Criminalia

Latest Episodes:

The Drunken Night When Alexander the Great Burned Persepolis Jun 20, 2023

Show notes

Alexander the Great burned Persepolis to the ground during a night of drunken revelry, after being encouraged to do so by a Greek courtesan named Thaïs. It's said she told Alexander torching the royal palace would be among his crowning achievements, and it's said she inspired his soldiers and followers to take up torches. That is, at least, according to legend. Let's talk about the downfall of the Persian Empire and why anyone would have wanted to torch Persepolis.

Executive Producers: Maria Trimarchi and Holly Frey

Producer & Editor: Casby Bias

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Night Herostratus Destroyed One of the Seven Wonders of the World Jun 13, 2023

Show notes

On the night of July 21, in 356 BCE, a man named Herostratus took a walk to the Temple of Artemis of Ephesus … and burned it down. "First," he said of his crime, "I was very scared, then it all went away once I imagined the fame I would have … ." In this episode we're shining the spotlight on the ancient Greek who burned one of the Seven Wonders of the World to the ground.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Dramatic Life and Death of a Scuba-Clad Arsonist: Michael Marin Jun 06, 2023

Show notes

"Michael Marin couldn't pay his mortgage, so he burned down his house," began Deputy Maricopa County Attorney Chris Rapp in the prosecution's opening statements at Mr. Marin's arson trial. In this episode about firebugs, Holly and Maria talk about a convicted arsonist who used arson with the intention of committing insurance fraud. But when the case went to court, things took an unexpected turn.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Les Pétroleuses: 'Savage Hordes of She-Devils' May 30, 2023

Show notes

Join Holly and Maria for a new season of Criminalia, one that's all about arson. In this episode, get introduced to a creature known as the 'pétroleuse', and why according to the rumors around Paris in May of 1871, these 'unruly' female incendiaries were to blame for burning down much of the city.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to the Season Finale of Criminalia's 'Confidence Artists' May 23, 2023

Show notes

Welcome to the final episode of our season on grifts and grafts here on Criminalia, where we've been exploring the stories of some of the most notorious swindles and swindlers throughout history. And, of course there were plenty of cocktails and mocktails to go around, too. Listen as Holly and Maria continue their tradition, highlighting their Top 3 shows and favorite drinks of the season.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to Season 10 of Criminalia: THE FIREBUGS May 16, 2023

Show notes

They're called arsonists, torchers, pyromaniacs, and firebugs – and each of their stories is unique, in technique, in damage, and in motivation to set things aflame. Welcome to a new season of Criminalia, where we're talking about arson and the firebugs responsible for igniting illegal blazes throughout history.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Famous Landmarks for 'Sale': For You? Half Price. May 16, 2023

Show notes

The phrase, "There's a sucker born every minute," is attributed to P.T. Barnum, but it could be about this episode: We're talking about con artists who swindled people into buying some really famous landmarks. George C. Parker sold the Brooklyn Bridge. Among Victor Lustig's most audacious scams was when he sold the Eiffel Tower. And a man known as Natwarlal made a name for himself selling the Taj Mahal among other famous landmarks in India. Let's look at what happened when each of these guys dipped a toe into real estate.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Leo Koretz and the Bayano River Syndicate May 09, 2023

Show notes

Those who considered themselves financially savvy in Chicago in the early 1920s wanted in on one investment: the Bayano River Syndicate. It was an exclusive investment, and centered around oil-rich lands in Panama. And a mild-mannered, balding, and bespectacled lawyer named Leo Koretz was the guy who held the key to investing in it. But Koretz wasn't who he seemed, and neither were his oil fields in Panama.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Inheritance Cons: Meet the Bakers and the 'Drakers' May 02, 2023

Show notes

In this 2-for-1 inheritance scam special, Holly and Maria talk about William Cameron Morrow Smith and Oscar Hartzell, who, separately, bilked thousands of people out of millions of dollars, just by telling them they might be in line to receive a huge fortune. Spoiler alert on that: There was no fortune.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s Something About Mary -- But It’s Not Royal Blood Apr 25, 2023

Show notes

There was something about Mary, but despite her claims, it wasn't an inheritance, prestigious titles, peerage, or any aristocratic honors. Mary Carelton became famous-for-being-famous when the paparazzi and media of her day caught wind of a scandal involving her. It wasn't about her penchant for pretending to be a princess -- as it turns out, it was for bigamy.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.