The Compendium: An Assembly of Fascinating Things - podcast cover

The Compendium: An Assembly of Fascinating Things

Kyle Risi & Adam Cox, Bleavbleav.com
A weekly variety podcast giving you just enough information on a topic to stand your ground at any social gathering. We explore stories from the realms of true crime, history, and incredible people.
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Episodes

Milli Vanilli: The Real Story Behind Greatest Lip-Sync Scandal in Music History

In this episode of The Compendium , we dive into the story of Milli Vanilli, the duo that captivated the world with their catchy hits like “Girl I’m Gonna Miss You” and “Girl You Know It's True". Their stunning looks captivated a generation of teenagers, only for it all to come crashing down in one of music’s biggest scandals. Today we tell you what happened to Milli Vanilli, the truth behind their Grammy award scandal, and how Fab Morvan and Rob Pilatus went from rising stars to infamous symbol...

Dec 03, 20241 hr 5 minEp. 88

Imelda Marcos: Corruption, Power, & 6,000 Pairs of Shoes

In this episode of the Compendium, it's shoes, glorious shoes, the astonishing life of Imelda Marcos, the first lady of the Philippines known for her opulent lifestyle and a staggering number of shoes. But there's also a dark side to Imelda. We'll uncover the rise and fall of the Marcos regime, how they plundered their people's money, imprisoned, tortured, and murdered thousands, sparking a revolution and their downfall—or did it? Dubbed the "Iron Butterfly," we'll look into the corruption, scan...

Nov 26, 20241 hr 16 minEp. 87

Sex Cult: The Story of Bhagwan Rajneesh and His Sex Cult’s Bioterror Plot to Take Over Oregon

In this episode of the Compendium, we uncover how the Sex Cult led by Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh, also known as the Osho movement, nearly took over Antelope, Oregon. We explore the rise of Rajneeshpuram, the Rajneeshee cult's transformation, and Ma Anand Sheela's pivotal role in the Rajneeshee plot that led to the biggest bioterror attack in U.S. history. We give you the Compendium, but if you want more, then check out these great resources: “Wild Wild Country” (2018) - Documentary series on Netflix...

Nov 19, 20241 hr 19 minEp. 86

Inside Scientology: David Miscavige and The Vanishing of Shelly Miscavige

In this episode of the Compendium, we go Inside Scientology to explore the mysterious vanishing of Shelly Miscavige, wife of David Miscavige, and the ongoing speculation surrounding her disappearance. We discuss the power dynamics at play in the Church of Scientology, the shocking claims of Scientology abuse, and the bizarre world of Scientology missing persons. With key questions like Where is Shelly Miscavige now? and What happened to Shelly Miscavige? , this episode uncovers one of Scientolog...

Nov 12, 20241 hr 24 minEp. 85

The Monica Lewinsky Scandal: A “Vast Right Wing Conspiracy” of Secrets, Lies, and Political Agendas

In this episode of The Compendium , we explore how the Clinton-Lewinsky scandal extended beyond a private affair between President Bill Clinton and Monica Lewinsky. It became part of a broader effort, with some suggesting it was a "vast conspiracy" aimed at undermining the presidency, using Monica and other women as pawns in a political agenda. We examine how the scandal escalated into an impeachment trial and a media frenzy, with secret tapes at its center. Today, we uncover the truth and untol...

Nov 05, 20241 hr 50 minEp. 84

The Exorcism of Roland Doe: The True Story Behind The Exorcist

In this episode of The Compendium , we are diving head first into The Exorcism of Roland Doe , the terrifying true story behind The Exorcist movie. That's right, it was real! This real-life exorcism story recounts the chilling experiences of young Roland Doe, also known as Ronald Hunkeler, whose battle with alleged demonic possession shook his family and the Catholic Church to its core, testing their strength and faith. Today we'll discuss Ouija board dangers, Father William Bowdern’s harrowing ...

Oct 29, 20241 hr 20 minEp. 83

Knoedler Gallery Scandal: The Greatest Art Fraud of the Century

In this episode of the Compendium, we explore the Knoedler Gallery Scandal, a tale of deception that rocked the art world. We dive into how Glafira Rosales, Pei-Shen Qian, and Ann Freedman played key roles in the infamous art forgery scandal that fooled top collectors with fake Rothko paintings and other forged masterpieces. Discover how the oldest gallery in New York collapsed amidst lawsuits, fraud, and the sale of multi-million-dollar forgeries. We break down the twists and turns that made th...

Oct 22, 20241 hr 19 minEp. 82

Who Killed Jill Dando: The Mystery Behind Her Infamous Murder

In this episode of the Compendium, we explore the shocking murder of Jill Dando, a beloved BBC presenter whose unsolved case continues to baffle the nation. From the controversial trial of Barry George to theories of political assassinations and mysterious stalkers, we uncover the many layers of this 1999 crime. Who killed Jill Dando? Was it a lone killer, or was she caught in something bigger? Get ready for a deep dive into one of the UK’s most infamous unsolved murder cases and the relentless ...

Oct 15, 20241 hr 8 minEp. 81

Patty Hearst: From Kidnapped Heiress to America’s Most Wanted Fugitive

In this episode of the Compendium, we unravel the astonishing story of Patty Hearst , the kidnapped heiress who shocked the world by becoming one of America’s most wanted fugitives. Discover how Patricia Campbell Hearst went from a life of luxury to joining the Symbionese Liberation Army ( SLA ) and committing crimes that defied belief. We’ll explore who Patty Hearst was kidnapped by, how she became a criminal, and what happened to the SLA, all while discussing the famous case of Stockholm Syndr...

Oct 08, 20241 hr 21 minEp. 80

The Lindbergh Baby: The Kidnapping of Americas Most Beloved Baby

In this episode of the Compendium, I tell Adam about the haunting story of the Lindbergh Baby, a kidnapping that shocked America. We’ll guide you through the mysterious events surrounding the Lindbergh kidnapping, from the chilling ransom note to the nationwide search for answers. Discover how Charles Lindbergh’s fame turned this case into a media frenzy and a dark chapter in American history. We give you the Compendium, but if you want more, then check out these great resources: “The Lindbergh ...

Oct 01, 20241 hr 20 minEp. 79

Baby Jessica: The Girl who Fell Down a Well and Changed News Forever

In this episode of The Compendium, we dive into the incredible story of Baby Jessica, the 18-month-old girl who fell down a well and became trapped for 58 hours. But probably more interesting than Jessica's 1987 well rescue, this event marked a pivotal moment in the history of 24-hour news coverage. That's right; it's all Jessica's fault. Learn how this incident revolutionised CNN's approach to breaking news and the lasting impact it has had on news media and public news consumption, and of cour...

Sep 24, 20241 hr 10 minEp. 78

The Menendez Brothers: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story

In this episode of The Compendium , we explore the dark and tragic story of the Menendez Brothers Lyle and Erik. Unraveling the shocking truth behind why they killed their parents. We'll dive into their infamous trial, the abuse claims that surfaced, and how it captivated the nation. What really happened during the Menendez Brothers trial? Did the Netflix documentary do their story justice? From the chilling 911 call to the courtroom drama, we break down the events that led to this notorious cri...

Sep 17, 20241 hr 11 minEp. 77

The 96th Academy Awards: The Worst Oscars Ceremony Ever

In this episode of the Compendium, we delve into the chaos of the 1989 Oscars a night of Hollywood history so bizarre it’s often called the worst Oscars in hostory. But was it really? From Rob Lowe's infamous duet with Snow White to the awkwardly swaying stars, dancing tables, and endless backdrops culminating in a bus-sized model of Grauman's Chinese Theatre mounted on Snow White's head, Alan Carr's disastrous production has left a legacy that made the Oscars what it is today, and I'm going to ...

Sep 10, 20241 hr 8 minEp. 76

Billionaire Boys Club: Greed, Murder, and High Society Crimes

In this episode of The Compendium, we unravel the mysterious and twisted tale of the Billionaire Boys Club, an exclusive high-society club that turned into a deadly Ponzi scheme. Learn about Joe Hunt, the mastermind behind the madness, and his right-hand man, Dean Karny. Discover how their greed led to the murders of Ron Levin and Hedayat Eslaminia. We give you the Compendium, but if you want more: “The Billionaire Boys Club: The Complete Story” by Sue Horton “Billionaire Boys Club (1987)” - Min...

Sep 03, 202458 minEp. 75

The Alcatraz Escape: The Unbelievable True Story of the Great Prison Break

In this episode of the Compendium, we unravel the captivating tale of the Alcatraz Escape, one of the most famous prison escapes in history. Dive into the mysterious and daring plans that led to the legendary breakout from Alcatraz, the notorious island prison. We'll explore real Alcatraz escape stories, uncover secrets of the Rock, and discuss the lives of Frank Morris and his accomplices. This episode covers historical twists, and unsolved mysteries that will leave you on the edge of your seat...

Aug 27, 20241 hr 13 minEp. 74

Lorena Bobbitt: The True Story of John Bobbitt’s Decapitated Penis.

In this episode of The Compendium, we slice into the infamous 1993 case of Lorena Bobbitt, a story that shocked the world and redefined media coverage of domestic abuse and revenge. Lorena Bobbitt, after enduring years of abuse at the hands of her husband, made international headlines by doing what ever woman wished they could, cut of the guys junk! We'll explore the details of their tumultuous relationship, the night of the incident, the frantic search for John’s missing todger, before recounti...

Aug 20, 20241 hr 1 minEp. 73

Julie d'Aubigny: The Sword Fighting Opera Singing, Kick Ass Feminist of the 17th Century!

In this episode of the Compendium, we unravel the mysterious and audacious life of Julie d'Aubigny. From her daring duels to her captivating performances as La Maupin, Julie defied societal norms as a female opera singer in 17th-century French history. Discover the life story of this bisexual historical figure, a true icon among historical LGBTQ figures, who lived a life as scandalous as it was fascinating. Buckle up for a wild ride through the carnival of Julie d'Aubigny's life, where every twi...

Aug 13, 20241 hr 9 minEp. 72

The Hindenburg Disaster: The Fiery End of the Golden Age of Airships

In this episode of the Compendium, we explore the 1937 Hindenburg disaster. A Nazi airship that exploded midair, marking the end of the golden age of zeppelins. We uncover the mysterious details of the Hindenburg explosion and share some of the survivors harrowing experiences. Join us as we examine the impact of this infamous tragedy on aviation history. We give you the Compendium, but if you want more, then check out these great resources: " What happened to the Hindenburg? " Youtube, by Jared ...

Aug 06, 20241 hr 19 minEp. 71

Elizabeth Holmes: Silicon Valley's Greatest Fraud

In this episode of the Compendium, we explore the mysterious rise and fall of Elizabeth Holmes and the Theranos scandal that rocked Silicon Valley. Discover how Holmes, decieved investors with false promises and turned Theranos into a culture of secrets and fear. We'll look at the key roles of Sunny Balwani and whistleblower Tyler Shultz in this tale of ambition and deception, painting a vivid picture of one of the most infamous startup frauds in history. We give you the Compendium, but if you w...

Jul 30, 20241 hr 33 minEp. 70

Lou Pearlman: Boy Bands, Big Lies, and Bigger Scams.

In this episode of the Compendium, cha cha slide into world of Lou Pearlman, the mastermind behind Backstreet Boys and NSYNC. Discover how he orchestrated one of the biggest Ponzi schemes in the music industry, exploiting the 90s pop music scene and creating a legacy of celebrity scandals. From the formation of boy bands to the shocking revelations of financial fraud, we take you through the carnival of deception that defined Lou Pearlman's career. Buckle up for a ride through this freakshow of ...

Jul 23, 20241 hr 12 minEp. 69

The Titanic Part 2: The Voyage, The Iceberg, The Aftermath

In this episode of The Compendium, we continue our Titanic story as we set sail across the Atlantic within this engineering marvel, we explore the luxury and daily life aboard the ship, providing insights into the lives of both passengers and crew. We'll uncover the intricate details behind why the Titanic sank and the aftermath of this catastrophe. By examining the ship's design, the events leading up to the collision, and the harrowing experiences of those on board, we shed light on the legacy...

Jul 16, 20241 hr 24 minEp. 68

The Titanic Part 1: The People, The Passions, The Legend!

In this episode of The Compendium, we're jumping onboard the highly requested Titanic! This is the first episode of our two-part series, where we delve into the ambitious conception of the RMS Titanic and the enduring stories of its passengers and crew that make this Titanic story unforgettable. Today, you'll learn about key figures like J.P. Morgan and Bruce Ismay, whose dreams and ambitions led to the construction of what was then the largest and most luxurious ship ever built. We'll explore t...

Jul 09, 20241 hr 22 minEp. 67

Village People: Disco Beats, Cultural Shifts, and Gay Icons

In this episode of the Compendium, we’re exploring the origin story of the Village People, the iconic band that brought us unforgettable disco music hits like "Y.M.C.A.," "Macho Man," and "In the Navy." From their creation by Jacques Morali and Henri Belolo to their rise to fame, come with us as we dive into their history and cultural impact they had on the disco era and the LGBTQ community. We give you the Compendium, but if you want more, then check out these great resources: “The Village Peop...

Jul 02, 20241 hr 14 minEp. 66

The Giggling Granny: Nannie Doss the Serial Killer Grandma

In this episode of The Compendium, we delve into the chilling life and crimes of Nannie Doss , infamously known as "The Giggling Granny." Today’s story unravels the timeline of one of America's most notorious female serial killers, whose seemingly innocent demeanor hid a sinister agenda. From her obsession with romance novels to her merciless killings of even her grandchildren, Nannie Doss's dark history will challenge your perception of trust and family. We give you the Compendium, but if you w...

Jun 25, 20241 hr 18 minEp. 65

Lover, Stalker, Killer: Disturbing love triangle turned deadly

In this episode of the Compendium, When David Kroupa ventured into online dating, he couldn't have foreseen the terrifying love triangle that would ensnare him and Liz Golyar, leading to the mysterious disappearance of Cari Farver. This dark side of dating and the lengths to which some people will go to get the lover of their dreams. This is the disturbing realities behind online dating gone wrong. We give you the Compendium, but if you want more, then check out these great resources: “A Tangled...

Jun 18, 20241 hr 3 minEp. 64

Balloonfest: Clevelands 1986 Float-tastrophe of Epic Proportions

In this episode of the Compendium, we step back into time to revist The Cleveland Balloon Fest of 1986, a high-flying event that hoped to lift a city's spirits but instead spiraled into one of the most infamous blunders of the decade. I tell Adam all the juicy details of this helium-filled fiasco, where ambition met reality with explosive environmental consequences. We'll explore how this well-intentioned charity event turned into a disaster, examining the safety concerns of mass balloon release...

Jun 11, 20241 hr 1 minEp. 63

Anna Delvey: From Rags to Riches to Rikers, New Yorks Fake Heiress

In this episode of the Compendium, we are diving into part two of our female scammer series where I tell Adam all about Anna Delvey, New York's infamous fake heiress. Originally born Anna Sorokin in Russia, Anna set out to take what she wanted and nothing was going to stand in her way, not even being poor. We recount Annas first initial appearance in the glittering social scene, her ambitions plans to secure funding for the “Anna Delvey Foundation: For Kids that Can’t Read Good”, to her dramatic...

Jun 04, 20241 hr 17 minEp. 62

Cassie Chadwick: Carnegie's Imaginary Heir, Queen of the Con

In this episode of the Compendium, we're looking up Cassie Chadwick, the woman who walked so that Anna Delvey could run. Dubbed Carnegie's imaginary heir, Cassie Chadwick's scam is a story of deception, ambition, and the pursuit of wealth at any cost. We love a female con artist here on The Compendium, and Cassie Chadwick is the original OG Queen of the con. Today, we explore how Cassie convinced a bunch of rich greedy bankers to hand her millions of dollars in hard cold cash that resulted in he...

May 28, 20241 hr 20 minEp. 61

Nuns on the Run: How Eight Belgian Nuns Outsmarted the Church

In this episode of the Compendium, we delve into the audacious tale where eight Belgian nuns orchestrate an unlikely escape from a life of stringent spiritual commitments to chase a dream of freedom in the sun-drenched South of France. Explore how Sister Anna and her cohort leveraged a surprising Belgian nuns legal loophole exploitation to sell their ancient convent and fund their new lavish lifestyle. This scandalous nun story, wrapped in secrecy and drama, challenges the expected norms of the ...

May 21, 202455 minEp. 60

House of Gucci: A Tale of Glamour, Greed, and Grudges

In this episode of the Compendium, we’re clutching our pearls as I tell Adam all about the tumultuous saga behind the House of Gucci. From the ambitious beginnings of Guccio Gucci to the tragic murder of Maurizio Gucci. We’re not hitting play on an old run of ‘Days of our Lives’, because this is the real story of legacy, scandals and murder. We are recounting the pivotal roles played by Aldo and Rodolfo Gucci, the transformative under Tom Ford, and how the murder orchestrated by Patrizia Reggian...

May 14, 20241 hr 14 minEp. 59
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