead. Despite his atrocities?and an unprecedented arrest?Pinochet escaped conviction for his crimes.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices