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HOLLYWOODLAND

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Hollywoodland is a podcast that takes place at the intersection of Hollywood and True Crime. It's where you'll hear the stories about our most beloved actors, directors, and other icons of movie history through the lens of the crimes that have impacted them. The mysterious death of Brittany Murphy. The obsessive murder of Dorothy Stratten. Woody Harrelson's father's connection to the JFK assassination. The three conspiracies surrounding Marilyn Monroe's death. Steve McQueen's brush with Charles Manson. The indecent arrest of John Waters. Dennis Hopper's easy riding and raging '70s Hollywood. The shocking small town murder that inspired David Lynch's Twin Peaks. Heath Ledger's overdose. Robert Downey Jr. hitting rock bottom, only to stage the greatest comeback in movie history. From the Golden Age of Hollywood to New Hollywood all the way to contemporary moviemakers, Hollywoodland features tales of murder, kidnapping, organized crime, curses, disappearances, prison escapes, and hauntings. You know, the kind of stuff that makes for the best movies.

True to its subject matter, Hollywoodland is a cinematic brand of audio storytelling. Think less of a Ken Burns documentary, and more of a fast-paced, highly transgressive Martin Scorsese film, co-hosted by movie and true crime buffs Jake Brennan and Zeth Lundy. Fully scripted, sound-designed episodes from our archive are released every Monday. These "movies for your ears" are narrated by Jake and feature Double Elvis' edge-of-your-seat audio storytelling. On Wednesdays, we drop brand new "Wrap Party" episodes, a chat-style show in which Zeth responds to voicemails, texts, and emails from listeners, while also talking more about that week's subject and themes (including guest appearances by Jake for weekly recommendations). And then on Fridays, we release new "Screening Room" episodes, in which Zeth deep dives into one film – after which, the audience is encouraged to watch that film over the weekend, and then call or text the show so that we can discuss it further in the following week's Wrap Party.

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#46
Yesterday · 35 min
Tim Allen: Cocaine in Kalamazoo, Life in Prison, and Flipping for the Feds
Before he was headed to infinity and beyond, Tim Allen was headed to life in prison for a low-level drug deal in Michigan. This is the story about how his first career ended in a life-changing bust, and what he had to do in order to survive and find a way out. This episode contains themes that may be disturbing to some listeners, including discussions about suicide. If you’re thinking about suicide or are worried about a friend or loved one, call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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#41
Friday · 42 min
Bonus Episode: The Screening Room – Mulholland Drive
This week in the Screening Room, Zeth is talking about dreams, doubles, mysteries, and the 2001 David Lynch film ‘Mulholland Drive.’ Plus we make a mixtape inspired by the film with songs by Missing Persons, Frank Black, Big Star, and more. Become an All Access member and get ad-free listening by visiting disgracelandpod.com. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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#41
Wednesday · 55 min
Bonus Episode: We Are the Dreamer Who Dreams and Then Lives Inside the Dream
In this week’s Wrap Party, Zeth is talking about movies as dreams, movies as mystery, and the mystery of the dreamlike David Lynch. And Jake Brennan of Disgraceland joins to give dirty recs for dreamy movies and music. Plus, we hear from you and respond to your voicemails, texts, and emails. Become an All Access member today by visiting disgracelandpod.com. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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#41
October 5 · 35 min
David Lynch: A Brutal Murder, a Corrupt Small Town, and the Secret Origins of Twin Peaks
In 1908, a girl was brutally murdered in a small town in upstate New York. The town was seemingly idyllic, but beneath the surface, it was crawling with prostitution, orgies, deceit, and corruption. It was fueled by a political machine so powerful it could cover up not just one but multiple murders. The truth behind the murder of Hazel Drew was meant to remain unsolvable. Just like the television show it inspired over 80 years later. This episode contains themes that may be disturbing to some listeners, including graphic depictions of violence. Sign up for our newsletter and get the inside dirt on events, merch and other awesomeness - ⁠GET THE NEWSLETTER⁠ Follow Jake and DISGRACELAND: ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠YouTube⁠ ⁠X⁠ (formerly Twitter) ⁠Facebook Fan Group⁠ ⁠TikTok To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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#45
October 2 · 40 min
Bonus Episode: The Screening Room – So I Married an Axe Murderer
This week in the Screening Room, Zeth is talking about beat poetry, Alcatraz, noggins so big they’re virtual planetoids, and the 1993 romantic comedy ‘So I Married an Axe Murderer” starring Mike Myers, Nancy Travis, and a scene-stealing Phil Hartman. Plus we make a mixtape inspired by the film with songs by Nick Lowe, Fine Young Cannibals, Otis Reddings, and more. Become an All Access member and get ad-free listening by visiting disgracelandpod.com. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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#45
September 30 · 57 min
Bonus Episode: Tony Soprano Would Not Approve
In this week’s Wrap Party, Zeth is talking about the glaring omission of ‘The Sopranos’ from the New York Times’ 100 Best TV Shows of the 21st Century, Phil Hartman’s legendary unproduced horror-comedy script, and movie soundtracks that double as studio albums of new material. Plus, we hear from you and respond to your voicemails, texts, and emails. Become an All Access member today by visiting disgracelandpod.com. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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#45
September 28 · 37 min
Phil Hartman: Blackmail, an Attempted Presidential Assassination, and a Murder-Suicide
Before he was deemed “the Glue” by his castmates at Saturday Night Live, Phil Hartman worked as a rock ‘n roll roadie and a graphic designer. He created album covers for the bands Poco and America, as well as the logo for Crosby, Stills & Nash. He did those things as a card-carrying member of the peace and love movement. A movement that was infamously disrupted by the Manson family, a ragtag group of hippies gone evil that just so happened to include one of his former friends from high school. A friend who would later attempt to assassinate an American president. A friend who helped steer sunny California into an age of darkness. A darkness that, for Phil Hartman, led to secrets, blackmail, guns, and ultimately, a murder-suicide. This episode contains themes that may be disturbing to some listeners, including suicide. If you're thinking about suicide, or are worried about a friend or loved one, call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255. Sign up for our newsletter and get the inside dirt on events, merch and other awesomeness - ⁠GET THE NEWSLETTER⁠ Follow Jake and DISGRACELAND: ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠YouTube⁠ ⁠X⁠ (formerly Twitter) ⁠Facebook Fan Group⁠ ⁠TikTok See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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#47
September 25 · 40 min
Bonus Episode: The Screening Room – Enemy of the State
This week in the Screening Room, Zeth is talking about bugs, wiretaps, hidden cameras, and the 1998 Tony Scott film ‘Enemy of the State’ starring Will Smith and Gene Hackman. Plus we make a mixtape inspired by the film with songs by Guns N’ Roses, Talking Heads, and more.Become an All Access member and get ad-free listening by visiting disgracelandpod.com. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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#47
September 23 · 1 hr 4 min
Bonus: They Want You to Believe Art Isn’t Important
In this week’s Wrap Party, Zeth is talking about George Lucas, Guillermo del Toro, and the use of AI in film. Plus, dirty recs with Disgraceland’s Jake Brennan about musicians and actors who have crossed over to make great films and records – and your voicemails, texts, and emails. Become an All Access member today by visiting disgracelandpod.com. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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#47
September 21 · 33 min
Will Smith: Fist Fights, Jail Cells, and the Slap Heard Round the World
In 1989, shortly after winning his first Grammy Award at just 20 years old, Will Smith was arrested and charged with assault after a brawl at a popular Philadelphia radio station left one man nearly blind. It almost ended his career just as things were getting started. But Will Smith overcame this challenge, and so many others, to become one of the most successful actors in Hollywood. That is, until decades later, at the 2022 Academy Awards ceremony, when trouble once again bubbled to the surface. This episode contains themes that may be disturbing to some listeners, including depictions of domestic violence. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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#55
September 18 · 45 min
Bonus Episode: The Screening Room – Casino
This week in the Screening Room, Zeth is talking about pit bosses, shift bosses, floor men, box men, the eye in the sky, and Martin Scorsese’s 1995 film ‘Casino.’ Plus we make a mixtape inspired by the film with songs by Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Zappa, the Flying Burrito Brothers, and more. Become an All Access member and get ad-free listening by visiting disgracelandpod.com. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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#55
September 16 · 57 min
Bonus Episode: So Bad They’re Good
In this week’s Wrap Party, Zeth is fed up with award shows and discusses Sharon Stone’s dual nominations for a Golden Globe and a Razzie Award – for the same performance. Plus, dirty recs with Disgraceland’s Jake Brennan about movies and music so bad they’re good – and your voicemails, texts, and emails. Become an All Access member today by visiting disgracelandpod.com. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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#55
September 14 · 35 min
Sharon Stone: Basic Instincts, Baring It All, and the Butcher of Montreal
In a single year, Sharon Stone was nominated for awards for both Best Actress and Worst Actress – for the same role. She launched a million sexual awakenings with one quick display in Basic Instinct. Her performance in that film was so vivid that it inspired stalkers to track her down. It may have even served as the inspiration for one fan to commit murder, cannibalism, and necrophilia. This episode contains themes that may be disturbing to some listeners, including graphic depictions of violence. Sign up for our newsletter and get the inside dirt on events, merch and other awesomeness - ⁠GET THE NEWSLETTER Follow Jake and DISGRACELAND: ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠YouTube⁠ ⁠X⁠ (formerly Twitter) ⁠Facebook Fan Group⁠ ⁠TikTok See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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#50
September 11 · 41 min
Bonus Episode: The Screening Room – The Player
This week in the Screening Room, Zeth is talking about deplorable studio executives, vindictive screenwriters, Hollywood satire, and Robert Altman’s 1992 comeback film ‘The Player.’ Plus we make a mixtape inspired by the film with songs by The Soft Boys, Built to Spill, Public Enemy, and more. Become an All Access member and get ad-free listening by visiting disgracelandpod.com. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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#50
September 9 · 53 min
Bonus Episode: Hollywood’s Origin Scandal Story
In this week’s Wrap Party, Zeth is talking about Roscoe “Fatty” Arbuckle, William Desmond Taylor, Mabel Normand, and the birth of the Hollywood scandal. Plus, dirty recs with Disgraceland’s Jake Brennan about scandalous movies and songs – and your voicemails, texts, and emails. Become an All Access member today by visiting disgracelandpod.com. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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#50
September 7 · 40 min
Roscoe “Fatty” Arbuckle: Underground Brothels, Hush Money, Bootlegged Booze, and the Making of Hollywood’s Greatest Scandal
A century ago, at the birth of movie superstardom, silent film star Roscoe “Fatty” Arbuckle was at the center of a scandal that rocked Hollywood to its core. He was accused of a murderous sex crime so depraved that it turned the nation not only against him but against Hollywood itself. It led to the trial of the century, and a test of whether America’s elite veil of privilege could be pierced by the long arm of justice. The tide of public opinion that followed was so strong that it made Hollywood change the way Hollywood did business – at least on the surface. This episode contains themes that may be disturbing to some listeners, including sexual assault. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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#42
September 4 · 43 min
Bonus Episode: The Screening Room – Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood
This week in the Screening Room, Zeth is talking about TV westerns, stuntmen turned handymen, the scourge of hippies invading the movie industry, and Quentin Tarantino’s 2019 film Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood. Plus we make a mixtape inspired by the film with songs by Primal Scream, James Taylor, Buffalo Springfield, and more. Become an All Access member and get ad-free listening by visiting disgracelandpod.com. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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#42
September 2 · 54 min
Bonus Episode: It’s 1969, OK!
In this week’s Wrap Party, Zeth is talking about Sharon Tate, Woodstock, Joan Didion, and the improbable becoming probable in the year 1969. Plus, dirty recs with Jake Brennan for movies and songs from or about 1969 – and your voicemails, texts, and emails. Become an All Access member today by visiting disgracelandpod.com. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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#43
August 31 · 33 min
Sharon Tate Pt 2: Rape, Drugs, and Murdering New Hollywood
Sharon Tate’s entanglement with Charles Manson and her husband, filmmaker Roman Polanski, as well as her involvement in some of the long-rumored hedonistic events at her home on Cielo Drive put her at the center of a counter-narrative that explosively disrupts the supposed motive for the Manson family murders. Was Sharon Tate blissfully ignorant of the darkness that had been bubbling beneath Hollywood’s shiny veneer for years? Or is there more to this story than we’ve been told in the past? This episode contains themes that may be disturbing to some listeners, including sexual assault. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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#42
August 31 · 37 min
Sharon Tate Pt 1: Wild Parties and Dangerous Company
Sharon Tate was a sophisticated beauty who literally stopped traffic when she walked down the street. She began her movie career when America was becoming sexually liberated, and despite the ease with which she was made a sex symbol, she aspired to be respected as a serious actress. Decades later, however, she is perhaps best-remembered as one of the victims found brutally murdered at her Cielo Drive home, the one she shared with her husband, director Roman Polanski. Sharon and Roman welcomed regular guests to that home, including Sharon’s friend, Mama Cass Elliot, who was at the center of the Manson murders and whose actions may be why the motive for the murders that America has come to accept as fact is actually false. This episode contains themes that may be disturbing to some listeners, including sexual assault and suicide. If you're thinking about suicide, or are worried about a friend or loved one, call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255. Sign up for our newsletter and get the inside dirt on events, merch and other awesomeness - GET THE NEWSLETTER Follow Jake and DISGRACELAND: Instagram YouTube X (formerly Twitter) Facebook Fan Group TikTok See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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