
Deep Cover
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.
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.
Lies tend to be fragile, temperamental things. Small ones may flourish, but the big ones die, wilting under their own weight—except in this case. The bigger it grew, the more real it became.
Jake Halpern and acclaimed investigative journalist Jess McHugh unravel an epic six-year deception that upended the lives of countless people.
To this day, much of this story is shrouded in mystery. There was never a trial and most of the people involved, including victims and investigators, have never spoken publicly in any depth.
In the sixth season of Deep Cover: The Truth About Sarah, 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.
Latest episodes

12 snips
Jun 23, 2025 • 25min
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.

5 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.

10 snips
Jun 9, 2025 • 46min
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.

9 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.

21 snips
May 26, 2025 • 34min
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.

6 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.

15 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.

17 snips
May 12, 2025 • 41min
Episode 1: The Warrior
A mysterious letter from Sarah Cavanaugh sparks a deep exploration of crime and morality. The narrative dives into the emotional journeys of veterans at a Montana retreat, highlighting themes of community and healing. As friendships evolve under the weight of personal struggles, the complexities of truth and deception emerge. Key discussions on mental health and the moral dilemmas of violence further enrich the story. Ultimately, the podcast interweaves themes of identity, resilience, and the quest for understanding amidst challenging circumstances.

May 5, 2025 • 3min
Introducing Deep Cover: The Truth About Sarah
Dive into the intriguing life of a decorated Marine veteran living a dual existence. Explore the impacts of a combat injury on her identity and the complexities of trust. This story challenges traditional perceptions of heroism and reveals surprising truths about the human experience. Unexpected twists keep you captivated as the tension between societal expectations and personal reality unfolds.

Aug 28, 2024 • 36min
Episode 4: The Donor
Cathy Soref, a notable GOP donor and former supporter of George Santos, reveals her insights into her disillusionment with Santos amid his legal troubles. She discusses her initial motivations for supporting him and the emotional turmoil following his indictments. The conversation highlights the implications of fraudulent contributions and the urgent need for better identity protection in the political landscape. Soref reflects on how her trust was undermined, illustrating the complexities of political backing and accountability.