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  • The Debutante

  • By: Jon Ronson
  • Narrated by: Jon Ronson
  • Length: 3 hrs and 11 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (791 ratings)

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The Debutante

By: Jon Ronson
Narrated by: Jon Ronson
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Summary

This is the story of a Tulsa debutante who, as a result of a series of unlikely and often very bad life choices she made in the ‘90s, found herself in the midst of one of the most terrible crimes ever to take place in America.

Thirty years ago, award-winning journalist Jon Ronson stumbled on the mystery of Carol Howe—a charismatic, wealthy former debutante turned white supremacist spokeswoman turned undercover informant. In 1995, Carol was spying on Oklahoma’s neo-Nazis for the government just when Timothy McVeigh blew up a federal building in Oklahoma City, killing 168 people.

Ever since then, Carol has haunted the imaginations of survivors and investigators because of a rumor that had begun to swirl: If her information had only been listened to, she could have prevented the worst domestic terrorist attack in US history.

The question mystified Ronson. In The Debutante, he embarks on an investigative journey to seek the truth about the woman who grew up in a world of privilege and opportunity and whose teenage rebellion spiraled out of control, leading her to extreme radicalization.

The Debutante takes a closer look at Carol’s world, where truth is shrouded and seldom guaranteed. Rare court tapes, diary entries, undercover ATF surveillance audio, and interviews with those who crossed paths with Carol depict a complex woman whose motivations have been hypothesized about for decades. With curiosity and insight at the forefront of his work, Ronson delivers a new perspective on the extraordinary story of Carol Howe.

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About the Creator and Performer - Jon Ronson

About the Creator and Performer

Jon Ronson's nonfiction books include So You’ve Been Publicly Shamed, The Psychopath Test, Them: Adventures with Extremists, Lost at Sea and The Men Who Stare At Goats. They have all been international and/or New York Times bestsellers.
Most recently he made the acclaimed, award-winning podcasts Things Fell Apart (BBC), The Butterfly Effect and The Last Days of August (Audible).
His books have been translated into more than 30 languages, and his two TED talks have been watched over 30 million times.
The Psychopath Test spent more than a year on the UK bestseller list.
So You’ve Been Publicly Shamed is frequently cited as having started the conversation about the perils of social media shaming. The book is taught by educators across America and inspired an episode of Black Mirror, Hated in the Nation.
The Men Who Stare At Goats was adapted into a film starring George Clooney.
Jon’s original screenplays include Okja (Tilda Swinton, Jake Gyllenhaal) which he co-wrote with Bong-Joon Ho, and Frank (Michael Fassbender, Maggie Gyllenhaal) which he co-wrote with Peter Straughan. Jon also wrote the short e-book Frank: The True Story That Inspired the Movie.
In the US Jon has contributed to This American Life, the New York Times magazine and GQ. In the UK he’s written regularly for The Guardian. His many documentaries include Stanley Kubrick's Boxes, The Secret Rulers of the World, and the multi award winning BBCRadio 4 programme Jon Ronson On...
He lives in New York. @jonronson.
She is a graduate of Virginia Tech with a bachelor’s and master’s degree in business. She has received several certifications in Human Resources and Diversity and Inclusion. including her Professional in Human Resources (PHR), Certified Diversity Recruiter (CDR), Certified Diversity Practitioner (CDP), and Certified Diversity Executive (CDE). She is also a Certified DISC Instructor.
Deaver's most recent works are Hunting Time, a Colter Shaw novel, and The Broken Doll, a four-story collection from Amazon Original Stories. His Shaw novel, The Never Game, will be a CBS Prime-time series later this year.

What listeners say about The Debutante

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Brilliant

Love Jon’s style of reporting and this is clearly a subject he is immersed in. Brilliantly written, not over-egged and wonderfully narrated.

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Fantastic podcast

A master storyteller, his interview style is amazing at getting people to open up. Essential listening, can’t wait for the next JR audiobook/podcast

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More relevant to the American market

Interesting factual story which is more relevant to the American market, about mass murder, white supremacy and conspiracy theories. got a bit bored towards the end.

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Another outstanding story by Mr Ronson.

This journalist never fails to deliver.
A fascinating and twisted tale of conspiracy, white supremacists and Nazis
Will the truth behind the Oklahoma bombing ever be revealed ?
Definitely some facts and points to ruminate over.

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Best storyteller alive

Another phenomenal and engrossing work from Jon Ronson. Very much hope we get that final episode.

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Jon Ronson never disappoints!

A story I didn't think I'd find interesting but Ronson's methods always inspire intrigue. Love his boldness and I hope someday he can follow this up when more information comes to light.

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Another Superb Story from Jon Ronson

Yet again Jon Ronson delivers a great Audiobook, beautifully paced with perfectly placed twists and turns, listened to the entire thing in one sitting, highly recommended!

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Another excellent investigative piece.

I really enjoy the way Jon Ronson investigates issues. He is clear and concise and draws you into the narrative. This was a fascinating and intriguing story. Well worth a listen.

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The main man

Jon Ronson on form again. Never read or heard anything by this man I didn't like. probably makes me bias. just think he is always on point great interviews. Well researched etc... Keep doing what you do Ron!

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Fascinating

Jon Robson’s is always worth listening to, another fascinating investigation narrated in his soft voice that makes the story even more disturbing

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