Swindled

Explore the rise and fall of a libertarian dream in the Chilean countryside. The ambitious Galt's Gulch project promised a utopia but quickly unraveled due to betrayal and mismanagement. Delve into controversial alternative cancer treatments that exploited desperate patients, revealing ethical dilemmas. Encounter the chaotic aftermath with power struggles and legal battles within a community striving for accountability. Amid radical ideals, witness the harsh realities of pursuing freedom as personal stories illuminate the tragic consequences of such ventures.

Dive into the tangled life of Nicholas Alahverdian, a foster child advocate with a dark side. Discover the tragic story of Zanay Rothgeb, whose neglect in the foster system sparks a call for urgent reforms. Hear about the emotional journey of a boy overcoming a troubled childhood to champion other vulnerable kids. Unravel the shocking tale of a man who faked his own death and the chaotic legal battles that followed. This narrative weaves through advocacy, systemic failures, and the stark contrasts in Alahverdian's legacy.

Dive into a web of deception as a self-proclaimed socially conscious entrepreneur leads thousands into a devastating Ponzi scheme. Discover how Ephren Taylor II manipulated trust through church seminars while other fraudsters exploited crises like COVID-19. Uncover the emotional fallout faced by victims and the intertwined scandals involving televangelists and bishops. Experience the rise and fall of an ambitious young CEO whose story serves as a cautionary tale about greed and betrayal in the world of investment.

A tragic tale unfolds as a duck boat capsizes on Table Rock Lake, claiming 17 lives during a storm. The podcast dives into the eerie history of these amphibious vehicles and their disastrous safety oversights. Survivors share harrowing accounts of survival amidst chaos, while the aftermath reveals a community in mourning and calls for accountability. With stories of corporate greed and regulatory failures, the narrative highlights the urgent need for better safety measures to protect tourists in the wake of such heartbreaking tragedies.

Delve into the shocking life of Scott W. Rothstein, the mastermind behind Florida's biggest Ponzi scheme. The mysterious case of attorney Melissa Britt Lewis unfolds, revealing dark connections and tragic consequences. Discover the unsettling details of corruption in the legal system as investigators piece together a violent past. The financial misconduct unravels a web of deceit, leaving victims devastated. Explore Rothstein's rise to fame and his extravagant lifestyle that masked his manipulative nature, culminating in a dramatic downfall.

A chaotic fight at a Chicago nightclub leads to a tragic stampede, setting the stage for a devastating fire at the Station nightclub in Rhode Island. The narrative uncovers shocking failures in safety protocols and the emotional turmoil faced by victims' families. It poignantly reflects on survivor experiences, community impact, and the quest for justice amidst deep remorse and accountability. The podcast also draws parallels to other tragic events, emphasizing the urgent need for improved safety measures in entertainment venues.

A married couple faces a horrific harassment campaign linked to eBay executives, revealing dark corporate secrets. The chilling story intertwines bizarre deliveries and escalating threats as they battle their tormentor. Meanwhile, corporate misconduct is laid bare, showcasing a toxic atmosphere within eBay and its aggressive tactics against competitors like Amazon. The episode dives into the distressing fallout of a shocking betrayal and raises critical questions about corporate accountability in a world where harassment and intimidation lurk beneath the surface.

Explore the shocking legacy of toxic water contamination at Camp Lejeune and its devastating impact on families. Hear gripping accounts of a mother's fight for justice in Woburn, Massachusetts, as she uncovers the link between contaminated water and leukemia. Dive into the heart-wrenching stories of families dealing with health crises, infant mortality, and the struggles for accountability amid bureaucratic challenges. Witness the emotional toll on veterans and their families seeking healthcare and benefits in a system that often fails them.

A journalist's murder becomes the focal point of a chilling narrative, revealing the dark side of political corruption in Las Vegas. The life and mysterious death of casino heir Ted Binion set the stage for a gripping story of power, crime, and accountability. The fallout from a contentious election campaign leads to the shocking demise of investigative reporter Jeff German, raising questions about the dangers faced by those who seek truth. The chilling details of the case unfold, revealing a web of deceit and the enduring legacy of journalistic integrity.

Originally published April 30, 2023. 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 ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠ ⁠Patreon⁠ –––-–---------------------------------------- DONATE: ⁠SwindledPodcast.com/Support⁠ CONSUME: ⁠SwindledPodcast.com/Shop⁠ WATCH: ⁠SwindledVideo.com⁠ –––-–---------------------------------------- MUSIC: ⁠Deformr⁠ –––-–---------------------------------------- FOLLOW: ⁠SwindledPodcast.com⁠ ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠Twitter.com⁠ ⁠TikTok⁠ ⁠Facebook⁠ Thanks for listening. :-) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices