Scamapalooza with Nicholas J. Johnson

You can’t trust anyone. Particularly not author, entertainer and collector of scams Nicholas J. Johnson. Scamapalooza attempts to separate facts from fraud as Nicholas explores the worlds of deception, illusion and swindles with the rogue's gallery of writers, magicians, comedians and confidence artists that are his guests. For business inquiries, topic suggestions, and guest proposals, email info@conman.com.au. “Nicholas J. Johnson is the man to talk to about scams.” - ABC Statewide Drive Victoria

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Episodes

10: Now You Seem Mean with Nick Mason

Nicholas has a love/hate relationship with the 2013 fim Now You See Me. In this episode, he’s joined by pop culture commentator Nick Mason from The Weekly Planet as they pick apart the film. http://www.mammothaudio.com.au/scamapalooza/

Sep 13, 2015•47 min•Ep. 10

9: An Angry Conversation about Puzzles with David Kwong

David Kwong not only designs puzzles for the New York Times crossword, he also designs heists and illusions for movies like Now You See Me. In this episode, David explains the art of the puzzle and Nicholas tries to stump him with a cryptic clue of his own. http://www.mammothaudio.com.au/scamapalooza

Sep 06, 2015•35 min•Ep. 9

8: A Fool And Thief with Simon Pampena

Stand up mathematician Simon Pampena specialises in explaining complex math to simple minds. In this episode, Nicholas tries to wrap his simple mind around the Monty Hall dilemma, arbitrage and the gambler’s fallacy. http://www.mammothaudio.com.au/scamapalooza/

Sep 01, 2015•37 min•Ep. 8

7: Nightmare Alley with Simon Caterson

Author Simon Caterson shares Nicholas’ love of film noir. In this episode Simon explores the great con artist film noir, Nightmare Alley and Nicholas drools over fifties silver screen heartthrob Tyrone Powers. http://www.mammothaudio.com.au/scamapalooza/

Aug 24, 2015•41 min•Ep. 7

6: Kids Today with James Munton

Identity theft speaker James Munton has the unenviable task of teach high school students how to stay safe online. In this episode James explains exactly how he does it and Nicholas ambushes his guest with surprise meth addicts. http://www.mammothaudio.com.au/scamapalooza/

Aug 17, 2015•38 min•Ep. 6

5: Certifiable Genius with Pop Haydn

Magician Pop Haydn is a time traveller, confidence man and snake oil huckster. In this episode Nicholas meets his idol, gets schooled in the shell game and almost loses his shirt. http://mammothaudio.com.au/scamapalooza

Aug 09, 2015•42 min•Ep. 5

4: Pseu-Pseu-Pseudonym with Peter C. Hayward

Erotica author Peter C Hayward writes under four different non de plumes. In this episode Peter explains why he uses fake names and Nicholas is forced to apologise for being Nicholas. http://www.mammothaudio.com.au/scamapalooza/

Aug 03, 2015•34 min•Ep. 4

3: Belly Talker with Sarah Jones

Ventriloquist Sarah Jones knows how to speak without moving her lips. She also knows how to speak about the dark history of throwing your voice. In this episode Sarah reveals all about belly talking, creepy dummies and necromancy while Nicholas mocks her life’s work.

Jul 24, 2015•34 min•Ep. 3

2: Every Child Wins A Prize with Glenn Hester

Police officer Glenn Hester spent 28 years shutting down crooked carnival games. In this episode Glenn teaches Nicholas how to cheat at pretty much every game on the midway.

Jul 24, 2015•33 min•Ep. 2

1: Lose Yourself with Lawrence Leung

In his television series Unbelievable comedian Lawrence Leung set himself the goal of attempting to con a skeptic into believing that they had developed genuine psychic powers. In this episode, Lawrence explains exactly how he did it and Nicholas’ bathroom reading practices are called into question.

Jul 24, 2015•46 min•Ep. 1

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