Curse of: Miss America

When former Miss America CEO Sam Haskell’s emails leaked to the press, they exposed a toxic culture that was pervasive even at the top levels. On this episode, we explore the Sam Haskell scandal and what it tells us about bullying in the Miss America community. Then we hear from a state level Miss America participant who says her bullying nightmare got so bad she had to involve the police.
You can reach out to the Curse of Miss America team at missamericapod@gmail.com. For more Curse of Miss America, follow us on Instagram @glasspodcasts.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite the scandals, young women are still lining up to be crowned pageant winners. On this episode, we’re taking this show on the road, meeting contestants and volunteers who are still dedicated to their annual pageants. And we ask a simple question—Why? What’s in it for them?
You can reach out to the Curse of Miss America team at missamericapod@gmail.com. For more Curse of Miss America, follow us on Instagram @glasspodcasts.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The two people at the center of the lawsuits over Miss America both claim to be the rightful owners of the program. Questions are swirling about the nature of their relationship, whose money was used for what, and if there was a concerted effort to hide Glenn Straub’s association with the pageant. Luckily, many text messages have been entered into evidence as part of the ongoing lawsuit. Those messages tell a story of their own.
You can reach out to the Curse of Miss America team at missamericapod@gmail.com. For more Curse of Miss America, follow us on Instagram @glasspodcasts.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A controversial Palm Beach billionaire claims to be the rightful owner of the Miss America pageant, and he’s not backing down. On this episode, we talk to the man himself. What’s in it for him? And how did he get involved in the first place? That leads us back to the current CEO Robin Flemming, a former dress shop owner turned pageant girl boss.
You can reach out to the Curse of Miss America team at missamericapod@gmail.com. For more Curse of Miss America, follow us on Instagram @glasspodcasts.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“Curse Of” is back for season two. This time, we’re doing a deep dive on Miss America. We’re talking about the pageant’s history, its impact on our larger culture, and of course, the scandals.
Host Bridget Armstrong talks to former Miss Americas, whistleblowers, and pageant insiders. We found a messy legal battle that’s unfolding in real time. It’s a story the pageant really doesn’t want us to tell. It raises the question: what is Miss America so afraid of?
You can reach out to the Curse of Miss America team at missamericapod@gmail.com. For more Curse of Miss America, follow us on Instagram @glasspodcasts.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.