{"_":"A narrative true-crime podcast that uses immersive storytelling, archival audio, and cinematic sound design to explore the world of white-collar crime, con artists, and corporate evil. From Ponzi schemes and financial fraud to environmental disasters and political scandals, each story reveals how greed, deception, and the pursuit of power have shaped our world—often with devastating consequences. Become a ValuedListener™ at ValuedListener.com\n\n","$":{"audioboom:html":"1"}}
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A budget airline's penny-pinching strategy is examined after one of its planes crashes in the Florida Everglades. Prelude: Allegiant Air's safety history is called into question after a rash of concerning incidents. –––-–---------------------------------------- BECOME A VALUEDLISTENER™ Spotify Patreon Apple Podcasts –––-–---------------------------------------- CONSUME : Shop.Swindled.com –––-–-------------------...
A "quintessential" civil rights battle ignites when fans of the much-maligned rap group Insane Clown Posse are officially classified as a "street gang" by the federal government. Prelude: Two Juggalos are charged with the murder of a man in Pennsylvania. –––-–---------------------------------------- BECOME A VALUEDLISTENER™ Spotify Patreon Apple Podcasts –––-–---------------------------------------- CONSUME : Sho...
A flashy Brooklyn pastor finds himself in the media spotlight due to his current lifestyle and criminal past. Prelude: An unprovoked murder on the New York subway. –––-–---------------------------------------- BECOME A VALUEDLISTENER™ Spotify Patreon Apple Podcasts –––-–---------------------------------------- CONSUME : Shop.Swindled.com –––-–---------------------------------------- MUSIC : Deformr...
A compounding pharmacy's attempt to maximize revenue leads to a devastating public health crisis. Prelude: Pharmakon Pharmaceuticals ships overly-potent medication to hospitals, including a neonatal intensive care unit.
Originally published October 3, 2023. A former Shark Tank contestant’s fraud spree leaves a trail of destruction. –––-–---------------------------------------- BECOME A VALUEDLISTENER™ Spotify Patreon Apple Podcasts –––-–---------------------------------------- CONSUME : Shop.Swindled.com –––-–---------------------------------------- MUSIC : Deformr –––-–-------------------------------...
Originally published January 11, 2023. A proposal to build a massive movie studio in Northern California signals the end of a 17-year-old scheme. –––-–---------------------------------------- BECOME A VALUEDLISTENER™ Spotify Patreon Apple Podcasts –––-–---------------------------------------- CONSUME : Shop.Swindled.com –––-–---------------------------------------- MUSIC : Deformr –––-...
A reformed Satanic priest becomes America's most prominent Christian comedian and authority on the occult. Prelude: Cassette recordings of John Todd's conspiratorial seminars spread through Evangelical communities. –––-–---------------------------------------- BECOME A VALUEDLISTENER™ Spotify Patreon Apple Podcasts –––-–---------------------------------------- CONSUME : Shop.Swindled.com –––-–--------------------...
Dedicated fans of country band Sugarland are crushed when a stage collapses during a storm at the Indiana State Fair. Prelude: A gust of wind destroys the stage at Ottawa Bluesfest while Cheap Trick performs. –––-–---------------------------------------- BECOME A VALUEDLISTENER™ Spotify Patreon Apple Podcasts –––-–---------------------------------------- CONSUME : Shop.Swindled.com –––-–--------------------------...
The arrest of Fall River's 23-year-old mayor ignites a political fiasco. Prelude: A popular Massachusetts State Senator is convicted of bribery. –––-–---------------------------------------- BECOME A VALUEDLISTENER™ Spotify Patreon Apple Podcasts –––-–---------------------------------------- CONSUME : Shop.Swindled.com –––-–---------------------------------------- MUSIC : Deformr –––-–...
The largest disability fraud case in United States history is linked to a flamboyant lawyer in a small Kentucky town. Prelude: The history and abuse of Social Security Disability Insurance. –––-–---------------------------------------- BECOME A VALUEDLISTENER™ Spotify Patreon Apple Podcasts –––-–---------------------------------------- CONSUME : Shop.Swindled.com –––-–---------------------------------------- MUSI...
A multinational meat processing company wreaks havoc on animals and people in pursuit of profits. Prelude: Cody Easterday's $233 million "ghost cattle" scheme. –––-–---------------------------------------- BECOME A VALUEDLISTENER™ Spotify Patreon Apple Podcasts –––-–---------------------------------------- CONSUME : Shop.Swindled.com –––-–---------------------------------------- MUSIC : Deformr...
The eccentric director of a veterans charity goes on the run after being exposed as a fraud. Prelude: The downfall of a county commissioner in Florida. –––-–---------------------------------------- BECOME A VALUEDLISTENER™ Spotify Patreon Apple Podcasts –––-–---------------------------------------- CONSUME : Shop.Swindled.com –––-–---------------------------------------- MUSIC : Deformr...
A Nevada-based alkaline water company owned by a local politician is blamed for an outbreak of serious illnesses. Prelude: The events surrounding a Nevada state senator's resignation. –––-–---------------------------------------- BECOME A VALUEDLISTENER™ Spotify Patreon Apple Podcasts –––-–---------------------------------------- CONSUME : Shop.Swindled.com –––-–---------------------------------------- MUSIC : ...
The small village of Pilger, Nebraska, was nearly wiped out by twin EF4 tornadoes, prompting an extraordinary rebuilding effort led by its trusted clerk, Kim Nyman. Years later, an audit revealed Nyman made hundreds of thousands in unauthorized payments to various vendors, including a collection agency run by a bizarre Canadian man. Despite a plea deal and Nyman's claim of threats, many questions remain about how Pilger's funds disappeared and the true nature of the international scam.
Originally published July 18, 2021. A critically ill teenager writes a best-selling book about his abusive childhood. Prelude: New Horizons Youth Ministry opens a child reform program overseas. –––-–---------------------------------------- BECOME A VALUEDLISTENER™ Spotify Patreon Apple Podcasts –––-–---------------------------------------- CONSUME : Shop.Swindled.com –––-–---------------------------------------- ...
A utility company's neglected equipment ignites the deadliest wildfire in California history. Prelude: A natural gas leak destroys a neighborhood in San Bruno. –––-–---------------------------------------- BECOME A VALUEDLISTENER™ Spotify Patreon Apple Podcasts –––-–---------------------------------------- CONSUME : Shop.Swindled.com –––-–---------------------------------------- MUSIC : Deformr...
The manufacturer of a persistent pesticide endangers the people and environment of Hopewell, Virginia. Prelude: Two islands in the French West Indies are contaminated with chlordecone. –––-–---------------------------------------- BECOME A VALUEDLISTENER™ Spotify Patreon Apple Podcasts –––-–---------------------------------------- CONSUME : Shop.Swindled.com –––-–---------------------------------------- MUSIC : ...
A renowned sinus surgeon disappears after malpractice allegations surface. Prelude: Philip and Marcella Gabriele are accused of performing unnecessary eye surgeries. –––-–---------------------------------------- BECOME A VALUEDLISTENER™ Spotify Patreon Apple Podcasts –––-–---------------------------------------- CONSUME : Shop.Swindled.com –––-–---------------------------------------- MUSIC : Deform...
A mistress' 12-year-long affair with a wealthy department store heir ends in violence and conspiracy. Prelude: The collapse of Bernie Cornfeld's financial empire. –––-–---------------------------------------- BECOME A VALUEDLISTENER™ Spotify Patreon Apple Podcasts –––-–---------------------------------------- CONSUME : Shop.Swindled.com –––-–---------------------------------------- MUSIC : Deformr...
Originally published June 30, 2023. A worker (Jose Melena) at a canned tuna factory becomes trapped in an industrial oven and burns to death. A worker (Alan Catterall) at a plastic kayak company becomes trapped in an industrial oven and burns to death. Two workers (Ian Erickson and David Mayes) at a bakery become trapped in an industrial oven and burn to death. –––-–---------------------------------------- BECOME A VALUEDLISTENER™ Spotify Patreon...
A Sydney-based financial advisor disappears hours after federal agents raided her house. Prelude: $60 million is lost as a result of Brad Sherwin's Ponzi scheme. –––-–---------------------------------------- BECOME A VALUEDLISTENER™ Spotify Patreon Apple Podcasts –––-–---------------------------------------- CONSUME : Shop.Swindled.com –––-–---------------------------------------- MUSIC : Deformr...
Rick Singer is exposed as the leader of a widespread college admissions bribery conspiracy. Prelude: A digital bank and Swiss asset manager work together to conceal dozens of illegal pump-and-dump stock schemes. –––-–---------------------------------------- BECOME A VALUEDLISTENER™ Spotify Patreon Apple Podcasts –––-–---------------------------------------- CONSUME : Shop.Swindled.com –––-–-----------------------...
More than one hundred people are killed when two overhead walkways collapse in the lobby of a Kansas City hotel. Prelude: The failure of a much-needed pedestrian bridge at Florida International University. –––-–---------------------------------------- BECOME A VALUEDLISTENER™ Spotify Patreon Apple Podcasts –––-–---------------------------------------- CONSUME : Shop.Swindled.com –––-–-----------------------------...
A nationally-known attorney specializing in lottery winnings rips off those who entrusted him. Prelude: Winning the lottery ruins Billie Bob Harrell Jr.'s life. –––-–---------------------------------------- BECOME A VALUEDLISTENER™ Spotify Patreon Apple Podcasts –––-–---------------------------------------- CONSUME : Shop.Swindled.com –––-–---------------------------------------- MUSIC : Deformr...
A popular Austin, Texas, jeweler is murdered in his home on the same day a serial bomber begins terrorizing the city. Prelude: Erik Charles Maund reacts to an extortion attempt. –––-–---------------------------------------- BECOME A VALUEDLISTENER™ Spotify Patreon Apple Podcasts –––-–---------------------------------------- CONSUME : Shop.Swindled.com –––-–---------------------------------------- MUSIC : ...
A fledgling Long Island professional hockey team is revived when sold to a Texas-based con artist. Prelude: William "Boots" Del Biaggio III purchases a minority stake in the Nashville Predators. –––-–---------------------------------------- BECOME A VALUEDLISTENER™ Spotify Patreon Apple Podcasts –––-–---------------------------------------- CONSUME : Shop.Swindled.com –––-–----------------------------------------...
Tragedy at a marine animal amusement park illuminates the issues surrounding keeping killer whales in captivity. Prelude: A campaign to save Keiko, the orca whale star of 'Free Willy.' –––-–---------------------------------------- BECOME A VALUEDLISTENER™ Spotify Patreon Apple Podcasts –––-–---------------------------------------- CONSUME : Shop.Swindled.com –––-–---------------------------------------- MUSIC : ...
A series of infomercials lands a TV pitchman in federal prison. Prelude: The founder of Hooked on Phonics is criticized over dubious advertising claims before he settles a sexual assault lawsuit with his corporate attorney, who then purchases a ranch from a phony French noblewoman who faked her own death. –––-–---------------------------------------- BECOME A VALUEDLISTENER™ Spotify Patreon Apple Podcasts –––-–--...
An 18-year-old boy in Florida is caught masquerading as a medical doctor. Prelude: A 17-year-old boy in Florida is caught masquerading as a physician assistant. –––-–---------------------------------------- BECOME A VALUEDLISTENER™ Spotify Patreon Apple Podcasts –––-–---------------------------------------- CONSUME : Shop.Swindled.com –––-–---------------------------------------- MUSIC : Deformr...
Workers at a chicken processing plant in North Carolina become trapped inside a burning building. Prelude: Tragedy at the Triangle Waist Company in Manhattan leads to worker safety reforms. –––-–---------------------------------------- BECOME A VALUEDLISTENER™ Spotify Patreon Apple Podcasts –––-–---------------------------------------- CONSUME : Shop.Swindled.com –––-–---------------------------------------- MUSI...
