Last Podcast on the Left – Episode Summary: Side Stories: The R Train

Release Date: April 30, 2025
Hosts: The Last Podcast Network (Henry Zebrowski and Marcus Parks)

Episode Overview

In the episode titled "Side Stories: The R Train," Last Podcast on the Left delves into a myriad of unsettling and bizarre true crime stories. Hosted by Henry Zebrowski and Marcus Parks, the episode seamlessly transitions between personal anecdotes, discussions on high-profile criminal cases, and peculiar incidents that highlight the darker facets of human behavior. This summary captures the essence of the episode, highlighting key discussions, insights, and notable quotes to provide listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the content.

1. Personal Updates and Birthday Celebrations

The episode opens with the hosts exchanging birthday greetings, marking Henry Zebrowski’s 41st birthday. Their lighthearted banter sets a casual tone for the episode.

• Marcus Parks [01:01]: “Happy birthday week.”
• Henry Zebrowski [01:15]: “But I've been sick for days.”

The conversation quickly shifts to their recent activities, including playing Baldur's Gate 3 and discussing personal relationships within the game, providing listeners with a relatable and humorous interlude.

2. Jillian Shiner and the Samuel Little Case

A significant portion of the episode focuses on Jillian Shiner, the wife of Weezer bassist Scott Shiner, and her involvement in the true crime community, particularly concerning serial killer Samuel Little.

• Henry Zebrowski [06:17]: “Jillian Shiner was doing some really, really great work within the true crime community.”

Shiner's investigative efforts allegedly led to Samuel Little’s confession, where he claimed to have a photographic memory that helped him recall details of his crimes against sex workers. The hosts discuss the reliability of Little's confessions and the impact of Shiner’s work.

• Marcus Parks [07:00]: “He's a serial killer of sex workers.”

Despite Shiner’s commendable efforts, Zebrowski expresses skepticism about the depth of information available on Little’s case, highlighting the limitations of their discussions.

3. Police Use of Force and Jillian Shiner Incident

The episode transitions to a controversial incident involving Jillian Shiner and the police during a high-speed chase in Los Angeles. Shiner inserted herself into the situation, armed and confrontational, leading to a fatal shootout captured on body cameras.

• Henry Zebrowski [08:58]: “She made a... she was very much in charge of her yard.”

The hosts debate the appropriateness of police responses in such scenarios, criticizing both Shiner’s actions and the officers’ handling of the situation. They explore themes of police training and the thin line between self-defense and excessive force.

• Marcus Parks [09:47]: “They are supposed to riddle you with bullets.”

Zebrowski and Parks discuss the complexities of armed civilians interacting with law enforcement, stressing the unpredictability and potential dangers inherent in these encounters.

4. Updates on Lori Vallow and Tammy Dale

The discussion shifts to Lori Vallow, convicted of killing her children, and Tammy Dale, recently convicted of conspiracy to murder her ex-husband Charles Vallow. The hosts express disdain for Vallow and critique the legal proceedings surrounding her case.

• Henry Zebrowski [16:44]: “She got released... facing attempted murder charges.”

They highlight perceived flaws in the judicial process, particularly in how jurors are treated and the potential for appeals to overturn verdicts based on juror misconduct.

5. Diddy Trial Updates

Zebrowski and Parks provide updates on the high-profile trial of Sean Combs (Diddy), who faces numerous charges related to entertainment, drug trafficking, and human trafficking.

• Henry Zebrowski [24:25]: “They are now trying to say... he was simply too wasted to have planned all that himself.”

The hosts criticize Diddy’s defense strategy, deeming it inadequate given the severity and scope of the alleged crimes spanning over two decades.

• Marcus Parks [25:36]: “I just don't think it's a defense.”

They explore the broader implications of celebrity involvement in criminal activities and the challenges of holding influential figures accountable.

6. The R Train Sex with Corpse Incident

One of the most disturbing stories covered is the case of Felix Rojas, charged with raping a corpse on New York City's R Train.

• Henry Zebrowski [36:34]: “Felix Rojas, 44 years, has been charged with first-degree rape over the disturbing April 9 incident on a subway train in Manhattan.”

The hosts dissect the incident, questioning the psychological factors that might drive someone to commit such a heinous act. They also touch on the societal and urban challenges that contribute to such bizarre crimes.

• Marcus Parks [36:35]: “It's truly the worst one... you gotta do it.”

Their analysis provides a chilling insight into the depths of human depravity and the complexities of criminal psychology.

7. Southwest Airlines Passenger Incidents

Zebrowski and Parks recount bizarre and unruly behaviors observed on Southwest Airlines flights, including passengers stripping naked and causing disturbances mid-flight.

• Henry Zebrowski [50:37]: “A woman took off her pants and stripped down naked fully nude while the plane was landing.”

The hosts highlight the exacerbating effects of alcohol on flights and critique Southwest’s policies regarding passenger conduct. They discuss the challenges airlines face in maintaining order and passenger safety.

• Marcus Parks [52:04]: “Police station... yeah.”

Their humorous yet critical take underscores the absurdities that can unfold within confined public spaces like airplanes.

8. Goose vs. Tiger at Columbus Zoo

A lighter, albeit still odd, story involves a Canadian goose engaging in a confrontation with a tiger at the Columbus Zoo, resulting in the goose successfully defending itself.

• Henry Zebrowski [77:06]: “A wild Canadian goose flew into an open-air tiger habitat... the tiger wound up with a face full of feathered fury.”

The narrative serves as a metaphor for unexpected resistance and the unpredictable nature of wild animal behavior, providing a momentary respite from the episode’s darker themes.

• Marcus Parks [78:07]: “She was drinking with her $50.”

9. Utah's First Cousin Marriage Laws

The hosts discuss Utah’s controversial laws permitting first cousins to marry under specific conditions, such as age restrictions and infertility.

• Marcus Parks [61:52]: “First cousins can legally get married in Utah if both parties are over the age of 65.”

Zebrowski and Parks criticize the legislation, mocking the rationale and societal implications of allowing familial relationships to formalize under these loopholes.

• Henry Zebrowski [62:23]: “That's what this is about... not having to worry about it.”

Their satirical take emphasizes the absurdity they perceive in the legal system’s handling of such sensitive issues.

10. Puppies Benefit Event Promotion

Towards the end of the episode, the hosts promote an upcoming benefit event aimed at assisting displaced pets and their families affected by wildfires.

• Henry Zebrowski [81:07]: “Deja Vu Showgirls, the prettiest butthole in Michigan competition is beginning.”

Though presented humorously, this segment underscores the podcast’s commitment to community engagement and charitable efforts, blending their trademark humor with genuine philanthropic intent.

Conclusion and Closing Remarks

The episode concludes with a mix of humor and gratitude, celebrating Henry Zebrowski’s birthday and reinforcing their connection with listeners. The hosts encourage audience participation through letters and promotions for upcoming events, maintaining an engaging and interactive rapport.

• Henry Zebrowski [83:48]: “Happy birthday, buddy.”

Their closing remarks leave listeners with a sense of camaraderie and anticipation for future episodes, encapsulating the podcast’s blend of horror, humor, and human interest stories.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Henry Zebrowski [09:16]: “I love. I love all of this. There's no way I wanted to go hang out with George Clinton.”

• Marcus Parks [10:34]: “They're sick. I got Henry sick.”

• Henry Zebrowski [14:02]: “I believe police should have goo guns and net guns, like, legitimately.”

• Marcus Parks [36:35]: “It's truly the worst one... you gotta do it.”

• Henry Zebrowski [83:49]: “Happy birthday, buddy.”

Final Thoughts

"Side Stories: The R Train" exemplifies Last Podcast on the Left’s ability to navigate through a spectrum of true crime stories with a unique blend of horror, humor, and insightful commentary. By interweaving personal narratives with discussions on complex criminal cases, the hosts provide listeners with an engaging and thought-provoking experience. This episode not only entertains but also invites reflection on societal issues, law enforcement practices, and the depths of human behavior.

For those who haven't yet listened, this episode offers a captivating glimpse into the podcast's signature style and thematic diversity, ensuring it’s a worthwhile addition to your true crime podcast collection.