Deep Cover
Pushkin Industries
Deep Cover is a show about people who lead double lives. Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Jake Halpern reveals webs of deception and dark underworlds, through interviews with federal agents and convicted criminals.
Deep Cover Presents: Snowball. A special limited series from the Unravel Podcast team at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Ollie Wards' family lost everything after their brush with a charming Californian con woman. As he embarks on a quest to find out how she did it, why she did it, and where she is now, he opens the door on a mystery that spans decades and across continents.
Binge episodes of Deep Cover Presents: Snowball early and ad-free with a Pushkin+ subscription. Find Pushkin+ on the Deep Cover show page in Apple Podcasts or at pushkin.fm/plus.
In the sixth season of Deep Cover: The Truth About Sarah, Jake Halpern and acclaimed investigative journalist Jess McHugh unravel an epic six-year deception that upended lives of countless people. Sarah Cavanaugh was many things: A decorated veteran. A Marine who saved her comrades. A young woman fighting cancer. She was stoic, humble, tough. In short: a hero. Sarah was everything people wanted her to be—until she wasn’t. Turns out, no one knew the real Sarah. Not her comrades. Not her wife. No one. Jake and Jess interview all of the key sources—including Sarah, herself—to tell this sprawling tale.
Season five covers the rise and fall of George Santos, the former Republican Congressman from New York, and the stories—many of which were not true—he told about his life and credentials.
Season four, The Nameless Man, tells the epic tale of two federal agents who investigate a rumor about a murder that supposedly took place 15 years prior. It is also the story of a family searching for answers about why their brother was killed. These two storylines collide in a courtroom in Philadelphia, where murder, memory, and morality go on trial.
Season three, Never Seen Again, tells the story of two women living on opposite sides of the country, who went missing in the summer of 1999. Seven years later, their stories collided when a small town detective got a tip and became convinced that if he could solve one mystery, he’d solve the other.
Season two, Mob Land, is about a high-rolling lawyer who joins forces with the feds to try to bring down one of the most powerful criminal syndicates in the country.
Season one, The Drug Wars, tells the story of an FBI agent who goes undercover with a biker gang, and follows a trail of clues that eventually leads to the US invasion of a foreign country.
Deep Cover drops on Mondays. To hear episodes early and ad-free, subscribe to Pushkin+ in Apple Podcasts or at pushkin.fm/plus.
iHeartMedia is the exclusive podcast partner of Pushkin Industries.
Deep Cover Presents: Snowball. A special limited series from the Unravel Podcast team at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Ollie Wards' family lost everything after their brush with a charming Californian con woman. As he embarks on a quest to find out how she did it, why she did it, and where she is now, he opens the door on a mystery that spans decades and across continents.
Binge episodes of Deep Cover Presents: Snowball early and ad-free with a Pushkin+ subscription. Find Pushkin+ on the Deep Cover show page in Apple Podcasts or at pushkin.fm/plus.
In the sixth season of Deep Cover: The Truth About Sarah, Jake Halpern and acclaimed investigative journalist Jess McHugh unravel an epic six-year deception that upended lives of countless people. Sarah Cavanaugh was many things: A decorated veteran. A Marine who saved her comrades. A young woman fighting cancer. She was stoic, humble, tough. In short: a hero. Sarah was everything people wanted her to be—until she wasn’t. Turns out, no one knew the real Sarah. Not her comrades. Not her wife. No one. Jake and Jess interview all of the key sources—including Sarah, herself—to tell this sprawling tale.
Season five covers the rise and fall of George Santos, the former Republican Congressman from New York, and the stories—many of which were not true—he told about his life and credentials.
Season four, The Nameless Man, tells the epic tale of two federal agents who investigate a rumor about a murder that supposedly took place 15 years prior. It is also the story of a family searching for answers about why their brother was killed. These two storylines collide in a courtroom in Philadelphia, where murder, memory, and morality go on trial.
Season three, Never Seen Again, tells the story of two women living on opposite sides of the country, who went missing in the summer of 1999. Seven years later, their stories collided when a small town detective got a tip and became convinced that if he could solve one mystery, he’d solve the other.
Season two, Mob Land, is about a high-rolling lawyer who joins forces with the feds to try to bring down one of the most powerful criminal syndicates in the country.
Season one, The Drug Wars, tells the story of an FBI agent who goes undercover with a biker gang, and follows a trail of clues that eventually leads to the US invasion of a foreign country.
Deep Cover drops on Mondays. To hear episodes early and ad-free, subscribe to Pushkin+ in Apple Podcasts or at pushkin.fm/plus.
iHeartMedia is the exclusive podcast partner of Pushkin Industries.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Oct 27, 2025 • 6min
Deep Cover Presents: Snowball
In 2006, Greg Wards was your average Kiwi backpacker on an overseas adventure in the UK, working hard, playing harder — and falling head-over-heels in love. After a whirlwind international romance, Greg married Lezlie Manukian in New Zealand. Their new life started out by setting up a small business north of Auckland. But a snowball had started to roll the day Greg met Lezlie Manukian. It wasn't long before this ball of chaos gathered pace and crushed Greg and his family. Starting November 3, binge episodes of Deep Cover Presents: Snowball early and ad-free with a Pushkin+ subscription. Find Pushkin+ on the Deep Cover show page in Apple Podcasts or at pushkin.fm/plus.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11 snips
Oct 24, 2025 • 23min
Episode 5: Santos Released From Prison
Amy Gaines McQuade, a producer and collaborator on the original series about George Santos, joins Mark Chisano, author of 'The Fabulist,' to unpack the surprising commutation of Santos's prison sentence by Trump. They explore reactions from those who know Santos, including shock over his release. Discussions dive into the complexities of legal terms like commutation versus pardon and broader implications for the justice system. They also speculate on Santos's future moves and his recent promise of rehabilitation, questioning the authenticity of his intentions.
Oct 23, 2025 • 43sec
Deep Cover Live in Boston on December 19
If you've ever wondered what goes into making an episode of Deep Cover, now's your chance. Join Jake Halpern and Jess McHugh for a live bonus taping of Deep Cover: The Truth About Sarah at WBUR's Boston CitySpace on December 19. Listen to never-before-heard recordings from interviews, go behind-the-scenes on Jake and Jess' reporting and storytelling process. Find more details and tickets here: https://www.wbur.org/events/1046207/deep-cover-the-truth-about-sarah-liveSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
15 snips
Jun 23, 2025 • 26min
Rosemarie’s Story
Rosemarie Coffey, a dedicated community support specialist, shares her heartfelt journey assisting veterans, particularly Sarah Cavanaugh, who faced significant challenges. Rosemarie candidly discusses the bonds formed amid Sarah’s struggles with mental health and the deceptive narratives surrounding her military service. As they navigate emotional ups and downs, secrets begin to unravel, revealing layers of betrayal and identity crises. Listeners gain insight into the complexities of care, loyalty, and the profound impacts of trust in the world of support services.
10 snips
Jun 16, 2025 • 29min
Seth’s Story
Seth Cole, a veteran of the Iraq War and outreach coordinator at Creative Vets, discusses the healing power of music for veterans. He reflects on his own journey from trauma to recovery and highlights the role of community in that transformation. The conversation dives into the authentic struggles of identity and the complexities faced by those in similar situations. Seth emphasizes the importance of vulnerability and storytelling, showcasing how creativity can pave the way to hope and purpose after military service.
18 snips
Jun 9, 2025 • 45min
Episode 6: The Defendant
Sarah Cavanaugh, a woman embroiled in deception as a fake war hero and cancer patient, reveals her motivations in a gripping conversation. Her legal battles unfold, showcasing the emotional turmoil faced by her victims as they confront betrayal in court. The discussion dives deep into themes of accountability, empathy, and the psychological scars left by her actions. As they seek closure, the conversation highlights the possibility of forgiveness and the resilience of community healing amidst the ruins of trust.
16 snips
Jun 2, 2025 • 40min
Episode 5: The Wife
The podcast dives into the secretive relationship between Sarah and her wife, Nicole. Their love story is marked by warmth, but also by daunting challenges as they navigate health crises. Emotional tensions rise as Sarah's hidden truths threaten their bond, highlighting the impact of dishonesty on love. Nicole's reflections reveal layers of complexity in their marriage, intertwined with themes of commitment and trauma. This intimate journey confronts the ties between love, fear, and the weight of unspoken struggles.
30 snips
May 26, 2025 • 33min
Episode 4: The Suspect
In this riveting discussion, Tom Donnelly, an investigator with the Department of Veterans Affairs, illuminates the shocking deception within the veterans' community. He shares gripping insights into the investigation of Sarah Kavanaugh, revealing her manipulation of medical records and exploitation of vulnerable individuals. The tension escalates as federal agents prepare to search her home, exposing the emotional turmoil and chaos of her fraudulent actions. This episode challenges trust and integrity, sparking serious ethical discussions about the repercussions of betrayal.
10 snips
May 19, 2025 • 41min
Episode 3: The Confidante
Sarah’s past as a social worker unveils rich stories of empathy and connection. However, tension brews as Jake and Jess interview Sarah's former friends, revealing darker insights. Relationships teeter on the edge of trust and betrayal, particularly with a Marine veteran whose deception shakes Sarah's world. The podcast navigates complex emotions, exploring vulnerability and the quest for truth in relationships shadowed by lies.
22 snips
May 12, 2025 • 36min
Episode 2: The Poster Child
Dave Ainsley, a decorated Army veteran with over 20 years of service, dives into the complexities of honor and deception within the veteran community. He shares gripping narratives of camaraderie and betrayal, reflecting on a local woman's false claims of military service. Ainsley discusses the vital role support plays among veterans and the challenges they face while navigating identity and validation. The conversation examines the authenticity of war heroism and the importance of seeking the truth amidst personal struggles and societal expectations.
