Political cartoons, satire, and US presidents collide in the new documentary A Savage Art: The Life & Cartoons of Pat Oliphant. We interview Bill Banowsky on how one of the world’s most fearless cartoonists shaped politics and public opinion across five decades and ten presidencies. In this episode of Factual America, we look at the power of satire in American democracy, Oliphant’s lasting influence, and why his art remains so relevant today. If you’re interested in political art, journalism, or the role of satire in democracy, this conversation is not to be missed.#PoliticalCartoons #Satire #ASavageArt #PoliticalDocumentary #FactualAmericaTimestamps: 00:00 – Introduction04:33 – The Film: A Savage Art12:32 – Pat Oliphant: The Influential Cartoonist21:39 – The Evolution of Political Cartooning34:20 – The Impact of Media Disruption37:54 – The Journey of Documentary Filmmaking44:19 – The Future of Theatres and Audience Experience
Netflix’s latest true crime documentary, Unknown Number: The High School Catfish, dives into one of the most disturbing high school “catfish” scandals ever exposed. In this episode, we go behind the scenes with director Skye Borgman to uncover how a teenager was lured into a devastating web of lies and manipulation by an online predator.If you’re obsessed with Netflix true crime, catfishing scandals, or the dark side of social media, this is an unmissable conversation.#TrueCrime #NetflixTrueCrime #CatfishStory #HighSchoolCatfish #ShockingTruthTimestamps: 00:00 Intro 01:12 - Synopsis 03:40 - Much more than just teasing among friends05:53 - A small-town-witch-trial evolves08:58 - The directors thoughts while filming14:33 - The police step in17:00 - The unknown number is revealed19:13 - Understanding the perpetrator's perspective26:55 - The art of great storytelling31:35 - The culture of socialising through devices34:37 - Long-term effects of cyber-bullying37:03 - The victims looking back38:45 - Future plans for Skye
The Dallas Cowboys, Netflix, America’s Team, the NFL, Jerry Jones, and the (un)making of a modern football dynasty – we dive into all these topics in this episode featuring Chapman and Maclain Way, the Emmy-winning filmmakers behind Netflix’s new sports docuseries America’s Team: The Gambler and His Cowboys.Known for Wild Wild Country, Kings of Tupelo and Untold, the Way brothers break down how the Cowboys became America’s most iconic, and controversial, team. From behind-the-scenes drama to media manipulation, this series isn’t just about football; it’s about power, ego, and the team that changed American pro sports and culture.00:00 – Intro and Setup01:16 – Documentary synopsis 03:53 – The new guy in town10:09 – A new era for the NFL16:33 – How the project came together19:00 – Never-before-seen footage of the Cowboys21:47 – Jerry Jones – narrator of his own story26:15 – Maclain, Chapman and the cast of their dreams31:45 – Challenges of making the documentary33:45 – A Spaghetti Western sports doc38:40 – Striving for the next Super Bowl40:50 – Wrapping up
The Biggest Loser, Netflix, reality TV, weight loss, fitness culture, diet industry, TV scandal.Fit for TV: The Reality of the Biggest Loser, a Netflix docuseries directed by Skye Borgman, exposes the dark side of one of television’s most controversial shows. We dive into the harsh truths behind the cameras, the toll on contestants’ lives, and how the series reshaped America’s ideas about weight and wellness.If you want the real story behind the headlines, this episode is a must-watch. Fit for TV: The Reality of the Biggest Loser recently premiered on Netflix. Subscribe for more deep dives into the stories behind your favourite shows.Timecodes:00:00 – Introduction and Setup01:22 – Synopsis of "Fit for TV: The Reality of the Biggest Loser"05:47 – One of the most successful reality TV shows06:57 – The controversy of massive weight loss11:35 – Challenges and a fake reality 15:44 – What motivates the participants?19:32 – The growth of the show22:41 – Bizarre weight loss methods26:37 – How healthily do Americans live today?29:01 – Directing the documentary35:06 – Future Projects35:51 – Wrapping up
Storm Area 51 – viral meme, US military, internet conspiracy, aliens, UFOs, Nevada desert, Facebook event, true story. In 2019, a joke Facebook post about storming Area 51 went viral and triggered a full-scale media frenzy that put the US military on high alert. What started as an internet meme turned into a real-world phenomenon that captured the world’s attention.In this episode, we speak with Jack MacInnes, director of the latest Trainwreck episode covering the Storm Area 51 event. He breaks down what really happened, how the story spiralled out of control, and why this strange moment in internet culture still matters. From alien hunters to military warnings, this is the bizarre true story behind one of the internet’s most unforgettable viral events.Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction02:32 – Overview of Trainwreck: Storm Area 5103:26 – The Origin of the Storm Area 51 Meme08:10 – The Cultural Impact and Narrative of the Event10:56 – The Role of Influencers and Media14:19 – Understanding Memes and Their Evolution16:11 – The Journey to Rural Nevada and Its Significance18:27 – Exploring the Mystique of Area 5120:16 – The Meme That Became a Movement23:13 – The Seriousness of a Joke25:50 – The Fallout of the Event28:31 – The Reality of Attendance29:44 – The Internet's Role in the Phenomenon31:51 – The Aftermath and Reflections34:41 – Future Endeavours and New Projects
This episode uncovers the explosive story behind P.I. Moms, an early 2000s reality TV show about everyday mothers working as private investigators. Through a tell-all documentary, we investigate the drug scandal that rocked the series and ultimately led to its downfall.Join us as we reveal how the scandal sabotaged the show and impacted the lives and careers of its stars, including Carl Marino of Homicide Hunter fame. If you love true crime and reality TV exposés, this episode is a must-listen.00:00 – Introduction and Setup01:58 – Overview of P.I. Moms06:23 – The Reality TV Landscape09:23 – Unraveling of the Show11:53 – Reality vs. Reality TV13:18 – Reality TV: The Thin Line Between Truth and Fiction14:35 – The Role of Key Players in the Story16:38 – Behind the Scenes: The Making of a Reality Show18:55 – The Complex Motivations Behind the Project21:10 – The Unique Appeal of P.I. Moms25:23 – The Impact on Participants and Filmmakers29:00 – The Aftermath: Careers and Consequences33:09 – Future Projects of Phil
As an American living in the UK, Matthew Sherwood unpacks what Independence Day really means from across the pond—and what it reveals about the growing divide between the US and UK. From political chaos to economic stagnation, he explores why the two nations feel increasingly out of sync.The episode also dives into the rise of political disruptors like Nigel Farage and Elon Musk, before teasing what’s next for the podcast: bold new formats and fresh perspectives.Timestamps00:00 - Independence Day Reflections03:37 - The Diverging Paths of the US and UK07:49 - Political Landscape and Economic Realities09:21 - New Formats and Future Directions
In 2009, the world stopped to watch a homemade UFO float across the Colorado skies – with a 6-year-old boy believed to be trapped inside. The “Balloon Boy” story gripped a nation…and then the shocking truth came out.In this episode, we speak with Gillian Pachter, director of the hit Netflix documentary Trainwreck: Balloon Boy, to uncover what really happened behind the scenes of one of the most bizarre media frenzies in modern history.
Shark conservationist Ocean Ramsey is world-famous for swimming with sharks to challenge fear and promote marine conservation.In this episode, we speak with JP Stiles and Harrison Macks, directors of the Netflix documentary Shark Whisperer, about Ramsey’s mission to protect sharks, the power of viral ocean activism, and why these apex predators are so misunderstood.Subscribe to Factual America: https://linktr.ee/FactualAmericaTimestamps:00:00 – Intro01:13 – Film synopsis02:40 – Who is Ocean Ramsey05:17 – Sharks are not monsters09:38 – Why shark attacks happen12:02 – Media frenzy16:16 – Ocean Ramsey's motivation22:23 – The controversy24:56 – Is it research, conservation or just a show?28:33 – Involvement of James Reed35:34 – Future projects
Poop Cruise. Disaster. Documentary. In this unmissable episode, we sit down with the director, James Ross, behind the new Trainwreck episode diving into the infamous 2013 Carnival cruise from hell. With raw insight and behind-the-scenes revelations, we explore how an engine fire left 4,000 passengers stranded at sea with no power, no plumbing, and nowhere to go – transforming a dream vacation into a floating nightmare. Tune in for the wild backstory, unseen footage, and what really went down during the disaster dubbed "The Poop Cruise”. Subscribe to Factual America: https://linktr.ee/FactualAmericaTimestamps:00:00 - Trainwerck - "The Poop Cruise"02:34 - Introduction05:56 - Overview of The Documentary06:51 - The Cruise and Initial Incident09:50 - Crisis Management11:19 - Panic Hits the Crowds14:41 - Communication Breakdown16:50 - The Escalation of Chaos19:10 - The Rescue Attempt and Final Chaos22:19 - The Crew Amidst Chaos24:27 - The Media Frenzy28:37 - Documentary Filmmaking Challenges32:58 - Finding the Right Stories and Characters40:03 - Future Projects and the Evolution of StorytellingSubscribe to Factual America: https://linktr.ee/FactualAmericaLike us on Facebook: @factualamerica Follow us on Twitter: @Factual_AmericaConnect with Matthew Sherwood: Twitter: @sherwood1967 Facebook: @matthew.sherwood.14 LinkedIn: @matthewsherwood
Rob Ford, Toronto mayor, and scandal – we dive deep into the chaos of the new Netflix documentary Trainwreck: Mayor of Mayhem, with director Shianne Brown. From political rise to crack-smoking infamy, this episode unpacks how a beloved yet controversial figure shook Canadian politics – and why his story still matters today. Subscribe to Factual America: https://linktr.ee/FactualAmericaTimestamps: 00:00 – Introduction03:55 – Who Was Rob Ford?09:55 – Scandals & Controversies12:26 – The Downfall Begins15:35 – The Power of Populism19:32 – Media’s Role in the Ford Saga22:30 – Rob Ford: The Man Behind the Headlines26:12 – Rob Ford’s Divisive Legacy29:16 – Telling Ford’s Story32:40 – Reflections & What’s NextVisit our Website: https://www.alamopictures.co.uk/#MayorScandal#NetflixDocumentary#PoliticalScandal#TorontoPolitics#TrainwreckNetflix#TrueCrimeDocs
One of the deadliest music festivals in recent history, the 2021 Astroworld tragedy left 10 dead and thousands traumatised. Now, a powerful new documentary uncovers what really happened – with first-hand accounts from survivors, paramedics, and festival staff.In this episode, we go behind the scenes of the film with director Yemi Bamiro and executive producer Kari Lia, as they reveal how they navigated trauma, and uncovered systemic failures behind the disaster.Subscribe to Factual America: https://linktr.ee/FactualAmericaTimestamps:00:00 - Trailer "Trainwreck: The Astroworld Tragedy"01:12 - Introduction and synopsis02:08 - A tragedy rooted in Houston04:45 - Day of excitement ends in a disaster11:53 - Most spectators didn't even realise it was happening17:13 - Similarities and differences with other crowd crushes19:12 - Misinformation leads to victim blaming21:22 - The stories within the story25:46 - Challenges during the production36:40 - Future plans**** FACTUAL AMERICA PODCAST **** Factual America uses documentary filmmaking to examine the American experience as well as universal topics that affect all Americans. Guests include leading documentary filmmakers, their subjects, as well as experts on the American experience. Our host Matthew Sherwood, was born and raised in Texas but has lived in the UK since 2001. He draws on decades of journalism experience, interviewing world leaders and helping audiences understand the key global trends shaping our lives.Subscribe to Factual America: https://linktr.ee/FactualAmericaLike us on Facebook: @factualamerica Follow us on Twitter: @Factual_AmericaConnect with Matthew Sherwood: Twitter: @sherwood1967 Facebook: @matthew.sherwood.14 LinkedIn: @matthewsherwood **** ABOUT ALAMO PICTURES **** Alamo Pictures is a London-based production company specialising in feature-documentaries, factual television and shorts about the US. Benefitting from an outsider’s keen eye and years of stateside experience, Alamo’s filmmakers explore topical, uniquely American stories from a sympathetic, European perspective.The result is engaging cinema and television that defies stereotypes and helps audiences truly understand what makes America tick. Visit our Website: https://www.alamopictures.co.uk/#Astroworld#TravisScott#DocumentaryFilm#TrueStory#SurvivorStories
In this exclusive interview, we speak to Yotam Guendelman and Ari Pines, the directors of the latest Netflix true crime documentary, which uncovers the chilling details behind the 1982 Tylenol poisonings – a case that shook America. With cyanide-laced pills, and a suspect who was never charged, the Chicago Tylenol murders remain one of the most disturbing unsolved crimes in US history. We explore the evidence, media panic and legacy of this case that undermined Americans’ trust in pharmaceutical companies and forever changed how we interact with over-the-counter drugs.If you're into true crime podcasts, unsolved mysteries, and deep dives with the filmmakers behind the headlines – this one's for you.Timestamps:00:00 – Trailer "Cold Case: The Tylenol Murders"03:04 – Introduction and synopsis06:53 – Mass hysteria in the USA09:24 – The prime suspect – James Lewis13:32 – One-sided investigation18:34 – The involvement of Johnson & Johnson25:30 – Alternative theories29:18 – How the project started31:10 – The first (and last) Interview with James Lewis38:33 – Future plans and outroSubscribe to Factual America: https://linktr.ee/FactualAmericaLike us on Facebook: @factualamerica Follow us on Twitter: @Factual_AmericaConnect with Matthew Sherwood: Twitter: @sherwood1967 Facebook: @matthew.sherwood.14LinkedIn: @matthewsherwood Watch the Full Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/VeeqNzI25zM
Osama bin Laden, CIA, and the manhunt that changed history. In this interview with award-winning directors Mor Loushy and Daniel Sivan of American Manhunt: Osama bin Laden, we uncover the untold truths behind one of the most intense and dangerous global manhunts.Explore rare footage, insider interviews, and shocking revelations about the CIA’s pursuit of Osama bin Laden. How did the mission unfold? What went wrong? And what secrets are still hidden about the operation that led to the historic raid?Subscribe to Factual America: https://linktr.ee/FactualAmericaTimestamps: 00:00 - Trailer "American Manhunt: Osama bin Laden"02:22 - Introduction and synopsis04:28 - A who’s who of US government officials07:20 - The women behind the manhunt10:51 - A decade of hunting bin Laden17:06 - Parallels between a film about 9/11 and October 7th18:24 - How the series came together20:08 - Crazy contributor stories25:09 - The 25th anniversary of 9/1127:44 - Future plans of Mor and Daniel – OutroWatch the full episode on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHTDnhmQjf0
The Liver King built a supplement empire by devouring raw meat on social media. And he had the muscles to prove it. But how did the Liver King get so huge? Netflix director Joe Pearlman tells all. In this interview, we dig into the raw truth behind the man, the myth, and the meat-fueled machine that captivated millions.From viral fame and ancestral living to steroids, scandal, and supplement sales – this conversation goes beyond the beef.Timestamps: 00:00 - Trailer02:07 - Introduction 04:32 - An evangelist for the ancestral lifestyle07:58 - Not Brian Johnson but the Liver King13:11 - A man that knows to market himself15:31 - The lies that came long before the steroids17:47 - The reveal of the real Brian Johnson22:04 - Liver Queen: no regrets24:12 - How Joe got involved with the project25:10 - Living online 24/726:50 - America in the eyes of a British filmmaker30:01 - The "Wild West" that is social media31:18 - Joe Pearlman's future projects#LiverKing#NetflixDocumentary#FitnessScandal#RawMeat#SupplementEmpireWatch Full Episode on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=404rzi6AyOcSubscribe to Factual America: https://linktr.ee/FactualAmericaSubscribe to Factual America: https://linktr.ee/FactualAmericaLike us on Facebook: @factualamerica Follow us on Twitter: @Factual_AmericaConnect with Matthew Sherwood: Twitter: @sherwood1967 Facebook: @matthew.sherwood.14 LinkedIn: @matthewsherwood
Vietnam War secrets, untold stories, and hidden history - revealed by Netflix director Brian Knappenberger and renowned historian Lien-Hang Nguyen.As we approach the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War, this interview uncovers new accounts from the war - from suppressed footage to shocking revelations about U.S. involvement and North Vietnam's internal strategy.A must-watch for anyone interested in war documentaries, declassified history, and the truth behind one of the most controversial conflicts of the 20th century.Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wXnTT2OtHd0
In this chilling episode, filmmaker Liam Le Guillou takes us deep inside A Cursed Man - his harrowing real-life journey into the world of black magic and satanic rituals. What begins as a sceptical social experiment soon spirals into a terrifying descent, as Liam invites powerful practitioners to place real curses on him. Facing nightmares, unexplained anxiety, and even a blood pact with a Satan-worshipping shaman, he confronts the true cost of dabbling with the unknown. Liam opens up about the haunting effects on his life and family, the raw truths behind magic, and the uphill battles of independent filmmaking - from losing control to fighting for distribution. This is not just a story about curses - it’s about belief, fear, and the invisible forces that may be far more real than we think.Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RhWoOMcAveA&t=23sSubscribe for more from Factual America: http://bit.ly/AlamoPictures
"One of the deadliest tornadoes in US history is headed directly for their high school graduation…” In this episode, filmmaker Alexandra Lacey takes us inside her powerful new Netflix documentary, Twister: Caught in the Storm, a raw and moving look at life in Joplin, Missouri, after a catastrophic natural disaster. Alexandra shares how the disaster reshaped a generation of young people and reflects on the resilience, identity, and community spirit that emerged in the storm’s aftermath. She opens up about the emotional weight of telling true stories, the creative risks she took behind the camera, and what it means to capture hope in the face of devastation. Blending her British-American lens, she offers unique insight into the fast-paced world of documentary filmmaking.Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PeUxy239MukFollow Alexandra Lacey on Instagram: @lacey_docs
In this episode, Matthew sits down with acclaimed filmmaker R.J. Cutler to discuss his latest Netflix documentary, 'Martha'. Cutler offers fascinating insights into the making of the film, which chronicles the life and career of Martha Stewart, the iconic businesswoman and lifestyle guru. Discover how Cutler gained unprecedented access to Stewart and her vast personal archives, and learn about the challenges he faced in capturing her complex story. The director shares his perspective on Stewart's visionary approach to business, her resilience in the face of adversity, and her impact on American culture. Cutler also addresses Stewart's public critique of the documentary, offering a balanced and thoughtful response. This episode provides a deep dive into the filmmaking process, the art of storytelling, and the nuances of portraying a living legend. Whether you're a fan of Martha Stewart, interested in documentary filmmaking, or curious about American cultural icons, this episode offers unique insights and behind-the-scenes details you won't want to miss. Watch the episode at https://www.factualamerica.com
Unsolved murders, paranormal activity, and UFOs. Unsolved Mysteries, the iconic docu-series that was a staple of TV in the 80s and 90s is back on Netflix with Volume 5. Joining Matthew Sherwood on Factual America is multiple Emmy nominated filmmaker Terry Dunn Meurer, the co-creator and producer of Unsolved Mysteries. She shares the secrets of Unsolved Mysteries’ success and why we have such a fascination with true crime and the unexplained. The filmmaker also describes the different cases the new series investigates, how many cases on Unsolved Mysteries have been solved, and what it’s like working with law enforcement. Watch the episode at https://factualamerica.com “Nobody knows what these body parts are used for or who is doing this, it’s the most unexplainable case I’ve ever seen.” – Terry Dunn Meurer “Our focus is let’s solve this. Our job isn’t to judge law enforcement, our job is to help law enforcement solve these cases.” – Terry Dunn Meurer