Swindled

A viral video sparks accusations of charity fraud and other improprieties while exposing a potentially much darker truth.Prelude: Efforts to neutralize a brutal warlord in central Africa are unsuccessful.–––-–----------------------------------------BECOME A VALUEDLISTENER™SpotifyPatreonApple Podcasts–––-–----------------------------------------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 train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, reveals a dark tale of corporate greed and environmental disaster. The chaos post-incident raises urgent questions about safety and trust, as affected residents face health risks from toxic leaks. Community resilience shines through as they navigate misinformation and legal battles, demanding transparency. Meanwhile, Norfolk Southern's profit-driven practices come under fire, showcasing a troubling disconnect between success and safety concerns. As the town reflects on a year of recovery, the quest for better regulations remains critical.

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.

A budget airline's cost-cutting measures are scrutinized after a tragic crash in the Florida Everglades. Allegiant Air's troubling safety record is highlighted, raising questions about low-cost operational strategies. The rise and fall of ValueJet is examined, revealing a harrowing journey before Flight 592's ill-fated takeoff. Emotional stories of families affected by the crash shed light on the aftermath, including legal battles and the push for regulatory reform in aviation safety.

Discover the Juggalo subculture, its vibrant identity, and the societal challenges they face when classified as a gang by the FBI. Unravel the chilling murder case of Michael Goucher, linking crime to Juggalo culture, while exploring the controversial impact of music on behavior. Dive into the community's legal battle against misclassification, their quest for recognition, and the powerful March on Washington advocating for their rights. It's a captivating look at music, identity, and the fight for civil liberties.

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.