In this episode, the hosts delve into the chilling true crime case of Daniel Wozniak, a community theater actor who brutally murdered two people, Sam Herr and Julie Kibuishi, days before his wedding. The narrative follows his attempts to cover up the crimes by enacting an elaborate scheme, his bizarre behavior during the investigation, and his trial, showcasing the intersection of performance and real-life horror. The episode highlights the victims' stories, the investigation conducted by the detectives, and the eventual conviction of both Wozniak and his fiancé, Rachel Buffett, uncovering the depths of their deception.

00:00 Listener Discretion Advised

00:15 Meet the Hosts

00:55 The Bachelor Party Arrest

03:41 Character Analysis: Dan and Rachel

12:34 The Fraud Scheme

13:56 The Interrogation

30:47 Rachel's Involvement

31:55 The Phone Conversations

38:30 The Dramatic Reading

43:57 Cold Reading Performance

44:55 Wozniak's Confession

45:58 The Liberty Theater Murder

54:00 Dismemberment and Deception

01:02:59 Rachel's Role and Arrest

01:14:11 The Trial and Verdict

01:26:03 Aftermath and Reflections

KRAMPUS CAME EARLY FLOOZIES!

In this episode of the Wicked Stage Pod dives into the hidden crimes of beloved Christmas movies. Hosts Jen, Ashley, and Olivia discuss everything from trespassing Santa to a felony-laden 'Home Alone.' They also explore multiple versions of 'A Christmas Carol,' including their personal experiences with stage productions, and debate whether 'Die Hard' is a Christmas movie. Finally, they share their favorite adaptations and offer a unique perspective on these classic holiday tales.

00:00 Listener Discretion Advised

00:13 Meet the Hosts

00:48 Holiday Cheer and Prosecco

04:16 Christmas Crimes

06:35 A Legal Look at Holiday Classics

10:50 Home Alone and Other Holiday Hijinks

13:10 Debating Die Hard and Other Christmas Movies

31:19 Christmas Stage Productions

40:54 High School Drama in a Church Play

42:39 Childhood Christmas Plays

43:52 Experiences in a Southern Baptist School

46:37 Dark and Bizarre Christmas Carol Productions

55:49 Accidental Costumers

59:40 Immersive Christmas Carol Experience

01:03:49 Favorite Christmas Carol Adaptations

01:21:15 Holiday Movie Insights and Fun Facts

01:23:37 Wrapping Up: Christmas Movie Essentials

In this episode of 'Life Upon The Wicked Stage,' hosts Jen, Ashley, and Olivia delve into the true crime story of Daniel Wozniak, set against the backdrop of community theater. The episode begins with a listener warning due to the disturbing content involving violence. The hosts reminisce about their own experiences in community theater, comparing cast t-shirts and memorable roles. The main story unravels the events surrounding the murder of Julie Kiboishi and the disappearance of Sam Hare in Costa Mesa, California, in 2010. Julie's body is found in Sam's apartment, leading authorities to suspect Sam, especially given his military background and PTSD. A break comes when Sam's ATM card is found in the possession of 17-year-old Wesley Freelick, who reveals he was put up to the task by community theater actor Dan Wozniak. The episode teases more revelations in the next part and encourages listeners to join their Patreon for early access.

00:00 Listener Discretion Advised

00:12 Meet the Hosts

00:23 Podcast Introduction

01:19 Community Theater Memories

07:18 The Case of Daniel Wozniak

16:05 The Investigation Begins

33:57 The Theme of Curly and Lori

34:29 Theater-Inspired Weddings

34:44 Dan and Rachel's Wedding Theme

36:23 The Investigation Begins

38:25 Sam's Disappearance

41:11 Wesley's Involvement

47:40 Dan Wozniak's Role

49:42 Community Theater Dynamics

58:59 Broadway Musicals of 2010

01:04:09 Conclusion and Farewell

In this episode, hosts Jen, Ashley, and Olivia explore the intersection of true crime and artistry by discussing the life and tragic death of comedian Phil Hartman. Thanks to his acclaimed performances on 'Saturday Night Live' and roles across TV and film, Hartman built a renowned legacy in comedy. However, his life met a tragic end in 1998, involving a murder-suicide at the hands of his wife, Brynn Omdahl. The episode examines their tumultuous marriage, Brynn's struggles with mental health, substance abuse, and the impact of her fame aspirations. The hosts also highlight the implications for Hartman's orphaned children and delve into the potential hazards of mixing medications and substances which contributed to Brynn’s instability. The podcast not only commemorates Hartman's contributions to comedy but also provides a true crime perspective on the circumstances surrounding his untimely death.

00:00 Listener Discretion Advised

00:23 Meet the Hosts

01:16 Wine Talk and 90s Vibes

03:37 Content Warning and Episode Introduction

10:20 Phil Hartman's Early Life and Career

33:39 Phil Hartman's Personal Relationships

39:53 Communication Issues in Relationships

41:15 Introducing Brynn Omdahl

42:48 Brynn's Aspirations and Struggles

44:41 Challenges of Fame and Career

01:01:30 Phil Hartman's SNL Success

01:10:38 Marriage Tensions and Addiction

01:17:26 Jealousy and Tension in the Marriage

01:18:05 Bryn's Substance Abuse and Mental Health

01:18:55 The Dangerous Mix: Zoloft and Cocaine

01:25:15 Phil Hartman: A Devoted Father

01:32:27 The Tragic End: Murder and Suicide

01:38:01 Aftermath and Legacy

01:42:40 The Children: Life After the Tragedy

01:54:52 Remembering Phil Hartman

This podcast episode explores the fascinating and contentious life story of Mama Rose and her daughter Gypsy Rose Lee amidst the vaudeville and burlesque scenes. It dives into Mama Rose's relentless ambition for her daughters' stardom, set against changing entertainment landscapes and economic challenges. The narrative captures Rose's schemes, rumored relationships, and the complex family dynamics involving her daughters, leading to Gypsy's rise in the burlesque world. Noteworthy are the scandals, lawsuits, and the mysterious family events, including a significant death that cast a shadow over Rose's legacy. The episode reflects on these tumultuous stories, which inspired the musical 'Gypsy', and provides critical insights into familial bonds and individual dreams.

00:00 Introduction and Hosts

00:34 Recap of Mama Rose's Story

00:59 Beverage Banter and Theater Talk

02:19 Community Theater Anecdotes

06:30 Mama Rose's New Show

10:21 The Rise of Gypsy Rose Lee

14:07 Mama Rose's Burlesque Adventures

29:34 Bathtub Gin and Family Drama

41:23 Mysterious Death at Witchwood Manor

55:27 Gypsy's Marriage and Family Feud

56:22 Rose's Theatrical Antics

57:25 Gypsy's Hollywood Life and Rose's Schemes

58:40 Rose's Erratic Behavior and Feuds

01:00:08 Gypsy's Writing and Rose's Lawsuits

01:03:38 Rose's Decline and Final Years

01:07:06 The Legacy of Mama Rose

In this engaging podcast episode, hosts Jen, Ashley, and Olivia explore the fascinating and tumultuous life of Mama Rose, the infamous stage mother of Gypsy Rose Lee and June Havoc. The discussion draws from Carolyn Quinn's book, 'Mama Rose's Turn,' revealing the complex interplay of arts and crime in Mama Rose's life. The hosts investigate Mama Rose's rumored criminal activities, her strategic navigation of the vaudeville scene, and the dramatic impact of her actions on her daughters' lives. From forged birth certificates and secret marriages to family disputes and professional pressures, the episode intertwines true crime with theatrical history, offering an insight into the real-life inspiration behind the musical 'Gypsy.' This captivating narrative promises more thrilling revelations in future episodes.

00:00 Listener Discretion Advised

00:27 Meet the Hosts

00:51 Introducing Mama Rose

02:01 Mama Rose's Dark Secrets

03:10 The Real Story Behind Gypsy

08:44 Rose's Early Life and Family

25:19 Rose's Marriage and Motherhood

32:58 The Birth of Baby June

47:29 The Divorce and Mama Rose's Cruelty

48:15 Baby June's Early Stardom

49:28 Transition to Hollywood

51:03 Life in Hollywood and Financial Struggles

54:29 Vaudeville Circuit and Forged Birth Certificates

56:50 Rise to Fame and the Orpheum Circuit

59:21 The Decline of Vaudeville and Family Tensions

01:22:33 June's Rebellion and Secret Marriage

01:30:06 Mama Rose's Breakdown and Attempted Murder

01:31:34 Intermission and Upcoming Drama

The Astonishing Life and Legacy of Harry Houdini: Magic, Mysticism, and Mastery

In this captivating episode, the hosts embark on a fascinating journey through the life and legacy of Harry Houdini, interspersed with discussions on their favorite wines and Florida's autumn festivities. Listeners will explore Houdini's dramatic life, from his humble beginnings and marriage to Bess, to his rise as the 'Handcuff King.' The episode highlights his most famous escape acts, including the Chinese Water Torture and the Vanishing Elephant, as well as his innovative publicity stunts and efforts to expose fraudulent mediums. The hosts also touch on the cultural forces that shaped his career during the Industrial Revolution. The episode concludes with a discussion on Houdini's deteriorating health, mysterious death, and the various conspiracy theories surrounding it, solidifying his lasting legacy in the realms of magic and escape artistry.

00:00 Welcome and Wine Talk

01:02 Halloween Vibes and Manifesting

01:57 Introduction to Harry Houdini

02:52 Houdini's Early Life and Inspirations

04:59 Celebrity Encounters and Sidebars

20:52 Magic and the Industrial Revolution

41:55 The Struggle of Houdini's Family

46:06 Houdini's Early Performances

47:57 Houdini's Marriage and Personal Life

01:00:04 Houdini's Rise to Fame

01:00:58 Houdini's Famous Escapes

01:13:51 Houdini's Relationship with Spiritualism

01:19:52 The Granite Tomb and Spiritualism

01:21:50 Houdini's Disguise and Debunking Seances

01:23:20 Friendship with Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

01:27:50 Houdini's Declining Health

01:31:35 The Fatal Punch and Appendicitis

01:40:05 Conspiracy Theories and Legacy

01:47:25 Bess Houdini's Annual Seances

01:53:48 Houdini's Enduring Legacy

Nell Gwynn: From Actrss to King's Confidante - The Enchanting Journey of a Restoration Actress

In this episode of 'Murder Mayhem and Mame,' the hosts delve into the enchanting life of Nell Gwynn, one of England's most iconic actresses and the cherished mistress of King Charles II. They explore her rise from working in her mother's bawdy house to becoming a celebrated actress and the King's favorite. The discussion covers Nell's captivating wit, charm, and strategic intelligence that endeared her to the King. The narrative also addresses her experiences as an orange girl, her influence on the monarch, and the political intrigue surrounding her. Following the King's death and Nell's subsequent struggles, her charitable works and lasting impact on theater and society are recounted, painting a vivid picture of a Restoration-era folk hero who remained true to her roots.

00:00 Introduction

00:19 Social Media and Hairstyles

00:44 Dessert and Drinks

02:37 Beverages and Podcast Recording

03:44 Introduction to Nell Gwynn

06:40 Nell Gwynn's Early Life

10:11 Restoration Theatre and Women's Roles

14:26 Nell Gwynn's Rise to Fame

36:30 Nell Gwynn and King Charles II

47:56 Restoration Theater Epilogues

48:27 Nell Gwynn: The First Superstar

48:52 Country Escapes and Windsor Summers

50:09 Nell's Unique Position at Court

0:47 The Birth of Charles and Relationship Dynamics

53:06 Rivalries and Court Intrigues

55:11 Nell's Return to the Stage and Final Performance

56:06 Nell's Devotion and Life as a Lady

01:04:40 Political Intrigues and the Popish Plot

01:05:28 Tragic Losses and Final Years

01:22:38 Nell's Legacy and Final Reflections