American Scandal: Episode "Lawless Planet" Summary

Release Date: July 28, 2025
Host: Lindsay Graham
Produced by: Wondery

Introduction

In the "Lawless Planet" episode of American Scandal, Wondery delves into what is portrayed as the biggest crime story of our time: the intricate and perilous intersections between the climate crisis and organized crime. Hosted by Lindsay Graham, the episode introduces listeners to a world where environmental degradation, corporate malfeasance, and personal tragedies converge, uncovering the dark underbelly of America's battle for its natural resources and the lives entwined within.

The Mysterious Disappearance of LJ Price Jr.

[01:01]
The episode opens with a harrowing account from Amy Price, whose husband, Larry Price Jr. (LJ), has gone missing. Amy describes her fear and confusion as LJ, a prominent figure in the coal mining industry, vanishes without a trace after mentioning he had pressing matters to attend to at a coal mine.

Amy Price:
"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."
[01:01]

[01:45]
The narrative provides a detailed background on LJ Price Jr., a 38-year-old coal mining executive known for his significant influence in the industry across states like Virginia and Montana. Amy recounts LJ's recent struggles, noting his depression and ominous warnings about potential danger.

Amy Price:
"But he's been kind of depressed lately and I know there's a lot of things going on with him. I'm just real concerned."
[01:35]

Intense Search and Sudden Reappearance

[01:35] - [02:30]
As Amy grapples with her husband's disappearance, law enforcement launches an extensive search operation involving police officers, helicopters, and canine units. The investigation uncovers that LJ was last seen praying with his pastor over a critical business decision, heightening the mystery surrounding his absence.

[02:30]
Nearly 24 hours after LJ's disappearance, a driver reports spotting a man matching LJ's description approximately 20 miles from Amy's residence. While LJ is found alive, the circumstances of his disappearance raise numerous questions about the forces at play in the coal mining sector and their impact on individuals and communities.

Environmental Catastrophe and Corporate Malfeasance

[03:48] - [04:13]
The episode transitions to broader environmental issues, highlighting the devastating effects of industrial activities on small-town America. Amy Price voices the collective despair of communities facing environmental disasters.

Amy Price:
"From coast to coast, people are fleeing flames, wind and water. We need help out of here. We are stuck."
[03:48]

Zach Goldbaum, a key figure in uncovering environmental crimes, emphasizes the urgent and personal toll of these crises.

Zach Goldbaum:
"Nature is telling us. I can't take this anymore."
[03:57]

The narrative criticizes the mining industry's role in environmental degradation, pointing out that many disasters are misrepresented as accidents rather than intentional acts of destruction driven by profit.

Amy Price:
"Are we really safe? Is our water safe?"
[04:02]

Narrator:
"You destroyed our town. We call things accidents. There is no accident. This was 100% preventable."
[04:07]

Unveiling the True Crimes Fueling the Climate Crisis

[04:12] - [05:02]
The host connects individual tragedies like LJ's plight to larger systemic issues, including corporate cover-ups and environmental exploitation. Zach Goldbaum narrates personal experiences that shed light on global environmental crimes, such as illegal gold mining in the Amazon and violent suppression of conservation efforts in Mexico.

Narrator:
"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. And I've come to realize that these are the stories about our changing planet, that we need to tell stories about people and the things we're doing to either protect the earth or destroy it. In other words, the true crimes fueling the climate crisis."
[04:13]

Zach Goldbaum underscores the gravity of the situation, labeling it "the crime of the century" and calls for immediate attention and action.

Zach Goldbaum:
"The crime of the century is the one being waged on our planet. And the time to listen is now."
[05:02]

Conclusion

"Lawless Planet" serves as a gripping exploration of how environmental issues are intertwined with personal and societal scandals. Through the story of LJ Price Jr. and broader environmental injustices, the episode sheds light on the corruption, greed, and relentless ambition that threaten both the planet and the individuals who call it home. Lindsay Graham expertly guides listeners through these complex narratives, prompting reflection on accountability and the urgent need for systemic change.

Notable Quotes:

• Amy Price: "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." [01:01]

• Zach Goldbaum: "Nature is telling us. I can't take this anymore." [03:57]

• Amy Price: "Are we really safe? Is our water safe?" [04:02]

• Narrator: "You destroyed our town. We call things accidents. There is no accident. This was 100% preventable." [04:07]

• Zach Goldbaum: "The crime of the century is the one being waged on our planet. And the time to listen is now." [05:02]

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