Who’s to blame for the Love Parade Disaster? This week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) welcomes guest Becky Yamamoto to discuss the Duisburg, Germany music festival turned nightmare in 2010. What was intended as a free day of music, love and camaraderie ended in panic taking the lives of 21 people and injuring hundreds more. Was this a crowd control problem, a venue issue or a lack of adequate organization? Perhaps all of the above? Producer Clayton Early and Fact Checker Chris Smith...
Feb 18, 2025•57 min•Season 1Ep. 291
On this week’s Aftermath, Rebecca welcomes Captain Scott Miller back on the air to discuss the tragic demise of Alaska Airlines Flight 261. A certified Flight Instructor with decades of experience as a pilot for a major US airline under his belt, Scott masterfully explains the unique technical issues happening during this routine flight. He also shares a few surprising details that might change your understanding of the situation. Afterward, Patreon subscribers can join Fact Checker Chris Smith ...
Feb 13, 2025•28 min
Who’s to blame for the Alaska Airlines Flight 261 Crash? This week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) sits down with Producer Clayton Early and Fact Checker Chris Smith to discuss the tragic fate of Alaska Airlines Flight 261 on January 31, 2000. Given the valiant efforts by the pilots and flight crew to stabilize the plane and bring it down gently to safety, it seems all the more a cruel fate when it finally unraveled in those crucial final moments, taking the lives of everyone on board. Cou...
Feb 11, 2025•55 min•Season 1Ep. 290
On this week’s Aftermath, Rebecca sits down with Fact Checker Chris Smith and Producer Clayton Early to discuss the continuing aftermath of the LA Fires. We share some personal details about the recovery process and the kind words and gestures received from so many friends and family across the country. Tune in for listener questions and hear about ways you can help those affected by the fires. As always, we’re grateful to our beautiful Alarmy community. Stay tuned, we’ll get back to our regular...
Feb 06, 2025•45 min•Season 1Ep. 289
Hey Alarmy. We’ve missed you. This week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) sits down with Fact Checker Chris Smith, Producer Clayton Early and special guest Amanda Lund to bring you an update on the Eaton Canyon and Palisades Fires which have decimated much of our beloved Los Angeles. We’re taking this time to process this unprecedented event and share some personal accounts of what happened during the storm. And most importantly, we wanted you to know we’re safe. We’re so grateful for your c...
Feb 04, 2025•55 min•Season 1Ep. 289
Due to the recent fires in Los Angeles, we are experiencing some delays with our scheduled programing. Thankfully, the Alarmist Team is safe, but we have been impacted by the Eaton Fire. We appreciate your patience during this time and look forward to being alarmed together. For updates, follow us on instagram @thealarmistpodcast or subscribe to our Patreon. Our hearts are with everyone in our beloved city, especially those who lost everything. Stay safe and as always, stay alarmed. On thi...
Jan 30, 2025•32 min
Due to the recent fires in Los Angeles, we are experiencing some delays with our scheduled programing. Thankfully, the Alarmist Team is safe, but we have been impacted by the Eaton Fire. We appreciate your patience during this time and look forward to being alarmed together. For updates, follow us on instagram @thealarmistpodcast or subscribe to our Patreon. Our hearts are with everyone in our beloved city, especially those who lost everything. Stay safe and as always, stay alarmed. In thi...
Jan 28, 2025•48 min•Season 1Ep. 288
Due to the recent fires in Los Angeles, we are experiencing some delays with our scheduled programing. Thankfully, the Alarmist Team is safe, but we have been impacted by the Eaton Fire. We appreciate your patience during this time and look forward to being alarmed together. For updates, follow us on instagram @thealarmistpodcast or subscribe to our Patreon. Our hearts are with everyone in our beloved city, especially those who lost everything. Stay safe and as always, stay alarmed. On thi...
Jan 23, 2025•38 min
Due to the recent fires in Los Angeles, we are experiencing some delays with our scheduled programing. Thankfully, the Alarmist Team is safe, but we have been impacted by the Eaton Fire. We appreciate your patience during this time and look forward to being alarmed together. For updates, follow us on instagram @thealarmistpodcast or subscribe to our Patreon. Our hearts are with everyone in our beloved city, especially those who lost everything. Stay safe and as always, stay alarmed. WAS A ...
Jan 21, 2025•49 min•Season 1Ep. 287
Due to the recent fires in Los Angeles, we are experiencing some delays with our scheduled programing. Thankfully, the Alarmist Team is safe, but we have been impacted by the Eaton Fire. We appreciate your patience during this time and look forward to being alarmed together. For updates, follow us on instagram @thealarmistpodcast or subscribe to our Patreon. Our hearts are with everyone in our beloved city, especially those who lost everything. Stay safe and as always, stay alarmed. On thi...
Jan 16, 2025•46 min
Due to the recent fires in Los Angeles, we are experiencing some delays with our scheduled programing. Thankfully, the Alarmist Team is safe, but we have been impacted by the Eaton Fire. We appreciate your patience during this time and look forward to being alarmed together. For updates, follow us on instagram @thealarmistpodcast or subscribe to our Patreon. Our hearts are with everyone in our beloved city, especially those who lost everything. Stay safe and as always, stay alarmed. On thi...
Jan 14, 2025•51 min•Season 1Ep. 286
On this week's Aftermath REWIND, best-selling author Helen Rappaport, provides insight into the lives of the Romanov family leading up to their execution. What she says just might change The Alarmist's verdict! Find more information on Helen's work regarding the Romanov's here. Join our Patreon! Join our Discord! Tell us who you think is to blame at http://thealarmistpodcast.com Email us at [email protected] Follow us on Instagram @thealarmistpodcast Follow us on Twitter @alarmistThe ...
Jan 09, 2025•37 min
On this weeks REWIND, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) decides who is to blame for the violent execution of the Romanovs. She is joined by Reality Life podcast host, Kate Casey, Fact Checker Chris Smith and Producer Amanda Lund. On the board this week: Rasputin, Nicholas II, and a Faberge Egg. Join our Patreon! Join our Discord! Tell us who you think is to blame at http://thealarmistpodcast.com Email us at [email protected] Follow us on Instagram @thealarmistpodcast Follow u...
Jan 07, 2025•41 min•Season 1Ep. 285
REWIND: Who’s to blame for the great 2020 Pot Pie Disaster? Hey Alarmeon! We're kicking off the New Year with a Guest Alarmist oldie, but a goodie. Who could forget OG Producer Amanda Lund's sordid tale of an ornery cat and a tasty pot pie gone awry. We hope you enjoy! We're also taking a little time to remind you to help us spread the word about our Alarmeon family here on Patreon. Rate. Review. Subscribe. Tell your friends and family. Gift a patreon subscription to that friend who's a fellow h...
Jan 02, 2025•40 min
Who’s to blame for the rent due in RENT? This week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) is wrapping up 2024 by keeping things all in the family with Associate Producer Krystal Dinsberg, Fact Checker Chris Smith and Producer Clayton Early. Together, The Alarmist Crew take on the 1996 rock opera musical RENT and try to decide who or what is ultimately to blame for this year’s rent, last year’s rent...oh, you know the rest. Could the hard knocks of the artist's life be at fault? Perhaps Benny and ...
Dec 31, 2024•1 hr 17 min•Season 1Ep. 284
On this week’s Aftermath REWIND, Rebecca speaks with author Alex Palmer about the years-long Santa Claus Association con. An actual relative of John Gluck(!), Alex offers fascinating insight into the man himself and the national mood at the time around charitable donations and the holiday spirit. Afterward, Producer Clayton Early and Fact Checker Chris Smith stop by to revisit the verdict and bask in the warmth of yet another Alarmist holiday season. Happy Holidays Alarmy! Join our P...
Dec 26, 2024•54 min
Who’s to blame for the Santa Claus Association Scandal? In this week's REWIND, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) speaks with fellow podcaster and Christmas expert Brian Earl about the Santa Claus Association scheme which defrauded thousands of New York City charitable donors and hopeful children in need. They’re joined by Fact Checker Chris Smith and Producer Clayton Early. Could America’s obsession with the Christmas spirit take the fall for this one?! Grab a cup of hot cocoa and see who's o...
Dec 24, 2024•45 min•Ep. 283
New Guest Expert! On this week’ Aftermath, Rebecca speaks with Dr. Michelle Martinez about the 1984 film Gremlins. A Professor of Film Studies at Arizona State University, with a focus on the intersection of culture and media, Dr. Martinez masterfully articulates the historical context in which the film was released and the cultural significance of the themes touched on throughout the movie. Afterward, Patreon subscribers can revisit the board with Fact Checker Chris Smith and Producer Clayton E...
Dec 19, 2024•36 min
Who’s to blame for the Gremlins? This week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) welcomes back Mary Grill to discuss the horrifyingly funny 1980’s holiday classic, Gremlins. It’s cute, it’s campy, it’s cringe. Heck, it’s Christmas! Could being too cute be deadly? Are Gremlins just a manifestation of the ugliness that’s inside all of us? And why is everyone so completely blinded by their capitalistic ways that they don’t recognize the extreme danger right in front of them? Fact Checker Chri...
Dec 17, 2024•59 min•Season 1Ep. 282
New Guest Expert! On this week’s Aftermath, Rebecca speaks with Professor Scott W. Berg about the unique set of circumstances leading up to The Great Chicago Fire. Author of, “The Burning of the World: The Great Chicago Fire and the War for a City’s Soul” Scott lends some much needed context to the hustle and bustle of Chicago life at the time as well as the socioeconomic dynamics at play. Afterword, Patreon subscribers can listen as Fact Checker Chris Smith and Producer Clayton Early revisit th...
Dec 12, 2024•34 min
Who’s to blame for The Great Chicago Fire? This week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) welcomes comedian Benny Blue to discuss the unfortunate circumstances that led to Chicago’s biggest and deadliest fire and the nasty rumors about its origins which circulated the country for decades afterwards. They’re joined by Fact Checker Chris Smith and Producer Clayton Early. Could an overworked Fire Department be to blame? Did a group of neighbors partying in Mrs. O’Learys barn mistakenly start the b...
Dec 10, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Season 1Ep. 281
Mailbag Alert! Hey Alarmy. The mailbag is turning into a bit of a mailroom…So, Rebecca, Clayton and Chris are heading on over to the mailroom to check in with you. We’ve got some exciting new episode suggestions to look forward to and a fascinating listener revelation about the year 1919. Plus, we’re reading our way through our next book club selection over on Patreon. Foster by Claire Keegan. Get your copy now if you haven’t already. And a friendly Alarmist reminder to stay alarmed ...
Dec 05, 2024•36 min
Who’s to blame for the Goiania Accident? This week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) welcomes Katy Hearne-Church and Nathan Foster, hosts of Queens Podcast , to discuss the seemingly innocent, yet highly consequential Goiania Accident in Brazil. Could our affinity for shiny things be to blame? Does radioactive material have a branding problem? And why was something so lethal left behind at an abandoned hospital in the first place? Fact Checker Chris Smith and Producer Clayton Early joi...
Dec 03, 2024•57 min•Season 1Ep. 280
In this week's Aftermath REWIND, Rebecca speaks with Pulitzer-prize winning American science journalist Deborah Blum. Director of the Knight Science Journalism program at MIT and author of six books, including The Poison Squad (2018) and The Poisoner’s Handbook (2010), she makes a compelling argument for a new potential verdict. Fact Checker Chris Smith and Producer Clayton Early stop by to discuss. Join our Patreon! We have merch! Join our Discord! Tell us who you think is to ...
Nov 28, 2024•39 min
IS IT POSSIBLE THE FASHION INDUSTRY INFLUENCED THE BRADFORD SWEETS POISONING? On this week's REWIND, the Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) is joined by Special Guest Suni Reyes, Fact Checker Chris Smith, and Producer Clayton Early to discuss the 1858 Bradford Sweets Poisoning. Should sugar be added to the list of Illegal Substances? Join our Patreon! We have merch! Join our Discord! Tell us who you think is to blame at http://thealarmistpodcast.com Email us at thealarmistpodcast@gmail...
Nov 26, 2024•55 min•Season 1Ep. 279
New Guest Expert! On this week’s Aftermath, Rebecca revisits the Night of the Grizzlies with wildlife advocate and conservation scientist Dr. Peter Alagona. Pete’s current project is the California Grizzly Research Network studying the future of Grizzlies in the state and he has some pretty tough food for thought when it comes to bears and our co-existence with them. Afterward, Patreon subscribers can revisit the OG board with Fact Checker Chris Smith and Producer Clayton Early and see if the ve...
Nov 21, 2024•40 min
Who’s to blame for the Night of the Grizzlies? This week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) welcomes writer and podcaster James III (co-host of the podcast Tiny Dinos ) to discuss the gruesome details of the Night of the Grizzlies in Glacier National Park. Is this yet another case of humans getting handsy or had America somehow forgotten about the dangers of bears in the wild? Could the animated classic Yogi the Bear have somehow allowed us to let our guard down? More importantly, are we doin...
Nov 19, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Season 1Ep. 278
On this week's Aftermath Rewind, Rebecca Delgado Smith talks with director of the Space Shuttle Solid Rocket Motor Project for the engineering contractor Morton Thiokol at the time of the Challenger disaster, Allan McDonald, and what he says might change the verdict. Learn more about the Challenger Disaster by reading Allan Mcdonald's book, Truth, Lies and O-Rings: Inside the Space Shuttle Challenger Disaste r. Join our Patreon! We have merch! Join our Discord! Tell us who you think is to blame ...
Nov 14, 2024•43 min
On this weeks REWIND, The Alarmist, Rebecca Delgado Smith, decides who is to blame for the Space Shuttle Challenger Disaster. She is joined by Comedian Rebekka Johnson, Fact Checker Chris Smith, and Producer Amanda Lund. On the board this week: O-Rings, Nasa Company Culture and Pressure to Launch. Join our Patreon! We have merch! Join our Discord! Tell us who you think is to blame at http://thealarmistpodcast.com Email us at [email protected] Follow us on Instagram @thealarmistp...
Nov 12, 2024•43 min
New Guest Expert! On this week’s Aftermath, Rebecca speaks with true crime writer Diane Fanning about the Lisa Nowak scandal. Author of Out There , which recounts Astronaut Lisa Nowak’s attempted assault, Diane shares important details that help give some context to Lisa Nowak’s mental implosion at the time. Were we a little too easy on Bill?! Afterward, Patreon Subscribers can join Fact Checker Chris Smith and Producer Clayton Early as they revisit the board and reassess the initial verdict. No...
Nov 07, 2024•24 min