American Scandal – The Kidnapping of Patty Hearst | The Plot | Episode 1 (ENCORE)
Podcast: American Scandal
Host: Lindsay Graham (Wondery)
Date: December 30, 2025 (originally aired in 2022)
Episode Theme:
This episode launches the dramatic retelling of the Patty Hearst kidnapping—one of the most sensational crimes of 1970s America. It explores the Hearst family's legacy, Patty's struggles to define her identity apart from her family, the rise of the radical Symbionese Liberation Army (SLA), and the plot that led to Patty's abduction. The episode examines not only the scandal itself, but also its roots in family conflict, radical politics, and the volatile spirit of the era.
Episode Overview
- A Night in Berkeley: The Kidnapping
- Patricia Hearst’s Early Life and Family Dynamics
- Birth of the Symbionese Liberation Army
- The SLA’s First Murder and Internal Turmoil
- The Plan to Kidnap Patty Hearst
- Law Enforcement Begins Closing In
1. A Night in Berkeley: The Kidnapping
[00:00–07:07]
- Opening Scene:
February 4, 1974, Berkeley. Patty Hearst, 19, an heiress to the Hearst media empire, spends a quiet evening with her fiancé, Steve Weed. - Sudden Intrusion:
A mysterious woman knocks at their door under false pretenses, and three masked armed intruders barge in. - Patty's Realization:
They target Patty specifically, referencing her family name:"How the hell do you not have a safe? You’re a Hearst."
-- SLA kidnapper ([03:15]) - Patty is gagged, blindfolded, and dragged out as her fiancé flees.
- Patty understands:
"This isn't just a simple robbery. This is a kidnapping. And Patricia Hearst is the target."
-- Narration ([04:40])
2. Patricia Hearst’s Early Life and Family Dynamics
[07:08–17:55]
-
Hearst’s Family Legacy:
Background on the wealthy, powerful, and famous Hearst family—the early fortune from newspapers, the iconic Hearst Castle, and Patty's upbringing in privilege and scrutiny. -
School and Rebellion:
From strict Catholic school to her act of defiance:"[She] looks her teacher in the eye, and without blinking, she tells the nun to go to hell."
-- Narration ([09:35]) -
Relationship with Steve Weed:
Patty’s move to college life at Berkeley and partnership with Weed—her rebellion against a stifling legacy turns into domestic dissatisfaction.- Increasing arguments and emotional distance.
- Patty tries to assert her independence and identity.
- Intense argument scene:
"Steve, you might be getting a PhD in philosophy, but you're not so smart when it comes to treating people the right way.”
-- Patricia Hearst ([13:00]) - He locks her out of their apartment; she apologizes and returns—illustrating their fraught, unbalanced dynamic.
-
Holiday Visit & Engagement Photo:
Patty and Steve visit her parents for a photo shoot announcement.- Her mother, Catherine, is controlling; insists Steve behave for the family’s reputation.
- Tension over appearances, politics, and generational divides.
- Catherine’s private plea:
"It's not too late. I would never judge you if you had a change of heart."
-- Catherine Hearst ([17:27])
3. Birth of the Symbionese Liberation Army
[17:56–24:47]
- Introduction to Sin Kyu Mtume (Donald DeFreeze):
- Sin Kyu’s (formerly Donald DeFreeze) transformation from a troubled teenager to convicted criminal and prison activist.
- He idolizes George Jackson and takes a new name, signifying radical intent.
- Sin Kyu’s Prison Escape:
- He exploits a security lapse in Soledad Prison and flees.
- The Radical Trio Meets:
- Sin Kyu is joined by Patricia "Ms. Moon" Soltyszek (former Berkeley radical) and Nancy Ling Perry.
- They devise plans for radical action, forming the basis of the SLA—the "Symbionese Liberation Army."
- Deliberation over the group's name:
“Symbiosis…Symbionese Army…Symbionese Liberation Army. The Symbionese Liberation Army. That’s the name. Yeah. That’s who we are. The SLA.”
-- Sin Kyu ([23:40])
- The SLA’s revolutionary aspirations:
- Unity across race and gender, with anti-capitalist, anti-oppression goals; inspired by but distinct from the Black Panthers.
4. The SLA’s First Murder and Internal Turmoil
[24:48–34:05]
-
Targeting Marcus Foster:
- The SLA targets Dr. Marcus Foster, Oakland’s school superintendent, for his controversial school security plans—believed to be a betrayal by both radical left and black community.
- The group arms itself, planning to assassinate Foster.
-
The Assassination:
- Poorly executed; Nancy Ling Perry fires first and misses, then hits Foster. Sin Kyu and Ms. Moon finish the job; Foster is killed.
-
Aftermath:
- The Black Panthers and many in the activist community condemn the SLA; the group is now infamous for a senseless killing instead of being rallied behind as hoped.
- Sin Kyu’s leadership is questioned, and the group faces the need for a new strategy.
-
Memorable Moment:
"The SLA’s first revolutionary action had been a failure... facing public disgrace, Sin Kyu knew he had to figure out a new plan."
-- Narration ([33:15])
5. The Plan to Kidnap Patty Hearst
[34:06–40:33]
- Regrouping in the Safe House:
- SLA membership expands, but morale is low after the Foster murder.
- Bill Harris proposes guerrilla theater—rob a truck and give meat to the poor—but Sin Kyu wants something that will shake America and draw attention back to their cause.
- Discovery of Patty Hearst:
- Harris points out the Hearst engagement article in a newspaper, suggesting her as the perfect kidnapping target.
- Sin Kyu seizes on this as an opportunity:
“She’s an heiress to a publishing empire, a princess from the ruling class…a high profile kidnapping would make a splash.”
-- Narration ([39:48])
- Plan Formation:
- Sin Kyu approves the idea, launching the plot that will culminate in Patty’s abduction.
6. Law Enforcement Begins Closing In
[40:34–end]
- Police Intervene:
- Officer David Douge in Concord, CA, stumbles upon SLA members Joe Ramiro and Robert Scalise in a suspicious van.
- After a tense interaction, shots are fired; Ramiro flees, while Scalise is arrested.
- Discovery:
“Inside the van…a stack of brightly colored flyers…an image of a seven headed cobra and the words 'Symbionese Liberation Army'.”
-- Narration ([45:25]) - Law Enforcement Realization:
- Police realize they’re closer to the group behind the Foster murder and, unknowingly, the imminent Hearst kidnapping.
Notable Quotes & Moments
-
“This isn’t just a simple robbery. This is a kidnapping. And Patricia Hearst is the target.”
— Narration ([04:40]) -
“You spend all your time reading books. Have you ever looked up, tried to read the room, maybe be a little more humble?”
— Patricia Hearst ([13:05]) -
"Symbionese Liberation Army. That’s the name. Yeah. That’s who we are. The SLA."
— Sin Kyu ([23:40]) -
"The SLA’s first revolutionary action had been a failure... facing public disgrace, Sin Kyu knew he had to figure out a new plan."
— Narration ([33:15]) -
“She’s an heiress to a publishing empire, a princess from the ruling class…a high profile kidnapping would make a splash.”
— Narration ([39:48])
Episode Significance
The episode vividly recreates the ordinary and extraordinary moments leading to the Patty Hearst scandal.
- It builds empathy for Patty and exposes family and class tensions.
- It contextualizes the rise of leftist radicalism—and the splintering and misjudgments that underlie American political violence in the 1970s.
- It sets the stage for the infamous "Stockholm Syndrome" controversy and media spectacle that will follow.
Key Segments & Timestamps
- Kidnapping of Patty Hearst: [00:00–07:07]
- Patricia's Family & School Life: [07:08–17:55]
- SLA Formation & Ideology: [17:56–24:47]
- Murder of Marcus Foster: [24:48–34:05]
- Planning Patty's Kidnapping: [34:06–40:33]
- Police Close In (Van Scene): [40:34–end]
Next Episode Teaser:
The Hearst family enters public negotiations with the SLA. But when Patty’s voice is broadcast nationwide, she makes a shocking declaration about her family and captors, fundamentally changing the course of the scandal.
Recommend further reading:
- American Heiress by Jeffrey Toobin
- Every Secret Thing by Patricia Campbell Hearst & Alvin Moscow
[End of Summary]