Out of the Box

In 1985, college student Ian Perkins reconnected with a family friend, Fritz Klenner, who told him a secret. He said he was a CIA agent — and offered to let Ian come along on his next mission. To listen early to Part 2 of this story, sign up for Criminal Plus at patreon.com/crimi ...  Show more

In 2021, a Nigerian man heard from a friend who offered him a job opportunity in the U.K. After he arrived he was taken to a hospital, where he found out that he wasn’t there for a job at all - but instead, for a kidney transplant. Today, Phoebe interviews journalist Alexis Okeow ...  Show more

We like to think of ourselves as a bit maverick here on Not by the Playbook. Nothing too outrageous, but we like to think outside of the box... and so we present to you a show dedicated to those athletes whose decision to think out side of the box has served them well. People who ...  Show more

Uncover the extraordinary life of the Barefoot Bandit: a tale of rebellion, survival, and redemption shaped by trauma, ambition, and a relentless quest for freedom. Sponsors: rocketmoney.com/casual - cancel your unwanted subscriptions today shopify.com/casual - sign up for your ...  Show more

Former agent Josph Pistone shares how and why he applied for reinstatement into the FBI. Because Pistone’s national fame and prestige made it nearly impossible for domestic undercover jobs, the FBI sends Agent Pistone overseas where he takes down a Chinese Triad ring in London, a ...  Show more

This week, we check out a story that starts with a man, born without the usual physical gifts bestowed upon our subjects. He overcame huge odds to make it to the Olympics, as a disabled person. While this was all happening, an ego was building inside of him. Everything comes t ...