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As The Money Burns

Nicki Woodard

All they want is love. Everyone else wants their fortune. Based on historical research, As The Money Burns is a deep exploration into the lives of actual heirs and heiresses to some of America’s most famous fortunes and what happens when the Great Depression hits. A narrative podcast that explores history, psychology, and finance.

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20 episodes
Avg 27 min
English

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#138
May 29 · 31 min
Kiss the Bride, Part 2 of 2
Wedding bells are ringing for trip down the aisle number three. Only there is not an actual aisle, and not everyone is full of glee. Part 2 of 2 November 1933, despite her broken arm Madeleine Astor marries Enzo Fiermonte from her hospital bed. More press scandal follows them on their way to honeymoon in Palm Beach. Other people and subjects include: Madaleine Talmage Force Astor Dick Fiermonte, Colonel John Jacob Astor IV aka “Jack,” John Jacob Astor VI aka “Jakey,” Enzo Fiermonte, William
#137
April 17 · 37 min
Unholy Alliance, Part 1 of 2
Once for money, twice for love, maybe thrice for lust. Some women become brides more than bridesmaids. Part 1 of 2 Returning from Bermuda to New York in November 1933, Madeleine Astor prepares for her third wedding to Enzo Fiermonte and more press scandals. She takes back a trip down memory lane of the seduction and scandal with her first marriage to John Jacob Astor IV leading to their fateful trip on the Titanic. Other people and subjects include: Madaleine Talmage Force Astor Dick Fiermo
#136
April 4 · 23 min
Glass Cage - 6th Anniversary Bonus
This is the 6th Year Anniversary recap and teaser of future storylines. Allegory about seduction and betrayal in greenhouse with parallels to storylines. Playful hints and teasers of themes involving love and fortune, along with updates on podcast history and goals of the series. Other people (*referenced not specifically mentioned) and subjects include: Barbara Hutton, Doris Duke, John Jacob Astor VI aka “Jakey,” Prince Alexis Mdivani, Louise Van Alen, James H.R. Cromwell aka “Jimmy,” Princ
#135
February 28 · 28 min
Birthday Wish, Part 2
A big birthday with a big inheritance comes with more attention and trouble. So would a birthday party even be worth the risk? November 1933, after Doris Duke turns 21 and receives the first portion of her inheritance, she must now face threats from kidnappers, ill-intentioned suitors, and lawsuits. Meanwhile another kidnapping situation turns deadly. Amidst the threats, Doris has a small birthday dinner party with some illustrious guests back at her mansion. Other people and subjects inclu
#134
February 27 · 32 min
Birthday Wish, Part 1
Another heiress turns 21 thus gaining part of her fortune, but what the richest girl wants most horrifies her mother. November 1933, Doris Duke attempts to spend a quiet 21st birthday at her mansion in Manhattan in remembrance of her father Buck Duke, only to have to flee the press and public attention for Duke Farms in New Jersey. To quell the young heiress's restless spirit, her mother Nanaline Duke finally relents to fulfill one undesirable birthday wish. Other people and subjects include
#133
Nov 2, 2025 · 37 min
Million Dollar Slap
Divorces come in several stages – physical, financial, legal, and emotional. The latter might be the hardest if ever to achieve. As one reporter learns with a slap in the face. November 1933, opera singer Mary McCormic and Prince Serge Mdivani are officially divorced. But when Mdivani biographer Grace Williams tries to expose the terms of the settlement, Grace faces Mary’s wrath. Other people and subjects include: Prince Alexis Mdivani, Princess Barbara Hutton Mdivani, Louise Van Alen – f
#132
Oct 1, 2025 · 29 min
Curves
A fortune hunter returns with his heiress bride from their honeymoon to collect her inheritance. Has he finally secured his ultimate prize? November 1933, as birthday girl Princes Barbara Hutton Mdivani turns 21, she seems to have it all a prince for a husband and a large fortune all her own and now is a fashion and pop culture icon. But will it be enough? What else could an heiress want? Other people and subjects include: Prince Alexis Mdivani, Princess Barbara Hutton Mdivani, Doris Duke
#131
Sep 1, 2025 · 33 min
Chartered
When a prized debutante makes her debut, one heir is determined not to miss it. November 1933, one of the most prized debutantes of this season Virginia Kent has her first coming out ball. To not miss out, John Jacob Astor VI, aka “Jakey,” charters a vehicle to bring a crew to the party. Will a love match be made? Other people and subjects include: Princess Barbara Hutton Mdivani, Doris Duke, James H.R. Cromwell aka “Jimmy,” Eva Stotesbury, “Jakey” John Jacob Astor VI, Daisy Van Alen, Willi
#130
Aug 1, 2025 · 34 min
Social Marathon
It’s time for another Tuxedo Ball with plenty of beauties, so has this year’s most eligible bachelor finally found his future wife among them? October 1933, the top 50 debutantes of this social season mix with the most eligible bachelors at the ultra exclusive Tuxedo Park’s Autumn Ball. Will “Jakey” John Jacob Astor VI, “Alfy” Alfred Vanderbilt, Jr., Atwater “Atty” Kent, Jr., Pierre Barbey, Jr., or David Rockefeller find their future brides among these beauties? Amongst the best buds, prized
#129
Jun 30, 2025 · 28 min
Pleasure Trip
The freedom of travel and adventure is cut short when one heiress is spotted, and too much attention could threaten her safety. October - November 1933, Doris Duke travels incognito to the Pacific Coast but eventually gets spotted everywhere she goes. Eventually, she ends up in Hollywood for a few special meetings. Other people and subjects include: Barbara Hutton, James H.R. Cromwell aka “Jimmy,” Walker Patterson Inman, Nanaline Duke, Jenny Renaud, Cornelius Vanderbilt IV aka “Neil,” “Ken”
#128
Jun 1, 2025 · 27 min
Cast Off
Marrying in haste is easy, but divorces can be oh so much trickier. Two complicated marriages finally dissolve in the courtroom. October 1933, Mae Murray is on her third attempt to divorce Prince David Mdivani. Amidst their divorce proceedings, she has several other cases related to an unpaid debt and a personal injury claim. Meanwhile Hope Diamond owner Evalyn Walsh McLean requests an insanity hearing for her wayward spouse Edward “Ned” McLean. In other news, more details on potential Lind
#127
Apr 30, 2025 · 20 min
Most Likely to Succeed
Another debutante season is beginning, and a new crop of beauties are already making a splash. September – October 1933, Jakey Astor enjoys being the most eligible bachelor and is looking for a wife. Several debutantes attend early debut events before the official social season begins, while one lad turns into a professional party thrower to survive his economic downturn. Other people and subjects include: Louise Van Alen, Vincent Astor, Eva Stotesbury, Madeleine Talmage Force Dick, Enzo Fier
#126
Apr 3, 2025 · 21 min
The Looking Glass - 5th Anniversary Bonus
Fifth Year Anniversary recap and future storylines. Hints and teasers of themes involving love and fortune. Series tagline: All they want is love. Everyone else wants their fortune. Other people (*referenced not specifically mentioned) and subjects include: Barbara Hutton, Doris Duke, John Jacob Astor VI aka “Jakey,” Prince Alexis Mdivani, Frank Shields, Madeleine Talmage Force Astor Dick Fiermonte, Enzo Fiermonte, heirs, heiresses, marriages, divorces, weddings, scandals, betrayals, sports,
#125
Apr 1, 2025 · 29 min
World's Worst Gigolo
Some weddings might be grand, but nothing catches more attention than a good divorce scandal. August – September 1933, the marriage of Prince Alexis Mdivani and heiress Barbara Hutton has caused a lot of press attention on the couple as well as those around them. His two older brothers, Prince Serge Mdivani and Prince David Mdivani are in the papers again for their divorces and issues around their oil company. While youngest brother Prince Alexis and Barbara enjoy positive coverage, Prince Se
#124
Feb 22, 2025 · 25 min
Plucked
Another day, another danger as an heiress finds herself in double trouble, but a minor medical emergency is nothing compared to the tax man. September – October 1933, Doris Duke finds herself in the hospital only weeks before her tax case heads to the Supreme Court. In both instances, more attention is given to her vast fortune in the press. Other people and subjects include: Nanaline Duke, James “Buck” Duke, Walker Inman, E.T. Stotesbury, Eva Stotesbury, James H.R. Cromwell aka “Jimmy,” Mdi
#123
Jan 24, 2025 · 20 min
Catch of the Season
Another heir, another birthday, 2 fortunes, a special gift, and by chance possibly someone to share it with September 1933, three new bachelor heirs are fresh on the market, or are they? Alfred “Alfy” Vanderbilt Jr. comes into his fortune but gets an even better gift from his mother. Alfy along with Jakey Astor and Wooly Donahue are more serious and not interested in being the typical playboy heirs, but questions remain as to who is really still on the market. Other people and subjects inclu
#122
Dec 20, 2024 · 24 min
Love Storm
Fiery passion not only infects the young but the old as well, including one heir’s mother caught up in another scandalous affair. September 1933, recently divorced Madeleine Talmage Force Astor Dick waits for her much younger lover Italian boxer Enzo Fiermonte to be divorced as well. They rush to get married only to have more complications in Bermuda, where more than a heart gets broken. Other people and subjects include: John Jacob Astor VI aka “Jakey,” John Jacob Astor IV aka “Jack,” Vinc
#121
Nov 21, 2024 · 21 min
Kissless
Young love burns bright and impulsively as an heiress runs off to marry her prince, only to regret it days later. August 1933, Janet Snowden finally meets her very own Prince Caravita and rushes into marriage. When days later she has a sudden change of heart, their story is all over the press, and her life gets into danger. Other people and subjects include: Barbara Hutton, Prince Alexis Mdivani, Louise Van Alen, Doris Duke, Marjorie Merriweather Post Hutton, Evalyn Walsh McLean, Huntington H
#120
Oct 31, 2024 · 21 min
Collapsible
As Tennis Week ends, the real competition is over the three best finale parties, with one hostess playing with all her might. August 1933, Jakey Astor and Doris Duke return to Newport for the end of Tennis Week with plenty of romantic and marital speculation. Henrietta Hartford hosts the biggest finale party with a special technological innovation. Other people and subjects include: Nanaline Duke, Barbara Hutton, Daisy Van Alen, James “Henry” Van Alen aka Jimmy, Huntington Hartford, Henrietta
#119
Oct 10, 2024 · 26 min
Iceberg and Torpedo
A big birthday arrives with a large inheritance and thus the ability to finally control one’s life or so it seems. August 1933, Jakey Astor finally turns 21 and comes into his fortune. Only other troubles complicate his rise into Society. Meanwhile several debutantes are lining up to be the future young Mrs. Astor. Other people and subjects include: Doris Duke, Barbara Hutton, Prince Alexis Mdivani, Louise Van Alen, James HR Cromwell aka “Jimmy,” Cobina Wright, James “Henry” Van Alen aka Jim

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