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Very Special Episodes

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On the Very Special Episodes podcast, we tell one incredible story each week. Stranger-than-fiction tales about normal people in extraordinary situations. Stories that make you say, “this should be a movie.” Follow Dana Schwartz, Zaron Burnett, and Jason English down a different rabbit hole every Wednesday.

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S1 · E90
August 19 · 38 min
The Case of the Missing Novelist [Re-Release]
Agatha Christie is the best-selling novelist of all time. But her biggest mystery unfolded outside the pages of her books. In this episode, Dana examines the 11 days in 1926 when the beloved author went missing, and the rollicking media circus inspired by her disappearance. Hosted by Dana Schwartz, Zaron Burnett, and Jason English Written by Joe Pompeo Produced by Josh Fisher Story Editor is Marisa Brown Editing and Sound Design by Jonathan Washington and Josh Fisher Mixing and Mastering by Baheed Frazier Voice Actors are Brittany Joyner and Steve Bradford Original Music by Elise McCoy Research and Fact Checking by Joe Pompeo and Austin Thompson Show Logo by Lucy Quintanilla Executive Producer is Jason English See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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S1 · E89
August 6 · 49 min
Nicolas Cage, Y2K, and History's Most Unlikely Art Heist
After a party at Nicolas Cage’s Bel-Air mansion, one of the rarest comic books on Earth disappeared. Action Comics #1 — the comic that introduced Superman — is worth millions of dollars. With almost no evidence and a suspect list that includes employees and celebrity guests alike, Cage and his trusted comic book dealer launch a decade-long investigation into one of the strangest art heists ever attempted. * Dana, Zaron, Jason and the gang are hard at work on the next batch of Very Special Episodes. So today we're sharing episode one of Stealing Superman, a limited series we made in 2023. If you want to continue down the Nic Cage rabbit hole, you can listen to the whole series on your favorite podcast platform: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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S1 · E88
July 29 · 1 hr 7 min
North by North Korea [Re-Release]
When two of the most influential figures in film become the personal hostages of Kim Jong Il, they have two objectives: to elevate North Korean cinema on the world stage, and to plot their daring escape. * We're hard at work on our next season of new VSEs. If you've already heard this one, email us — veryspecialepisodes@gmail.com — and we'll recommend something else you can listen to instead! Hosted by Dana Schwartz, Zaron Burnett, and Jason English Written by Adrien Behn and edited by Carmen Borca-Carrillo at Acast Creative Studios Produced by Josh Fisher Editing and Sound Design by Chris Childs Mixing and Mastering by Chris Childs Additional Editing by Mary Dooe Fact-Checking by Austin Thompson Original Music by Elise McCoy Show Logo by Lucy Quintanilla Executive Producer is Jason English SOURCES + FURTHER READING/LISTENING/VIEWING A Kim Jong-Il Production, by Paul Fisher The Observant, by Ravi Mangla Michelle Cho, assistant professor, University of Toronto "Are You There Godzilla? It's Me, Kim Jong Il" [Ridiculous Crime podcast] Country Reports on Human Rights Practices, U.S. State Department Big Brother: North Korea's Forgotten Prince [An iHeart Original Podcast] "Kim Jong Il, the Director he Kidnapped, and the Awful Godzilla Film They Made Together" [Mental Floss Magazine] The Korean War [PBS] See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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S1 · E87
July 22 · 49 min
Spies and Dolls [Re-Release]
Velvalee Dickinson ran a doll shop on Madison Avenue that catered to wealthy collectors. But in one of the strangest espionage cases of World War II, Dickinson's clients had no idea she was using correspondence about doll orders to transmit coded U.S. military intelligence to the Japanese. * We're hard at work on our next season of new VSEs. If you've already heard this one, email us — veryspecialepisodes@gmail.com — and we'll recommend something else you can listen to this week! Hosted by Dana Schwartz, Zaron Burnett, and Jason English Written by Joe Pompeo Produced by Josh Fisher Editing and Sound Design by Jonathan Washington and Josh Fisher Mixing and Mastering by Baheed Frazier Research and Fact-Checking by Joe Pompeo and Austin Thompson Original Music by Elise McCoy Show Logo by Lucy Quintanilla Executive Producer is Jason English See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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S1 · E86
July 15 · 1 hr 9 min
The Dog Who Saved the 1966 World Cup [from Ridiculous Crime]
Hello, Very Special listeners! Today we're dipping into the archives of Zaron's other podcast, Ridiculous Crime, to share a tale of dog excellence from World Cup history. In 1966, England hosted the FIFA World Cup, an incredible honor and landmark moment for English football. Just one problem: someone made off with the cup itself just weeks before the start of play. How can you have a global tournament with no prize? How can England save face? Enter Pickles, the pooch with a nose for sirloin and purloined goods. Check out Ridiculous Crime wherever you're getting your podcasts these days. Thanks to Zaron, Elizabeth, and Producer Dave for letting us share this one! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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S1 · E85
July 1 · 46 min
Chaotic Philanthropy: Saint Joan of the Golden Arches
Thanks to her McDonald’s fortune, Joan Kroc was one of the world’s wealthiest people. And she was determined to die nearly broke. * Special thanks to our guests Lisa Napoli, Dick Starmann, and Stephanie Bergsma. Go check out Lisa's excellent book Ray & Joan. Hosted by Dana Schwartz, Zaron Burnett, and Jason English Written by Jake Rossen Senior Producer is Josh Fisher Editing and Sound Design by Chris Childs Additional Editing by Mary Dooe Mixing and Mastering by Josh Fisher Original Music by Elise McCoy Show Logo by Lucy Quintanilla Executive Producer is Jason English You can always reach us at veryspecialepisodes@gmail.com. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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S1 · E84
June 24 · 36 min
How a Dog Talks: The Surprising Redemption of Comic Sans
Comic Sans is a punchline. A design crime. Cultural shorthand for bad taste. But the notorious font's legacy isn't one of failure. Because Comic Sans succeeded in ways its critics never saw coming. * Hosted by Dana Schwartz, Zaron Burnett, and Jason English Written by Bess Lovejoy Senior Producer is Josh Fisher Story Editor is Virginia Prescott Editing and Sound Design by Jesse Nighswonger Mixing and Mastering by Josh Fisher Research and Fact-Checking by Austin Thompson and Bess Lovejoy Original Music by Elise McCoy Show Logo by Lucy Quintanilla Executive Producer is Jason English Today's episode was produced in partnership with School of Humans. For School of Humans, Producers are Emilia Brock and Edeliz Perez. Executive Producer is Virginia Prescott. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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S1 · E83
June 17 · 50 min
Searching for Soshern: The Forbidden Star Trek Fanfiction
In 1968, a woman wrote a romantic story about Kirk and Spock, passed it quietly among friends, and hoped it would never see the light of day. Before vanishing entirely, The Ring of Soshern had become the stuff of legend. The quest to recover it would lead back to a community of women who'd been building something remarkable in the shadows for generations. Hosted by Dana Schwartz, Zaron Burnett, and Jason English Written by Edie Allard Story Editor is Carmen Borca-Carrillo Senior Producer is Josh Fisher Editing and Sound Design by Chris Childs Additional Editing by Mary Dooe Mixing and Mastering by Josh Fisher Original Music by Elise McCoy Show Logo by Lucy Quintanilla Executive Producer is Jason English Happy Pride month from Very Special Episodes! For more of your favorite LGBTQ+ content, check out the Outspoken Network from iHeartPodcasts. Today’s episode was produced in partnership with Acast Creative Studios. Very Special Episodes is a production of iHeartPodcasts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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S1 · E82
June 10 · 45 min
The White Death
In the winter of 1939, Finland faced overwhelming odds. The Soviet Union was invading with hundreds of thousands of troops. Standing in their way was an unlikely defender: a shy farmer and expert marksman who would later become known as “The White Death.” But behind the myth was simply a reserved man fighting for his homeland. Hosted by Zaron Burnett, Dana Schwartz, and Jason English Written by Lucas Reilly Story Editor is Virginia Prescott Senior Producers are Josh Fisher and Emilia Brock Additional Production by Edeliz Perez Story Editor is Virginia Prescott Editing and Sound Design by Jesse Nighswonger Mixing and Mastering by Jesse Nighswonger Research and Fact-Checking by Austin Thompson and Lucas Reilly Original Music by Elise McCoy and Jesse Nighswonger Show Logo by Lucy Quintanilla Executive Producers are Virginia Prescott and Jason English Give it up for our excellent cast who brought this one to life! Featuring Miska Kajanus as Simo Häyhä Additional voices provided by Tuomas Ahva,Jukka Hurme, Tuomas Brock, and Tuukka Rantanen Special thanks to Sirpa Ristimäki-Brock See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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S1 · E81
June 3 · 42 min
Children of the Moon
Emma has never felt the sun on her skin. Born with a rare condition that makes UV light dangerous, she lives by sunscreen, meters, and moonlight. But she’s also part of a community finding extraordinary ways to make ordinary childhood possible. And thanks to new research, the future may actually be bright. Hosted by Dana Schwartz, Zaron Burnett, and Jason English Written by Jake Rossen Senior Producer is Josh Fisher Editing and Sound Design by Jonathan Washington Additional Editing by Mary Dooe Mixing and Mastering by Josh Fisher Original Music by Elise McCoy Show Logo by Lucy Quintanilla Executive Producer is Jason English Question? Comment? Want to share your favorite episode? You can always reach us at veryspecialepisodes@gmail.com. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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S1 · E80
May 27 · 50 min
The Other James Bond
When Ian Fleming needed a name for the secret agent at the center of his new novel, he stole one from the cover of a birdwatching book. The real James Bond wasn’t a martini-drinking spy, but a shy American ornithologist who spent decades exploring the Caribbean. Then one surreal day, he finally tracked down the man who stole his identity. Special thanks to Jim Wright and his excellent book, The Real James Bond: A True Story of Identity Theft, Avian Intrigue, and Ian Fleming (From Schiffer Publishing). * Hosted by Dana Schwartz, Zaron Burnett, and Jason English Written by Dave Roos Senior Producer is Josh Fisher Editing and Sound Design by Chris Childs Additional Editing by Mary Dooe Mixing and Mastering by Chris Childs Original Music by Elise McCoy Show Logo by Lucy Quintanilla Executive Producer is Jason English Got a very special question? Willing to share your favorite Very Special Episode? You can reach us at veryspecialepisodes@gmail.com. And go pick up Dana's new book! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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S1 · E79
May 20 · 38 min
The Mysterious Death of Andy the Sneaker-Wearing Goose [Re-Release]
Gene Fleming and his pet goose Andy made headlines around the world. They brought out the best in the people of Hastings, Nebraska. But amid all this attention, Andy also brought out the worst. And three decades later, Andy's legacy is still reverberating around their hometown. Note: This episode, which we originally published in early 2025, includes the murder of a beloved goose. And don't forget to check out Dana's new book, The Arcane Arts. Out this week in bookstores everywhere! * Very Special Thanks to Jessica Korgie for sharing her family's story with us. Hosted by Dana Schwartz, Zaron Burnett, and Jason English Written by Sara Schleede and edited by Carmen Borca-Carrillo at Wonder Media Network Produced by Josh Fisher Editing and Sound Design by Josh Fisher Mixing and Mastering by Baheed Frazier Additional Editing by Mary Dooe Fact-Checking by Austin Thompson Original Music by Elise McCoy Show Logo by Lucy Quintanilla Executive Producer is Jason English We'll see you back here next Wednesday. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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S1 · E78
May 13 · 1 hr 1 min
Dock Ellis: High and Outside
In June 1970, Dock Ellis of the Pittsburgh Pirates somehow tossed a no-hitter while tripping on acid. The LSD stunt made him a legend, but it overshadowed a much deeper story: a man who spent the second half of his life searching for redemption, purpose, and a way to help others escape the same darkness that once enveloped him. * Today's episode was produced in partnership with School of Humans. For School of Humans, Producers are Emilia Brock and Edeliz Perez. Executive Producer is Virginia Prescott. Special thanks to American Public Media’s Weekend America, and to Todd Snider. - “Dock Ellis: An LSD No-No” from American Public Media - “America’s Favorite Pastime” by Todd Snider Hosted by Zaron Burnett, Dana Schwartz, and Jason English Written by Zaron Burnett Story Editor is Virginia Prescott Senior Producer is Josh Fisher Editing and Sound Design by Jesse Nighswonger Mixing and Mastering by Jesse Nighswonger Research and Fact-Checking by Austin Thompson and Zaron Burnett Original Music by Elise McCoy Show Logo by Lucy Quintanilla Executive Producer is Jason English See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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S1 · E77
May 6 · 50 min
The Family Who Vanished Into Siberia for Over 40 Years
In 1978, Soviet geologists flying over Siberia spotted something impossible: a family living in total isolation, untouched for decades by the modern world. But when outsiders finally reached their remote cabin, the family’s hidden world began to change forever. * Special thanks to Rebecca E. Marshall for letting us share clips from her documentary, The Forest in Me. We also want to shout out the film's composer, Xylouris White. You can stream The Forest in Me right now on Pijama Films. * Hosted by Dana Schwartz, Zaron Burnett, and Jason English Written by Dave Roos Senior Producer is Josh Fisher Editing and Sound Design by Chris Childs Additional Editing by Mary Dooe Mixing and Mastering by Chris Childs Voice Actors are Katie Mattie and Chris Childs Original Music by Elise McCoy Show Logo by Lucy Quintanilla Executive Producer is Jason English Got a very special question? You can reach us at veryspecialepisodes@gmail.com. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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S1 · E76
April 29 · 13 min
A Very Special Mini-Mailbag
Time for another mailbag episode! This week Dana, Zaron, and Jason answer pressing listener questions on yearbook quotes, hidden talents, and ads they'd read for free. Plus they plan a Very Special Festival (and/or Cruise). We'll be back with a new episode next Wednesday. Got a question for a future mailbag? Send it to veryspecialepisodes@gmail.com. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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S1 · E75
April 22 · 48 min
Marilyn, Hamilton + John Wilkes Booth's Statue: NYC History Hiding in Plain Sight
Today's episode is a tour of New York’s secret history with a very special guest! Greg Young of the beloved Bowery Boys podcast joins us to prove the world is a very interesting place, if you just know where to look. There's hidden history in subway grates, SoHo stores, Central Park statues, and Hamilton lyrics. * Hosted by Dana Schwartz, Zaron Burnett, and Jason English Written by Dana Schwartz Senior Producer is Josh Fisher Editing and Sound Design by Jonathan Washington Additional Editing by Mary Dooe Mixing and Mastering by Josh Fisher Original Music by Elise McCoy Show Logo by Lucy Quintanilla Social Clips by Yarberry Media Executive Producer is Jason English In an upcoming episode, Zaron will be giving the Very Special Places treatment to San Francisco. If there's a city or town you'd like us to visit, email veryspecialepisodes@gmail.com. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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S1 · E74
April 15 · 9 min
The Unintended Insanity of the 1994 Caribbean Cup (w/John Green and Daniel Alarcón of The Away End)
Today we're sharing an excerpt from a new soccer podcast, The Away End with John Green and Daniel Alarcón. In a recent episode they covered the 1994 Caribbean Cup, which felt very Very Special Episodes-y. If you like soccer or enjoy listening to smart friends chat, check out their show! Dana, Zaron + Jason will be back with a new episode next Wednesday. About The Away End Two novelists, Daniel Alarcón and John Green, friends since they were teenagers, tackle questions big and small around the World Cup and international football more generally. The only soccer podcast that regularly name checks Toni Morrison, The Away End is about much more than sport: it's about politics, literature and culture, with an eye toward those moments and spaces where our collective love of soccer reveals something unexpected about who we are. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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S1 · E73
April 6 · 20 min
Bar Trivia: How a Staten Island Pub Made College Hoops History
Long before the NCAA Basketball Tournament became a billion-dollar business, there was a massive betting pool run out of a neighborhood bar on Staten Island. The Irish pub’s $10 game handed out million-dollar prizes and drew players from around the world. But when the pool got too big, it threatened to bring down the bar where it all began. * Hosted by Zaron Burnett, Dana Schwartz, and Jason English Written by Zaron Burnett Senior Producer is Josh Fisher Editing and Sound Design by Jonathan Washington Mixing and Mastering by Josh Fisher Original Music by Elise McCoy Show Logo by Lucy Quintanilla Executive Producer is Jason English See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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S1 · E72
April 1 · 44 min
Richard Nixon and the Magic Suitcase
In honor of April Fools' Day, Zaron Burnett digs into a persistent legend surrounding VSE regular Richard Nixon. With a little help from his pops, Zaron ventures into smoky clubs to unpack a bizarre tale of jazz, drugs, and politics. After the episode, Dana talks about her upcoming book, The Arcane Arts. Zaron discusses his role in a recent Jordan Peele documentary, and Jason reveals his real name for the first time on this podcast. * Hosted by Zaron Burnett, Dana Schwartz, and Jason English Written by Zaron Burnett Senior Producer is Josh Fisher Editing and Sound Design by Chris Childs Additional Editing by Mary Dooe Mixing and Mastering by Josh Fisher Original Music by Elise McCoy Show Logo by Lucy Quintanilla Executive Producer is Jason English See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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S1 · E71
March 25 · 54 min
10 Minutes to Live: Hawaii's Text Message Fiasco of 2018
On a quiet morning in Hawaii, cell phones across the islands lit up with a text message that felt impossible — a ballistic missile was inbound, and this was not a drill. For 38 minutes, hundreds of thousands of people believed they were living their final moments. This is the real story of what happens when ordinary folks are forced to confront the end of everything, all at once. * Hosted by Dana Schwartz, Zaron Burnett, and Jason English Written by Jake Rossen Senior Producer is Josh Fisher Editing and Sound Design by Chris Childs Additional Editing by Mary Dooe Mixing and Mastering by Josh Fisher Original Music by Elise McCoy Show Logo by Lucy Quintanilla Social Clips by Yarberry Media Executive Producer is Jason English Get your very special questions in for our next mailbag! You can reach us at veryspecialepisodes@gmail.com. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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