Scamfluencers

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.

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.

Michael Milken is known as the King of Junk Bonds. In the early 80s, he pioneered a novel way to finance companies that traditional investors normally wouldn’t touch. His high-risk, high-reward investing strategy upended decades of Wall Street norms. And it made celebrities out of Michael and the corporate raiders he funded, like T. Boone Pickens, Rupert Murdoch, and Carl Icahn. Michael did make it possible for smaller companies to access capital. But he did it by breaking norms, ethical codes, and financial regulations in order to manipulate the system at every turn. Though, when stock brokers turn into snitches, even his billions can’t protect him.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.

Lamont Jones leaves Dauphin County Prison for the last time, a free man ready to move on with his life. But when his young cousin dies in that same jail, he learns that this is not the only mysterious death that has plagued Dauphin County Prison. The search for the truth will put him at odds with a reality TV show coroner who claims to speak for the dead and people in power who all have something to hide. Listen to Death County, PA: Wondery.fm/DCPA_FDSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Francois-Marie Banier is facing an uphill battle in French courts when he learns he’s being sued by Liliane Bettencourt’s only daughter, Francoise. When the French media learn of the accusations of financial abuse against the L’Oreal heiress, he becomes the butt of a joke, twisting the L’Oreal slogan, “Because he’s worth it.” But thanks to a nosy butler and 20 hours of secret recordings, a new scandal overtakes Francois-Marie’s melodrama: Mediapart, a scrappy, new newspaper, gets a hold of the recordings and accusations fly, this time sweeping up Nicholas Sarkozy and a web of alleged illegal campaign donations, tax shelters, and new villains in the massive tangle that is the Bettencourt Affair. 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.

Dive into the intriguing life of François-Marie Banier, who rose from a troubled childhood to become a prominent figure in the Parisian art scene. His close relationship with L’Oréal heiress Liliane Bettencourt sparks questions of manipulation and true intentions. As gifts and affection flow, concerns arise from Liliane’s daughter about François-Marie's influence. Tensions intensify, leading to legal battles and a web of scandal that captures the attention of the nation. Join this tale of ambition, art, and the blurry lines of friendship within wealth.

Explore the rise and fall of Conrad Black, who transformed a Canadian newspaper into a global media giant. Discover his extravagant lifestyle, marked by lavish parties and elite connections with figures like Margaret Thatcher. Learn about the shady business practices that led to scrutiny and betrayal from his partner. Delve into the intense courtroom drama as Black battles legal troubles, all while navigating the moral implications of ambition and privilege in the media world. The hosts reflect on the allure of luxury versus the charm of ordinary life.

Dive into the riveting tale of Lee Israel, a writer turned forger, who finds herself in a precarious world of deception and ambition. Uncover her crafty schemes to sell forged celebrity letters, all while grappling with ethical dilemmas and personal turmoil. The thrilling dynamics of her forgeries lead to unexpected confrontations and eventual legal troubles. Explore the complexities of creativity versus integrity in a narrative filled with dark humor and the harsh realities of a life built on lies.

Dive into the wild world of Giancarlo Parretti, the Italian businessman who tried to acquire MGM through elaborate scams and falsified loans. Explore his rise from a waiter to a Hollywood mogul, navigating legal troubles and chaotic takeovers. Discover the turbulent partnerships and moral dilemmas in a glamorous yet shady film industry. As the tale unfolds, laugh along with humorous Italian cultural references while pondering the thin line between ambition and ethics in creative fields. Get ready for a captivating journey!

Billy Mitchell's reign as the 'King of Kong' faces scrutiny as suspicions of cheating arise. The rivalry between him and up-and-coming gamers adds fuel to the fire, revealing the dark side of competitive gaming. A humorous animated parody escalates into a legal battle, showcasing the absurdity of public personas in gaming culture. As accusations swirl, the emotional fallout and the struggle for legitimacy reshape the landscape of arcade competitions. The push for a more enjoyable gaming community highlights the importance of shared experiences over cutthroat competition.