
The Conspiracy Tapes
In the mid-1970s, a man burst onto the evangelical scene with a shocking tale: claiming to be a former witch involved in human sacrifices among elite circles. After converting to Christianity, he toured the nation warning of hidden Satanists and spoke about a secret organization known as the Illuminati. John Todd preached salvation to frightened congregations, urging them to prepare for a world takeover by stockpiling weapons and retreating to remote areas. But John Todd was no saint; he was not the good, honest Christian he claimed to be. He was running from his past. As his influence peaked and his teachings spread through countless tapes, his facade crumbled, and he vanished. Yet, his legacy endured, inspiring acts of extreme violence from Ruby Ridge, Waco, PizzaGate, QAnon right through to the steps of the Capitol on January 6th.
The Conspiracy Tapes is part of The Binge - subscribe to listen to all episodes, all at once, ad-free right now.
From serial killer nurses to psychic scammers – The Binge is your home for true crime stories that pull you in and never let go.
Follow The Binge Crimes and The Binge Cases to get new stories on the first of the month, every month.
Hit ‘Subscribe’ at the top of the The Conspiracy Tapes show page on Apple Podcasts or visit GetTheBinge.com.
The Binge – feed your true crime obsession.
A Sony Music Entertainment production.
Find out more about The Binge and other podcasts from Sony Music Entertainment at sonymusic.com/podcasts and follow us @sonypodcasts.
Latest episodes

May 5, 2025 • 32min
Agent Pale Horse: Exposing the Truth by Living a Lie
Scott Payne, a former FBI Special Agent, takes listeners inside his harrowing life undercover, infiltrating dangerous gangs and neo-Nazi networks for 28 years. He shares chilling insights about the ideologies and recruitment tactics of extremist groups, detailing a gripping face-to-face meeting with a notorious organization. Scott also discusses the psychological toll of living a double life and the moral dilemmas he faced. His captivating anecdotes reveal the intense world of undercover work and the stark realities of domestic extremism.

May 5, 2025 • 0sec
You Might Also Like: Good Game with Sarah Spain
Introducing Coaching Hearts with Cori Close from Good Game with Sarah Spain.Follow the show: Good Game with Sarah SpainIn today's episode you'll hear Sarah's honest and heartfelt conversation with UCLA women’s basketball head coach Cori Close from the espnW Summit NYC last week. They talk about putting an excellent season in perspective despite a disappointing ending, losing players to the transfer portal, and the challenge and opportunity presented by coaching sisters Lauren and Sienna Betts next season. Plus, new records are set, playoff tickets are punched, and a statue commemorates a hoops legend. Pre-order Sarah’s book Runs in the Family here Read about Ali and Syd’s BFFR pod launch here, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts here Read Jenna Tonelli’s story about Minnesota Aurora FC here See Grand Slam Track’s schedule here Watch Hannah Hidalgo and Olivia Miles’ encounter here Send us a note at goodgame@wondermedianetwork.com Follow Sarah on social! Bluesky: @sarahspain.com Instagram: @Spain2323 Follow producer Misha Jones! Bluesky: @mishthejrnalist.bsky.social Instagram: @mishthejrnalist Follow producer Alex Azzi! Bluesky: @byalexazzi.bsky.social See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to team@podroll.fm.

Apr 22, 2025 • 5min
Beauty, Deception & a Trail of Bodies: Inside the Mysterious Life of Sandra Bridewell
She had a million-dollar smile and a trail of dead men behind her— who was Sandra Bridewell? Host and investigative report Cooper Moll exposes the secrets of the 'black widow' on Fatal Beauty - the latest true crime series to drop on The Binge.
Search for Fatal Beauty wherever you get your podcasts to start listening today. Subscribers to The Binge can listen to all episodes right now, completely ad-free.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 6, 2024 • 3min
Introducing Cover Up: The Conspiracy Tapes
In the mid-1970s, a man burst onto the evangelical scene with a shocking tale: claiming to be a former witch involved in human sacrifices among elite circles. After converting to Christianity, he toured the nation warning of hidden Satanists and spoke about a secret organization known as the Illuminati. John Todd preached salvation to frightened congregations, urging them to prepare for a world takeover by stockpiling weapons and retreating to remote areas.
But John Todd was no saint; he was not the good, honest Christian he claimed to be. He was running from his past. As his influence peaked and his teachings spread through countless tapes, his facade crumbled, and he vanished. Yet, his legacy endured, inspiring acts of extreme violence from Ruby Ridge, Waco, PizzaGate, QAnon right through to the steps of the Capitol on January 6th.
A Magnificent Noise & Sony Music Entertainment production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 5, 2024 • 51min
The Conspiracy Tapes | 6. Unmasked
Becoming something of a conspiracy theory himself, no one is fully sure what ever happened to John Todd after his fall from grace. There are many theories, but little proof. Until now. Find out what really happened to John Todd, as well as some shocking details about his life.
Unlock all episodes of The Conspiracy Tapes, ad-free, right now by subscribing to The Binge. Plus, get binge access to brand new stories dropping on the first of every month thats all episodes, all at once, all ad-free. Just click Subscribe on the top of the Cover Up show page on Apple Podcasts or visit GetTheBinge.com to get access wherever you get your podcasts.
A Magnificent Noise & Sony Music Entertainment production. Find out more about The Binge and other podcasts from Sony Music Entertainment at sonymusic.com/podcasts and follow us @sonypodcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 29, 2024 • 37min
The Conspiracy Tapes | 5. Resurrection
Discredited, John Todd vanishes and is largely forgotten until his speeches resurface online, sparking a new wave of interest and influence.
Unlock all episodes of The Conspiracy Tapes, ad-free, right now by subscribing to The Binge. Plus, get binge access to brand new stories dropping on the first of every month thats all episodes, all at once, all ad-free. Just click Subscribe on the top of the Cover Up show page on Apple Podcasts or visit GetTheBinge.com to get access wherever you get your podcasts.
A Magnificent Noise & Sony Music Entertainment production. Find out more about The Binge and other podcasts from Sony Music Entertainment at sonymusic.com/podcasts and follow us @sonypodcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 22, 2024 • 46min
The Conspiracy Tapes | 4. Contagion
A pastor receives troubling information about Todd's past. His credibility is shattered, but the tapes of his talks take on a life of their own. Todd's ideas move from fringe Christian congregations to the mainstream, igniting fears of Satanic cults, government conspiracies, and violence.
Unlock all episodes of The Conspiracy Tapes, ad-free, right now by subscribing to The Binge. Plus, get binge access to brand new stories dropping on the first of every month thats all episodes, all at once, all ad-free. Just click Subscribe on the top of the Cover Up show page on Apple Podcasts or visit GetTheBinge.com to get access wherever you get your podcasts.
A Magnificent Noise & Sony Music Entertainment production.
Find out more about The Binge and other podcasts from Sony Music Entertainment at sonymusic.com/podcasts and follow us @sonypodcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 15, 2024 • 44min
The Conspiracy Tapes | 3. Phenomenon
In 1977, Todd seeks to re-establish himself on the Christian speaker circuit. However, this time he sensationalizes his past even further, claiming to be a former member of the Illuminati, suggesting an impending societal collapse and advocating for extreme preparation measures among his followers. Recordings of his talks spread across America, spurring a phenomenon marked by fear and influencing thousands.
Unlock all episodes of The Conspiracy Tapes, ad-free, right now by subscribing to The Binge. Plus, get binge access to brand new stories dropping on the first of every month thats all episodes, all at once, all ad-free. Just click Subscribe on the top of the Cover Up show page on Apple Podcasts or visit GetTheBinge.com to get access wherever you get your podcasts.
A Magnificent Noise & Sony Music Entertainment production.
Find out more about The Binge and other podcasts from Sony Music Entertainment at sonymusic.com/podcasts and follow us @sonypodcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 8, 2024 • 32min
The Conspiracy Tapes | 2. Backslide
John Todd’s life takes a bizarre turn in Dayton, Ohio, where after a phase of promoting Christianity and condemning witchcraft, he reverts to his occult practices, running an occult bookstore called the Witch's Cauldron. John claims to be harassed by local police for his religion, but are his practices just a cover for even darker activity?
Unlock all episodes of The Conspiracy Tapes, ad-free, right now by subscribing to The Binge. Plus, get binge access to brand new stories dropping on the first of every month thats all episodes, all at once, all ad-free. Just click Subscribe on the top of the Cover Up show page on Apple Podcasts or visit GetTheBinge.com to get access wherever you get your podcasts.
A Magnificent Noise & Sony Music Entertainment production. Find out more about The Binge and other podcasts from Sony Music Entertainment at sonymusic.com/podcasts and follow us @sonypodcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 1, 2024 • 42min
The Conspiracy Tapes | 1. The Witch
We meet John Todd, a man with a fantastical story, claiming to be a former witch, now converted to Christianity. He wants to warn fellow Christians about the witches and Satanists in their midst.
Unlock all episodes of The Conspiracy Tapes, ad-free, right now by subscribing to The Binge. Plus, get binge access to brand new stories dropping on the first of every month thats all episodes, all at once, all ad-free. Just click Subscribe on the top of the Cover Up show page on Apple Podcasts or visit GetTheBinge.com to get access wherever you get your podcasts.
A Magnificent Noise & Sony Music Entertainment production. Find out more about The Binge and other podcasts from Sony Music Entertainment at sonymusic.com/podcasts and follow us @sonypodcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices