DISGRACELAND - podcast cover

DISGRACELAND

Exactly Right and iHeartPodcastswww.disgracelandpod.com

DISGRACELAND is an award-winning music and true crime podcast about musicians getting away with murder and behaving very badly. Jerry Lee Lewis's 5th wife? Dead. Sid and Nancy? Both dead. Why? Because musicians are insane, and insane things happen to them.

Why did we lose Amy Winehouse at 27? Was Debbie Harry really abducted by Ted Bundy as she claims? Is Patti Smith not just the "Godmother of Punk", but also the "Original True Crime Girl"? What really happened the night of the Jay Z nightclub stabbing? What do the Diddy indictments truly reveal? All these stories and more, on artists from every genre and their true crimes, in our massive 260-plus story archive. The Dead, the Stones, Johnny, Willie, Frank, Kurt, Courtney, Gaga, Lana, Taylor, and too many to name.

DISGRACELAND is music history come to life through audio storytelling as you've never heard it before, with revealing facts: yes, assassins are the real reason the Beatles quit touring—reclaimed myths: no, Mama Cass didn't die from choking on a ham sandwich––and constant reckoning between art and artist––all told through the lens of true crime.

This is the podcast for the self-proclaimed "Disgos", the musically obsessed and the true crime heads; the outsiders, the independent thinkers who know that the best history is the history that gets buried. DISGRACELAND is where host Jake Brennan tells the stories they didn't want told. The kind you'll end up telling someone else. Get ready to uncover hidden truths and buckle up for truly edge-of-your-seat storytelling.

New, fully scripted, sound-designed episodes are released every Tuesday. Bonus chat-style episodes where Jake responds to voicemails, texts, and emails from Disgos hit on Thursdays, and "Rewind" episodes from our archive drop on Sundays.

DISGRACELAND is not a journalistic podcast. It's an entertainment podcast inspired by true events. Certain dialogue and scenes are dramatized, as is common in scripted entertainment based on real stories. Sources and credits for each episode are available at www.disgracelandpod.com.

To unlock ad-free listening, exclusive content, and connect with your fellow Disgos, go to www.disgracelandpod.com to become an All Access member. 

Rocka Rolla.

 

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Episodes

Mark Lanegan: Kurt Cobain’s Drug Runner, Liam Gallagher’s Tormentor, and Matt Dillon’s Firestarter

Mark Lanegan was grunge’s darkest secret – a gravel-voiced hellraiser who ran dope for Kurt Cobain, scared Liam Gallagher into quitting Oasis, and nearly lost his arm (and his mind) chasing the next high. He brawled his way out of a dead-end town, made as many enemies as friends in the music industry, and somehow kept singing through it all. From crack dens to concert halls, his life was pure rock ‘n roll noir – violent, haunted, and painfully real. This episode contains themes that may be distu...

Jul 29, 202535 minSeason 24Ep. 243

Bonus Episode: Uncovering Grift, Country Punks, and RIP Ozzy

This week, Jake looks into some possible malfeasance related to the proceeds of a benefit concert for the victims of the LA fires and shares his thoughts on the passing of the legendary Ozzy Osbourne. Plus, your voicemails and DMs on the most punk country artists. On Tuesday, we're bringing you our episode on Screaming Trees' Mark Lanegan, and Jake wants to know: Which singer/songwriters are deserving of greater recognition? Share your thoughts at 617-906-6638, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠disgracelandpod@gma...

Jul 24, 202538 minSeason 24Ep. 242

Introducing: HOLLYWOODLAND…

…the Hollywood and true crime spinoff from the award winning music and true crime podcast, DISGRACELAND, and the newest expansion from the folks at Double Elvis. The most dramatic non-fiction stories ever heard come from the world of entertainment. Specifically the dark side of entertainment. The true crime stories from Hollywood; the mysterious death of Brittany Murphy. The vicious, real-life murder that inspired David Lynch’s Twin Peaks. The three conspiracies surrounding Marilyn Monroe’s deat...

Jul 23, 20252 min

Presenting Hollywoodland - Robin Williams: A Manic Mind at Breakneck Speed, an Addiction to Laughter, and the Devil’s Dandruff

Robin Williams’ manic mind moved at such a breakneck speed that cocaine had the opposite effect than it had on most other people: it slowed him down. Robin’s primary addiction, however, wasn’t cocaine. He was addicted to the dopamine rush of being on a stage, where he could let his mind run wild with free association, and be rewarded with uproarious laughter. He was addicted to proving himself as a dramatic actor, even if that meant attempting to trigger his own mental breakdown by running in pl...

Jul 19, 202536 min

Bonus Episode: CASSM, Nikki Sixx, and the Gospel According to Jimmy Buffett

This week, Jake dives deeper into Nikki Sixx (Mötley Crüe, Part 2), calls out the Corporate Algorithmic Studio Storytelling Machine (CASSM), and explains why he’s suddenly obsessed with Jimmy Buffett. Plus: Jeff Buckley, Oasis, and your voicemails and DMs. On Tuesday, we're bringing you our episode on Waylon Jennings, and Jake wants to know: Who was the most punk rock country singer? Share your thoughts at 617-906-6638, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠disgracelandpod@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or on socials @disgra...

Jul 17, 202545 minSeason 24Ep. 241

Motley Crue Pt. 2: The Ballad of Nikki Sixx – Dead, Doped Up, and Running Naked with a Loaded .357

He was broke, strung out, and cleaning up other people's puke. Then he got stiffed by a gangster with ties to the infamous Wonderland Murders. A few years later, he was dead on the floor – for the second time. This is the high-speed tale of Nikki Sixx, a rock 'n roll original who came back to life more than once to take his place as the poster boy for hair metal's wildest and wettest dreams. This isn't a comeback story – It's a resurrection. To see the full list of contributors, see the show not...

Jul 15, 202533 minSeason 24Ep. 241

Bonus Episode: The Greatest Band That Never Was

This week in the after party, Jake looks at the bands that could've been huge, but never were, and hears from you on the subject. Plus, Jake talks about the challenge of writing the upcoming Brian Wilson episode and dishes on his surprisingly growing admiration for Jimmy Buffet. On Tuesday, we're bringing you part 2 of our Motley Crue episode, focusing on Nikki Sixx. Jake wants to know: Was Motley Crue the greatest hair metal band? And if you dislike hair metal, are there any hair metal bands th...

Jul 10, 202531 minSeason 24Ep. 240

Bonus Episode – The Verdict is in

This week in the after party, Jake hears from you about your favorite singer/songwriters and which artists are the most gangster. Plus, Jake gets into what he's reading. Oh, and also the Diddy verdict came in - so there's that. On Tuesday, we're bringing you our previously exclusive episode on the Replacements. Jake wants to know: Which band or artist never made it big, but should have? Share your thoughts at 617-906-6638, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠disgracelandpod@gmail.com⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or on socials @disgrac...

Jul 03, 202528 minSeason 24Ep. 240

Frank Sinatra Pt 2: New Evidence, Secret Favors, and Three Dead Men. This is Frank Sinatra — Connected, Compromised, and Cornered

Frank Sinatra was never just a pop star. In this second chapter of his story, Frank isn’t merely brushing shoulders with gangsters—he’s one of them. Backed by new research and newly released secret intelligence files, this episode unpacks how the Voice became a mafia asset. When Sinatra’s son is kidnapped, before he calls the police—he calls notorious gangster Sam Giancana. And what follows is one of the darkest, bloodiest chapters in music and organized crime history. Is Frank Sinatra the most ...

Jul 01, 202542 minSeason 24Ep. 240

Bonus Episode – True Crime Songs, Singer Songwriters, and the Worst Draft Pick in NBA History

This week in the after party, Jake is thinking about great singer songwriter albums - what is your favorite? Plus, we hear from you on your favorite true crime songs. On Tuesday, we're bringing you part 2 of our Frank Sinatra story. Jake wants to know: Is Frank Sinatra the most gangster musical artist of all time? Share your thoughts at 617-906-6638, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠disgracelandpod@gmail.com⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or on socials @disgracelandpod. For more great Disgraceland episodes, dive into our extensive arch...

Jun 26, 202531 minSeason 23Ep. 238

Bonus Episode – Concert Tragedies, Concussions, and Brian Wilson

This week in the after party, Jake reflects on the recent deaths of Sly Stone and Brian Wilson, and discusses concert tragedies. Plus, Jake talks baseball and dishes on his recent visit to a water park. And as always, he invites you to join the conversation. On Tuesday, we're bringing you the story of the crimes that inspired Bruce Springsteen's Nebraska . Jake wants to know: Which songwriter do you think best told a true crime story in song? Share your thoughts at 617-906-6638, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ disgra...

Jun 19, 202531 minSeason 23Ep. 238

The Who Pt 2: A Crowd Crush, a Death Trap, and a Tragedy in Cincinnati

They came for the loudest rock band in the world. They got a death trap. In a freezing plaza outside Cincinnati’s Riverfront Coliseum, thousands of Who fans surged forward to get a spot up close in the general admission crowd. But when the doors stayed locked, panic set in – and the crush began. Eleven never made it out. This is a true story of maximum rock ‘n roll, deadly chaos, and the Who.‬ What do you think was the greatest tragedy in music history? Tell Jake at 617-906-6638, disgracelandpod...

Jun 17, 202534 minSeason 23Ep. 238

Bonus Episode – Obsessions, Earworms, and RIP Sly Stone

This week in the After Party, Jake goes down a rabbit hole as he thinks about great songs about obsession. What are some of your favorites? And speaking of songs and obsession, what is that 90s earworm Jake has stuck in his head? Plus we hear from you on where you are and what you're doing when you listen to Disgraceland. Next week, we're bringing you the tragic story of the Who and the Riverfront Coliseum disaster , and Jake wants to know: What is the worst tragedy in music history? Tell Jake a...

Jun 12, 202533 minSeason 23Ep. 238

Bonus Episode - Suffering Souls, Subversion, and More Great Girl Groups

This week in the After Party, Jake is thinking about the connection between psychopathy, artistry, and trauma. So many great artists are also undeniably damaged people. Is their trauma at the root of both their artistry and their disgraceful behavior? Plus, we hear more from you on great girl groups! Next week, we're bringing you the terrifying story of Bjork and an obsessed fan , and Jake wants to know: What is the most wild and deranged story of obsessive fandom in music history? Tell Jake at ...

Jun 05, 202537 minSeason 23Ep. 236

Marilyn Manson: A Car Crash, a Planned Murder, Nihilism, Abuse, and Inhumanity

Discover the controversial story behind Marilyn Manson, aka Brian Warner. Accused by multiple women of abuse—allegations he denies—what do his own revelations of past inhumanity reveal about him? And what can those admissions tell us about the serious accusations swirling around his name? Tune in to explore the complexities behind the artist and the allegations against him. This episode contains content that may be disturbing to some listeners, including sexual assault and sexual abuse. Was Mari...

Jun 03, 202535 minSeason 23Ep. 236

Bonus Episode - Great Girl Groups au Go Go

This week in the After Party, Jake ponders the greatest girl groups of all time and wonders about our AI-driven future if AI doesn't even have the Go-Gos on its radar as one of the all time great girl groups. Next week, we're presenting our episode on Marilyn Manson, and Jake wants to know: Who was the most subversive artist of the 1990s? Tell Jake at 617-906-6638, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠disgracelandpod@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ , or on socials @disgracelandpod. For more great Disgraceland episodes, dive into our extensiv...

May 29, 202533 minSeason 23Ep. 235

The Go Go’s: Serial Killers, Drug Addiction, an Historic Album, and “the Rumor”

Serial killers, drug addiction, avoiding death, destruction, punk rock cliches and surviving an unmentionable “rumor” all while doing something no group of female musicians had ever done before. Which "girl group" is the greatest of all-time? Tell Jake at 617-906-6638, disgracelandpod@gmail.com, or on socials @disgracelandpod. To see the full list of contributors, see the show notes at ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.disgracelandpod.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ . To listen to Disgraceland ad free and get access to a monthly exclusive episo...

May 27, 202538 minSeason 23Ep. 235

Bonus Episode – Upcoming Episodes, the Diddy Trial, and More Mount Rushmore

This week in the After Party, Jake takes a look at the upcoming slate of episodes in Disgraceland and hears from you on the Diddy trial, Phish, and more. Next week, we're presenting our episode on the Go-Gos, and Jake wants to know: Are the Go-Gos the greatest "girl group" of all time? If not, who is? Tell Jake at 617-906-6638, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠disgracelandpod@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ , or on socials @disgracelandpod. For more great Disgraceland episodes, dive into our extensive archive, including such episodes as: E...

May 22, 202542 minSeason 23Ep. 233

Bonus Episode - Sign o' the Times: the Diddy Trial Begins

This week in the After Party, Jake shares his thoughts on the start of the Diddy trial and (of course) takes your calls, emails, texts and DMs.. Next week, we're presenting our episode on legendary artist Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Jake wants to know: Which musician also excelled in a second art from or sport? Tell Jake at 617-906-6638, ⁠⁠⁠disgracelandpod@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠ , or on socials @disgracelandpod. For more great Disgraceland episodes, dive into our extensive archive, including such episodes a...

May 15, 202535 minSeason 23Ep. 233

Prince (Pt. 2): Bodyguards, Guns, Gangs, and a Revolution

1984. Prince is at his commercial and creative peak. "Purple Rain" – the album, the soundtrack, and the film – is a sensation. But that's when the backlash sets in. That's when Prince's public persona sours, thanks in part to a tell-all story sold by a former bodyguard for a big drug-money payday. All the while, the world is sinking further into chaos and disorder; guns, gangs, murder, AIDS, earthquakes. In these dark times, can Prince find purpose ... and a musical revolution? Prince's "Sign o'...

May 13, 202536 minSeason 23Ep. 233

Bonus Episode: The Mount Rushmore of Guitarists

This week in the After Party, Jake hears from you about the Mount Rushmore of Guitarists and opines on a recent performance from David Lee Roth. Next week, we're presenting part 2 of the Prince story, and Jake wants to know: Which artist best represented their times? Tell Jake at 617-906-6638, ⁠⁠disgracelandpod@gmail.com⁠⁠ , or on socials @disgracelandpod. For more great Disgraceland episodes, dive into our extensive archive, including such episodes as: Episode 85 - Pantera Episode 133 - Jimi He...

May 08, 202535 minSeason 23Ep. 232

Van Halen Pt. 2: Pulling a Gun on Fred Durst, Racing Ferraris and Lambos, and Rock ‘n’ Roll’s Most Faithful Servant

In 1985, David Lee Roth was out and Sammy Hagar was in. One of the biggest lead singer shakeups in music history led to some of the biggest sales of Van Halen's career. It also led to more drama, to Lamborghinis and Ferraris racing through the streets of Los Angeles, to military assault vehicles storming Beverly Hills, to crazed fans and loaded guns – and at the middle of it all, a modern-day warrior, a man with a code, trying to orchestrate his own survival. If there were a Mount Rushmore of gu...

May 06, 202536 minSeason 23Ep. 232

Bonus Episode: Gen X Actresses and Getting to Know You

This week in the After Party, Jake reflects on Wynona Ryder and her iconic status among Gen X. Plus, Jake wants the Disgos to get in touch and tell him a little more about yourself: What are your favorite genres of music? What books and films do you like? What are your hobbies? Next week, we're presenting part 2 of the Van Halen story, and Jake wants to know: If there were a Mount Rushmore of guitar players, who would you put on it? You can only choose four! Tell Jake at 617-906-6638, ⁠disgracel...

May 01, 202538 minSeason 23Ep. 231

Winona Ryder: Drowning, Designer Theft, and a Deadly Kidnapping

Between beatnik parents, an LSD guru godfather, and an unconventional upbringing in Northern California, it’s not surprising that Winona Ryder became America’s endearing weirdo in the 1990s. Her noir starpower shined from an early age in movies like Beetlejuice, Heathers, and Edward Scissorhands, but her penchant for dark roles would lead her towards crime in real life. The only thing weirder than Winona’s $5,000 shoplifting spree and the kidnapping of a girl from her own hometown is how the two...

Apr 29, 202538 minSeason 23Ep. 231

Bonus Episode: Rock 'n' Roll Second Acts

This week in the After Party, Jake looks at second acts in music history. Which artists went on to form successful groups whose impact matched or exceeded that of their breakthrough group? Plus, we'll hear from you on this question and more. For more great Disgraceland episodes, dive into our extensive archive, including such episodes as: Episode 92 - Derek and the Dominos Episode 154 - Jane's Addiction Episode 137 - New Order Episode 49 and 50 - Guns 'n' Roses To hear an extended version of the...

Apr 24, 202535 minSeason 23Ep. 230

Bonus Episode: Books They Don't Want You to Read and Books We Want Them to Write

This week in the After Party, Jake takes your calls on the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame and wonders why some celebrity autobiographies are so hard to find. Plus, Jake looks at which major music stars have not yet written their autobiographies and wonders if they ever will. Next week, we're bringing you a story on Chris Cornell, lead vocalist of Soundgarden and Audioslave. We want to know: Which artists followup bands were bigger or as impactful as their breakthrough bands? Tell Jake at 617-906-663...

Apr 17, 202534 minSeason 22Ep. 229

Bonus Episode: 2025 Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame Nominees and Helter Skelter

Oasis, Bad Company, Black Crowes, OutKast, White Stripes, Joe Cocker, Joy Division / New Order, Chubby Checker, Cyndi Lauper, Mana, Phish, Soundgarden, Billy Idol, and Mariah Carey. Which 7 artists would you choose to induct into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? Will Billy Idol, the consummate rock 'n' roll animal, make the cut? Next week, we're bringing you a story on Mama Cass Elliot and her connection to Charles Manson and the Tate LaBianca murders. We want to know: Do you believe that the acc...

Apr 10, 202531 minSeason 22Ep. 229

Billy Idol: A Motorcycle Crash, a Rude Awakening in Bangkok, Sexual Deviancy, and Rock ‘n’ Roll Animals

With his spiked blond hair, perpetual sneer, and gloved hands clenched in defiance, Billy Idol seemed like an avatar of punk rock dreamed up by central casting. But Idol's look, his attitude, and especially his music were completely authentic. He was a pure rock 'n' roll animal. Few rock stars lived a life as hedonistic and debaucherous as Billy Idol, and even fewer lived to tell the tale. Who is the most debaucherous star you've heard about in Disgraceland? Let Jake know at 617-906-6638, disgra...

Apr 08, 202537 minSeason 22Ep. 229

Bonus Episode: JFK, Watergate, and More From Seattle

This week in the After Party, Jake shares his thoughts on the recent release of formerly classified JFK files and how they relate to Watergate and this week's episode on Bob Dylan. Next week, we're bringing you a story on Billy Idol, and we want to know: who is the most debaucherous rock star ever? Tell Jake at 617-906-6638, disgracelandpod@gmail.com , or on socials @disgracelandpod. For more great Disgraceland episodes, dive into our extensive archive, including such episodes as: Episode 64 - P...

Apr 03, 202540 minSeason 22Ep. 225

Bob Dylan (Pt.2): BREAKING–New JFK Files Link Dylan to Richard Nixon’s Watergate Scandal

Within the recently released "JFK Files” there is a reference to a “Bobby Dyllon” and informant number “T-3390-S." This recent discovery has led to a quick consensus among many JFK assassination scholars that “Dyllon” is the lynchpin between an unknown FBI informant at the heart of a conspiracy theory that scholars are now just beginning to accept as truth: that the “Watergate” scandal was not at all what it seemed; the downfall of a corrupt politician, but was instead, the overthrow of a presid...

Apr 01, 20251 hr 2 minSeason 22Ep. 228
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