Kyle RisiThe RingmasterDoes the research.
The Compendium Podcast
An
assembly
of
fascinating
things.
A weekly variety podcast exploring stories from the darker corners of true crime, historical events and incredible people.
One complete story in around an hour, researched properly, told from beginning to end, and packed with the details you’ll want to tell somebody else later.
True Crime · History · Incredible People
NEW THIS WEEK
Nasubi: The Real Life Truman Show
An aspiring comedian enters a sweepstakes challenge and unknowingly becomes one of Japan’s biggest television stars. Nasubi’s 15-month ordeal reveals how an unlocked door, an unseen audience and a desperate hope for fame can turn entertainment into e...
New Here
Start somewhere good.
Three listener favourites. No commitment ceremony required.
Marilyn Monroe: Dark History of How Hollywood Built and Broke an Icon
The story of Marilyn Monroe began unassumingly, with a shy, anxious girl known simply as Norma Jean. Out of a brutal childhood, Hollywood constructed the blonde bombshell: a persona shaped by damage, fame, and public fantasy, transforming Norma Jean ...
McMillions: The McDonald’s Monopoly Frauds and Scams Story Explained in Full
A decade-long McDonald’s Monopoly Scam turns “random winners” into a pattern, and a single stolen game piece into a nationwide FBI operation with a name that sounds like a pub quiz answer.
Aileen Wuornos: What Really Happened to America’s Notorious Female Serial Killer
A life shaped by trauma, violence, and survival culminates in a series of murders that stun America. This episode examines the making of Aileen Wuornos and the boundary between victimhood and brutality.
Why the compendium?
Stories worth
losing an hour to.
The best stories do something to you.They make you laugh. They make you angry. They send you down a rabbit hole. They leave you thinking, how the hell did I not know about this?
That’s what we’re always chasing.
Remarkable people. Strange moments in history. Scandals, disasters, mysteries and stories that sound completely made up until you realise they actually happened.
We go deep enough to make them matter, but never so deep that they stop being fun.
No padding. No dragging one story across ten episodes. Just fascinating stories, told with curiosity, humour and all the strange little details that make you want to immediately tell someone else about them.
More about us →Your hosts
Meet the freaks responsible.
Adam CoxThe WildcardHears it for the first time.
One brings the story. One brings the reactions.
Nobody brings adequate supervision.
LATEST EPISODES
The Tromp Family Mystery: The Australian Family Who Fled Their Own Minds
In 2016, five members of the Tromp family fled their farm in a single car, leaving behind their passports, credit cards and mobile phones. Why they fled remains one of Australia's greatest modern mysteries—a mystery that not even the Tromp family can...
MKUltra: The Dark History of CIA Mind Control and Frank Olson
MKUltra was the CIA’s secret Cold War programme built around drugs, hypnosis, interrogation, and the dream of controlling the human mind. This episode follows Frank Olson, LSD testing, Operation Midnight Climax, Donald Ewen Cameron, destroyed files, ...
Lucy Letby: The Evidence, the NHS Failures, and the Question That Won’t Go Away
The Lucy Letby case begins inside a neonatal unit where the most vulnerable babies in the hospital were supposed to be receiving round-the-clock care. When deaths and sudden collapses rose sharply, consultants at the Countess of Chester Hospital bega...
Michael Jackson: From Gary, Indiana to the Biggest Star Alive
Long before the moonwalk and the stadiums, Michael Jackson was one of ten children crammed into a small house on Jackson Street in Gary, Indiana. His father, Joe, a steelworker with stalled musical ambitions of his own, recognised something extraordi...
Aileen Wuornos: The Female Serial Killer Who Said It Was Self Defense
Aileen Wuornos is remembered as one of the most notorious female serial killers in American history, the woman Charlize Theron played in Monster and the press dubbed the Damsel of Death. The truth underneath that label is much harder to sit with. She...
Fyre Festival: Billy McFarland and the Greatest Party That Never Happened
Fyre Festival promised the most exclusive party on earth: supermodels, private jets and music on a Bahamian island. What it delivered was rain-soaked tents, no water, and a cheese sandwich that became one of the internet's most infamous images.
Ed Gein: The Butcher of Plainfield and the Real Horror Behind the Movies
Ed Gein, the so-called Butcher of Plainfield, is remembered as one of America's most notorious killers, yet only two of his murders were ever confirmed. This is the true story of the quiet Wisconsin handyman, the mother who shaped him, and the horror...
Princess Diana Part 1: The Royal Romance That Was Over Before It Began
Princess Diana thought she was marrying into a fairytale. By the honeymoon, she needed a memo to have lunch with her own husband. This is Princess Diana before the icon, the lonely childhood, the strange chaperoned courtship, and a royal marriage tha...
Genie Wiley: Dark History of the Child Hidden From the Whole World
Genie Wiley was the child hidden from the world for thirteen years before her rescue became a test case for language, trauma, and the ethics of scientific research. This episode follows her abuse, rehabilitation, and the systems that failed her after...
Somerton Man: The Mystery Given a Name After 70 Years
Somerton Man is one of Australia’s most enduring mysteries: an unidentified body found on Somerton Beach in Adelaide in 1948, a hidden scrap of paper reading “Tamám Shud”, and a trail of clues that only got stranger.
Apple Podcasts
Can’t get enough
This podcast is the perfect mix of informative and hilarious. Their quick wit, easy banter, and solid storytelling is top-notch. I wait for new episodes to be released, and that’s rare for me.
Beamly
Didn't know it will become my all-time favourite
Stumbled upon this podcast accidentally and didn't know I will end up listening to almost all of their episodes in like a few weeks. i'm from Canada. I love when Adam goes OH My DAYS 😂. I also recently followed you on Instagram and it was nice to give face to the voices. I've been listening. You guys are amazing. I love how with the podcast informative and hilarious and the same time your accent and voices give it like a nice twist. And I honestly can't wait for New podcast to drop. Thank you for whatever you're doing. I love you guys.
Apple Podcasts
Great job!
I found you via the Erin Patterson episode. Great job!! 🙌
Beamly
The Best Double Act Since Pinky and The Brain
Hands down my favourite podcast and one I look forward to every week. I generally hate Tuesdays as this is our team meeting day but this podcast has ensured I have something interesting to talk about to my less interesting colleagues. I am working my way through the back catalogue and have given my husband explicit instructions that for my birthday I want one present only…. to become a freak! Let’s see how much he listens to me! See you next Tuesday!
Apple Podcasts
Fun
But seriously- the ads are SO LOUD and intrusive. I know they don’t have control over the actual ads but how about a bumper so we know when to hit the advance button.
Apple Podcasts
A Fun Listen!
I recently discovered The Compendium after seeing Maternal Instinct on Netflix and looked for a podcast on the topic to learn more. Kyle and Adam’s telling had some things left out of the Netflix show and it was enjoyable to listen to (must be the accents!). I then checked out past episodes and I’m hooked in to check them all out.
Apple Podcasts
Fun and informative
Interesting, often little-known tales make this an easy listen. The hosts are funny and friendly, and keep their banter at a level that complements the storytelling, rather than overwhelming it.
Apple Podcasts
Funny, informative, and respectful
I am glad I didn’t find this podcast in its first season because it’s allowed me to have a nice deep collection to binge. I’ve fallen behind on my other podcasts because I’m enjoying this one so much! Kyle and Adam have the perfect balance of banter and seem to truly enjoy each other. There’s no stepping over each other or trying to outdo the other. They’re funny and lighthearted, but when they are discussing serious or distressing topics, they don’t make it the butt of jokes. The only small thing I wish for: Get to the episode. Not a fan of the intro blabbing. The info on the topic is always so good— I want to get to it.
Apple Podcasts
100% recommend!
The compendium never disappoints! These two are so funny and always leave you wondering if they are idiots of genius (I suspect the latter)
Apple Podcasts
Thanks!
I had contempt for Michael Jackson prior to investigation. Thanks for doing the investigation and revealing the facts. Your show is excellent and sincerely thought provoking.
Apple Podcasts
🎪👏😍
Great stuff, want more.
Apple Podcasts
Great podcast
I’m really loving this podcast. It’s funny, engaging, love the banter and hearing stories I’ve never knew about.. well worth subscribing and listening to..
Apple Podcasts
Love the pod…..but….
I love this podcast. I love the topics, Kyle and Adam’s banter and accents, the length of episode. The ONE thing that needs to go, is the AI photos used for the episodes. In a world where AI is using up water and taking work away from artists, I would hope two creative interesting people wouldn’t contribute to that. Do better! Hire real artists or find premade images online. No need for ai.
Apple Podcasts
Jemaine Clement? Is that you?
These guys know what they’re doing! They’re hilarious and insightful, and tell the greatest most interesting stories from history. Also, who knew Jemaine Clement had a side gig as a podcaster. (Here’s looking at you “Adam”.)
Apple Podcasts
Five Stars!
Yo! I started listening a while ago and left you this very standard review: “a clever, witty and genuinely fun podcast. Highly recommend!” . Still mean that but Just wanted to add as a former resident of the UK and then NY and now elsewhere in US. Really appreciate your take, perspective and overarching sense of humor. Hope you keep it up and hold it down MFs.
Apple Podcasts
The things really are fascinating…
I love the range of interesting topics this podcast covers and the amusing way Kyle and Adam cover them. Their overview of the Chinchilla kidnapping is my favourite so far - truth is stranger than fiction!
Apple Podcasts
New Listener from Africa!
Absolutely love how you guys tell stories catch myself talking back as if i am the third podcast member! keep going🩷
Apple Podcasts
Carling
Great show really love the way you tell these story’s
Apple Podcasts
Love from an Aussie
Love Kyle and Adam! Really great and concise storytelling! Topics are always really interesting. Well done, mates!
Apple Podcasts
Can’t resist the subscription.
I’m not thrilled that they started charging a subscription fee for future episodes, but I can’t resist. I love listening to these two while at the gym late nights. This podcast has quickly become one of my favorites.
Apple Podcasts
Love!
This is a fun podcast covering a nice array of pop culture and history moments.
Apple Podcasts
Cheerful Chappies!
Really enjoy listening to this podcast. Varied content. Adam and Kyle humour and enthusiasm is infectious! 😂
Apple Podcasts
Great stuff!
Just started listening to these guys, and really enjoying it. Interesting topics, fun and funny hosts . Thanks, guys
Apple Podcasts
Adam and Kyle!!
I found your podcast while looking for true crime stories. And I just fell in love with both of you and your way of telling the stories!! Y’all always make my day. Thank you and keep it going!
Apple Podcasts
Great pod
Love this pod - well researched & funny, gives way more context to stories than even Netflix/hulu docs that can feel more one sided. Keep it up guys!
Apple Podcasts
Well researched and entertaining
I can add this pod to my list of favourites. The hosts are engaging and discuss interesting well-researched topics. Glad I’ve subscribed 🙌🏾
Apple Podcasts
Love this pod
This podcast is like sitting down with a couple of good friends. Stories are well-researched and the delivery style is casual but not full of the annoying sound issues and pointless diversions that are common in these types of podcasts. Keep it up!!!!
Apple Podcasts
One of my fav’s - easily!!
Just 🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷Kyle & Adam! Perfect blend of humor, banter - though not too much, just right! Very well researched episodes & Kyle is a wonderfully talented narrator/ storyteller/ documentarian…..what to call him….🤔. Wait! PODCASTER!!! Anyway, they both have beautiful voices & I find I am quickly immersed in the episode at hand. Some podcasts, even the very good ones, can be a little less seductive at first. These 2 gentlemen smoothly seduce one in before you know it. 😀😆 my guess is they’ll have a good laugh at that one!
Apple Podcasts
Must listen!
Deep dive into specific historical events with context and humor. Love these guys.
Apple Podcasts
Favorite Podcast
Love you guys 🤗
Apple Podcasts
Constant Interrupting
So wish I could get through the Ed Gein story but wow! All the interrupting from on of the hosts and constant commentary, the other host could barely get through the story. Had to shut it off.
Apple Podcasts
Hilarious
Dying laughing at them reading Charles and Camilla’s tampongate transcript!! Hilarious.
Apple Podcasts
Fav podcast
Love this podcast and look forward to the new eps each week. The topics they cover are so interesting
Apple Podcasts
Amazing
I listen to this podcast every single night! EDIT- as much as I love you guys are having a break… I really need you both to come back now!!
Apple Podcasts
Highly recommend!
Really glad I stumbled across this podcast :)
Apple Podcasts
I liked the logo and now love the show
I was desperate for a new podcast to listen to throughout my day, I saw the logo and the name and thought it was witty and decided to zoom backward to the first episode. I’m not yet caught (somewhere in 2024 I think) up but I have enjoyed every episode so far. The artwork for each episode is fantastic and the topics are wonderful and I know I will be sad when I get caught up and have to wait for new episodes 😂. These two are totally worth a listen!
Apple Podcasts
Great Find!
I was looking for information on a specific topic in the search feature in Apple podcast brought me to this show. I love the way they break down what’s going on in the world and the commentary is fantastic. Keep up the good work!
Apple Podcasts
Fun, Entertaining and Informative
Absolutely love Kyle and Adam’s show! Super fun and entertaining but I also learn a lot. Awesome job putting the pod together guys! You pick great topics to cover.
Apple Podcasts
Best Podcast Ever
I started listening to this show literally a week ago and I became obsessed. It started with the Ocean Gate episode and I was so fascinated and amazed by all the humor yet details in the cases. In a week I’ve listened to 40+ episodes and I’m still going! I cannot wait for more episodes to drop. I can’t get enough!
Apple Podcasts
Great Show
You guys are doing a bang up job. Love the show.
Apple Podcasts
Your sources?
This could be a really great podcast if you cited your research. In the Oceangate episode, you claim that the media knew the Titan had imploded, and every reporter kept that a secret for days to increase ratings. What are your sources for this? Here’s what came out in press conferences televised at the time: authorities announced that a rhythmic banging was heard on sonar that could be the passengers banging on the Titan for rescue. The search was called a rescue, not a recovery, for days by the people looking for Titan. U.S. authorities did not share with rescue personnel right away about hearing a noise around the time the Titan went missing. So why do you blame the media for reporting what the rescue authorities were saying?
Apple Podcasts
A great listen
This show is always interesting, I like the format. The episodes are longer than a lot of shows which is a good idea.
Apple Podcasts
New Fave
Discovered this pod yesterday when I searched for ‘Oceangate’ and I’m hooked! I love a good and thorough breakdown on a subject now I’m going down the rabbit hole listening to the older episodes.
Apple Podcasts
Great mix
Awesome stories, well told. Very easy listening with a few laughs along the way.
Apple Podcasts
Fantastic presentation, funny and interesting
These two are perfectly matched. So funny, great topics, super presentation. Love listening them.
Apple Podcasts
Great Stories
My new favorite podcast. A perfect mix of interesting stories, informative research and humor. Their cadence and banter keep me engaged.
Apple Podcasts
Getting better
Interesting topics, great storytelling, and skilled on-mike presence. They are improving a lot, but I was a bit disappointed at the comments about Irish people drinking and women being better equipped to take care of children. I wish they’d stop with the AI art. I’ll keep listening though.
Apple Podcasts
Grabs you and won’t let go!
The presentation is thorough and informative. Additionally, their quirky keeps me entertained and happy despite the difficult topics Yeah!
Apple Podcasts
Praise from across the pond ✈️👏🏼
I stumbled on to these guys to hear their episode on the Last Breath diver and what a good find! I’m a big fan of their artwork for each episode and such good coverage! Their accents are oddly soothing and I especially enjoy the way they say “garage”. I’m unapologetically binging all their episodes. A+ highly recommend🫶🏼 - your new fan from Brooklyn, NYC
Apple Podcasts
5 stars
Interesting and wide ranging topics, well researched, and witty banter wrapped with a British accent bow. What’s not to love?
“The Compendium has done a good job establishing itself among a growing number of nerdy British buddy podcasts.”
— RollingStone
“A perfect mix of knowledge, storytelling and genuine curiosity. More of this, please.”
— Larura M
“I binged the entire back catalogue in a week. Completely hooked from the first episode.”
— Richard Cox ·
“Brilliantly researched and genuinely laugh-out-loud funny. A rare combination.”
— Sarah Flaxman
“The only podcast my whole family agrees on. Endlessly interesting every single week.”
— Jill
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