In this episode of the Compendium, we unravel the real story behind the McDonald's hot coffee case—a tale often misrepresented in the media. Stella Liebeck, a 79-year-old woman, suffered third-degree burns from coffee served at dangerously high temperatures. Despite seeking a modest settlement, McDonald's offered only $800, leading to a lawsuit that highlighted issues of corporate negligence and consumer rights. We delve into how big business and media narratives distorted the facts, turning a legitimate claim into a symbol of "frivolous lawsuits." This case became a catalyst for American tort reform debates, revealing the profound impact of corporate influence in politics.​

We give you just the Compendium, but if you want more, here are our resources:

• Liebeck v. McDonald's - The American Museum of Tort Law
• Legal Myths: The McDonald's "Hot Coffee" Case - Public Citizen
• Hot Coffee Documentry (2011) - Susan Saladoff

• Hosts: Kyle Risi & Adam Cox
• About: Kyle and Adam are more than just your hosts, they’re your close friends sharing intriguing stories from tales from the darker corners of true crime, the annals of your forgotten history books, and the who's who of incredible people.
• Intro Music: Alice in dark Wonderland by Aleksey Chistilin

• ⭐ Review & follow on: Spotify & Apple Podcasts
• 📸 Follow us on Instagram: @theCompendiumPodcast
• 🌐 Visit us at: TheCompendiumPodcast.com
• ❤️ Early access episodes: Patreon

Today we unravel the chilling mystery of the Tylenol murders, a case that forever changed how we trust everyday medicine. In 1982, seven unsuspecting individuals, including Mary Kellerman, Adam Janus, and Paula Prince, tragically lost their lives after ingesting cyanide-laced Tylenol capsules. The ensuing investigation spotlighted James Lewis as a prime suspect, though he was never charged with the murders. Johnson & Johnson's unprecedented recall and introduction of tamper-proof packaging set new standards in product safety. Despite extensive efforts, the perpetrator remains unidentified, leaving a haunting legacy that continues to impact public health policies today.

• The Chicago Tylenol-Cyanide Murders of 1982 - History Defined
• James Lewis, suspect in the 1982 Tylenol murders, dies at 76 - PBS NewsHour
• How the Tylenol murders of 1982 changed the way we consume medication - PBS NewsHour
• Chicago Tylenol murders - Wikipedia
• Cold Case: The Tylenol Murders (2025) - Netflix
• The Tylenol Killer: Chicago's 1980s Cyanide Spree - Biographics (Youtube)

• Hosts: Kyle Risi & Adam Cox
• About: Kyle and Adam are more than just your hosts, they’re your close friends sharing intriguing stories from tales from the darker corners of true crime, the annals of your forgotten history books, and the who's who of incredible people.
• Intro Music: Alice in dark Wonderland by Aleksey Chistilin

• ⭐ Review & follow on: Spotify & Apple Podcasts
• 📸 Follow us on Instagram: @theCompendiumPodcast
• 🌐 Visit us at: TheCompendiumPodcast.com
• ❤️ Early access episodes: Patreon

We’re exploring the absurd and brilliant story of Anthony Curcio AKA D.B Tuber—a former football star turned true crime comedy icon. What started off as a well-planned armored truck heist soon unravels into chaos involving Craigslist decoys, a creek getaway on an inflatable inner tube, only for everything to come crashing down thanks to the unexpected brilliance of a local homeless man.

From his criminal beginnings to a motivational comeback and finally to a Pokémon card scam under the alias “John Steele,” this funny true crime episode has it all—bad disguises, bad choices, and one of the strangest redemption arcs you’ve ever heard.

1. Heist and High – by Anthony Curcio
2. TEDx Talk: From Addiction to Redemption – by Anthony Curcio
3. Anthony Curcio – Wikipedia

Host & Show Info

• Hosts: Kyle Risi & Adam Cox
• About: Kyle and Adam are more than just your hosts, they’re your close friends sharing intriguing stories from tales from the darker corners of true crime, the annals of your forgotten history books, and the who's who of incredible people.
• Intro Music: Alice in dark Wonderland by Aleksey Chistilin

• ⭐ Review & follow on: Spotify & Apple Podcasts
• 📸 Follow us on Instagram: @theCompendiumPodcast
• 🌐 Visit us at: TheCompendiumPodcast.com
• ❤️ Early access episodes: Patreon