506: Secret Identity
Summary
This episode explores the theme of secret identities through three distinct stories. First, a reporter visits the Trees of Mystery attraction to discover the hydraulic machinery and the person behind the Paul Bunyan statue. Second, John Ronson recounts the case of a man with delusional disorder who convinced a teenager to commit bank robberies while believing he was a CIA agent. Finally, the show features Navy, a high school student who transforms from a shy teenager into a confident mascot, and a mysterious woman in Juarez who murders bus drivers in retaliation for sexual violence.
Topics discussed
Intro and Life Partners promo
Interviewing the Paul Bunyan statue
Touring the inside of Paul Bunyan
Sponsor: Capella University
Act 1: The fake CIA agent and delusional disorder
Josh Brady's subsequent arrest
Sponsors: Squarespace and Capella
Act 2: Navy, the high school tiger mascot
Act 3: Diana the Hunter in Juarez
Credits, partner promo, and next week teaser
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