Pop Mystery Pod

Prosecutors alleged in their case against Duane Davis aka Keefe D that Tupac’s 1996 murder was essentially an act of gang violence. The witness testimony in Davis’ case, however. points to a much bigger conspiracy at play. Was the killing of Tupac Shakur actually the work of a powerful syndicate? In this first of three chapters, Tess takes a close look at dark foundations that seem to have led to Tupac’s untimely death.  Tess interviews one of Tupac’s producers, Darryl Harper, about his own time making music with Tupac, and his own theories a...

A fixer. A security guard. A real estate investor. Fahim Muhammed played key roles in both Sean Diddy Comb’s and Michael Jackson’s lives. Is it just a coincidence that similar players appear in the grisly behind the scenes of both of these music tales? Tess dives into the strange connection between the end of life and death of Michael Jackson, and the alleged litany of crimes committed by Sean Diddy Combs.  Watch the documentary Murder Rap here.  Watch footage from the Dr. Conrad Murray Manslaughter trial here. ...

To unravel the business of Sean Combs is to see the ways in which his vast empire is connected to the music industry at large.  In the past few years, two big entertainment stories stand out as exceptionally shocking and horrifying: the wrongful conservatorship of Britney Spears, and the alleged large-scale sex trafficking syndicate of Sean Diddy Combs. It’s chilling then, to consider that both the business affairs of Sean Combs and Britney Spears were handled by the same business management company: TriStar Sports and Entertainment. Who is at the helm of this mega...

It’s hard to think about Sean DIddy Combs without thinking about the mysterious death of Kim Porter.  Sean Diddy Combs’ long-time partner and co-parent died at the young age of 47. At the time, her death was ruled the result of pneumonia, but insiders have expressed suspicions around why Porter really died. Given what’s been alleged about Combs in recent years, Tess unpacks the facts and rumors around Porter’s life and death.  Follow Pop Mystery Pod on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok @popmysterypod  Pop Mystery Po...

Though Sean Diddy Combs ultimately was found guilty of some of the lesser charges brought against him by the federal government, it can’t be argued that Diddy’s reputation has been irrevocably changed. The landslide of allegations against Sean Diddy Combs was started by a singular person - R&B singer Cassie Ventura. Cassie’s allegations formed the framework for the federal case against Sean Combs, which is set to kick off  May 5, 2025. Tess takes a deep look into Cassie’s harrowing escape and the surprising stories Cassie’s intersects with. Follow Pop Mystery Pod on Twitter, Ins...

Though this case has since been dismissed, the allegations made by plaintiff ashley Parham are chilling. One line in her complaint says it all:  “Plaintiff would pay for her statement regarding Tupac.” In this unnerving text from an assault case filed against Sean Diddy Combs, legal representatives for Ashley Parham, an alleged victim’s of Sean Combs synopsize what is a shocking and brutal claim of sexual assault by Combs. Parham’s story is deeply disturbing. It also provides telling insight into Comb’s alleged network of trafficking and coercion…and seems to point to figures still hiding in the darkness...

A jury has found Duane Davis guilty of killing Tupac Shakur. It has officially taken longer to convict a killer in this case than Tupac himself actually lived. Can we consider this justice served? Tess has insights from inside the court room, and some analysis into how the DA was able to land a guilty verdict despite having any corroborating evidence in their case.  Follow Pop Mystery Pod on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok @popmysterypod  Pop Mystery Pod is written and produced by Tess Barker @tesstifybarker. Produced by Tyler Hill.  Theme song by Rick Woo...

The prosecution has rested their case against Duane Davis…but is it really time to call it? Tess gives an update from the Vegas court room and some thoughts on the prosecution’s tactics as we head toward a verdict.  Follow Pop Mystery Pod on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok @popmysterypod  Pop Mystery Pod is written and produced by Tess Barker @tesstifybarker. Produced by Tyler Hill.  Theme song by Rick Wood @Rickw00d. Support independent pop journalism and join us on Patreon at Pop Mystery Pod. Get access to ad free episodes, bonus c...

It’s almost exactly thirty years since Tupac Shakur was gunned down in Las Vegas. Finally, someone is being charged with the rap legend’s murder. Is convicting defendant Duane Davis really bringing about justice for Tupac, though? Already, testimony and opening statements in this case reveal new questions about whether the death of Tupac Shakur was a carefully orchestrated event. Tess is in person in the courtroom in Vegas, and bringing you an update on where things stand so far.  Follow Pop Mystery Pod on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok @popmysterypod  Pop Mystery Pod is writte...

Since hard launching with Elon Musk at the Met Gala in 2018, recording artist Grimes has been a mysterious and divisive figure. Who is Grimes as an artist, and what could she have been had Musk not interceeded in her strange little indie career? Joining Tess for a deep dive on this mid aughts trance diva is Steven Ray Morris @stevenraymorris, host of “See Jurassic Right,” who has produced shows like “My Favorite Murder”, “Keenan and Lakin Give You Deja Vu” and “Jordan Jesse Go.”   Listen to “The Daily’s”  episode on Elon Musk  Read “Star Tribune” Houseboat Article <...

Jared Leto started his career as a 23 year old teen heartthrob on “My So Called Life.” He then went on to achieve the nearly impossible: dual careers as both a rock star and a critically acclaimed actor. Recent bombshell reporting from the BBC has revealed that over decades, as he’s enjoyed wild success, Leto has allegedly assaulted a staggering number of teenaged girls. Oh, and also he appears to have started a cult. Joining Tess to talk through Leto’s apparent history of predatory behavior is podcaster Shannon McNamara @fluentlyforward, host of the Fluently Forward podcast.  Listen to...

“America’s Next Top Model” is a stunning piece of television. For over a decade, svelte contestants ostensibly vied for a chance at modeling success. What they were also seemingly fighting for, however, is their mental well-being. What actually went down behind the scenes of this singular juggernaut of a show? Is the recent backlash against Tyra warranted? What exactly is she claiming in her lawsuit against Netflix? Perhaps most importantly wtf is hit ice cream? Joining Tess to walk the runway is comic, actor, and writer Jackie Johnson (@jackiemichellejohnson) Natch Beat; How to Get a Second Husband.  See J...

Thelma Todd seemed to be living the life of classic Hollywood dreams. She had a busy career, an active social life, and she owned a restaurant at arguably the most beautiful corner of southern California coastline. Then, one cold LA Christmas season, she died, alone in her own garage. The official ruling was that her death had been accidental carbon monoxide poisoning. A slough of suspicious characters surrounding Thelma and her death cast doubt on this theory, though. Investigating this 90 year old mystery with Tess is Babs Gray (@babsdgray) of Lady to Lady, Comedy Central, Vice.  Read M...

This week, we revisit a classic American story. For better or worse, “The Jerry Springer Show” changed television as we know it. Were the guests on this trainwreck real? Or fakers? Investigative journalists Tess Barker parses through Jerry Springer’s improbable life for clues as to how genuine the guests on his show were.  Tess is joined by comics Doug Stanhope @dougstanhope  and Terrence Newman @mayorofechopark, who have wild first-hand insights into the veracity of this iconic show.  Follow Pop Mystery Pod on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok @popmysterypod  Pop Mystery Pod is written and produc...

One of the most divisive figures in television history is not a person, but a box. One that was kept under lock and key for most of its owner’s life: The Laff Box. This tool, which generated fake laughter on countless of television comedies, has an improbable start, and a wild history. Joining Tess to talk through the fascinating life and death of the laugh track is comic and podcaster Holly Brown @hollybrowncomedy (Everyone Knows But Me.)  Read Charles Douglass obituary in the LA Times Read NY Times “Lives They Lived Making Us Laugh”  Re...

Pop history is full of notable independence days. If the red, white, and blue isn’t doing it for you, this year, here are some iconic moments of libration to celebrate instead.  Follow Pop Mystery Pod on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok @popmysterypod  Pop Mystery Pod is written and produced by Tess Barker @tesstifybarker. Produced by Tyler Hill.  Theme song by Rick Wood @Rickw00d. Support independent pop journalism and join us on Patreon at Pop Mystery Pod. Get access to ad free episodes, bonus content, and polls about upcoming topics. patreon.com/P...

The Titanic is one of the most famous and chilling disasters of all time. The movie “Titanic.”  could have also been a lesson in hubris. It was helmed by James Cameron, whose reportedly maniacal behavior may have been the impetus for a bizarre and mysterious food poisoning. There is so much to say about this strange and unlikely megahit. Joining Tess to explore “Titanic’s” wreckage is Caitlin Durante @caitlindurante (The Bechdel Cast).  Read  “The Futurist,” by Rebecca Keegan  Read the Time article “Glub, Glub, Glub,” by Kim Masters  Follow Pop Mystery Pod on Twitter, Instagram...

You don’t have to be a sports fan to appreciate the wild and jaw dropping tale of a sports reporter and a head coach whose affair may have changed the direction of the entire football league. Joining Tess to talk VrabelGate is Megan Gaiiley @bettermegaingailey Sports Bitches, The Roasts of Tom Brady and Kevin Hart) Follow Pop Mystery Pod on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok @popmysterypod  Pop Mystery Pod is written and produced by Tess Barker @tesstifybarker. Produced by Tyler Hill.  Theme song by Rick Wood @Rickw00d. Support independent pop jour...

Nearly thirty years after the killing of Tupac Shakur, Duane Davis is set to face murder charges in a Nevada court. Additionally, Davis has been named in a civil complaint filed by Tupac’s step brother Mopreme Shakur. If Davis was contracted to kill Tupac Shakur, why is he the only guy facing trial?  Follow Pop Mystery Pod on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok @popmysterypod  Pop Mystery Pod is written and produced by Tess Barker @tesstifybarker. Produced by Tyler Hill.  Theme song by Rick Wood @Rickw00d. Support independent pop journalism and join...

When TMZ reports on a tragedy in Los Angeles, chances are, it’s true. How does this tabloid source its seedy confidential information, and why do TMZ and its founder Harvey Levin remain such powerful forces in the land of pop journalism? Joining Tess to talk TMZ sleaze is comic and journalist Lauren Vino @boxedvino (Playboy, GQ, Mel Magazine, Black Out Diaries)  Read “The Digital Dirt” by Nicholas Schmidle  Read the LA Times Coverage of the fallout from Mel Gibson’s arrest Follow Pop Mystery Pod on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok @popmysterypod  Pop Myste...