Who’s to blame for Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971)? This week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) welcomes actor Toccarra Cash to discuss the 1971 film Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory and the the downright dirty and deceitful incidents that occur while Mr. Wonka searches for an heir to his candy filled kingdom. They’re joined by Fact Checker Chris Smith and Producer Clayton Early. Is this peak Capitalism at play? Perhaps Wonka is your textbook Workaholic? Or maybe he’s taken...
May 14, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Season 1Ep. 251
New Guest Expert! On this week’s Aftermath, Rebecca follows up on the Tasman Bridge Collapse with Australian historian and Hobart native, Dr. Imogen Wegman. Considering her parents drove over the Tasman Bridge an hour before its collapse, Dr. Wegman brings new meaning to the term ‘local historian!’ Dr. Wegman also shares vital new information about the local environment, weather patterns, and topography of the region. Afterward, Patreon Subscribers can see if the verdict holds up with Fact Check...
May 09, 2024•35 min
Who’s to blame for the Tasman Bridge Collapse? This week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) welcomes Allan McLeod, host of the new podcast Walkin’ About , to discuss the Tasman Bridge Collapse in Hobart, Tasmania. Are we as a society really discussing the vulnerability of bridges enough? Could sailing familiar waters cause you to let your guard down? And what is the difference between a captain and a pilot when it comes to shipping? Fact Checker Chris Smith and Producer Clayton Early join the...
May 07, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Season 1Ep. 250
Mail Call! Hey Alarmy! It’s been awhile since we last checked in and it turns out you have a lot on the brain. Sounds like it’s time for a good old fashioned Mailbag episode. Join The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith), Fact Checker Chris Smith and Producer Clayton Early as they go through episode suggestions, reviews and reactions from listeners old and new to the Alarmy Family. Plus, there’s an update from the newest wings of The Alarmist Jail. Enjoy your mail. And don’t forget to Rate, Review, ...
May 02, 2024•43 min
Who’s to blame for the Ramree Island Crocodile Massacre? This week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) welcomes old friend and all around funny guy Arthur Meyer to discuss the gruesome events that went down at Ramree Island during WWII. With so much second hand information flying around, how big a role did the crocodile’s play afterall? Are sharks to blame too? Maybe man simply doesn’t belong in the mangroves…perhaps we need to rename that? Fact Checker Chris Smith and Producer Clayton Early j...
Apr 30, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Season 1Ep. 249
New Guest Expert! On this week’s Aftermath, Rebecca revisits the US Women’s National Soccer team pay disparity with Dr. Nancy Lough. Dr. Lough is the founding director of the Sports Innovation Institute and specializes in sports marketing, sponsorship and improving gender equity in the sports world. Her deeply insightful input is sure to fascinate, infuriate and inspire you. Afterward, Patreon subscribers can join Rebecca, Producer Clayton Early and Fact Checker Chris Smith as they revisit the v...
Apr 25, 2024•31 min
Who’s to blame for the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team Pay Disparity? This week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) welcomes filmmaker Christina Dodson and the owner of Rough and Tumble , Seattle's home for women's sports, Jen Barnes to discuss the complicated history of US Women’s Soccer and their fight for equal pay. They’re joined by Fact Checker Chris Smith and Producer Clayton Early. Does a “Weak Female” narrative have something to do with it? Maybe the original Olympic games and sports...
Apr 23, 2024•1 hr 10 min•Season 1Ep. 248
New Guest Expert! On this week’s Aftermath, Rebecca revisits the downfall of notorious mobster Al Capone with historian and author Dr. Luciano Lorizzo. Having written a biography on Capone and even growing up in Park Slope Brooklyn, where Capone spent his early days, Dr. Lorizzo shares some fascinating insights on the people and places that shaped Capone’s outward persona. Afterward, Patreon subscribers can see if the original verdict holds up with Fact Checker Chris Smith and Producer Clayton E...
Apr 18, 2024•23 min
Who’s to blame for the downfall of Al Capone? This week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) welcomes writer Seth Reiss to take on the downfall of one of history’s most infamous mobsters, Al Capone. And we nailed it! Or did we? If indeed Capone had a downfall, who was ultimately to blame? Did his violent leadership style lead to his eventual demise? Was it the familiar tale of tax evasion? Or is defeat just part of the lifestyle when you’re public enemy number one? Fact Checker Chris Smith and ...
Apr 16, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Season 1Ep. 247
New Guest Expert! On this week’s Aftermath, Rebecca speaks with Privacy AI researcher Jen Caltrider about the rising dominance of AI and the role it plays in the fictional thriller M3GAN. Full disclosure, Jen couldn't watch the movie because horror films are too scary for her. But, trust us when we say what she shares about her work and privacy concerns with developing AI is MUCH scarier. Afterward, Patreon subscribers can hear the post-interview breakdown with Fact Checker Chris Smith and Produ...
Apr 11, 2024•23 min
Who’s to blame for M3GAN (The Movie)? This week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) speaks with Actor Farah Merani about the artificial intelligence gone dreadfully awry in the 2023 box office blockbuster M3GAN. Are humans really prepared for the power of AI? Is the lure of convenience clouding our better judgment? Do we honestly think AI and childcare are a good mix? Needless to say, we’re thankful none of the events in this film have happened in real life…yet! Fact Checker Chris Smith and Pr...
Apr 09, 2024•1 hr•Season 1Ep. 246
New Guest Expert! On this week’s Aftermath, Rebecca revisits the tragic murder/suicide of Chris Benoit with author Irv Muchnick. Having written numerous books about the dark side of the sports industry, Irv thoughtfully depicts the historical culture of pro wrestling and contemplates the idea of bigger risk equaling bigger reward, but at what cost? Afterward, Patreon subscribers can hear the post-interview breakdown with Fact Checker Chris Smith and Producer Clayton Early. Will the verdict stand...
Apr 04, 2024•36 min
Who’s to blame for the Chris Benoit Murder/Suicide? This week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) welcomes return guest, and host of the Hatch true crime audio series Pillow Talk, Deanna Ortiz to discuss the tragic circumstances around the murder/suicide of professional wrestler Chris Benoit in 2007. They’re joined by Fact Checker Chris Smith and Producer Clayton Early. We know who did it, but could years of steroid abuse give us some insight as to why Chris Benoit took the life of his wife an...
Apr 02, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Season 1Ep. 245
New Guest Expert! On this week’s Aftermath, Rebecca speaks with Dr. Gabi Hegerl about her expertise in climate system science and how her research on the record breaking heat waves during the 1930’s in America’s great plains led her to one of their biggest contributing factors, what we now know as The Dust Bowl. Afterward, Patreon subscribers can hear the post-interview breakdown with Producer Clayton Early and Fact Checker Chris Smith and reflect with the crew on some of the simple and approach...
Mar 28, 2024•19 min
Who’s to blame for The Dust Bowl? This week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) welcomes fellow podcaster Mike Rugnetta, host of Never Post , to discuss a major bump in the road during America’s westward expansion. Well, more like a big bowl of dust which swept up the country's notion of manifest destiny. Was this wheat bubble also part of our destiny or was it created by poor planning and farming practices? Perhaps WWI had something to do with it? And let us never forget Mother Nature! Fact C...
Mar 26, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Season 1Ep. 244
Guest Expert? Make it a double! As promised, we have the first ever Aftermath Doubleheader this week. First up, join Rebecca as she chats with historian Dr. Josiah Osgood about the assassination of one of Rome’s most famous citizens, Julius Caesar. Then, stay tuned as she revisits the Cancellation of Armie Hammer with Dr. Gloria Brame, a published author with a PHD in Human Sexuality. And if you’re still craving more, join us over on Patreon for the post-interview discussions. Join our Patreon! ...
Mar 21, 2024•1 hr 4 min
Who’s to blame for the cancellation of Armie Hammer? This week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) welcomes friends and hosts of the podcast Non Drinking Buddies Rebekka Johnson and Anne Gregory to discuss the highly disturbing circumstances around the cancelation of Hollywood celebrity Armie Hammer. They’re joined by Fact Checker Chris Smith and Producer Clayton Early. How does kink shaming factor into the toxic power dynamics at play? Could an obsession with public image be to blame? Or perh...
Mar 19, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Season 1Ep. 243
New Mailbag! This week, we’re pushing back our Julius Caesar Aftermath just a tad for a much needed Mailbag catch up session. We’ve got new insights on past episodes, a few Alarmy members writing in to defend Fact Checker Chris and some intriguing new listener suggestions for future topics. Plus, there’s a new wing in The Alarmist Jail! Tune in to hear all about it. And don’t worry, we’re not done with Julius Caesar just yet. We'll have an Aftermath double header next week. Stay safe Alarmy. And...
Mar 14, 2024•35 min
Who’s to blame for the Assassination of Julius Caesar? This week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) welcomes comedian DeAnne Smith to discuss the alluring life of Julius Caesar and his dramatic ascension to prominence, adoration and ultimately assassination. They’re joined by Fact Checker Chris Smith and Producer Clayton Early. Were Caesar’s dictator tendencies the cause of his demise? Was Brutus destined to carry out this violent act to honor his family's legacy? Or was Caesar himself to bla...
Mar 12, 2024•1 hr•Season 1Ep. 242
New Guest Expert! On this week’s Aftermath, Rebecca returns to the Mary Kay Letourneau case with Dr. Elizabeth Jeglic. Dr. Jeglic is a clinical psychologist and Professor of Psychology at John Jay College in New York. Together, they discuss the process of sexual grooming, the gender stereotypes and misconceptions at play at the time and the shift this case represented for American culture. Afterward, Patreon subscribers can join Fact Checker Chris Smith and Producer Clayton Early for the post-in...
Mar 07, 2024•22 min
Who’s to blame for the Mary Kay Letourneau Case? This week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) welcomes award winning journalist and cohost of the podcast In Retrospect Jessica Bennett to revisit the long and complicated case of Mary Kay Letourneau and her 12 year old student Vili Fualaau. Why was Mary Kay given such a lenient initial sentencing? Were the 90’s media and entertainment industries exacerbating the gender double standards at play? Perhaps Mary Kay’s ultra conservative upbringing p...
Mar 05, 2024•57 min•Season 1Ep. 241
New Guest Expert! On this week’s Aftermath, Rebecca speaks with Dr. Arjune Rama about the untimely death of music legend Kurt Cobain. Arjune Rama, MD is a psychiatrist and a Clinical Adjunct Associate Professor at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. In his private practice he provides psychodynamic psychotherapy, psychoanalysis and medication management. He can be reached at www.arjuneramamd.com . In the interview, Dr. Rama discusses the ongoing struggles Kurt faced...
Feb 29, 2024•32 min
Who’s to blame for the Death of Kurt Cobain? This week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) keeps things in-house with Producer Clayton Early and Fact Checker Chris Smith to discuss the life, death and legacy of Kurt Cobain. The anti-pop star who forever transformed the music landscape, whose life was cut short at the young age of 27. What were the factors that contributed to his death by suicide. Did the pressure of fame result in a debilitating sense of shame and humiliation? Did chronic pain...
Feb 27, 2024•55 min•Season 1Ep. 240
New Guest Expert! On this week’s Aftermath, Rebecca revisits the devastating 1931 Central China Floods with history professor Dr. Zhigou Ye. In her work, Dr. Ye touches on the transformation of China from an agricultural empire into a modernized society and the hazards that came along with that rush to industrialization. Especially when those efforts encounter a once in a lifetime environmental disaster. Afterward, Patreon subscribers can see if the initial verdict holds up in the post interview...
Feb 22, 2024•39 min
Who’s to blame for the 1931 Central China Floods? This week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) welcomes friend and Amaro maker David Bly to discuss the devastating 1931 floods along the Yangtze River in China and the catastrophic loss of life that followed. There’s only so much we can do when Mother Nature slaps us with a deluge of unprecedented weather events, but could better flood control measures have saved more lives? Perhaps the political turmoil at the time contributed to the poor reli...
Feb 20, 2024•1 hr•Season 1Ep. 239
New Guest Expert! On this week’s Aftermath, Rebecca speaks with relationship therapist and Love Talk Live podcast host Jaime Bronstein about the complicated relationship dynamics playing out in the popular rom-com My Best Friend’s Wedding. Jaime reflects on marriage pacts, dating culture shifts, effective communication and reminds us that it’s always a good idea to be in touch with your own feelings while navigating a meaningful relationship. Afterward, Patreon subscribers can get Fact Checker C...
Feb 15, 2024•24 min
Who’s to blame for My Best Friend’s Wedding? This week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) welcomes the host of That's A Gay Ass Podcast Eric Williams to discuss the highly chaotic sabotage and shenanigans in the 1997 rom-com My Best Friend’s Wedding starring America’s sweetheart herself, Julia Roberts. Is the societal pressure to marry young to blame? Perhaps Jules and Michael aren’t the “Best Friends” they thought they were. Or maybe they all just needed some good old fashioned therapy. Prod...
Feb 13, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Season 1Ep. 238
New Guest Expert! On this week’s Aftermath, Rebecca speaks with author and NYTimes health journalist Gina Kolata about the devastating 1918 flu pandemic and its lasting legacy. Gina draws parallels from our recent experience with Covid-19 and reminds us that viruses truly never go away, people often just choose to forget about them. Afterward, Patreon subscribers can listen as Rebecca and Producer Clayton Early revisit the board and decide if anything Gina mentioned altered the verdict. Not on P...
Feb 07, 2024•21 min
Who’s to blame for the Spanish Flu? This week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) welcomes Actor Avital Ash to the show to discuss the catastrophically devastating flu pandemic which wreaked unprecedented havoc throughout the world from 1918-1920. What conditions were in place at the time that allowed for such a widespread outbreak? Could the war effort be to blame? Were poor living conditions a contributing factor? And why is it even called the Spanish Flu to begin with? Fact Checker Chris Sm...
Feb 06, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Season 1Ep. 237
New Guest Expert! On this week’s Aftermath, Rebecca speaks with Communications Strategist Robbie Vorhaus about the fallout from the Super Bowl XXXVIII Halftime Show featuring Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake. Robbie highlights some important pop culture moments that happened shortly before this epic event, details the extreme precision and scrutiny that goes into a halftime show production and reminds us that the network executives knew exactly who they were hiring for the job. Afterwards, Pa...
Feb 01, 2024•28 min
