The Big Flop

Every summer for the past seven decades, 50 high school seniors—one from every state—descend on Mobile, Alabama to take part in one of the country’s most lucrative scholarship competitions for teen girls.  The Competition takes you behind the scenes of the Distinguished Young Women (DYW) program, and follows seven girls as they experience the highs and lows of competing for two weeks, away from home and under the most high-stress circumstances. Some girls enter for the money, some for prestige. All of them are used to being the best and the brightest. But only one will walk away with the top prize. Host Shima Oliaee (Dolly Parton’s America, Pink Card) was Nevada’s contestant in 2001. More than 20 years later, she returns to Alabama as a judge. What can two weeks with 50 of the country’s most ambitious teens tell us about girlhood in America? Listen to The Competition on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can binge all episodes early and ad-free right now on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App or on Apple Podcasts. Start your free trial by visiting Wondery.fm/The_Competition now. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Abby Lee Miller was the force behind the hit reality show "Dance Moms" where she hurled insults - and occasionally chairs - to motivate future stars like JoJo Siwa and Maddie Ziegler. But while Abby was rising to the top of her own pyramid, she was also choreographing a little thing called financial fraud. Find out what happens when you text your accountant that you "need a little money laundering." Ronnie Karam and Ben Mandelker (Watch What Crappens) join Misha to revel in the dizzying details of the Abby Lee Miller story. Follow The Big Flop on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to The Big Flop early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery app or on Apple Podcasts. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When ex-Bunny girl Jayne Gaskin spots the desert island of her dreams for sale online, she decides to risk it all. Trading in their English village home, Jayne and her family relocate to their own private paradise, just off the coast of Nicaragua. And a reality TV crew follows them to film a new show, No Going Back. But soon they all discover that paradise has its secrets. The locals claim the island belongs to them, and it’s been sold illegally. Jayne’s not leaving without a fight. A fight that will soon turn deadly. Hosted by Alice Levine. Listen to The Price of Paradise on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can binge all episodes early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App or on Apple Podcasts. Start your free trial by visiting https://wondery.com/links/the-price-of-paradise/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Stacy Spikes came to Hollywood with dreams of revolutionizing the industry. His creation, MoviePass, promised to offer low-fee, all-you-can-watch theater subscriptions for movie fans. The only problem? It couldn't make any money. Find out what happens when Stacy sells out to an eccentric investor, why a dog had to issue an apology to customers, and how John Travolta is somehow at the center of it all. Misha Brown and special guests Jamie Loftus (The Bechdel Cast, Lolita Podcast) and Austin Nasso (Socially Inept: A Tech Roast) sit back, grab some popcorn, and give a scathing review of MoviePass. Follow The Big Flop on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to The Big Flop early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery app or on Apple Podcasts. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Feel brighter every day with The Best One Yet, a 20-minute pop-biz podcast that serves up the top 3 stories spanning pop culture & business news, every morning, with fresh takes you can pretend you came up with — Pairs perfectly with your morning ritual. Follow The Best One Yet on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to The Best One Yet ad-free right now on Wondery plus. Wondery.fm/IP_TBOY For more deep dive and daily business content listen to Wondery– the destination for business podcasts. With shows like How I Built This, Business Wars, The Best One Yet, Business Movers and many more, Wondery Means Business. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Imagine sealing yourself in giant, glass, self-contained ecosystem with your boyfriend and a lady who's learning to play saxophone... for TWO YEARS. In 1991, eight semi-qualified volunteers entered Biosphere 2, and promised that they would live inside the giant science experiment without any help from the outside. However, thanks to chopped off fingers, oxygen-gulping bacteria, rampant cockroaches and Steve Bannon, Biosphere 2 would become one of the biggest scientific flops in history. Alie Ward (In the Wild, Oologies) and Josh Gondelman (Last Week Tonight, Modern Seinfeld) join Misha for this failed science experiment gone too far. Follow The Big Flop on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to The Big Flop early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery app or on Apple Podcasts. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the sugar-fueled '90s, Pepsi had one goal: win the Cola Wars. But when it launched “Pepsi Stuff", an ambitious promotion that encouraged people to buy Pepsi and redeem points for prizes, they overlooked their own fine print. When they promised a military-grade plane for less than it was worth "as a joke," Pepsi never imagined somebody might try to actually snag it. After an enterprising dude from Seattle gamed the points system, Pepsi was on the hook for…a jet. Kel Mitchell (Kenan & Kel, Good Burger 2) and Tehran Von Ghasri (The Persian Bachelorette) join Misha to pop the lid on Pepsi Stuff. Follow The Big Flop on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to The Big Flop early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery app or on Apple Podcasts. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

One night in 2022, Billionaire Elon Musk decided to impulse-buy Twitter and reduce it to ashes in just two weeks. After losing billions and destroying a public forum, Musk's attempt to 'own the libs' backfired spectacularly. Or did it? Mass layoffs, walking around with a kitchen sink, and verification nightmares teach us to never underestimate the power of one rich a**hole. Comedians Ross Pomerantz (Corporate Bro) & Hari Kondabolu join Misha to figure out why Twitter HQ smells like burnt hair now. Follow The Big Flop on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to The Big Flop early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery app or on Apple Podcasts. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the run-up to the 2016 US Presidential election, a new, glossy coworking enclave for women emerged to meet the moment. The Wing was supposed to be a model for feminist social clubs, built on activism, inclusion, and self-care. Instead, it became a glaring example of toxic girlboss culture and workplace discrimination, with employees mainly using the nursing rooms to cry. Sarah Marshall (You're Wrong About) & Franchesca Ramsey (Black History For Real) join Misha to smash the glass ceiling (and dusty pink walls) of The Wing, and take a daring look inside its downfall. Follow The Big Flop on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to The Big Flop early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery app or on Apple Podcasts. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

After a Hall of Fame career, basketball legend Magic Johnson was given his very own late night talk show on Fox, The Magic Hour. It seemed like a slam dunk! Johnson had the fame, charisma, and charm to top the ratings, but things went quickly sideways. When radio shock jock Howard Stern took aim at Johnson, relentlessly making fun of his lackluster hosting abilities on air, Fox did the unthinkable and invited Stern onto the show for a confrontation that is almost too uncomfortable to revisit….almost. Comedian W. Kamau Bell (United Shades of America) and performer Reggie Watts (The Late Show With James Corden) join Misha to give a play-by-play of the doomed Magic Hour. Follow The Big Flop on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to The Big Flop early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery app or on Apple Podcasts. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Wellness influencer and self-titled “Liver King” Bryan Johnson reigned supreme with 5 million TikTok followers. His followers, known as "primals", believed in his ancestral lifestyle of eating raw meat and biting heads off of fish. His supplement empire grew into a $100-million-a-year business. But the Liver Kingdom was shaken to its rock hard core when it was revealed Bryan's eight pack abs were actually thanks to over $10,000 worth of steroids each month. Gianmarco Soresi & Ahmed Al-kadri join Misha to disect the legend of the Liver King. Follow The Big Flop on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to The Big Flop early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery app or on Apple Podcasts. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Board the glass elevator down to Willy’s Chocolate Experience! This viral flop-in-progress has absolutely not infringed on the Willy Wonka IP. Why would you say that?! Advertised as a “pasadise of sweet treats”, in Glasgow, families traveled far and wide to experience a candy-filled, immersive wonderland. The misspelled marketing campaign promised a Twilight Tunnel and an Enchanted Garden! But what greeted them was both alarming and depressing: actors in bargain bin costumes performing a barely comprehensible A.I. written plot starring Willy McDuff, his Wonkidoodles and The Unknown. We rate this event one jelly bean! Matt Bellassai and Sydney Battle from Wondery's Diss and Tell join Misha to dive head first into the (nonexistent) chocolate river and see what sweet treats Willy has in store (or not). Follow The Big Flop on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to The Big Flop early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery app or on Apple Podcasts. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For the 83rd Academy Awards, producers wanted hosts that were "young and hip." But when they nominated Anne Hathaway and James Franco to run the show, they ended up with "nervous and bored". What followed was one of the most catastrophically awkward nights in Oscars history. Bobby Finger & Lindsey Weber from Who? Weekly join Misha for a peak behind that famous red curtain. Follow The Big Flop on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to The Big Flop early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery app or on Apple Podcasts. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Contestants on 2004 reality TV show The Swan were tasked with transforming from "ugly ducklings" into gorgeous creatures. But they weren't just given a new wardrobe and attitude, they were given a whole new face. The women were isolated for months, berated, operated on multiple times, and pitted against one another at the beauty pageant finale. The critical response was severe... and so were the brow lifts. Allison Raskin and Gabe Dunn, co-hosts of Just Between Us, join Misha to discuss the show that changed the face of reality TV forever. Follow The Big Flop on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to The Big Flop early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery app or on Apple Podcasts. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In 1989, a hot new duo took the world by storm. With their sexy looks, enigmatic accents, and flashy moves, Rob and Fab of Milli Vanilli became bonafide breakout stars. But thanks to a controlling producer, the artists were forced to fake the funk and didn't sing a single note on their album. Once their secret was revealed, Milli Vanilli became the butt of every joke, with their producer laughing all the way to the bank. Comedians Demi Adejuyigbe (Gilmore Guys, The Good Place) and Moshe Kasher (The Endless Honeymoon Podcast) join Misha to relive the meteoric rise and dramatic fall of Milli Vanilli. Follow The Big Flop on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to The Big Flop early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery app or on Apple Podcasts. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Back in 1986, Cleveland was trying to make a new name for itself with a huge, record-breaking balloon launch. The goal was to increase the population, raise money for the community, and make Clevelanders proud. By the end, fingers would be blistered, horses traumatized, a search and rescue mission thwarted, and the good people of Cleveland would be facing an environmental disaster of their own making...yet again. Podcast hosts Luke Burbank and Andrew Walsh (Too Beautiful to Live) join Misha to string together the details of Cleveland's failed Balloonfest of '86. Follow The Big Flop on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to The Big Flop early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery app or on Apple Podcasts. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In 2001, wrestling mogul Vince McMahon attempted to conquer new sports territory by founding a violent, horny football league meant to compete with the NFL. McMahon's focus on entertainment and disregard for safety created an on-field product that was as weird as it was boring. In the end, not even sexy cheerleaders could save the XFL, or as McMahon liked to call it, the "Extra Fun League." Social media sports superstar Annie Agar and comedian Noah Gardenswartz (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel) join Misha to tackle the topic of the "extremely f-ed" XFL. Follow The Big Flop on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to The Big Flop early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery app or on Apple Podcasts. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Woodstock '99 was meant to commemorate the original, historic festival with “three days of peace and music” but instead became "three days of rage and chaos." Hundreds of thousands of angry young men celebrated the end of the millennium by moshing to acts like Limp Bizkit, Korn and Kid Rock. But, when food and water became scarce, and the porta potties overflowed, they ended up rioting. If you thought Fyre Fest was bad…at least it wasn’t actually on fire!  Journalist Sam Sanders (Vibe Check, It's Been A Minute) and comedian and author Lindy West (Text Me Back!) join Misha to answer all of the burning questions about Woodstock '99. Follow The Big Flop on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to The Big Flop early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery app or on Apple Podcasts. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the ring, Hulk Hogan is a legendary figure who helped turn sports entertainment into a global phenomenon. But in the boardroom, The Hulkster’s always been a loser, failing hard at everything from exploding grills, to ill-conceived box office bombs and highly questionable restaurants. There’s not an opportunity out there that Hogan won’t slap his name on, but Hulk has simply never had the brains for business, brother! Comedians Brian Posehn (The Big Bang Theory, New Girl) and Ron Funches (Gettin' Better, Black-ish) join Misha to pin down Hogan's failed commercial undertakings. Follow The Big Flop on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to The Big Flop early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery app or on Apple Podcasts. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Back in 2013, Google’s top secret lab, Google X attempted to change the world with a computer you could wear on your face. The strange looking spectacles, Google Glass, promised a seamless way to experience the real and digital world in harmony. The product generated substantial buzz and adorned the famous faces of Oprah and King Charles, but safety and privacy concerns hounded the specs as they quickly became a symbol of Silicon Valley elitism - and gifting us with the iconic term “Glass holes”. Suffice it to say, not everyone viewed “Glass” as rose-colored, and it nearly tanked a division of Google. Comedian Leah Rudick (Spiraling, High Maintenance) and TikTok star Rod Thill join Misha to ask who's the real Glasshole in this story? Follow The Big Flop on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to The Big Flop early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery app or on Apple Podcasts. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

At only 20 years old, Ashlee Simpson was already a star, and her parents were raking it in. When she was asked to perform on Saturday Night Live alongside host Jude Law, she and her entourage were stoked. But the only thing that rocked that night was her career...as it fell off a cliff. Ashlee's lip-syncing catastrophe follows her to this day - but there's more to the story. Her own family pushed her to perform despite diagnosed vocal problems, which left Ashlee completely unprepared when the PR disaster struck. Comedians Yamaneika Saunders (Life & Beth, Broad City) and Isabel Hagen (The Tonight Show, Is A Violist) join Misha to pick up the pieces of Ashlee Simpson's big SNL flop. Follow The Big Flop on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to The Big Flop early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery app or on Apple Podcasts. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With their popularity waning in the mid 90's, McDonald's became concerned that they weren't pandering to adults enough. So they did the very adult thing of having a middle-aged crisis, and started spending too much money on something they didn't need. After pouring hundreds of millions into the fryer developing a "burger for adults," McDonald's stock prices dropped by 70%. The golden arches were tarnished for the first time in decades...and not even a dancing Ronald McDonald could help. Comedians Rachel Dratch (Saturday Night Live, 30 Rock) and Jared Freid (Jared Freid: 37 & Single, JTrain Podcast) join Misha to digest the massive marketing mishap of McDonald's Arch Deluxe. Follow The Big Flop on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to The Big Flop early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery app or on Apple Podcasts. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What do Gwyneth Paltrow and Oprah have that you don’t have? A $700 juicer…and lots and lots of money to buy it with. The Juicero was supposed to revolutionize at-home juicing and make organic, cold pressed juice accessible to everyone. The main problem? It was only accessible to the super rich. It still became one of the buzziest products of 2016, but after a Bloomberg exposé of the machine went viral, not even Goop would touch it. Chelsea Devantez (Glamorous Trash with Chelsea Devantez) and Solomon Georgio (The Juice) help break down how Juicero got the squeeze, and discover why not all press is good press. Follow The Big Flop on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to The Big Flop early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery app or on Apple Podcasts. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Back in 1978, George Lucas and CBS created a Star Wars holiday special so staggeringly bad, Lucas has publicly stated he wants it destroyed. The variety show featured Carrie Fisher singing, Wookiee porn, and many, many things that should never be associated with Star Wars. Budget restrictions, Harrison Ford's refusal to sing or dance, and some seriously questionable choices made for a production so chaotic, it's a miracle this thing ever made it to air. Comedians and Star Wars aficionados Adam Pally (The Mindy Project, Happy Endings) and Betsy Sodaro (Ghosts, Superstore) join Misha to navigate the spacey misadventure of the Star Wars Holiday Special. Follow The Big Flop on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to The Big Flop early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery app or on Apple Podcasts See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

More than a few vials of blood were spilled in the unbelievable story of Theranos. Its CEO, Elizabeth Holmes, took the world by storm with the promise of a device that was going to change medicine forever. Instead, she endangered patients and defrauded investors. In the end, the only thing Holmes invented was her persona, and even that involved a lot of stealing. Oh, and green juice. It took a lot of green juice. Comedians Heather McDonald (Juicy Scoop with Heather McDonald) and Kathleen Madigan (Kathleen Madigan: Hunting Bigfoot) join Misha to get the lowdown on Elizabeth Holmes and her gory demise. Follow The Big Flop on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to The Big Flop early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery app or on Apple Podcasts. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When Hailey Bieber, Kendall Jenner, and Bella Hadid signed up to promote a scorching new music festival, they had no idea the flaming mess they were really in for. Entrepreneur Billy McFarland and rapper Ja Rule collabed on the notorious Fyre Festival, a disaster that cost millions, almost got festival workers killed or kidnapped, and is forever burned into flop history. Comedians Laci Mosley (Scam Goddess, A Black Lady Sketch Show) and Lauren Ashley Smith (Grown-ish, A Black Lady Sketch Show) join Misha to help us roast Billy McFarland and his cheese sandwich schemes. Follow The Big Flop on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to The Big Flop early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery app or on Apple Podcasts. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The 2019 movie adaptation of Cats had all the makings of a huge hit: a beloved Broadway musical, an award-winning director, and a star-studded cast including: Taylor Swift, Idris Elba, and Dame Judi Dench! Instead, it crapped the (litter) box office. Find out how a race to the Oscars pushed the visual effects team to their limits, creating a total CAT-tastrophe complete with accidental animated feline buttholes. On this episode of The Big Flop, comedians Jackie Zebrowski (Page 7) and Sarah Cooper (Foolish: Tales of Assimilation, Determination, and Humiliation) join Misha to dissect one of biggest movie flops in recent memory. It’s a purrfect tale of what NOT to do! Follow The Big Flop on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to The Big Flop early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery app or on Apple Podcasts. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What happens when 40 children are sent out into the New Mexico desert and left to fend for themselves, all in the name of reality TV? Injuries, emotional trauma... and lawsuits. Lots and lots of lawsuits. Misha is joined by Chris Garcia, Kurt Braunohler & Megan Gailey (I Love My Kid, But…) to examine CBS's absolutely bonkers 2007 reality show, Kid Nation. Follow The Big Flop on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to The Big Flop early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery app or on Apple Podcasts. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Join us as we break down THREE cinematic catastrophes: The Lone Ranger, Waterworld, and Showgirls. Find out why Johnny Depp thought it was a good idea to play a Native American, how Kevin Costner ignored Stephen Spielberg’s sage advice, and who was actually responsible for the NC-17 madness of Showgirls. Movie and pop culture experts Andrew Jupin (We Hate Movies) and Aisha Harris (NPR’s Pop Culture Happy Hour) join MIsha to unpack these truly wild films and their legacies. Follow The Big Flop on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to The Big Flop early and ad-free on Wondery +. Join Wondery + in the Wondery app or on Apple Podcasts. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Some dreams end with a whimper, others with an impulsive and unhinged shriek. Way back in 2004, Howard Dean, the straight-talkin' governor of Vermont was making an improbable run for President. He was riling up the youth on a new thing called the internet, whipping them intro a frenzy with his anti-war rhetoric and eating sandwiches on live streams. Just when it seemed like Dean might actually have a chance at the White House, it all came crashing down. Some call it, "The Scream Heard Round the World" or the "I Have a Scream Speech"-- whatever you call it, Howard Dean was never called "President". Comedian and podcast host Gareth Reynolds (The Dollop, We're Here to Help) joins Misha to relive Howard Dean's doomed candidacy, and the birth of the first political meme. Follow The Big Flop on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to The Big Flop early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery app or on Apple Podcasts. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

HQ Trivia was the revolutionary gameshow app that briefly took over the world. Millions of people across the globe tuned in for the chance win money from host and resident "Quiz Daddy", Scott Rogowsky. However, not even celebrity guests like Dwayne Johnson could save HQ from its ultimate demise: a secretly twisted workplace environment full of lies, drugs, harassment and…salad controversies?! Comedians Alice Wetterlund (Silicon Valley, Resident Alien) and Karen Chee (Late Night with Seth Meyers) join Misha to chronicle the stunning, quizzical crash of HQ Trivia. Follow The Big Flop on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to The Big Flop early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery app or on Apple Podcasts. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When you think of health and wellness, do you think…clear soda? One Pepsi executive in the 90s was determined to capitalize on the healthier soda trend by releasing Crystal Pepsi, a clear, caffeine-free, lower calorie soda with the same great taste of regular Pepsi. The only issue? It didn’t taste anything like regular Pepsi. Dulcé Sloan (The Daily Show) joins Misha to digest one of the most infamous flops in pop culture history, AND to uncover Coca-Cola’s secret shocking plan to sabotage the whole campaign. Follow The Big Flop on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to The Big Flop early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery app or on Apple Podcasts. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

At New Jersey’s most dangerous water park, people of all ages broke bones, tore flesh, lost teeth, and yes, even lost their lives. For some, Action Park was a rite of passage. For others, it was a lawless wasteland that needed to be stopped. Shady business dealings, headless crash test dummies, and the most shocking rides you’ve ever heard of are just the tip of the Action Park iceberg. Guests Sasheer Zamata (Best Friends) and actual Action Park survivor Chris Gethard (Beautiful/Anonymous) join Misha to break down the meteoric rise and tragic fall of this absolutely bonkers amusement park. Follow The Big Flop on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to The Big Flop early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery app or on Apple Podcasts. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What do Gwyneth Paltrow and Oprah have that you don’t have? A $700 juicer…and lots and lots of money to buy it with. The Juicero was supposed to revolutionize at-home juicing and make organic, cold pressed juice accessible to everyone. The main problem? It was only accessible to the super rich. It still became one of the buzziest products of 2016, but after a Bloomberg exposé of the machine went viral, not even Goop would touch it. Chelsea Devantez (Glamorous Trash with Chelsea Devantez) and Solomon Georgio (The Juice) help break down how Juicero got the squeeze, and discover why not all press is good press. Follow The Big Flop on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to The Big Flop early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery app or on Apple Podcasts. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

YouTuber Tana Mongeau tries to take down VidCon by hosting a convention of her own on the exact same day: TanaCon. Unfortunately poor planning and hilariously bad gift bags lead to horrible sunburns and huge disappointment. TanaCon was over before you could say, “Like and subscribe”. Misha is joined by Milly Tamarez & Alisa Morales (The Betches Sup Podcast) to break down this bafflingly big flop. Follow The Big Flop on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to The Big Flop early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery app or on Apple Podcasts. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The 2019 movie adaptation of Cats had all the makings of a huge hit: a beloved Broadway musical, an award-winning director, and a star-studded cast including: Taylor Swift, Idris Elba, and Dame Judi Dench! Instead, it crapped the (litter) box office. Find out how a race to the Oscars pushed the visual effects team to their limits, creating a total CAT-tastrophe complete with accidental animated feline buttholes. On this episode of The Big Flop, comedians Jackie Zebrowski (Page 7) and Sarah Cooper (Foolish: Tales of Assimilation, Determination, and Humiliation) join Misha to dissect one of biggest movie flops in recent memory. It’s a purrfect tale of what NOT to do! Follow The Big Flop on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to The Big Flop early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery app or on Apple Podcasts. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

At the height of his career, country music megastar Garth Brooks took a big swing by transforming himself into an alt-rock singer named Chris Gaines, complete with eye liner, tight pants, and a soul patch. Gaines was supposed to be Brooks' ticket to Hollywood, with a greatest hits album and major motion picture to follow... the only problem was, everyone hated him. On this episode of The Big Flop, comedians Sarah Tiana (44) and Dusty Slay (We're Having a Good Time) join Misha to unfurl the saga of Chris Gaines, Garth Brooks' emo alter ego. It's not a phase, Mom! Follow The Big Flop on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to The Big Flop early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery app or on Apple Podcasts. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What happens when 40 children are sent out into the New Mexico desert and left to fend for themselves, all in the name of reality TV? Injuries, emotional trauma... and lawsuits. Lots and lots of lawsuits. Misha is joined by Chris Garcia, Kurt Braunohler & Megan Gailey (I Love My Kid, But…) to examine CBS's absolutely bonkers 2007 reality show, Kid Nation. Follow The Big Flop on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to The Big Flop early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery app or on Apple Podcasts. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Marvel’s attempt at bringing Spider-Man to Broadway didn’t go as planned. With high-flying action and music by U2, Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark, was one of the most-hyped Broadway musicals of all-time... but by the time the final curtain closed, bones would be broken, lawsuits would be filed, friendships unraveled, careers destroyed, and millions of onlookers would be left wondering: “what the hell did I just watch?” On this theatrical episode of The Big Flop, comedians Guy Branum (Talk Show, the Game Show) and Jessica McKenna (Off Book) join Misha to hear the tangled tale of the Spider-Man musical, and the careers it took down in its web. Follow The Big Flop on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to The Big Flop early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery app or on Apple Podcasts. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What happens when you mix an energy drink... and beer? On this episode of The Big Flop, DJ EFN (Drink Champs) and Kenice Mobley (Follow Up Question) join Misha to relive the boom and the bust of the original Four Loko, aka the blackout-in-a-can. Created in a fraternity basement, Four Loko supposedly provided the equivalent of 4 glasses of wine and a couple of Red Bulls - a potent recipe which eventually was investigated by the FDA, but not before inspiring more than a few terrible decisions! Sit back, relax, and enjoy the story of how this unhinged beverage's original recipe became one fizzy, carbonated flop. Follow The Big Flop on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to The Big Flop early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery app or on Apple Podcasts. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Remember Quibi? The app with short videos you could only watch on your phone? No?! That's because it only lasted SIX months before shutting down. On the first episode of The Big Flop, host Misha Brown is joined by Connor Ratliff (Dead Eyes) and Matt Bellassai (Diss & Tell) to spin the tale of the little video platform that couldn't. Come for the rapid rise, stay for the even more rapid fall. Follow The Big Flop on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to The Big Flop early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery app or on Apple Podcasts. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Follow The Big Flop wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to The Big Flop early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery app or on Apple Podcasts.The most expensive musical in Broadway history goes belly up. A theme park turns deadly. And a country megastar goes emo... all with catastrophic results. Join us each week as we dissect the most deliciously disastrous flops in recent history. On Wondery’s new comedy & pop culture series, host Misha Brown unpacks epic fails from Quibi to Crystal Pepsi with the help of guests like Sasheer Zamata, Chris Gethard, Matt Bellassai and more. From Wondery, the makers of the hit series Scamfluencers and Even the Rich, and At Will Media comes THE BIG FLOP. Find out what happens when massive hype turns into a major fiasco, and try to answer the age-old question... Who thought THIS was a good idea?! New episodes of THE BIG FLOP come out every week. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.