You Cant Make This Up

Next up on You Can't Make This Up, we are talking about "White Hot: The Rise & Fall of Abercrombie & Fitch."  All the cool kids were wearing it. This documentary explores A&F’s pop culture reign in the late ’90s and early 2000s and how it thrived on exclusion. In our next episode, host Rebecca Lavoie interviews the director of "White Hot," Alison Klayman. If you haven't watched the film yet, make sure to add it to your watch-list before our next episode that releases next week. Stay Tuned!

In this episode of You Can't Make This Up, we are talking about the documentary series "Our Great National Parks" out now on Netflix. Host Rebecca Lavoie interviews  Executive Producer James Honeyborne and Series Producer Sophie Todd. Produced and narrated by former President Barack Obama, "Our Great National Parks" brims with wonder, humor, and optimism as each episode tells the story of a park through the lives of its wildest residents — and explores our changing relationship with wilderness. SPOILER ALERT! If you haven't watched "Our Great National Parks" yet, make sure to add it to your watch-list before listening on.

In this episode of You Can't Make This Up, we are talking about the documentary series "Trust No One: The Hunt for the Crypto King" out now on Netflix. Our host Rebecca Lavoie interviews the director of the documentary film, Luke Sewell. Gerald Cotten was the head of Canada's largest bitcoin exchange. While on his honeymoon to India, Gerald become ill and died from complications from Crohn's disease. His sudden death left the exchange in shambles because no one else had the password that controlled hundreds of millions of dollars in crypto-currency. But the circumstances of his death and the loss of their money made investors ask questions, did Gerald fake his demise to either cover substantial losses or to abscond with an untraceable fortune? SPOILER ALERT! If you haven't watched "Trust No One: The Hunt for the Crypto King" yet, make sure to add it to your watch-list before listening on.

On this episode of You Can't Make This Up, we are talking about the documentary series "The Andy Warhol Diaries" out now on Netflix. Our host Rebecca Lavoie interviews the director Andrew Rossi. This breathtakingly expansive, six-part portrait of a legend chronicles the remarkable life of Andy Warhol from the intimate vantage point offered by the artist’s own posthumously published diaries. Though intensely protective of his personal life, beginning in the 70s Warhol dictated his observations to a typist. They capture his thoughts about his secret loves, his personal struggles, and his professional self-image. “The Andy Warhol Diaries” employs cutting-edge AI-technology that recreates Warhol’s own voice to narrate his own words. SPOILER ALERT! If you haven't watched "The Andy Warhol Diaries" yet, make sure to add it to your watch-list before listening on.

Today we're talking about "Bad Vegan: Fame. Fraud. Fugitives." which is the latest documentary series on Netflix, directed by Chris Smith. Bad Vegan is about a wild four-part documentary series that explores how Sarma Melngailis, the celebrity restaurateur behind the glittering New York hotspot Pure Food and Wine, went from being the queen of vegan cuisine to being known as the “Vegan Fugitive.” Shortly after meeting a man named Shane Fox on Twitter in 2011, Melngailis begins draining her restaurant’s funds and funneling the money to Fox, after he cons her into believing he could make her dreams a reality... but only if she continues to obey his every request without question. Bad Vegan: Fame. Fraud. Fugitives. takes viewers on a journey more bizarre than fiction. Today we're turning over this episode to our friends at Swindled, a true-crime podcast about white-collar criminals, con artists, and corporate evil. In this episode, we'll dive even deeper into the story of Sarma Melngailis, Shane Fox, and the scan

Today on You Can't Make This Up, we are talking about the true-crime series, "Worst Roommate Ever" out now on Netflix. Our host Rebecca Lavoie interviews the director and executive producer, Domini Hoffman about the terrifying series.  Every day in newspaper ads and online posts, people reach out to find someone to share a space and the cost of their rental properties with, but who is that stranger you just let into your apartment? In this series, we hear about renters who go beyond leaving towels in the bathroom or getting behind on their utility bills. We learn about a man who developed a fatal attraction to his roommate. A boarding house in which men check in but don't check out. A con-artist who turned to violence to cover up his financial crimes. And a serial squatter who moves in then pays nothing and refuses to leave. SPOILER ALERT! If you haven't watched "Worst Roommate Ever" yet, make sure to add it to your watch-list before listening on.

Today on You Can't Make This Up, we are talking about "jeen-yuhs: A Kanye Trilogy" out now on Netflix. The lives of an emerging superstar and filmmaker intertwine in this intense and intimate three-act documentary following Kanye West's career. The documentary event showcases both his formative days trying to break through and his life today as a global brand and artist. Our host Rebecca Lavoie interviews the directors, producers, and writers of "jeen-yuhs: A Kanye Trilogy," Chike & Coodie. Listen on to hear what they share about their experience capturing the footage that spans over two decades. Here is your SPOILER ALERT, so if you haven't watched the trilogy yet, make sure to add it to your watch-list before listening.

Next up on You Can't Make This Up, we are talking about "jeen-yuhs: A Kanye Trilogy" out now on Netflix. The lives of an emerging superstar and filmmaker intertwine in this intense and intimate three-part documentary following Kanye West's career. The documentary event showcases both his formative days trying to break through and his life today as a global brand and artist. In our next episode, host Rebecca Lavoie interviews the directors, producers, and writers of "jeen-yuhs: A Kanye Trilogy," Chike & Coodie. We can't wait for you to hear what they share about their experience capturing the footage that spans over two decades. If you haven't watched the trilogy yet, make sure to add it to your watch-list before our next episode that releases next week. Stay Tuned!

New to this podcast? We tend to talk about some pretty heavy stuff, from stories about true crime, scandals, and swindles... to documentaries ranging from socially conscious to emotionally gripping and suspenseful. BUT TODAY on You Can't Make This Up, we are adding a little bit of spice and Getting Curious with Jonathan Van Ness! You better believe that on this episode, our host Rebecca Lavoie speaks with the most fabulous guest, Jonathan Van Ness himself! Jonathan Van Ness is known as one of the stars of Netflix's Queer Eye and has been exhibiting his curiosity for years on his podcast Getting Curious. Now, JVN is bringing his own brand to his new unscripted series, Getting Curious with Jonathan Van Ness, out now on Netflix. In the show, Jonathan goes on location and talks with experts about topics that he wants to know more about (and we mean a wide variety of topics). We learn about all things Hair, Ice skating, Snack Foods, Non-Binary Gender Identity, and more! If you like You Can’t Make This Up, please r

Years before he was pretending to be a millionaire playboy, Simon Leviev was Shimon Hayut, the son of an Orthodox rabbi from a small town near Tel Aviv. In this final episode we take a deep dive into Shimon’s younger years. We’ll hear the true tale of his upbringing, his earliest crimes, and a chilling story that shines a new light on the making of a Swindler. The Making of a Swindler is a companion to the documentary, The Tinder Swindler, now on Netflix.   The Making of A Swindler is a production of RAW and NETFLIX. Presenters: Bernadette Higgins, Felicity MorrisProducers: Bernadette Higgins, Felicity MorrisSeries Producer: Georgina SavageExecutive Producer: Deborah DudgeonResearcher: Lucy BarnesSound Design: Emma BarnabyOriginal Score: Jessica JonesJunior Production Assistants: Rowan Lee-Potter, Shemsije ZeqiriProduction Executive: Nageena AhmedRaw’s Head of Podcasts is Sarah Harris. The Head of US Production is Kate Leonard-Morgan

It’s clear that Simon is a criminal mastermind. But that level of skill requires practice, and a certain amount of pathology. In this episode, Felicity and Bernadette try to understand the mind – and methods – of the Swindler. We hear from an old friend - patient zero if you like - who knew Simon before he was The Prince of Diamonds. The Making of a Swindler is a companion to the documentary, The Tinder Swindler, now on Netflix.   The Making of A Swindler is produced by RAW and NETFLIX. Presenters: Bernadette Higgins, Felicity MorrisProducers: Bernadette Higgins, Felicity MorrisSeries Producer: Georgina SavageExecutive Producer: Deborah DudgeonResearcher: Lucy BarnesSound Design: Emma BarnabyOriginal Score: Jessica JonesJunior Production Assistants: Rowan Lee-Potter, Shemsije ZeqiriProduction Executive: Nageena AhmedRaw’s Head of Podcasts is Sarah Harris, and the Head of US Production is Kate Leonard-Morgan

Wherever he went, Simon Leviev’s entourage would follow. A carefully curated supporting cast – his business partner, his driver, his security guard and more – created an air of glamour and legitimacy. But who were these people? Were they in on the scam? Or were they victims of his lies, as much as the women Simon swindled? In this first special episode, we look into the theater of Simon.  The Making of a Swindler is a companion to the documentary, The Tinder Swindler, now on Netflix.   The Making of A Swindler is produced by RAW and NETFLIX. Presenters: Bernadette Higgins, Felicity MorrisProducers: Bernadette Higgins, Felicity Morris Series Producer: Georgina SavageExecutive Producer: Deborah DudgeonResearcher: Lucy BarnesSound Design: Emma BarnabyOriginal Score: Jessica JonesJunior Production Assistants: Rowan Lee-Potter, Shemsije ZeqiriProduction Executive: Nageena AhmedRaw’s Head of Podcasts is Sarah Harris, and the Head of US Production is Kate Leonard-Morgan

SPOILERS AHEAD! Today Rebecca talks with the director and producer of the hit documentary, The Tinder Swindler.  Felicity Morris and Bernadette Higgins talk about how they wanted to focus on the women behind this story and the sophisticated nature of the con. They also explain why it can be so hard to prosecute swindlers like Simon. Plus, they introduce the upcoming You Can't Make This Up series, The Making of a Swindler. Stay tuned as we go even deeper behind this unbelievable story in a special 3 part series running over the next two weeks. 

In this week's episode we take a closer look at a Netflix documentary podcast, 'The Last Movie Ever Made.' This podcast is a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the Netflix film 'Don't Look Up.' Today we have the film's Co-Producer and Podcast contributor, Staci Roberts-Steele speaking with our host, Rebecca Lavoie. The production of the film's fictional global emergency was upended by a real-life global emergency that we all are very familiar with. 'The Last Movie Ever Made' podcast takes us inside the bubble as filmmakers invent a new way of shooting a motion picture during the global pandemic, COVID-19. After the interview, you will hear a full podcast episode of 'The Last Movie Ever Made.' Much of the audio in the podcast is recorded guerilla-style on phones by the crew, with commentary from the film's many stars on how life imitated art.  If you like You Can’t Make This Up, please rate and review our show. Thanks for listening!

SPOILERS AHEAD! Today on You Can't Make This Up, we are talking about the highly anticipated season 2 of Cheer on Netflix. If you haven't watched it yet, Cheer season 1 followed all the ups and downs (literally) of Navarro College's competitive cheer squad as they worked to win a coveted national title. In season 2, we reconnect with the Navarro College Cheer Squad, meet some new and incredibly talented Trinity Valley College Cheerleaders, experience the hardships they all endured over the past two years, and see the teams battle it out at the Daytona Cheer Competition of 2021! In this episode, our host Rebecca Lavoie speaks with special guest, Director Greg Whiteley of seasons 1 & 2 of Cheer. If you like You Can’t Make This Up, please rate, and review this show (and of course share it with friends). Thanks for listening!

SPOILERS AHEAD! Today on You Can't Make This Up, we are talking about the highly anticipated season 2 of Cheer on Netflix. If you haven't watched it yet, Cheer season 1 followed all the ups and downs (literally) of Navarro College's competitive cheer squad as they worked to win a coveted national title. Now season 2 is picking up right where the first season left off, and it's as binge-able as ever. Today our host Rebecca Lavoie speaks with a VERY special guest from the series, Head Coach Vontae Johnson of Trinity Valley Community College Cheerleading squad! If you like You Can’t Make This Up, please rate, and review this show (and of course share it with friends). Thanks for listening!

It's a New Year with new & exciting content coming your way! Next up on You Can't Make This Up, we are talking about the highly anticipated Cheer Season 2, coming to Netflix on January 12th. If you haven't watched yet, Cheer Season 1 followed all the ups and downs (literally) of Navarro College's competitive cheer squad as they worked to win a coveted national title. Now season 2 is picking up right where the first season left off, and it's as binge-able as ever. Our host Rebecca Lavoie will be interviewing some VERY special guests from the series next week, and we want to hear from you before then! If you have thoughts or questions to share about Cheer, tweet Rebecca, @reblavoie, and she might just ask your question to one of our guests on the next episode! Stay tuned!   

We are looking back on one of your favorite You Can't Make This Up episodes of the year. In February of 2021, the docu-series 'Crime Scene: The Vanishing at the Cecil Hotel' was released on Netflix. Our host Rebecca Lavoie interviewed director and executive producer, Joe Berlinger, about the anthology series 'Crime Scene', the disappearance of college student Elisa Lam, and the notorious Cecil Hotel located in downtown Los Angeles.The second season of the acclaimed documentary series 'Crime Scene: The Times Square Killer' is out now on Netflix. The anthology series 'Crime Scene' unpacks the ways in which certain locations can become accomplices to the crimes that take place in them, with each season tackling a new location tied to a dark past.In December 1979, firemen responded to a blaze at a disreputable hotel in Times Square. What they found in the room sparked a manhunt for Richard Cottingham, a prolific serial killer who hid in plain sight among the people of Times Square. The series takes viewers deep i

This week, we are looking back on some of your favorite 'You Can't Make This Up' episodes of 2021. Today we are throwing it back to our interview with the editor, writer, and producer of Operation Varsity Blues, Jon Karmen, and the film's director and producer, Chris Smith. You may have heard a lot about the 2019 college admission scandal, but you haven’t heard everything yet. Operation Varsity Blues goes beyond the celebrity-driven headlines with real conversations from FBI wiretaps. The film offers a rare glimpse of the man at the center of the scandal, Rick Singer, and the methods he used to help his wealthy clients cheat a system already designed to benefit the privileged. If you have a favorite Netflix documentary from 2021 or a favorite You Can't Make This Up podcast episode, tweet our host @Reblavoie your thoughts. Thanks for listening!

In today’s special episode, we take a look back at some of our favorite 2021 documentaries, unscripted series, and more from Netflix. We are talking about a large variety of titles so come with your ears open; from “Cocaine Cowboys'' and “Britney vs Spears” all the way to "Tick, Tick... Boom!" and even "Selling Sunset." This is not your average, You Can't Make This Up episode. Today our host, Rebecca Lavoie speaks to some friends from some of your other favorite Netflix podcasts and asks them what titles they couldn’t get enough of this year. We’ll hear from Krista Smith from the podcast “Present Company" and Scottie Beam and Sylvia Obell from the “Okay, Now Listen” podcast. But first, we’re off to London for our favorite Netflix UK watchers, as we welcome Tolani Shoneye & Gena-Mour Barrett from the "10/10 (Would Recommend)" podcast. If you like “You Can’t Make This Up,” please rate, and review this show (and of course share it with friends)! Thanks for listening & See you in 2022! And here are links to all o