As The Money Burns
by Nicki Woodard
All they want is love. Everyone else wants their fortune. Based on historical research, As The Money Burns is a deep exploration into the lives of actual heirs and heiresses to some of America’s most famous fortunes and what happens when the Great Depression hits. A narrative podcast that explores history, psychology, and finance.
Episodes
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Kiss the Bride, Part 2 of 2
Wedding bells are ringing for trip down the aisle number three. Only there is not an actual aisle, and not everyone is full of glee. Part 2 of 2 November 1933, despite her broken arm Madeleine Astor marries Enzo Fiermonte from her hospital bed. More press scandal follows them on their way to...
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Unholy Alliance, Part 1 of 2
Once for money, twice for love, maybe thrice for lust. Some women become brides more than bridesmaids. Part 1 of 2 Returning from Bermuda to New York in November 1933, Madeleine Astor prepares for her third wedding to Enzo Fiermonte and more press scandals. She takes back a trip down memory lane…
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Glass Cage - 6th Anniversary Bonus
This is the 6th Year Anniversary recap and teaser of future storylines. Allegory about seduction and betrayal in greenhouse with parallels to storylines. Playful hints and teasers of themes involving love and fortune, along with updates on podcast history and goals of the series. Other people...
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Birthday Wish, Part 2
A big birthday with a big inheritance comes with more attention and trouble. So would a birthday party even be worth the risk? November 1933, after Doris Duke turns 21 and receives the first portion of her inheritance, she must now face threats from kidnappers, ill-intentioned suitors, and...
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Birthday Wish, Part 1
Another heiress turns 21 thus gaining part of her fortune, but what the richest girl wants most horrifies her mother. November 1933, Doris Duke attempts to spend a quiet 21st birthday at her mansion in Manhattan in remembrance of her father Buck Duke, only to have to flee the press and public...
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Million Dollar Slap
Divorces come in several stages – physical, financial, legal, and emotional. The latter might be the hardest if ever to achieve. As one reporter learns with a slap in the face. November 1933, opera singer Mary McCormic and Prince Serge Mdivani are officially divorced. But when Mdivani biographer...
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Curves
A fortune hunter returns with his heiress bride from their honeymoon to collect her inheritance. Has he finally secured his ultimate prize? November 1933, as birthday girl Princes Barbara Hutton Mdivani turns 21, she seems to have it all a prince for a husband and a large fortune all her own and...
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Chartered
When a prized debutante makes her debut, one heir is determined not to miss it. November 1933, one of the most prized debutantes of this season Virginia Kent has her first coming out ball. To not miss out, John Jacob Astor VI, aka “Jakey,” charters a vehicle to bring a crew to the party. Will a...
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Social Marathon
It’s time for another Tuxedo Ball with plenty of beauties, so has this year’s most eligible bachelor finally found his future wife among them? October 1933, the top 50 debutantes of this social season mix with the most eligible bachelors at the ultra exclusive Tuxedo Park’s Autumn Ball. Will...
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Pleasure Trip
The freedom of travel and adventure is cut short when one heiress is spotted, and too much attention could threaten her safety. October - November 1933, Doris Duke travels incognito to the Pacific Coast but eventually gets spotted everywhere she goes. Eventually, she ends up in Hollywood for a…
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Cast Off
Marrying in haste is easy, but divorces can be oh so much trickier. Two complicated marriages finally dissolve in the courtroom. October 1933, Mae Murray is on her third attempt to divorce Prince David Mdivani. Amidst their divorce proceedings, she has several other cases related to an unpaid…
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Most Likely to Succeed
Another debutante season is beginning, and a new crop of beauties are already making a splash. September – October 1933, Jakey Astor enjoys being the most eligible bachelor and is looking for a wife. Several debutantes attend early debut events before the official social season begins, while one...
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The Looking Glass - 5th Anniversary Bonus
Fifth Year Anniversary recap and future storylines. Hints and teasers of themes involving love and fortune. Series tagline: All they want is love. Everyone else wants their fortune. Other people (*referenced not specifically mentioned) and subjects include: Barbara Hutton, Doris Duke, John Jacob...
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World's Worst Gigolo
Some weddings might be grand, but nothing catches more attention than a good divorce scandal. August – September 1933, the marriage of Prince Alexis Mdivani and heiress Barbara Hutton has caused a lot of press attention on the couple as well as those around them. His two older brothers, Prince...
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Plucked
Another day, another danger as an heiress finds herself in double trouble, but a minor medical emergency is nothing compared to the tax man. September – October 1933, Doris Duke finds herself in the hospital only weeks before her tax case heads to the Supreme Court. In both instances, more...
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Catch of the Season
Another heir, another birthday, 2 fortunes, a special gift, and by chance possibly someone to share it with? September 1933, three new bachelor heirs are fresh on the market, or are they? Alfred “Alfy” Vanderbilt Jr. comes into his fortune but gets an even better gift from his mother. Alfy along...
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Love Storm
Fiery passion not only infects the young but the old as well, including one heir’s mother caught up in another scandalous affair. September 1933, recently divorced Madeleine Talmage Force Astor Dick waits for her much younger lover Italian boxer Enzo Fiermonte to be divorced as well. They rush to...
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Kissless
Young love burns bright and impulsively as an heiress runs off to marry her prince, only to regret it days later. August 1933, Janet Snowden finally meets her very own Prince Caravita and rushes into marriage. When days later she has a sudden change of heart, their story is all over the press…
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Collapsible
As Tennis Week ends, the real competition is over the three best finale parties, with one hostess playing with all her might. August 1933, Jakey Astor and Doris Duke return to Newport for the end of Tennis Week with plenty of romantic and marital speculation. Henrietta Hartford hosts the biggest...
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Iceberg and Torpedo
A big birthday arrives with a large inheritance and thus the ability to finally control one’s life or so it seems. August 1933, Jakey Astor finally turns 21 and comes into his fortune. Only other troubles complicate his rise into Society. Meanwhile several debutantes are lining up to be the…
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Cursed Hopes
As tough times persist, several dangers lie ahead for dreams, fortunes, and more importantly life itself. May – August 1933, many struggle as Prohibition and the Great Depression continues. Evalyn Walsh McLean attempts to sell the Hope Diamond and buy back the Washington Post. Doris Duke and…
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Most Eligible
While one honeymoon falls apart, another set of bachelors appear on the matrimonial market. #BarbaraHutton, #PrinceMdivani, #honeymoon, #Stotesbury, #MarryingMdivanis, #politicalspeech, #Astor, #restoringthethrone Barbara Hutton, Prince Mdivani, honeymoon, Stotesbury, Marrying Mdivanis, political...
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Eastern Rites, Part 2
A large crowd gathers for a fairy tale royal wedding, but will the honeymoon have a happy ending? Part 2 June 1933, Barbara Hutton and Prince Alexis Mdivani have the second and grandest of their two wedding ceremonies in Paris. The elaborate and beautiful ceremony draws a large and excited crowd,...
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All That Matters, Part 1
A royal wedding draws a large crowd, but could the honeymoon be over already? June 1933, Barbara Hutton and Prince Alexis Mdivani have the first of their two wedding ceremonies in Paris. With all the press attention, the Prince’s royal title comes back into question, while his brothers Prince…
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Out to Sea
It’s another season of international sports competition, so where has one tennis star disappeared to this time? June 1933, Frank Shields loses at the French Championship then disappears only to be found later crossing the ocean. Meanwhile another sport takes notice with a superb knockout. Other...
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Renouncing The Throne
Pending nuptials bring more attention to a royal fiancé and his questionable lineage. May 1933, Franklyn Hutton finally agrees to announce the engagement of Barbara Hutton and Prince Alexis Mdivani. Only now the prince’s true royal ties are again called back into question. Other people and…
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An Earl And A Duke
An heiress has her hands full battling the tax man while flirting with a new aristocratic suitor. May 1933, Doris Duke finds herself with another potential aristocratic suitor the impoverished Earl of Warwick, but she has more potential trouble coming from the IRS trying to collect more taxes on...
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Society Circus
After years of struggle, a hostess gets to throw her most famous and popular annual event once again, so come and see who attends. April 1933, Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus arrives in New York, but everyone is more interested in the return of Cobina Wright’s Circus Ball at the...
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Jaded Luck
A fortune hunter makes the final play to capture his main prize, but his final move might involve his recently discarded former prey. April 1933, Barbara Hutton continues her South Seas trip shopping for jade and avoiding press questions about her romantic status. Then she gets a big surprise…
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The Tower - 4th Anniversary Bonus Episode
All they want is love. Everyone else wants their fortune. Fourth Year Anniversary recap and future storylines. Other people and subjects include: Barbara Hutton, Doris Duke, heirs, heiresses, marriages, divorces, weddings, scandals, betrayals, royalty, taxes, sports, life changes, challenges…
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Double Harness
The heart wants what it wants, so a concerned mother rushes to thwart her heiress daughter’s return to her former love. Late March – early April 1933, concerned mother Daisy Van Alen raises across the Atlantic Ocean to prevent her daughter Louise Van Alen from remarrying her recently divorced...
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Friend or Foe
A newly free prince is on the hunt for his next fortune, but could there be a new heiress in his sight? As Barbara Hutton continues her South Seas travels, another rumor percolates involving a new love interest for Prince Alexis Mdivani. Will the new love triangle cause another rift in…
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Moss Covered
Another set of divorce rumors and scandal abound as another lover has been found. Late February to early March, John Jacob Astor VI, aka “Jakey,” and his mother Madeleine Talmage Force Astor Dick are forever covered in the press due to their surviving the Titanic. Their love lives become a...
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Heart Bruised
Valentine’s celebrations abound, but questions remain as to where single heiresses might be found. End of January – mid-February 1933, newspapers keep track of the romantic entanglements of multiple heirs and heiresses. Foremost, Barbara Hutton’s recent romances and the love triangle with Prince...
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Party Crasher
A nearly homeless supreme hostess gets back to what she does best at a luxury hotel, and many don’t want to miss out. January 20th – February 1st, 1933, Cobina Wright reorients her new life at the Waldorf-Astoria hotel hostessing several activities like the Beaux Arts & Charity Balls and resuming...
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Bachelor Girl
When an heiress flees to the Far East, her ardent lover follows in hot pursuit unwilling to let her get away so easily. January – February 1933, Barbara Hutton travels to the Orient to forget her romantic troubles with Prince Alexis Mdivani and other failed suitors. But all the press attention...
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Not Out
After previously closing their mansion, a struggling couple returns to host a wonderful buffet to start the new year, but have things really changed for the better? December 1932 – January 1933, Christmas and holidays brings plenty of activities. E.T. Stotesbury and Eva Stotesbury are back in...
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Shining Example
An heiress receives accolades for all her efforts to help the less fortunate, but her good deeds aren’t as helpful for her marriage. December 1932, Marjorie Merriweather Post Hutton is hailed for all her work to help the needy during the Great Depression. She works on multiple committees…
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All This Fuss
With a large fortune in sight, a whole family gathers to determine the next set of moves. What is an heiress to do? December 1932, the royal Mdivani siblings gather in Paris to determine how the newly divorced Prince Alexis Mdivani will woo and finally catch Barbara Hutton. Only Barbara’s family...
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De-Titled
Not all love affairs last forever. When one princess loses her title, will another readily take her place and possibly share the same fate? November 27th, 1932, Princess Louise Van Alen Mdivani appears in the Hague divorce court dissolving her 18 month marriage to Prince Alexis Mdivani. On…
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Pandora's Box
When one door closes, another opens. How might an eviction lead to a brand new life in a luxury hotel? November 5th, 1932, Cobina Wright moves out of her Sutton Place home and now becomes homeless along with her 10 year daughter Lil Cobina Wright, Jr. At the last minute, an opportunity arrives to...
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Dummy Accounts
One couple deals with more betrayal when litigation publicly reveals financial secrets. September 23rd – October 27th, 1932, William May Wright, aka “Bill,” returns to New York to deal with litigation involving his former stockbroker firm. Cobina Wright hopes that they will be able to rekindle...
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Dame Rumor
Deceptions run high as another divorce is announced and a grand home re-opens. Can’t these people get their stories straight already? September 27th – October 14th, 1932, a divorce rumor spreads far and wide as involves one of the Mdivani siblings getting a divorce. But is it true, and if is so...
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A Cozy Little Companion
An heiress is trapped and a love triangle exposed when forbidden lovers get caught beneath the sheets. Late summer 1932, Barbara Hutton joins Princess Louise Van Alen Mdivani and Prince Alexis Mdivani at the Spanish countryside estate of his sister Princess Roussadana “Roussie” Midvani Sert. Over...
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The Hunter Class
Despite small implosions everywhere, some hide their true situations while prancing around like prized ponies at a horse show. Over the summer of 1932, James H.R. Cromwell, aka “Jimmy,” pursues Doris Duke around France. Meanwhile, his mother Eva Stotesbury and stepfather E.T. “Ned” Stotesbury...
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World's Best Kept Man
At another sunny beach enclave, a romance blooms into a twisted love triangle between a prince and two heiresses. Summers 1931 & 1932, the interchange of people and events cause a blurring of timelines. At fashion designer Jean Patou’s residence, sparks between Prince Alexis Mdivani and Barbara...
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Millionaires Convention
Many feeling the economic pinch lower summer participation. But those who remain wealthy gather for another round of seaside fun. August 1932, many millionaires return for another Tennis Week and more yacht races in Newport, Rhode Island. Frank Shields joins other tennis stars on the courts…
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Ties That Bind
Hoping that a change in political power will end the ongoing Great Depression, one heir vows his continuing and undying support to a presidential nominee. A lifelong friendship develops between a young heir and his neighbor, a distant relative and a future president. Through personal tragedies…
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A Special Touch
A tennis sensation returns to play both on and off the courts. Wherever he goes hijinks will ensue. June – August 1932, plenty of sports competitions are occurring around the world. Frank Shields returns for Wimbledon and Davis Cup with more antics with his teammates. Other people and subjects...
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Social Swirl
Annual summer competitions and events are in full swing, and a once unfashionable heiress is now as notably stylish as a queen. June 1932 brings lots of bad news that bleeds into July 1932 with Lindbergh kidnapping and hoax trials and the collapse of the Insull energy empire.Thus distraction and...
About this show
All they want is love. Everyone else wants their fortune. Based on historical research, As The Money Burns is a deep exploration into the lives of actual heirs and heiresses to some of America’s most famous fortunes and what happens when the Great Depression hits. A narrative podcast that explores history, psychology, and finance.
Hosted by
Nicki Woodard