Con Artists

Today we’re bringing you a special two-part episode from another Spotify Original from Parcast. If you enjoy it, check out Cults on Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts!  After waking up from a nine-day coma in 1963, John-Roger Hinkins went on to found one of the largest spiritual movements of the ‘70s and '80s. But behind closed doors, he preyed on young members of his staff and claimed a dark spirit threatened to corrupt them.

Today we’re bringing you a special two-part episode from another Spotify Original from Parcast. If you enjoy it, check out Cults on Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts!  After waking up from a nine-day coma in 1963, John-Roger Hinkins went on to found one of the largest spiritual movements of the ‘70s and '80s. But behind closed doors, he preyed on young members of his staff and claimed a dark spirit threatened to corrupt them.

In the late 1840s in Western New York, two preteen girls tricked their parents into thinking their house was haunted. Their trick grew to include their hometown, and eventually the world, as their little prank became a religious movement known as Modern Spiritualism.

In 2012, investor Bill Ackman made it his mission to bring Herbalife down, citing unethical business practices. But the string of lawsuits, investigations, and news segments that followed did little to oust the billion dollar brand. 

Mark Hughes founded Herbalife in 1980, with the stated goal of helping people lose weight the healthy way. The multi-level marketing company achieved astronomical success before a series of controversies put the spotlight on questionable business practices and toxic products. 

By 2006, 29-year-old Rudy had been accepted into the wine elite after selling $35 million worth of bottles from his personal collection. But after discovering counterfeits, seasoned buyers began to grow skeptical—and one man became determined to bring Rudy to justice. 

In addition to new episodes of Con Artists each week, you’ll now also hear Crime Bites every Friday. Each Crime Bites episode gives you a deeper, yet brief look into true-crime topics covered at Parcast. Today we’re looking at unrepentant criminals. Why do some criminals lack empathy over their actions?  Clips featured: Crimes of Passion: Tyler Hadley Pt. 2, Female Criminals: “Lesbian Vampire Killer” Tracey Wiggington, Villains: Richard Kuklinski

With his keen sense of taste and exceptional memory, Rudy Kurniawan rose up the ranks of wine connoisseurs around the world in the early 2000s. Then he began selling counterfeit wine, conning wine lovers out of millions. 

In addition to new episodes of Con Artists each week, you’ll now also hear Crime Bites every Friday. Each Crime Bites episode gives you a deeper, yet brief look into true-crime topics covered at Parcast. Today we’re discussing cases of parent-child co-conspirators. What makes a parent recruit their own child into a life of crime? Clips featured: Espionage: Jim Nicholson Pt. 2, Con Artists: Sante Kimes Pt. 2, Female Criminals: “Torture Mother” Gertrude Baniszewski Pt. 1

In the early 20th century, a man many knew only as “the King” grew to be the most powerful man in Denver—the head of an empire of confidence tricksters who swindled victims across the United States. Lou Blonger seemed untouchable… Until a headstrong district attorney and a handful of allies decided to challenge him.

In addition to new episodes of Con Artists each week, you’ll now also hear Crime Bites every Friday. Each Crime Bites episode gives you a deeper, yet brief look into true-crime topics covered at Parcast. Today we’re discussing cases of unholy matrimony. We’ll dive into some examples of scandalous affairs and murderous marriages in true crime history.  Clips featured: Unsolved Murders: Amy Robsart Pt. 1, Cults: “The Source Family” Pt. 1, Crimes of Passion: Lorena Bobbit Pt. 1

In the 1990s, Don Lapre made a fortune by convincing people they could get rich by operating 900 numbers. In the early aughts, he marketed a nutritional supplement dubbed “the Greatest Vitamin in the World.” It was a pyramid scheme, and it helped Lapre swindle millions. 

In addition to new episodes of Con Artists each week, you’ll now also hear Crime Bites every Friday. Each Crime Bites episode gives you a deeper, yet brief look into true-crime topics covered at Parcast. Today we’re discussing prison escapes. How common are prison escapes, and what methods of escape are the most successful? Clips featured: Gone: The Alcatraz Escape, Serial Killers: Ted Bundy Pt. 2, Crimes of Passion: Bonnie and Clyde Pt. 1

For months, Mary Willcocks played the part of Princess Caraboo to the town of Almondsbury. But as her popularity increased, so did the likelihood of her ruse being discovered.

In addition to new episodes of Con Artists each week, you’ll now also hear Crime Bites every Friday. Each Crime Bites episode gives you a deeper, yet brief look into true-crime topics covered at Parcast. Today we’re discussing cases of mass panic. What allows fear to spread so quickly amongst groups of people? Clips featured: Female Criminals: Salem Witch Trials Pt. 2, Serial Killers: Servant Girl Annihilator Pt. 2, Dark Side Of: Holidays: Deadly Non-Emergency

In the early 1800s, Mary Willcocks was a young, restless woman struggling in poverty. Drifting around England as a beggar, she eventually donned a disguise and spoke in a made-up language, hoping to lure more charity. The ruse worked, and her bizarre alias was born.

In addition to new episodes of Con Artists each week, you’ll now also hear Crime Bites every Friday. Each Crime Bites episode gives you a deeper, yet brief look into true-crime topics covered at Parcast. Today we’re diving into cases that ended with the death penalty, and exploring the ongoing debate around it. Is the death penalty cruel and unusual punishment, or a constitutional deterrent to the most violent crimes?  Clips featured: Today in True Crime: The Eichmann Verdict, Serial Killers: John Wayne Gacy Pt. 2, Female Criminals: Mary Surratt Pt. 2

After a decade of cons that netted him millions, Christophe Rocancourt landed in the Hamptons… until a dinner party sparked suspicion around his true identity. He moved on to new countries and new schemes. But eventually, his lies would catch up to him. 

In addition to new episodes of Con Artists each week, you’ll now also hear Crime Bites every Friday. Each Crime Bites episode gives you a deeper, yet brief look into true-crime topics covered at Parcast. Today we’re discussing cases of drug use and drug dealers. What kind of psychological motivators are present in someone who is using or selling drugs? Clips featured: Kingpins: Rayful Edmond Pt. 1, Unsolved Murders: Sonny Liston Pt. 1, Sports Criminals: Lance Armstrong Pt. 2

He had a new name and identity everywhere he went: Christopher Rockefeller in the Hamptons; Christopher de Laurentiis on the West Coast; a prince; a prize fighter; a member of the French nobility… In reality, he was a grifter in the ‘90s whose transformations enabled—and emboldened—his scams. 

In addition to new episodes of Crimes of Passion each week, you’ll now also hear Crime Bites every Friday. Each Crime Bites episode gives you a deeper, yet brief look into true-crime topics covered at Parcast. Today we’re looking at commentary from people who surrounded killers and criminals. Many times, serial killers are able to shield themselves from detection. Friends, neighbors, and coworkers might not have any idea that they’re in the midst of a monster. How does this happen? We’ll take a closer look using clips from shows across the Parcast Network. Clips featured: Serial Killers: Ted Bundy Pt. 1, Female Criminals: Brenda Spencer Pt. 1, Con Artists: Stephen Glass Pt. 1

In the late 1990s, the energy giant that was Enron imploded, hemorrhaging billions of dollars after decades of hiding debt and cooking the books were finally brought to light. When the company went under in 2001, it was the largest corporate bankruptcy in American history.

In addition to new episodes of Con Artists each week, you’ll now also hear Crime Bites every Friday. Each Crime Bites episode gives you a deeper, yet brief look into true-crime topics covered at Parcast. Today we’re discussing cases of post-traumatic stress disorder. What horrific events led to this diagnosis in victims, and what can be done to relieve symptoms? We’ll take a closer look using clips from shows across the Parcast Network. Clips featured: Female Criminals: Treva Throneberry, Serial Killers: Amelia Dyer, Hostage: James Riley Pt. 2

Ken Lay was determined to build America’s premier natural gas company in the 1980s and ‘90s. But his mindset of “growth at any cost” laid the foundation for some of the biggest white-collar crimes in corporate history. 

In addition to new episodes of Con Artists each week, you’ll now also hear Crime Bites every Friday. Each Crime Bites episode gives you a deeper, yet brief look into true-crime topics covered at Parcast. Today we’re discussing accomplices of criminals. What leads someone to assist another person in a crime? Even if they don’t pull the trigger, are they still guilty? We’ll take a closer look using clips from shows across the Parcast Network. Clips featured: Con Artists: Jeanne De La Motte Pt. 1, Hostage: John Wojtowicz Pt. 1, Serial Killers: Carol M Bundy Pt. 2

Following his legendary con in the 1910s, Joseph "Yellow Kid" Weil took his schemes international, conducting a long-running ploy involving pre-World War Two Germany and even Hitler himself. 

In addition to new episodes of Con Artists each week, you’ll now also hear Crime Bites every Friday. Each Crime Bites episode gives you a deeper, yet brief look into true-crime topics covered at Parcast. Today we’re discussing criminal warning signs in childhood. What acts did criminals perform in their childhood that may have pointed to their future murders in adulthood? We’ll take a closer look using clips from shows across the Parcast Network. Clips featured: Serial Killers: The Candyman Pt. 1, Crimes of Passion: Larry Swartz Pt. 1, Villains: Richard Kuklinski

Better known as “The Yellow Kid,” Joseph Weil was a Chicago con artist in the 1890s who swindled people for over half a century. Starting with small cons and escalating to large-scale deceptions, Weil masterminded schemes so creative that one of them inspired the plot of a Hollywood film. 

In addition to new episodes of Con Artists each week, you’ll now also hear Crime Bites every Friday. Each Crime Bites episode gives you a deeper, yet brief look into true-crime topics covered at Parcast. Today we’re discussing cases of killers poisoning their victims. What motivates someone to use poison? We’ll take a closer look using clips from shows across the Parcast Network.

In the late 1980s, detectives investigated a string of killings that ultimately led them to unmask Mark Hofmann as one of history's most prolific documents forgers—and a murderer.

In addition to new episodes of Con Artists each week, you’ll now also hear Crime Bites every Friday. Each Crime Bites episode gives you a deeper, yet brief look into true-crime topics covered at Parcast. Today we’re discussing cases of criminality inspired by economic misfortune. What happens when a person who has fallen on hard times turns to a life of crime? We’ll take a closer look using clips from shows across the Parcast Network. Clips featured: Crimes of Passion: Bonnie and Clyde Pt. 1, Con Artists: Anna Anderson Pt. 1, Espionage: George Troflimoff Pt. 1

In the mid-1980s, Mark Hofmann was one of America’s most prolific and successful forgers. He rocked the Mormon Church to its core with convincing historical "finds" that struck at the faith's very foundation—its founder, Joseph Smith.

In addition to new episodes of Con Artists each week, you’ll now also hear Crime Bites every Friday. Each Crime Bites episode gives you a deeper, yet brief look into true-crime topics covered at Parcast. Today we’re discussing cases of isolation. What kind of effect does living in isolation—with little contact with the outside world, friends, or family—have on the psyche? We’ll take a closer look using clips from shows across the Parcast Network. Clips featured: Hostage: Colleen Stan Pt. 1, Cults: Workers Institute Pt. 2, Unexplained Mysteries: Silent Twins Pt. 1

From 1993 until 1997, Bre-X stocks soared from pennies to billions of dollars, all based on steadily increasing estimates of gold beneath the soil in Busang. Yet these estimates were all based on lies, and there was no gold to be found.

In addition to new episodes of Con Artists each week, you’ll now also hear Crime Bites every Friday. Each Crime Bites episode gives you a deeper, yet brief look into true-crime topics covered at Parcast. Today we’re discussing Satanism. What kind of influence has Satanism had on crime and society? We’ll explore this topic using clips from shows across the Parcast Network. Clips featured: Serial Killers: David Berkowitz (Son of Sam) Pt. 2, Unsolved Murders: Jeanette DePalma Pt. 1, Cults: Church of Satan Pt. 2

Founded in Canada in 1989, Bre-X was the last-ditch effort of failed prospector, David Walsh, to literally strike gold. His company stock was worth pennies until 1993, when they purchased land in Busang, Indonesia, and claimed to have discovered the largest gold deposit in the history of the world.

In addition to new episodes of Con Artists each week, you’ll now also hear Crime Bites every Friday. Each Crime Bites episode gives you a deeper, yet brief look into true-crime topics covered at Parcast. Today we will take you chronologically through three crimes that inspired change in society, laws, or policies. Clips featured: Not Guilty: Ernesto Miranda Pt. 2, Serial Killers: Ottis Toole Pt. 2, Unsolved Murders: Tylenol Murders Pt. 2

For over 20 years, music mogul Lou Pearlman perpetrated one of the longest-running Ponzi schemes in history, scamming investors out of more than $300 million. His years spent bankrolling his pricy lifestyle and promising premium profits came to a crashing halt in the 2000s, shortly after his former boyband *NSYNC told him "Bye, Bye, Bye." 

In addition to new episodes of Con Artists each week, you’ll now also hear Crime Bites every Friday. Each Crime Bites episode gives you a deeper, yet brief look into true-crime topics covered at Parcast. Today we’re discussing political crimes. What types of political crimes are there, and what is their impact on society and governments as a whole? Clips featured: Political Scandals: Jack Abramoff, Espionage: The Rosenbergs Pt. 2, Assassinations: Pancho Villa Pt. 1

He sparked the rise of the Backstreet Boys and *NSYNC in the 1990s. But a decade earlier, wannabe-mogul, Lou Pearlman, made his start in the world of aviation. With a dream, a penny stock scheme, and a single makeshift blimp, Pearlman built an empire defrauding investors. 

In addition to new episodes of Con Artists each week, you’ll now also hear Crime Bites every Friday. Each Crime Bites episode gives you a deeper, yet brief look into true-crime topics covered at Parcast. Today we’re discussing cases in which a criminal tortured their victim. What would compel someone to torture another person, and what are the lasting effects on a victim who was tortured? Clips featured: Female Criminals: Gertrude Banisewski Pt. 1, Serial Killers: David Parker Ray Pt. 2, Hostage: Colleen Stan Pt. 2

In 1995, Steven Russell met and fell madly in love with Phillip Morris, a man who inspired his most ingenious cons and audacious prison breaks. Before his final arrest, Russell upped the ante, embezzling hundreds of thousands of dollars to keep his paramour in luxury.

In addition to new episodes of Con Artists each week, you’ll now also hear Crime Bites every Friday. Each Crime Bites episode gives you a deeper, yet brief look into true-crime topics covered at Parcast. Today we’ll focus on wealthy criminals. We’ll discuss what leads high-status individuals to commit crimes, as well as the consequences they face once captured. Clips featured: Kingpins: Pablo Escobar Pt. 1, Con Artists: Bernie Madoff Pt. 1, Female Criminals: Leona Helmsley Pt. 2

After cutting his teeth on his family's illegal bid-rigging scheme, Steven Russell branched out into his own criminal enterprises, scamming corporations in Texas out of tens of thousands of dollars. Russell's escapades throughout the ‘90s landed him in prison, but he executed a cunning escape to reunite with the man he loved.

If you love the controversies explored in Con Artists, you’ll definitely want to check out the new Spotify Original podcast, Son of a Hitman. Although it’s not a Parcast production, Son of a Hitman features all the twists and turns you love in a true crime series. Follows the present day investigation into the murders, crimes, and conspiracies involving Charles V. Harrelson—the father of Jordan, Brett, and famous actor Woody Harrelson, with details never shared in the media before. Enjoy this exclusive clip from the first episode of Son of a Hitman, where you’ll meet Brett Harrelson, one of Charles’ sons, and hear what he really thinks about his father. If you like what you hear, search for Son of a Hitman and listen to the rest for free, only on Spotify. Son of a Hitman investigates the murders, crimes, and conspiracies of convicted hitman, Charles Harrelson-- father to Jordan, Brett, and famous actor Woody Harrelson. Listen now at spotify.com/hitman.

In addition to new episodes of Con Artists each week, you’ll now also hear Crime Bites every Friday. Each Crime Bites episode gives you a deeper, yet brief look into true-crime topics covered at Parcast. What makes someone so vengeful, they’re willing to take a human life? Using clips from across the Parcast Network, we’ll search for clues by taking a closer look at some of history’s most infamous revenge killings. Clips featured: Crimes of Passion: Marty and Michelle Theer Pt. 1, Female Criminals: Valerie Solanas Pt. 2, Assassinations: Phoolan Devi Pt. 1

In the late 1800s, notorious outlaw and con artist Jefferson “Soapy” Smith had created a criminal empire in Denver. But when a "law and order" league threatened to shutter his businesses, Soapy decided to expand his operations—resulting in a violent end.

In addition to new episodes of Con Artists each week, you’ll now also hear Crime Bites every Friday. Each Crime Bites episode gives you a deeper, yet brief look into true-crime topics covered at Parcast. Today we’re discussing the deaths of American political figures. Whether their demise came at the hands of an assassin, or a political rival, the loss of each of these leaders left an indelible impact on U.S. history. Clips featured: Political Scandals: Election of 1800, Assassinations: Lincoln Pt. 2, Conspiracy Theories: JFK Assassination Pt. 1

At the end of the 19th century, Jefferson Smith was just a teenage cowboy who stumbled into the world of shell games and card sharps. But after just a few years he would assemble a gang of like-minded crooks, and mastermind a slew of ingenious cons to become the scam king of Denver. 

In addition to new episodes of Con Artists each week, you’ll now also hear Crime Bites every Friday. Each Crime Bites episode gives you a deeper, yet brief look into true-crime topics covered at Parcast. Today we’re discussing serial killers’ first murders. What did the murders look like and how does a killer’s modus operandi change after their first slaying? We'll hear clips from our shows across the Parcast Network, and dive deeper into their minds and methods. Clips featured: Clips featured: Today in True Crime: December 5, 2019: Boston Belfry’s First, Female Criminals: Mary Ann Cotton Pt. 1, Serial Killers: Elizabeth Wettlaufer Pt. 1

In the 1990s, California native Barry Minkow was finally released from jail. Determined to prove his redemption to the world, the ex-con became a born-again Christian and even got a job as a local pastor. However, it wasn’t long before the new version of Barry went back to his old tricks. 

In addition to new episodes of Con Artists each week, you’ll now also hear Crime Bites every Friday. Each Crime Bites episode gives you a deeper, yet brief look into true-crime topics covered at Parcast. Today we’re discussing the clues that criminals left behind and the ways in which the police used them to hunt down their suspect. These clues could be biological, such as DNA or fingerprints; or physical, such as a piece of clothing fiber left at the scene. Some were merely overlooked by the criminal—and some were intentionally left behind. Clips featured: Serial Killers: BTK Pt. 2, Unexplained Mysteries: Zodiac Killer Pt. 1, Espionage: Aldrich Ames Pt. 2

We are thrilled to bring you a brand new episode of Con Artists today and for the foreseeable future. We thank you for your patience during this unprecedented time. In the 1980s, 16-year-old Barry Minkow established himself as a boy-genius after opening a chain of successful carpet cleaning stores in California. However, unbeknownst to his family and the journalists who covered him, Barry was running a ponzi scheme.

In addition to new episodes of Con Artists each week, you’ll now also hear Crime Bites every Friday. Each Crime Bites episode gives you a deeper, yet brief look into true-crime topics covered at Parcast. Today we're discussing "M.O.s", or the "modus operandi" of murderers. We'll talk about the tactics killers use on their victims, and what those methods say about their psyches. Clips featured: Female Criminals: Marie Sukloff Pt. 2, Unsolved Murders/Kingpins: St. Valentine’s Day Massacre Pt. 1, Unexplained Mysteries: Jack the Ripper Pt. 2

When a string of military failures under Gregor's leadership led to his exile from South America in 1820, the Scotsman returned to Europe a disgrace. But soon his desire for fame and fortune led him to create his most famous, and devious, con yet—the Poyais scheme.

In addition to new episodes of Con Artists each week, you’ll now also hear Crime Bites every Friday. Each Crime Bites episode gives you a deeper, yet brief look into true-crime topics covered at Parcast. Today we’re exploring cases of indoctrination. We’ll discuss how cult leaders, secret societies, and kidnappers gain control of their victims and what makes individuals vulnerable to malicious manipulation. Clips featured: Cults: Alamo Christian Foundation Pt. 2, Secret Societies: The Triads Pt. 1, Hostage: Colleen Stand Pt. 1

In the early 19th century, Gregor MacGregor's family name had been disgraced. But the young Scot was determined to put his clan back on the map. Following his meteoric rise and fall in the military, Gregor’s desperation for glory led him to pull his first unintentional con.

In addition to new episodes of Con Artists each week, you’ll now also hear Crime Bites every Friday. Each Crime Bites episode gives you a deeper, yet brief look into true-crime topics covered at Parcast. Today, we're looking at some of the most fascinating criminal trials in history. We'll see how certain tactics used by attorneys influenced juries, changed outcomes, and provided some of the most unexpected legal twists and turns in recent memory. Clips featured: Crimes of Passion: Lorena Bobbitt Pt. 2, Female Criminals: Salem Witches Pt. 2, Not Guilty: Central Park Five Pt. 2

Due to the unfortunate spread of COVID-19, Parcast has decided to halt recording for the time-being. This is a precautionary measure taken to ensure the safety of our hosts and staff. In the meantime, we're excited to share one of our classic episodes that we know you'll enjoy! Italian immigrant Carlo Ponzi came to Boston in the early 1900's intent on making a name for himself. But as he struggled to make ends meet, he discovered a highly lucrative investment method involving the resale of Italian postage. Just one catch—there was no investment plan.

In addition to new episodes of Con Artists each week, you’ll now also hear Crime Bites every Friday. Each Crime Bites episode gives you a deeper, yet brief look into true-crime topics covered at Parcast. Today we’re discussing cases of abduction, and examining some of the most infamous kidnappings throughout true crime history. We'll hear clips from our shows across the Parcast Network, and look at the different reasons why a criminal would carry out such a heinous act. Clips featured: Serial Killers: Ted Bundy Pt. 1, Female Criminals: Phoolan Devi Pt. 1, Hostage: Frank Sinatra Jr. Pt. 1

In 1922, American Oscar Hartzell took full control of his "Francis Drake inheritance scam." He bilked thousands of people out of enormous amounts of money, and when the government tried to stop him, he proved himself nearly untouchable.

In addition to new episodes of Con Artists each week, you’ll now also hear Crime Bites every Friday. Each Crime Bites episode gives you a deeper, yet brief look into true-crime topics covered at Parcast. Today we’re discussing cannibals and vampires. We’ll examine strange cases of predators who drink blood and feast on flesh, and delve into their unique psychology. Clips featured: Unsolved Murders: Atlas Vampire, Female Criminals: Tracey Wigginton, Serial Killers: Albert Fish Pt. 2

After starting a string of failing businesses in the early 1900s, American Oscar Hartzell found himself looking for his next path to wealth. He found it when he heard about Sir Frances Drake, and his alleged inheritance. Soon Hartzell began to use tale's of Drake's fortune to make a fortune of his own.

In addition to new episodes of Con Artists each week, you’ll now also hear Crime Bites every Friday. Each Crime Bites episode gives you a deeper, yet brief look into true-crime topics covered at Parcast. Today we're looking into the crimes that affect wealthy victims. While we may assume the wealthy are most often the victims of crimes like robbery, in reality, the wealthy are less likely to be victimized than the poor. Why is this the case, and why do we find it so fascinating when the wealthy become the victims of illegal activities? Clips featured: Gone: Michael Rockefeller, Hostage: John Paul Getty III Pt. 2, Unexplained Mysteries: Alfred Lowenstein Pt. 2, Con Artists: Jeanne de la Motte Pt. 2

In a span of five years, Frank Abagnale Jr. took on various identities: airline pilot, pediatrician, lawyer. He had perfected the art of counterfeiting… until eventually, the law caught up with him.

In addition to new episodes of Con Artists each week, you’ll now also hear Crime Bites every Friday. Each Crime Bites episode gives you a deeper, yet brief look into true-crime topics covered at Parcast. What motivates someone to assassinate a President, or their musical hero? Today we’re highlighting three notorious assassinations and the perpetrators behind them. Using clips from shows across the Parcast Network, we’ll see what motivated them to kill some of the most prominent figures in history, and explore the lasting impact of their crimes. Clips featured: Conspiracy Theories: Lincoln Assassination Pt. 1, Assassinations: John Lennon, Female Criminals: Phoolan Devi Pt. 2

In only five years, Frank Abagnale Jr. managed to cause a major stir in the criminal world. After running away from home at 16, Frank survived on forged checks until he created a new identity for himself as a Pan Am pilot.

In addition to new episodes of Con Artists each week, you’ll now also hear Crime Bites every Friday. Each Crime Bites episode gives you a deeper, yet brief look into true-crime topics covered at Parcast. Stars—they’re just like us. So why are we so intrigued by celebrity death, and why is the intrigue amplified when the death is unexpected? Today we’re discussing those high-profile cases. We'll dive into clips from shows across the Parcast Network, including Conspiracy Theories, Unsolved Murders, and Not Guilty.  Clips featured: Conspiracy Theories: Marilyn Monroe Pt. 2, Unsolved Murders: Natalie Wood Pt. 1, Not Guilty: Robert Blake Pt. 1

For more than a decade, William Chaloner had managed to evade the law, all the while forging tens of thousands of pounds worth of coins and banknotes. But soon, he turned the tables on his own scheme, declaring himself as an anti-fraud expert.

In addition to new episodes of Con Artists each week, you’ll now also hear Crime Bites every Friday. Each Crime Bites episode gives you a deeper, yet brief look into true-crime topics covered at Parcast. Today we're exploring cases of unhealthy relationships and examining some of true crime's most notorious couples. We'll dive into clips from shows across the Parcast Network, and look at how the twisted—often abusive—dynamic between two criminals shapes the crimes they commit. Clips featured: Crimes of Passion: Bonnie and Clyde Pt. 1, Female Criminals: Phoolan Devi Pt. 1, Con Artists: Jeanne de la Motte Pt. 1, Cults: Eastern Lightning Pt. 1, Serial Killers: Carol M. Bundy Pt. 1

Born into poverty in 17th century England, William Chaloner pulled himself out using a con artist’s tongue and his artistry as a forger. Chaloner chose his nefarious path at a time and place when the deteriorating state of England’s currency made counterfeiting widespread and lucrative—although the penalty was death by hanging.

In addition to new episodes of Con Artists each week, you’ll now also hear Crime Bites every Friday. Each Crime Bites episode gives you a deeper, yet brief look into true-crime topics covered at Parcast. Today we're taking a look at what some of the most infamous criminals in history have in common: a brutal childhood. As we dive into clips from shows across the Parcast Network, we'll explore how their early years of abuse, neglect, and trauma all shaped these individuals into notorious offenders.  Clips featured: Female Criminals: La Mataviejitas Pt. 1, Cults: Charles Manson Pt. 1, Serial Killers: Andrei Chikatilo Pt. 1

After ditching his brother to wallow in a Turkish prison, Charles Sobhraj returned to the Hippie Trail to prey on Western tourists. Posing as a gem dealer named Alain Gautheir, Charles began building a family of con artists to follow him. But beginning in 1975, Charles became more than just a con artist—he became a serial killer.

In addition to new episodes of Con Artists each week, you’ll now also hear Crime Bites every Friday. Each Crime Bites episode gives you a deeper, yet brief look into true-crime topics covered at Parcast. Today we explore the unique and shocking cases when elders we expect to respect defy society and commit crimes in their old age. We'll dive into clips from shows across the Parcast Network, and discuss all the reasons a senior citizen may defy the norm and break the law. Clips featured: Con Artists: Bernie Madoff Pt. 2, Female Criminals & Serial Killers: Dorothea Puente Pt. 2, Kingpins: Griselda Blanco Pt. 3, Cults: The Brethren Pt. 2

In the late 1960s and early 1970s, Charles Sobhraj was one of the most elusive con artists in the world. Though his cons were elaborate, he knew he would be able to prey on unsuspecting Western tourists traveling along the “Hippie Trail,” the road between Istanbul and Bangkok. 

In addition to new episodes of Con Artists each week, you’ll now also hear Crime Bites every Friday. Each Crime Bites episode gives you a deeper, yet brief look into true-crime topics covered at Parcast. Today we're exploring those rare and hopeful instances where victims managed to break out of their captors' clutches and flee to freedom. We'll dive into clips from shows across the Parcast Network, and discuss all the ways in which a victim might escape and the psychological effects their traumatic experiences might have had on them. Clips featured: Female Criminals: Valerie Solanas Pt. 2, Crimes of Passion: Ming Sen Shiue Pt. 2, Cults: Worker’s Institute Pt. 2, Hostage: James Riley Pt. 2, Serial Killers: David Parker Ray Pt. 2

After taking advantage of the wrong mark, Victor Lustig found himself in the crosshairs of police all over the United States. With the Great Depression in full swing, Lustig was forced to think outside the box—concocting a counterfeiting enterprise that threatened to topple an already fragile economy.

In addition to new episodes of Con Artists each week, you’ll now also hear Crime Bites every Friday. Each Crime Bites episode gives you a deeper, yet brief look into true-crime topics covered at Parcast. Today we're taking a closer look at women who subverted their maternal expectations to lead a life of crime. We'll analyze these instances with clips from shows across the Parcast Network, and discuss the different ways these mothers misbehaved. Clips featured: The Dark Side Of: Stage Mother, Con Artists: Sante Kimes Pt. 2, Serial Killers: The Giggling Granny Pt. 1, Female Criminals: Torture Mother Pt. 2

He cut his teeth swindling victims through a series of card game tricks. Soon Victor Lustig would move onto more elaborate, skilled schemes in which he would systematically earn his mark's trust for weeks before taking off with thousands of dollars. But it was in Paris where Lustig pulled his biggest con—selling the Eiffel Tower—twice.

In addition to new episodes of Con Artists each week, you’ll now also hear Crime Bites every Friday. Each Crime Bites episode gives you a deeper, yet brief look into true-crime topics covered at Parcast. Today we explore the idea of Psychological Manipulation—the tactics criminals use to deceive, coerce, and exert control over their victims. We'll dive into clips from shows across the Parcast Network, and discuss how these methods work, and most importantly, their dangerous consequences.

In 1904, George Graham Rice took his scams out West. Like many Americans in the early 20th century, Rice came to California looking to strike it rich. Except Rice wasn't looking to seek his own fortune, he was hoping to swindle others out of theirs. 

A master swindler who operated in the early 1900s, George Graham Rice was a con artist before America even knew the term. He went from amateur forger as a teenager to full-blown criminal in only a few short years, even stealing from his father’s fur business to finance his gambling habit.

Here’s one of our listeners’ most requested episodes of 2019: In 1998, Sante and Kenny Kimes started a spree of crimes by stealing a green Lincoln Town Car. But their biggest gambit—to snatch a $10 million mansion out from under New York socialite Irene Silverman.

Here’s one of our listeners’ most requested episodes of 2019: Sante ran cons for the majority of her life and involved both her husband, Kenneth Kimes, Sr., and their son, Kenny, in her elaborate plots. She made them accomplices to fraud, arson, human trafficking—and murder.

In 1914, after two successful Christmas seasons, John Duval Gluck Jr.'s Santa Claus Association had become world-renowned. But the conman's greed led him to even bigger ventures, and his fundraising fraud only grew more brazen. 

In the 1910s, John Gluck Jr. had such a desire for fame and wealth that he abandoned his business ventures and established himself as a reputable good Samaritan. But in a few years, he turned his successful charitable organization into a massive fraud operation.

In 2012, after borrowing nearly $100,000 from her parents to loan to her online boyfriend, Debby Montgomery Johnson was growing worried about the relationship's financial burden. She'd soon find the man she had been dating for nearly 2 years had a secret of his own.  

After the death of her husband, Debby Montgomery Johnson joined an online dating site in hopes of finding love again. What she found was an online relationship with a companion fulfilled her every need, but at what cost? 

Within 16 years of coming to America, Italian immigrant Carlo Ponzi would build a financial empire based on a massive scam. But by 1920, Ponzi would be exposed as a fraud, but unwilling to go away quietly.

Italian immigrant Carlo Ponzi came to Boston in the early 1900's intent on making a name for himself. But as he struggled to make ends meet, he discovered a highly lucrative investment method involving the resale of Italian postage. Just one catch—there was no investment plan. 

Not only were Madame Rachel's claims about the magical qualities of her cosmetics false, she also used her London salon as a front for shadier practices like blackmail and prostitution. 

In 1860s Victorian London, a woman from humble beginnings cons her way into the world of high society—selling exorbitantly priced bogus cosmetics to the very women she aims to befriend.

In 1995, Sandra Boss married who she thought was “Clark Rockefeller.” What she didn’t know was that his name was actually Christian Gerhartsreiter, and he held within him a slew of secrets, violent tendencies and increasingly erratic behavior. A wild divorce settlement and kidnapping would send Gerhartsreiter on the run. 

Born in Germany in the 1960s, Christian Gerhartsreiter had dreams of going to America...conning his way when necessary to get there. He would assume a number of identities, including an exchange student and a long-lost relative of European nobility. But his greatest deception was yet to come.

18th Century France—con artist Jeanne de la Motte hoodwinks the royals, ultimately contributing to the fall of the monarchy.

Jeanne de la Motte was an 18th-century French confidence artist. She eventually hoodwinked the members of the royal family in such a dramatic fashion, it ultimately contributed to the fall of the monarchy, and hastened the French Revolution.

In 1998, Sante and Kenny Kimes started a spree of crimes by stealing a green Lincoln Town Car. Before the summer was over, they'd escalated to fraud, kidnapping, and murder. 

Sante ran cons for the majority of her life and involved both her husband, Kenneth Kimes, Sr., and their son, Kenny, in her elaborate plots. She made them accomplices to fraud, arson, human trafficking, and murder.

Tremendous wealth fueled an incredibly lavish lifestyle, filled with luxury goods and debauchery. However, the glitz and glamour was supported by a web of lies. Within five years of its founding, both the SEC and the FBI were investigating Stratton Oakmont’s activities. Jordan Belfort’s dream life was coming apart at the seams.

On Jordan Belfort’s first day as a Wall Street Stockbroker, in October 1987, the market crashed over 500 points. A month later, he was out of a job. Down, out, and completely broke, the soon to be Wolf of Wall Street reinvented himself as a penny stockbroker, and devised a scam so simple – so ingenious – he was soon earning almost $1 million a week.

By 1925, 28-year-old Franziska Schanzkowsky had forged a new life for herself posing as the long lost Russian monarch, Anastasia Romanov. For decades she would bounce from the palaces and mansions of her wealthy supporters across Europes and America, honing her skills as a master manipulator. But when a series of events threatens to unmask her, Franziska will go to great lengths to maintain her con at any cost. Parcasters - Watergate forever changed the way Americans look at the presidency, but could there be more to the story? Find out today on Conspiracy Theories! Subscribe to Conspiracy Theories on Spotify to listen now!

Franziska Schanzkowsky always thought she was destined for something bigger than the life of a Polish peasant. In 1921, after the fall of the Romanov Empire, 24-year-old Franziska claimed she was the Grand Duchess Anastasia, the youngest daughter of deposed Tsar Nicholas II. But to maintain the lie, Franziska would have to surrender more of herself than she ever realized...including her sanity.  Parcasters - This week on Crimes of Passion we take on the infamous case of Lorena and John Bobbitt! You won’t want to miss this one! Listen today on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

In May of 1998, rock-star journalist Stephen Glass tried to break into the burgeoning field of reporting: digital technology. He wrote an article that impressed his colleagues, his editor, and the general public. Unfortunately, not a word of it was true.  Parcasters - Thank you so much for listening to our new podcast!

In the 1990's, young writer Stephen Glass left college and entered the journalism world, quickly becoming a rising star. At the New Republic magazine in Washington D.C., Stephen dazzled his editors and captured his readers with compelling pieces written in specific, colorful detail, but it was all false.  Parcasters - Thank you so much for listening to our new show!

For decades, Bernie Madoff ran one of the largest Ponzi schemes in history, stealing billions of dollars from thousands of people, all under the guise of savvy investment techniques. But in the early 2000s, the wrong people finally asked the right questions and took a closer look at his money management. Madoff scrambled to fool the SEC - again - and hold onto the fortune he built on lies. Parcasters - This week on The Dark Side Of, we move on from Hollywood and start our exploration of the music industry. Our first episode details the myth of the 27 Club, you won't want to miss it! Subscribe to The Dark Side Of on Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

He stole from retirement funds, charities, and Holocaust survivors. And from the 1960s to 2008, people handed over their money willingly. In our first episode, we’ll see how Bernie Madoff turned his Manhattan broker-dealer firm into a vehicle for international fraud, and created the world’s largest Ponzi scheme. Parcasters - Don’t miss all of our special Summer of ‘69 episodes by subscribing to Parcast Presents: Summer of ‘69, on Spotify, or anywhere you listen to podcasts!

Parcast’s Original Show, Con Artists, peeks behind the masks of hustlers, swindlers, and Nigerian Princes. We’ll dive into their psychology, and teach listeners how to spot a con. Every week tells the story of a different scammer, someone like Gregor MacGregor, who sold investments in a fictional South American colony. Or fake MI5 agent Robert Hendy-Freegard. Or Charles Ponzi, inventor of the eponymous scheme. What kind of person runs a scam? And why do we trust them? Con Artists premieres Wednesday July 24th. New episodes available every Wednesday on Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Subscribe today!