Podcast Summary: "Listen Now: Lawless Planet" from Dying For Sex

Release Date: July 28, 2025
Host/Author: Wondery
Title: Lawless Planet

Introduction to "Lawless Planet"

In the episode titled "Lawless Planet," Dying For Sex expands its investigative prowess by introducing listeners to a new Wondery production that delves deep into the intricate and often perilous intersections between environmental crises and criminal activities. Hosted by Zach Goldbaum, "Lawless Planet" promises to uncover the hidden narratives lurking beneath the surface of our planet's most pressing ecological issues.

Unveiling the Dark Underbelly of the Climate Crisis

From the lush expanses of the Amazon rainforest to the coal-dotted terrains of small-town America, Zach Goldbaum navigates through a labyrinth of stories that spotlight the multifaceted nature of environmental degradation. The podcast meticulously exposes:

• Murder and Violence: Tales of activists who have lost their lives standing up for environmental causes, emphasizing the personal risks involved in advocating for change.

• Corporate Cover-ups and Greed: Investigations into how powerful corporations manipulate data, silence dissent, and prioritize profits over the planet, leading to widespread ecological harm.

• Impact on Ordinary People: Stories highlighting how everyday individuals become entangled in the crossfire between environmental preservation and industrial exploitation.

Notable Quote:
[00:00] Host: "What if I told you the biggest crime story of our time is happening right under our noses and we're all witnesses."

Case Study: The Disappearance of Larry Price Jr.

A centerpiece of the episode is the enigmatic case of Larry Price Jr. (LJ), a 38-year-old coal mining businessman from Bluefield, Virginia. The narrative unfolds as follows:

• Initial Disappearance:
  [01:15] Narrator: "It's just before 2am on April 18, 2018. Amy Price is in her home in Bluefield... Amy hasn't heard from him since and now she's scared."

• Last Known Activities:
  LJ was last seen around 8 pm, mentioning business matters at a coal mine. His unexplained absence raised alarms, especially given his recent behavior indicative of depression.

• Search and Reappearance:
  Despite extensive searches involving police helicopters and canine units, LJ only reappeared nearly 24 hours later, far from the initial search area. His sudden return, marked by haunting tattoos and a troubled demeanor, sets the stage for uncovering systemic issues within the coal mining industry.

Notable Quote:
[01:48] Amy Price: "Larry Price Jr., Or LJ as he's known to friends, is 38 years old... working from Virginia all the way to Montana. But lately, Amy could tell things at work were not going well."

Exposing Environmental Crimes Fueling the Climate Crisis

Beyond individual stories, "Lawless Planet" casts a spotlight on broader environmental atrocities that exacerbate the climate crisis. These include:

• Illegal Activities in Sensitive Regions:
  From unauthorized gold mining in the Amazon, which devastates ecosystems, to the manipulation of pipelines in Louisiana's swamps, the podcast illustrates how criminal enterprises prioritize short-term gains over long-term planetary health.

• Violence Against Environmentalists:
  The peril faced by activists is a recurring theme, with accounts of those who have been killed or threatened for their unwavering commitment to conservation and sustainable practices.

Notable Quote:
[04:07] Amy Price: "You destroyed our tent. We call things accidents. There is no accident. This was 100% preventable."

The Human Element: Personal Stories Amidst Global Crises

While "Lawless Planet" delves into large-scale environmental and criminal issues, it remains grounded through personal narratives that humanize these global challenges. Amy Price's heartfelt recounting of her husband's disappearance underscores the profound personal toll that environmental crimes exact on families and communities.

Notable Quote:
[04:05] Host: "Are we really safe? Is our water safe?"
[04:07] Amy Price: "You destroyed our tent... I remember looking under the rig and seeing the water on fire. And I thought, what have you done?"

Conclusion: The Imperative to Listen and Act

"Lawless Planet" serves not only as a harrowing exposé of environmental malfeasance but also as a clarion call for listeners to become informed and engaged. By weaving together investigative journalism with compelling storytelling, Zach Goldbaum ensures that the urgent message about our planet's plight resonates deeply.

Final Thought:
[05:06] Narrator: "The crime of the century is the one being waged on our planet. The time to listen is now."

Listeners are encouraged to subscribe to "Lawless Planet" on the Wondery App or their preferred podcast platform to stay informed about the ongoing battles for our planet's future.

Notable Quotes Recap

• Host: "What if I told you the biggest crime story of our time is happening right under our noses and we're all witnesses." (00:00)
• Amy Price: "Larry Price Jr., Or LJ as he's known to friends..." (01:48)
• Amy Price: "You destroyed our tent. We call things accidents. There is no accident. This was 100% preventable." (04:07)
• Narrator: "The crime of the century is the one being waged on our planet. The time to listen is now." (05:06)

Join the Conversation:
"Lawless Planet" is available exclusively on the Wondery App and other major podcast platforms. For an ad-free and early access experience, listeners can subscribe to Wondery Plus by visiting wondery.com/links/dying-for-sex.