Free Daily Podcast Summary
Telephone Stories: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Ninth Planet Audio
Examine the many faces of Michael Jackson with host Brandon Ogborn. What starts as a simple question of guilt or innocence quickly turns into a searching chronicle of race, fame and abuse. Drawing on extensive interviews and relying on much-needed humor, Ogborn and co-host Omar Crook interview Jackson’s defense attorneys, the investigators and prosecutors who pursued him, and the writers and tabloid journalists who followed the cases and ferreted out leads. Through those interviews and their ruminations, Ogborn and Crook wander the hall of mirrors that was Jackson’s life, painstakingly, sometimes painfully, reconstructing the complex narrative of an iconic and troubled performer haunted by allegations of criminal perversion. Learn more at https://luminary.link/telephone Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Latest Episodes
The most recent episodes — sign up to get AI-powered summaries of each one.
- Sep 26, 202439 min
Untouchable, from 'Pull the Thread: The Wild Life'
If you like Telephone Stories, you'll probably enjoy this one, too: Pull the Thread: The Wild Life takes an unprecedented look at the corrupt, dangerous, and fascinating world of wildlife trade. Undercover recordings, a surburban house stuffed with ivory, and socks bulging with cash: this story is a wild ride. A Kingpin has his downfall as investigative reporter Runako Celina unpacks the complex systems surrounding illegal animal products, including the criminalization of poverty as well as the motivations driving demand. In this tale, nothing is as it initially seems. Listen to episode 1, Untouchable, now. To hear the rest of the show, go to https://luminary.link/wildlifeCREDITS:Executive Produced by - Drake, Adel “Future” Nur, Peter Nelson, Maggie Gilbride (DreamCrew Entertainment); Coral Lee (Luminary); Max O’Brien (Novel); Mauricio Gris and Alex Farquharson (Thread)Host - Runako CelinaProducer - Saskia ColletteAdditional Production - Julian Manuguerra-Patten and Jake OtajovicResearcher - Madeleine ParrEditor - Mythili RaoOriginal music composer - Jake LongMusic Supervisor- Nicholas AlexanderSound designer and mixer - David SmithFact checker - Dania SulemanVoice of Wolf - Ivan Ivashkin Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- Jan 21, 20241h 59m
The Music is Everywhere
The season finale of Telephone Stories picks up after the trial, as Michael Jackson wanders the world in crippling debt and agrees to a concert series to rebuild both his finances and reputation. The comeback plans are cut short by Jackson’s sudden death from a drug overdose in 2009. Within months, tragedy also strikes the Chandler family, and FBI files on the singer are released to confusing results. And nearly a decade later, Leaving Neverland causes a cultural stir, compelling Brandon to speak with lawyers from the powerful Jackson Estate on their legal strategies, their logic in fighting Jackson’s current accusers and how they handle the diehard Jackson fans. Omar and Brandon wrap up with final thoughts on the singer’s innocence, complicated by the discovery of an interview in which acting legend Marlon Brando describes a tear-filled conversation with the music icon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- Jan 14, 20241h 32m
A Tale of Two Conspiracies
With the prosecution’s case in shambles, Mesereau swings for the fences and presents a full blown defense for Michael Jackson – calling up celebrities to vouch for the singer and smear the Arvizo Family. The result is 14 acquittals and a celebration for die-hard Jackson fans around the world. Reporters, the prosecuting attorneys, and Jackson’s defense attorneys weigh in on the impact of Jackson going free. Meanwhile, over 2,000 accredited media personnel pack up and go home, and a key source reveals how an original prosecution strategy could have upended the verdict. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- Jan 7, 20241h 22m
It All Backfired
Prosecuting DA Tom Sneddon uses California's "prior bad acts" statute in order to delve into Jackson's past. Former employees testify to witnessing inappropriate behavior between Jackson and other children from Jordie Chandler to Macaulay Culkin but Jackson's defense attorney Thomas Mesereau methodically picks apart each witness's credibility. After a disastrous appearance by the accuser’s mother, the prosecution rests its case on shaky ground and Mesereau gears up to mount his defense. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- Dec 31, 20231h 15m
Credibility Issues
The People v. Jackson commences on the world stage and the singer arrives late to court - dazed and in pajamas, nearly forfeiting his bail. The tone soon shifts as defense lawyer Thomas Mesereau prods at inconsistencies in the Arvizo children’s testimony and calls into question the credibility of expert witnesses in both forensics and child abuse. A ruling by Judge Melville prevents the amount of Jackson’s 1994 settlement from being admitted in the trial, leading Brandon to get to the bottom of a burning question: who really paid off Jordan Chandler – Jackson or his insurance company? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- Dec 24, 20231h 22m
North of the Mountains
Following the second raid on Neverland, the small town of Santa Maria is quickly overwhelmed with a media frenzy as the criminal trial against Michael Jackson begins to take shape. Brandon talks to counsel on both sides of the aisle to identify the complications of readying the case of an international superstar facing the most heinous allegations imaginable. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- Dec 17, 20231h 24m
Like a Brother, Like a Father
Young Gavin Arvizo, stricken by cancer in 2000, wanders into a world of celebrity, meeting idols from Chris Tucker to Michael Jackson. But Gavin and his troubled family are soon painted as con artists and gold diggers as the Arvizos find themselves at the center of a PR fallout. Gavin ultimately alleges abuse by the singer, resulting in a new investigation and a second raid on Neverland. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- Dec 10, 202355 min
The Goose With the Golden Eggs
Following the Jordie Chandler scandal, Michael Jackson's career wanes, his drug use worsens, he surrounds himself with sycophants and his finances are in shambles. Jackson's charitable efforts and public appearances become crude punchlines. Attempting to reign in the narrative and gain sympathy, Jackson agrees to allow British journalist Martin Bashir to film his private life -- a terrible miscalculation which results in a new, criminal investigation into the singer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
About Telephone Stories
Examine the many faces of Michael Jackson with host Brandon Ogborn. What starts as a simple question of guilt or innocence quickly turns into a searching chronicle of race, fame and abuse. Drawing on extensive interviews and relying on much-needed humor, Ogborn and co-host Omar Crook interview Jackson’s defense attorneys, the investigators and prosecutors who pursued him, and the writers and tabloid journalists who followed the cases and ferreted out leads. Through those interviews and their ruminations, Ogborn and Crook wander the hall of mirrors that was Jackson’s life, painstakingly, sometimes painfully, reconstructing the complex narrative of an iconic and troubled performer haunted by allegations of criminal perversion. Learn more at https://luminary.link/telephone Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Customized Recaps
AI-powered recaps with compact key takeaways, quotes, and insights.
Straight to Your Inbox
Get key takeaways from Telephone Stories in a 5-minute read.
Save Hours Every Week
Stay current on your favorite podcasts without falling behind.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Podzilla's Telephone Stories daily summary?
It's a free AI-powered email that summarizes new episodes of Telephone Stories as soon as they're published. You get the key takeaways, notable quotes, and links & mentions — all in a quick read.
How does the Telephone Stories podcast summary work?
When a new episode drops, our AI transcribes and analyzes it, then generates a personalized summary tailored to your interests and profession. It's delivered to your inbox every morning.
Is this an official Telephone Stories product?
No. Podzilla is an independent service that summarizes publicly available podcast content. We're not affiliated with or endorsed by Ninth Planet Audio.
Can I get summaries of other podcasts too?
Absolutely! The free plan covers up to 3 podcasts. Upgrade to Pro for 15, or Premium for 50. Browse our full catalog at /podcasts.
How often does Telephone Stories release new episodes?
Telephone Stories publishes weekly. Our AI generates a summary within hours of each new episode.
What topics does Telephone Stories cover?
Telephone Stories covers topics including Documentary, Culture, Society & Culture. Our AI identifies the specific themes in each episode and highlights what matters most to you.
Start getting Telephone Stories summaries tomorrow morning.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.