Summary of "Lawless Planet" Episode from REDACTED: Declassified Mysteries with Luke Lamana
Episode Release Date: July 28, 2025
In the gripping episode titled "Lawless Planet" from REDACTED: Declassified Mysteries with Luke Lamana, host Zach Goldbaum takes listeners on a deep dive into the clandestine and often perilous intersections of environmental crises and criminal activities. This episode unveils how unchecked corporate greed, environmental degradation, and human tragedy converge, creating a formidable threat to our planet's future.
Introduction: Unveiling the Hidden Crimes
Zach Goldbaum sets the stage by highlighting the pervasive and often unnoticed crimes contributing to the escalating climate crisis. He emphasizes that these are not merely environmental issues but are deeply entwined with dark undercurrents of murder, corporate cover-ups, and unprecedented greed.
Zach Goldbaum: "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]
Case Study: The Disappearance of LJ Price Jr.
Amy Price's Desperate Search
The episode centers around the mysterious disappearance of Larry "LJ" Price Jr., a 38-year-old influential figure in the coal mining industry. On April 18, 2018, Amy Price, LJ's wife, becomes frantic after not hearing from him since his last communication about handling urgent matters at a coal mine.
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." [01:45]
Despite extensive search efforts involving police, helicopters, and search dogs, LJ remains missing. The tension heightens when a nearly 24-hour mark passes without any news, only for LJ to be found alive but still entangled in deeper troubles.
LJ Price Jr.: A Man Caught in Turmoil
LJ Price Jr. is portrayed as a dedicated coal miner turned significant industry player, known for his muscular build and distinctive tattoos—symbols of his complex persona. His disappearance hints at underlying issues within the coal industry, potentially involving dangerous corporate practices or environmental negligence.
Narrator: "LJ Price is alive, but his troubles are just beginning. LJ's sudden disappearance and reappearance will set off a chain of events that will not only affect him but also expose the dirty underbelly of one of the country's largest coal mines." [02:30]
Broader Implications: Environmental Activism and Corporate Malfeasance
Voices from the Frontlines
Goldbaum broadens the narrative to encompass various stories that highlight the severe impact of environmental crimes:
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Local Residents express fear and frustration over the destruction of their communities and natural resources.
Local Resident: "Are we really safe? Is our water safe? You destroyed our town." [04:11]
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Environmental Activists speak out against preventable accidents and the relentless assault on nature.
Environmental Activist: "Things. Accidents. There is no accident. This was 100% preventable." [04:16]
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Oil Workers recount harrowing experiences witnessing environmental disasters firsthand.
Oil Worker: "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?" [04:22]
Global and Local Crises
The episode touches upon international and domestic incidents, such as:
- Activists chaining themselves to pipelines in Louisiana’s swamps.
- Butterfly conservationists in Mexico falling victim to cartel violence.
- Brazilian street gangs engaging in illegal gold mining in the Amazon, threatening one of the planet's most vital ecosystems.
Narrator: "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." [04:32]
Notable Quotes with Timestamped Attribution
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Zach Goldbaum:
- "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]
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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." [01:45]
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Local Resident:
- "Are we really safe? Is our water safe? You destroyed our town." [04:11]
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Environmental Activist:
- "Things. Accidents. There is no accident. This was 100% preventable." [04:16]
-
Oil Worker:
- "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?" [04:22]
Conclusion: The Urgent Call to Action
"Lawless Planet" serves as a compelling exposé on the symbiotic relationship between environmental degradation and criminal activities. Zach Goldbaum underscores the urgency of recognizing and addressing these hidden crimes to mitigate the escalating climate crisis. The episode calls on listeners to become informed and proactive in the fight to safeguard our planet.
Zach Goldbaum: "The crime of the century is the one being waged on our planet. The time to listen is now." [05:12]
Listeners are encouraged to engage with ongoing investigations and support initiatives aimed at environmental preservation and accountability within powerful institutions.
Join the Conversation
To further explore the themes discussed in "Lawless Planet," listeners can follow the podcast on the Wondery app or their preferred podcast platforms. Early and ad-free episodes are available through Wondery+, offering exclusive content for dedicated followers.
Connect with REDACTED: Declassified Mysteries
- Website: https://wondery.com/links/redacted/?ol=wnd~spot~ap~am
- Platforms: Wondery App, Apple Podcasts, Spotify
This detailed summary captures the essence of the "Lawless Planet" episode, providing an engaging overview of the key narratives, themes, and impactful quotes. It offers a comprehensive understanding for those who haven't listened, highlighting the critical issues at the heart of the climate crisis and the hidden crimes that exacerbate it.