Scandal Water

Historian Adam Selzer on H. H. Holmes and His Murder Castle: Separating Fact from Fiction

Keanu Reeves’ recent exit from the “The Devil in the White City” project has added to the long list of problems plaguing the upcoming Hulu miniseries based on serial killer H. H. Holmes. But what’s the true story behind Holmes, his killings, and the notorious Murder Castle? 
That’s the focus of this lively interview with Adam Selzer, Chicago historian, author of H. H. Holmes: The True History of the White City Devil, blogger, podcaster, and tour guide extraordinaire!
How many murders did Holmes actually commit, and what was his motivation? Is there any credence to the “Holmes Curse”? What behind-the-scenes insights does Adam share from his experience on the show “American Ripper”? And what was the Murder Castle really like?
Be sure to catch this fascinating interview to hear all this and so much more!
Adam Selzer, author of H. H. Holmes: The True History of the White City Devil and other books/projects can be found at www.mysteriouschicago.comNote: Break Music "Ghost Town" composed by Rafael Krux and purchased on FreePD.com#Chicago #HHHolmes #MysteriousChicago #MurderCastle #JacktheRipper #ScandalWaterPodcast #TuesdayTea #Spooktober

A Look Inside “The Most Terrifying Building in America,” Waverly Hills Sanitorium

Called “one of the most haunted places in the United States” and “the most terrifying building in America,” Louisville’s Waverly Hills Sanitorium is legendary in paranormal circles. It’s been featured in a number of shows, from A&E’s “Ghost Hunters” to the Travel Channel’s “Kindred Spirits.”
But how did this sprawling, gothic-style building come to be the site of so many deaths? What was the original purpose of that infamous dark tunnel known as “the body chute”? And what supernatural stories are widely circulated related to encounters with the child ghost ‘Timmy’ and the nurse who met tragedy in room 502? 
History meets suspense in this fun Spooktober episode that is sure to send chills up your spine!
Special thanks to Josh Martin for opening our new season with a shout-out! Be sure to check out his music on Spotify, or anywhere fine music is heard! Note: Break Music "Ghost Town" composed by Rafael Krux and purchased on FreePD.com#WaverlyHills #Spooktober #ScandalWaterPodcast #JoshMartin #GhostHunters #KindredSpirits 

September Rewind: May I Help You Improve Your Home?

Special thanks to the Be Kind Sisters, Raegan and Rylyn, for providing the guest intro for this repeat episode.Episode Tie-In: Community volunteers in LaGrange, Kentucky, have continued the work started by the “Home Town Kickstart” crew. Come visit to check out the mural and AlleyLoop!If you’re like most Americans, you’ve not only completed a home improvement project since the start of the pandemic, but you’ve also received some inspiration from shows like Fixer Upper or Flip or Flop. 
While HGTV is now a huge television network, with the stars of its most popular home improvement shows launched to celebrity status, HGTV didn’t even exist until December of 1994. 
So how did HGTV start? What show predated HGTV and is widely considered to be the very first home improvement show? What’s the real story behind those home makeover shows? And how was the quaint town of LaGrange, Kentucky, selected for a Home Town Kickstart? Candy and Ashley discuss these questions and more as they explore the topic ‘May I Help You Improve Your Home?”

September Rewind: Marilyn: The Blonde Bombshell’s Mysterious Death

Special thanks to Jefferson Moore, independent filmmaker, for providing the guest intro for this repeat episode.Episode Tie-In: The film “Blonde,” which is the subject of controversy due to its NC17 rating and graphic nature, airs on Netflix on September 23. For more details on the controversy, listen to our SW update episode posted on August 30th.CW: Adult themes/descriptions of violence; listener discretion is advised.Although often stereotyped as the ‘dumb blonde’ character, Marilyn Monroe was actually a complicated woman who overcame a traumatic childhood, studied acting with Lee Strasberg, co-founded her own production company, and formed relationships with a number of high-profile, powerful men. 
Sadly, Marilyn’s promising career was cut short in 1962 when she was found dead, nude in her bed with a telephone receiver in hand, the victim of an apparent overdose. She was only 36. 
But was Marilyn’s death really the result of an overdose and ‘probable suicide,’ as the coroner declared at that time? Or was Marilyn intentionally silenced, as many did and still believe, including her close friend Frank Sinatra?

September Rewind: In the Pit with ”Cobra Kai”

Special thanks to Austin, a middle school principal, for providing the guest intro for this repeat episode.Episode Tie-In:  "Cobra Kai" Season 5 premiered on Netflix on September 9th.Candy introduces Ashley to the cultural phenomenon Cobra Kai. Calling on interviews with actors and producers of the hit show, Candy pulls back the curtain to share callbacks, Easter Eggs, and intentional choices made by the Cobra Kai show creators to satisfy both die-hard Karate Kid fans and also newer viewers.  
Warning: This episode contains spoilers.

September Rewind: ”JAWS” Part 1 & 2

Special thanks to Ross, creator of The Daily Jaws, the world's largest online “Jaws” fan community, for providing the guest intro for this repeat episode. Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter, and at TheDailyJaws.com. 
Episode Tie-In: “Jaws” was released on IMAX and in RealD 3D beginning September 2 in the US.
Jaws Part 1: “The Shark Isn’t Working!” 
Widely known today as the first summer blockbuster and the movie that sparked shark-phobia in the hearts of many, back in the summer of 1974, 26-year-old “Jaws” director Steven Spielberg lived in constant fear of being fired, his dreams for the film crushed. 
Part 1 of this two-part episode focuses on the filming and casting challenges behind the movie “Jaws.” From the 3 malfunctioning mechanical sharks –collectively called Bruce, after Spielberg’s lawyer– to the tensions between Robert Shaw and Richard Dreyfuss, to the sinking of the Orca boat, Candy and Ashley explore the challenges that caused a scheduled 55-day shoot to extend to 159 days and led some in the crew to start calling the production “Flaws.”
Jaws Part 2: Alcoholism, Script Rewrites, and the Lady in the Dunes
CW: Adult themes/descriptions of violence; listener discretion is advised.
Three weeks before the filming of “Jaws” was scheduled to start, Steven Spielberg still had no working script. Desperate, he asked his friend, writer Carl Gottlieb, to “eviscerate it.” And that’s exactly what Carl did, desperately writing most nights to stay ahead of the next day’s filming.  
This Part 2 episode delves into the many screen rewrites, character changes, and plot shifts that occurred throughout the filming of “Jaws.” 
From Quint’s USS Indianapolis monologue that had to be reshot due to Robert Shaw’s drunkenness, to the situation that saved a main character’s life, Candy and Ashley discuss these and many other behind-the-scenes stories. The two also touch on the famous “Lady in the Dunes” cold case speculated by Joe Hill– writer and son of Stephen King– to have a “Jaws” connection.

One Last Cuppa: An Update Episode to Top Off Season 1

In this mega-episode, the season 1 finale, Candy and Ashley spill the tea about what came to light AFTER a number of episodes aired.
Why was “The Murder Squad” canceled, and what new development has occurred in the Gabby Petito case? What response did our Canadian friends have to the “Come From Away” episode? What legal battle threatens the makers of “Top Gun: Maverick”? What tragedy related to the USS Indianapolis did we NOT share in our “Jaws'' episode? Which guests pop in to say hello and share their own updates via audio clips?
You’ll hear all this and so much more! So be sure to enjoy one last cuppa with us before we move into our special September Rewind, then return for season 2 in October!

Quitters Never Win: The True Story Behind ”Rudy”

It’s the movie Kobe Bryant said changed his life. 
Based on a true story, the 1993 film “Rudy” tells the story of Dan “Rudy” Ruettiger’s dogged determination to fulfill his dream of attending Notre Dame and playing football for the Fighting Irish. “Rudy” remains one of the most popular sports movies of all time, mainly because it was not about football, but about the power of the human spirit. 
But some have questioned the details included in the film. According to Joe Montana, a Notre Dame teammate of Rudy’s, "It's a movie, remember ... not all that's true.”  
So what exactly does that phrase “based on” mean in this case? And does knowing that some artistic license was taken affect the movie’s impact? Listen in as Candy and Ashley explore these questions and compare the “reel” version to the actual events behind the inspirational and beloved film “Rudy.”

That’s So Method...Or Not

Daniel Day-Lewis. David Harbour. Marilyn Monroe. We recognize actors by name, and we admire their work. But how did they learn to do that? 
In this episode, we pull back the curtain to share some of the artistic influences behind famous screen stars. (And two not-so-famous actors, Candy and Ashley, share a few of their own influences and techniques as well!)
What advice helped make B.J. Novak into the director he is today? What is the Method Acting approach that some actors, like Daniel Day-Lewis, swear by? And why do others regard it as potentially dangerous? 
As an added bonus, we share a short interview with Dr. Jack Wann, whose career as a drama instructor and director has spanned more than 60 years, with the areas including high school, college, community theater, and 10 years at the prestigious American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City.

50s Music, High School Antics, and Celebrity Star Power = Greased Lightning!

*This pre-recorded episode was scheduled for release today. We have decided to go ahead and air it in honor of the beautiful and talented Olivia Newton-John, who, sadly, passed away yesterday, August 8. Olivia, we remain forever and always hopelessly devoted to you.  
 
Who hasn’t karaoke’d to a song from the ‘Grease’ movie soundtrack? 
From catchy songs like “Summer Lovin’” to the number one singles “Grease” and “You’re the One that I Want,” to the Oscar-nominated “Hopelessly Devoted to You,” the music from the 1978 hit movie ‘Grease’ resonated with the audience.
 
In fact, 44 years after its release, the “Grease” movie soundtrack remains one of the top 10 most popular of all time, based on sales data. Meanwhile, the film itself is still one of the top-grossing movie musicals of all time, as well as one of the most well-known. 
 
Be sure to catch this lively episode in which Candy and Ashley share interesting facts about the making and casting of the star-studded movie ‘Grease,’ starting with its origins as a stage play. The two also share their thoughts about why the film has been so beloved all these years, and weigh in on the controversial ending that has garnered increasing criticism over the passing years. This fun episode is the most… to say the least!
This fun episode is the most… to say the least!Advertising: Support the businesses that support Scandal Water! Mid-roll: Joshua Rieth Web Designwww.JoshuaRieth.com