pplpod

pplpod

pplpod is a podcast about people, places and lots of other stuff. Each episode takes a deep dive into the lives, choices, and legacies of fascinating figures from history, culture, music, and beyond. From icons who shaped entire generations to hidden stories that deserve the spotlight, pplpod brings you closer to the people behind the headlines and the legends. Thoughtful, engaging, and story-driven, pplpod explores what makes these lives extraordinary—and what we can learn from them today.

  1. 7 HR AGO

    Suge Knight: The Rise, Violence, and Fall of Death Row’s Enforcer

    In this episode of pplpod, we investigate the turbulent life of Marion "Suge" Knight, the imposing figure who helped commercialize gangsta rap before losing it all to the violence that defined his brand. We trace his origins from the football field—where he played for UNLV and briefly for the Los Angeles Rams during the 1987 strike—to his entry into the music business as a bodyguard and promoter,. Join us as we discuss: • The Death Row Dynasty: How Knight co-founded Death Row Records with Dr. Dre, turning it into the "Motown of the '90s" with massive hits like The Chronic and Doggystyle,. • Tactics and intimidation: The stories behind his business dealings, from the alleged dangling of Vanilla Ice over a balcony to his infamous Source Awards speech targeting Sean Combs,. • The Tupac Era: The $1.4 million bail deal that signed Tupac Shakur to the label and the subsequent drive-by shooting in Las Vegas that claimed the rapper's life,. • The Downfall: The theories linking Knight to the murder of The Notorious B.I.G., the exodus of stars like Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg, and the label's eventual bankruptcy,,. • The Verdict: The fatal 2015 hit-and-run incident on the set of Straight Outta Compton that resulted in Knight’s conviction for voluntary manslaughter and a 28-year prison sentence,.

    31 min

  2. 7 HR AGO

    Brandon Lee: The Man, The Shadow, and The Tragedy of The Crow

    In this episode of pplpod, we explore the brief but impactful life of Brandon Lee, a rising star who fought to carve out his own identity while living in the shadow of his father, martial arts icon Bruce Lee. We discuss Brandon’s early years as a rebellious student and his initial reluctance to embrace martial arts films, noting how he even turned down the opportunity to play his father in the biopic Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story. Join us as we trace his journey through early action roles in Legacy of Rage and Showdown in Little Tokyo to his breakthrough performance as Eric Draven in the supernatural thriller The Crow. We detail the intense physical and mental preparation Lee undertook for the role, including his decision to minimize traditional martial arts moves in favor of a unique, aerobic fighting style. Finally, we examine the heartbreaking negligence that led to his accidental death at age 28 caused by a prop gun on the set of The Crow, and the legacy he left behind as a cult icon whose career ended just as it was truly beginning.

    30 min

  3. 7 HR AGO

    Pop Smoke: The Meteoric Rise, Tragic Murder, and Enduring Legacy of the King of Brooklyn Drill

    In this episode of pplpod, we profile the life and career of Bashar Barakah Jackson, better known as Pop Smoke, the artist credited with reintroducing the drill sound to New York City. We explore his origins in Canarsie, Brooklyn, where he was born to Jamaican and Panamanian parents, and his rapid ascent to fame following the 2019 release of his breakout singles "Welcome to the Party" and "Dior". We discuss his collaboration with UK producers to craft the aggressive instrumentation of Brooklyn drill and his major recording deal with Victor Victor Worldwide and Republic Records. The episode also details the legal challenges he faced, including a federal arrest involving a stolen Rolls-Royce and police pressure to provide information on local street gangs. We cover the tragic details of his murder at age 20 during a home invasion in the Hollywood Hills, as well as the recent sentencing of the individuals responsible. Finally, we examine his monumental posthumous success, highlighted by his debut studio album Shoot for the Stars, Aim for the Moon, which was executive produced by 50 Cent and debuted atop the Billboard 200.

    26 min

  4. 7 HR AGO

    Nancy Reagan: Hollywood Actress, "Queen Nancy," and the Power Behind the President

    In this episode of pplpod, we dive into the complex life and legacy of Nancy Reagan, a woman who transitioned from a Hollywood contract player to one of the most influential First Ladies in American history,. We trace her journey from her childhood as Anne Frances Robbins and her acting career at MGM—where she met Ronald Reagan after discovering her name on a Hollywood blacklist—to their enduring partnership, often described as the "greatest love affair in the history of the American Presidency",,,. We explore the rocky start to her time in Washington, where her expensive White House renovations and purchase of new china during a recession earned her the derogatory nickname "Queen Nancy",,. We also discuss her signature "Just Say No" drug awareness campaign, which became a fixture of 1980s culture,. Finally, we examine the fierce protective role she assumed following the 1981 assassination attempt on her husband. From consulting an astrologer to manage the President’s schedule to orchestrating the firing of White House Chief of Staff Donald Regan, we reveal how Nancy Reagan wielded significant, often hidden, power within the administration,,. Join us as we look back at her devotion as a caregiver during President Reagan's battle with Alzheimer's and her post-White House advocacy for stem cell research,.

    28 min

  5. 7 HR AGO

    Appetite for Dysfunction: The Rise, Fall, and Resurrection of Guns N' Roses

    In this episode of pplpod, we explore the chaotic legacy of Guns N' Roses, the hard rock icons who earned the title of "The World's Most Dangerous Band". From their gritty formation in Los Angeles in 1985 to the massive success of their debut, Appetite for Destruction—the best-selling debut album in U.S. history—we trace how Axl Rose, Slash, and the band redefined rock music. Join us as we break down the band’s turbulent timeline, including: • The Golden Era & Excess: The massive success of the Use Your Illusion albums and the infamous tour incidents, including the 1991 St. Louis riot sparked when Axl Rose dove into the crowd to confront a fan. • Controversies: The backlash over offensive lyrics in "One in a Million" and the inclusion of a Charles Manson cover on "The Spaghetti Incident?". • The Breakup & The Wait: The departure of core members Slash and Duff McKagan in the mid-90s, leaving Rose to spend over a decade and an estimated $14 million producing Chinese Democracy. • The Reunion: The shocking 2016 return of Slash and McKagan for the "Not in This Lifetime..." Tour, which became one of the highest-grossing tours in history. Finally, we look at the band's current state in 2025, including the recent departure of drummer Frank Ferrer, the arrival of Isaac Carpenter, and plans for a 2026 world tour.

    33 min

  6. 7 HR AGO

    The Front Runner’s Fall: Gary Hart, "Monkey Business," and the Week Politics Changed

    In this episode, we explore the dramatic rise and sudden fall of Gary Hart, the Colorado Senator and "Atari Democrat" who redefined the line between political reporting and personal privacy. We trace Hart’s journey from managing George McGovern’s 1972 campaign to becoming the surprise runner-up for the 1984 Democratic nomination, where he upset Walter Mondale in New Hampshire with his call for "new ideas". We then dive into the chaotic week in 1987 that destroyed his status as the clear front-runner for the 1988 presidency. We discuss the infamous Miami Herald stakeout of his Washington townhome, his defiant "Follow me around" challenge to the press, and the scandal involving Donna Rice and the yacht Monkey Business. You’ll hear how Hart suspended his campaign, declaring that "journalists become animals," and why many historians view this moment as the time political coverage went tabloid. Finally, we look at Hart’s life after the scandal, including his eerie pre-9/11 warnings about terrorism as co-chair of the Hart-Rudman Commission, his secret career as thriller novelist "John Blackthorn," and his service as the U.S. Special Envoy for Northern Ireland.

    26 min

  7. 8 HR AGO

    XXXTentacion: SoundCloud King, "Rap’s Most Controversial Man," and a Legacy of Pain

    In this episode of pplpod, we explore the volatile life and complicated legacy of Jahseh Onfroy, better known as XXXTentacion. Rising from a troubled childhood in Florida to become a central figure in the SoundCloud and emo rap scenes, X built a massive cult following with music that explored themes of depression, alienation, and mental health,,. We discuss his meteoric ascent—from his breakout single "Look at Me!" to his chart-topping album ?—and his influence on artists like Juice Wrld and Billie Eilish,,. However, we also examine the dark and violent side of his career that led media outlets to label him "rap's most controversial man" . We delve into his extensive legal troubles, including the disturbing charges of aggravated battery against his pregnant ex-girlfriend, the leaked audio recordings regarding violent incidents, and the public feuds that defined his image,,. Finally, we look at his shocking murder at age 20 and the polarized debate surrounding his legacy: was he a musical genius who offered solace to the depressed, or a "monster" whose history of abuse should not be forgotten?,, . Key Topics: • The Rise: How a "misfit" from Broward County popularized distorted, heavy guitar-backed hip-hop,. • The Charges: The details behind the assault and witness tampering charges involving Geneva Ayala,. • The End: The premeditated robbery and shooting at a motorcycle dealership that ended his life in 2018. • The Aftermath: Posthumous releases, the Look at Me documentary, and the trial of his killers,,.

    26 min

  8. 8 HR AGO

    Travis Barker: From Punk’s First Superstar to Surviving the Unthinkable

    In this episode of pplpod, we explore the rhythmic life of Travis Barker, a musician Rolling Stone once crowned "punk's first superstar drummer". We trace his evolution from working as a trash man in Laguna Beach to his pivotal recruitment by Blink-182, where he famously learned a 20-song setlist in just 45 minutes before his first show. Join us as we break down Barker’s career-defining moments and personal battles, including: • Genre-Bending Versatility: How he transcended pop-punk to produce for hip-hop icons and form supergroups like the Transplants and TRV$DJAM. • The Crash: The harrowing story of the 2008 Learjet crash that killed four people and left Barker with critical burns, PTSD, and a long road to recovery. • Reality TV & Romance: From starring in MTV’s Meet the Barkers to his high-profile marriage to Kourtney Kardashian and return to air travel after 13 years grounded. • Resilience: How the loss of his mother just before high school motivated his relentless drive to play the drums. Tune in for a look at the man who survived a plane crash, overcame addiction, and cemented himself as one of the 100 greatest drummers of all time.

    31 min
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About

pplpod is a podcast about people, places and lots of other stuff. Each episode takes a deep dive into the lives, choices, and legacies of fascinating figures from history, culture, music, and beyond. From icons who shaped entire generations to hidden stories that deserve the spotlight, pplpod brings you closer to the people behind the headlines and the legends. Thoughtful, engaging, and story-driven, pplpod explores what makes these lives extraordinary—and what we can learn from them today.

Information

  • Creator
    pplpod
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    2K
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © pplpod
  • Show Website
    pplpod

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