Podcast
DISGRACELAND
DISGRACELAND is an award-winning music and true crime podcast about musicians getting away with murder and behaving very badly. Jerry Lee Lewis's 5th wife? Dead. Sid and Nancy? Both dead. Why? Because musicians are insane, and insane things happen to them.
Why did we lose Amy Winehouse at 27? Was Debbie Harry really abducted by Ted Bundy as she claims? Is Patti Smith not just the "Godmother of Punk", but also the "Original True Crime Girl"? What really happened the night of the Jay Z nightclub stabbing? What do the Diddy indictments truly reveal? All these stories and more, on artists from every genre and their true crimes, in our massive 260-plus story archive. The Dead, the Stones, Johnny, Willie, Frank, Kurt, Courtney, Gaga, Lana, Taylor, and too many to name.
DISGRACELAND is music history come to life through audio storytelling as you've never heard it before, with revealing facts: yes, assassins are the real reason the Beatles quit touring—reclaimed myths: no, Mama Cass didn't die from choking on a ham sandwich––and constant reckoning between art and artist––all told through the lens of true crime.
This is the podcast for the self-proclaimed "Disgos", the musically obsessed and the true crime heads; the outsiders, the independent thinkers who know that the best history is the history that gets buried. DISGRACELAND is where host Jake Brennan tells the stories they didn't want told. The kind you'll end up telling someone else. Get ready to uncover hidden truths and buckle up for truly edge-of-your-seat storytelling.
New, fully scripted, sound-designed episodes are released every Tuesday. Bonus chat-style episodes where Jake responds to voicemails, texts, and emails from Disgos hit on Thursdays, and "Rewind" episodes from our archive drop on Sundays.
DISGRACELAND is not a journalistic podcast. It's an entertainment podcast inspired by true events. Certain dialogue and scenes are dramatized, as is common in scripted entertainment based on real stories. Sources and credits for each episode are available athttp://www.disgracelandpod.com.
To unlock ad-free listening, exclusive content, and connect with your fellow Disgos, go tohttp://www.disgracelandpod.com to become an All Access member.
Rocka Rolla.
- Music chart
- #17
- Episodes
- 496
- Releases
- Twice a week
- Typical length
- 41 min
- On air since
- 2018
- Latest episode
- 21 hours ago
Episodes
496 episodes, newest first
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33 min
Shannon Hoon: Blind Melon, Bee Girls, and the Courage to Say Yes
Season 23, Episode 239
Show notes
Blind Melon's Shannon Hoon lived for freedom—on stage in drag, tripping at Woodstock, or swinging mic stands at security guards. From Lafayette to Los Angeles., his journey was a beautiful, brutal high, until it all came crashing down on a tour bus in New Orleans. This is the story of a voice that wouldn’t say no, and the price he paid for it.
To see the full list of contributors, see the show notes at www.disgracelandpod.com.
This previously exclusive episode was originally published on June 26, 2025.
To listen to Disgraceland ad free and get access to weekly bonus content and more, become a Disgraceland All Access member at disgracelandpod.com/membership.
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41 min
Madonna (Rewind): Music as Sex and Sex as Power in the Reign of the Queen of Pop
Season 4, Episode 42
Show notes
Madonna always knew her life would be art. She rose through the late 70s New York scene reinventing pop iconography and feminism alike. But whether it was Toronto police threatening her for indecency, her short-fuse husband, Hollywood bros exploiting her charisma, or far worse, Madonna learned quick: the world doesn’t know what to do with a truly free woman.
To view the full list of contributors, see the show notes at www.disgracelandpod.com.
This episode was originally published on October 22, 2019.
To see the full list of contributors, see the show notes at www.disgracelandpod.com.
To listen to Disgraceland ad free and get access to a monthly exclusive episode, weekly bonus content and more, become a Disgraceland All Access member at disgracelandpod.com/membership.
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36 min
Bonus: Reggie Watts’ Ego Was Too Big to Kill Bonus
Season 29, Episode 291
Show notes
Unpacking Reggie Watts and the wolves in sheep’s clothing. Corrosive evil. The bad guys (from music history) hiding in plain sight. Plus, Reggie Watts had us talking about John Hughes and now we’re talking about John Carpenter and great music from horror movies as well as your voicemails, texts, dms, emails, and more!
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55 min
Reggie Watts: Is Reggie Watts the Guy Your Mother Warned You and/or Your Sister About?
Season 29, Episode 291
Show notes
On this episode: an unprecedented comedic talent, the power of celebrity, and the power of Ketamine. The death of Reggie Watts’ ex-girlfriend Katherine McCollough and allegations of abuse about the man your mom may or may not have warned you and/or your sister about, Reggie Watts.
This episode contains themes that may be disturbing to some listeners, including sexual assault and suicide. If you’re thinking about suicide, or are worried about a friend or loved one, call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255.
To listen to Disgraceland ad free and get access to a monthly exclusive episode, weekly bonus content and more, become a Disgraceland All Access member at https://disgracelandpod.com/membership.
Visit www.disgracelandpod.com/merch to see the latest Disgraceland merch!
Sign up for our newsletter and get the inside dirt on events, merch and other awesomeness - GET THE NEWSLETTER
Follow Jake and DISGRACELAND:
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See https://omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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39 min
AC/DC Pt. 2 (Rewind): Dirty Deeds, Dead Friends, and Murder for Hire
Season 25, Episode 255
Show notes
This is the story of the greatest rock ’n’ roll band on earth. AC/DC was forged in discipline, sharpened by grief, resurrected by obsession … and nearly undone by one final dirty deed that no one saw coming: murder.
This episode was originally published on November 4, 2025.
For a full list of contributors, visit disgracelandpod.com
To listen to Disgraceland ad free and hear an exclusive mini-episode about the making of Back in Black, become a Disgraceland All Access member at disgracelandpod.com/membership.
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Facebook Fan Group
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38 min
AC/DC pt. 1 (Rewind): A Satanic Serial Killer, A Police Man Hunt, and a Media Witch Hunt
Season 11, Episode 118
Show notes
In the 1980s, AC/DC’s biggest fan was a notorious serial killer. The band was an international best-selling hit machine, and members like the late Bon Scott and die-hard Angus Young became rock icons. But when the press caught wind of the disturbing fandom of the serial killer Richard “The Night Stalker” Ramirez, the news quickly dragged the world’s most fun, pure rock ‘n’ roll band straight down the highway to hell and into the center of a media firestorm around Satanic Panic and the inspirations of a murderer.
This episode contains themes that may be disturbing to some listeners, including graphic depictions of violence and sexual assault.
To see the complete list of contributors, visit disgracelandpod.com
This episode was originally published on February 21, 2023.
To listen to Disgraceland ad free and get access to weekly bonus content and more, become a Disgraceland All Access member at disgracelandpod.com/membership.
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Follow Jake and DISGRACELAND:
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See https://omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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50 min
Bonus: Real Evil in Rock ‘n’ Roll. Is There Any? Bonus
Season 29, Episode 290
Show notes
Alice Cooper, As I Lay Dying, the death of Cronos from Venom, and the Halloween season and all the horror movies and dark soundtracks we’re listening to have us asking…is evil, real evil, in rock ‘n’ roll even a thing? Plus! A pretty awesome non-evil special announcement!
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34 min
Alice Cooper: Vampires, Nightmares, and Resurrection Rock
Season 24, Episode 242
Show notes
Alice Cooper’s life was a nightmare—but it was all real. This is the story of addiction, illusion, and the ultimate act of survival.
Alice Cooper wasn’t just a shock-rock icon—he was Vincent Furnier, a man strangled by his own stagecraft, drowning in bottles and crack pipes, and haunted by a demon urging him to end it all. From a satanic stage execution at Wembley to wild nights with the Hollywood Vampires, Cooper’s life became a nightmare—but it was all painfully real. This is the story of addiction, illusion, and the ultimate act of survival.
This episode was originally released on July 24, 2025.
To see the full list of contributors, see the show notes at www.disgracelandpod.com.
To listen to Disgraceland ad free and get access to exclusive bonus content and more, become a Disgraceland All Access member at https://disgracelandpod.com/membership.
Sign up for our newsletter and get the inside dirt on events, merch and other awesomeness - GET THE NEWSLETTER
Follow Jake and DISGRACELAND:
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Facebook Fan Group
See https://omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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29 min
Michael Alig (Rewind): If a Club Kid Kills, Stuffs the Body in a Box and Tells The World About It Will Anyone Listen?
Season 1, Episode 11
Show notes
In March 1996, promoter Michael Alig, the "King of the Club Kids," after appearing on TV’s Geraldo and on the cover of New York magazine, bashed his friend and DJ Angel Melendez in the head with a hammer. The body was then dismembered and stuffed into a duct-taped cardboard box. Alig proceeded to tell anyone who would listen—including his friends from the raging '90s NYC club scene—what he had done. The problem was, Alig’s well-known, over the top, and depraved behavior was such that no one believed him. “Has anyone seen Angel?” “He’s dead. I cut him up and put him in that box over in the corner.”
To see the full list of contributors, see the show notes at www.disgracelandpod.com.
This episode was originally published on June 19, 2018.
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Follow Jake and DISGRACELAND:
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See https://omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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33 min
Bonus: Tupac Murder Sentencing and Losing My Religion Bonus
Season 29, Episode 290
Show notes
For Tim Lambesis, life begins and ends with himself and his band, As I Lay Dying. We go into faith-based music and discuss the sentencing of Duane “Keffe D” Davis, closing a chapter on a 30 year book. And as always, your voicemails, texts, dms, and emails and more.
See https://omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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40 min
As I Lay Dying: Are Phonies Running the Christian Metal Scene?
Season 29, Episode 290
Show notes
As I Lay Dying was one of the pillars of Christian metal when the genre crossed over to the mainstream in the 2000s. And then their frontman, Tim Lambesis, tried to hire a hitman to murder his wife. But shockingly, that’s not where the story ends. What happened after Lambesis’ release from prison involved lies, loss of faith, shocking home security video footage, and a burning question: was the Christian metal scene full of non-Christians?
This episode contains content that may be disturbing to some listeners, and includes descriptions of domestic violence, self-harm, and child sexual abuse materials.
To listen to Disgraceland ad free and get access to exclusive bonus content and more, become a Disgraceland All Access member at https://disgracelandpod.com/membership.
Sign up for our newsletter and get the inside dirt on events, merch and other awesomeness - GET THE NEWSLETTER
Follow Jake and DISGRACELAND:
X (formerly Twitter)
To see the full list of contributors, see the show notes at https://disgracelandpod.com/.
See https://omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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35 min
Eminem (Rewind): Taking His Shot, Pulling a Glock, and Facing the Real Slim Shady
Season 4, Episode 43
Show notes
On a single Saturday in 2000, Marshall Mathers assaulted two separate men with a pistol and fought with his wife outside a nightclub, resulting in lawsuits and charges that hung over the completion of his original trilogy of albums. For that one day, the rap persona Slim Shady had escaped into the real world. How had Slim Shady come to be, and why had he gotten out?
For a full list of contributors, visit https://www.disgracelandpod.com/
This episode was originally published on November 5, 2019.
To listen to Disgraceland ad free and get access to exclusive bonus content and more, become a Disgraceland All Access member at https://disgracelandpod.com/membership.
Sign up for our newsletter and get the inside dirt on events, merch and other awesomeness - GET THE NEWSLETTER
Follow Jake and DISGRACELAND:
X (formerly Twitter)
To see the full list of contributors, see the show notes at https://disgracelandpod.com/.
See https://omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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41 min
Bonus: Screamin’ Jay Hawkins, Kurt & Courtney Conspiracies, and…Constipation? Bonus
Season 28, Episode 289
Show notes
In this week’s After Party, Jake discusses the spirited online response to our Nirvana episodes and wonders why Courtney Love continues to be the the target of vitriol and suspicion. We look at the wild and mysterious life of Screamin’ Jay Hawkins who allegedly had over 57 children. Plus, Disgraceland is hitting the high seas. And as always, your voicemails, texts, dms, and emails and more.
Disgraceland has been nominated for a Signal Award! Vote for us here:
See https://omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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43 min
Screamin’ Jay Hawkins: Was Screamin’ Jay Hawkins Murdered?
Season 28, Episode 289
Show notes
He was an operatic vocalist made famous by his song “I Put A Spell on You,” a song he performed throughout the conservative 1950s while jumping out of a coffin on stage. Screamin’ Jay Hawkins will live on in infamy after it was discovered he fathered 57+ children over the course of his life as not only a singer, but a soldier, a boxer, and an actor. Screamin’ Jay Hawkins was a lot of things before he died in 2000, but was the man in the coffin actually the victim of a murder, as some have alleged? We find out in this special Halloween episode of Disgraceland.
Disgraceland has been nominated for two Signal Awards! Vote for us here:
To listen to Disgraceland ad free and get access to a weekly bonus content and more, become a Disgraceland All Access member at https://disgracelandpod.com/membership.
Visit www.disgracelandpod.com/merch to see the latest Disgraceland merch!
Sign up for our newsletter and get the inside dirt on events, merch and other awesomeness - GET THE NEWSLETTER
Follow Jake and DISGRACELAND:
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See https://omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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35 min
Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love Pt. 2: Suicide Samurai
Season 3, Episode 26
Show notes
Grunge, grief, the Grateful Dead and a “teenage whore.” Part 2 of the Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love story picks up with Courtney’s ascent and the couple’s heroin-hazed pregnancy. An escape from rehab and a punk as f*ck group hug for Gen X.
This episode contains themes that may be disturbing to some listeners, including suicide. If you’re thinking about suicide or are worried about a friend or loved one, call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255.
To see a full list of contributors, visit disgracelandpod.com.
This episode was originally published on March 19, 2019.
Visit www.disgracelandpod.com/merch to see the latest Disgraceland merch!
Sign up for our newsletter and get the inside dirt on events, merch and other awesomeness - GET THE NEWSLETTER
Follow Jake and DISGRACELAND:
X (formerly Twitter)
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See https://omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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41 min
Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love Pt. 1: No Direction Home
Season 3, Episode 25
Show notes
Kurt Cobain is a celebrated and defiant icon of Generation X. His wife, Courtney Love, was once the most hated woman in America. Courtney, like Kurt, was unapologetic, fierce, determined, ambitious, authentic, and a total hypocrite. They were both totally in love and for a minute shined brighter than most. They challenged gender norms and the music industry patriarchy and reluctantly played the roles of their generation’s John and Yoko by way of Sid and Nancy all while making great music, but only one of them would make it out of the nineties alive.
To see a full list of contributors, visit disgracelandpod.com.
This episode was originally published on March 14, 2019.
Visit www.disgracelandpod.com/merch to see the latest Disgraceland merch!
Sign up for our newsletter and get the inside dirt on events, merch and other awesomeness - GET THE NEWSLETTER
Follow Jake and DISGRACELAND:
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See https://omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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36 min
Bonus: Old Rockstars With No F*cks Left To Give Bonus
Season 28, Episode 288
Show notes
We go deeper into the claims Quincy Jones made later in his life, but we also discuss one of the most important music and entertainment figures of the 20th century. And as always, your voicemails, texts, DMs, and emails and more.
Disgraceland has been nominated for a Signal Award! Vote for us here:
For more great stories from the intersection of music and true crime, check out our archive, featuring episodes on Alice Cooper, Chuck Berry, and more!
See https://omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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50 min
Quincy Jones: True or False? His Wild Life and the Stories Behind His Wildest Claims
Season 28, Episode 288
Show notes
Quincy Jones brought truth through music. We heard what America really felt like in the albums he produced, and in the films he scored. At the end of his life he made wild claims; that Michael Jackson was a thief (“he stole a lot of songs”), that the Beatles were frauds (“no-playing motherfu*ckers”), and that he knows “who killed Kennedy” in part because of his relationship with Frank Sinatra. In this episode we dive into these crimes—-musical and otherwise—to determine if arguably the greatest producer who ever lived, the man who claimed “all I’ve ever done is tell the truth," was, in fact, telling us the truth.
To listen to Disgraceland ad free and get access to a weekly bonus content and more, become a Disgraceland All Access member at https://disgracelandpod.com/membership.
Visit www.disgracelandpod.com/merch to see the latest Disgraceland merch!
Sign up for our newsletter and get the inside dirt on events, merch and other awesomeness - GET THE NEWSLETTER
Follow Jake and DISGRACELAND:
X (formerly Twitter)
See https://omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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35 min
Lil’ Peep (Rewind): A new hip-hop and emo fusion; trap beats, tender lyrics, too much Xanax and an overdose that’s still mysterious.
Season 7, Episode 75
Show notes
Lil’ Peep was a once-in-a-generation talent. Poised to become a new Cobain, Bowie or Dylan, but whose life was cut short by an overdose that’s still mysterious. Depression, anxiety and a unique fusion of hip-hop, emo, grime and raw, empathetic lyrics resulted in a deep connection to fans that in the end, may have done him in at the tender age of 21.
To see the full list of contributors, see the show notes at www.disgracelandpod.com.
This episode was originally published on March 9, 2021.
To listen to Disgraceland ad free and get access to exclusive bonus content and more, become a Disgraceland All Access member at disgracelandpod.com/membership.
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TikTok
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36 min
Bonus: Real “Emo” Notes from the Punk Rock Museum, DIY Recording, and More Bobby Fuller Bonus
Season 28, Episode 287
Show notes
Notes on the emotional impact from Jake’s trip to the Punk Rock Museum, Bobby Fuller and DIY recording recs, plus your voicemails, texts, dms, and emails on how Bobby died and more.
See https://omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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