Full of (John) Bull: Horatio Bottomley
Summary
Hosts Zarin and Elizabeth discuss a 22-year-old driving naked with illegal firearms before diving into the life of Horatio Bottomley. They detail his rise as a charismatic but fraudulent Victorian politician and publisher who exploited WWI patriotism for profit. The episode highlights his rigged sweepstakes, anti-German propaganda, and eventual financial ruin through elaborate cons.
Topics discussed
Intro and Sponsor Ads: SimpliSafe, Caesar's, Vital Proteins, Pennzoil
Host Banter and Naked Driver Story
Ridiculous Crime Intro and Horatio Bottomley Introduction
Bottomley's Early Life, Journalism, and First Political Stint
Financial Schemes, Bankruptcies, and Legal Evasions
Parliamentary Career and Oratory Style
Sponsor Ads: SimpliSafe and iHeartTrue Crime Plus
John Bull Magazine, Sweepstakes, and Horse Racing
Interactive Segment: The Foggy Horse Race
WWI Patriotism, Anti-German Rhetoric, and Propaganda
Sponsor Ads: SimpliSafe, Betrayal Weekly, Girlfriend Spotlight
Victory Bonds Club Fraud and Misappropriation of Funds
The Trial, Conviction, and Prison Sentence
Post-Prison Decline, Bankruptcy, and Death
Outro, Senior Prank Story, and Credits
Final Sponsor Ads: SimpliSafe and iHeartTrue Crime Plus
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