Narrated by Steve Buscemi, this is the story of Gosnell Duncan and the silicone dildo. After being handicapped in a work-related accident, Gosnell was paralyzed from the waist down. A life-long lothario and passionate husband, Caribbean-born Gosnell used his engineering knowledge to craft a new invention: the world’s first silicone dildo. His invention was intended for others too; specifically, he sought to bring pleasure to people with disabilities. Letters would come from all over the country with specific requests for his custom-made sex toys, letters telling Gosnell intimate secrets and hoping he could help. Despite the many obstacles — including laws that could send him to prison just for advertising his products — Gosnell changed the world, one dick at a time. This story brings overdue recognition for an inventor like no other.Journalist: Hallie LiebermanVoice: Steve BuscemiProduction: Christopher Hooton See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Narrated by Steve Buscemi, this is the story of Gosnell Duncan and the silicone dildo. After being handicapped in a work-related accident, Gosnell was paralyzed from the waist down. A life-long lothario and passionate husband, Caribbean-born Gosnell used his engineering knowledge to craft a new invention: the world’s first silicone dildo. His invention was intended for others too; specifically, he sought to bring pleasure to people with disabilities. Letters would come from all over the country with specific requests for his custom-made sex toys, letters telling Gosnell intimate secrets and hoping he could help. Despite the many obstacles — including laws that could send him to prison just for advertising his products — Gosnell changed the world, one dick at a time. This story brings overdue recognition for an inventor like no other.Journalist: Hallie LiebermanVoice: Steve BuscemiProduction: Christopher Hooton See <a href="https://acast.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">acast.com/privacy</a> for privacy and opt-out information.

Joy Boy

The Oakland A's of the early 1970s were the most iconoclastic team in baseball history. Never before had a club so collectively traumatized baseball's establishment with its eccentric behavior and business decisions, not to mention its outlandish facial hair, while simultaneously setting records: five consecutive division titles and three straight championships. Yet despite all the winning, the drama that played out on the field was somehow exceeded by the drama in the clubhouse. There were fistfights between players on the regular. The one thing that kept the team from splintering was the fact that, as much as they might have loathed each other, they loathed the team’s owner, Charlie Finley, even more... At least they had that much in common. In 1973, Finley pushed it too far, maneuvering to get a player off the team on false pretenses, uniting his team against him as the World Series hangs in the balance.Journalist: Jason TurbowVoice: Jud MeyersProduction: Christopher Hooton See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Oakland A's of the early 1970s were the most iconoclastic team in baseball history. Never before had a club so collectively traumatized baseball's establishment with its eccentric behavior and business decisions, not to mention its outlandish facial hair, while simultaneously setting records: five consecutive division titles and three straight championships. Yet despite all the winning, the drama that played out on the field was somehow exceeded by the drama in the clubhouse. There were fistfights between players on the regular. The one thing that kept the team from splintering was the fact that, as much as they might have loathed each other, they loathed the team’s owner, Charlie Finley, even more... At least they had that much in common. In 1973, Finley pushed it too far, maneuvering to get a player off the team on false pretenses, uniting his team against him as the World Series hangs in the balance.Journalist: Jason TurbowVoice: Jud MeyersProduction: Christopher Hooton See <a href="https://acast.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">acast.com/privacy</a> for privacy and opt-out information.

The Swingin' A's

Inspired by the life and work of Leon Theremin, a Russian inventor whose most famous invention was the Theremin –– an instrument that produces otherworldly, haunting music, and which is played seemingly by magic. At the height of the Cold War, Theremin’s passions for music and science drew him into dangerous territory: the price of pursuing his great passions would be to live his life as a spy. Writer: Michael LaPointeVoice: Gerard HowardProduction: Christopher Hooton See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Inspired by the life and work of Leon Theremin, a Russian inventor whose most famous invention was the Theremin –– an instrument that produces otherworldly, haunting music, and which is played seemingly by magic. At the height of the Cold War, Theremin’s passions for music and science drew him into dangerous territory: the price of pursuing his great passions would be to live his life as a spy. Writer: Michael LaPointeVoice: Gerard HowardProduction: Christopher Hooton See <a href="https://acast.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">acast.com/privacy</a> for privacy and opt-out information.

Electric Prisoner

Based on the life of Susanna Madora Salter. Narrated by Elle Fanning. Argonia, Kansas, 1887. Susanna Salter is baking bread when there’s a knock at the door. She learns she’s been nominated for the mayoral elections as a prank by some of the men of the town. After all, what could be funnier than the notion of a female leader? Nobody expected that serious, reserved Susanna would accept the nomination, let alone that she would be elected the first female mayor of the United States. Journalist: Olivia RutiglianoWriter: Maggie MilsteinVoice: Elle Fanning Production: Christopher Hooton See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Based on the life of Susanna Madora Salter. Narrated by Elle Fanning. Argonia, Kansas, 1887. Susanna Salter is baking bread when there’s a knock at the door. She learns she’s been nominated for the mayoral elections as a prank by some of the men of the town. After all, what could be funnier than the notion of a female leader? Nobody expected that serious, reserved Susanna would accept the nomination, let alone that she would be elected the first female mayor of the United States. Journalist: Olivia RutiglianoWriter: Maggie MilsteinVoice: Elle Fanning Production: Christopher Hooton See <a href="https://acast.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">acast.com/privacy</a> for privacy and opt-out information.

The Joke

Alex Latifi, Iranian-born owner of a small parts factory in Alabama, loved by his workers, had been fulfilling military contracts for years, making parts cheaper and better than the competition. When he finds out his secretary has been embezzling money, he fires her. Embittered and vengeful, she tells the FBI that Latifi has been sending classified information to China. As Latifi fights to keep his factory open and his workers employed, a politically aggressive US attorney tries to bring him down: “We don’t care if Latifi is innocent. Our goal is to put him out of business.”Journalist: Lynda EdwardsVoice: Sarah Elizabeth WallisProduction: Christopher Hooton See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Alex Latifi, Iranian-born owner of a small parts factory in Alabama, loved by his workers, had been fulfilling military contracts for years, making parts cheaper and better than the competition. When he finds out his secretary has been embezzling money, he fires her. Embittered and vengeful, she tells the FBI that Latifi has been sending classified information to China. As Latifi fights to keep his factory open and his workers employed, a politically aggressive US attorney tries to bring him down: “We don’t care if Latifi is innocent. Our goal is to put him out of business.”Journalist: Lynda EdwardsVoice: Sarah Elizabeth WallisProduction: Christopher Hooton See <a href="https://acast.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">acast.com/privacy</a> for privacy and opt-out information.

Made in Alabama

The Chevalier d'Eon is a brave army captain, a sparkling dinner companion –– and a spy in King Louis XV's secret service, tasked with planning an invasion of England from within London's highest social circles. But the French government, having no idea that the Chevalier is working for King Louis, plots to assassinate the charismatic diplomat, who only narrowly survives. When the scandal subsides, the Chevalier returns to France with a request: to be recognized as a woman. This is the story of one of the 18th century's most remarkable characters: the spy who dared to craft her own identity.Writer: Linda Rodriguez McRobbieProduction: Christopher Hooton See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Chevalier d'Eon is a brave army captain, a sparkling dinner companion –– and a spy in King Louis XV's secret service, tasked with planning an invasion of England from within London's highest social circles. But the French government, having no idea that the Chevalier is working for King Louis, plots to assassinate the charismatic diplomat, who only narrowly survives. When the scandal subsides, the Chevalier returns to France with a request: to be recognized as a woman. This is the story of one of the 18th century's most remarkable characters: the spy who dared to craft her own identity.Writer: Linda Rodriguez McRobbieProduction: Christopher Hooton See <a href="https://acast.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">acast.com/privacy</a> for privacy and opt-out information.

Portrait of a Spy

Crime writer Diane Fanning was working on her first non-fiction book, spending time visiting and writing to a serial killer on death row. When Diane saw a case on the TV show 20/20 about a mother who was convicted of brutally murdering her 10-year-old son, she wrote about it in a letter to the convict. His letter back chilled her to the bone. He knew details about the case that only one person could have known...Journalist: Nile Cappello Narration: Maggie Robinson KatzAudio: Diane Hope &amp; Evan Phillips See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Crime writer Diane Fanning was working on her first non-fiction book, spending time visiting and writing to a serial killer on death row. When Diane saw a case on the TV show 20/20 about a mother who was convicted of brutally murdering her 10-year-old son, she wrote about it in a letter to the convict. His letter back chilled her to the bone. He knew details about the case that only one person could have known...Journalist: Nile Cappello Narration: Maggie Robinson KatzAudio: Diane Hope &amp; Evan Phillips See <a href="https://acast.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">acast.com/privacy</a> for privacy and opt-out information.

Dear Diane

1943. While World War II rages, a different kind of battle takes over a British village in Lancashire where US troops are stationed. Throughout their service, Black American troops had faced daily bigotry and racism from their own countrymen. One night, the tension erupts into violence and the sleepy, unremarkable village of Bamber Bridge becomes a battleground between two Americas.This story contains explicit language and racial slurs. Listener discretion is advised.Writer: Brianna PorterJournalist: Ian LeslieVoice: Gregory Holmes JrProduction: Christopher Hooton See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

1943. While World War II rages, a different kind of battle takes over a British village in Lancashire where US troops are stationed. Throughout their service, Black American troops had faced daily bigotry and racism from their own countrymen. One night, the tension erupts into violence and the sleepy, unremarkable village of Bamber Bridge becomes a battleground between two Americas.This story contains explicit language and racial slurs. Listener discretion is advised.Writer: Brianna PorterJournalist: Ian LeslieVoice: Gregory Holmes JrProduction: Christopher Hooton See <a href="https://acast.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">acast.com/privacy</a> for privacy and opt-out information.

The Battle of Bamber Bridge

Camels, sand storms, scorpions, and sand dunes towering like buildings—these are amongst Sidi’s first ever memories. Raised in a nomadic tribe on the far edge of the Sahara desert, Sidi doesn’t have a father like the other kids. He dreams of meeting him, even after his mom explains he’s gone away to heaven, a journey from which he won’t return. When Sidi discovers that many years ago a foreign documentary crew had visited the tribe, he sets out on a quest to recover this lost footage and see his father’s face—a journey that takes him far from the only home he has ever known. Along the way, he begins to feel a lifeline connecting him to his father, Chighali, across distance, time, and memory.Journalist: Sahar ZandAudio: Evan Phillips See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Camels, sand storms, scorpions, and sand dunes towering like buildings—these are amongst Sidi’s first ever memories. Raised in a nomadic tribe on the far edge of the Sahara desert, Sidi doesn’t have a father like the other kids. He dreams of meeting him, even after his mom explains he’s gone away to heaven, a journey from which he won’t return. When Sidi discovers that many years ago a foreign documentary crew had visited the tribe, he sets out on a quest to recover this lost footage and see his father’s face—a journey that takes him far from the only home he has ever known. Along the way, he begins to feel a lifeline connecting him to his father, Chighali, across distance, time, and memory.Journalist: Sahar ZandAudio: Evan Phillips See <a href="https://acast.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">acast.com/privacy</a> for privacy and opt-out information.

Chighali

A deep-dive into Samantha Lewthwaite, the widow of one of London’s 7/7 bombers and a notorious wanted criminal in the UK. A white woman from a nondescript town, Lewthwaite became the poster girl for radical Islam in the UK and garnered the reputation of being one of the most deadly terrorists in the world. As the tabloids grew greedy for sensational stories, the White Widow became their favorite villain and – perhaps – their favorite creation.Journalists: Alexandra Bradford &amp; Samira ShackleVoice: Caroline FordProduction: Christopher HootonSpecial Thanks: Kieran Fitzgerald &amp; Allison Friedman See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A deep-dive into Samantha Lewthwaite, the widow of one of London’s 7/7 bombers and a notorious wanted criminal in the UK. A white woman from a nondescript town, Lewthwaite became the poster girl for radical Islam in the UK and garnered the reputation of being one of the most deadly terrorists in the world. As the tabloids grew greedy for sensational stories, the White Widow became their favorite villain and – perhaps – their favorite creation.Journalists: Alexandra Bradford &amp; Samira ShackleVoice: Caroline FordProduction: Christopher HootonSpecial Thanks: Kieran Fitzgerald &amp; Allison Friedman See <a href="https://acast.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">acast.com/privacy</a> for privacy and opt-out information.

White Widow

Ground-breaking investigations, never before heard confessions, gripping true stories, brought to you by award winning journalists and storytellers. This is long-form audio journalism done differently — this is Paperless, an audio magazine from Vespucci. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

As tensions over South Africa’s white-owned farmland escalate, Midas Wanana and other Black residents take matters into their own hands, creating a new settlement on the edge of a white-owned vineyard. They call the settlement Azania, a precolonial name for South Africa. When the white farmer, Stefan Smit, is murdered in his own home, the finger is immediately pointed at the Black occupiers and tension in Azania reaches a boiling point, ultimately costing Wanana his life. But something isn’t adding up. To catch the real perpetrator, detectives will need to look far closer to home. Journalist: Christopher ClarkVoice: Anele MatotiProduction: Christopher Hooton See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

As tensions over South Africa’s white-owned farmland escalate, Midas Wanana and other Black residents take matters into their own hands, creating a new settlement on the edge of a white-owned vineyard. They call the settlement Azania, a precolonial name for South Africa. When the white farmer, Stefan Smit, is murdered in his own home, the finger is immediately pointed at the Black occupiers and tension in Azania reaches a boiling point, ultimately costing Wanana his life. But something isn’t adding up. To catch the real perpetrator, detectives will need to look far closer to home. Journalist: Christopher ClarkVoice: Anele MatotiProduction: Christopher Hooton See <a href="https://acast.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">acast.com/privacy</a> for privacy and opt-out information.

Blood & Wine

When brutal murders in the community push the Reverend to his limits, he knows he needs to reach the people at the heart of the violence. But as he walks the streets by night, his own son is out on those same streets, immersed in gang life and drug dealing, earning the nickname Little Killer.While the Reverend advocates for peace among drug addicts and gang members, the person he wants to save the most is the one who feels furthest out of reach: his son.Journalist: Danny GoldVoice: Marc SamuelAudio: Oluwakemi Aladesuyi &amp; Evan Phillips See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

When brutal murders in the community push the Reverend to his limits, he knows he needs to reach the people at the heart of the violence. But as he walks the streets by night, his own son is out on those same streets, immersed in gang life and drug dealing, earning the nickname Little Killer.While the Reverend advocates for peace among drug addicts and gang members, the person he wants to save the most is the one who feels furthest out of reach: his son.Journalist: Danny GoldVoice: Marc SamuelAudio: Oluwakemi Aladesuyi &amp; Evan Phillips See <a href="https://acast.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">acast.com/privacy</a> for privacy and opt-out information.

Night Walk

This story contains potentially triggering subjects, including suicide, homophobia, physical violence, and misgendering.In 2015, an exceptional trial took place in Jerusalem. The body of transgender activist and beloved community leader May Peleg was held in police custody. May’s request was that her ashes be divided in two: one half scattered into the sea, the other at the roots of an Illawarra Flame tree, a fiery red tree with both male and female blossoms. Meanwhile, her mother petitioned the courts, intending to ignore May’s wishes and bury her in a traditional way, under the male name given to her at birth. This is a story inspired by her life and her legacy.If you or someone you know is suicidal, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) or message the Crisis Text Line at 741741. You can also call the Trevor Project’s free confidential suicide prevention service for LGBTQ youth at 1-866-488-7386. These programs provide free, confidential support 24/7.Writers: Rachel Chaya Zisser &amp; Samantha NewtonJournalist: Naomi ZeveloffVoices: Muriel Naim &amp; Roey Victoria HeifetzAudio and Original Music: Kyle Feehan See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This story contains potentially triggering subjects, including suicide, homophobia, physical violence, and misgendering.In 2015, an exceptional trial took place in Jerusalem. The body of transgender activist and beloved community leader May Peleg was held in police custody. May’s request was that her ashes be divided in two: one half scattered into the sea, the other at the roots of an Illawarra Flame tree, a fiery red tree with both male and female blossoms. Meanwhile, her mother petitioned the courts, intending to ignore May’s wishes and bury her in a traditional way, under the male name given to her at birth. This is a story inspired by her life and her legacy.If you or someone you know is suicidal, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at <a rel="noopener noreferrer">800-273-TALK</a> (8255) or message the Crisis Text Line at 741741. You can also call the Trevor Project’s free confidential suicide prevention service for LGBTQ youth at <a rel="noopener noreferrer">1-866-488-7386</a>. These programs provide free, confidential support 24/7.Writers: Rachel Chaya Zisser &amp; Samantha NewtonJournalist: Naomi ZeveloffVoices: Muriel Naim &amp; Roey Victoria HeifetzAudio and Original Music: Kyle Feehan See <a href="https://acast.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">acast.com/privacy</a> for privacy and opt-out information.

May Peleg Approves of You

The Living Goddess follows Rashmila, who at four years old was taken from her family to become a goddess. She grew up in a palace, dressed always in red, believing she could heal the people who came to worship her. At twelve years old, her world turned upside down: she was cast out from the palace. It was time to become a mortal again.Journalist: Ada Petriczko Voice: Sohm KapilaAudio: Lauren Aurora Hutchinson &amp; Charlie Brandon-King See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Living Goddess follows Rashmila, who at four years old was taken from her family to become a goddess. She grew up in a palace, dressed always in red, believing she could heal the people who came to worship her. At twelve years old, her world turned upside down: she was cast out from the palace. It was time to become a mortal again.Journalist: Ada Petriczko Voice: Sohm KapilaAudio: Lauren Aurora Hutchinson &amp; Charlie Brandon-King See <a href="https://acast.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">acast.com/privacy</a> for privacy and opt-out information.

The Living Goddess

Lawyer, fraudster, and king of the party, Scott Rothstein had a gift––he could tell anyone’s price. He used this gift to transform those around him into “players” in an incredibly lucrative game… transforming his law firm into a giant Ponzi scheme. With a cast of dirty cops, acquiescing employees, and thieving businessmen, Rothstein set the stage for the largest Ponzi scheme in Florida history and fourth-largest worldwide.Reported by: Bob Norman &amp; Rich StoutVoice: Matt AddisAudio: Charlie Brandon-King See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Lawyer, fraudster, and king of the party, Scott Rothstein had a gift––he could tell anyone’s price. He used this gift to transform those around him into “players” in an incredibly lucrative game… transforming his law firm into a giant Ponzi scheme. With a cast of dirty cops, acquiescing employees, and thieving businessmen, Rothstein set the stage for the largest Ponzi scheme in Florida history and fourth-largest worldwide.Reported by: Bob Norman &amp; Rich StoutVoice: Matt AddisAudio: Charlie Brandon-King See <a href="https://acast.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">acast.com/privacy</a> for privacy and opt-out information.

The Prince of F***ing Darkness

This is the never before told story of the relationship between a prisoner—the ex-President of Iraq—and a young American soldier from Kansas City.Journalist: Michael WeissAudio: Ben Adair for Western Sound &amp; Charlie Brandon-King See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This is the never before told story of the relationship between a prisoner—the ex-President of Iraq—and a young American soldier from Kansas City.Journalist: Michael WeissAudio: Ben Adair for Western Sound &amp; Charlie Brandon-King See <a href="https://acast.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">acast.com/privacy</a> for privacy and opt-out information.

Guarding Saddam

When the Taliban last ruled Afghanistan, playing an instrument could be punished by death, and yet Negin finds herself as conductor of all-female orchestra, stepping into a power she didn’t know she had.Journalist: Sahar Zand Audio: Saskia EdwardsAdditional Music: Subat See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

When the Taliban last ruled Afghanistan, playing an instrument could be punished by death, and yet Negin finds herself as conductor of all-female orchestra, stepping into a power she didn’t know she had.Journalist: Sahar Zand Audio: Saskia EdwardsAdditional Music: Subat See <a href="https://acast.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">acast.com/privacy</a> for privacy and opt-out information.

The Conductor

Cinematic true stories from the world’s best journalists. Ground-breaking investigations, gripping narrative histories and touching personal triumphs. This is long-form audio journalism done differently — this is Paperless, an audio magazine from Vespucci. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Cinematic true stories from the world’s best journalists. Ground-breaking investigations, gripping narrative histories and touching personal triumphs. This is long-form audio journalism done differently — this is Paperless, an audio magazine from Vespucci. See <a href="https://acast.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">acast.com/privacy</a> for privacy and opt-out information.

Introducing Paperless

Ground-breaking investigations, never before heard confessions, gripping true stories, brought to you by award winning journalists and storytellers. This is long-form audio journalism done differently — this is Paperless, an audio magazine from Vespucci. See <a href="https://acast.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">acast.com/privacy</a> for privacy and opt-out information.

Paperless

The best self improvement podcast episodes. From improving productivity, to finding purpose in your life to what constitutes freedom, this topic is on anything and everything that can help people to improve their lives. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!

Best Episodes on Self Improvement, Growth & Development

The best podcast episodes of the most interesting stories and things. From skyping someone while they're in space, to tracking down and meeting a telephone scammer in person, to the story of a Galapagos. These episodes will keep you and all your friends entertained and captivated for hours. Learn something new in every episode! Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!