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ScamWow

Scammers, swindlers, con artists: unethical rogues who should be brought to justice? Or brilliant players in the game of capitalism that can help you get a free mattress? Comedian and author Caitlin Brodnick can’t always decide. Each week, join Caitlin and a special guest as they dive into current and historic scams, from skillful mobsters to Real Housewives fraudsters, from MLMs to YouTube grifters. Together, they’ll explore the thin line between swindle and survival, between fleecing an easy mark and just launching a startup. Listen and embrace the art of the dupe with true crime’s less-disturbing sister: the true con.
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Episodes

S01E40. Catfishing For Babies on Instagram

Well hello! Caitlyn and Sue are both on the East Coast, reporting from their family homes, wrapped in blankets and soundproofing foam like the delicate, fragile angels they are. First, Caity gives you a little update on super cool Swedish Sofia and her small sister, La Petit. Then, Sue tells you all about how some psychopath who sells slime to hopeful adoptive families on Instagram. It’s wild. Then, Sue and Caity talk to Naomi Pallas from the BBC all about this emotional, slimy scammer. Enjoy! A...

Aug 29, 201953 minSeason 1Ep. 40

S01E39. Is Jeffrey Epstein Even Dead, and Who Sullied Sweden?

Did Jeffrey Epstein even die? Or is the government trying to conceal an international sex trafficking ring comprised of several foreign leaders? Sue and Caity explore some serious conspiracy theories on today’s episode. Plus, the return of the vintage con! We deep dive into Sweden history and have never felt smarter! Find out which ruler was the disgrace of a nation, and what con artist used that to her advantage in a scam we are proud of! Also, throughout this month, More Banana is doing a crow...

Aug 22, 201947 minSeason 1Ep. 39

S01E38. Caroline Calloway Gave Mackenzie Thomas a Tiny Candle

Are we being scammed by Tana and Jake Paul? What about by Caroline Calloway? First, we’re catching up on Jake Paul and Tana Mongeau’s scammy wedding and livestream. (We love garbage content.) Also what is Tik Tok and should Mackenzie be on it? So, when someone like Caroline Calloway hosts a creative workshop event entitled The Scam, it’s just like she’s just begging us to cover it for our podcast about scams. That’s why we couldn’t help but send an undercover mole to the event as a spy. Mackenzi...

Aug 15, 20191 hr 5 minSeason 1Ep. 38

S01E37. Cambridge Analytica & The Great Hack w/ Producer Cait!

We’re reading your emails, playing your calls, and talking about propaganda.Producer Cait, aka Caitlyn Moldenhauer, aka Pod Mom, aka the founder of More Banana, joins us in the studio to talk about PROPAGANDA. Turns out, she has a college degree in it. Can you believe? She watched The Great Hack, the new Netflix documentary that analyzes Cambridge Analytica’s role in the 2016 election and the way in which they peppered propaganda into our newsfeeds, and has THOUGHTS. It’s a legit scam, folks! Co...

Aug 08, 201958 minSeason 1Ep. 37

S01E36. Fundamentalist Christianity w/ Rachel Overvoll

Support us and More Banana Podcasts!Trigger warning: this is an episode about feminism, Christianity, and a little bit of abuse. Author Rachel Overvoll joins Sue and Caitlin to discuss her new memoir, Finding Feminism. She talks about purity balls in fundamentalist Christianity, Joshua Harris, and the way in which some churches tend to scam women into believing that they should be subservient to men. It’s difficult, it’s frustrating, but it’s an enlightening episode with a wonderful author. Enjo...

Aug 01, 201942 minSeason 1Ep. 36

S01E35. Gambling w/ Austin Rodrigues

Support us and More Banana Podcasts!Austin Rodrigues (a comedian and also Sue’s husband!) joins us today to share his expert insight on gambling. And he’s been playing cards since he was a mere baby, so he’s truly an legend. He even fondly recalls being given free cigarettes in a casino at the ripe young age of 15. He’ll tell you about ways to lightly get away with some tricks while playing cards (lightly!), how the casino scams you to stay longer and spend more money, and he’ll even talk about ...

Jul 25, 20191 hr 4 minSeason 1Ep. 35

S01E33. I Looked Aunt Becky in The Eyes: The Lori Loughlin Scam

Support us and More Banana Podcasts!In this episode, Caitlin and Sue break down the fresh-out-of-the oven college admission scam led by Rick Singer, with comedian, current college student, and scam-spondent Mackenzie Thomas. The scam got the children of celebrities and various other rich people accepted to top universities through an elaborate bribery and cheating ring. Mackenzie was outside the Boston courthouse during Lori Loughlin’s indictment. Mackenzie shares every detail about her now-infa...

Jul 10, 201952 minSeason 1Ep. 33

S01E32. It’s A Mish Mosh

Support us and More Banana Podcasts!Listen, this episode is a mish mosh of lots of stuff. We’re talking about bits and pieces of lots of little things. We have a listener email from Texas, an interview with Maria Kowalski, an actual event planner with opinions on Tanacon, and a casual summation of the most popular YouTube drama with Mackenzie Thomas. Plus, Sue almost got scammed this week, you guys! Enjoy and be careful out there. Adam And Eve Discount Code: SCAMWOW Our Patreon, social media cha...

Jul 03, 201943 minSeason 1Ep. 32

S01E31. Tanacon Part 2: It’s Like Fyre Festival, But YouTube

Support us and More Banana Podcasts!Ok, we are BACK with Part 2 of this epic shitshow. First of all, happy 21st birthday, Tana! And congrats on your engagement to Jake Paul! Unfortunately, you’re a scammer. This time, we’re taking a look at what exactly went wrong and caused Tanacon to be complete and utter chaos. And take it from Caity and Sue: real life is not iconic. Enjoy! Adam And Eve Discount Code: SCAMWOW Some YouTube Research:Tana- Why I Won’t Be Attending VidconShane Dawson - The Truth ...

Jun 26, 201940 minSeason 1Ep. 31

S01E30. Tanacon Part 1: It’s Like Fyre Festival, But Youtube

Support us and More Banana Podcasts!IS THIS REAL LIFE!!!?? Sue and Caitlin are in the studio together and are so excited to be in the same place at the same time to talk about something that was a total shitshow. It was like the Fyre Festival of YouTube, people. Sue and Caitlin are talking about Tana Mongeau’s very own Tanacon. The YouTube celeb created an enormous festival/meet up/rhythmic dance performance after being snubbed by the infamous Vidcon, and things went real bad right away. It was ...

Jun 19, 201941 minSeason 1Ep. 30

S01E29. Infomercial King Kevin Trudeau (w/ Maggie Serota)

Mega Memory: ever head of it? Today, Caitlin and Sue are talking to SPIN reporter, Maggie Serota, about the legendary infomercial salesman slash conman, Kevin Trudeau. You may remember him from such hits as Natural Cures “They” Don’t Want You To Know About, the non-surgical facelift, the International Pool Tour, and his various legal proceedings. To be honest, this guy was the original Goop. And also? If Gwyneth Paltrow is your guru, then you’re gonna eat dust. Fact. Follow Maggie on Twitter Mor...

Jun 05, 201940 minSeason 1Ep. 29

S01E28. RICO, The Five Families & The Concrete Club w/ Allen Arthur

Support us and More Banana Podcasts!Goons are gonna get whacked! Investigative journalist, Allen Arthur, is back and this time he’s talking about the mob. The mob did this thing where they monopolized the concrete market in New York City and then they scammed the windows in public housing. Public housing! Today’s topics also include ready mix concrete, the Five Families, and big chins. If you aren’t into organized crime, then fuggedaboutit. Follow Allen on Twitter Allen's Reading List:Five Famil...

May 29, 20191 hr 6 minSeason 1Ep. 28

S01E27. Barbara Gray Conjures "The Queen of the Underworld"

Support us and More Banana Podcasts!Ride or die listeners will remember Marm Mandelbaum, the godmother of American scammers from our very first episode. But Marm wasn’t the only boss lady at her school for aspiring thieves. She couldn’t have done it without her second-in-command Sophie Lyons and, well, Sophie lived a wild one. She went from hardcore con artist to radically progressive do-gooder over the course of a truly unique life. One day she was snagging pocket watches, and the next she was ...

May 22, 20191 hr 10 minSeason 1Ep. 27

S01E26. Anna Delvey : How to Scam in Supreme

Support us and More Banana Podcasts!Today’s guest is the ultra cool journalist Alexis Cheung. She and our hosts Sue and Caitlin dive into the Anna Delvey case. Anna Delvey (Sorkin) is known as the SoHo Grifter. She made headlines by running out on checks, forging bank documents, and infiltrating the fashion elite. Anna’s arrest and court appearances gained notoriety when a stylist was hired to make her look “less inmate” more scorned socialite. Sue and Caitlin breakdown her conning past, twitter...

May 15, 20191 hr 7 minSeason 1Ep. 26

S01E25. Sue Worked For A Scammer

Support us and More Banana Podcasts!Once upon a time, right after this podcast was born, Sue moved her entire life to Los Angeles for a job that she knew would be only medium. It was not going to be exciting: she understood that. She recognized that the job would only serve the purpose of paying her bills and transforming her from a black-uniformed New Yorker into a sun-kissed West Coast girl. What she didn’t know was that she’d actually be helping a serial con-man scam small businesses in South...

May 08, 20191 hr 3 minSeason 1Ep. 25

S01E24. Is Disney A Scam? w/ Carlye Wisel

Support us and More Banana Podcasts!Sue and Caity chat with theme park journalist (yes, that’s her job), Carlye Wisel. Carlye spends all day, every day at Disney so she breaks down some of the park’s most common scams. Sue takes a vehement stance against Fast Pass and blames her childhood therapist for stealing a runner’s bib. (It wasn’t her, though. Sorry, Patty!) And this time? Caity get to Skype into the call in pajamas. My how the tables have turned. Enjoy! Carlye’s Journalistic ResearchPatt...

May 01, 20191 hr 4 minSeason 1Ep. 24

S01E23. Did Patty Hearst Scam Us? w/ Let’s Get Civical

Support us and More Banana Podcasts!Hey, did you know that ScamWow is on an all-female podcast network calle More Banana? It’s true! We are. It’s run by our awesome producer, Cait Molden. In addition to ScamWow, More Banana also has a show called Let’s Get Civical, which is hosted by Lizzie Stewart and Arden Walentowski. Lizzie and Arden stopped by to tell Sue and Caity all about Patty Hearst’s kidnapping, robbery, and subsequent Presidential pardon. Listen to find out whether she was in on it t...

Apr 24, 201954 minSeason 1Ep. 23

S01E22. Avoiding Financial Scams w/ Paco de Leon

Support us and More Banana Podcasts!Today’s episode features the coolest financial advisor on the planet, Paco de Leon, and she’s truly THE BEST. Found of The Hell Yeah Group, Paco is the co-host of Refinery29’s Money Diaries and considers herself to be your financial friend. And she is! She’s the easiest person to talk to about money that Sue and Caity have ever met. Paco identifies some helpful ways to help you spot a scam and stop it in its tracks. Hopefully her tips will help you avoid getti...

Apr 17, 201956 minSeason 1Ep. 22

S01E21. TargeTED

This week Sue and Caitlin talk to Ted Limpert, Comedian who just might be the kindest man in West Hollywood. Ted, a filmmaker and comedian, also happens to be Caitlin's TV husband. He is also the perfect Target inside a Target, has a bad habit of getting scammed. See ya next week for more scams! And as always call our Hot Tip Hotline with any juicy scams 347-509-9414 or email them in to scamwowpodcast@gmail.com! Our Patreon, social media channels, and more! DISCLAIMER: We are comedians and this ...

Apr 10, 201946 minSeason 1Ep. 21

S01E20. Audrey Kitching, The Myspace Energy Scammer w/ Nayomi Reghay

Wow. We all occasionally suspect that energy healers and new age stuff is kind of BS, but investigative journalist for the Daily Dot, Nayomi Reghay, proved that our suspicions are sometimes correct, unfortunately. Nayomi went down a rabbit hole (or a 5D portal, if you prefer) to uncover the truth behind the proprietor of Crystal Cactus, Audrey Kitching. Kitching runs an online store selling spiritual goods like candles, butterfly pins, and crystal dildos that are possibly cheap products repurpos...

Mar 27, 20191 hr 7 minSeason 1Ep. 20

S01E19. Scams of The Real Housewives: Part 2

Sue & Caitlin are joined in the studio by comedian and writer, Caitlin Bitzegaio once more for the second half of Scams of The Real Housewives! Their coverage of The Housewives franchise continues with a deep dive into the historic “Fake Cancer” scheme that poisoned the RHOC cast against Vicki Gunvalson and Brooks Ayers. Then it’s time to break down the gambling addiction that created and can possibly destroy one Beverly Hills power couple. Will Dorit and PK Kemsley be able to maintain their...

Mar 20, 20191 hr 4 minSeason 1Ep. 19

S01E18. Scams of The Real Housewives: Part 1

Sue & Caitlin are joined in the studio by comedian and writer, Caitlin Bitzegaio. Caitlin has written for shows on BET, Bravo, ESPN, MTV, CMT, truTV, A&E Lifetime, Nickelodeon, PBS, and The Travel Channel, so she’s a television connoisseur. And yes, Sue is surrounded by Caitlins in this episode. Three of them at once! They break down their favorite scams from that wonderful piece of pop culture bestowed upon the land by Bravo: the Real Housewives. This week, they’re discussing the fabuli...

Mar 13, 201957 minSeason 1Ep. 18

S01E17. Felicity Huffman, Aunt Becky Are Going to Jail?! Emergency Episode!

*BREAKING NEWS* We interrupt your regularly scheduled scam to discuss COLLEGE ADMISSIONS-GATE 2019! Sue & Caity dropped everything for a bi-coastal skype to talk about Lori Loughlin, Felicity Huffman, and their dirty college entrance schemes. Our Patreon, social media channels, and more! Send us your scams! scamwowpodcast@gmail.com Or call: 347-509-9414 DISCLAIMER: We are comedians and this is satire. C’mon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 13, 201920 minSeason 1Ep. 17

S01E16. H.H. Holmes w/ Jiji Lee: Don’t Get Trunked!

This week, Caitlin and Sue welcome JiJi Lee, whose writing has appeared in Reductress, McSweeney’s, The New York Times, and The New Yorker. JiJi comes to the studio bearing significant research and brought extensive notes on the mysterious scam artist and serial killer, H.H. Holmes. They discuss his twisted murder hotel and his many victims in Chicago during the World’s Fair. JiJi gets after it, Sue gets into it, and Caitlin gets nightmares! Our Patreon, social media channels, and more! Send us ...

Mar 06, 201940 minSeason 1Ep. 16

S01E15. DoTerra, Young Living & Caitlin’s Infomercial Scam: I Love the Boom Boom!

Listen, if an MLM (multi-level marketing) company thinks that they are going to get by Caitlin and Sue without being ridiculed, then they have another thing coming. These two girls will mock them all! Today, Sue and Caitlin discuss the essential oil multi-level marketing companies, Young Living and DoTerra. And also, go to the doctor! Use science and medicine to cure your ailments. Oh yeah, trigger warning: Sue and Caity talk about anti-vax stuff and eating disorders in this episode. Then, Caitl...

Feb 27, 201958 minSeason 1Ep. 15

S01E14. The Government Won’t Tell You to Get A Cab: An Awful Telephone Scam w/ Abby Holland

Sue and Caitlin are joined in the studio by comedian and Lady Parts Justice League activist, Abby Holland. You may also recognize Abby from a popular gif that was once retweeted by none other than Lin Manuel Miranda himself! She was also a producer on VH1’s Best Week Ever. Just warning you right now, though: as Lady Parts Justice League is a non-profit dedicated to fighting for abortion and women’s health rights, Sue, Caity, and Abby talk about politics. DON’T SAY THEY DIDN’T WARN YOU! Then, Abb...

Feb 20, 201959 minSeason 1Ep. 14

S01E13. Isaac Newton & 90 Day Fiancé: The Real Valentines

Hello, scammers! In honor of Valentine’s Day, Caitlin and Sue are talking about the cons that they’re truly in love with: Sir Isaac Newton and 90 Day Fiancé. Did you know that, in addition to proving the existence of gravity, Isaac Newton also busted a bunch of bad dudes? It’s the truth! Also, 90 Day Fiance: is that a scam or not? Yes, it’s a hit reality show on TLC, but who is really getting scammed? Sue and Caitlin have a lot of love and a lot of feelings! And, as always, call the Hot Tip Hotl...

Feb 13, 201957 minSeason 1Ep. 13

S01E12. FYRE Festival : Part 2

“I need you to take one for the team.” This is a directive from con-artist Billy McFarland to his loyal employee, Andy King. At the time, Billy was asking Andy to go to the Bahamian Customs Office and suck the official’s dick so he would release cases of Evian for the Fyre Festival. And Andy was going to do it. Now THAT’s the kind of loyalty all bosses must demand from their employees. Poor Andy King, though. Caitlin’s not a fan but Sue has a lot of compassion for him because she has been in tha...

Feb 07, 20191 hr 7 minSeason 1Ep. 12

S01E11. FYRE Festival : Part 1

It’s HERE! The Fyre Festival. The entire reason Sue and Caitlin started this podcast. Fyre – a legendary tale of white male arrogance, social media branding, and rich kids trapped on an island as the world laughed. Fyre – a music festival where no music was actually played; a luxury experience complete with FEMA tents and impoverished, unpaid day laborers; a Ponzi scheme mixed with a catfish rolling on Molly. It was somehow more disastrous than anyone could have predicted, and totally predictabl...

Feb 06, 20191 hr 1 minSeason 1Ep. 11

S01E10. Baby Scams at the Magic Castle

Sue and Caitlin do a bicoastal call for a mini-scamisode about Sue’s trip to the legendary Magic Castle in Hollywood. Yes, it’s a real place! And Caitlin lets go of a scam-struggle to give her family a happier home. Also, since the scam universe has summoned them, next week, your sleuths will cover the infamous Frye Festival. They’d love to hear from you about all the thoughts and feelings it evokes. Listeners, call in! 347-509-9414 Enjoy! Our Patreon, social media channels, and more! Send us yo...

Jan 30, 201933 minSeason 1Ep. 10
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