
Scamfluencers
You never really know someone…especially online. In today’s world, the power of influence can be the quickest path to money and fame, and it often ends in ruin. These are the stories of the world’s most insidious Scamfluencers. And we are their prey. On Wondery’s new weekly series, join co-hosts Scaachi Koul and Sarah Hagi as they unpack epic stories of deception from the worlds of social media, fashion, finance, health, and wellness. These influencers claim to be everything from charismatic healers to trusted financial insiders to experts in dating. They cast spells over millions. Why do we believe them, and how does our culture allow them to thrive? From Black Swan Murder to a fake social media influencer to an audacious Hollywood Ponzi schemer, each season will take the listener along the twists and turns, the impact on victims, and what’s left when the facade falls away.Need more Scamfluencers? With Wondery+, enjoy exclusive episodes, early access to new ones, and they’re always ad-free. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/scamfluencers/ now.
Latest episodes

Jun 30, 2025 • 48min
Earl Washington: A Rip Off the Old Block | 165
Earl Washington is a multi-talented artist whose woodblock carvings take a deceptive turn. Struggling to make a name in the entertainment world, he invents a fictional grandfather to sell his works as antiques. The story unfolds as a dedicated collector, Doug, uncovers Earl's fraud, sparking a thrilling investigation with the FBI. Balancing ambition and integrity, the podcast humorously explores the complexities of art forgery and the emotional fallout from betrayal. It's a wild ride through the absurdity of deception in the art world!

Jun 24, 2025 • 6min
Listen Now: Liberty Lost
In a shocking exploration of a religious facility for pregnant teens, the story follows Abbi, who faces the turmoil of unwanted choices under intense family pressure. The emotional weight of adoption ceremonies reveals deep internal struggles for young parents. As they confront the dark legacy of forced adoptions, the podcast sheds light on how conservative ideologies continue to shape the experiences of motherhood and the rights of women. Abbi's journey becomes one of resistance against a system designed to diminish her choices.

7 snips
Jun 23, 2025 • 48min
Prince Michael Romanoff: The High Prince of Hollywood | 164
Delve into the fascinating life of Hershel Geguzin, who reinvented himself as Prince Michael Romanoff, the charming conman of Hollywood. Explore his journey from humble orphan to hosting legends like Bogart and Sinatra. As Michael navigates a web of lies and lavish parties, discover the tension between maintaining his facade and confronting his tumultuous past. The rise and fall of his restaurant, Romanoff's, reveals the intersection of celebrity culture and deceit in a dazzling yet precarious world.

Jun 16, 2025 • 54min
Rocky Aoki: Hibachi’s a Bitch and Then You Die | 163
Dive into the life of Rocky Aoki, the visionary behind the Benihana restaurant chain. Discover how his childhood in post-war Tokyo shaped his ambition and creativity. Ride along through the turbulent rise of hibachi dining, marked by both success and scandal. Explore Aoki's personal struggles, including infidelity and insider trading, which threaten to unravel his empire. The family feuds over his legacy add another layer of intrigue as his widow and children battle for control of the Benihana empire.

Jun 9, 2025 • 50min
Multi-Level Marketing: Your Product is You | 162
Bridget Read, a journalist and author of 'Little Bosses Everywhere,' joins to discuss her extensive research on pyramid schemes and multi-level marketing (MLM). She reveals the psychological allure and deceptive practices that attract individuals, particularly vulnerable demographics like women of color. The podcast examines the historical evolution of MLMs, their ties to conservative politics, and the emotional toll they take on participants. Read shares insights into the illusory nature of self-worth in MLMs, making this conversation a compelling critique of modern entrepreneurship.

Jun 3, 2025 • 6min
Wondery Presents: How to Survive Against the Odds
Dive into gripping tales of survival as you learn how to face nature's fiercest challenges. From navigating life at sea by curing turtle meat to understanding the intricate responses of the body under stress, these stories are both thrilling and educational. Discover survival strategies against bear attacks and the mental tricks to manage hunger while trapped in rubble during an earthquake. Each narrative underscores the resilience of the human spirit and offers invaluable knowledge for anyone who might find themselves in dire straits.

11 snips
Jun 2, 2025 • 44min
ENCORE: Do You Even Grift, Bro? | 161
Explore the outrageous journey of the Liver King, born Brian Johnson, who transformed from a bullied kid into a beefy influencer promoting a radical raw meat diet. Uncover the scandals that unraveled his carefully crafted image, including allegations of steroid use and the backlash from his followers. Delve into the complexities of masculinity and modern diet trends, examining how insecurities fuel extreme diet obsessions. Insights from a revealing Netflix documentary also highlight the moral dilemmas of authenticity in the influencer world.

May 26, 2025 • 39min
ENCORE: The Memory Maker Part 2 | 160
Teal Swan's self-help empire faces scrutiny and backlash as she confronts critics with rebuttals and a documentary. The podcast explores her tumultuous relationship with Sardeep, the rise of her controversial practices at the Philia Center, and the emotional toll on her community. Tensions escalate as new members navigate acceptance amidst accusations of cult-like behavior. The aftermath highlights the fragility of personal choices versus public perception, and the complexities of trauma, mentorship, and the search for validation in a scrutinized world.

May 19, 2025 • 42min
ENCORE: The Memory Maker Part 1 | 159
Teal Swan’s rise as a controversial spiritual leader raises questions about her fabricated past and its influence on followers. The podcast dives into the ethical dilemmas of influencers like Kat Torres and their impact on mental health support. It also explores trauma, memory, and the challenges of recovery amid societal fears. A gripping examination of personal narratives reveals the dark side of online support. The intertwining journeys of individuals facing manipulation and grief highlight the complexities of healing in the age of social media.

May 12, 2025 • 54min
Paul and Patricia Bragg: The Mother of All Wellness Scams | 158
Paul Bragg used showmanship and outrageous claims to grow his health food company into a wellness empire. But after he died in his 90s and passed the company to his daughter, Patricia, people started asking questions. And soon it’s revealed that Paul and Patricia’s empire was built on a foundation of lies… about their products, and about themselves.Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterListen to Scamfluencers on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/scamfluencers/ now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.