How To Destroy Everything

So glad they are back. This podcast is superb.

Hello, While the root of this podcast is sad, even tragic, the way it is shared is highly entertaining. I look forward to each episode. Darren and Danny have a wonderful repartee as they work together. I also love the conversations with Sandy. Her personality is thoughtful, honest and endearing. I find the crazy antics of Richard to be fascinating and part of what makes this podcast so addictive! I can see why you could laud his intelligence and creativity, while simultaneously being so frustrated and disturbed by the waste of his ability to be a force for good in his family and community. Some people feel this subject could be told very seriously, but I rather enjoy the humor with which it is shared, and I think that it is more helpful for Danny to take this perspective. I enjoy hearing the different voices in the interviews as well as the renactments. At the risk of reeking more havoc with your family, I agree with another reviewer who suggested this could be a good movie!

I’ve been an avid podcast listener for years and this is the first time I’ve ever left a review. Currently I’m actively listening to 9 different shows, depending on my mood and the day. My best friend texted me yesterday and said “I’m getting on a flight, name a podcast for me” and I instantly said “How to Destroy Everything.” This podcast is unlike any I’ve listened to thus far and I am absolutely sucked in the minute a new episode releases. The story of this man is incredible and I find myself connecting what he did to things a narcissistic member of my own close family has done. I find myself nodding along, saying “been there,” and more often than anything going “wait, he did WHAT?” The other half of the podcast is talking about the emotional journey that these survivors are on. Some people seem to find that part and the banter annoying, but I love it. Danny’s excitable and at times agitated (for good reason) demeanor works great against Darren’s reasoning and composure. That’s not to say one is all excitable and one is all composure, of course. You both contain multitudes. Their friendship seems to be one of opposites attract, which I can also relate to in my own life with my own best friend. Danny’s mom, Sandy, is a treasure. I love hearing Sandy reflect and grow through this podcast. I think the gift you are giving her with this podcast and this emotional work is priceless. The rest of the family, too. Even those that may be angry right now are doing emotional labor that they may never have. Hearing Sandy tell stories I often chuckle at these crazy things that happened. Then I try to put myself in her position as a young woman at the time being preyed upon by this man. The young woman who was worth so much more than she or anyone else gave her credit for, who had a psychopath hold her children’s memories from her, who was put down and belittled and made to feel small and unwanted by her community…and it’s truly heartbreaking to consider. It gives my heart and mind a lot to think about. Sometimes I feel actual anger for the people involved with the podcast. The way Karen has acted and behaved toward Danny really got under my skin for some reason. I actually started angrily muttering to myself in the car! Anyways, guys - Thank you for the entertaining story along with the deeper context. Keep doing what you do. The only thing I would change is I want more of it!

Incredibly original, bizarre, funny and heartfelt story. Every episode makes me lol and drop my jaw in equal parts with the tales of Richard Jacobs and the wreck he made of his life and family. Great hosts, reenactments and a great mix of humor and feeling. Highly recommended.