The Opportunist

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.

In this episode of “The Opportunist,” we explore the chilling case of David Xu, a seemingly ordinary engineer who attempted to poison his coworker with cadmium over a period of several months. We explore his twisted motives behind his actions and uncover the dark side of a workplace rivalry. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Is justice really blind? In this week’s episode of “The Opportunist” we explore the shocking case of Judge Jeffrey Ferguson. Known as a strict law and order judge, Ferguson is accused of shooting his wife during a drunken rage. Despite admitting to the murder via text message, Judge Ferguson is currently out on bail and has been allowed to leave the state of California. Is Judge Fergeson leveraging his deep connections within the judicial system to receive preferential treatment? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sebastián Marset is currently one of South America’s most powerful drug traffickers - opening new cocaine trafficking routes to Europe. In this episode of the "The Opportunist," we explore his rise to power and uncover how Marset cunningly used soccer to hide in plain sight, and to launder vast drug profits. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Casa Ruby was once a vibrant shelter offering essential services to Washington D.C.'s vulnerable and at-risk LGBTQ+ community. The non-profit shelter was the vision of Ruby Corado, an activist born in El Salvador, who dedicated her life to advocating for gay and transgender individuals. Her efforts garnered numerous awards and helped her secure millions in government grants and donations from wealthy philanthropists. However, suddenly the shelter closed, and Corado fled the country. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As the son of a powerful Hollywood agent, Sam Haskell IV seemed to have everything at his fingertips - money, power and connections. But when a homeless man discovers part of a human body in a dumpster in an upscale Los Angeles neighborhood, Haskell’s dark secret is revealed. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

To the families of St. James Catholic School in Torrance, California, Sister Mary Margaret Kreuper and Sister Lana Chang were the picture of morality and religious devotion. The two lifelong educators were known at St. James as stern disciplinarians, who instilled their students with Christian values that were disappearing from society. But the nuns had a secret addiction, an addition that would rip apart the small Christian community. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Xu Yao’s career potential seemed limitless. The Chinese lawyer and entertainment executive was in charge of all business related to the best selling Chinese science fiction trilogy, and soon to be hit Netflix show, “The Three Body Problem.” But then, overnight, the entire franchise, and all of the life changing wealth that came with it, was all taken from Xu Yao. He had been demoted. Xu Yao’s demotion set in motion a revenge plot ripped from the pages of a Hollywood script. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As the veteran and former spokesperson for the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency, Garrison Courtney seemed destined to end up as a Washington, DC powerbroker. But Courtney had a secret. He was a conman and was tricking some of America’s most senior National Security officials out of millions of dollars. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Byron Smith was tired of his home being burgled. He said it had been broken into at least a half dozen times. And he was determined not to let it happen again. So, Smith set a trap and laid in wait to protect his “castle.” When two teenage cousins broke into his house on Elm Street, it set off a true-life horror story. Listen to Vigilante: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vigilante/id1622288667 https://open.spotify.com/show/49wzulSXKQKWYOIWoTVEPT?si=0d4c8835885e4fa1 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Multiple investigations close in on Chris Bathum as his behavior leads to dire consequences, including a drug arrest with a former CRLA client named Erika Littell. As his criminal trial gets underway, the prosecution battles with the idea of victim credibility, and Chris' defense is unintentionally reinvigorated thanks to evidence provided by Cliff Brodsky. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Rose searches for evidence to bring to law enforcement and comes across a CRLA laptop, as Jill realizes the awful truth behind Chris' behavior. A hopeful new client named Amanda enters CRLA with the intent to stay sober, but suddenly finds herself isolated and alone with Chris Bathum. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

More rumors circulate around Chris Bathum, especially over the death of a beloved client named Mo. Meanwhile, a devoted employee named Jill is skeptical of CRLA's insurance billing and Rose sets out to find the truth behind the biggest rumor of them all. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Chris tells Rose that all the rumors about him are because of Cliff Brodsky, a former investor in CRLA's predecessor, Walking Miracles. Chris paints Brodsky as his nemesis, an unhinged wild card who wants to destroy their community. But his battle against Brodsky gets out of hand when he suggests desperate measures to stop him. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In 2013, Rose Stahl sought the help of Christopher Bathum, a therapist and CEO of a burgeoning recovery organization called Community Recovery Los Angeles. Chris would eventually offer Rose a job at CRLA. But after a while, she started hearing unsettling rumors surrounding Chris' behavior, especially towards female clients. Find the episode transcript here: tinyurl.com/opppodcast See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Two years ago, Kyle MacLachlan, the star of Twin Peaks, called investigative journalist Joshua Davis with a strange story. Kyle had heard a rumor that Pablo Escobar did a deal in the early 1980s with a remote, coastal Southern town of 300 people. In exchange for vast wealth and limitless cocaine, Escobar would be allowed to land planes and ships in the area. Over the last 24 months, Josh and Kyle investigated the rumor, journeying to Varnamtown to knock on doors and find out what really happens when a firehose of money and cocaine is turned on a small, tight knit community. Listen to and follow Varnamtown at Apple Podcasts now! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/varnamtown/id1725195343 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this wrap up episode for 2023, Hannah revisits some of your favorite episodes and seasons and gives updates! She also takes questions and voicemails from listeners, including one listener who writes in with a bizarre mystery that she wants your help to solve. Hannah checks back in with people she interviewed years ago as well as gives an update on Sherry Shriner's followers and speaks with someone who has a very personal relationship with Orgone. Links from the episode: Check out C.C.’s plant-urns at boycestudio.com If you want to stay up-to-date with Nora's project on her father, you can find her on Instagram @Noracroftcutsmyhair Visit the Adrienne Wilson Liver Cancer Association at bluefaery.org You can reach out to Hannah on Instagram or X @hannahpodcasts See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In early 2021, a new product went viral in health and wellness spaces on Facebook. Black Oxygen Organics (or BOO) was an MLM selling what was touted as the "miracle cure." What was it? It was mud. Actual mud that people were eating, drinking, bathing in and giving to their babies and pets. Many claimed it cured their COVID symptoms. But this product was not what it claimed to be. What was it actually doing to people? The man behind it all was Marc St-Onge and he watched as millions of orders flooded in. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Enjoy today's mini episode about a guardianship scam and please send your stories and questions to: [email protected] or on Instagram or Twitter/X @hannahpodcasts Thank you Lindsey Dominguez for sharing your story! Her podcast is called What's Up ABQ. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Fred and Stacia anxiously wait for Kimberly Smith to face justice and continue to look for answers as to how Goldie Robinson died. You can purchase Opportunist merchandise here: https://theopportunistpodcast.com/ Thank you to our sponsors: Hello Fresh: Go to Hellofresh.com/50opp and use code 50opp for 50% off plus free shipping!Go to HelloFresh dot com slash 50opp and use code 50opp for 50% off plus free shippingGo to HelloFresh dot com slash 50opp and use code 50opp for 50% off plus free shipping! Shopify: sign up for a $1-per-month trial at shopify.com/opp Dipsea: sign up for a 30-day free trial at DipseaStories.com/opp Sports Explains the World: To hear incredible stories from the wide world of sports, listen to Sports Explains the World on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Canva: Get a free 45-day trial when you go to Canva.me/opp Better Help: This show is sponsored by Better Help. Go to Betterhelp.com/opp to get 10% off your first month. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

While the fraud case against Kimberly Smith had a robust paper trail, the homicide case did not. Detectives interview Adam Smith and his high school friend about the events surrounding Arthur Sheldon's death and a motel room in Orange City, Florida. You can purchase Opportunist merchandise here: https://theopportunistpodcast.com/ Thank you to our sponsors: Hello Fresh: Go to Hellofresh.com/50opp and use code 50opp for 50% off plus free shipping!Go to HelloFresh dot com slash 50opp and use code 50opp for 50% off plus free shippingGo to HelloFresh dot com slash 50opp and use code 50opp for 50% off plus free shipping! Shopify: sign up for a $1-per-month trial at shopify.com/opp Dipsea: sign up for a 30-day free trial at DipseaStories.com/opp Sports Explains the World: To hear incredible stories from the wide world of sports, listen to Sports Explains the World on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Canva: Get a free 45-day trial when you go to Canva.me/opp Better Help: This show is sponsored by Better Help. Go to Betterhelp.com/opp to get 10% off your first month. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Detectives interview Kim's boyfriend, David Enos, looking for answers on Goldie Robinson's whereabouts. There is another discovery in the case that changes the scope and approach of the investigation. You can purchase Opportunist merchandise here: https://theopportunistpodcast.com/ Thank you to our sponsors: Hello Fresh: Go to Hellofresh.com/50opp and use code 50opp for 50% off plus free shipping!Go to HelloFresh dot com slash 50opp and use code 50opp for 50% off plus free shippingGo to HelloFresh dot com slash 50opp and use code 50opp for 50% off plus free shipping!” Shopify: sign up for a $1-per-month trial at shopify.com/opp Dipsea: sign up for a 30-day free trial at DipseaStories.com/opp Sports Explains the World: To hear incredible stories from the wide world of sports, listen to Sports Explains the World on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Canva: Get a free 45-day trial when you go to Canva.me/opp Better Help: This show is sponsored by Better Help. Go to Betterhelp.com/opp to get 10% off your first month. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A gruesome discovery shocks everyone including the detectives and expands the case far beyond one missing person. You can purchase Opportunist merchandise here: https://theopportunistpodcast.com/ Thank you to our sponsors: Hello Fresh: Go to Hellofresh.com/50opp and use code 50opp for 50% off plus free shipping!Go to HelloFresh dot com slash 50opp and use code 50opp for 50% off plus free shippingGo to HelloFresh dot com slash 50opp and use code 50opp for 50% off plus free shipping!” Shopify: sign up for a $1-per-month trial at shopify.com/opp Dipsea: sign up for a 30-day free trial at DipseaStories.com/opp Sports Explains the World: To hear incredible stories from the wide world of sports, listen to Sports Explains the World on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Canva: Get a free 45-day trial when you go to Canva.me/opp Better Help: This show is sponsored by Better Help. Go to Betterhelp.com/opp to get 10% off your first month. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In August of 2010, 78-yr-old Goldie Mae Robinson disappeared. The police investigation upended the quiet little town of South Daytona, Florida. Goldie was in good health, knew her neighbors and had lived in the same mobile home park for over 30 years. Her son Fred was astounded that she has just vanished. The search for Goldie Robinson revealed that her life was intricately intertwined with her neighbor, friend and caretaker, Kimberly Smith. You can reach out to us at [email protected] Find the episode transcript here: tinyurl.com/opppodcast You can purchase Opportunist merchandise here: https://theopportunistpodcast.com/ Thank you to our sponsors: Hello Fresh: Go to Hellofresh.com/50opp and use code 50opp for 50% off plus free shipping!Go to HelloFresh dot com slash 50opp and use code 50opp for 50% off plus free shipping. Go to HelloFresh dot com slash 50OPP and use code 50OPP for 50% off plus free shipping! Shopify: sign up for a $1-per-month trial at shopify.com/opp Dipsea: sign up for a 30-day free trial at DipseaStories.com/opp Sports Explains the World: To hear incredible stories from the wide world of sports, listen to Sports Explains the World on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Canva: Get a free 45-day trial when you go to Canva.me/opp Better Help: This show is sponsored by Better Help. Go to Betterhelp.com/opp to get 10% off your first month. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Gayle Palmer moves her program into Nevada after being denied a license to operate in Utah. The Suttons seek justice for Michelle by suing Gayle and Summit Quest. Listen to The Opportunist ad-free on Amazon Music You can purchase Opportunist merchandise here: https://theopportunistpodcast.com/ Thank you to our sponsors: Athena Club Razor: Go to athenaclub.com and use code OPP for 25% off your first order. Microdose: To learn more about microdosing THC go to Microdose.com and use code OPP to get free shipping and 30% off your first order Dipsea app: Get an extended 30 day free trial when you go to dipseastories.com/OPP. Earth Breeze: Get 40% off your first order of eco-friendly laundry detergent at earthbreeze.com/OPP See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

After discovering the truth about Michelle’s death, Cathy goes on a crusade to shut down Summit Quest. But Gayle is determined to fight. Would she be held responsible for what happened to Michelle? Listen to The Opportunist ad-free on Amazon Music. You can purchase Opportunist merchandise here: https://theopportunistpodcast.com/ Thank you to our sponsors: Athena Club Razor: Go to athenaclub.com and use code OPP for 25% off your first order. Canva: get a FREE 45-day extended trial when you go to Canva.me/OPP ZocDoc: Find a top rated doctor within 24 hours by going to zocdoc.com/OPP and download the app for FREE See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Amanda and the other survivors are uncertain of their fate. Gayle Palmer continues to operate Summit Quest even as she’s being investigated for Michelle’s death. Meanwhile, Cathy Sutton begins to piece together the truth of what happened. Listen to The Opportunist ad-free on Amazon Music You can purchase Opportunist merchandise here: https://theopportunistpodcast.com/ Thank you to our sponsors: Dipsea app: Get an extended 30 day free trial when you go to dipseastories.com/OPP. Canva: get a FREE 45-day extended trial when you go to Canva.me/OPP Microdose: To learn more about microdosing THC go to Microdose.com and use code OPP to get free shipping and 30% off your first order See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Amanda DeRose attended Summit Quest with Michelle in May of 1990. She shares her experience of the program, including what happened to Michelle on the last day of her life. Listen to The Opportunist ad-free on Amazon Music You can purchase Opportunist merchandise here: https://theopportunistpodcast.com/ Thank you to our sponsors: Athena Club Razor: Go to athenaclub.com and use code OPP for 25% off your first order. Earth Breeze: Get 40% off your first order of eco-friendly laundry detergent at earthbreeze.com/opp. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Sutton family continues to search for answers as an investigation is opened into Michelle’s death. Gayle Palmer tries to convince the Suttons, the police, and the media that Summit Quest is not at fault, even as evidence to the contrary begins to emerge. Listen to The Opportunist ad-free on Amazon Music You can purchase Opportunist merchandise here: https://theopportunistpodcast.com/ Thank you to our sponsors: Microdose: To learn more about microdosing THC go to Microdose.com and use code OPP to get free shipping and 30% off your first order Babbel: Get up to 55% off and start speaking a new language at babbel.com/OPP See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Before Summit Quest, Gayle Palmer worked at another wilderness therapy program called Challenger. Challenger was founded by Steve Cartisano, who is generally viewed now as a con artist. Listen to The Opportunist ad-free on Amazon Music You can purchase Opportunist merchandise here: https://theopportunistpodcast.com/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In May of 1990, 15-year-old Michelle Sutton attended a wilderness therapy program called Summit Quest. It was a 63-day program promoted as a way to help stuggling teens, founded by Gayle Palmer. But after only nine days, Michelle Sutton was dead. Was this a tragic accident, or the result of a more calcuated pattern of abuse in a burgeoning industry? Listen to The Opportunist ad-free on Amazon Music You can purchase Opportunist merchandise here: https://theopportunistpodcast.com/ Thank you to our sponsors: Athena Club Razor: Go to athenaclub.com and use code OPP for 25% off your first order Babbel: Start speaking a new language for up to 55% off at babbel.com/OPP Earth Breeze:Get 40% off your first order of eco-friendly laundry detergent at earthbreeze.com/OPP Dipsea App: Get a 30 free trial and explore hundreds of sexy audio stories at dipseastories.com/OPP See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In 2018, Katrina Gay turned to National Autopsy Services to get answers about her mother's death. The man performing the autopsy, Shawn Parcells, claimed to be a forensic expert. But an investigation into his past would call into question Shawn Parcells' credentials. Was he really qualified to be performing autopsies? And what would that mean for the hundreds of grieving families who had used his services? Listen to The Opportunist ad-free on Amazon Music You can purchase Opportunist merchandise here: https://theopportunistpodcast.com/ Thank you to our sponsors: Brooklinen: Presidents Day Sale - get the deals of your dreams at Brooklinen.com with promo code OPP. Dipsea app: Get an extended 30 day free trial when you go to dipseastories.com/opp. Canva: get a FREE 45-day extended trial when you go to Canva.me/OPP See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trusted Wisconsin dentist Dr. Scott Charmoli had a thriving practice. But his new patient, Jackie, began to suspect there was a dark side to his work.  Listen to The Opportunist ad-free on Amazon Music You can purchase Opportunist merchandise here: https://theopportunistpodcast.com/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hannah and producer Patia discuss making Season 3. We bring you more information on Sheryl's finances and her connection to local law enforcement in Tennessee and we ask the question: what happens to someone after they leave a cult? We also have a brand new interview for you with one of Sheryl's former's followers. Hear more of Rachael's on The Ex Files The Safe Passage Foundation - https://safepassagefoundation.org/ You can purchase Opportunist merchandise here: https://theopportunistpodcast.com/ Thank you to our sponsors: Wondery, Against The Odds: Plane Crash in the Andes Dipsea - For an extended 30 day free trial, go to Dipseastories.com/opp Everlywell - Go to everlywell.com/opp for 20% off your at-home lab test. - June's Journey - * Download June's Journey free today on the Apple App Store or Google Play! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When her ministry and cat rescue gain unwanted notoriety in Whatcom County, Sheryl Ruthven plans a mass exodus, shrouded in secrecy. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When Sheryl Ruthven's cat passes away, she calls on her followers to build "Eva's Eden," a cat rescue, unlike any other, with a mission that extends far beyond rescuing cats. She also plots to get rid of her ex-husband. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When one of Sheryl Ruthven's followers dares to question her need for a $170,000 trip to Scotland, he is excommunicated. We begin to see a pattern, a wake of destruction that follows anyone who dares to question Sheryl's authority. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In 2001, Sheryl Ruthven started her own church: Freedom Fire Ministries. But gradually, her uplifting sermons gave way to unorthodox teachings and doomsday prophecies. Over the last fifteen years those who believed her have seen families destroyed, their bank accounts drained and their homes filled... with cats. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this bonus mini crossover episode, we're joined by Em Schulz and Christine Schiefer of And That's Why We Drink, a podcast where murder and the paranormal finally meet! Grab your wine and milkshakes and listen in as Em and Christine share their own take on stories of opportunists with Hannah. Check out And That's Why We Drink for more chilling ghost stories and downright terrifying true crime stories. And be sure to check out the second part of this crossover HERE on the And That's Why We Drink feed, where Hannah shares the story of disgraced pharmacist Robert Courtney from season two with Em and Christine.&nbsp See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.