Scamfluencers

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.