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
Aug 21, 2024 • 17min
Episode 3: The Plea
Amy Gaines McQuade, a seasoned courtroom observer, shares firsthand insights from the recent guilty plea of George Santos. She captures the tense atmosphere in the courtroom, detailing the emotional weight and public scrutiny surrounding the case. Amy discusses the authenticity of Santos’s remorse and the implications of his plea for future legal challenges. Speculations arise about what’s next for him in the media landscape, alongside insider perspectives on his strategies to navigate the fallout.
Aug 19, 2024 • 37min
Episode 2: The Congressman
Naysa Woomer, communications director for Congressman George Santos, shares her rollercoaster experience during his chaotic first five months in office. She reveals the frenzy of media attention surrounding his arrival and the challenges of maintaining his narrative under intense scrutiny. Author Mark Chiusano delves into the tangled web of allegations against Santos, particularly concerning his deceptive claims about his mother and their ties to 9/11. This insightful discussion uncovers the delicate dance between truth and fiction in contemporary politics.
Aug 19, 2024 • 35min
Episode 1: The Campaign
Kadia Goba, a journalist digging into political campaign finances, teams up with Saurav Ghosh from the Campaign Legal Center to dissect George Santos's controversial rise. They discuss the unraveling of Santos's fabrications, tracing financial discrepancies in his campaign filings. With legal troubles brewing, they examine the chaotic fallout from investigations and the implications for transparency in political funding. Goba and Ghosh's insights illuminate the murky world of campaign finance and the strategies that shape electoral narratives.
Aug 15, 2024 • 2min
Deep Cover: George Santos
George Santos, a Republican Congressman from New York, is known for weaving an intricate web of fabricated life stories. The podcast dives into his controversial claims and the complexities surrounding his financial dealings. As Santos stands on the brink of a criminal trial, the discussion uncovers the blurred lines between truth and deception. Producer Amy Gaines McQuade shares insights from her journey to uncover who George Santos really is, painting a vivid picture of a character at the center of a political storm.
Jul 29, 2024 • 36min
Unpacking the Verdict
Join Jerri Williams, a former FBI agent and podcast host, as she unpacks a compelling case that explores themes of racial violence and justice. Alongside Beth Wilson Devlin, a jury selection expert, they dive into the intricate dynamics of jury selection in high-profile trials. Discover how biases and emotional engagement shape verdicts, and gain insights into the emotional dilemmas jurors face when balancing personal beliefs with legal standards. Their discussion sheds light on the complexities of justice in a captivating narrative.
Jul 1, 2024 • 37min
Behind the Scenes of The Nameless Man
James Forman Jr., Yale Law School professor, discusses immunity, restorative justice, and victim healing in a legal case, exploring the balance between punishment and justice. The podcast also touches on identity protection, credit unions, and the portrayal of black families in the media and justice system reform.
May 27, 2024 • 39min
Episode 6: The Verdict
The finale reveals the unexpected verdict in a murder trial, explores jurors' struggles with memory and internal conflicts, and highlights the emotional aftermath on the Wood family. The chapter also teases a new podcast series featuring inspiring small business success stories.
May 20, 2024 • 32min
Episode 5: The Trial
Attorney Mike Farrell defends a skinhead murder suspect, disruptor traits are explored, ex-girlfriends testify against the suspect, jury faces emotional turmoil during the trial.
May 13, 2024 • 33min
Episode 4: The Grand Jury
Assistant prosecutor in Philadelphia prepares a case for grand jury, exploring unsolved murder investigations and emotional challenges. Collaboration with DA's office on hate crime murder, gathering crucial evidence. Federal agents pursue murder case leads, facing challenges. Revisiting murder scene with key witness, emotional toll on witnesses. Confrontation and arrest of suspect, setting stage for trial.
May 6, 2024 • 30min
Episode 3: The Yearning
A family seeks closure in the mysterious death of their uncle, delving into old memories and unanswered questions. The narrative explores family dynamics, bonds, and tragedy, leading to a quest for justice and closure after nearly 20 years.
