Claim OwnershipFinal Thoughts: Jerry Springer
Description
Leon Neyfakh is a journalist and podcaster best known as the co-creator and host of Slow Burn, Fiasco, and Backfired. He has been a reporter for Slate, The Boston Globe, and The New York Observer and is the author of the book The Next Next Level. Listen to his newest podcasts here.
Season 2: Final Thoughts: Jerry Springer
Jerry Springer wasn’t supposed to become the host of The Jerry Springer Show. Before the chairs started flying and the fights became a daytime TV staple, the man then known as Gerald Springer was an idealistic rising star in Democratic politics, with ambitions to one day be elected governor of Ohio.
From Leon Neyfakh and Prologue Projects — the team behind Slow Burn, Fiasco, Backfired, and Think Twice: Michael Jackson — comes Final Thoughts: Jerry Springer.
You may think you know Springer, the notorious ringmaster of what TV Guide once called “the worst show in television history.” But long before Springer’s name became synonymous with outrageous guests, taboo confessions, and vicious on-stage brawls, he was the mayor of Cincinnati — a serious and popular politician who many believed was the future of the Democratic Party. So, what happened?
This series traces Springer’s unlikely transformation — from the son of Jewish refugees who fled Nazi Germany, to a respected public servant, to the face of a show many called a symptom of cultural decline. Through intimate interviews with the people who knew him best — family, political insiders, and the producers who helped shape his show — Final Thoughts will bring you closer than ever to the man behind the spectacle, and maybe even cause you to rethink some of your own life choices.
Final Thoughts isn’t just a story about one man’s improbable career path. It’s about how far someone can go for success and what they’re willing to trade to stay on top. Was Springer pulled into the gutter, or did he just understand it better than anyone else?
Season 1: Think Twice: Michael Jackson
More than a decade since Michael Jackson’s death, his legacy remains complicated and unresolved. Think Twice: Michael Jackson is an exploration of the King of Pop’s life and impact — and an investigation into why his global influence continues to endure, despite the disturbing allegations against him. In this ten-part series, journalists Leon Neyfakh and Jay Smooth bring you a new perspective on the Michael Jackson story, based on dozens of original interviews with people who watched it unfold from up close.
6
United States
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Great podcast.
good podcast wasn't really expecting this authority is going to be a really just one of the mill generic conversation about Michael Jackson. however he is very insightful you can tell they've done their research and straight to the point. at the end day my humble personal conclusion is Michael Jackson is an absolute genius no one can come anywhere near him, his Talent whether it's music singing lyricism Dancing, an all round greatest consummate performer they won't be anyone like him. HOWEVER, I'll have to accept the fact that no one's perfect and he is a child molester he won't look at this way but those are the facts. I believe he had sexual relationships with only one child and that was jordy Chandler however I think their relationship was more homosexual going both ways as opposed to a Predator overcoming his prey. I don't believe Michael Jackson actually took advantage of these kids I personally believe that whatever he was doing with them he was doing it as a child engaging on an
it's been so interesting to listen to. thank you
Someone needs to tell Doug he isn't funny.
It’s Chaz you ****
This is a great podcast. I’m lucky and grateful for growing up when I did and in metro Detroit. Detroit is one of the best music scenes in the US.
Michael Jackson was a child molester. I wish I didn’t know that fact but it’s true I grew up listening to the Jackson 5 and especially Michael Jackson and I defended all the allegations against him for years. I watched something that I wish I didn’t and if you ever watch the two men,who were boys when they hung around Michael Jackson, tell their stories and see the damage they’re still trying to deal with, you’d know what I’m talking about. Esp the one guy who told his story about the relationship he had with Michael Jackson It’s the Oprah after show interview after a documentary of Michael. It changed my world and I really am still having a really hard time separating the music with the man. What he did to boys is unforgivable and just shame on him. Total shame. I’m sure there are false allegations but not the one from the Oprah special. Watch it for yourself if you want to see the truth. Or not and avoid having the hard time I’m having with the man and the music. I could have went
Doug’s laughter after nearly each sentence is annoying.
Enjoyed the first two, still waiting on part 3