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The Muck Podcast

The Muck Podcastthemuckpodcast.fireside.fm
A weekly podcast where the dark, and sometimes weird, true stories in American politics are discussed.
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Episodes

Episode 12: Patient Zero | Mark Ciavarella and Newt Gingrich

Tina and Hillary cover former President Judge of the Luzerne County Pennsylvania Court of Common Pleas, Mark Ciavarella and former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich. Tina's Story Mark Ciavarella served as judge for the Court of Common Pleas since 1995 where he developed a reputation for his harsh sentencing. But, when the FBI gets tipped off about accusations of nepotism and questionable sentencing of children, Ciavarella’s secret role in an alleged kids for cash scheme is revealed. Hillary's S...

Mar 18, 20201 hr 40 min

Episode 11: Gummy Brain | Phillip Giordano and George Washington's Teeth

Hillary and Tina cover and former Waterbury, Connecticut Mayor Philip Giordano and President George Washington’s teeth. Hillary's Story Since 1754, founding father George Washington had more than his fair share of dental problems. And, today, people still believe that Washington wore wooden teeth as dentures. But, things were not so simple; in fact, Washington suffered for decades in search of the best teeth. Tina's Story For five years, Philip Giordano served as the City of Waterbury mayor. As ...

Mar 11, 20201 hr 2 min

Episode 10: Schlemiel Schlimazel | Willie J. Junior and Gary George

Hillary and Tina cover former Escambia County Commissioner Willie J. Junior and former Wisconsin State Senator Gary George. Tina's Story From 1981 until 2003, Gary George served as Wisconsin’s State Senator known for being a maverick. But, when he failed to toe the party line one too many times, he became embroiled in a recall election and later sank further into the muck of corruption. Hillary's Story In 1983, Willie J. Junior made history as the first black commissioner of the Escambia County ...

Mar 04, 20201 hr 20 min

Episode 9: Baby Bing | David Vitter and Ray Blanton

Hillary and Tina cover US Senator out of Louisiana David Vitter and former Tennessee Governor Ray Blanton. Hillary's Story Throughout his political career, Senator David Vitter championed conservative, family values agenda. But, when journalists highlight names from the DC Madam’s client list, his own morals are called into question. Tina's Story Tennessee’s 44th governor, Ray Blanton played an instrumental role in tax reform for the state and in building partnerships with foreign investors. But...

Feb 26, 202057 min

Episode 8: Shrimp Boy | Leland Yee and James Garfield

Tina and Hillary cover the story of former California State Senator Leland Yee and President James Garfield. Tina's Story In 2014, California State Senator LeLand Yee was celebrated for his leadership, gun control advocacy, support of first amendment rights, and more. But, an FBI raid on Yee’s office highlighted a level of hypocrisy that shook the civic foundation of the state, landing a ten on the Richter Scale of California’s history. Hillary’s Story In 1881, newly elected President James Garf...

Feb 19, 20201 hr 18 min

Episode 7: Brad Pitt 4-Ever | Todd Courser and Cindy Gamrat and Timothy Nolan

Hillary and Tina cover the story of former Michigan State Representatives Todd Courser and Cindy Gamrat and former Kentucky Campbell County Judge and School Board member Timothy Nolan. Hillary's Story When Tea Party candidates Todd Courser and Cindy Gamrat win their respective elections, they join forces as outsiders in the State House and their party. But, when rumors start swirling about an illicit affair, a media storm sweeps the state. Tina's Story In 2017, Timothy Nolan was a highly respect...

Feb 12, 20201 hr 2 min

Episode 6: Throw a Chair | Edward Burke and Edward King

Tina and Hillary cover the Chicago Alderman Edward Burke and former Mount Pleasant, Iowa Mayor Edward "Edd" King." Tina's Story Mayor Edd King was a beloved and innovative leader of Mount Pleasant, Iowa. But, on December 10th, 1986, an encounter with an aggrieved, reclusive consitutent changes the history of the once peaceful town forever. Hillary's Story Since 1969 Alderman, Edward Burke, ruled Chicago's 14th ward. But, in 2019 after years of kickbacks, Burke has to defend himself against corru...

Feb 05, 20201 hr 23 min

Episode 5: The Anonymous Letter | HIV/AIDS Crisis and Frank Tassone

Hillary and Tina cover the political failures of America’s HIV/AIDS crisis and former Roslyn County Superintendent Frank Tassone. Hillary’s Story: In the mid to late 1970s, gay men throughout America started dying at major rates from what appeared to be minor infections. By the time government entities, politicians, and community leaders focused more on why this was happening, rather than who it happened to, more than five thousand people had died. Tina’s Story: In 2002, Roslyn County School Boa...

Jan 29, 20201 hr 4 min

Episode 4: Beam Me Up, Mr. Speaker | Cornelia "Cora" Knutson and James "Jimbo" Traficant

Hillary and Tina cover former Minnesota US House Representative Cornelia “Coya” Knutson and former Ohio US House Representative James “Jimbo” Traficant. Sources: Tina's Story Wikipedia Youngstown, Oh (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Youngstown,_Ohio) RICO (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Racketeer_Influenced_and_Corrupt_Organizations_Act) The New Republic Crimetown, USA (https://newrepublic.com/article/68973/crimetown-usa)--David Grann Showbiz Cheatsheet “Surprising Things You Never Knew about the H...

Jan 22, 202054 min

Episode 3: Like Evil Idiots | Louis "Bill" Conradt, Jr. and David Cimperman

Hillary and Tina cover former Rockland County Texas, Assistant District Attorney Louis “Bill” Conradt, Jr and former Amsterdam, Ohio police chief, David Cimperman. Sources: Hillary's Story Colombia Journalism Review "The Shame Game: 'To Catch a Predator' is propping up NBC’s Dateline, but at what cost?" (https://archives.cjr.org/feature/the_shame_game.php)--Douglas McCollam Esquire Magazine "Tonight on Dateline This Man Will Die" (https://www.esquire.com/news-politics/a3269/to-catch-a-predator/)...

Jan 15, 20201 hr 13 min

Episode 2: Sweet Communion I William Preston Taulbee and Budd Dwyer

Hillary and Tina cover former Kentucky House Representative William Preston Taulbee and Pennsylvania State Treasurer Budd Dwyer. Tina’s Story: In 1986, Budd Dwyer found himself mired in a political bribery scandal. His alleged decision to take a 300K kickback mucked up his pristine reputation as Pennsylvania state treasurer. Dwyer professed his innocence and had a loyal following of supporters, but with an upcoming sentencing, Dwyer’s back was up against the wall. Then, he made a fateful decisio...

Jan 08, 202051 min

Episode 1: How Many Licks | Doug Danziger and Nancy Oakley

Hillary and Tina cover former Fort Lauderdale Vice Mayor Doug Danziger and former Madeira Beach Commissioner Nancy Oakley. Hillary’s Story: In 1991, Doug Danziger resigned from his position as Vice Mayor of Fort Lauderdale after allegedly engaging with housewife turned sex worker, Kathy Willets. Prior to his resignation, Danziger often spoke out against what he saw as immoral behavior in a moral crusade to clean up Fort Lauderdale. His purported behavior sent shock waves throughout the city. Tin...

Dec 17, 201950 min
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