In this episode, Jenn dives into the toxic mess—literally—that was the Love Canal disaster. What started as an abandoned canal in Niagara Falls, New York, became a dumping ground for thousands of tons of hazardous waste, poisoning an entire community. But here’s where it gets really wild—the ones who fought back weren’t politicians or corporate bigwigs. It was the badass moms, housewives, and everyday residents who refused to let their families suffer in silence.

From organizing protests to demanding action from the U.S. government, these women sparked an environmental movement that changed history. How did an entire neighborhood become a toxic time bomb? And how did a group of determined mothers take on powerful corporations and win? Jenn breaks down the shocking story of Love Canal, the fight for justice, and how these fierce women set the stage for environmental activism as we know it today.

Sources:

• Poisoned Ground: The Tragedy at Love Canal – A documentary that explores the environmental disaster, corporate negligence, and the community’s fight for justice.
• Paradise Falls: The True Story of an Environmental Catastrophe by Keith O'Brien – A deeply researched book detailing the full history of Love Canal, the families affected, and the activists who fought to expose the truth.

In this episode, Lauren takes us through the twisted tale of NXIVM, the self-help group that turned into a full-blown cult. From its beginnings as a so-called leadership program to its shocking descent into manipulation, branding, and blackmail, Lauren unravels the rise of Keith Raniere and the loyal followers who helped build—and ultimately destroy—his empire.

It’s a story of power, control, and the dark side of human behavior, with plenty of WTF moments along the way. Tune in for a wild ride through one of the most infamous modern cults and the legal takedown that shook the nation.

Sources

• Department of Justice: "Founder of NXIVM and Five Others Charged in Superseding Indictment" https://www.justice.gov/usao-edny/pr/founder-nxivm-purported-self-help-organization-and-five-others-charged-superseding
• CNN: "NXIVM Sex Cult Key Players: What to Know About the Trial" https://www.cnn.com/2019/05/23/us/nxivm-sex-cult-key-players/index.html
• Courthouse News Service: "Former Slave Master Describes NXIVM Branding Ritual" https://www.courthousenews.com/former-slave-master-describes-sex-cult-branding-ritual/
• Department of Justice: "Jury Finds NXIVM Leader Keith Raniere Guilty on All Counts" https://www.justice.gov/usao-edny/pr/jury-finds-nxivm-leader-keith-raniere-guilty-all-counts
• A&E Real Crime: "How Keith Raniere Built NXIVM: A Timeline of Manipulation and Control" https://www.aetv.com/real-crime/nxivm-cult
• ABC News: "NXIVM Member Speaks Out About Being Branded in Secret Sorority" https://abcnews.go.com/US/nxivm-member-invited-secret-sorority-branded/story?id=51617201
• Audiobook: Don't Call It a Cult: The Shocking Story of Keith Raniere and the Women of NXIVM by Sarah Berman
• HBO: The Vow Documentary series detailing the rise and fall of NXIVM, featuring interviews with former members and exclusive footage.

In this episode, Jenn takes the mic to unpack the harrowing tale of the Donner Party—a group of pioneers whose journey to California turned into a nightmare of starvation, survival, and desperation. What led them to take the treacherous route that sealed their fate? And how did they endure one of the most infamous survival stories in history? Jenn dives into the grim details, unraveling the shocking twists behind this wild chapter of American history.

Sources:

• Desperate Passage: The Doner Party's Perilous Journey West by Ethan Rarick
• American Experience: The Donner Party with Ric Burns