Chameleon
Audiochuck | Campside Media
We are living in a golden age of deception. It feels like everyone has an angle and that, everywhere you turn, someone’s trying to scam you. Chameleon is a new weekly show from veteran journalist Josh Dean (co-creator and host of The Clearing, Hooked, White Devil, and the original Chameleon season, Hollywood Con Queen) that takes you inside an incredible, stranger-than-fiction story about someone—or some people—pretending to be something they aren’t. Are you obsessed with cons, frauds, and impostors? Then this is the podcast for you. Get your new weekly true crime obsession every Thursday from Campside Media and Audiochuck.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jan 16, 2026 • 11min
Introducing: 13th Juror
When Liberty German and Abigail Williams, two young girls from a small Indiana town, tragically lost their lives in February 2017, a nationwide manhunt ensued for the “man on the bridge.” After a five-year investigation, a suspect was finally arrested. Brandi Churchwell, host of 13th Juror, traces the long, difficult path to answers, the arrest of Richard Allen, and how the prosecution assembled its case.Listen to 13th Juror now on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Jan 15, 2026 • 36min
The Author Trap: Inside The Scheme Selling Lies to Hopeful Writers
Brent Crane is being chased through a mall in the Philippines. He's on the trail of Page Turner, the company that has been accused of stealing $44 million from hopeful writers in one of the most brazen scams the book publishing world has ever seen.Chameleon is a production of Campside Media and Audiochuck.Follow Chameleon on Instagram @chameleonpod Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
9 snips
Jan 8, 2026 • 36min
White Lies: The Scammer Who Left Brides In The Lurch And Couldn't Stop
Justin Sales, an investigative reporter and podcast producer, dives deep into the bizarre and shocking world of wedding scammer Michael Esposito. From the early signs of deceit at his failed startup to his brazen new scams under multiple aliases, Justin unfolds a captivating tale of pursuit and deception. He recounts the tense undercover confrontation meant to expose Esposito and discusses the complexities of chasing a scammer across jurisdictions. Ultimately, Justin examines the limitations of law enforcement and reflects on the impact of their investigation.
10 snips
Jan 1, 2026 • 31min
The de Kooning Job: Teachers Turned Thieves
Alison Otto, a documentary film director known for her work on The Thief Collector, shares a captivating tale of art theft. She dives into the mysterious 1985 disappearance of de Kooning's ‘Woman Ochre,’ later found hidden by a retired couple in New Mexico. Otto highlights the complex psychology of 'collector-thieves' and the challenges in recovering stolen art. Interesting discussions unfold about the Alters’ eccentric lifestyle, potential motives entwined with fraud, and darker theories emerging from hidden narratives in their lives.
Dec 25, 2025 • 43min
Gay Girl in Damascus: A Viral Kidnapping And An Internet Fantasy
The tale of a Syrian-American blogger captivates hearts globally, sparking romance and activism during the Arab Spring. But Amina Arraf is revealed as a hoax, with her dramatic kidnapping post igniting a worldwide outcry. Investigators delve into the online persona's inconsistencies, leading to the exposure of Tom McMaster as the author. There's a poignant discussion on the impact of this deception on real communities, alongside reflections on trust in media. The story raises vital questions about authenticity in the digital age.
Dec 18, 2025 • 35min
Fake It 'Til You Graduate: The Honor Student Who Conned a Town
In 2012, a Ukrainian man enrolled at a high school in Pennsylvania, pretending to be a teenage prodigy named Asher Potts. He made the honor roll and became a local hero. Until the day police showed up in class and arrested him. The immigrant who scammed his way into the American dream.Chameleon is a production of Campside Media and Audiochuck.Follow Chameleon on Instagram @chameleonpod Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
9 snips
Dec 11, 2025 • 28min
Spine Collector: Where Have All The Manuscripts Gone?
Reeves Wiedemann and Lila Shapiro, investigative journalists from New York Magazine, delve into the perplexing mystery of unpublished manuscript thefts that baffled the publishing world. They discuss the scale of the thefts, the baffling lack of motive, and why this story captured their attention during the pandemic. A twist arises as they confront a suspected book scout, only to uncover a deeper web of deception. The plot thickens with the arrest of Filippo Bernardini, revealing his obsession with collecting manuscripts and sparking mixed reactions across the industry.
11 snips
Dec 4, 2025 • 30min
The Barefoot Bandit: Catch Him If You Can
This gripping tale follows Colton Harris-Moore, a teenager who became a modern folk hero by stealing everything from cars to planes. He launched into a life of crime, captivating the media with his bare-footed escapes and audacious antics. As his legend grew on social media, so did the manhunt, involving police and bounty hunters across multiple states. Colton's incredible journey culminates in a daring transcontinental flight and his eventual capture in the Bahamas, leaving behind a legacy as an unintended symbol of rebellion.
Nov 27, 2025 • 33min
The Undead Tour: How The Fake Zombies Fooled America
In this discussion, Daniel Ralston, a writer and podcaster, unveils the outlandish tale of a Texan band impersonating The Zombies, capitalizing on the hit 'Time of the Season'. He explores the chaotic 1960s music scene that allowed such daring cons and shares how two of the imposters would later form ZZ Top. Ralston recounts their wild touring life, the legal troubles that ended their act, and the eventual resurgence of the real Zombies. He reflects on the cultural impact of this bizarre story and its lessons on authenticity in the music industry.
8 snips
Nov 20, 2025 • 28min
An Admission of Lies: The Man Who Fooled Princeton
Louisa Burdett and Rebecca Lavoie dive deep into the fascinating tale of James Hogue, a clever impersonator who charmed his way into Princeton as Alexi Santana. They recount how Hogue's mysterious persona captured the elite’s attention and discuss his dual life, from track star to con artist. Highlights include a shocking recognition at a meet, his eventual arrest, and his bizarre motive for reinventing himself. The conversation reveals the allure of Hogue's story, marked by creativity and unresolved intrigue.
