SPLBERG

by Charlie Webster

When the nephew of world-famous director Steven Spielberg turns up at a high school in suburban Virginia, he is untouchable. This 14-year-old - Jonathan Taylor Spielberg - is a star on the rise, filming for his latest movie close by. His new classmates are within touching distance of fame and talk about the new student spreads like wildfire.

He promises to hook them up with Hollywood agents and it’s the late 90s, so his invite to the MTV Awards is enticing… But all is not what it seems. The students start to realize they have been unwillingly cast in a twisted real-life drama.

26 years later, when his path collides with journalist Charlie Webster (Scamanda, Unicorn Girl) she is blindsided. Who actually is Jonathan Taylor Spielberg, and what does he want from Charlie? Stick with her until the end to hear one of the strangest stories she’s ever told.

Episode 1: Uncle The arrival of a blue BMW turns heads at a Catholic high school in suburban Virginia. The vanity license plate reads SPLBERG. The Prince of Hollywood has arrived. But why is he here?

Episode 2: Rock On The 14-year-old from LA makes big promises to his classmates. Over in Hollywood, Steven Spielberg’s team gets an unexpected phone call that changes everything.

Episode 3: Like A The students make a huge discovery about their classmate’s past and it goes back further than they could have ever imagined.

Episode 4: Journalist Charlie Webster’s path collides with Jonathan. He walked into the wrong office.

Episode 5: The Story of This kid has a secret. What happens in LA stays in LA.

Episode 6: No Harm, No Charlie uncovers more about Jonathan's behaviour with the students at the school. There’s one particular relationship that’s in the spotlight.

Episode 7: The The truth is hard to come by when you’re following the trail of Jonathan. Charlie makes her move.

Episode 8: A Childish Charlie finally gets what she came for. But what happens when fantasy meets reality?

Content warning: In this series, there is strong and offensive language, references to self harm, as well as adult content. Episode 4 contains descriptions of grooming. For help and support, please refer to the list of resources below.

If you are affected by any of the themes in this series, the following organisations offer support and sexualabusesupport.campaign.gov.uk/#s... www.thesurvivorstrust.org Samaritans - call 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org or jo@samaritans.ie (or the Samaritans Welsh Language line is 0808 164 0123) 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 988lifeline.org Other international crisis helplines can be found at www.befrienders.org

Genres: Nonfiction, Audiobook, True Crime

Audible Audio

Published June 25, 2026

Reviews

[Matt]

Started out good but fell apart after the first couple of chapters. It dragged on so much that I did not finish it.

[Catherine]

When the nephew of world-famous director Steven Spielberg turns up at a high school in suburban Virginia, he is untouchable. This 14-year-old - Jonathan Taylor Spielberg - is a star on the rise, filming for his latest movie close by. His new classmates are within touching distance of fame and talk about the new student spreads like wildfire.

He promises to hook them up with Hollywood agents and it’s the late 90s, so his invite to the MTV Awards is enticing… But all is not what it seems. The students start to realize they have been unwillingly cast in a twisted real-life drama. Jonathan continues to build his ideal persona with his claims becoming more and more outrageous until one phone call places his whole life on a precipice. Will he be able to live up to his name, or will his intricate web of lies be exposed?

Based on True life events.

There are several trigger warnings for this book, please exercise caution.

[Linda]

Wasn't expecting the podcast format. Started off pretty interesting, but became boring and repetitive. If you knew someone was committing crimes to get attention, why would you bother to interview them and give them even more attention. Just shows how famous people or those believed to be famous get away with more.

[Georgiacyn]

Interesting story. It started out strong, but fizzled a bit when they got to the section interviewing JTS. It’s hard for a compulsive liar who can’t stick with the same lie for even a few sentences to be interesting.

[Quanita]

This follows a 27 year old man who got into a catholic school with 14 year olds. He convinced everyone he was the nephew of the celebrated director. This is a short audio that can be done in one day. This grown man wanted fame at any cost, those he hurt didn't matter.

[VP]

I tried. The women' s voice made then seem like teenagers now, not teenagers in the 90s. Plus, even at high speed the story movedtoo slowly.
I read an article about this guy. That seems enough.

[Brooke Scott]

This. Was. Bizarre. It was no Scamanda - but Charlie Webster is a master storyteller.

[Tyrone Cook]

WoOw this book had me really taking notice. How, I mean HOW can a school screw it up so royally?

[Chrissie]

Bizarre!

[Courtney Morrison]

entertaining, left me with a lot of question

[Clayton Ellis]

I thought this book was something different. It took a turn that was not initially expected.

[Macey]

Audible Podcast

[Marie]

Audio only through Audible. A bonkers tale—good enough to get me through a long drive.

[Sarah Brett]

Didn't realise this was a podcast. Interesting topic.

[Barb]

This actually a podcast

[AttackGirl]

peculiar!

Because people are so enamored by money they allow anything. Just scary, then to allow it around children. Is anywhere safe to raise children.

[Lindsay]

Started out well and it’s definitely a bizarre story of a very delusional and creepy guy, but it’s a bit convoluted and leaves you with questions.

[Norma]

( Format : Audiobook )
Don't bother.

An intriguing start rapidly becomes tedious.
But it is a free download.

[R.J. Spruce]

Absolutely, scarily crazy.