60 acast.com Big Sugar https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/big-sugar en Weekday Fun Productions True story,Celeste Headlee,Sugar,Health,True crime,Labor,Sugar industry,Florida,Jamaica Weekday Fun Productions Inside the secretive, multi-billion dollar sugar industry

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]>

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> false Weekday Fun Productions info@weekdayfun.com 69c2c33a1a160b44db12c0d0 big-sugar serial https://assets.pippa.io/shows/cover/1774371379311-43865c04-7aac-4447-a22c-814cd7598450.jpeg https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/big-sugar Big Sugar Forced Labor and a Government Ban Forced Labor and a Government Ban Mon, 30 Mar 2026 20:59:10 GMT 17:08 69cae41e03f0e158300a1a05 false https://shows.acast.com/big-sugar/episodes/69cae41e03f0e158300a1a05 69cae41e03f0e158300a1a05 69c2c33a1a160b44db12c0d0 bonus 1 12 Charity Ryerson investigates human rights and environmental abuse allegations against multinational corporations everyday. But what she and her team found in Central Romana worker camps was like nothing they'd ever seen before. Has the sugar ban changed anything about how Big Sugar operates?

Big Sugar is a Weekday Fun Production in association with Imagine Audio.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Charity Ryerson investigates human rights and environmental abuse allegations against multinational corporations everyday. But what she and her team found in Central Romana worker camps was like nothing they'd ever seen before. Has the sugar ban changed anything about how Big Sugar operates?

Big Sugar is a Weekday Fun Production in association with Imagine Audio.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Who Bears the Cost Who Bears the Cost Mon, 30 Mar 2026 20:57:40 GMT 26:44 69cae3c4bfb99db0bc07af34 false https://shows.acast.com/big-sugar/episodes/69cae3c4bfb99db0bc07af34 69cae3c4bfb99db0bc07af34 69c2c33a1a160b44db12c0d0 bonus 1 11 Meet Kina Phillips, part of the grass roots effort in Florida to fight cane burning and encourage the sugar companies to embrace green-harvesting methods. Then, Celeste digs deeper into how the pending Farm Bill affects the cost of sugar.

Big Sugar is a Weekday Fun Production in association with Imagine Audio.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Meet Kina Phillips, part of the grass roots effort in Florida to fight cane burning and encourage the sugar companies to embrace green-harvesting methods. Then, Celeste digs deeper into how the pending Farm Bill affects the cost of sugar.

Big Sugar is a Weekday Fun Production in association with Imagine Audio.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Black Snow Falls in Florida Black Snow Falls in Florida Mon, 30 Mar 2026 20:56:06 GMT 14:36 69cae36603f0e1583009f0d5 false https://shows.acast.com/big-sugar/episodes/69cae36603f0e1583009f0d5 69cae36603f0e1583009f0d5 69c2c33a1a160b44db12c0d0 bonus 1 10 Reporter Lulu Ramadan set out to cover the health effects of burning cane. Now, for the first time, there is data linking Florida residents’ respiratory illnesses to Big Sugar.

Big Sugar is a Weekday Fun Production in association with Imagine Audio.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Reporter Lulu Ramadan set out to cover the health effects of burning cane. Now, for the first time, there is data linking Florida residents’ respiratory illnesses to Big Sugar.

Big Sugar is a Weekday Fun Production in association with Imagine Audio.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Trench Warfare Trench Warfare Mon, 30 Mar 2026 20:49:49 GMT 58:12 69cae1ed4bc3c0b5ce59bbce false https://shows.acast.com/big-sugar/episodes/69cae1ed4bc3c0b5ce59bbce 69cae1ed4bc3c0b5ce59bbce 69c2c33a1a160b44db12c0d0 full 1 9 There’s one last jury trial left, one last shot at forcing the sugar companies to make good on unpaid wages. And Dave Gorman miraculously finds new evidence that could clinch it. But that’s when an obscure 150-year-old law comes into play, sending the lawyers reeling. Finally, the lawyers, journalists and cutters reflect on what the kingdom of big sugar reveals about life, race and justice in America.

Big Sugar is a Weekday Fun Production in association with Imagine Audio.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> There’s one last jury trial left, one last shot at forcing the sugar companies to make good on unpaid wages. And Dave Gorman miraculously finds new evidence that could clinch it. But that’s when an obscure 150-year-old law comes into play, sending the lawyers reeling. Finally, the lawyers, journalists and cutters reflect on what the kingdom of big sugar reveals about life, race and justice in America.

Big Sugar is a Weekday Fun Production in association with Imagine Audio.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> The Battle of the Swamp The Battle of the Swamp Mon, 30 Mar 2026 20:48:00 GMT 51:03 69cae18016bd65d06942ead0 false https://shows.acast.com/big-sugar/episodes/69cae18016bd65d06942ead0 69cae18016bd65d06942ead0 69c2c33a1a160b44db12c0d0 full 1 8 At the intersection of sugar, nature and influence, you find yourself in just one place: the Everglades, an environmental wonder and disaster. The fight for control and the fight to clean up the massive waterway from agricultural pollution shows the sugar industry’s mastery of lobbying. Exhibit A: the Fanjuls have a direct line straight to the Oval Office.

Big Sugar is a Weekday Fun Production in association with Imagine Audio.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> At the intersection of sugar, nature and influence, you find yourself in just one place: the Everglades, an environmental wonder and disaster. The fight for control and the fight to clean up the massive waterway from agricultural pollution shows the sugar industry’s mastery of lobbying. Exhibit A: the Fanjuls have a direct line straight to the Oval Office.

Big Sugar is a Weekday Fun Production in association with Imagine Audio.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Bittersweet Bittersweet Mon, 30 Mar 2026 20:45:46 GMT 49:13 69cae0fa16bd65d06942cdee false https://shows.acast.com/big-sugar/episodes/69cae0fa16bd65d06942cdee 69cae0fa16bd65d06942cdee 69c2c33a1a160b44db12c0d0 full 1 7 Meet Cristin Kearns, a dentist turned detective. She's on a mission to uncover the darkly shrewd public relations strategies that the Sugar industry has used to burnish its image and conceal the health impacts of its product. If this sounds remarkably similar to the tobacco industry, it’s no coincidence.

Big Sugar is a Weekday Fun Production in association with Imagine Audio.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Meet Cristin Kearns, a dentist turned detective. She's on a mission to uncover the darkly shrewd public relations strategies that the Sugar industry has used to burnish its image and conceal the health impacts of its product. If this sounds remarkably similar to the tobacco industry, it’s no coincidence.

Big Sugar is a Weekday Fun Production in association with Imagine Audio.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> The Decision and the Drama The Decision and the Drama Mon, 30 Mar 2026 20:44:26 GMT 32:00 69cae0aa4bc3c0b5ce597144 false https://shows.acast.com/big-sugar/episodes/69cae0aa4bc3c0b5ce597144 69cae0aa4bc3c0b5ce597144 69c2c33a1a160b44db12c0d0 full 1 6 Edward and Dave try to convince a jury that the farm owners have systematically underpaid the Caribbean men who cut their sugarcane. But they lose over and over – three juries in three separate trials find in favor of the farmers. The decade-long case is taking a massive toll on the lawyers, personally and professionally. And Edward’s bitter departure from the case involves... Robert De Niro.

Big Sugar is a Weekday Fun Production in association with Imagine Audio.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Edward and Dave try to convince a jury that the farm owners have systematically underpaid the Caribbean men who cut their sugarcane. But they lose over and over – three juries in three separate trials find in favor of the farmers. The decade-long case is taking a massive toll on the lawyers, personally and professionally. And Edward’s bitter departure from the case involves... Robert De Niro.

Big Sugar is a Weekday Fun Production in association with Imagine Audio.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> The American Dream The American Dream Mon, 30 Mar 2026 20:42:19 GMT 43:41 69cae02be8519e977f05208d false https://shows.acast.com/big-sugar/episodes/69cae02be8519e977f05208d 69cae02be8519e977f05208d 69c2c33a1a160b44db12c0d0 full 1 5 Exiled brothers Alfy and Pepe Fanjul landed in Florida after the Cuban Revolution with their sights set on one thing: rebuilding their fortune. Their journey to riches includes an FBI investigation, sweeping agricultural legislation and The Godfather... yes, that Godfather.

Big Sugar is a Weekday Fun Production in association with Imagine Audio.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Exiled brothers Alfy and Pepe Fanjul landed in Florida after the Cuban Revolution with their sights set on one thing: rebuilding their fortune. Their journey to riches includes an FBI investigation, sweeping agricultural legislation and The Godfather... yes, that Godfather.

Big Sugar is a Weekday Fun Production in association with Imagine Audio.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Without Sugar, There is No Country Without Sugar, There is No Country Mon, 30 Mar 2026 20:38:00 GMT 39:23 69cadf2816bd65d069423806 false https://shows.acast.com/big-sugar/episodes/69cadf2816bd65d069423806 69cadf2816bd65d069423806 69c2c33a1a160b44db12c0d0 full 1 4 There is a saying in Cuba: “Without sugar there is no country.” The Fanjul family became fabulously wealthy farming sugar beginning in 1850. The Cuban Revolution forced them out of the country and set them on the path to becoming America’s sugar barons. They own Domino Sugar and the farms that lawyers Dave and Edward are suing.

Big Sugar is a Weekday Fun Production in association with Imagine Audio.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> There is a saying in Cuba: “Without sugar there is no country.” The Fanjul family became fabulously wealthy farming sugar beginning in 1850. The Cuban Revolution forced them out of the country and set them on the path to becoming America’s sugar barons. They own Domino Sugar and the farms that lawyers Dave and Edward are suing.

Big Sugar is a Weekday Fun Production in association with Imagine Audio.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> The Case that Consumed Them The Case that Consumed Them Mon, 30 Mar 2026 20:34:16 GMT 39:53 69cade4992d007a76520c789 false https://shows.acast.com/big-sugar/episodes/69cade4992d007a76520c789 69cade4992d007a76520c789 69c2c33a1a160b44db12c0d0 full 1 3 First, a major win: a judge finds the lawyers’ claims are credible and awards the workers a $51 million summary judgment. But the celebration is short lived. Not only is the decision overturned on appeal, but now Edward and Dave must face the sugar industry and its flamboyant legal team... in five separate jury trials.

Big Sugar is a Weekday Fun Production in association with Imagine Audio.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> First, a major win: a judge finds the lawyers’ claims are credible and awards the workers a $51 million summary judgment. But the celebration is short lived. Not only is the decision overturned on appeal, but now Edward and Dave must face the sugar industry and its flamboyant legal team... in five separate jury trials.

Big Sugar is a Weekday Fun Production in association with Imagine Audio.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> The Grass is Always Greener The Grass is Always Greener Mon, 30 Mar 2026 20:31:16 GMT 44:07 69cadd94bfb99db0bc05d77b false https://shows.acast.com/big-sugar/episodes/69cadd94bfb99db0bc05d77b 69cadd94bfb99db0bc05d77b 69c2c33a1a160b44db12c0d0 full 1 2 Crusading lawyer Edward Tuddenham hears about the sugarcane workers - the conditions, the injuries and unpaid wages. With Harley-riding, former intelligence officer Dave Gorman as co-counsel, he takes on the powerful sugar industry on behalf of the workers, suing five enormous farms.

Big Sugar is a Weekday Fun Production in association with Imagine Audio.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Crusading lawyer Edward Tuddenham hears about the sugarcane workers - the conditions, the injuries and unpaid wages. With Harley-riding, former intelligence officer Dave Gorman as co-counsel, he takes on the powerful sugar industry on behalf of the workers, suing five enormous farms.

Big Sugar is a Weekday Fun Production in association with Imagine Audio.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Welcome to Blood, Sweat and Tears Welcome to Blood, Sweat and Tears Mon, 30 Mar 2026 20:25:35 GMT 49:49 69cadc3fbfb99db0bc057a3b false https://shows.acast.com/big-sugar/episodes/69cadc3fbfb99db0bc057a3b 69cadc3fbfb99db0bc057a3b 69c2c33a1a160b44db12c0d0 full 1 1 When Selvin Grant and Victor Blackwood, along with thousands of others, traveled from the Caribbean to Florida to cut sugarcane, they learned just how difficult the job was. It was relentless, dehumanizing and shockingly dangerous. When two journalists learned what was happening on the sugar farms, they fought to uncover the truth.

Big Sugar is a Weekday Fun Production in association with Imagine Audio.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> When Selvin Grant and Victor Blackwood, along with thousands of others, traveled from the Caribbean to Florida to cut sugarcane, they learned just how difficult the job was. It was relentless, dehumanizing and shockingly dangerous. When two journalists learned what was happening on the sugar farms, they fought to uncover the truth.

Big Sugar is a Weekday Fun Production in association with Imagine Audio.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Big Sugar Trailer Big Sugar Trailer Mon, 30 Mar 2026 20:20:00 GMT 1:01 69cadaf092d007a7651ff4ac false https://shows.acast.com/big-sugar/episodes/69cadaf092d007a7651ff4ac 69cadaf092d007a7651ff4ac 69c2c33a1a160b44db12c0d0 trailer 1 Come explore the secretive, multi-billion dollar sugar industry and the epic court battle that exposes how sugar is grown, cultivated and sold. Hear firsthand from the workers, lawyers and journalists exposing the lies, exploitation and ultimately the truth. We travel from the Oval Office to the nightclubs of Havana to the sugarcane fields of Florida. Big Sugar is a deep dive into the inner workings of the industry. This is a story of our time, an untold story that focuses on human rights, lobbying, nutrition and the environment. Hosted by Celeste Headlee. Big Sugar is a Weekday Fun Production in association with Imagine Audio.

Big Sugar is a Weekday Fun Production in association with Imagine Audio.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Come explore the secretive, multi-billion dollar sugar industry and the epic court battle that exposes how sugar is grown, cultivated and sold. Hear firsthand from the workers, lawyers and journalists exposing the lies, exploitation and ultimately the truth. We travel from the Oval Office to the nightclubs of Havana to the sugarcane fields of Florida. Big Sugar is a deep dive into the inner workings of the industry. This is a story of our time, an untold story that focuses on human rights, lobbying, nutrition and the environment. Hosted by Celeste Headlee. Big Sugar is a Weekday Fun Production in association with Imagine Audio.

Big Sugar is a Weekday Fun Production in association with Imagine Audio.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]>