The Big Flop

<p>Fyre Fest goes up in flames, Madame Web is panned, the hot new crypto coin crashes. Who doesn’t love a good flop? From Silicon Valley scandals to Hollywood meltdowns - every epic fail has a story worth telling. Join TikTok superstar Misha Brown on Wondery’s<em> The Big Flop</em> as we unpack history’s most fascinating flops, frauds, and fiascos. Whether it’s Tom Cruise’s couch-jumping or Taylor Swift in <em>Cats, </em>we’re dissecting the moments when ambition, ego, and poor decisions collide. Each week, Misha and hilarious guests break down these spectacular crashes and try to answer the burning question: <em>Who thought THIS was a good idea? </em>Because on <em>The Big Flop</em>, the best stories are always about the worst ideas. New episodes come out every week.</p><p>Follow The Big Flop on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Watch new episodes on YouTube, or listen to The Big Flop early and ad-free by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. New episodes every Monday.</p>

Scooter Braun vs. Taylor Swift: Inside the $300M Music Feud with Corey O'Brien and Alex Falcone | 104

From club promoter to music mogul, Scooter Braun's Midas touch turned Justin Bieber into pop royalty and made him millions. But when he bought Taylor Swift's masters, he learned the hard way that hell hath no fury like a pop princess scorned. In our final episode, we're going out with a bang – this is the story of how one savvy dealmaker became public enemy #1 to Swifties everywhere, and how the music industry's golden boy found himself in the biggest flop of his career.Corey O'Brien and Alex Falcone join Misha to understand the bad blood between Scooter Braun and Taylor Swift.Follow The Big Flop on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to The Big Flop early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery app or on Apple Podcasts.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

09-08
50:21

Hooters Goes Bust with Jimmy Pardo and Courtney Revolution | 103

What happens when six guys with zero restaurant experience open a bar just so they'll always have somewhere to drink? You get Hooters – a wing joint that grew from Florida novelty to international phenomenon. But between failed airline ventures, bikini contests, and changing social attitudes, America's original ""breastaurant"" learned that some business models belong in the past – right next to those infamous orange shorts.Jimmy Pardo and Courtney Revolution join Misha to learn how Hooters went from “Delightfully Tacky” to totally bankrupt.Follow The Big Flop on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to The Big Flop early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery app or on Apple Podcasts.Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

09-01
47:19

The Bling Ring: Hollywood’s Wildest Teen Crime Spree with Sydney Battle and Matt Bellassai | 102

They say dress for the job you want, not the job you have. For the Bling Ring, that meant stealing $3 million worth of designer goods from Hollywood's elite. From Paris Hilton's forgotten fortune to Orlando Bloom's watch collection, these teen burglars lived out their TMZ fantasies in real time. But when their own reality show became a crime scene, they discovered that fame is fleeting – and felonies are forever.Sydney Battle and Matt Bellassai join Misha to backpack their way through the high school drama of the Bling Ring.Follow The Big Flop on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to The Big Flop early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery app or on Apple Podcasts.Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterListen to The Big Flop on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/the-big-flop/ now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

08-25
57:36

Weinergate: The Rise And Fall Of Anthony's Weiner with Alana Levinson and Dan O'Sullivan | 101

Anthony Weiner went from passionate congressional crusader to America's most infamous sexter faster than you can say ""Carlos Danger."" With a powerful wife, promising career, and path to the mayor's office, he had it all – until his compulsive need to share underwear pics cost him his marriage, freedom, and possibly the 2016 election. Alana Levinson and Dan O'Sullivan join Misha to scrutinize one of our bigger flops (pun intended.)Follow The Big Flop on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to The Big Flop early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery app or on Apple Podcasts.Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterListen to The Big Flop on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/the-big-flop/ now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

08-18
51:17

The Wild, Broken Ride of Bird and Its Scooter Empire with Joe Fenti and Maddy Smith | 100

In 2017, Santa Monica residents woke up to find their streets invaded by mysterious electric scooters. The culprit? Travis VanderZanden, a former Uber exec with a plan to revolutionize urban transit. But between drunk-tweeting executives, phantom revenue reports, and scooters being hurled into oceans, Bird's flight path was destined for turbulence.Joe Fenti and Maddy Smith join Misha to watch Bird's $2 billion flight plan nosediveBe the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterListen to The Big Flop on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/the-big-flop/ now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

08-11
53:26

From Antivirus King to Fugitive: The John McAfee Story with Jeff Hiller and Leslie Liao | 99

John McAfee turned computer security into a fortune, then spent the rest of his life making increasingly questionable life choices. Whether he was running from murder charges, pumping crypto schemes, or tattooing ""WHACKD"" on his arm before his suspicious prison death, McAfee proved that sometimes the most dangerous virus is success itself.Jeff Hiller and Leslie Liao join Misha to get the download on John McAfee.Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterListen to The Big Flop on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/the-big-flop/ now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

08-04
57:52

Katy Perry’s Flop Era: Bad Music, Bad Press, and Space with Jordan Myrick and Kendahl Landreth | 98

She kissed a girl, she liked it, and for a decade, Katy Perry could do no wrong. But when cultural appropriation scandals and lukewarm albums replaced her candy-coated hits, not even Jeff Bezos's rocket ship could launch her back to stardom. From pixie cut crisis to space tourism cringe, this is how pop's reigning queen became TikTok's favorite punchline.Happy Wife, Happy Life co-hosts Jordan Myrick and Kendahl Landreth join Misha to figure out how this "Dark Horse" found herself "Waking Up In Vegas."Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterListen to The Big Flop on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/the-big-flop/ now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

07-28
55:02

Burning Down The Hype House with Chaz May and Brendan Sagalow | 97

In 2019, a group of TikTok stars thought they'd cracked the code to social media stardom: live together, dance together, get rich together. But when the Hype House turned into a pressure cooker of teenage drama, shady business deals, and pandemic parties, these content creators learned that going viral doesn't always pay the rent – or the lawyers.Chaz May and Brendan Sagalow (Thin Lips) join Misha to discuss what all the hype was about.Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterListen to The Big Flop on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/the-big-flop/ now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

07-21
53:55

Battlefield Earth: John Travolta’s $75 Million Sci-Fi Disaster with Cassie Willson and Katie Marovitch | 96

John Travolta spent 18 years trying to turn L. Ron Hubbard's Battlefield Earth into the next Star Wars. Instead, he delivered a cinematic disaster that made Waterworld look like Citizen Kane. With alien dreadlocks, nonsensical plot twists, and more Dutch angles than Amsterdam, Travolta's passion project became Hollywood's punchline of the decade. Bitcherton co-stars Cassie Willson and Katie Marovitch join Misha to revolt against Battlefield Earth. Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterListen to The Big Flop on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/the-big-flop/ now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

07-14
51:29

American Airlines' Ultimate Travel Scam with Katie Boyle and Erin Jackson | 95

What happens when you give two men unlimited first-class flights for life? American Airlines found out the hard way when their "brilliant" cash-grab turned into a multi-million dollar nightmare, complete with impromptu Paris lunch dates, suspicious companion passes, and an airline determined to ground frequent flyers forever.Katie Boyle (The Shift, I'll Do It Myself) and Erin Jackson (Grudgery, The Upshaws)join Misha for a first class conversation about American Airlines AirpassBe the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterListen to The Big Flop on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/the-big-flop/ now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

07-07
40:59

Fitness Product Fails with Angela Giarratana, Jeremy Culhane and Kylie Brakeman | 94

What do you get when you combine Yale graduates, Orange County bros, and Skechers' sketchy ""research""? Three of the most memorable fitness product fails of all time. From David Beckham's magic balance bracelet to Kim Kardashian's Super Bowl shoe commercial, these celebrity-endorsed flops showed that even star power can't overcome basic physics.Artists on Artists on Artisits on Artists co-hosts Angela Giarratana, Jeremy Culhane and Kylie Brakeman join Misha to get to the core of three 2000 fitness fads: The Shake Weight; Skechers Shape Ups; and Power Balance WristbandsFollow The Big Flop on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to The Big Flop early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery app or on Apple Podcasts.Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

06-30
01:00:07

Napster: The App That Broke the Music Industry with Amber Autry and Alec Flynn | 93

Before she became known as “The She-Wolf of France,” Isabella was a princess sent to unite two warring kingdoms through marriage. But her husband, King Edward II of England, didn’t get the same memo. From day one, it’s clear he’s more interested in the cute men at court than his queen – or his crown. As Edward’s reckless choices endanger the English throne and strain relations with France, Isabella will have to decide if she’ll remain a loyal queen – or take matters into her own hands.Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterListen to Even The Royals on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/even-the-royals/ now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

06-23
51:27

Jen Shah: From Real Housewife to Real Prison Time with Watch What Crappens | 92

When Jen Shah fled a Bravo filming location minutes before federal agents arrived, her castmates thought the cops might be strippers. They weren't. Instead, they were there to bust a multimillion-dollar fraud scheme that would send this Shah-mazing housewife from designer ski wear to prison jumpsuits.Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterListen to The Big Flop on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/the-big-flop/ now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

06-16
57:58

Bernie Madoff’s Empire of Deception with Brent Pella and Joey Dardano | 91

Bernie Madoff wasn't just good at making money disappear—he was a master at making people believe in financial magic. But when the 2008 financial crisis hit, his house of cards came tumbling down, revealing the largest Ponzi scheme in history and leaving everyone from Kevin Bacon to cancer research charities holding the bag.Brent Pella (Wildin’ Out, Good Trip) and Joey Dardano (The Method, Help from a Hypocrite) join Misha to do an in-depth accounting of the Bernie Madoff storyBe the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterListen to The Big Flop on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/the-big-flop/ now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

06-09
48:17

Jenny Craig: Cashing In On Crash Diets with Ronald Young Jr. and Emmy Blotnick | 90

In the '90s, Jenny Craig wasn't just selling frozen meals – she was selling the American dream, one tiny chocolate cheesecake at a time. But between shady advertising claims, the Fen-Phen crisis, and a jaw injury that silenced their spokeswoman, this weight loss queen discovered that even the most carefully counted calories couldn't save her empire from crumbling.Ronald Young Jr. (Weight for It) and Emmy Blotnick (The English Teacher, Bust Down) join Misha to shed some light on the many missteps of this dieting heavyweight.Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterListen to The Big Flop on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/the-big-flop/ now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

06-02
54:25

Fed Up With K-Fed (A.K.A Britney Spears Ex) with Alex Falcone And Robby Hoffman | 89

In 2004, backup dancer Kevin Federline hit the relationship jackpot when Britney Spears spotted him at an LA club. Two years, two babies, and one reality show later, K-Fed decided being Mr. Spears wasn't enough – he wanted to be Hip Hop royalty. But when his rap career tanked faster than his marriage, even Richard Branson and a truck covered in pennies couldn't save this wannabe rapper's career.Alex Falcone (Portlandia) and Robby Hoffman (Hacks, Dying for Sex) join Misha to learn how K-Fed went from bustin’ a move to just plain bustedBe the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterListen to The Big Flop on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/the-big-flop/ now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

05-26
51:56

23andMe: Spit, Scandal, and a $6 Billion Meltdown with Kevin Sullivan and Laura Peek | 88

Celebrity spit parties, Met Gala appearances, and dreams of personalized medicine made 23andMe the hottest thing in biotech. Anne Wojcicki’s DNA tests promised to unlock the secrets of our genes – and maybe cure some diseases along the way. But when hackers exposed millions of users' genetic data, not even Richard Branson could save Anne from becoming another Silicon Valley casualty. Kevin Sullivan and Laura Peek join Misha to understand the building blocks of 23andMe's demise.Follow The Big Flop on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to The Big Flop early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery app or on Apple Podcasts.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

05-19
58:46

Myspace and its $580 Million Mistake with Erika Ishii and Brennan Lee Mulligan | 87

Before there was Facebook, there was MySpace – and Tom Anderson was everyone's first friend. With his iconic profile pic and revolutionary platform, Tom turned social media into a cultural phenomenon. But when corporate suits came calling with fat checks and even bigger expectations, Tom went from being everyone’s first friend to the internet’s first cautionary tale. Erika Ishii and Brennan Lee Mulligan (Dimension 20, Dropout.tv) join Misha to get the lowdown on how Tom from Myspace fell out of everyone’s top 8.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

05-12
01:00:23

Unzipping American Apparel with Sasheer Zamata and Jared Goldstein | 86

In the early 2000s, American Apparel was the coolest kid on the block, slinging ethically-made tees and scandalous billboards. But founder Dov Charney's penchant for office orgies and nude photoshoots proved too spicy for Wall Street, turning his sweatshop-free dream into a nightmare of lawsuits, bankruptcy, and one very public walk of shame.Sasheer Zamata and Jared Goldstein join Misha to uncover the almost naked truth behind American Apparel.  Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterListen to The Big Flop on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/the-big-flop/ now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

05-05
57:09

The McDonald's Monopoly Game: A Supersized McFlop with Beth Stelling and Ify Nwadiwe | 85

The Hamburglar was just a mascot, but Jerome Jacobson was the real deal - a McDonald's security chief who pulled off the ultimate inside job. While millions of Americans peeled game pieces hoping for a miracle, this master manipulator was turning Big Macs into big bucks, orchestrating a multi-million dollar fraud. Discover the supersized story of how one man's greed turned America's favorite promotion into the biggest McFlop in fast-food history.Ify Nwadiwe and Beth Stelling, join Misha to get salty about the McDonald’s Monopoly game.Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterListen to The Big Flop on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/the-big-flop/ now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

04-28
48:45

Joel Hower

Too politically left for me. just stick with the facts.

06-02 Reply

Amy Lumpp

One positive thing that came from D.A.R.E.: summer camp!! I went for 2 summers, 1 week each. It was nice to get away from my parents for a whole week.

10-18 Reply

Shannon Compton

please have dusty slay on again! best episode so far.

09-25 Reply

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