Lawless Planet: Unveiling the Dark Crimes Behind the Climate Crisis
Podcast: Lawless Planet
Host: Zach Goldbaum
Release Date: July 28, 2025
Introduction
In the gripping premiere episode of Lawless Planet, host Zach Goldbaum delves into the intricate web of environmental crimes that are exacerbating the global climate crisis. This episode, titled "Lawless Planet," sets the stage for a series that explores the hidden atrocities occurring beneath the surface of environmental activism and corporate exploitation.
The Disappearance of Larry "LJ" Price Jr.
The episode opens with a harrowing account of Larry "LJ" Price Jr., a prominent figure in the coal mining industry. On April 18, 2018, LJ mysteriously vanished from his home in Bluefield, Virginia, leaving his wife, Amy Price, frantic and desperate for answers.
Amy's Desperation
Amy Price recounts her anguish in a distressing call to 911:
Amy Price (01:10): "Yeah, I was just calling. I'm trying to figure out my husband. He's been missing for a while. I can't figure out where he is."
Despite LJ's success in the coal mining sector, Amy reveals underlying issues in their relationship:
Amy Price (01:45): "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."
LJ's Mysterious Disappearance and Reappearance
LJ Price, known for his leadership in coal mines across Virginia and Montana, had recently displayed signs of distress. A week before his disappearance, LJ ominously advised Amy:
LJ Price (prior to disappearance): "If something happens to me, be thankful for the years we've had together. Also, liquidate all the stuff and stay in one location."
On the night of his disappearance, law enforcement launched a massive search operation. However, nearly 24 hours later, LJ was found alive, wandering 20 miles away from Amy's home, marking the beginning of a deeper unraveling of the coal industry's dark secrets.
Environmental Crimes and Corporate Malfeasance
Zach Goldbaum uses LJ's story as a gateway to explore broader environmental crimes impacting our planet.
Voices from the Frontlines
The episode includes vivid testimonies from individuals affected by environmental degradation:
Various Voices (04:16): "Things. Accidents. There is no accident. This was 100% preventable."
A firsthand account highlights the catastrophic consequences of corporate negligence:
Witness (04:22): "I could tell I was floating in oil and I remember looking under the rig and seeing the water on fire. And I thought, what have you done?"
Global Implications
Goldbaum emphasizes that environmental crimes are not confined to distant lands but are occurring nationwide:
Zach Goldbaum (03:58): "From coast to coast, people are fleeing flames, wind and water."
He draws connections between local incidents and global environmental impacts, illustrating the pervasive nature of these crimes.
Behind the Scenes: Activism and Violence
The narrative reveals the dangers faced by environmental activists combating these injustices.
Brave Activists at Risk
Goldbaum shares stories of courageous individuals who put their lives on the line to protect the environment:
Narrator (04:11): "I can’t take this anymore."
From chaining themselves to pipelines in Louisiana’s swamps to butterfly conservationists in Mexico facing cartel violence, these activists embody the struggle against powerful adversaries.
Corporate Greed and Cover-Ups
The episode exposes the lengths to which corporations will go to conceal their detrimental activities:
Various Voices (04:02): "We need help out of here. We are stuck."
Goldbaum highlights instances of corporate cover-ups, including illegal gold mining in the Amazon facilitated by Brazilian street gangs, showcasing the intersection of environmental destruction and organized crime.
Zach Goldbaum's Investigative Journey
Throughout the episode, Goldbaum reflects on his own investigative efforts to uncover these hidden crimes:
Zach Goldbaum (04:32): "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."
His dedication underscores the importance of bringing these issues to light, emphasizing that understanding and awareness are critical steps toward meaningful action against environmental degradation.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
"Lawless Planet" culminates with a powerful call to recognize and address the environmental crimes threatening our world:
Zach Goldbaum (05:12): "The crime of the century, is the one being waged on our planet. The time to listen is now."
Goldbaum urges listeners to stay informed and take action, highlighting the urgent need for collective efforts to combat these pervasive environmental injustices.
Final Thoughts
The debut episode of Lawless Planet offers a compelling and comprehensive exploration of the intersection between environmental activism, corporate malfeasance, and the resulting climate crisis. Through personal stories, expert testimonies, and investigative journalism, Zach Goldbaum sheds light on the true crimes fueling environmental destruction, setting the tone for a thought-provoking series that demands attention and action.
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