The Opportunist

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The Opportunist tells true stories of regular people who turn sinister by embracing opportunity. How does an everyday person turn into a thief, a scammer or a cult leader? Perhaps the most dangerous person is the one who appears the most normal. Perhaps there is a dark potential lurking inside all of us that is just waiting for the right opportunity to emerge. The Opportunist is an original podcast hosted by Sarah James McLaughlin.

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24 episodes
fortnightly
Avg 36 min
English

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S14 · E57
September 14 · 36 min
Ian Mitchell: The Man with Two Names
On this episode of The Opportunist, Ian Mitchell charmed his way through New York City's elite social circles by assuming a false identity. The episode traces how a smooth-talking con man used a borrowed name, designer clothes, and just enough insider knowledge to swindle friends and associates out of nearly $700,000. Thank you to our sponsors: Quince — Find the fall pieces you’ll reach for most at Quince. Download the Quince app for app-exclusive offers, or go to https://quince.com/opportunist for free shipping and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada and the UK, too. Rula — Rula patients typically pay $15 per session when using insurance. Connect with quality therapists and mental health experts who specialize in you at https://www.rula.com/OPPORTUNIST #rulapod Pluto TV — Stream blockbuster favorites all summer long, including Anchorman, The Matrix trilogy, Mean Girls, Titanic, and more. Pluto TV: stream now, pay never. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
#28
September 1 · 5 min
INTRODUCING "Burden of Proof: Luigi Mangione"
Today, we’re sharing a special look at a podcast we think you’ll like from our friends at ABC Audio and 20/20. It’s called “Burden of Proof: Luigi Mangione.” In this five-part series, ABC News Legal Analyst Brian Buckmire goes deep into the case of Luigi Mangione and Brian Thompson. He’ll unpack the murder itself, the two men at the heart of the story, and how this case has affected the conversation about healthcare in America. This is episode one, “Christmastime in Altoona.” In this episode, the manhunt for the alleged shooter of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson comes to an end at a McDonald’s in Altoona, PA. To hear the rest of the series, follow "Burden of Proof: Luigi Mangione" for free on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Or listen ad-free on Apple Podcasts by subscribing to 20/20 True Crime+. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
S14 · E56
August 31 · 37 min
ANNA MARCH: Nom de Plume
Writer Anna March entered Los Angeles literary circles in 2015, presenting herself as a wealthy, successful feminist and advocate for marginalized writers. The episode explores her history of fraudulent ventures and unpaid debts. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
S14 · E55
August 17 · 38 min
Cedric Lodge: Grave Mistake
On this episode of The Opportunist, Cedric Lodge spent nearly three decades as a trusted morgue manager at Harvard Medical School - until he was caught stealing body parts from donated cadavers and selling them online to collectors across the country. The episode traces how a man entrusted with the remains of people who gave their bodies to science turned that access into a black market, betraying hundreds of grieving families in the process. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
S14 · E54
August 3 · 31 min
Dean Tran: Fraud, Forgery, and Firearms
On this episode of The Opportunist, Dean Tran built his political career as a fiscal conservative and trusted public servant in the Massachusetts State Senate - until a string of accusations began to unravel the image he'd carefully constructed. The episode traces how a lawmaker who campaigned on honesty and accountability ultimately ended up convicted on 23 felony counts. Thank you to our sponsors! Lola Blankets - Wrap yourself in luxury. Get 40% off select products at lolablankets.com with code OPPORTUNIST. Rula - Therapy that takes your insurance. 100+ plans, $15 average copay. Get started at rula.com/opportunist. Quince - High-end essentials for 50-80% less. Free shipping and 365-day returns at quince.com/opportunist. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
S14 · E53
July 27 · 38 min
Dr. Henry Lee: Evidence of Foul Play
In this episode, we dive into the controversial career of forensic scientist Dr. Henry Lee, exploring allegations that he may have fabricated or mishandled evidence in several high-profile cases. Did one of America's most famous forensic experts use his scientific credentials to help investigators in convicting two innocent men? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
S14 · E52
July 6 · 41 min
Arian Taherzadeh & Haider Ali: Highstakes Cosplay
In this episode of The Opportunist, we explore the bizarre case of Arian Taherzadeh and Haider Ali, who posed as federal agents and infiltrated the highest levels of the U.S. Secret Service with astonishing ease. We delve into the duo's motivations, the extent of their deception, and the ramifications of their actions on national security. Tune in to learn how these two individuals turned deception into an audacious opportunity, exposing serious security flaws surrounding President Joe Biden and his family. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
S14 · E50
June 22 · 40 min
Luther Davis: Mission Imposter
On this episode of The Opportunist, former Luther Davis leveraged his football pedigree and connections to build a career representing aspiring NFL players. The episode traces how promises of opportunity and professional success gave way to allegations of deception that left careers and dreams hanging in the balance. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
S14 · E48
June 8 · 37 min
Tai Lopez: Guru to Grifter
On this episode of The Opportunist, Tai Lopez built a massive online following selling the gospel of wealth, knowledge, and hustle - until the SEC alleged he was running a $112 million Ponzi scheme behind the scenes. The episode traces how the internet's most famous self-help guru allegedly used his own playbook to con the very audience he built his empire on. Thank you to our sponsors: - Quince: high quality everyday staples like breathable linen, organic cotton, and washable silk, priced 50 to 80% less than comparable brands, plus elevated basics for your home, kitchen, and bedding. Go to quince.com slash opportunist for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns. Now available in Canada too. That's quince.com/opportunist. - Grow Therapy: online therapist marketplace with no subscription and no big commitment. Pay by the session, filter by insurance, specialty, background, and availability, and you may be able to start within a couple of days. Accepts over 125 insurance plans, sessions average $21 with insurance, and some pay as little as $0 depending on their plan. Visit growtherapy.com slash opportunist today to get started. That's growtherapy.com/opportunist. - Pluto TV: free streaming with thousands of movies and shows, all free, including Terminator 2, Fringe, Arrow, The 100, and The X-Files. No credit card needed. Pluto TV. Stream now, pay never. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
S14 · E46
May 26 · 37 min
Sister Mary Margaret Kreuper: Unholy Roller
On this episode of The Opportunist, Mary Margaret Kreuper and Lana Chang were trusted educators and religious leaders at St. James Catholic School - until missing school funds shattered the community’s faith in them. The episode traces how two women who preached morality and discipline allegedly concealed a secret double life for years. Thank you to our sponsors: Mint Mobile: Get premium wireless starting at just $15/month at mintmobile.com/opportunist See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
S14 · E44
May 11 · 42 min
Natalie Marie Gonzalez: High Achiever Drug Dealer
On this episode of The Opportunist, Natalie Marie Gonzalez built the image of a driven high achiever while secretly operating a drug distribution scheme. The episode traces how ambition and access helped her rise - and how that same double life ultimately caught up with her. Thank you to our sponsors: - AquaTru: countertop reverse-osmosis water purifier that removes 84 contaminants including lead, chlorine, forever chemicals, and microplastics. "Head over to Aquatru.com now and get 20% off your purifier using promo code OPPORTUNIST." - Grow Therapy: online therapist marketplace that takes insurance (over 125 plans), sessions average $21, virtual or in-person, nights and weekends available. "Visit GrowTherapy.com slash OPPORTUNIST today to get started. That's GrowTherapy.com slash OPPORTUNIST." - Mint Mobile: premium wireless plans starting at $15 a month on the largest 5G network. Bring your own phone and number, activate with eSIM in minutes. "Shop plans at mintmobile.com slash opportunist. That's mintmobile.com slash opportunist." - Quince: affordable luxury basics priced 50 to 80% less than similar brands by working directly with ethical factories and cutting out the middleman. "Head to quince.com slash opportunist for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns." - Pluto TV: free streaming with thousands of movies and shows (Terminator 2, Fringe, Arrow, The 100, The X-Files). No credit cards needed. "Pluto TV. Stream now, pay never." See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
S14 · E42
April 27 · 33 min
Chef Valentino Luchin: Recipe for Ruin
On this episode of The Opportunist, chef Valentino Luchin built an acclaimed restaurant - until mounting financial pressure drove him to a drastic choice. The episode traces how a celebrated career unraveled into a string of bank robberies in an attempt to stay afloat. Thank you to our sponsors: Grow Therapy: GrowTherapy.com/Opportunist Pluto TV: Pluto.tv See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
S14 · E40
April 13 · 35 min
Dishonorable Judge Mullins: Above the Law
On this episode of The Opportunist, we tell the story of Kentucky Judge Kevin Mullins, who allegedly used his position to solicit sex from inmates, and how his abuse of power came to a shocking end. Thank you to our sponsors: Quince: Quince.com/Opportunist for free shipping 365 day returns Mint Mobile: montmobile.com/opportunist $15/month See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
S14 · E39
April 6 · 33 min
Daryl Hagler and Kenny Rozenberg: The Care Con
On this episode of The Opportunist, Daryl Hagler and Kenneth Rozenberg built a sprawling nursing home network in New Jersey — where profits allegedly came before patient care. The episode traces how their operation drew scrutiny, and the fallout from a system critics say put vulnerable residents at risk. Thank you to our sponsors: Quince: Quince.com/Opportunist for free shipping 365 day returns Mint Mobile: montmobile.com/opportunist $15/month See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
S14 · E38
March 30 · 34 min
Murder, Money, and a Children's Book
Kouri Richins was a grieving widow—or so it seemed—until her husband’s suspicious death revealed a web of deceit and greed. In this episode, we uncover the chilling story of how she exploited trust and love in a scheme that shocked everyone who knew her. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
S14 · E36
March 16 · 35 min
Ian Bick: Ponzi Party
On this episode of The Opportunist, Ian Bick built the image of a young entrepreneur while secretly running a multimillion-dollar fraud scheme out of Danbury, Connecticut. The episode traces how a teenager convinced friends, investors, and even family to trust him - until the scheme began to unravel. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
S14 · E34
March 2 · 36 min
Ari Gisell: Murder in Baja
In this episode of The Opportunist, Ari Giselle is at the center of a case tied to the killing of three surfers in Baja California. The episode traces how the crime unfolded - and how it turned a long-considered tourist playground into the focus of international scrutiny. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
S14 · E32
February 16 · 38 min
The Reckoning of LA County: Camp Scott
On this episode of The Opportunist, probation guards at LA County’s Camp Scott, entrusted with the care of vulnerable girls, are accused of using their authority to sexually abuse those in custody. The episode examines how power, isolation, and a broken oversight system created the conditions for exploitation- and the reckoning that followed. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
S14 · E28
February 2 · 29 min
Jontay Porter NBA Fixer
Jontay Porter \ On this episode of The Opportunist, NBA journeyman Jontay Porter is accused of fixing games to cash in on bets placed by his gambling partners. The episode unpacks how a professional athlete risked his career - and the integrity of the sport - for profit. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
S14 · E29
January 21 · 45 min
Adva Lavie: Model Thief
On this episode of The Opportunist, a rising model with a double life, Adva Lavie conned fellow models and wealthy older men, leaving a trail of betrayal in her wake. The episode unpacks how looks, access, and opportunity fueled a years-long scheme hiding in plain sight. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Showing 1–20 of 24 episodes