The Compendium: An Assembly of Fascinating Things

Julia Child celebrated household name, started as a wartime OSS desk jockey who later conquered Le Cordon Bleu and American TV - loudly, brilliantly, and without apologising. Starting with Julie & Julia, we follow her late-in-life Paris awakening, the brutal Le Cordon Bleu learning curve, and the obsessive testing that became Mastering the Art of French Cooking. There’s OSS shark repellent, Paul Child’s steady love, and then the moment she turns a TV omelette into a second career. Suddenly it’s The French Chef - and dinner becomes comedy. Topics include Julie & Julia and what the film gets right (Meryl Streep, Stanley Tucci) Le Cordon Bleu, French cuisine, and learning late Mastering the Art of French Cooking and why it mattered OSS shark repellent and the strangest pre-chef CV The French Chef, cooking show chaos, and the Dan Aykroyd SNL skit Resources and Further Reading Julia Child - Wikipedia Julie & Julia - by Nora Ephron SNL The French Chef - youtube Shark Repellant Work - cia.gov Julias Kitchen - Smithsonian Museum Mastering the Art of French Cooking - Wikipedia Host & Show InfoHosts: Kyle Risi & Adam CoxIntro Music: Alice in dark WonderlandCommunity & Calls to ActionReview & follow on: Spotify & Apple PodcastsInstagram: @theCompendiumPodcastWebsite: thecompendiumpodcast.comSupport us: Sign up to PatreonCircus Job Board: Apply to join the CircusShare this episode with a friend! If you enjoyed it, tag us on social media and let us know your favourite takeaway. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

H.H. Holmes built the infamous Murder Castle during the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair. This episode explores the true story behind the disappearances, the fraud, and how one of America’s first serial killers was finally caught. Using false identities, staged scams, and a building designed to confuse and trap, Holmes turned murder into a business model. As victims vanished and his schemes began to collapse, investigators uncovered a case of fraud, deception, and calculated killing that helped turn him into one of the most notorious figures in American crime history. Topics include the design and purpose of the Murder Castle Holmes’ life as Herman Mudgett insurance fraud, false identities, and calculated killings the role of the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair how H.H. Holmes was finally caught Resources and Further Reading H.H. Holmes - Wikipedia The Devil in the White City - by Erik Larson American Horror Story: Hotel - Ryan Murphy Host & Show InfoHosts: Kyle Risi & Adam CoxIntro Music: Alice in dark WonderlandCommunity & Calls to ActionReview & follow on: Spotify & Apple PodcastsInstagram: @theCompendiumPodcastWebsite: thecompendiumpodcast.comSupport us: Sign up to PatreonCircus Job Board: Apply to join the CircusShare this episode with a friend! If you enjoyed it, tag us on social media and let us know your favourite takeaway. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Biosphere 2 was meant to prove we could build a world from scratch. Instead, it became a fight to keep the air breathable and the story from turning toxic. In 1991, eight people sealed themselves inside a vast Arizona terrarium designed to test whether a closed ecosystem could sustain human life and one day help us survive on Mars. What followed was not just a biosphere experiment under glass, but a slow collision between science, survival, collapsing oxygen levels, and a press narrative determined to call it a joke. This week, we dig into what really happened inside Biosphere 2, why the project began to unravel, and whether it was ever the failure people still think it was. Topics include The Biosphere 2 experiment and its original Mars habitat ambitions Why oxygen levels dropped inside the sealed ecosystem The biospherians, food shortages, and life inside the dome How media coverage helped distort the story of Biosphere 2 Whether Biosphere 2 failed, or was misunderstood from the start Resources and Further Reading Biosphere 2 - Wikipedia Life under the bubble - Discover magazine The Human Experiment - by Jane Poynter Host & Show InfoHosts: Kyle Risi & Adam CoxIntro Music: Alice in dark WonderlandCommunity & Calls to ActionReview & follow on: Spotify & Apple PodcastsInstagram: @theCompendiumPodcastWebsite: thecompendiumpodcast.comSupport us: Sign up to PatreonCircus Job Board: Apply to join the CircusShare this episode with a friend! If you enjoyed it, tag us on social media and let us know your favourite takeaway. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Morgan Metzer survived a home invasion that ended with a far darker truth: the man who came to save her may have known exactly what happened. On New Year's Eve in Canton, Georgia, a masked attacker entered a locked home, used intimate knowledge of the house, and left one woman bound, beaten, and terrified. The first person to find her was the ex-husband she still trusted, but the details of the night pointed somewhere far closer to home. This is a chilling story of gaslighting, coercive control, psychological abuse, and the case that later inspired Gaslit by My Husband. Topics include The New Year's Eve home invasion at the centre of Morgan Metzer's story How gaslighting and coercive control shaped the years before the attack The warning signs of psychological abuse hidden inside an old relationship The real case behind Gaslit by My Husband Resources and Further Reading Gaslit by My Husband: The Morgan Metzer Story - Stream on Paramount Georgia man who attacked - CBS News From hero to villain - CBS News Saved by Her Ex-Husband - People.com Host & Show InfoHosts: Kyle Risi & Adam CoxIntro Music: Alice in dark WonderlandCommunity & Calls to ActionReview & follow on: Spotify & Apple PodcastsInstagram: @theCompendiumPodcastWebsite: thecompendiumpodcast.comSupport us: Sign up to PatreonCircus Job Board: Apply to join the CircusShare this episode with a friend! If you enjoyed it, tag us on social media and let us know your favourite takeaway. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Nellie Bly faked madness to enter Blackwell's Island asylum, then turned fearless reporting into a 72-day race around the world. Before she became a legend, Elizabeth Cochran was a young reporter trying to force her way into a profession that barely made room for women. This episode follows her rise from sharp-tongued columnist to daring undercover journalist, as she exposes the cruelty inside Blackwell's Island, builds her reputation through investigative journalism, and catches the eye of Joseph Pulitzer. From Ten Days in a Mad House to a globe-spanning stunt that made her famous, it is a story about nerve, performance, ambition, and the price of becoming extraordinary. Topics include: Her early career and the making of Nellie Bly Going undercover inside Blackwell’s Island asylum What her investigation revealed about care, cruelty, and institutional neglect Investigative journalism as performance, risk, and public spectacle Joseph Pulitzer, the New York World, and the machinery of sensational reporting Her 72-day trip around the world and the frenzy that followed Resources and Further Reading 10 days in a madhouse - by Nellie Bly Nellie Bly - Wikipedia Woman & The American Story - nyhistory.org Host & Show InfoHosts: Kyle Risi & Adam CoxIntro Music: Alice in dark WonderlandCommunity & Calls to ActionReview & follow on: Spotify & Apple PodcastsInstagram: @theCompendiumPodcastWebsite: thecompendiumpodcast.comSupport us: Sign up to PatreonCircus Job Board: Apply to join the CircusShare this episode with a friend! If you enjoyed it, tag us on social media and let us know your favourite takeaway. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In 2019, eBay went full villain in one of Silicon Valley’s biggest cyberstalking scandals. Today we’re diving into the fragile ego at the top, and the lengths the CEO went to in a harassment campaign against a wholesome suburban couple in Boston. After critical posts hit a nerve, eBay’s CEO instructed their Global Security team to take down nay sayers at any cost. Today we track the emails, fake accounts, doorstep packages, and the FBI investigation that drags the whole operation into the light. Topics include EcommerceBytes, Ina and David Steiner, and the criticism eBay could not ignore eBay cyberstalking tactics, fake accounts, and a harassment campaign gone rogue Threat Matrix, private dossiers, and what Global Security thought it was doing How the FBI traced the stalking back to eBay executives and DOJ charges Resources and Further Reading eBay stalking scandal - Wikipedia Take her down - Boston Magazine Execs Made Life Hell for Critics - Wired USA vs. eBay - Defered Prosecution Agreement Host & Show InfoHosts: Kyle Risi & Adam CoxIntro Music: Alice in dark WonderlandCommunity & Calls to ActionReview & follow on: Spotify & Apple PodcastsInstagram: @theCompendiumPodcastWebsite: thecompendiumpodcast.comSupport us: Sign up to PatreonCircus Job Board: Apply to join the CircusShare this episode with a friend! If you enjoyed it, tag us on social media and let us know your favourite takeaway. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The West Memphis Three story is a nightmare of panic, pressure, and vanished evidence, where a confession mattered more than truth. In 1993, three eight-year-old boys vanished in West Memphis, Arkansas, then turned up murdered in Robin Hood Hills. As the Satanic Panic crept into the investigation, police chased a satanic ritual narrative and built a case around Damien Echols, Jason Baldwin, and Jesse Misskelley, fuelled by a false confession and courtroom “experts” who should never have been there. Years later, the hair evidence in a ligature knot and the Alford plea that freed them leave one brutal question hanging: if they walked out, who never got caught? Topics include Satanic Panic hysteria and a wrongful conviction built on fear Jesse Misskelley’s false confession and the interrogation tactics behind it Paradise Lost and West of Memphis, and how the documentaries shifted the case The Alford plea, the hair evidence in the knot, and why the case stayed unresolved DNA testing and the long fight for full exoneration Resources and Further Reading West Memphis Three - Wikipedia The Satanic Panic - Wikipedia Paradise Lost (1996) - Documentry West of Memphis (2012) - Peter Jackson Devil's Knot - Mara Leveritt Host & Show InfoHosts: Kyle Risi & Adam CoxIntro Music: Alice in dark WonderlandCommunity & Calls to ActionReview & follow on: Spotify & Apple PodcastsInstagram: @theCompendiumPodcastWebsite: thecompendiumpodcast.comSupport us: Sign up to PatreonCircus Job Board: Apply to join the CircusShare this episode with a friend! If you enjoyed it, tag us on social media and let us know your favourite takeaway. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

McMillions exposed how McDonald’s Monopoly was quietly hijacked, turning “random” winners into a pattern the FBI could not ignore. It started with a tip that sounded like sour grapes, but then the FBI noticed something odd: all the winners were connected. The lead led to the realisation that the McDonald’s Monopoly game was rigged, and had been for most of its existence. And the man behind it was Uncle Jerry, Jerry Jacobson. What emerged was a secret FBI initiative dubbed Operation Final Answer, and a co-ordinated national sting. Topics include Jerry Jacobson and the inside job at the heart of McDonald’s Monopoly How game pieces were stolen, swapped, and funnelled to “winners” The St Jude prize story and why it made perfect cover Operation Final Answer and the FBI’s plan for simultaneous arrests Simon Marketing and the blind spots that let it run for years Resources and Further Reading McMillions (2020) - TV Mini Series McDonalds Monopoly Scam - Wikipedia Host & Show InfoHosts: Kyle Risi & Adam CoxIntro Music: Alice in dark WonderlandCommunity & Calls to ActionReview & follow on: Spotify & Apple PodcastsInstagram: @theCompendiumPodcastWebsite: thecompendiumpodcast.comSupport us: Sign up to PatreonCircus Job Board: Apply to join the CircusShare this episode with a friend! If you enjoyed it, tag us on social media and let us know your favourite takeaway. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Chowchilla bus kidnapping began like any school run, then veered into a buried alive ordeal no one could have imagined. One moment a group of kids are arguing about snacks, the next they are being marched off a bus by men who clearly skipped Kidnapping 101. While the town panics, the abductors bungle their own plan and promptly disappear, leaving 27 people trapped underground with no idea what happens next. What unfolds is a mix of fear, grit, and surprisingly resourceful thinking as the captives take matters into their own hands. Topics include Chowchilla Michael Marshall Ed Ray Buried alive schoolchildren Largest child kidnapping case in US history Resources and Further Reading 1976 Chowchilla kidnapping - Wikipedia Edward Ray - The City Of Chowchilla They’ve Taken Our Children, 1993 - by Vern Gillum The ballad of the Chowchilla bus kidnapping - Vox Chowchilla bus kidnapping - Rare photos CBS Host & Show InfoHosts: Kyle Risi & Adam CoxIntro Music: Alice in dark WonderlandCommunity & Calls to ActionReview & follow on: Spotify & Apple PodcastsInstagram: @theCompendiumPodcastWebsite: thecompendiumpodcast.comSupport us: Sign up to PatreonCircus Job Board: Apply to join the CircusShare this episode with a friend! If you enjoyed it, tag us on social media and let us know your favourite takeaway. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Suffolk Strangler turned Ipswich into a locked-door city. Five women vanish from the red light district and the road home becomes a crime scene. In December 2006, the Ipswich murders unfold at terrifying speed as five women are found dumped on rural roads outside the town. Panic turns the streets silent, while the women at the centre of the story are reduced to headlines instead of humans. Inside Operation Sumac, detectives chase CCTV footage, a Ford Mondeo, DNA evidence and forensic fibres to close in on Steve Wright. Topics include Steve Wright and the Suffolk Strangler timeline The Ipswich serial killer panic and the city’s response Life and risk inside the Ipswich red light district How was Steve Wright caught using CCTV footage and DNA evidence What the case reveals about who gets protected in Ipswich Resources and Further Reading Ipswich serial murders - Wikipedia Wright guilty of Suffolk murders - The Guardian Murder in the Red Light - Apple TV Host & Show InfoHosts: Kyle Risi & Adam CoxIntro Music: Alice in dark WonderlandCommunity & Calls to ActionReview & follow on: Spotify & Apple PodcastsInstagram: @theCompendiumPodcastWebsite: thecompendiumpodcast.comSupport us: Sign up to PatreonCircus Job Board: Apply to join the CircusShare this episode with a friend! If you enjoyed it, tag us on social media and let us know your favourite takeaway. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In June 2002, a Federal Heights neighbourhood wakes to panic as the investigation stalls and fractures. With suspicion falling on handyman Richard Ricci, the Smart family turns to the spotlight and America’s Most Wanted. The search may end, but the legal fight begins, with an insanity defence and Elizabeth forced to reclaim her voice. Topics include Brian David Mitchell and Wanda Barzee, and the belief system behind the control Salt Lake City, the LDS Church, and the media storm around the case America’s Most Wanted, the sketch, and the moment Elizabeth was recognised Aftermath, testimony, and survivor advocacy Host & Show InfoHosts: Kyle Risi & Adam CoxIntro Music: Alice in dark WonderlandCommunity & Calls to ActionReview & follow on: Spotify & Apple PodcastsInstagram: @theCompendiumPodcastWebsite: thecompendiumpodcast.comSupport us: Sign up to PatreonCircus Job Board: Apply to join the CircusShare this episode with a friend! If you enjoyed it, tag us on social media and let us know your favourite takeaway. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Two men stalk Los Angeles at night, dumping bodies across the hills as police scramble to understand a pattern of terror unfolding in plain sight. This episode examines the Hillside Stranglers case, following Kenneth Bianchi and Angelo Buono as their murders gripped Los Angeles in the late 1970s. We explore how victims were selected, the pressure mounting on investigators, the bizarre multiple personality defence attempt, and the Veronica Compton plot that nearly derailed justice before the case finally collapsed in on itself. Topics include The Hillside Strangler murders Kenneth Bianchi and Angelo Buono Victim targeting and dumping sites The failed multiple personality defence The Veronica Compton copycat plot Resources and Further Reading The Hillside Strangler – Wikipedia Kenneth Bianchi – Crime & Investigation UK Angelo Buono Jr. Biography & Crimes – Murderpedia Host & Show InfoHosts: Kyle Risi & Adam CoxIntro Music: Alice in dark WonderlandCommunity & Calls to ActionReview & follow on: Spotify & Apple PodcastsInstagram: @theCompendiumPodcastWebsite: thecompendiumpodcast.comSupport us: Sign up to PatreonCircus Job Board: Apply to join the CircusShare this episode with a friend! If you enjoyed it, tag us on social media and let us know your favourite takeaway. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A missing child returns under suspiciously perfect circumstances, sparking a decades-long battle over identity and truth. This episode traces the disappearance and reappearance of four-year-old Bobby Dunbar, the contradictions that muddied the investigation, and the families pulled into the fallout. Through contested identifications, clashing testimonies, and the revelation of a century-late DNA test, we explore how a single child’s return became one of America’s most enduring mysteries. Topics include The Swayze Lake disappearance Conflicting newspaper accounts Disputed identifications The Anderson and Walters family claims The DNA evidence that reshaped the case Resources and Further Reading A Case for Solomon – by Tal McThenia & Margaret Dunbar Cutright The Ghost of Bobby Dunbar – This American Life The Strange Case of Bobby Dunbar – Country Roads Magazine Disappearance of Bobby Dunbar - Wikipedia Host & Show InfoHosts: Kyle Risi & Adam CoxIntro Music: Alice in dark WonderlandCommunity & Calls to ActionReview & follow on: Spotify & Apple PodcastsInstagram: @theCompendiumPodcastWebsite: thecompendiumpodcast.comSupport us: Sign up to PatreonCircus Job Board: Apply to join the CircusShare this episode with a friend! If you enjoyed it, tag us on social media and let us know your favourite takeaway. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A neonatal unit descends into crisis as accusations of murder, medical error, and systemic failure collide around nurse Lucy Letby. This episode examines the events inside the Countess of Chester’s neonatal unit, where unexplained collapses and conflicting evidence fuelled one of the NHS’s most divisive scandals. We explore the debates over air embolisms, ventilator failures, and hospital negligence while asking whether this tragedy points to deliberate harm or a system buckling under pressure. Topics include The Countess of Chester neonatal incidents Conflicting medical interpretations Air-embolism and ventilator-error debates Allegations of hospital negligence Questions around possible miscarriage of justice Resources and Further Reading The Nurse Who Hated Babies, 2023 – Channel 4 Lucy Letby – Wikipedia The Thirlwall Inquiry – “The Thirlwall Inquiry Lucy Letby International Expert Panel Press Conference - Youtube Three bosses at Letby hospital arrested for ‘manslaughter – Press Reader Host & Show InfoHosts: Kyle Risi & Adam CoxIntro Music: Alice in dark WonderlandCommunity & Calls to ActionReview & follow on: Spotify & Apple PodcastsInstagram: @theCompendiumPodcastWebsite: thecompendiumpodcast.comSupport us: Sign up to PatreonCircus Job Board: Apply to join the CircusShare this episode with a friend! If you enjoyed it, tag us on social media and let us know your favourite takeaway. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A bitter rivalry spirals out of control as two palaeontologists race to outdo each other and rewrite the story of the dinosaurs. This episode explores the Bone Wars, the feud between Edward Cope and Othniel Marsh that pushed American palaeontology to new heights and embarrassing lows. From sabotage and rivalry to genuine scientific breakthroughs, we trace how their obsession uncovered extraordinary fossils while nearly destroying their reputations. Topics include The Cope and Marsh rivalry Sabotage within early palaeontology Landmark dinosaur discoveries Scientific mistakes and rushed publications The long-term impact on dinosaur research Resources and Further Reading The Bone Wars - Wikipedia The Bone Wars That Made Dinosaurs So Popular – I Know Dino (Podcast) Host & Show InfoHosts: Kyle Risi & Adam CoxIntro Music: Alice in dark WonderlandCommunity & Calls to ActionReview & follow on: Spotify & Apple PodcastsInstagram: @theCompendiumPodcastWebsite: thecompendiumpodcast.comSupport us: Sign up to PatreonCircus Job Board: Apply to join the CircusShare this episode with a friend! If you enjoyed it, tag us on social media and let us know your favourite takeaway. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A man is found dead in a locked hotel room with no signs of a struggle, leaving investigators with a mystery that makes no sense. This episode follows the case of Greg Flanagan, whose death in Room 348 seemed straightforward until private investigator Ken Brennan uncovered evidence hiding in plain sight. We trace the overlooked clues, the chain of small mistakes that derailed the initial inquiry, and the reasoning that finally revealed what happened inside that locked room. Topics include The discovery in Room 348 Early investigative missteps Key forensic details Ken Brennan’s reconstruction of events How the true cause of death was uncovered Resources and Further Reading Body in room 348 - Vanity Fair Body in room 348 - People Host & Show InfoHosts: Kyle Risi & Adam CoxIntro Music: Alice in dark WonderlandCommunity & Calls to ActionReview & follow on: Spotify & Apple PodcastsInstagram: @theCompendiumPodcastWebsite: thecompendiumpodcast.comSupport us: Sign up to PatreonCircus Job Board: Apply to join the CircusShare this episode with a friend! If you enjoyed it, tag us on social media and let us know your favourite takeaway. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A quiz show champion reaches the million-pound question, only for suspicious coughs to spark a scandal that grips the nation. This episode revisits the Who Wants to Be a Millionaire coughing scandal, tracing how Charles Ingram, his wife Diana, and Tecwen Whittock became the centre of a media storm and courtroom battle. We explore the evidence, the trial, the role of Chris Tarrant, and the twists that inspired ITV’s Quiz, all while asking whether the Coughing Major was truly guilty. Topics include The night of the alleged coughing Charles and Diana Ingram’s involvement Tecwen Whittock and studio dynamics Key trial evidence and testimony The cultural legacy of ITV’s Quiz Resources and Further Reading Charles Ingram Fraud Scandal Footage - YouTube Charles Ingram - Wikipedia Quiz Miniseries 2020 – by ITV/AMC Bad Show: The Quiz, The Cough, The Millionaire Major – by Bob Woffinden & James Plaskett Reasonable doubt: was ‘the Coughing Major’ innocent? – James Plaskett Host & Show InfoHosts: Kyle Risi & Adam CoxIntro Music: Alice in dark WonderlandCommunity & Calls to ActionReview & follow on: Spotify & Apple PodcastsInstagram: @theCompendiumPodcastWebsite: thecompendiumpodcast.comSupport us: Sign up to PatreonCircus Job Board: Apply to join the CircusShare this episode with a friend! If you enjoyed it, tag us on social media and let us know your favourite takeaway. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A failed explosion beneath Parliament ignites a chain of treason, torture, and myth-making that still echoes every Bonfire Night. This episode traces the real story of Guy Fawkes, from Robert Catesby’s radical plot to the brutal aftermath that shaped Britain’s most famous annual ritual. We explore whether Fawkes was the mastermind or the perfect scapegoat, and how a botched act of rebellion became a national night of fire, memory, and political symbolism. Topics include The Gunpowder Plot’s origins Guy Fawkes’s role and interrogation Robert Catesby’s leadership King James I’s response The making of Bonfire Night tradition Resources and Further Reading The Gunpowder Plot - Wikipedia The Gunpowder Plot: Terror and Faith in 1605 – by Antonia Fraser Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder Plot – Tower of London Guy Fawkes night - Wikipedia Host & Show InfoHosts: Kyle Risi & Adam CoxIntro Music: Alice in dark WonderlandCommunity & Calls to ActionReview & follow on: Spotify & Apple PodcastsInstagram: @theCompendiumPodcastWebsite: thecompendiumpodcast.comSupport us: Sign up to PatreonCircus Job Board: Apply to join the CircusShare this episode with a friend! If you enjoyed it, tag us on social media and let us know your favourite takeaway. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A young artist survives unimaginable pain and transforms it into paintings so bold and intimate they redefine what art can be. This episode explores Frida Kahlo’s turbulent life, from the accident that reshaped her body to the politics, passion, and creative defiance that fuelled her work. We trace her self-portraits, her fractured relationship with Diego Rivera, and the way she turned personal suffering into a visual language that made her an icon of rebellion and self-expression. Topics include Frida Kahlo’s life-changing accident Her most influential self-portraits Politics, identity, and artistic rebellion The complexities of her relationship with Diego Rivera Her legacy from La Casa Azul to global recognition Resources and Further Reading Frida (2002) – Directed by Julie Taymor Frida: A Biography of Frida Kahlo – by Hayden Herrera Complete Works – Frida Kahlo – Frida Kahlo Foundation Frida: The Making of an Icon – Exhibition at Tate Modern Host & Show Info Hosts: Kyle Risi & Adam Cox Topic Suggested by: Samantha Bingley Intro Music: Alice in dark Wonderland by Aleksey Chistilin Trailer Music: Stealy Move by Soundroll Community & Calls to Action Review & follow on: Spotify & Apple Podcasts Follow us on Instagram: @theCompendiumPodcast Visit us at: TheCompendiumPodcast.com ️ Early access episodes: Patreon Share this episode with a friend! If you enjoyed it, tag us on social media and let us know your favorite takeaway. Host & Show InfoHosts: Kyle Risi & Adam CoxIntro Music: Alice in dark WonderlandCommunity & Calls to ActionReview & follow on: Spotify & Apple PodcastsInstagram: @theCompendiumPodcastWebsite: thecompendiumpodcast.comSupport us: Sign up to PatreonCircus Job Board: Apply to join the CircusShare this episode with a friend! If you enjoyed it, tag us on social media and let us know your favourite takeaway. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A luxury music festival in the Bahamas collapses into chaos, leaving celebrity hype, empty promises, and bewildered guests in its wake. This episode unpacks the rise and ruin of Fyre Festival, from Billy McFarland’s glossy vision of a VIP paradise to the cascading failures that exposed a web of lies. We follow the influencers, the investors, the infamous cheese sandwich, and the fallout that turned a marketing fantasy into a modern lesson in greed and delusion. Topics include Billy McFarland’s festival concept Celebrity influencer promotion Logistics failures in the Bahamas Financial misconduct and Ponzi scheme tactics The aftermath and McFarland’s consequences Resources and Further Reading Fyre: The Greatest Party That Never Happened (2019) – by Chris Smith Fyre Festival – Wikipedia Hype: Inside the Fyre Festival and the Golden Age of Grift – by Gabrielle Bluestone Billy McFarland – Wikipedia Host & Show InfoHosts: Kyle Risi & Adam CoxIntro Music: Alice in dark WonderlandCommunity & Calls to ActionReview & follow on: Spotify & Apple PodcastsInstagram: @theCompendiumPodcastWebsite: thecompendiumpodcast.comSupport us: Sign up to PatreonCircus Job Board: Apply to join the CircusShare this episode with a friend! If you enjoyed it, tag us on social media and let us know your favourite takeaway. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A family lunch ends in three deaths, one near miss, and a swirl of suspicion as police uncover a tale stranger than fiction. This episode examines the Mushroom Murders, where Erin Patterson’s Beef Wellington laced with death cap mushrooms triggered one of Australia’s most sensational criminal cases. We trace the shifting stories, the courtroom revelations, and the web of deception that turned a family meal into an international headline. Topics include The fatal lunch and death cap poisoning Erin Patterson’s conflicting accounts Key forensic and medical details Courtroom twists and revelations Australia’s most infamous mushroom murder trial Resources and Further Reading Inside the Family Lunch That Killed Three (2025) — Youtube Leongatha Mushroom Murders — Wikipedia Key Facts in Australia’s Mushroom Murder Trial — Reuters Host & Show InfoHosts: Kyle Risi & Adam CoxIntro Music: Alice in dark WonderlandCommunity & Calls to ActionReview & follow on: Spotify & Apple PodcastsInstagram: @theCompendiumPodcastWebsite: thecompendiumpodcast.comSupport us: Sign up to PatreonCircus Job Board: Apply to join the CircusShare this episode with a friend! If you enjoyed it, tag us on social media and let us know your favourite takeaway. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A reality show convinces its contestants they’ve been launched into space, creating one of the strangest deceptions in British television history. This episode revisits Space Cadets, the 2005 Channel 4 hoax that used fake cosmonaut training, a shuttle simulator, and an entire “Russian base” built in Ipswich to sell an impossible illusion. We explore how the production pulled it off, why the contestants believed it, and how this bizarre stunt still stands as reality TV’s most audacious experiment. Topics include The setup behind the Space Cadets hoax Fake cosmonaut training and shuttle simulation The Ipswich “Russian base” Contestant reactions and belief The legacy of TV’s strangest reality stunt Resources and Further Reading Space Cadets (2005) – Wikipedia Space Cadets TV Series - Youtube Ipswich, we have a problem - The Guardian Capricorn One (1978) – by Peter Hyams Host & Show InfoHosts: Kyle Risi & Adam CoxIntro Music: Alice in dark WonderlandCommunity & Calls to ActionReview & follow on: Spotify & Apple PodcastsInstagram: @theCompendiumPodcastWebsite: thecompendiumpodcast.comSupport us: Sign up to PatreonCircus Job Board: Apply to join the CircusShare this episode with a friend! If you enjoyed it, tag us on social media and let us know your favourite takeaway. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A troubled drifter becomes one of America’s most notorious female serial killers, leaving behind a trail of violence and a life shaped by cruelty. This episode explores the tragic and brutal story of Aileen Wuornos, from her abusive childhood to the murders that later inspired the film Monster. We look at the forces that shaped her, the rage and trauma that defined her choices, and the unsettling debate over whether she was a cold-blooded killer or a woman pushed past the edge by a lifetime of suffering. Topics include Aileen Wuornos’s childhood and early trauma Her life as a sex worker in Florida The sequence of murders Psychological and emotional breakdowns The lasting legacy of her case and its portrayal in Monster Resources and Further Reading Aileen Wuornos – Wikipedia Monster (2003) – directed by Patty Jenkins Aileen: Life and Death of a Serial Killer (2003) – directed by Nick Broomfield & Joan Churchill Monster: My True Story - by Aileen Wuornos & Christopher Berry-Dee Host & Show InfoHosts: Kyle Risi & Adam CoxIntro Music: Alice in dark WonderlandCommunity & Calls to ActionReview & follow on: Spotify & Apple PodcastsInstagram: @theCompendiumPodcastWebsite: thecompendiumpodcast.comSupport us: Sign up to PatreonCircus Job Board: Apply to join the CircusShare this episode with a friend! If you enjoyed it, tag us on social media and let us know your favourite takeaway. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A rising sports icon shoots his girlfriend through a locked bathroom door, leaving a nation divided over intent, truth, and justice. This episode revisits the killing of Reeva Steenkamp, tracing Oscar Pistorius’s rapid ascent, the events of that Valentine’s Day in Pretoria, and the trial that gripped South Africa. We explore the legal twists, the cultural context around crime and fear, and the lingering question of who Reeva was beyond the headlines and courtroom arguments. Topics include The rise of Oscar Pistorius The Valentine’s Day shooting Key trial evidence and testimony Manslaughter vs murder debates Reeva Steenkamp’s life and legacy Resources and Further Reading Oscar Pistorius: Behind the Door – by Mandy Wiener One Tragic Night: The Shooting of Reeva Steenkamp – by Barry Bateman & Mandy Wiener Oscar Pistorius: The Trial of the Blade Runner (2018) – by BBC Host & Show InfoHosts: Kyle Risi & Adam CoxIntro Music: Alice in dark WonderlandCommunity & Calls to ActionReview & follow on: Spotify & Apple PodcastsInstagram: @theCompendiumPodcastWebsite: thecompendiumpodcast.comSupport us: Sign up to PatreonCircus Job Board: Apply to join the CircusShare this episode with a friend! If you enjoyed it, tag us on social media and let us know your favourite takeaway. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A serial killer stalks couples in the Tuscan hills for nearly twenty years, leaving Italy gripped by fear, rumours, and a mystery that refuses to die. This episode unpacks the chilling case of the Monster of Florence, tracing how a series of lover’s lane murders spiralled into one of Europe’s most notorious unsolved investigations. We explore the myths, the obsession, the links to pop culture, and the tangled theories that pulled in everyone from local investigators to writers and even the Amanda Knox case. Topics include The lover’s lane murders in Tuscany Key suspects and shifting theories Cultural myths surrounding the case Connections to Hannibal Lecter The case’s impact on the Amanda Knox investigation Resources and Further Reading The Monster of Florence (2025) – Netflix limited series Monster of Florence – Wikipedia Host & Show InfoHosts: Kyle Risi & Adam CoxIntro Music: Alice in dark WonderlandCommunity & Calls to ActionReview & follow on: Spotify & Apple PodcastsInstagram: @theCompendiumPodcastWebsite: thecompendiumpodcast.comSupport us: Sign up to PatreonCircus Job Board: Apply to join the CircusShare this episode with a friend! If you enjoyed it, tag us on social media and let us know your favourite takeaway. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A princess spends her final year hunted by cameras, torn between private love and public myth, before a fatal chase changes the world forever. This episode follows the last chapter of Diana’s life, from her quiet relationship with Hasnat Khan to her intense summer with Dodi Fayed under the glare of global scrutiny. We explore the pressures surrounding her, the chaotic night in Paris, and the swirl of conspiracy, grief, and legacy that shaped how the world remembers her. Topics include Diana’s relationship with Hasnat Khan Her summer with Dodi Fayed Paparazzi pressure and public fascination The crash in Paris The conspiracies and legacy that followed Resources and Further Reading Diana’s childhood and family background - Britannica Diana’s struggles with bulimia and mental health - Vogue Diana: Her True Story - In Her Own Words - by Andre Morton The Diana Chronicles - by Tina Brown Host & Show InfoHosts: Kyle Risi & Adam CoxIntro Music: Alice in dark WonderlandCommunity & Calls to ActionReview & follow on: Spotify & Apple PodcastsInstagram: @theCompendiumPodcastWebsite: thecompendiumpodcast.comSupport us: Sign up to PatreonCircus Job Board: Apply to join the CircusShare this episode with a friend! If you enjoyed it, tag us on social media and let us know your favourite takeaway. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A viral video promises to stop a warlord, igniting global frenzy before collapsing into scandal, backlash, and one very public unraveling. This episode revisits Kony 2012, charting how a polished campaign about Joseph Kony and the LRA captured worldwide attention through emotional storytelling and social media hype. We explore the action kits, the celebrity endorsements, the evangelical funding, and the rapid shift from praise to ridicule as the movement fell apart and achieved almost nothing on the ground. Topics include The rise of the Kony 2012 campaign Joseph Kony and the LRA Celebrity and evangelical involvement The public meltdown and backlash The limits of viral activism Resources and Further Reading Kony 2012 – Wikipedia Kony 2012 viral video - Youtube Kony 2012 ampaign background – official website Host & Show InfoHosts: Kyle Risi & Adam CoxIntro Music: Alice in dark WonderlandCommunity & Calls to ActionReview & follow on: Spotify & Apple PodcastsInstagram: @theCompendiumPodcastWebsite: thecompendiumpodcast.comSupport us: Sign up to PatreonCircus Job Board: Apply to join the CircusShare this episode with a friend! If you enjoyed it, tag us on social media and let us know your favourite takeaway. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A quiet Midwestern town uncovers horrors inside a farmhouse, revealing the man who would become Hollywood’s most disturbing inspiration. This episode examines the real story of Ed Gein, from the murder of Bernice Worden to the macabre discoveries that exposed a life shaped by isolation, obsession, and violence. We trace how his crimes fuelled some of cinema’s darkest creations and why his legacy continues to haunt true crime and pop culture ahead of the new Ryan Murphy series. Topics include The murder of Bernice Worden The discoveries inside Gein’s farmhouse His psychological background and isolation Links to Psycho, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, and Silence of the Lambs Ed Gein’s continuing influence on modern true crime Resources and Further Reading Ed Gein - Wikipedia Deviant: The Shocking True Story of Ed Gein, the Original ‘Psycho’ – by Harold Schechter "Monster, The Ed Gien Story (2025) - Netflix Host & Show InfoHosts: Kyle Risi & Adam CoxIntro Music: Alice in dark WonderlandCommunity & Calls to ActionReview & follow on: Spotify & Apple PodcastsInstagram: @theCompendiumPodcastWebsite: thecompendiumpodcast.comSupport us: Sign up to PatreonCircus Job Board: Apply to join the CircusShare this episode with a friend! If you enjoyed it, tag us on social media and let us know your favourite takeaway. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A princess fights for autonomy as her marriage collapses, navigating scandal, heartbreak, and a public image she could no longer control. This episode traces the turbulent years leading to Diana’s divorce from Charles, exploring her struggle with bulimia, the emotional fallout of their separation, and the affairs that ignited tabloid frenzy. We unpack the James Hewitt relationship, the shockwaves inside the Royal Family, the symbolic power of the Revenge Dress, and how her AIDS advocacy reshaped her public legacy during one of the most tumultuous chapters of her life. Topics include Diana and Charles’s marital breakdown Bulimia, mental health, and emotional strain The James Hewitt affair The impact of the Revenge Dress Diana’s transformative AIDS charity work Resources and Further Reading Diana’s childhood and family background - Britannica Diana’s struggles with bulimia and mental health - Vogue Diana: Her True Story - In Her Own Words - by Andre Morton The Diana Chronicles - by Tina Brown Host & Show InfoHosts: Kyle Risi & Adam CoxIntro Music: Alice in dark WonderlandCommunity & Calls to ActionReview & follow on: Spotify & Apple PodcastsInstagram: @theCompendiumPodcastWebsite: thecompendiumpodcast.comSupport us: Sign up to PatreonCircus Job Board: Apply to join the CircusShare this episode with a friend! If you enjoyed it, tag us on social media and let us know your favourite takeaway. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A honeymoon turns deadly in Cape Town, triggering a case of murder, corruption, and conflicting testimonies that still divides South Africa. This episode retraces the killing of Anni Dewani, from the staged hijacking in Gugulethu to the international media storm that followed. We examine Shrien Dewani’s trial and acquittal, the plea bargains that shaped the narrative, and the CCTV and forensic battles that left the truth contested and the public fiercely divided. Topics include The staged Gugulethu hijacking Key CCTV and forensic evidence Shrien Dewani’s trial and acquittal Police corruption and plea bargain controversies Why the case remains unresolved in the public mind Resources and Further Reading The Honeymoon Murder - Panarama Murder of Anni Dewani - Wikipedia Anni: The Honeymoon Murder - TV Mini Series IMDB Anni Dewani: A Father's Story - by Vinod Hindocha Host & Show InfoHosts: Kyle Risi & Adam CoxIntro Music: Alice in dark WonderlandCommunity & Calls to ActionReview & follow on: Spotify & Apple PodcastsInstagram: @theCompendiumPodcastWebsite: thecompendiumpodcast.comSupport us: Sign up to PatreonCircus Job Board: Apply to join the CircusShare this episode with a friend! If you enjoyed it, tag us on social media and let us know your favourite takeaway. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A woman is kidnapped, dismissed as a liar, and compared to a fictional villain before the truth finally forces the world to listen. This episode revisits Denise Huskins’s ordeal in Vallejo, where a terrifying abduction was written off as a hoax until evidence proved otherwise. We trace the police missteps, the media frenzy, the impact of Gone Girl comparisons, and how Denise and Aaron reclaimed their story through the American Nightmare docuseries and their memoir Victim F. Topics include The Vallejo kidnapping Police assumptions and early disbelief Media comparisons to Gone Girl The American Nightmare documentary Justice, vindication, and Victim F Resources and Further Reading American Nightmare [2024] – directed by Bernadette Higgins & Felicity Morris, Victim F: From Crime Victims to Suspects to Survivors – by Denise Huskins & Aaron Quinn Host & Show InfoHosts: Kyle Risi & Adam CoxIntro Music: Alice in dark WonderlandCommunity & Calls to ActionReview & follow on: Spotify & Apple PodcastsInstagram: @theCompendiumPodcastWebsite: thecompendiumpodcast.comSupport us: Sign up to PatreonCircus Job Board: Apply to join the CircusShare this episode with a friend! If you enjoyed it, tag us on social media and let us know your favourite takeaway. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A fairy-tale romance unravels almost instantly, leaving a young woman trapped between duty, loneliness, and a love story that was never built to survive. This episode traces Diana’s early life and whirlwind engagement to Charles, revealing how Royal expectations, emotional distance, and the presence of Camilla Parker Bowles shattered the illusion of a perfect match. We explore her childhood influences, the pressures of palace life, and how isolation and bulimia emerged as the hidden cost of becoming the People’s Princess. Topics include Diana’s childhood and early influences Her engagement and early marriage to Charles Royal expectations and emotional strain The shadow of Camilla Parker Bowles Diana’s isolation and struggle with bulimia Resources and Further Reading Diana’s childhood and family background - Britannica Diana’s struggles with bulimia and mental health - Vogue Diana: Her True Story - In Her Own Words - by Andre Morton The Diana Chronicles - by Tina Brown Host & Show InfoHosts: Kyle Risi & Adam CoxIntro Music: Alice in dark WonderlandCommunity & Calls to ActionReview & follow on: Spotify & Apple PodcastsInstagram: @theCompendiumPodcastWebsite: thecompendiumpodcast.comSupport us: Sign up to PatreonCircus Job Board: Apply to join the CircusShare this episode with a friend! If you enjoyed it, tag us on social media and let us know your favourite takeaway. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of the Compendium, we're re-exploring the wild 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. Resources and Further Reading Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup by John Carreyrou The Drop Out Podcast - Original 6 Part Series which inspired the TV Series The Drop Out TV Show - Adaption based on the Podcast Series Host & Show InfoHosts: Kyle Risi & Adam CoxIntro Music: Alice in dark WonderlandCommunity & Calls to ActionReview & follow on: Spotify & Apple PodcastsInstagram: @theCompendiumPodcastWebsite: thecompendiumpodcast.comSupport us: Sign up to PatreonCircus Job Board: Apply to join the CircusShare this episode with a friend! If you enjoyed it, tag us on social media and let us know your favourite takeaway. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 Reggiani marked a turning point for the luxury brand. The story of the Gucci family is more than the sum of its parts, offering a window into the complexities of legacy, the price of ambition, and the true story behind the headlines. Resources and Further Reading "The House of Gucci" by Sara Gay Forden "Gucci: The Making of" by Frida Giannini, Katie Grand, and Peter Arnell "The Gucci Mane" by Gucci Mane and Neil Martinez-Belkin "Fashionopolis: The Price of Fast Fashion and the Future of Clothes" by Dana Thomas "Empire of Fashion" by Gilles Lipovetsky Host & Show InfoHosts: Kyle Risi & Adam CoxIntro Music: Alice in dark WonderlandCommunity & Calls to ActionReview & follow on: Spotify & Apple PodcastsInstagram: @theCompendiumPodcastWebsite: thecompendiumpodcast.comSupport us: Sign up to PatreonCircus Job Board: Apply to join the CircusShare this episode with a friend! If you enjoyed it, tag us on social media and let us know your favourite takeaway. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of the Compendium, we diving back 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 Order of Saint Clare and highlights profound Catholic Church scandals. We'll take you through the planning, the escape, and the aftermath, as these nuns navigate legal complexities and ethical dilemmas. From the quiet streets of Bruges to the luxury of a French castle, their journey invites us to question the balance between spiritual devotion and personal fulfillment. This episode is a rollercoaster ride through faith, betrayal, and liberation. Resources and Further Reading “The aging nuns who sold their convent” - The advisor “Poor Clares” - Wikipedia “The Millionaire Nuns” - Radar online Host & Show InfoHosts: Kyle Risi & Adam CoxIntro Music: Alice in dark WonderlandCommunity & Calls to ActionReview & follow on: Spotify & Apple PodcastsInstagram: @theCompendiumPodcastWebsite: thecompendiumpodcast.comSupport us: Sign up to PatreonCircus Job Board: Apply to join the CircusShare this episode with a friend! If you enjoyed it, tag us on social media and let us know your favourite takeaway. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of The Compendium, we're jumping back 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 the history and timeline of the Titanic, from its launch in Southampton to its ill-fated maiden voyage destined for New York. We also bring to life the experiences of the Titanic's passengers and crew, from the elite millionaires in first class to the hopeful immigrants in third class. Join us as we uncover the artifacts and tales that survived, and prepare to load all the luggage and passengers onboard as we get ready for the Titanic's maiden voyage in episode 2. Resources and Further Reading "A Night to Remember" by Walter Lord "Titanic" Wikipedia "Titanic: The Tragedy Begins" The rest is history “The official Titanic Museum” website "Titanic” by James Cameron Host & Show InfoHosts: Kyle Risi & Adam CoxIntro Music: Alice in dark WonderlandCommunity & Calls to ActionReview & follow on: Spotify & Apple PodcastsInstagram: @theCompendiumPodcastWebsite: thecompendiumpodcast.comSupport us: Sign up to PatreonCircus Job Board: Apply to join the CircusShare this episode with a friend! If you enjoyed it, tag us on social media and let us know your favourite takeaway. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of The Compendium, we revisit the 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 crime and the lasting legacy of Lyle and Erik Menendez. Resources and Further Reading “The Menendez Brothers”Netflix documentary 2024 “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story”Netflix Drama Series 2024 “The Menendez Murders: The Shocking Untold Story of the Menendez Family” by Robert Rand “Lyle and Erik Menendez” Wikipedia “Truth and Lies: The Menendez Brothers” (ABC Documentary) Host & Show InfoHosts: Kyle Risi & Adam CoxIntro Music: Alice in dark WonderlandCommunity & Calls to ActionReview & follow on: Spotify & Apple PodcastsInstagram: @theCompendiumPodcastWebsite: thecompendiumpodcast.comSupport us: Sign up to PatreonCircus Job Board: Apply to join the CircusShare this episode with a friend! If you enjoyed it, tag us on social media and let us know your favourite takeaway. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of the Compendium, we’re giving you a brief foray into the intricate and controversial O.J. Simpson trial. Today’s story is one that captivated a nation, and we will help open the doors to the rabbit hole of a story that meanders and weaves. Its a doozie! We unravel the complex layers of celebrity, racial tensions, and the American justice system, dissect the key events - from the tragic deaths of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman, the sensational white Bronco chase, to the infamous glove that played a pivotal role in the trial. Join us as we give you the Compendium on the imfamous O.J Simpson story! The facts, the theories, and the societal impact of this landmark case, Resources and Further Reading "The Run of His Life: The People v. O.J. Simpson" by Jeffrey Toobin ESPN's Documentary: "O.J.: Made in America" "Without a Doubt" by Marcia Clark "American Crime Story: The People v. O.J. Simpson" - FX Series “You’re Wrong About” - Podcast by Sarah Marshall and Michael Hobbs Host & Show InfoHosts: Kyle Risi & Adam CoxIntro Music: Alice in dark WonderlandCommunity & Calls to ActionReview & follow on: Spotify & Apple PodcastsInstagram: @theCompendiumPodcastWebsite: thecompendiumpodcast.comSupport us: Sign up to PatreonCircus Job Board: Apply to join the CircusShare this episode with a friend! If you enjoyed it, tag us on social media and let us know your favourite takeaway. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of The Compendium, we explore the haunting tale of the Nutty Putty Cave tragedy, where John Edward Jones became fatally trapped in 2009. This gripping story delves into the perilous world of cave exploration, highlighting the dangers that lurk beneath the surface. From the initial missteps to the exhaustive rescue attempts, we examine how a simple adventure turned into a harrowing ordeal. Discover why Nutty Putty Cave was permanently sealed, serving as a somber reminder of the risks involved in spelunking. Resources and Further Reading The Nutty Putty Cave Rescue & the Death of John Jones – by Brandon Kowallis Nutty Putty Cave: Before and After the Tragic Death of John Jones – by Dave Roos & Austin Henderson The Last Descent – by Isaac Halasima Nutty Putty Cave – Wikipedia Host & Show InfoHosts: Kyle Risi & Adam CoxIntro Music: Alice in dark WonderlandCommunity & Calls to ActionReview & follow on: Spotify & Apple PodcastsInstagram: @theCompendiumPodcastWebsite: thecompendiumpodcast.comSupport us: Sign up to PatreonCircus Job Board: Apply to join the CircusShare this episode with a friend! If you enjoyed it, tag us on social media and let us know your favourite takeaway. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of the Compendium, we’re exploring the Chernobyl disaster, the catastrophic nuclear accident that occurred at precisely 01:23:40 on April 26, 1986. We’ll explore the events leading up to the explosion of Reactor 4, examining the know design flaws of the RBMK reactor and the critical decisions that precipitated the meltdown. W’ll also look at the heroic efforts of the Chernobyl liquidators, the scientists and workers who risked their lives to contain the disaster, and the pivotal role of Valery Legasov in uncovering the truth behind the incident. Its also a gnarly episode where we go into some of the effect Radiation exposure had on the victims and the surrounding environment, today this one is a doozy! Resources and Further Reading Chernobyl Disaster Overview - World Nuclear Association Valery Legasov: - All That's Interesting Horrifying Photos of Chernobyl - CBS News Chernobyl Tv Series 2019 - HBO Host & Show InfoHosts: Kyle Risi & Adam CoxIntro Music: Alice in dark WonderlandCommunity & Calls to ActionReview & follow on: Spotify & Apple PodcastsInstagram: @theCompendiumPodcastWebsite: thecompendiumpodcast.comSupport us: Sign up to PatreonCircus Job Board: Apply to join the CircusShare this episode with a friend! If you enjoyed it, tag us on social media and let us know your favourite takeaway. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of the Compendium, we explore the Acali Experiment—a 1973 voyage where anthropologist Santiago Genovés set sail with ten strangers to study human behavior. Dubbed the "Sex Raft" by the media, his 101-day Atlantic crossing aimed to investigate the roots of violence and sexuality. Despite Genovés's attempts to incite conflict, the crew's resilience challenged his expectations. This journey not only questioned scientific ethics but also inspired discussions on human nature and peace. Resources and Further Reading "Mutiny on the Sex Raft” - The Guardian "The Raft Tells Of Sex, Chaos And Mutiny In A Crazy 1973 Social Experiment" - Forbes "The Raft Chronicles an Extreme Experiment with Human Nature" - The New Yorker "The Seville Statement on Violence" - Wikipedia "Acali" - Wikipedia “The Raft (2018)" - Documentary by Marcus Lindeen Host & Show InfoHosts: Kyle Risi & Adam CoxIntro Music: Alice in dark WonderlandCommunity & Calls to ActionReview & follow on: Spotify & Apple PodcastsInstagram: @theCompendiumPodcastWebsite: thecompendiumpodcast.comSupport us: Sign up to PatreonCircus Job Board: Apply to join the CircusShare this episode with a friend! If you enjoyed it, tag us on social media and let us know your favourite takeaway. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of the Compendium, Poop Cruise takes you aboard Carnival Triumph’s disastrous voyage that stranded over 4,000 passengers without toilets after an engine-room fire crippled power and plumbing. We unclog how a routine cruise turned into a floating biohazard—complete with sewage flooding decks and emergency red-bag sanitation on “Trainwreck: Poop Cruise.” Resources and Further Reading “Trainwreck: Poop Cruise” (2025) – Netflix 2013 engine-room fire & sewage backup – People Carnival Sunrise (formerly Triumph) - Wikipedia Host & Show InfoHosts: Kyle Risi & Adam CoxIntro Music: Alice in dark WonderlandCommunity & Calls to ActionReview & follow on: Spotify & Apple PodcastsInstagram: @theCompendiumPodcastWebsite: thecompendiumpodcast.comSupport us: Sign up to PatreonCircus Job Board: Apply to join the CircusShare this episode with a friend! If you enjoyed it, tag us on social media and let us know your favourite takeaway. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of the Compendium, we recount the harrowing true survival story of a 1994 Zambezi River attack. What began as a serene safari turned into a nightmare when a hippo capsized a canoe, leaving guide Phil Longden severely injured. Days later, another group faced a similar fate, battling both hippos and crocodiles in a desperate fight for survival. Amidst the chaos, a blue paddle became a symbol of hope, aiding in their escape. This tale of courage and resilience highlights the dangers lurking in the African wilderness and the extraordinary measures taken to survive.​ Resources and Further Reading Terror on the Zambezi – by Hannes Wessels, Africa Unauthorized Terror In The Zambezi: I Shouldn't Be Alive - Youtube Host & Show InfoHosts: Kyle Risi & Adam CoxIntro Music: Alice in dark WonderlandCommunity & Calls to ActionReview & follow on: Spotify & Apple PodcastsInstagram: @theCompendiumPodcastWebsite: thecompendiumpodcast.comSupport us: Sign up to PatreonCircus Job Board: Apply to join the CircusShare this episode with a friend! If you enjoyed it, tag us on social media and let us know your favourite takeaway. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of the Compendium, we’re exploring the Oceangate Titan disaster—a chilling tale of ambition, oversight, and tragedy. On June 18, 2023, the Titan submersible imploded during a descent to the Titanic wreck, claiming the lives of all five aboard, including OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush. Despite prior warnings about the sub's carbon-fiber hull and safety concerns, the expedition proceeded, leading to catastrophic failure. We delve into the events leading up to the disaster, the aftermath, and the broader implications for deep-sea tourism and engineering ethics. Resources and Further Reading Titan: The OceanGate Disaster (2025) - Netflix Documentary Titan Submersible Implosion - Wikipedia OceanGate Faces Federal Investigation a Year After the Titan Submersible Implosion - Wired Titan Sub Footage Captures Chilling Moment of Implosion Heard by Support Ship - YouTube Host & Show InfoHosts: Kyle Risi & Adam CoxIntro Music: Alice in dark WonderlandCommunity & Calls to ActionReview & follow on: Spotify & Apple PodcastsInstagram: @theCompendiumPodcastWebsite: thecompendiumpodcast.comSupport us: Sign up to PatreonCircus Job Board: Apply to join the CircusShare this episode with a friend! If you enjoyed it, tag us on social media and let us know your favourite takeaway. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of the Compendium, we unravel the real story behind the McDonald's hot coffee case—a tale often misrepresented in the media. Stella Liebeck, a 79-year-old woman, suffered third-degree burns from coffee served at dangerously high temperatures. Despite seeking a modest settlement, McDonald's offered only $800, leading to a lawsuit that highlighted issues of corporate negligence and consumer rights. We delve into how big business and media narratives distorted the facts, turning a legitimate claim into a symbol of "frivolous lawsuits." This case became a catalyst for American tort reform debates, revealing the profound impact of corporate influence in politics.​ Resources and Further Reading Liebeck v. McDonald's - The American Museum of Tort Law Legal Myths: The McDonald's "Hot Coffee" Case - Public Citizen Hot Coffee Documentry (2011) - Susan Saladoff Host & Show InfoHosts: Kyle Risi & Adam CoxIntro Music: Alice in dark WonderlandCommunity & Calls to ActionReview & follow on: Spotify & Apple PodcastsInstagram: @theCompendiumPodcastWebsite: thecompendiumpodcast.comSupport us: Sign up to PatreonCircus Job Board: Apply to join the CircusShare this episode with a friend! If you enjoyed it, tag us on social media and let us know your favourite takeaway. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.