Discover the gripping tale of a notorious fraudster from the Pacific Northwest, often dubbed a 'mini Madoff.' This story reveals how Darren Berg orchestrated a staggering $140 million Ponzi scheme, leaving over 500 investors devastated. Dive into the ethical dilemmas surrounding controversial investment practices in real estate, and learn about the psychological allure of charismatic con artists. The episode also examines Berg's dramatic legal journey, from early entrepreneurial missteps to his audacious escape from a minimum-security prison.

An experimental deep-sea submersible disappears during an expedition to the Titanic shipwreck. Prelude: Legendary explorer Steve Fossett disappears during a casual plane ride.–––-–----------------------------------------BECOME A VALUEDLISTENER™SpotifyApple PodcastsPatreon–––-–----------------------------------------DONATE: SwindledPodcast.com/SupportCONSUME: SwindledPodcast.com/ShopWATCH: 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

A weight-loss drug, Belviq, faces withdrawal due to cancer risks, highlighting the dark side of diet drugs. The tumultuous history of weight-loss trends reveals dangers from past treatments like Fen-Phen. Personal stories, including Mary’s health struggles and a complex legal saga for victims, unveil corporate negligence. The fallout continues with legal battles against unscrupulous attorneys profiting from the suffering. Many victims voice their dissatisfaction over unmet promises and financial obligations, as they navigate their ongoing health crises.

Joel Morehu-Barlow, a government employee turned con artist, infamously posed as a Tahitian prince and executed the largest public sector fraud in Queensland history. He embezzled over $16 million, exploiting a disastrous payroll system rollout. The discussion unveils his double life and the investigation that followed, balancing the serious effects of his actions with unexpected humor. Barlow's journey through incarceration and the psychological factors behind his fraud offer a gripping tale of crime, deception, and ultimately, redemption.

Investigate the controversial safety practices of a budget airline after a dramatic emergency landing. Delve into the harrowing crash of a flight in the Florida Everglades, revealing the tragic consequences of cost-cutting. Explore the rise and fall of an airline known for prioritizing low fares over safety, highlighting the critical mechanical failures that led to disaster. Discover the ramifications of the tragedy, including legal battles and a push for meaningful reforms in aviation safety.

The podcast dives into the Juggalo community's fierce battle for civil rights after being labeled a gang by the FBI. It examines the tragic case of Michael Goucher, revealing the dark side of Juggalo culture amidst a chilling murder scenario. Listeners learn about the personal impacts of this gang designation, including legal struggles and societal discrimination. The podcast also celebrates the transformative journey of Insane Clown Posse, highlighting the loyalty and resilience of their fanbase in the face of adversity and stigma.

Lamor Whitehead, a flashy Brooklyn pastor known for his media presence and controversial past, dives into his tumultuous journey. He discusses the shocking murder of a young man on the subway and its impact on the community. Whitehead also unpacks his high-profile lifestyle amid legal troubles, including allegations of fraud and a dramatic robbery during a live stream. He reflects on themes of redemption and the duality of his identity as a leader under scrutiny, exposing the complexities of fame and responsibility.

A compounding pharmacy’s drive for profit leads to a catastrophic health crisis. It highlights the troubling connection between negligence and a fungal meningitis outbreak from contaminated injections. The emotional stories of affected families reveal the tragedy of prioritizing revenue over safety. Legal consequences for pharmacy executives add a layer of courtroom drama to the tragedy. Calls for increased regulatory oversight underline the urgent need for protection in healthcare. This gripping narrative raises questions about accountability and systemic failures in the industry.

Former Shark Tank contestant Nate Holzapfel's fraud spree, manipulation, and exploitation of vulnerable women. Guilty plea for charges, including fraud and sexual battery, resulting in a 15-year prison sentence.

Carissa Carpenter, an ambitious woman proposed to build a massive movie studio in Northern California, only to face deception, stolen identities, legal troubles, and a failed project. The podcast explores the challenges, deceitful schemes, and repercussions of Carissa Carpenter's ambitious yet fraudulent endeavors.