The Compendium of Fascinating Things

Dec 09 2024 89 ep. 68 mins 2
The Compendium of Fascinating Things Podcast artwork

The Compendium of Fascinating Things is a weekly variety podcast that gives 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.

  True Crime  History  Education
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The Shark Arm Murder: When a Tiger Shark Spilled a Killer’s Secret

Dec 09 2024 48 mins  
In this episode of The Compendium, we dive into imfamous The Shark Arm Murder, one of Australia’s most bizarre and unsolved mysteries. When a tiger shark at Coogee Aquarium vomited up a human arm in 1935, it set off a true crime saga involving forgery, blackmail, and a deadly underworld rivalry. Today we explore the story of Jimmy Smith, Patrick Brady, and Reginald Holmes, and ho

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

Dec 02 2024 65 mins  
In this episode of The Compendium, we dive into the story of Milli Vanilli, the duo that gave us hits like “Girl I’m Gonna Miss You” and “Girl You Know It's True". They had it all stunning looks, fame, the celebrity lifestyle, 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

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

Nov 25 2024 76 mins  
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, s

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

Nov 18 2024 78 mins  
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

Inside Scientology: David Miscavige and The Vanishing of Shelly Miscavige

Nov 11 2024 84 mins  
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

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

Nov 04 2024 110 mins  
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 i

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

Oct 28 2024 79 mins  
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 co

Knoedler Gallery Scandal: The Greatest Art Fraud of the Century

Oct 21 2024 79 mins  
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 ami

Who Killed Jill Dando: The Mystery Behind Her Infamous Murder

Oct 14 2024 68 mins  
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 some

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

Oct 07 2024 81 mins  
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