Last updated October 30, 2024 – 10:34 AM
Audacy Podcast has partnered with Team Downey and Wink Pictures to launch the second season of Sunshine Place.
This new season of the award-winning investigative documentary podcast series tells the story of Straight Incorporated, an unconventional, tough-love teen rehab facility that preyed on the fears of parents and the vulnerabilities of children.
Synanon, the subject of the first season, is widely considered to be the original influence on Straight Inc. and other rehabilitation programs that used similar tactics and behavior modification techniques.
Founded in the 1980s during the drug war, Straight was endorsed by First Lady Nancy Reagan and garnered attention from Princess Diana's televised visit.
Although the program became popular across the United States, straight survivors tell a very different story of abuse, torture, and brainwashing.
The eight-episode series is narrated by author and teen life coach Cindy Etler. She is a Straight Inc. survivor herself. Guests will include other survivors, many of whom are still recovering and will tell their stories for the first time.
The series stars Team Downey's Robert Downey Jr., Susan Downey, and Emily Barclay Ford, along with Wink Pictures' Josh McLaughlin, Audacity Podcast's Maddie Sprung-Kaiser, Jenna Weiss-Berman, Leah Rees-Dennis will serve as executive producer.
“As we were coming to the end of Season 1 of 'Sunshine Places,' we discovered a surprising connection: the origins of Straight Incorporated, Synanon, and the troubled teens that still thrive today. “It's a connection to the industry,” said team members Susan Downey and Robert Downey Jr. “Downey. “Through fascinating first-person accounts, we are once again able to understand how vulnerable families seeking solutions to complex problems can lead to dangerous outcomes.”
Maddie Sprang Kaiser, Vice President and Head of Original Podcasts at Audacy, added: Sunshine Place. The Straight story we are investigating is a tragic and significant one. ”
The first two episodes of Season 2 of “Sunshine Places” will be released today, October 30th, on the Audacy app and everywhere podcasts are available. New episodes will be released every Wednesday until December 11th.
