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The Alarmist

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Who is to blame for history's greatest tragedies? The Plague. The sinking of The Titanic. The break-up of the Beatles. Writer/Comedian Rebecca Delgado-Smith, along with a special guest, scrutinizes history’s greatest disasters to figure out what went wrong, and most importantly, who’s to blame. This comedy podcast is the perfect remedy to our everyday anxiety! They say history repeats itself, not on The Alarmist's watch!

Thrillist called The Alarmist one of the best new podcasts of 2019 saying, "It's hilarious, informative and addictive."

Maria Claire named The Alarmist one of the best new podcasts of 2020.


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Episodes

THE DEATH OF JUDY GARLAND: WHO IS TO BLAME?

Who’s to blame for the death of Judy Garland? This week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) speaks with Comedy Gives Back co-founder and host of the Ignite Change podcast Amber J Lawson about the legendary Judy Garland and her premature death at the age of only 47. There’s not much this storied icon didn’t endure throughout her life. From childhood trauma, addiction, exploitation and the Hollywood machine, this board is packed. Fact Checker Chris Smith and Producer Clayton Early help break it ...

Jun 20, 20231 hr 1 minSeason 1Ep. 204

The Aftermath: Loving vs. Virginia

New Guest Expert! On this week’s Aftermath, Rebecca speaks with author Patricia Hruby Powell about the ongoing legacy of the historic Supreme Court case Loving v. Virginia. Author of Loving vs. Virginia: A Documentary Novel of the Landmark Civil Rights Case , Patricia shares more about who the Lovings were and the years of hardship they had to endure all because they wanted to marry the person they loved. Afterward, Fact Checker Chris Smith and Producer Clayton Early revisit the verdict with Reb...

Jun 15, 202321 min

LOVING v. VIRGINIA: WHO IS TO BLAME?

Who’s to blame for Loving v. Virginia? This week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) speaks with actor Dinora Walcott about the landmark US Supreme Court case Loving v. Virginia which resulted in a big win for civil rights advocates by finally overturning state laws which prohibited interracial marriage. Why were these laws on the books in the first place? And what took so long to remove them?  Associate Producer Krystal Dinsberg and Producer Clayton Early join the conversation.  Joi...

Jun 13, 202359 minSeason 1Ep. 203

The Aftermath: The Murder of Scott Amedure

New Guest Expert! On this week’s Aftermath, Rebecca speaks with Social Studies teacher and LGBTQ Historian David Duffield about the broader history of queer culture and oppression leading up to the tragic murder of Scott Amedure after his appearance on the Jenny Jones Show. We revisit the Gay Panic defense, discuss the straight washing which was occuring at the time and reflect on the price the LGBTQ community had to pay for its newfound visibility in 90’s America.  Join our Patreon! We hav...

Jun 08, 202314 min

THE MURDER OF SCOTT AMEDURE: WHO IS TO BLAME?

Who’s to blame for the murder of Scott Amedure? This week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) welcomes back friend of the show Tony Rodriguez to discuss the tragic and brutal murder of Scott Amedure after his appearance on The Jenny Jones Show in 1995. What could have possibly led to such an extreme reaction from an innocent on-air confession? Was the reaction Jonathan Schmitz’ alone or was it rooted in the culture? Associate Producer Krystal Dinsberg and Producer Clayton Early join the conver...

Jun 06, 202356 minSeason 1Ep. 202

Announcement!

Iceberg! Straight Ahead??!....Not on The Alarmists watch! Calling all Alarmy members. Don't panic. Do tune in. Your Alarmist needs you! Before we resume this week's regularly scheduled programming, there's some exciting new developments to share with The Alarmy. We have a Patreon! A Patreon? That's right, you heard it here first. Join The OG Alarmist Rebecca Delgado Smith, Fact Checker Chris Smith and Producer Clayton Early as they tell you all about the fantastic new offerings the show has...

Jun 05, 20237 min

The Aftermath: The Galveston Hurricane of 1900

New Guest Expert! On this week’s Aftermath, Rebecca speaks with author and Galveston cultural historian Jami Durham to discuss the catastrophic Galveston Hurricane of 1900. As an employee of the Galveston Historical Foundation since 1998 and with a background in research and museum management, Jami shares a very intimate and detailed account of the events that have forever changed the tight-knit community of Galveston. Afterward, Producer Clayton Early stops by to revisit the verdict with Rebecc...

Jun 01, 202334 min

THE GALVESTON HURRICANE OF 1900: WHO IS TO BLAME?

Who’s to blame for the Galveston Hurricane of 1900? This week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) speaks with comedian, filmmaker and Texas resident Meghan Ross about the deadliest storm ever in American history, the Galveston Hurricane of 1900? Whether it was an act of God or the wrath of Mother Nature, there’s a little more to this story which led to the unspeakable loss of life. Fact Checker Krystal Dinsberg and Producer Clayton Early help break down this catastrophic Natural Disaster. We h...

May 30, 202355 minSeason 1Ep. 201

The Aftermath: The Kidnapping of Patty Hearst

New Guest Expert! On this week’s Aftermath, Rebecca speaks with author Rachael Hanel about the polarizing case of Patty Hearst and her kidnapping by the SLA in 1974. Author of  Not the Camilla We Knew: One Woman’s Path from Small-town America to the Symbionese Liberation Army, Rachael reminds us of the trauma Patty Hearst was initially subjected to, and reflects on the mystery which still looms large over this fascinating moment in American history. Afterward, Producer Clayton Early stops b...

May 25, 202332 min

THE KIDNAPPING OF PATTY HEARST: WHO IS TO BLAME?

Who’s to blame for the Kidnapping of Patty Hearst? This week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) welcomes actor and comedian Claire Burns to discuss the very infamous circumstances surrounding the kidnapping and radicalization of Patty Hearst. Was Stockholm Syndrome the cause or effect? And what was going on in 1970’s America that led to the formation of the SLA? Fact Checker Krystal Dinsberg and Producer Clayton Early help crack the case. We have merch! Join our Discord! Tell us who you think...

May 23, 202356 minSeason 1Ep. 200

The Aftermath: The Mike Tyson Ear Bite

New Guest Expert! On this week’s Aftermath, Rebecca speaks with Mark Nelson about the infamous boxing match between Mike Tyson and Evander Hollyfield. A match that will forever mark Mike Tyson as an ear biter. As a championship referee for all 4 major boxing organizations with over 30 years of experience, Mark walks us through the technicalities of the match and shares his insights on the mental preparation and unique experience of being a championship referee. Afterward, Producer Clayton Early ...

May 18, 202332 min

THE KISS NIGHTCLUB FIRE OF 2013: WHO IS TO BLAME?

Who’s to blame for the Kiss Nightclub Fire of 2013? This week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) welcomes back good friend of the show Adam Lustick to discuss the tragic circumstances surrounding the Kiss Nightclub Fire in Brazil which resulted in a devastating loss of life. Was this due to a lack of exits, improper permitting, the Clubowners greed, or all of the above? Producer Clayton Early and new Associate Producer Krystal Dinsberg help break down all haunting details.  We have merch...

May 16, 202355 minSeason 1Ep. 199

The Aftermath: May Mailbag!

New Mailbag! This week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) sits down with Producer Clayton Early for a much needed mailbag catch-up session. From talking Tudors, pushing back on potential Capitalism culprits and hearing from an Alarmy member who has an actual family connection to the sinking of General Slocum this mailbag means business. Join us as we catch up with the Alarmy and then head over so you can rate, subscribe and review!  We have merch! Join our Discord! Tell us who you think ...

May 11, 202340 min

THE MIKE TYSON EAR BITE: WHO IS TO BLAME?

Who’s to blame for the Mike Tyson Ear Bite? This week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) welcomes boxing coach Keith Mckay to discuss the notorious “Bite Fight” between Mike Tyson and Evander Hollyfield. Did the much speculated head butting have something to do with it? Should the referee and physician have called off the match? Or perhaps Mike Tyson’s pettiness is to blame. It seems safe to say, Hollyfield’s ears may have taken the hit, but this match was definitely below the belt! Producer ...

May 09, 202353 minSeason 1Ep. 198

The Aftermath: America's Late-Stage Capitalism

New Guest Expert! On this week’s Aftermath, Rebecca speaks with historian and Professor of History at SUNY Purchase, Dr. Jessica Levy about all things Capitalism. Host of the Podcast WHO MAKES CENTS: A History of Capitalism, Professor Levy does a meticulous job of walking us through the many contributing factors to Capitalism's origins and what it looks like in modern American society. Afterward, Producer Clayton Early and Fact Checker Chris Smith take it all in and revisit the board with Rebecc...

May 04, 202352 min

AMERICA'S LATE-STAGE CAPITALISM: WHO IS TO BLAME?

Who’s to blame for America’s Late-Stage Capitalism? This week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) welcomes Comedian Jeffrey Elizabeth Copeland to the show to discuss one of the most infamous and most common culprits on the Alarmist Board: Capitalism. After nearly taking the fall for so many past tragedies, it’s anyone’s guess as to who, or what, will take the fall for this behemoth. Needless to say, Fact Checker Chris Smith and Producer Clayton Early enthusiastically join the conversation. We ...

May 02, 20231 hr 1 minSeason 1Ep. 197

The Aftermath: The Attica Prison Uprising

New Guest Expert! On this week’s Aftermath, Rebecca revisits the Attica Prison Uprising with Pulitzer Prize-winning author Dr. Heather Ann Thompson. From her years of research, Dr. Thompson reminds us of the extreme brutality these prisoners were subjected to, both before and after the uprising, and the disinformation that followed, which has negatively impacted the US prison system to this day. Afterward, Producer Clayton Early and Fact Checker Chris Smith stop by to revisit the verdict. We hav...

Apr 27, 202337 min

THE ATTICA PRISON UPRISING: WHO IS TO BLAME?

Who’s to blame for the Attica Prison Uprising? This week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) welcomes good friend Sean Conway to discuss the complicated circumstances surrounding the Attica Prison protests and the tragic deaths of both inmates and corrections officers which followed. They’re joined by Fact Checker Chris Smith and Producer Clayton Early. Was this the result of something as insignificant as a faulty prison gate or was there more bubbling beneath the surface? We have merch! Join ...

Apr 25, 202358 minSeason 1Ep. 196

The Aftermath: The A Million Little Pieces Book Scandal

New Guest Expert! On this week’s Aftermath, Rebecca speaks with writer and editor David Lazar about A Million Little Pieces and his views on the state of the modern memoir. A prolific essayist, David reminds us of the importance of genre and the somewhat elusive concept of truth value and how these can impact the delicate relationship between the author and the reader.  Afterward, Fact Checker Chris Smith and Producer Clayton Early stop by to break it all down and see if the verdict holds u...

Apr 20, 202337 min

THE A MILLION LITTLE PIECES BOOK SCANDAL: WHO IS TO BLAME?

Who’s to blame for the A Million Little Pieces Book Scandal? This week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) speaks with prolific podcaster Eric Silver about James Frey and his detail-doctored memoir turned scandal A Million Little Pieces. They’re joined by Fact Checker Chris Smith and Producer Clayton Early. Could Oprah go to The Alarmist Jail for this one?! Are James Frey’s literary heroes to blame? Or is the publishing industry at fault for this one? Meet the Alarmist's newest jailbird! We ha...

Apr 18, 202358 minSeason 1Ep. 195

The Aftermath: The 10 Plagues of Egypt

New Guest Expert! On this week’s Aftermath, Rebecca speaks with Dr. Carol Meyers about one of the Bible’s more popular narratives, The 10 Plagues of Egypt. Having written extensively on the book of Exodus, Dr. Meyer’s breaks down the meaning of the word ‘Plague’ in Hebrew and demonstrates the ways in which the biblical vs. historical events of these “10 Plagues” tell a somewhat different story. Afterward, Producer Clayton Early and Fact Checker Chris Smith stop by to regroup with Rebecca.  ...

Apr 13, 202336 min

THE 10 PLAGUES OF EGYPT: WHO IS TO BLAME?

This week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) speaks with writer and comedian Rachel Bloom about the 10 Plagues of Egypt and who or what could possibly be responsible for this epic series of horrors. Was this the work of God or the work of Mother Nature? And what’s the continuing legacy and importance of this story in modern times? Fact Checker Chris Smith and Producer Clayton Early join the conversation.  We have merch! Join our Discord! Tell us who you think is to blame at http://theala...

Apr 11, 202352 minSeason 1Ep. 194

The Aftermath: The Dave Matthews Band Chicago River Incident

New Guest Expert! On this week’s Aftermath, Rebecca revisits the Dave Matthews Band Chicago River Incident with tour bus expert Jamie Morral. Founder and President of JGM Coaches, Jamie has been managing coach rentals and drivers for over 20 years. Needless to say, he has some interesting insights to share about the tour bus industry and the clients they cater to. Afterward, Fact Checker Chris Smith and Producer Clayton Early stop by to reconsider the verdict with Rebecca. We have merch! Join ou...

Apr 06, 202321 min

THE DAVE MATTHEWS BAND CHICAGO RIVER INCIDENT: WHO IS TO BLAME?

Who’s to blame for the Dave Matthews Band Chicago River Incident? This week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) welcomes writer and fellow Earios Network podcaster Lesley Arfin to discuss the truly unfortunate Dave Matthews Band Tour Bus incident. While the driver may have fessed up to crime, something still stinks about the details of this one. Fact Checker Chris Smith and Producer Clayton Early try to help crack the case. Up on the board: An Elbow, Four Season Bus Company and Dave Matthews h...

Apr 04, 202349 minSeason 1Ep. 193

The Aftermath: The Deaths of Claude Cahun & Marcel Moore

New Guest Expert! On this week’s Aftermath, Rebecca speaks with Jennifer L. Shaw - Professor Emeritus of Art History at Sonoma State University. Author of Exist Otherwise: The Life and Work of Claude Cahun , Professor Shaw sheds more light on the uniquely rebellious progressive art Claude and Marcel were producing in the surrealist community at the time and reminds us of the ongoing gender bias in the art world. Afterward, Producer Clayton Early and Fact Checker Chris Smith stop by to revisit th...

Mar 30, 202344 min

THE DEATHS OF CLAUDE CAHUN & MARCEL MOORE: WHO IS TO BLAME?

Who’s to blame for the Deaths of Claude Cahun & Marcel Moore? This week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) welcomes the hilarious Paula Poundstone to discuss the lives and deaths of queer artists, writers and Nazi resisters Claude Cahun and Marcel Moore. They’re joined by Fact Checker Chris Smith and Producer Clayton Early. Is this the episode where You Know Who finally ends up in The Alarmist Jail where they belong? Tune in and find out! We have merch! Join our Discord! Tell us who you t...

Mar 28, 202350 minSeason 1Ep. 192

The Aftermath: The Port Chicago Weapons Disaster

New Guest Expert! On this week’s Aftermath, Rebecca speaks with author and historian Dr. Matthew Delmont about the Port Chicago Weapons Disaster. Professor of History at Dartmouth University, Professor Delmont details the humiliating and often dangerous circumstances African American soldiers were forced to endure while defending their own country during WWII. Afterward, Producer Clayton Early and Fact Checker Chris Smith stop by to revisit the verdict.  We have merch! Join our Discord! Tel...

Mar 23, 202330 min

THE JONBENET RAMSEY MURDER: WHO IS TO BLAME?

Who’s to blame for the JonBenet Ramsey Murder? This week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) welcomes back guest Julianne Turkel to discuss the tragic murder of JonBenet Ramsey and the bizarre and somewhat dumbfounding details surrounding this unsolved mystery. Between false confessions, intense public speculation and a botched police investigation, it’s no wonder this case continues to fascinate the world to this day. They’re joined by Fact Checker Chris Smith and Producer Clayton Early.&nbsp...

Mar 21, 202357 minSeason 1Ep. 191

The Aftermath: March Mailbag!

New Mailbag! This week, the mailbag runneth over and The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) sits down with Producer Clayton Early and Fact Checker Chris Smith to see what’s on the Alarmy’s mind. There’s fascinating thoughts from new listeners about older episodes, reflections from OG listeners about the recent Daylights Savings episode and even an attempt to cast the female shark from the novel JAWS. Rate, review, subscribe and STAY ALARMED! We have merch! Join our Discord! Tell us who you think i...

Mar 16, 202338 min

Introducing Against the Odds: Alaska Bear Attack

Against the Odds is a podcast from Wondery about regular, everyday people who found themselves fighting for their lives against unthinkable odds. old from the point of view of the survivors, you’ll feel first-hand what it was like for them to fight to stay alive. Like the Alaska Bear Attack, a backcountry ski trip with three friends that turned into a living nightmare when they unknowingly skied over a den and awoke a mother bear and her cub from hibernation. Bleeding and hypothermia were immine...

Mar 14, 20236 min
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