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Brett Johnson

Former cybercriminal turned security consultant and public speaker. He shares his life story and expertise on cybercrime prevention.

Top 10 podcasts with Brett Johnson

Ranked by the Snipd community
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110 snips
Dec 18, 2023 • 2h 15min

406. The Man Behind the Dark Web | Brett Johnson

Brett Johnson, once dubbed the United States’ most wanted cyber criminal, is now a cybersecurity expert and public speaker. In this engaging conversation, he shares his journey from creating Shadowcrew, a forerunner of the dark web, to finding redemption through family and cooperative law enforcement. They explore the influence of childhood trauma on criminality, the psychology behind identity theft, and the complexities of morality and choice in the digital age. Johnson's transformation highlights the potential for change and the importance of support in overcoming a troubled past.
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99 snips
Mar 27, 2022 • 3h 53min

#272 – Brett Johnson: US Most Wanted Cybercriminal

Brett Johnson, known as the Original Internet Godfather, is a former US Most Wanted cybercriminal who founded ShadowCrew. He shares insights into his chaotic upbringing and the birth of organized cybercrime. The conversation explores the complexities of personal responsibility, motivation behind cybercrime, and the impact of familial trauma on identity. Johnson reflects on his transformation from crime to cybersecurity, emphasizing the role of education and collaboration in combating cyber threats. His journey is a captivating tale of redemption and the duality of human nature.
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77 snips
Nov 29, 2022 • 1h 19min

129: Gollumfun (Part 2)

Brett Johnson, known as Gollumfun, is a former cybercriminal turned cybersecurity consultant and podcaster. He shares gripping tales from his past with Counterfeit Library and Shadow Crew. The conversation dives into online scams, the moral dilemmas of snitching, and the intense pressures of life as an informant. Brett recounts his chaotic escape from law enforcement and the hard-hitting consequences of his criminal choices. Through his journey, he also touches on redemption and the transformative power of support and positive relationships.
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65 snips
Nov 15, 2022 • 1h 1min

128: Gollumfun (Part 1)

Brett Johnson, also known as Gollumfun, is a former cybercriminal whose past includes deep involvement in hacking and fraud. In this discussion, he reveals his tumultuous upbringing in eastern Kentucky, shaped by crime and chaos. Brett shares his transition from installing mod chips to engaging in high-stakes online scams, including the notorious Counterfeit Library. He delves into the mindset of cybercriminals, the thrill of illegal activities, and the emotional turmoil that can drive individuals to the dark side of the internet.
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16 snips
Jul 23, 2022 • 1h 15min

#503 - Brett Johnson - The United States' Most Wanted Hacker

Brett Johnson, known as 'The Original Internet Godfather', shares his wild journey from notorious hacker to cybersecurity expert. He recounts thrilling tales of evading law enforcement, including his prison escape and life on the run. The discussion delves into major cyber events, like the SolarWinds hack, and dissects the complexities of online communities and their implications. Brett also reflects on his transformation and the challenges of reintegration into society, offering valuable insights on digital protection and the evolution of cybercrime.
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Aug 6, 2024 • 59min

Brett Johnson, Ipswich Town, Rhode Island FC, & Phoenix Rising Co-Owner: ‘The US Needs to be More than a Retirement League’ (Ep32)

Brett Johnson, co-owner of Ipswich, Rhode Island FC, and Phoenix Rising, has made significant strides in U.S. football. He discusses the importance of developing soccer franchises beyond the MLS, addressing the financial pressures of attracting young talent. Brett reveals his journey with Phoenix Rising, including the successful acquisition of Didier Drogba and the creation of a new stadium. He also touches on the evolving landscape of U.S. soccer investments and the crucial role innovative strategies play in building a sustainable football culture.
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Jan 6, 2026 • 52min

Episode 233: How Brett Johnson Made $160,000 a Week

Brett Johnson, a former cybercriminal and now a security consultant, delves into his fascinating journey from the criminal underworld to a speaker on cybercrime awareness. He discusses the mechanics of identity theft and how emotions rather than logic often lead people to fall victim to scams. Brett also covers the pivotal moments of his life, including his role in founding ShadowCrew and the innovative techniques he developed for fraud. His insights on public data as a criminal tool and tips for personal defense are both eye-opening and practical.
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Jun 13, 2025 • 2h 3min

True Crime Creators Are Getting BANNED! Here’s Why (Funny Stories)

In this engaging conversation, Brett Johnson, a former hacker turned cybersecurity expert, dives into the challenges true crime creators face on platforms like YouTube. He shares amusing stories about unexpected bans and the tricky landscape of demonetization. Martin and Wade join him as they humorously tackle the complexities of branding, the tumultuous relationship with social media, and even the ups and downs of content creation. Together, they reflect on the chaos of storytelling in the true crime world while keeping their narrative light and entertaining.
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Sep 2, 2024 • 25min

What is the True Value of Copilot?

Brett Johnson, a Microsoft 365 Copilot expert, explains how Copilot enhances workflows and communications. He shares personal insights on the impact of Copilot in streamlining meetings and improving customer operations. The discussion delves into Copilot's revolutionary data handling capabilities and its future potential, including agent-based support. Brett emphasizes practical applications in professional settings and the importance of effective prompting for maximizing productivity. His experiences reflect the rapid evolution of AI and its significance in modern workplaces.
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Jul 19, 2022 • 1h 36min

Prince Harry Goes Woke at the UN, and Cybercrime Lessons, with Dan Wootton and Brett Johnson | Ep. 360

Dan Wootton, a British journalist, critiques Prince Harry's controversial UN speech linking climate change and abortion, questioning celebrity activism's authenticity. He discusses the perceived hypocrisy of Harry and Meghan Markle in light of environmental issues. Former cybercriminal Brett Johnson shares his fascinating life story, detailing his journey from crime to cybersecurity. He offers valuable insights on social engineering, identity theft, and practical advice for protecting personal information in the digital age.

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