Pod Insights British Scandal April Ashley | A Place of Her Own | 2 About this episode As April prepares to marry aristocrat Arthur Corbett, she sees his disapproving father as her greatest threat. But as Arthur's drinking intensifies and his obsession with her past grows darker, April realises she may have misjudged which Corbett poses the real danger to her future.
Please vote for us in the British Podcast Awards: https://www.britishpodcastawards.com/voting
Do you have a suggestion for a scandal you would like us to cover? Or perhaps you have a question you would like to ask our hosts? Email us at [email protected] mailto:[email protected]
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Transcript 8,599 words · 12 speakers
Speaker names marked ? are inferred from speaking time and the show’s known hosts — they are not voice-verified.
0:00 Alice Levine? Audible subscribers can listen to all episodes of British Scandal ad-free right now. Join Audible today by downloading the Audible app.
0:12 Alice Levine? Just a warning before we begin, some of the terms you'll hear in this episode were in common usage at the time the story takes place. We've used them because they're in keeping with how our main character self-described, but we acknowledge that they could be considered outdated today.
0:28 Alice Levine? Sorry to be a broken record, Matt, but I have been emailing you quite a lot about joining your podcast networking club.
0:34 Matt Forde? Oh, yes, yes, well, it's a great club and the benefits are, they're plentiful.
0:40 Alice Levine? Yeah, what do I actually get?
0:42 Matt Forde? Well, we have sites all over the globe, you can use any of our houses, as we call them, you get major discounts at luxury retailers, and it opens doors, you will get to network with high-value individuals from across entertainment, law, even the monarchy.
0:56 Alice Levine? This is incredible, and I presume it's a kind of elite membership where only the best of the best get to join.
1:01 Matt Forde? Yep, and Alice, I'd be delighted to have you as a member. You just obviously need to fill in the forms, pay the fee, and there is just one small thing that as the owner, as the proprietor of the establishment, I do insist on being addressed in a particular way.
1:14 Alice Levine? Oh, yeah, I mean, of course.
1:16 Matt Forde? Okay, so it's just a normal sort of title, really. I wish to be addressed as the Global Grand High Boss Man of Christendom.
1:24 Alice Levine? Beg your pardon?
1:24 Matt Forde? Yeah, no abbreviations, no acronyms, that is the full title. Right, let's get you signed up.
1:29 Alice Levine? Do you know what, just looking at my diary, it's, it's gonna be tricky to sort of take on another membership, because I want to do it wholeheartedly and be in, so, so, so, yeah, it's, it's a no, but, but a thanks.
1:43 Matt Forde? No, you were keen a second ago.
1:45 Alice Levine? Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, it's just, it's, it's just a schedules thing.
1:49 Matt Forde? Not, yeah, yeah, yeah, Alice, it's, yeah, yeah, yeah, Global Grand High Boss Man of Christendom.
1:55 Alice Levine? I can't, I can't, and I won't. September 1963, Marbella.
2:04 Alice Levine? April makes her way across the bedroom floor. She glances back into the moonlit room at the sleeping figure in the bed. Her pulse quickens as she eases open the heavy oak door. She listens for a moment, makes sure she's not being followed, then tiptoes down the dark wooden staircase.
2:25 Alice Levine? She freezes, starts to feel an icy chill run down her spine.
2:31 Alice Levine? She turns.
2:35 Alice Levine? Feels her shoulders drop with relief at the sight of her Great Dane, Mr. Blue. She reaches down to stroke him, lets out a shuddering breath as she tries not to cry at the thought of leaving him behind. She looks into his mournful eyes, then stands up straight and decides she's going to take him.
2:59 Speaker 02 Come on, boy.
3:02 Alice Levine? A few seconds later, she sits in the white Zephyr convertible with Mr. Blue in the back. Her hands shake as she turns the ignition. But the car won't start.
3:15 Alice Levine? She tries again and again. She blinks back at the whitewashed villa. His a loud sob escape from her throat. She closes her eyes. She takes a breath, then she turns the key one last time.
3:31 Alice Levine? Feels a flood of relief as the engine finally starts. She's just about to hit the accelerator. When a hand suddenly grips her arm through the open window. She gasps in horror, looks up to see her husband's face puce with rage.
3:49 Speaker 02 Where the fuck do you think you're going?
3:53 Alice Levine? She freezes as he snarls.
3:55 Speaker 02 Inside, now!
3:58 Alice Levine? She pulls away from him.
4:00 Speaker 02 Arthur, I won't!
4:02 Alice Levine? But he pulls open the door, grabs Mr. Blue by the collar, hauls him out, then snarls at her.
4:09 Speaker 02 I swear, I will make your life hell!
4:15 Alice Levine? She grips onto the steering wheel, looks out at the dark road ahead. She already knows what she needs to do. She lowers her foot on the accelerator.
4:26 Alice Levine? The car lurches forward and kicks into life, leaving an apoplectic Arthur in the dust behind. She glances in the wing mirror as he disappears into the darkness. But something deep in April's stomach tells her, this won't be the last she'll see of Arthur Corbett.
4:53 Speaker 03 Being a serious business owner takes hard work, patience, and a drive to keep moving forward. So it's important to find a serious business card that goes the extra mile. With the Venture X Business Card from Capital One, you earn unlimited double miles on every purchase. And with big purchasing power, you can spend more and earn more. This is your sign to take your business to the next level. The Capital One Venture X Business Card. What's in your wallet? Terms apply. See CapitalOne.com for details.
5:25 Speaker 04 PrizePix packs are here. Rip digital packs and get real basketball, footfall and Pokémon cards on PrizePix packs. Available now nationwide. Once you see your pool, you have a choice to sell back instantly for real cash or ship at home. Cash from your sale will immediately be added to your PrizePix balance. It's just another way to run your game. New users, download the PrizePix app today and use code WONDERY to get $25 instantly in bonus packs when you buy your first $5 pack. PrizePix, run your game. 18 plus in eligible areas. Terms apply. Collect responsibly.
5:58 Alice Levine? From Wondery, I'm Alice Levine.
6:00 Matt Forde? And I'm Matt Ford.
6:02 Alice Levine? And this is British Scandal.
6:17 Alice Levine? Okay, Matt, last episode, we met Arthur Corbett, who to me feels like quite a familiar character, or at least archetype of the British Scandal canon. He's the son of an aristocrat and he's desperately, furiously pushing against his stifling upbringing and heritage.
6:34 Matt Forde? Yes, but he is an archetype with a bit of a difference because Arthur likes crossdressing and this sort of act of rebellion, as well as it being an expression of his secret desires, is something that he has been shamed for. And that shame has turned to anger. And that's an anger that he's been taking out on April.
6:51 Alice Levine? So do you think that he actually loves April?
6:55 Matt Forde? Well, it's complicated. I think he's wanted April from the moment he found out about her, but he objectifies her just as much as the men who watch her in the club do. And he wants her basically because he wants to live vicariously through her.
7:08 Alice Levine? Yes, it does feel like she represents a life that he wishes that he had. So at the end of the last episode, we saw April being doorstepped by a journalist threatening to expose it all.
7:19 Matt Forde? It's a really cruel moment because she'd got out of that club and stopped being viewed as a curiosity and had started to work as a model in her own right for her natural beauty. So she's riding high, but now it feels like it might all come crashing down.
7:32 Alice Levine? Well, let's see if it does. This is episode two, A Place of Her Own.
7:39 Alice Levine? Two years earlier, November 1961, London.
7:44 Alice Levine? Arthur slams down the telephone in shock, grabs his coat and rushes out of his Mayfair mansion. He can't get April's tearful voice out of his head, pleading with him to get the People article stopped. He feels his face flushed with anger. He's not going to let some low-life journalist destroy the woman he loves.
8:06 Alice Levine? Forty minutes later, he strides into the offices of The People, introduces himself as the eldest son of Lord Roallan.
8:15 Speaker 02 Knight of the Order of the Thistle, and Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire. I'd like to see the editor, please. Immediately.
8:26 Matt Forde? Sorry, is Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire your surname?
8:31 Alice Levine? Knight of the Order of the Thistle, that just sounds like you're a National Trust employee.
8:36 Matt Forde? Also, just pick one. Just say, I'm a knight of the realm. I demand to see the editor. It is my constitutional right.
8:42 Alice Levine? A full CV just sounds weak, doesn't it?
8:46 Alice Levine? A middle-aged man in his shirt sleeves looks up at him, startled, then holds out his hand.
8:52 Speaker 02 Stuart Campbell, what can I do for you? That's better. First name, surname. That's all you need.
9:00 Alice Levine? Arthur eases himself into a chair.
9:03 Speaker 02 One of your reporters has been harassing a friend of mine, under the misapprehension she was born male. I'm here to demand that you pull this story from this publication.
9:16 Alice Levine? He stares defiantly at Campbell, watches him flinch.
9:20 Speaker 02 I did think it was far-fetched.
9:22 Alice Levine? Campbell reaches for a proof on his desk.
9:25 Speaker 02 Vogue Beauty's secret. He's a man.
9:29 Alice Levine? He lights a cigarette, looks Arthur up and down.
9:33 Speaker 02 How good a friend are ya to Miss Ashley?
9:38 Alice Levine? Arthur feels a vein pulse in his temple.
9:41 Speaker 02 Your reporter, sir, is mistaken. That is all you need to know.
9:48 Alice Levine? He watches Campbell's eyes narrow as he takes a drag on his cigarette.
9:53 Speaker 02 Reporters can get things wrong.
9:56 Alice Levine? Arthur feels his neck muscles relax. But then Campbell leans forward, a glint in his eye.
10:03 Speaker 02 But the fact you're here defending her like this makes me think it's true. I'm gonna bring it forward. Print tomorrow.
10:14 Alice Levine? Arthur jumps to his feet, jabs a finger in Campbell's face.
10:19 Speaker 02 You print that article, you'll bloody regret it. I'll make sure my father finishes you and your damned rag of a newspaper.
10:30 Matt Forde? And I shall unite the Order of the Thistle, the Order of the Dandelion, and other garden weeds. You'll never hear the end of it.
10:37 Speaker 02 The Order of the Daisies will come down on you so hard, you will have chains in your hair for days.
10:45 Alice Levine? He watches Campbell lean back. The whole office is silent, staring. He grabs his hat from the desk and storms out.
10:56 Alice Levine? In the street, he lights a cigarette, but he's still shaking with rage. He'd promised April he'd protect her. He needs to find another way to do that. He's the only person who understands her, the only one who can look after her properly. He jumps in his white Zephyr and speeds back to Mayfair.
11:17 Alice Levine? He's going to go to the family jeweler, buy the most beautiful engagement ring he can find, and ask April Ashley to be his wife.
11:32 Alice Levine? The following day, April's flat, Kensington.
11:36 Speaker 02 Tell us about your sex change, love. Your breasts real then, are they?
11:41 Alice Levine? April curls up in a ball on the floor in the semi-darkness, looks down at the headline in the People newspaper.
11:47 Speaker 02 "The extraordinary case of top model April Ashley. Her secret is out."
11:53 Alice Levine? She hugs her knees into her chest, feels hot tears spill onto her cheeks. She's 26 years old, but her life feels like it's already over. Every single one of her bookings has been cancelled. Right now, she can't even show her face in public.
12:10 Speaker 02 Just bloody leave me alone!
12:13 Alice Levine? But Arthur's voice cuts through.
12:16 Speaker 02 It's me, darling. Let me in.
12:19 Alice Levine? She wipes the tears from her cheeks, edges open the door. Arthur is the last person she wants to see right now. But as soon as she does, she falls into him, sobbing, feels him wrap his arms around her.
12:34 Speaker 02 I'm going to take good care of you now, darling.
12:37 Alice Levine? He pulls away from her, then kneels down and holds out an aspiray box.
12:45 Alice Levine? April stares at him, confused.
12:48 Speaker 02 Arthur? Oh, what are you...
12:51 Alice Levine? But he cuts in.
12:53 Speaker 02 Will you marry me?
12:58 Matt Forde? His sense of timing is terrible.
12:59 Alice Levine? Awful.
13:00 Matt Forde? Don't do it today, mate.
13:01 Alice Levine? Is this what you want to remember?
13:03 Matt Forde? Like, have the ring ready, and then just when a good day presents itself, take your opportunity.
13:08 Alice Levine? You waited eight years, though.
13:11 Alice Levine? You're like, "We haven't had a nice moment in eight years."
13:14 Matt Forde? I didn't have the ring for eight years.
13:19 Speaker 02 She's not earned it today, no way. She's been a pain, actually.
13:22 Matt Forde? The amount of times I had it in my hand and I was just like, nah, she's ruined it.
13:25 Speaker 02 Don't think so. You don't know what you've missed. Now say sorry.
13:33 Alice Levine? April's eyes widen as he snaps the box open and holds out a ruby and diamond engagement ring. She can't speak. Marriage? With Arthur? She takes a step back.
13:48 Speaker 02 But you're still married.
13:52 Alice Levine? He shakes his head.
13:53 Speaker 02 I filed for divorce.
13:55 Alice Levine? She feels her jaw slacken.
13:57 Speaker 02 When?
13:59 Alice Levine? He takes her hand, slips on the ring.
14:02 Speaker 02 I've always admired your beauty, but I love your strength, your courage to live life on your own terms and not give a damn.
14:14 Alice Levine? His eyes shine up at her, but she can't speak. Her mind races. She doesn't love this man. He drinks like a fish and there's a direct line between the amount of alcohol he consumes and his fists. She shakes her head. It's absurd.
14:32 Speaker 02 Arthur, really?
14:36 Speaker 02 Come on sweetheart, give us a few words.
14:39 Alice Levine? She closes her eyes, feels the walls crowd in on her. She can hear the reporters yelling and Arthur's voice in her ear.
14:49 Speaker 02 I'll cherish and protect you forever. You'll never have to worry about anything ever again. I promise.
14:57 Alice Levine? She puts up her hand to stop him talking, but he whispers.
15:02 Speaker 02 You'll make a beautiful Lady Roallan when the time comes.
15:07 Alice Levine? Her eyes spring open. She feels the words form in her mouth.
15:12 Speaker 02 Lady Roallan?
15:15 Alice Levine? Arthur nods at the door.
15:17 Speaker 02 They wouldn't dare touch you then.
15:20 Alice Levine? She looks at Arthur, then at the glittering ring on her finger, lets herself mouth the words again.
15:28 Speaker 02 Lady Roallan.
15:30 Alice Levine? A future peerage would give her standing with the press, some control over her life. She tilts her head as she gazes at him, then hears her own voice say.
15:42 Speaker 02 Yes, Arthur, I will.
15:48 Matt Forde? I feel for April because she's not in love with this guy. So for that reason, obviously, we don't want her to marry him. But he at least is providing her with some sort of emotional and financial shelter in the world.
16:03 Alice Levine? I think when you're so vulnerable and the world is such a dangerous place for you, this isn't a kind of thoughtless process where she's falling into a marriage that's already problematic. She's kind of making a rational decision where she's saying, well, actually better to have some protection from this person, even though he's aggressive, because guess what's out there? Even more aggression.
16:28 Alice Levine? A few days later, a central London hotel. April strides across the plush lobby and looks for the News of the World reporter. She's agreed to sell the story of her engagement to the press. She's determined to reinvent herself as Lady Roallan-to-be, make the press take her seriously, and finally treat her with respect. She sips a martini, leans back in a leather bucket chair as a tall, dark-haired reporter holds out his hand and smiles at her.
17:01 Speaker 02 Pleased to meet you, April. Or should I say Lady Roallan?
17:06 Alice Levine? She can't help smiling at him. She hadn't expected him to be so good-looking.
17:12 Speaker 02 April will do, for now.
17:16 Alice Levine? She sees him smile and she feels herself start to relax. But as she settles in, she notices the reporter's eyes keep flicking from her breasts to her groin.
17:28 Speaker 02 Do you have normal feelings down there?
17:32 Alice Levine? Her stomach lunges. She tips out her chin and spits out.
17:36 Speaker 02 Do you?
17:39 Alice Levine? She tries to keep her own voice steady.
17:42 Speaker 02 Doctor Buru was an excellent sergeant. I have no complaints.
17:49 Alice Levine? He scribbles in his notebook. When he looks back at her, his eyes are narrow and suspicious.
17:56 Speaker 02 And what makes you think that you, a working-class Scouser born a boy, will be accepted by the aristocracy?
18:05 Alice Levine? She forces a smile, throws her chiffon scarf over her shoulder.
18:10 Speaker 02 Oh darling, they'd be lucky to have me.
18:14 Alice Levine? But her heart's thudding in her chest.
18:20 Alice Levine? Next morning, she goes into the local newsagents, picks up the paper from a pile on the counter, looks at her photo on the front page. It's a head-and-shoulders shot, showing the top of her breasts. They've made her look naked. She stares at the headline.
18:39 Speaker 02 Boy to Baroness, April Eyes the Title.
18:42 Matt Forde? The news of the world, man. You just can't trust that paper. How many times?
18:50 Alice Levine? She feels her mouth dry, catches an elderly woman staring at her.
18:55 Speaker 05 You should be bloody ashamed of yourself.
18:57 Matt Forde? Fuck off, you old bag. That's what I'd say if I was April. Yeah, take your winter fuel allowance off you. Old git. Careful on the ice, love.
19:11 Alice Levine? She's about to snap back when she realises the whole shop staring at her. She slams her coins on the counter, snatches up the paper, and walks out.
19:23 Alice Levine? That night, she sits slumped in her armchair, too exhausted to move.
19:29 Alice Levine? She picks up the phone, expects a barrage of abuse, when instead she hears a well-spoken man introduce himself.
19:36 Speaker 05 Bertie Green, owner of the Asta Club. I've just read your story, April.
19:42 Alice Levine? She sits upright as her mind races. The Asta, in Mayfair.
19:48 Speaker 02 Princess Margaret's favourite haunt.
19:51 Alice Levine? She hears a chuckle on the line.
19:53 Speaker 05 Yes, Her Royal Highness is known to drop by from time to time.
19:58 Alice Levine? It takes April a few seconds before she realises he's offering her work there.
20:04 Speaker 05 A one-woman show, a love story, working-class girl meets aristocrat boy, that kind of thing. How does that sound?
20:11 Alice Levine? She bites her lip. She's not stupid. She knows they only want her because she's all over the tabloids. Still, though, she could make something out of this. She decides to take a leaf out of Arthur's book. Act first, question later.
20:30 Speaker 05 I'd love to.
20:32 Alice Levine? She hangs up and vows. If this is how she fights back, so be it. She's going to grab this chance with both hands, double down, and let everyone know that April Ashley won't be silenced.
20:52 Alice Levine? A few weeks later, rural Tasmania, Australia. Sixty-six-year-old Lord Ruallan pushes back his sun hat, mops his brow, and orders the chief engineer on to the building site. As the governor of Tasmania, he's here to break ground for the new power station. It's going to be named after him, and he's determined to get as much publicity as possible. Right now, though, it's so hot, his shirt is sticking to his back and sweat is pooling under his armpits. He slaps a mosquito from his neck, then stiffens his back. He wasn't chief scout for the British Commonwealth for fourteen years for nothing.
21:34 Alice Levine? He's going to dig up this solid ground and lay that foundation stone if it kills him.
21:40 Matt Forde? But scouting doesn't involve building power stations.
21:43 Alice Levine? Yeah, have I misunderstood what they do?
21:46 Matt Forde? You just build the odd raft, go camping in the woods. I don't think it was building critical national infrastructure.
21:52 Alice Levine? We've got about sixty under-twelves decommissioning the old plant. They won't live to see seventeen, but they're doing a really great cleanup job. He grabs the shovel from his servant and pushes it into the hard, dry earth. Feels his old war wound twinge in his leg as he starts to dig. He grins at the cameras.
22:15 Speaker 02 I am delighted to lay the foundation stone for this hydroelectric power station, and honoured indeed to name it the Roalan Power Station. Any comments on your son's recent engagement, your lordship?
22:33 Alice Levine? He darts a look at the reporter, frowns. His son Arthur is married with four children.
22:39 Speaker 02 What the blazes are you talking about?
22:42 Alice Levine? He feels his forehead pulse as the man thrusts a battered copy of the News of the World at him.
22:48 Speaker 02 Your son and his, um, bride-to-be are the talk of the town.
22:54 Alice Levine? He looks at the worn newspaper. His hands shake as he reads the headline.
22:59 Speaker 02 Peer's son loves sex-change girl.
23:03 Alice Levine? He feels his jaw drop at the photo of a pouting woman showing the top of her breasts.
23:10 Speaker 02 April Ashley was a boy. Peer's son says, "I want to wed her."
23:16 Alice Levine? For a moment, he can't breathe. All he can hear is his own heartbeat thudding in his ears and the pop of cameras as the journalists rush to get his reaction.
23:28 Alice Levine? He folds the newspaper under his arm and marches stiffly to the reception hut.
23:34 Speaker 05 Come on, your lordship, give us a comment on the happy couple.
23:37 Matt Forde? I am here, opening a power station I named after myself. Have some respect.
23:42 Alice Levine? He puts his back to the door, slams down the paper on the table, feels the vein pulse in his temple. His fists curl as he tries to push down his growing rage. He's known about Arthur's perverted crossdressing for years. The family have managed to keep a lid on it, but this...
24:02 Speaker 02 Damn him!
24:03 Alice Levine? He's going to put an end to Arthur's nonsense, stop him tarnishing the family name. He's going to catch the first flight home and stop this engagement if it's the last thing he does.
24:21 Speaker 06 Confidence. It's listening to your gut. It's moving forward even when the path ahead is unclear. For nearly 160 years, Pacific Life has helped people keep their promises, building confidence for generations. Whether you're confident in your financial future or just beginning to envision it, we're here to help. Ask a financial professional how. Pacific Life. The power of a promise. Pacific Life Insurance Company, Omaha, Nebraska, and in New York. Pacific Life and Annuity, Phoenix, Arizona.
24:52 Speaker 03 Being a serious business owner takes hard work, patience, and a drive to keep moving forward. So it's important to find a serious business card that goes the extra mile. With the Venture X Business Card from Capital One, you earn unlimited double miles on every purchase. And with big purchasing power, you can spend more and earn more. This is your sign to take your business to the next level. The Capital One Venture X Business Card. What's in your wallet? Terms apply. See CapitalOne.com for details.
25:33 Alice Levine? A few days later, Savile Row, London. Arthur stands in front of the mirror as the tailor eases him into his new suit jacket. He needs to see his father today. He's been summoned to explain his engagement to April. But first, he's determined to pick up his handmade suit. It's the perfect fit.
25:54 Speaker 02 I'll wear it now, have my old one wrapped, and put it on my account.
26:00 Alice Levine? The tailor shuffles awkwardly, then clears his throat.
26:03 Speaker 02 Ahem. I'm afraid your account is frozen, sir.
26:07 Alice Levine? Arthur reels back, feels his cheeks flush with anger.
26:12 Speaker 02 Don't be so bloody ridiculous.
26:15 Alice Levine? The tailor looks sheepish.
26:17 Speaker 02 Lord Rowallan has written to us with instructions that you're to pay your own bills.
26:23 Alice Levine? He jabs his finger in the tailor's face.
26:25 Speaker 02 You'll be paid when I'm damn ready.
26:29 Alice Levine? He pushes him out of the way, staggers into the busy street. He's reeling. How can his father just cut him off like this?
26:38 Matt Forde? It's a different rule for these people, isn't it? You could never get away with going into Moss Bros, getting to the tailor and saying that's £200 quid and going, "You'll get your money, mate." "Oh, you'll know. When it's coming, I'll let you know."
26:52 Alice Levine? My dad's gonna pay you, and that's all you need to hear. He jumps in the zephyr and starts the long journey to Kilmarnoch. Never mind him explaining his relationship with April, he's going to make his father explain why he's hell-bent on humiliating him like this.
27:12 Alice Levine? Next morning, he strides along the dimly lit corridor at Roalan Castle, past the ancient suits of armour. He stops at the doorway of the dining hall, glances over at his father at the breakfast table, feels his heart race. He takes a deep breath, wipes his sweaty palms against his new jacket, and walks in. He marches up to his father and bows.
27:38 Speaker 02 Sir.
27:40 Alice Levine? But his father takes a mouthful of kedgery and looks right through him. Arthur tries not to let his voice tremble as he clears his throat.
27:50 Speaker 02 I was wondering, sir, if there was some mistake. The tailor...
27:57 Alice Levine? Arthur reels as his father snatches up a battered copy of the News of the World and slams it down in front of him.
28:05 Speaker 02 How dare you drag your family name through the gutter with this ridiculous charade!
28:13 Alice Levine? Arthur's heart thuds.
28:15 Speaker 02 As if dressing up in your wife's clothes wasn't bad enough, you've put us through this?
28:21 Alice Levine? Arthur staggers back as his father picks up his cane. He feels it swoosh in front of his face. His eyes widen at the spittle on the corner of his father's mouth.
28:32 Speaker 02 You won't get another penny until you've come to your senses and end whatever the hell this new morgue is.
28:40 Alice Levine? Arthur pulls himself up to his full height, tries hard to keep his voice steady.
28:47 Speaker 02 I love April. I'm not giving her up.
28:53 Alice Levine? He flinches back as the cane whacks the table in front of him. He blinks at his father. His face is flushed with anger, but his voice is cold and measured.
29:05 Speaker 02 If this farce of a marriage goes ahead, I'll make sure you lose more than your allowance. You'll never be Lord Roallan. You'll never get your inheritance. Is this creature really worth five million pounds?
29:23 Matt Forde? Five million still a lot today, but what would that be in today's money?
29:27 Alice Levine? It's going to wind you to hear this. Nearly 97 million pounds.
29:32 Matt Forde? I'll do whatever you say, father.
29:34 Alice Levine? I'll dump anyone you want. That's actually quite a good kind of Netflix series or something. A couple are getting married, they're going down the aisle and just at the point where they're going to say their vows, out pops the presenter and he's like, very excited for you, happy day for you, congratulations. Or would you like 97 million pounds?
29:52 Matt Forde? Minted at first sight, where you either become a multimillionaire or you get married and it's your choice there and then.
29:59 Alice Levine? That's actually fantastic. That is fantastic. And they both get offered it. So they both get taken aside. If they both say yes, they get the money. If one of them says yes, they get the money. If they both say no, they get married.
30:12 Matt Forde? We can work out the details, but we are hereby copyrighting Minted at First Sight.
30:17 Alice Levine? Ooh, producer Rezzy just spoke in our headphones. She thinks the twist should be that if you take the money, you can never see each other again.
30:24 Matt Forde? Okay, so restraining orders.
30:26 Alice Levine? I don't know how you'd enforce that.
30:27 Matt Forde? Well, I mean, TV companies have done terrible things in the past, they'd find a way.
30:31 Alice Levine? So they put one of you in witness protection?
30:33 Matt Forde? One of you gets deported to one of the UK government's new return hubs somewhere in the Balkans, but with 96 million quid.
30:41 Alice Levine? Come on!
30:41 Matt Forde? So it's okay.
30:45 Alice Levine? Arthur storms out. He's decided not to take the money.
30:48 Matt Forde? Arthur.
30:50 Alice Levine? He stands in the castle grounds, gasping for breath, looks over at the lake, then back at the solid castle walls. If his father is making him choose between this and April, then so be it. April represents everything he's ever wanted to be. Free, liberated, transgressive, not answerable to anyone. And he'd rather be with her than stuck here with his suffocating father and his ridiculous rigid rules. He takes a breath and decides he's not just going to leave this place behind. He's going to leave the whole stuffy country.
31:31 Alice Levine? And all he needs to do now is persuade April to come with him.
31:39 Alice Levine? A month later, 1962, Asta Club, London. April smooths down her sequined gown, flings up her arms, then lets the male dancers escort her down a staircase shrouded in dry ice. She catches Bertie scowling at her from the wings. She's clashed with him almost every day since she started. She hates this corny show. It's not what she'd imagined at all. But she's still got another month left of her contract. She paces on a smile, slinks to the microphone, and starts to sing.
32:18 Alice Levine? I want an old fashioned house with an old fashioned fence and an old fashioned millionaire.
32:32 Matt Forde? Someone's been down Lucky Voice.
32:36 Alice Levine? She ignores the audience nudging each other, sniggering behind their hands. She's sick of being treated like some kind of circus act.
32:47 Alice Levine? A few songs later, she glides off for a costume change. Feels her heart sink as Bertie strides over.
32:55 Speaker 05 The Cray Twins are in tonight. They want to meet you later. So be nice.
33:01 Alice Levine? She plants her hands on her hips.
33:04 Speaker 02 I don't want to meet them.
33:06 Alice Levine? He looms closer.
33:07 Speaker 05 You'll do what I fucking tell you. If I say go out there and say the word shit, you do it, lady.
33:14 Alice Levine? She feels herself bristle as she stares into Bertie's beady little eyes. Tips up her chin.
33:21 Speaker 05 Your wish is my command, Bertie.
33:24 Alice Levine? She turns on her heels, storms back across the stage, and flings open her arms.
33:32 Speaker 02 Ladies and gentlemen, I've been told by management to come out here and say the word shit. So shit.
33:47 Alice Levine? For a moment, there's the sound of a wave sucking back before it breaks on the shore. A short interval of absolute silence.
34:00 Alice Levine? Then the whole place erupts. She dodges a bottle whizzing past her head, marches offstage, raises an eyebrow at Bertie.
34:11 Speaker 02 Good enough for you, darling.
34:13 Alice Levine? She watches the cigar dangle from his slack mouth before she storms out into the night.
34:22 Alice Levine? Three hours later, Arthur hands her a glass of champagne.
34:27 Speaker 02 It'll take your mind off that wretched place.
34:30 Alice Levine? Arthur's brought her to a party in Chelsea. Her eyes widen as she spots Peter Sellers with Britt Eklund. She cranes her neck to see who else she recognizes. Then stops dead at the sight of a dark-haired woman dripping in diamonds. She grabs Arthur's arm.
34:49 Speaker 02 Is that Princess Margaret? I'll introduce you to Tony, her husband. He's a fantastic photographer.
34:57 Alice Levine? And an absolute bloody rogue, isn't he?
34:59 Matt Forde? Yeah, could you introduce me to her as well, though? Because she's the more important one, please.
35:04 Alice Levine? Her face flushes with excitement.
35:06 Speaker 02 Introduce me now!
35:09 Alice Levine? But Arthur stands in front of her, his face serious.
35:13 Speaker 02 First, darling, I need to ask you something.
35:17 Matt Forde? Arthur, she's over there. She might not be here all night.
35:19 Alice Levine? We can do this later. He takes a brochure from his pocket. She stares down at a picture of a beautiful whitewashed building, covered in pink bougainvillea.
35:31 Speaker 02 It's a club in Marbella. I've just bought it. For us. What do you say?
35:39 Alice Levine? She looks at him, puzzled.
35:41 Speaker 02 Marbella?
35:43 Alice Levine? He grins.
35:45 Speaker 02 Spain, darling, you'll love it. Best of all, it's crawling with expat aristocrats. People like this.
35:53 Alice Levine? He sweeps his arms around the room.
35:55 Speaker 02 I'll build you a huge stage to perform on. And they'll come flocking to see you.
36:02 Alice Levine? She looks into Arthur's shining eyes and smiles. She can't fault his impulsiveness. His hunger, it's exciting. And he's opening doors she didn't even know existed. She lets her eyes fall on the brochure, at the promise of a luxury life in the sun. A place of her own. Then flutters her long eyelashes at him.
36:27 Alice Levine? When do you...
36:33 Alice Levine? August 1963, Jacaranda Club, Marbella. Arthur lugs a crate of champagne to the bar. He needs to get every bottle chilled in time for the evening rush. But the crate is heavy, his arms ache, and he's exhausted. He still hasn't told April his father has disinherited him. He needs to keep it under wraps until the wedding. The last thing he wants is to give her an excuse not to marry him.
37:01 Matt Forde? This seems like a sensible approach, just to keep major secrets from each other. It always works out.
37:06 Alice Levine? It really feels like he knows that she doesn't love him and doesn't fully want to go through with this. So what he really means is, I don't want to give her another excuse to call it off. Because this doesn't feel like love from his side either. It kind of feels like an obsessive, possessive need to have her.
37:25 Matt Forde? And it's kind of transactional for both of them, isn't it, really? So the whole thing's a bit sad. But I wish them well. And would happily give a speech at the wedding.
37:35 Alice Levine? He almost stumbles over Mr. Blue as he dumps the champagne on a table. He mops his sunburnt face and neck, glances over at April. He feels his scalp prickle with irritation as she giggles with a customer. This isn't how it was meant to be. Him working all hours while she flirts with other men. He grabs a bucket, shovels in fresh ice, feels an angry vein throb in his forehead. When he looks back, she's shaking an empty champagne bottle at him. His jaw clenches. He drops the ice bucket, marches towards her. He's halfway to her table when the whole atmosphere suddenly changes. Everyone's silently staring at two men who've just walked in.
38:20 Alice Levine? His heart jumps. It can't be the licence inspectors, he's done all the paperwork. It takes him a moment before he recognizes who they are. His jaw drops. It's Peter O'Toole, he's with Omar Sharif.
38:37 Matt Forde? Whoa, mega-stars.
38:39 Alice Levine? Huge, probably couldn't be bigger in this year, and they're filming Lawrence of Arabia.
38:44 Matt Forde? My god, this is like Winslet and DiCaprio swanning in while they're doing Titanic.
38:49 Alice Levine? Amazing.
38:51 Alice Levine? He'd heard they were filming nearby, but he can't believe his luck. He rushes over to greet them, but April's already there, her Balmain gown shimmering in the sunlight.
39:04 Speaker 02 How wonderful to meet you both.
39:08 Alice Levine? He watches their eyes brighten as they take her in. She turns, clicks her fingers at him.
39:15 Speaker 05 Bring the champagne, Arthur, and three glasses.
39:18 Matt Forde? Not four, brutal.
39:22 Alice Levine? A few hours later, the club is heaving. Everyone wants to see the famous film stars. Arthur rushes around, serving drinks, lugging crates from the cellar, his shirt clinging to his sweaty back. He's sick of this, sick of Mr. Blue getting under his feet. He's just about to kick him away when he stops suddenly. Stares in horror as Omar leans in, takes April's hand, gazes at her, whispers something in her ear. Arthur's heart thumps as she tips back her head and laughs. He slams down the crate, storms down to the basement, grabs every bottle of champagne in reach, and hurls them all at the wall.
40:08 Speaker 02 Fucking slut! Fucking dirty whore!
40:16 Alice Levine? He stands panting, looks around at the wrecked room, and vows. The minute they're married, he'll stop her talking to other men. In fact, he won't let her out of his sight. He'll say what she does, when she does it, and he'll control every single move his new wife makes.
40:40 Matt Forde? It's just marriage, isn't it?
40:41 Alice Levine? I mean, your wife does come to every record and her eyes are boring into my soul.
40:44 Matt Forde? She's a fan. She loves your singing.
40:49 Alice Levine? A month later, Gibraltar. April peers from under her wide-brimmed hat and poses for photos with Arthur as they sign their names in the registry office. She might not love her new husband, but she's determined to make this marriage work. Arthur has been increasingly irritable, even spiteful at times this past month. But she loves Spain and loves even more the idea of being the Honourable Mrs Arthur Corbett. Outside, she smooths down her skirt and jacket, kisses Arthur for the cameras, then pats Mr Blue and jumps into Arthur's white zephyr as they head back to Marbella.
41:34 Alice Levine? A few hours later, she dances with Arthur in their club, swigs down her champagne.
41:40 Speaker 02 Congratulations, April. I hope you'll be very happy with your new husband.
41:45 Alice Levine? She turns to see Prince Alfonso de Hoennloer Langenberg.
41:49 Matt Forde? Sorry, who was that again?
41:50 Alice Levine? What Prince Alfonso de Hoennloer Langenberg? Uh, it's funny you say that, actually, because his nickname was Ole Ole, because nobody could say his actual name, and he was a bit of a party boy. But I like Prince Alfonso de Hoennloer Langenberg.
42:03 Matt Forde? There was a Chelsea player a few years ago who had a really convoluted surname, so they just called him Dave.
42:08 Alice Levine? Not okay. Just learn it.
42:11 Matt Forde? At least Ole Ole is more playful.
42:13 Alice Levine? Yeah.
42:16 Alice Levine? April sees the twinkle in his eye as he smooths his neat moustache. He's the richest man she knows and a terrible flirt.
42:25 Speaker 02 May I?
42:27 Alice Levine? He holds out a well-manicured hand.
42:29 Speaker 02 Only if you promise to keep up.
42:33 Alice Levine? April lets him glide her around the dance floor. She catches sight of Arthur watching them, his arms folded, his face red with fury. When it's over, she glides up to him.
42:46 Speaker 02 What on earth is the matter, Arthur?
42:49 Alice Levine? But he spits out at her.
42:51 Speaker 02 Why can't you control yourself? Why do you always have to act like a cheap tart? For goodness sake, it was just a dance.
42:59 Alice Levine? She watches, open-mouthed, as he grabs a bottle of whiskey and storms off. She feels a sudden silence around her, so she pastes on a bright smile and tips out her chin.
43:12 Speaker 02 Who would like to dance with the bride next?
43:17 Alice Levine? That night she wakes up startled as Mr Blue starts barking. She clicks on the light, sees Arthur crashing around the room. He staggers towards her, a bottle of whisky in his hand, his shirt half out of his trousers, muttering.
43:33 Speaker 02 "Disgusting. It's disgusting."
43:38 Alice Levine? She stares in horror. "Arthur, for goodness sake!" But he snaps back.
43:44 Speaker 02 "I should have known you'd betray me, after everything I've done, everything I've given up."
43:51 Alice Levine? She looks at him in confusion. "Given up?" She sees a sheepish look appear on his face, before he leans in, and almost spits.
44:02 Speaker 02 "My title, the five million inheritance, and you spent our wedding day dancing with other men."
44:11 Alice Levine? She sits bolt upright, stares at him, her mouth falling open. She can't make any sense of this. "You've lost your inheritance." He staggers forward, snarls at her.
44:26 Speaker 02 "Every single penny, and it's all your fault."
44:32 Alice Levine? She shrinks back as he snares at her.
44:34 Speaker 02 "You'll never be Lady Roanne Allen. You're lucky I married you at all. And if you don't learn some bloody manners, some bloody obedience, I'll throw you and that damned dog out on the streets."
44:49 Alice Levine? She feels hot tears run down her cheeks as he storms out of the room. She can hardly breathe, and she realises, with a sickening thud, like a punch to the gut. Becoming Mrs Arthur Corbett was the biggest mistake of her life.
45:16 Speaker 07 For decades, two legendary brands fought for the hearts of American bikers: Indian Motorcycle and Harley-Davidson. The battle looked a lot like Coke versus Pepsi or Ford versus Chevy, but tastes changed and Indian didn't adapt fast enough. The icon all but died. Then came the Con Men, the Dreamers, a string of spectacular failures that kept Indian in the grave, until one company finally got it right. This is the story of an improbable revival and the reignition of an old rivalry. Hey, I'm David Brown, the host of the podcast Business Wars, and every season we bring you the true stories behind the companies that shape our world. Indian's new owners are going all in, but an existential crisis looms. Can Indian and Harley recruit enough younger riders to survive?
45:59 Speaker 07 Make sure to follow Business Wars wherever you get your podcasts. Audible subscribers can binge all episodes of Business Wars early and ad-free right now. Join Audible in the Audible app or by subscribing on Apple Podcasts.
46:10 Speaker 08 In the summer of 1881, US Army Lieutenant Adolphus Greeley and 24 other men embarked on an ambitious scientific mission to the northernmost reaches of the Arctic. But despite several triumphs of discovery, the men would soon face tragedy. Hi, I'm Lindsey Graham, the host of the podcast American History Tellers. We take you to the events, times, and people that shaped America and Americans, our values, our struggles, and our dreams. In our latest series, after Adolphus Greeley and his men arrive at their destination more than 1,000 miles above the Arctic Circle, they get to work collecting scientific data and exploring the frigid landscape. But when resupply ships fail to reach them two summers in a row, they're forced to set
46:53 Speaker 08 out on a desperate search for rescue, and not all of them will make it home. Follow American History Tellers wherever you get your podcasts. Audible subscribers can binge all episodes of American History Tellers: Greeley Arctic Expedition, early and ad-free right now. Join Audible in the Audible app or by subscribing on Apple Podcasts.
47:21 Alice Levine? Fourteen days later, London. April lugs her heavy suitcase up the flight of stairs, glances nervously over her shoulder. She's been on edge since she escaped Marbella. After just two weeks, her marriage has collapsed. And now she wants to make sure she's completely alone.
47:41 Alice Levine? She lets herself into the rented bedsit, takes a look around. It's basic: a bed, a table, a stove. She flops onto the sagging mattress. She's exhausted from travelling, desperate to sleep. But she needs to write to Arthur and fully explain why she's left him without him yelling at her.
48:02 Alice Levine? A few minutes later, she sits at the table, switches on the one-bar electric fire, tries to warm her hands as she writes. She stares at the paper. She can't find the words. She's spent the last fourteen days dealing with his jealous rages, his verbal abuse. She takes a deep breath, clicks on her pen, and starts writing.
48:27 Alice Levine? Arthur, I've not slept for days. But from all the pain and torture on my mind, I see one thing very, very clearly. That is, I will not ever be coming back to you.
48:44 Alice Levine? She pauses, exhales slowly, and continues. I don't know what I will do. I don't know how I will live. But I know I won't be back. She grabs an envelope, puts on the stamp, and heads out to post it.
49:06 Alice Levine? That night, she walks into a party on the King's Road in Chelsea with her friend Sarah Churchill.
49:12 Matt Forde? Of the Churchills?
49:13 Alice Levine? Of the Churchills. Daughter of Winston, an actor, but also a party girl, a scenester.
49:20 Matt Forde? Basically, daughter of Winston. And everything flows from there.
49:23 Alice Levine? Yes.
49:25 Alice Levine? She lets her shoulders relax as Francis Bacon hands her a glass of champagne. Welcome back darling, we've all missed you terribly. She gives him a hug, spends the next hour dancing with him and Lucy and Freud. She grabs another glass, turns to see a good-looking dark-haired man staring at her. He grins, then introduces himself in a familiar Scouse accent.
49:51 Speaker 02 Paul McCartney, I know who you are, I've seen you in the papers. You wanna dance with me?
49:57 Matt Forde? Nah.
50:01 Alice Levine? She hears herself giggle as he guides her, free from Arthur's judgmental eyes. She hasn't felt this good in years. It's a relief to be rid of him and his dark, controlling moods. And to dance with Paul McCartney.
50:15 Matt Forde? Yeah, it's a bit of both. One, he's not around, two, one of the Beatles is.
50:21 Alice Levine? You're doing the foxtrot with Macca. She feels her body relax as she realises a new start in London is exactly what she needs. And she's determined to enjoy every single minute of it.
50:40 Alice Levine? A week later, Marbella. Arthur throws down the newspaper. He's sick of the gossip columns reporting on his wife. She seems to be going to endless bloody parties with pop stars and artists. He marches into the villa, grabs some paper and a pen, starts furiously writing. He tells April what a disgrace she is, how much she's hurt him, how much he's sacrificed for her.
51:07 Alice Levine? He throws it away, pours himself a neat whiskey, then tries again.
51:11 Matt Forde? Good tip, if you're ever writing an angry letter, load up on the whiskey first. It really helps it flow out.
51:18 Alice Levine? My friend writes angry letters on ChatGPT and gets ChatGPT to make them angrier and angrier, and then doesn't send them.
51:26 Matt Forde? Oh, that's the important bit.
51:28 Alice Levine? Just as a kind of catharsis, yeah, make it harsher, make it harsher. And then you just save it.
51:38 Alice Levine? He drops his pen, heads to the door, snatches a bundle of letters from the postman, and lets out a heavy sigh. He's hardly worked at all since April left, and now he's getting threats demanding payment. He's about to throw the whole bundle in the bin when he sees a London postmark. He tears at the envelope, feels his heart race at the thought she's finally coming to her senses. But his jaw slackens as he reads the letter. It's from her solicitor. For a moment, everything swims in front of him. All he can make out are the words "unreasonable behaviour" and "maintenance payments". He staggers into the bedroom,
52:21 Alice Levine? grabs every one of her thirty Balmain gowns, and furiously rips them all up. Bloody scarves, bitch!
52:31 Alice Levine? He snatches up the phone, hears his father's voice on the other end of the line.
52:36 Speaker 02 A so-called wife is on the front cover of today's Telegraph. She's been expelled from Rome. Apparently whilst on holiday, she slapped a policeman. How much longer would drag us through the gutter, Arthur?
52:50 Alice Levine? Arthur can't speak. His mind races. Why was she in Rome? Who was she with? But his father's still barking at him.
52:59 Speaker 02 When are you going to do the decent thing by this family? And get a rotting divorce!
53:08 Alice Levine? Arthur sits on the bed, surrounded by the ripped-up gowns. He tries to control himself, but he lets out a sob. All he wants is April to come back to him. His life is empty and meaningless without her. But his father's right. She seems hell-bent on humiliating him, and after everything he's given up for her...
53:31 Matt Forde? It's interesting getting his mindset on this because, from the outside, it seems like he's treated her terribly.
53:37 Alice Levine? He's been violent. He's abandoned her at various points. He's been emotionally abusive and desperately jealous. She's gone and somehow built a happy life, and he's like, "It's all about me. She's trying to piss me off."
53:49 Matt Forde? "After everything I've done for you. I left you in Italy on your own to make your own way back. Don't forget some of the things I did for you."
53:59 Alice Levine? He sits upright, wipes his eyes, and decides. April Ashley has humiliated him for the last time. If she won't come to her senses, he'll make her pay. He's going to work his way back into the family fold, get back his title, and his five million pound inheritance. And if he has to make her life hell in the process, so be it.
54:34 Speaker 09 Journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia spent her life exposing powerful people. Then, in 2017, she was killed in a car bombing. I'm Stephen Gray, and for the past nine years, I've been trying to find out who wanted her dead. That search took me to Malta through secret companies, organized crime, and eventually to one of the island's richest and most powerful men. Now, after years of waiting, his trial has finally happened. But when the verdict came in, the case took a turn that almost no one had expected. In a brand-new update to the multi-award-winning podcast Who Killed Daphne?, I'm returning to Malta to find out how we got there and where the search for the truth goes next. Listen to the new episode of Who Killed Daphne? wherever you get your podcasts, and you
55:19 Speaker 09 can hear the full six-part investigation from the beginning, ad-free with Audible. Join Audible today by downloading the Audible app and by subscribing on Apple Podcasts.
55:34 Speaker 10 There are books that change how you see the world, and there are books that change how you see yourself. In a new podcast series, a great book with Barack Obama, President Obama sits down with a series of surprising and sharp guests to explore six books that have shaped his life and perspective on the world. From Song of Solomon and The Fire Next Time, to All the Pretty Horses and Gilead, the president is joined by guests like Tom Hanks and Ta-Nehisi Coates to reflect on how these timeless stories shaped his thinking on everything from fatherhood to leadership, and discover together what they tell us about the world we live in and the world we want to create. Audible subscribers can listen to all
56:19 Speaker 10 episodes of A Great Book with Barack Obama ad-free right now. Plus, access each audiobook discussed in the series. Download the Audible app today.
56:35 Alice Levine? From Wondry and Samasdat Audio, this is the second episode in our series, April Ashley.
56:41 Matt Forde? A quick note about our dialogue. In most cases, we can't know exactly what was said, but all our dramatizations are based on historical research.
56:48 Alice Levine? If you'd like to know more about this story, you can read April Ashley's Odyssey by Duncan Fallowell and April Ashley. Inside Out: The Extraordinary Legacy of April Ashley by Douglas Thompson. And Bonjour Madame Muselle by Jacqueline Kent and Tom Roberts.
57:03 Matt Forde? If you've got a scandal you'd like us to cover, email us at [email protected] .
57:08 Alice Levine? British Scandal is hosted by me, Alice Levine.
57:11 Matt Forde? And me, Matt Ford.
57:12 Alice Levine? Written by Karen Laws. Additional writing by Alice Levine and Matt Ford. Our story editor is James Maniac. Sound design by Louis Blatherwick. Our engineer is Jai Williams. For Samasdat, our producer is Redzi Bernard. Our assistant producer is Louise Mason. Our senior producers are Joe Sykes and Dash Alisitina. For Wondry, our senior producer is Theodora Leludis. And our senior managing producer is Rachel Sibley. Executive producers for Wondry are Estelle Doyle, Chris Bourne, and Marshall Louis.
57:50 Speaker 08 By 1779, Benedict Arnold had sacrificed more for the revolution than almost any other man in America. One of George Washington's most effective commanders, he had nearly lost a leg in the Second Battle of Saratoga. But in return, Arnold believed he had been humiliated by Congress and cheated of his glory by lesser men. So he decided to make them pay. Hi, I'm Lindsey Graham, the host of the podcast American Scandal. We bring to life some of the biggest controversies in U.S. history. Presidential lies, environmental disasters, corporate fraud. In our latest series, Benedict Arnold turns his back on his comrades in the Continental Army and secretly defects to the British. With the help of his wife, he plots to hand over the most important colonial fortress
58:34 Speaker 08 to the enemy and doom the revolution he once served. Follow American Scandal wherever you get your podcasts. Audible subscribers can binge all episodes of American Scandal early and ad-free right now. Join Audible in the Audible app or by subscribing on Apple Podcasts.
58:50 Speaker 11 A trucker merges onto the I-10 in New Orleans. He checks his mirrors. The lane is clear. And then, boom. Impact. A pickup truck, seemingly out of nowhere, scrapes down the side of his 18-wheeler. Multiple passengers inside. One man flees the scene. And the driver of the pickup? He doesn't seem all that upset. It didn't feel like a regular accident, because it wasn't. Across the city, truckers are getting sideswiped, all on the same stretch of the same freeway. And behind many of the cases is one person. A Hollywood stunt woman turned personal injury lawyer named Vanessa Moda. This podcast is a story about fake accidents that lead to real consequences and a scheme that ends in betrayal and murder.
59:35 Speaker 11 Listen to Over My Dead Body: Operation Sideswipe wherever you get your podcasts. Audible subscribers can binge all episodes early and ad-free right now. Join Audible in the Audible app or by subscribing on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
Previous April Ashley | Becoming April | 1 Next April Ashley | Corbett vs Corbett | 3 Page updated November 1, 2026 · transcript and summary are machine-generated