Lawless Planet: Unveiling the Dark Side of the Climate Crisis

Podcast: American History Tellers
Episode: Lawless Planet
Host: Zach Goldbaum
Release Date: July 28, 2025
Network: Wondery

Introduction

In the gripping episode titled "Lawless Planet" from the American History Tellers series, host Zach Goldbaum delves deep into the intersection of environmental degradation and criminal activities. This installment uncovers a tangled web of disappearances, corporate malfeasance, and the relentless fight of activists against a backdrop of a deteriorating planet. Through a compelling narrative, Goldbaum highlights how the climate crisis is not just an environmental issue but also a battleground for justice and survival.

The Mysterious Disappearance of LJ Price

The episode opens with a chilling real-life mystery that sets the stage for exploring broader environmental crimes.

The Call for Help

At [01:01], Amy Price reaches out in desperation:
Amy Price: "Where's your emergency? Yeah, I was just calling. I'm trying to figure out my husband. He's been missing for a while. I see him, I can't figure out where he is."

Background of LJ Price

Amy's husband, Larry Price Jr. (LJ Price), is introduced as a seasoned coal miner from Bluefield, Virginia. Described at [01:45] with distinctive tattoos and a robust presence, LJ has become a significant figure in the coal industry, overseeing operations across multiple states. However, recent signs of his depression and ominous warnings to Amy—"if something happens to me, be thankful for the years we've had together"—raise alarms about his well-being.

The Investigation

The narrative progresses to [03:48], where Amy voices broader concerns:
Amy Price: "From coast to coast, people are fleeing flames, wind and water. We need help out of here. We are stuck. We have caught on firearms."

As law enforcement ramps up the search, spanning from helicopters to canine units, the community grapples with uncertainty and fear. The turning point comes nearly 24 hours after LJ's disappearance when a driver spots him walking along a remote road, marking his unexpected reappearance but hinting that his ordeal is far from over.

Unraveling the Web of Environmental Crimes

LJ Price's case is not an isolated incident but a gateway to exposing the intricate ties between environmental exploitation and criminal endeavors.

The Environmental Devastation

At [04:02], Amy confronts the environmental ruin caused by unchecked industrial activities:
Amy Price: "Are we really safe? Is our water safe?"

The narrator responds at [04:04], highlighting systemic failures:
Narrator: "You destroyed our town. We call things accidents."

These exchanges underscore the tangible and personal impacts of environmental degradation on everyday lives.

Corporate Malfeasance and Activist Struggles

Zach Goldbaum contextualizes the broader implications of LJ's story by referencing various environmental conflicts:
Zach Goldbaum: "Over the years, I've reported on environmental activists chaining themselves to pipelines in the swamps of Louisiana, butterfly conservationists in Mexico who were killed for standing up to cartels. I've met Brazilian street gangs doing illegal gold mining in the Amazon."

These accounts illustrate the global scale of environmental crimes, from illegal mining to violent suppression of activists, painting a bleak picture of the ongoing battle for Earth's future.

The Crime of the Century

Concluding the main narrative, Goldbaum emphasizes the urgency and gravity of the situation:
Zach Goldbaum: "The crime of the century is the one being waged on our planet. And the time to listen is now."

This powerful statement serves as a call to action, urging listeners to recognize and respond to the intertwined crises of environmental destruction and criminal exploitation.

Conclusion

"Lawless Planet" masterfully weaves a tale of personal tragedy with global environmental issues, revealing how the fight against climate change is deeply interlaced with battles for justice and survival. Through the harrowing story of LJ Price and the broader examination of environmental crimes, Zach Goldbaum challenges listeners to confront the true cost of our planet's degradation and the lawlessness fueling it.

For those seeking to understand the multifaceted dimensions of America's history and its ongoing impact on today's environmental and social landscapes, this episode offers a profound and unsettling exploration. Tune in to American History Tellers on the Wondery App or your preferred podcast platform to embark on this enlightening journey.

Note: This summary excludes promotional content, advertisements, and non-essential segments to focus solely on the core narrative and insights presented in the episode.