Podcast Title: Lawless Planet
Episode: Listen Now: Lawless Planet
Release Date: July 29, 2025
Host: Zach Goldbaum
Produced by: Wondery

Introduction

In the premiere episode of "Lawless Planet," Wondery introduces listeners to a gripping narrative that delves deep into the dark underbelly of the climate crisis. Hosted by investigative journalist Zach Goldbaum, the series promises to uncover shocking tales of environmental destruction, corporate malfeasance, and the human stories intertwined with these global challenges.

Notable Quote:

"What if I told you the biggest crime story of our time is happening right now, under our noses, and we're all witnesses."
— Host (00:00)

Setting the Stage: A Hidden Crisis

The episode opens by framing the climate crisis not as a distant, abstract threat but as an immediate and pervasive issue influencing lives across the globe. Zach Goldbaum emphasizes that this is not merely an environmental concern but a complex crime narrative involving murder, corporate coverups, and unchecked greed.

Notable Quotes:

"From the Amazon rainforest to small town America, host Zach Goldbaum uncovers shocking tales of murder, corporate coverups and greed."
— Zach Goldbaum (00:14)

"This isn't some distant threat. It's happening right now."
— Host & Co-Host (00:30, 00:32)

Central Narrative: The Mystery of LJ Price

A significant portion of the episode centers around the mysterious disappearance and subsequent reappearance of LJ Price Jr., a 38-year-old coal industry figure with deep ties across multiple states.

LJ Price's Disappearance

• Initial Concern:
  Amy Price, LJ's wife, becomes alarmed when LJ doesn't return home after informing her about pressing matters at a coal mine. Her distress leads her to contact emergency services late at night.

  Notable Quote:

  "I'm trying to figure out my husband. He's been missing for a while. I can't figure out where he is."
  — Amy Price via 911 Operator (01:03)

• Descriptions and Search Efforts:
  The narrative provides a detailed physical description of LJ and outlines the extensive search operations, including police helicopters and canine units, highlighting the intensity and urgency of the situation.

  Notable Quotes:

  "Larry Price Jr. Or LJ as he's known to friends, is 38 years old, 5 10, muscular build, with a tattoo of a panther on his bicep and another of Jesus with the cross on his chest."
  — Narrator (01:47)

  "Larry Price Jr. is alive, but his troubles are just beginning."
  — Witness (03:30)

Reappearance and Implications

After nearly 24 hours of uncertainty, LJ is spotted walking alone, igniting a series of events that reveal the corrupt practices within one of the nation's largest coal mines. His reappearance is not a resolution but a gateway to deeper investigations into environmental crimes and their human cost.

Notable Quote:

"LJ's sudden disappearance and reappearance will set off a chain of events that will expose not only LJ Price, but the dirty underbelly of one of the country's largest coal mines."
— Narrator (03:30)

Broader Themes: Environmental Crimes and Human Impact

The episode broadens its focus to encompass various environmental challenges, illustrating how corruption and greed devastate ecosystems and communities alike.

• Natural Disasters and Human Suffering:
  First responders and affected individuals share harrowing accounts of natural disasters exacerbated by environmental neglect, emphasizing the immediate human toll.

  Notable Quotes:

  "We need help out of here. We are stuck. We have caught on firearms."
  — Evacuee (03:50)

  "Nature is telling us. I can't take this anymore."
  — Activist (03:55)

• Activism and Resistance:
  The narrative highlights the bravery of activists who confront environmental abuses, often at great personal risk, shedding light on the sacrifices made in the fight to protect the planet.

  Notable Quotes:

  "Are we really safe? Is our water safe? You destroyed our tap."
  — Concerned Citizen (04:04)

  "There is no accident. This was 100% preventable."
  — Activist (04:07)

• Global Impact and Illegal Activities:
  From illegal gold mining in the Amazon to conservation efforts in Mexico, the episode underscores the global scale of environmental crimes and their interconnectedness with other forms of illicit activity.

  Notable Quote:

  "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."
  — Zach Goldbaum (04:24)

Conclusion: A Call to Awareness and Action

"Lawless Planet" concludes its introductory episode by framing environmental degradation as the "crime of the century," urging listeners to recognize the urgency of the situation and the necessity for collective action.

Notable Quotes:

"The crime of the Century, is the one being waged on our planet. The time to listen is now."
— Host & Co-Host (05:04 - 05:05)

"You can listen to new episodes of Lawless Planet early and ad free right now by joining Wondery Plus."
— Host (05:09)

Final Thoughts

The premiere episode of "Lawless Planet" sets a compelling foundation for the series, blending investigative journalism with human stories to paint a comprehensive picture of the climate crisis's multifaceted impact. By intertwining personal narratives with broader environmental issues, Zach Goldbaum ensures that listeners are both informed and emotionally engaged, setting the stage for deeper explorations in future episodes.

Stay Connected:
To delve deeper into the stories of environmental crime and resilience, subscribe to "Lawless Planet" on the Wondery app, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. For exclusive content and early access to episodes, consider joining Wondery+.