Scamfluencers
Wondery
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Nov 11, 2025 • 6min
New Season: ‘Tis The Grinch Holiday Podcast
The Jonas Brothers—Nick, Joe, and Kevin—delight fans with their charming banter about fame and brotherly antics. They hilariously debate who's the biggest heartthrob and who truly embodies the group's 'bad boy' persona. The trio shares playful stories from their past, including some mischief that would make even the Grinch chuckle. Plus, they get a whiff of an odd smell in the studio, leading to some laugh-out-loud moments. Tune in for a festive laugh and some holiday hijinks!
Nov 10, 2025 • 1h 6min
ENCORE: Mike Milken: When Junk Was King | 187
Delve into the glitzy world of the 1980s with the rise and fall of Michael Milken, the 'Junk Bond King.' Discover how his risky financing strategies transformed Wall Street and empowered corporate raiders like T. Boone Pickens. Learn about Milken's relentless ambition, his empire-building tactics in Los Angeles, and how his opaque practices led to investigations and his eventual downfall. Explore his brief prison stint, subsequent reputation rehab, and continued influence through philanthropy and conferences.
Nov 5, 2025 • 35min
ENCORE: Bob Menendez: Bad Romance Part 2 | 186
Senator Bob Menendez and his wife have just been indicted for wheeling and dealing with the government of Egypt, along with many other crimes. In a bid to save his career, Bob throws his co-conspirators under the bus—including his wife, Nadine. But after decades avoiding consequences, Bob faces a mountain of evidence in court. He’s about to go from lion of the Senate to major liability.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Nov 3, 2025 • 46min
ENCORE: Bob Menendez: Bad Romance Part 1 | 185
Explore the rise and fall of Bob Menendez, a politician with a dark twist as he trades his anti-corruption image for bribes. Discover the complicated beginnings of his romance with Nadine Arslanian amidst legal entanglements and shady dealings. The couple finds themselves entangled in a halal monopoly scheme and international intrigue involving Egypt. FBI surveillance uncovers a web of gifts, cash, and even gold bars, all while Menendez navigates the political landscape. This wild story blends love, corruption, and scandal!
Oct 27, 2025 • 50min
Natalie Cochran: The Pharmacist Femme Fatale Part 2 | 184
When her Ponzi scheme starts to crumble – and her husband dies under mysterious circumstances – Natalie Cochran plays the perfect victim: a widowed mother of two, supposedly battling cancer while grieving her sudden loss. But behind her tears is a master manipulator. And soon, Natalie will face questions she can’t lie her way out of – from federal investigators and the national media.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.
Oct 20, 2025 • 47min
Natalie Cochran: The Pharmacist Femme Fatale Part 1 | 183
Natalie Cochran seems to have it all: a stable career as a pharmacist, a loving husband, and two kids. But when she ditches her job to become a “government contractor” – and suddenly starts raking in cash – her life starts looking a little too good to be true. Behind the scenes, Natalie is running an elaborate con: one with fake government contracts, fake cancer, and a real trail of victims. When her house of cards starts to fall, Natalie will make a devastating choice that will turn her dream life into a nightmare.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.
Oct 13, 2025 • 53min
Mark Hofmann: The Mormon Murderer | 182
Mark Hofmann, a lifelong Mormon, skyrockets to local fame by uncovering “historical” documents that challenge core LDS Church narratives. He sells the documents to the church, claiming he’s protecting it from scandal—but the truth is much darker. The documents are forgeries, and Mark is a closet atheist and master con artist. And when his double life is about to be exposed, he takes drastic measures to protect his secrets.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Oct 6, 2025 • 46min
Imelda Marcos: The First Lady of Excess Part 2 | 181
After declaring martial law in 1972, Ferdinand Marcos cemented his dictatorship over the Philippines – jailing opponents, silencing dissent, and amassing untold wealth with his wife, Imelda. But as the country’s economy buckled, the Filipino people pushed back through protests, lawsuits, and international pressure. When Ferdinand’s health starts to decline, Imelda launches a campaign to secure her family’s grip on power – and build a dynasty that will last for generations.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.
Sep 29, 2025 • 47min
Imelda Marcos: The First Lady of Excess Part 1 | 180
Imelda Marcos - the former beauty queen turned First Lady of the Philippines – was as famous for her 1,000 pairs of shoes and jawbreaker-sized diamonds as she was infamous for the fortune that she and her husband, President Ferdinand Marcos, stole from their country. While Imelda jet-setted around the globe on the public dime, ordinary Filipinos struggled under a collapsing economy. When Ferdinand’s popularity starts to plummet, he pulls his most ruthless move yet – declaring martial law to keep himself in power.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Sep 22, 2025 • 49min
Wayne LaPierre: America’s Hired (and Fired) Gun | 179
Wayne LaPierre spent decades at the helm of the National Rifle Association, transforming it into one of the most powerful lobbying groups in America. But behind his carefully crafted image as a gun-toting cowboy was a man who barely knew how to fire a weapon. LaPierre’s true loyalty was never to guns—or even to the NRA—but to himself. He raised millions from devoted members, then siphoned off the organization’s funds to bankroll his own life of luxury.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
