Unholy Alliance, Part 1 of 2

Unholy Alliance, Part 1 of 2

From As The Money Burns by Nicki Woodard

April 17, 2026 · 38 min · Episode 137

About this episode

The episode explores the life of Madeleine Astor as she prepares for her third wedding, reflecting on her past marriages and the scandals surrounding them.

Once for money, twice for love, maybe thrice for lust. Some women become brides more than bridesmaids. Part 1 of 2 Returning from Bermuda to New York in November 1933, Madeleine Astor prepares for her third wedding to Enzo Fiermonte and more press scandals. She takes back a trip down memory lane of the seduction and scandal with her first marriage to John Jacob Astor IV leading to their fateful trip on the Titanic. Other people and subjects include: Madaleine Talmage Force Astor Dick Fiermonte, Colonel John Jacob Astor IV aka “Jack,” John Jacob Astor VI aka “Jakey,” Enzo Fiermonte, William Vincent Astor, Daisy Van Alen, James Van Alen, Katherine Force Spencer, Mrs. Katherine Talmage Force, William Force, William Dick, William Dick Jr., John Henry Dick, Caroline Astor, Alva Vanderbilt Belmont, Carrie Astor Wilson, Grace Wilson Vanderbilt, Ava Lowle Willing Astor, Charlotte Astor Drayton, Gertrude Vanderbilt Payne Whitney, “Birdie” Virginia Graham Fair Vanderbilt, Margaret Brown – Unsinkable Molly Brown – Maggie Brown – Mrs. James J. Brown – Mrs. J.J. Brown, Catherine Ellen Brown aka “Helen,” William Waldorf Astor, Lawrence Gillespie, Irene Sherman Gillespie, Mrs. Ogden Mills, Mrs…

People in this episode

Host: Nicki Woodard

Topics covered

  • weddings
  • scandal
  • historical events
  • Titanic
  • marriage
  • society

Keywords

  • Madeleine Astor
  • Enzo Fiermonte
  • Titanic
  • wedding
  • scandal
  • history
  • 1933

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Unsinkable Molly Brown

More episodes of As The Money Burns

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the As The Money Burns podcast page.