Leon Neyfakh is a journalist and podcaster best known as the co-creator and host of Slow Burn, Fiasco, and Backfired. He has been a reporter for Slate, The Boston Globe, and The New York Observer and is the author of the book The Next Next Level. Listen to his newest podcasts here. Season 3: OnlyFantasy In this provocative investigation into OnlyFans— the adult platform where subscribers around the world spent more than $7 billion in 2024— journalist Leon Neyfakh teams up with comedian and OnlyFans creator Gracie Canaan for a one-of-a-kind exploration into the current state of human connection. Throughout, they discover that the site originally built for spicy adult content has quietly and surprisingly become something more complicated— an emotional marketplace where desire, performance, care, fantasy, and vulnerability seemingly blur together. As Neyfakh and Canaan navigate timely questions about autonomy, performance, and profit, a question emerges: is connection mediated by a screen still authentic? To find the answer, they meet creators building lucrative businesses, subscribers who believe they’ve found something real, professional “chatters” who are paid to simulate affection, and pioneers who have helped engineer intimacy at scale. Captivating and tender, OnlyFantasy is ultimately about the cost of loneliness, the seductive power of desire, and how the rules of human intimacy are being rewritten online. Is what’s happening on OnlyFans real? Or is it only a fantasy? Season 2: Final Thoughts: Jerry Springer Jerry Springer wasn’t supposed to become the host of The Jerry Springer Show. Before the chairs started flying and the fights became a daytime TV staple, the man then known as Gerald Springer was an idealistic rising star in Democratic politics, with ambitions to one day be elected governor of Ohio. From Leon Neyfakh and Prologue Projects — the team behind Slow Burn, Fiasco, Backfired, and Think Twice: Michael Jackson — comes Final Thoughts: Jerry Springer. You may think you know Springer, the notorious ringmaster of what TV Guide once called “the worst show in television history.” But long before Springer’s name became synonymous with outrageous guests, taboo confessions, and vicious on-stage brawls, he was the mayor of Cincinnati — a serious and popular politician who many believed was the future of the Democratic Party. So, what happened? This series traces Springer’s unlikely transformation — from the son of Jewish refugees who fled Nazi Germany, to a respected public servant, to the face of a show many called a symptom of cultural decline. Through intimate interviews with the people who knew him best — family, political insiders, and the producers who helped shape his show — Final Thoughts will bring you closer than ever to the man behind the spectacle, and maybe even cause you to rethink some of your own life choices. Final Thoughts isn’t just a story about one man’s improbable career path. It’s about how far someone can go for success and what they’re willing to trade to stay on top. Was Springer pulled into the gutter, or did he just understand it better than anyone else? Season 1: Think Twice: Michael Jackson More than a decade since Michael Jackson’s death, his legacy remains complicated and unresolved. Think Twice: Michael Jackson is an exploration of the King of Pop’s life and impact — and an investigation into why his global influence continues to endure, despite the disturbing allegations against him. In this ten-part series, journalists Leon Neyfakh and Jay Smooth bring you a new perspective on the Michael Jackson story, based on dozens of original interviews with people who watched it unfold from up close. Credits: Hosts — Leon Neyfakh and Gracie Canaan Supervisor Producer — Sam Lee Editor — Diane Hodson Producers — Dustin DeSoto and Betsy Shepherd Mix Engineer — Erica Huang Theme Song and Score — Billy Libby Fact-Checker
3.3 (73)
Documentary
In a country obsessed with gossip, the great and the good fear one thing more than any other - scandal. British scandals change the course of history. They bring down governments, overthrow the rich and cause the mighty to fall. Some are about sex, others about money. In the end, they’re all about power. But often at the heart of a scandal, there are ordinary human stories. Stories of those caught up in the swirl of outrage. Who was really to blame for what happened? Why did they do it? And when all is said and done, did anything really change? From the creators of Business Wars, American Scandal and Ghost Story, comes British Scandal. Each week, hosts Alice Levine and Matt Forde delve into the murkier side of the British elite, from Phone Hacking to Profumo to the short-lived premiership of Liz Truss. Because sometimes the truth doesn’t set everyone free… Audible subscribers can listen to all episodes of British Scandal ad-free right now. Join Audible today by downloading the Audible app.
4.3 (4880)
History
Ed is the grandson of footballing legend Gordon Banks. He was a national icon, the only goalkeeper ever to win the soccer World Cup for England. But Ed’s heard a rumour: that in 1970, while defending the title, his granddad, his hero, was poisoned… by the CIA. All part of a Cold War plot to bolster a military dictatorship in Latin America, supposedly. Could this possibly be true? Banks did get ill in Mexico in 1970 with food poisoning. And England crashed out, marking the start of decades of hurt. Ed enlists the help of investigative journalist Gabriel Gatehouse. Together they embark on a journey into the bewildering world of Cold War espionage, a journey that threatens to unravel 60 years of sporting history; or possibly… to knock Ed’s granddad off his pedestal. Episodes 1 & 2 out May 28th, then released weekly. Want to skip the wait between episodes? Subscribe to Audible from launch to binge the entire series in one go - completely ad-free. Foul Play is an Audible Original, produced for Audible by Grayhouse Productions.
5.0 (18)
True Crime
These are stories you were never meant to hear. The invisible but vital work of the world’s intelligence services: secret operatives playing to very different rules. The Spy Who, hosted by Indira Varma and Raza Jaffrey, takes you deep inside that shadow world to meet spies who risked everything in the national interest – or, sometimes, their own. Audible subscribers can listen to all episodes of The Spy Who ad-free right now. Join Audible today by downloading the Audible app.
4.5 (374)
History
Netflix vs. HBO. Nike vs. Adidas. Business is war. Sometimes the prize is your wallet or your attention. Sometimes, it’s just the fun of beating the other guy. The outcome of these battles shapes what we buy and how we live. Business Wars gives you the unauthorized, real story of what drives these companies and their leaders, innovators, investors and executives to new heights -- or to ruin. Hosted by David Brown, former anchor of Marketplace. From Wondery, the network behind Against the Odds and American History Tellers. Audible subscribers can listen to all episodes of Business Wars ad-free right now. Join Audible today by downloading the Audible app.
4.7 (894)
Management
When a birthday party in suburban San Jose turns deadly, 18-year-old identical twins are arrested for suspected murder. One brother spends nearly two years in jail before the truth comes out: authorities locked up the wrong twin. How could one brother let his twin take the fall? And why would the other sacrifice his freedom for a crime he didn’t commit? Blood Will Tell is a modern-day saga of Shakespearean proportions, following Vietnamese-American brothers whose unbreakable bond is tested by silence, sacrifice, and an unthinkable choice. Audible subscribers can listen to all episodes of Blood Will Tell ad-free right now. Join Audible today by downloading the Audible app.
The former Beatle reflects on the past and his new solo album.
3 days ago
Can A.I. Make People Feel Less Lonely?
For years, caretakers and health officials have been raising alarms about loneliness and social isolation among older Americans. Eli Saslow, a reporter at The New York Times, tells the story of one woman who is using artificial intelligence to keep her independence, and to keep her company. Guest: Eli Saslow, a reporter for The New York Times who writes in-depth stories about the impact of major national issues on people’s lives. Background reading: At 85, Jan Worrell lived alone on a remote corner of the Washington coast. Could a robot become her companion? Photo: Ruth Fremson/The New York Times For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. You can also subscribe via your favorite podcast app here https://www.nytimes.com/activate-access/audio?source=podcatcher. For more podcasts and narrated articles, download The New York Times app at nytimes.com/app. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
5 days ago
Can dating reality shows ever be safe?
Sirin Kale on the BBC Panorama investigation into Married at First Sight UK. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Season 3, Episode 1
The World’s Newest Profession
Journalist Leon Neyfakh thought he understood OnlyFans — and dismissed it. After a surprising conversation with his sister unsettles that certainty, he teams up with comedian and OnlyFans creator Gracie Canaan to begin asking what people are really paying for when intimacy goes digital. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
5 days ago
Jodie Whittaker surprised with our tagliatelle with asparagus, peas, shallots & capers
We also enlist her as our first Dish sommelier. Jodie Whittaker is an English actor known for her roles in Broadchurch, Doctor Who, Frauds and Toxic Town. Jodie, who was born in West Yorkshire but now lives in London, arrives at Dish with the perfect mindset; hungry and up for trying anything. So, a menu full of surprises it is, as we sit down to chat about Jodie’s latest project: Dear England. The TV series is an adaptation of the hugely successful play that looks at Gareth Southgate’s time as England manager. We start things with a Hugo spritz, while learning about Jodie’s favourite cuisines and the restaurant trip that brought her to tears... in a good way. Angela then serves a bowl of tagliatelle with asparagus, peas, shallots & capers, a Diana Henry recipe that Jodie could cook at home... but probably won’t. The wine pairing is Jodie’s choice as she opts for the Loved & Found Carricante. The surprises don’t stop there, as Angela has also prepared a lemon thyme, honey & polenta cake, hitting the sweet spot perfectly. Jodie’s a joy to hang with as we discover the unique sandwiches she had as a child, the valuable support of her parents as she set about a career in acting, and the little things that make a difference for her while on a TV set. The wines featured in Jodie’s wine tasting also included No.1 Coteaux d'Aix en Provence Rosé Provence and the Loved & Found Grolleau Gris. You can watch the first two episodes of Dear England on BBC iPlayer now with the series’ final parts broadcasting on May 30 and 31. You can watch full episodes of Dish on YouTube and on Spotify. All recipes from this podcast can be found at waitrose.com/dishrecipes The recipe for the tagliatelle with asparagus, peas, shallots & capers, was created for Waitrose by Diana Henry. A transcript for this episode can be found at waitrose.com/dish If you want to get in touch with us about anything at all, contact dish@waitrose.co.uk Dish from Waitrose is made by Cold Glass Productions 0:00 - Welcome! 0:33 - Today’s guest & Tiramisu chat 2:54 - Let’s talk about polenta 4:22 - Jodie Whittaker is here! 5:41 - It’s time for a spritz! 6:44 - A day in the life of Jodie 9:10 - From wine appreciation to food loves 12:37 - Childhood meals & surprise meals! 16:11 - Dinner parties 18:32 - Sommelier Jodie 20:19 - Food is served! 24:24 - Dear England 27:58 - England football evolution 30:04 - Cake is served! 31:50 - Broadchurch & Doctor Who 35:38 - From supportive parents to acting rituals 38:30 - Fast food quiz 40:14 - End of the show question 43:22 - Final chats & a listener question Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
6 days ago
Heatwave hell: are soaring temperatures the new normal? – The Latest
The UK is experiencing record-breaking temperatures in an unprecedented May heatwave, while large parts of Europe are also facing blistering conditions. As the climate crisis makes extreme heat more likely, are we prepared? Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian reporter Helena Horton – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
New season coming June 4th. Dr. John Schneider rode into town like a character out of a Western: an outsider on a Harley-Davidson, in trademark cowboy boots. He promised relief to patients suffering in Wyoming and Montana. He seemed like the hero they needed. But when surgeries go wrong and a strange letter exposes a bitter feud, medical professionals and government officials search for the truth about this cowboy doctor. They discover claims of broken bodies, bullying, fraud, and lawsuits. From Audible, the fifth season of the hit series Dr. Death returns with The Cowboy: the story of a surgeon who took advantage of a broken system and the fight to bring him to justice. Season 4: When a charismatic young doctor announces revolutionary treatments for cancer and HIV, patients from around the world turn to him for their last chance. As medical experts praise Serhat Gumrukcu’s genius, the company he co-founded rockets in value to over half a billion dollars. But when a team of researchers makes a startling discovery, they begin to suspect the brilliant doctor is hiding a secret. Season 3: Paolo is a smart and handsome surgeon, renowned for his ability to perform surgeries that transform his patients’ lives. When television producer Benita covers him for a story, he’ll transform her life too, but not in the ways she expects. As Benita crosses professional lines to be with him, she learns how far Paolo will go to protect his secrets. And halfway around the world, four doctors at a prestigious medical institute make shocking discoveries of their own that call everything into question. Season 2: If someone you love is diagnosed with cancer you want them to get the best treatment from the best doctors. In 2013, patients in Michigan thought Farid Fata was that doctor. Between his prestigious education, years of experience and pleasant bedside manner, Fata was everything you could want in a doctor. But he was not who he appeared to be. This is the story of hundreds of patients in Michigan, a doctor, and a poisonous secret. Season 1: We’re at our most vulnerable when we go to our doctors. We trust the person at the other end of that scalpel. We trust the hospital. We trust the system. Christopher Duntsch was a neurosurgeon who radiated confidence. He claimed he was the best in Dallas. If you had back pain, and had tried everything else, Dr. Duntsch could give you the spine surgery that would take your pain away. But soon his patients started to experience complications, and the system failed to protect them. Which begs the question: who - or what - is that system meant to protect? Dr. Death is a story about a charming surgeon, 33 patients and a spineless system. Audible subscribers can listen to all episodes of Dr. Death ad-free right now. Join Audible today by downloading the Audible app.
4.6 (2372)
True Crime
Leon Neyfakh is a journalist and podcaster best known as the co-creator and host of Slow Burn, Fiasco, and Backfired. He has been a reporter for Slate, The Boston Globe, and The New York Observer and is the author of the book The Next Next Level. Listen to his newest podcasts here. Season 3: OnlyFantasy In this provocative investigation into OnlyFans— the adult platform where subscribers around the world spent more than $7 billion in 2024— journalist Leon Neyfakh teams up with comedian and OnlyFans creator Gracie Canaan for a one-of-a-kind exploration into the current state of human connection. Throughout, they discover that the site originally built for spicy adult content has quietly and surprisingly become something more complicated— an emotional marketplace where desire, performance, care, fantasy, and vulnerability seemingly blur together. As Neyfakh and Canaan navigate timely questions about autonomy, performance, and profit, a question emerges: is connection mediated by a screen still authentic? To find the answer, they meet creators building lucrative businesses, subscribers who believe they’ve found something real, professional “chatters” who are paid to simulate affection, and pioneers who have helped engineer intimacy at scale. Captivating and tender, OnlyFantasy is ultimately about the cost of loneliness, the seductive power of desire, and how the rules of human intimacy are being rewritten online. Is what’s happening on OnlyFans real? Or is it only a fantasy? Season 2: Final Thoughts: Jerry Springer Jerry Springer wasn’t supposed to become the host of The Jerry Springer Show. Before the chairs started flying and the fights became a daytime TV staple, the man then known as Gerald Springer was an idealistic rising star in Democratic politics, with ambitions to one day be elected governor of Ohio. From Leon Neyfakh and Prologue Projects — the team behind Slow Burn, Fiasco, Backfired, and Think Twice: Michael Jackson — comes Final Thoughts: Jerry Springer. You may think you know Springer, the notorious ringmaster of what TV Guide once called “the worst show in television history.” But long before Springer’s name became synonymous with outrageous guests, taboo confessions, and vicious on-stage brawls, he was the mayor of Cincinnati — a serious and popular politician who many believed was the future of the Democratic Party. So, what happened? This series traces Springer’s unlikely transformation — from the son of Jewish refugees who fled Nazi Germany, to a respected public servant, to the face of a show many called a symptom of cultural decline. Through intimate interviews with the people who knew him best — family, political insiders, and the producers who helped shape his show — Final Thoughts will bring you closer than ever to the man behind the spectacle, and maybe even cause you to rethink some of your own life choices. Final Thoughts isn’t just a story about one man’s improbable career path. It’s about how far someone can go for success and what they’re willing to trade to stay on top. Was Springer pulled into the gutter, or did he just understand it better than anyone else? Season 1: Think Twice: Michael Jackson More than a decade since Michael Jackson’s death, his legacy remains complicated and unresolved. Think Twice: Michael Jackson is an exploration of the King of Pop’s life and impact — and an investigation into why his global influence continues to endure, despite the disturbing allegations against him. In this ten-part series, journalists Leon Neyfakh and Jay Smooth bring you a new perspective on the Michael Jackson story, based on dozens of original interviews with people who watched it unfold from up close. Credits: Hosts — Leon Neyfakh and Gracie Canaan Supervisor Producer — Sam Lee Editor — Diane Hodson Producers — Dustin DeSoto and Betsy Shepherd Mix Engineer — Erica Huang Theme Song and Score — Billy Libby Fact-Checker
3.3 (73)
Documentary
Some questions don't have answers. Yet.Dr. Harini Bhat is a clinical pharmacist and science storyteller obsessed with questions that don't have answers. Every week she unravels real events from history that still can't be fully explained. Mass hysterias. Medical oddities. Vanished civilizations. Strange signals. Unexplained phenomena that keep repeating, centuries apart, as if history is trying to tell us something.Hidden History doesn't dismiss ancient events as myth or superstition. It treats them as incomplete case files, shaped by the limits of knowledge, technology, and record-keeping. Because the unknown isn't a failure of explanation. It's a constant in human experience, one that evolves, repeats, and sometimes deepens the more we learn.Hidden History is a Rewind Original, powered by PAVE Studios. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or watch on YouTube @hiddenhistorypod. For more, follow @RewindStudios on Instagram.
4.3 (8)
History
Journey into the wizarding world with the official companion podcast to the Harry Potter film series. Each week, film critic and lifelong Harry Potter superfan Rhianna Dhillon embarks on a heartfelt and hilarious look back through the films, joined by celebrity superfans and the behind-the-scenes magic makers who brought the generation-defining series to life. Together, they unpack each film with laughter, reflection, and a dash of mischief. Whether you’re watching for the first time or the fiftieth, consider this your official invitation back to Hogwarts. New episodes are available each week. Watch on HBO Max and listen wherever you get your podcasts. Harry Potter: The Official Film Podcast is produced by HBO Max in partnership with Pod People.
4.6 (26)
TV & Film
The news is stressful. Talking about it doesn’t have to be. Join The Guardian’s Kai Wright and Carter Sherman for conversations with the best journalists and biggest thinkers. New episodes every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
4.5 (15)
News
Due to OVERWHELMING public demand Greg (James) and Alice (Levine) are finally monetising their friendship. Introducing… Bad Chat! A club for sharing the best-worst parts of the week; shame spirals, existential crises, petty grievances, mild injustices - and this is just Greg’s morning. We will be forensic about the trivial, dramatic about the inconsequential, you can’t ask for fairer than that. Join the sometime colleagues, now legal Next of Kin, as they talk like no one’s watching. (But please do actually watch). Call in, email in, fax in (yes, we have a real life working fax machine) with your obsessions, confessions, digressions and we’ll take it from there. Send us an email: hello@badchatclub.com, WhatsApp us on 07775 199 566 or leave a message on our answerphone: 0333 011 2814 New episodes every Thursday. Alice and Greg have entered the (bad) chat. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Design is everywhere in our lives, perhaps most importantly in the places where we've just stopped noticing. 99% Invisible is a weekly exploration of the process and power of design and architecture. From award winning producer Roman Mars. Learn more at 99percentinvisible.org.
4.8 (2444)
Design
Imagine if your Dad wrote a dirty book. Most people would try to ignore it and pretend it had never happened - but not Jamie Morton. Instead, he's decided to read it to the world in this award-winning comedy podcast. With the help of his friends, James Cooper and Alice Levine, Jamie will be reading a chapter each episode and discovering more about his father than he ever bargained for. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
4.7 (16180)
Comedy
The award-winning and critically-acclaimed podcast from George the Poet delivers a fresh take on inner city life through a mix of storytelling, music and fiction.
4.8 (1272)
Personal Journals
The comedy podcast that takes history seriously. In each episode of You’re Dead to Me from BBC Radio 4, Greg Jenner is joined by a comedian and an expert historian to learn and laugh about the past. History isn’t just about dates and textbooks – it’s about extraordinary characters, amazing stories, and some very questionable fashion choices. How long did it take to build an Egyptian pyramid? What does the Bayeux Tapestry reveal about medieval life? Why did it take nearly half a millennium for Joan of Arc to become a saint? And was Catherine the Great really all that great? Whether you want to explore ancient landmarks like Stonehenge and Machu Picchu, dance through the history of Broadway and Bollywood, or find out how the Tudors rose to power, Greg and his guests promise to teach you something new that you won’t have heard in history lessons. Previous episodes of You’re Dead To Me have covered everything from royals to revolutionaries, actors to activists and divas to dictators. Take a stroll through the history of high-heeled shoes or get the scoop on the history of ice cream. Maybe you’d like to paint like the cave artists of the Palaeolithic era, work out like a Victorian bodybuilder, or fight like a Spartan? We’ve even hosted a special, live episode with the BBC Concert Orchestra to explore the dramatic life of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Whatever your historical interests, Greg and his guests make even the trickiest topics easy to follow. Join them for a history lesson that’s as entertaining as it is enlightening - with no homework required.
4.7 (8760)
History
The only way Rosie and Chris Ramsey can have a conversation without being interrupted by a toddler or ending up staring at their phones is by doing a podcast. They’ll be chatting all about life, relationships, arguments, annoyances, parenting, growing up and everything in between. Each week they will answer questions from the public and a secret celebrity.
4.9 (45017)
Comedy
S-Town is a podcast hosted by Brian Reed from Serial Productions, a New York Times company. The story follows a man named John who despises his Alabama town and decides to do something about it. He asks Brian to investigate the son of a wealthy family who's allegedly been bragging that he got away with murder. But when someone else ends up dead, the search for the truth leads to a nasty feud, a hunt for hidden treasure, and an unearthing of the mysteries of one man's life. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. You can also subscribe via your favorite podcast app here https://www.nytimes.com/activate-access/audio?source=podcatcher. For more podcasts and narrated articles, download The New York Times app at nytimes.com/app. To find out about new shows from Serial Productions, and get a look behind the scenes, sign up for our newsletter at nytimes.com/serialnewsletter. Have a story pitch, a tip, or feedback on our shows? Email us at serialshows@nytimes.com