SPLBERG

By: Charlie Webster

Narrated by: Charlie Webster

When the nephew of world-famous director Steven Spielberg turns up at a high school in suburban Virginia, he is untouchable. This 14-year-old - Jonathan Taylor Spielberg - is a star on the rise, filming for his latest movie close by. His new classmates are within touching distance of fame and talk about the new student spreads like wildfire.

He promises to hook them up with Hollywood agents and it’s the late 90s, so his invite to the MTV Awards is enticing… But all is not what it seems. The students start to realize they have been unwillingly cast in a twisted real-life drama.

26 years later, when his path collides with journalist Charlie Webster (Scamanda, Unicorn Girl) she is blindsided. Who actually is Jonathan Taylor Spielberg, and what does he want from Charlie? Stick with her until the end to hear one of the strangest stories she’s ever told.

Episode 1: Uncle Steven: The arrival of a blue BMW turns heads at a Catholic high school in suburban Virginia. The vanity license plate reads SPLBERG. The Prince of Hollywood has arrived. But why is he here?

Episode 2: Rock On Fakhran: The 14-year-old from LA makes big promises to his classmates. Over in Hollywood, Steven Spielberg’s team gets an unexpected phone call that changes everything.

Episode 3: Like A Virgin: The students make a huge discovery about their classmate’s past and it goes back further than they could have ever imagined.

Episode 4: Clueless: Journalist Charlie Webster’s path collides with Jonathan. He walked into the wrong office.

Episode 5: The Story of V: This kid has a secret. What happens in LA stays in LA.

Episode 6: No Harm, No Foul: Charlie uncovers more about Jonathan's behaviour with the students at the school. There’s one particular relationship that’s in the spotlight.

Episode 7: The Script: The truth is hard to come by when you’re following the trail of Jonathan. Charlie makes her move.

Episode 8: A Childish Act: Charlie finally gets what she came for. But what happens when fantasy meets reality?

Content warning: In this series, there is strong and offensive language, references to self harm, as well as adult content. Episode 4 contains descriptions of grooming. For help and support, please refer to the list of resources below.

If you are affected by any of the themes in this series, the following organisations offer support and information: sexualabusesupport.campaign.gov.uk/#support www.thesurvivorstrust.org Samaritans - call 116 123 or email [e-mail] or [e-mail] (or the Samaritans Welsh Language line is 0808 164 0123) 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 988lifeline.org Other international crisis helplines can be found at www.befrienders.org

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Pathological Liar

Interesting story on how a pathological narcissist conned the catholic community and got away with it.

Too soft

I thought the journalist was going for the truth, but in the end she seemed almost afraid to hurt his feelings. He was clearly a liar and a predator. I'd like to think that today he would receive different treatment but somehow I doubt it. Waste of time to listen to.

To the Point!

Great narration of a bizarre case of a young man seeking fame at the cost of all those around him.

A Con Artist's Uncloaking

This was a great investigative series, which uncloaked a predatory con-artist that hides under a false image, name and decorum. I listened to this in one Sunday afternoon on headphones while I made salsa, spaghetti sauce, chili verde and peach jam from the summer garden. While I cooked, I returned to the 1990's and early 2000's, visited Virginia, (remembered Hollywood), and met a wanna be actor hiding under the cloak of feigned sensibility manifesting as con artist. A sociopath, chameleon, and a keen mimic. This journalist is very skilled to have revealed what was always underneath his veneer.

a predator revealed

I love that the story was told by a person like me who understands what it is to be a victim. it was perfect to hear the interview of him at the very end because there was no question in my mind that he was a predator and his behavior in the interview revealed his borderline personality so vividly. I appreciate the care that was taken to preserve anonymity for those who had experienced sexual trauma. it is helpful to hear about others who have experienced these things and I just feel it was done very well.