Con Artists

Revisit ten of the worst fathers in true crime history in this special collection from Parcast Network. From the father who turned his son into a spy, to the dad whose long business trips turned out to be mafia hits, these dads will definitely not be getting any Father's Day gifts this year. Devious Dads is a Spotify Original from Parcast. Listen free on Spotify! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Wayne Simmons had a dramatic 27-year career with the CIA taking down cartels and busting arms smugglers — or did he? The ex-CIA military analyst and cable news star stands accused of being a fraud. Hosted by the reporter who broke the story, Impostors follows the investigation into who Wayne Simmons really is… Hero, or conman? Impostors is a Spotify Original from Parcast. Produced by Topic Studios and Transmitter Media. Hosted by Alex French. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This awards season, pull back the curtain on Tinseltown’s most infamous controversies in the new Spotify Original from Parcast, Hollywood Scandals. You can hear the first episode on Hollywood’s sordid beginnings right here, then follow Hollywood Scandals for an episode every Monday. Listen free, only on Spotify! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the newest Parcast Original from Spotify, comedians and best friends Benito Skinner and Mary Beth Barone discuss all the trends, scandals, pop culture icons and personal stories they can’t shake from their minds. And they have a lot to cover! Listen to their debut episode right here, where Mary Beth shares her top 5 most iconic SNL musical performances and Benito shares how he got the “thank u, next” treatment from pop superstar Ariana Grande (and why he’s the opposite of mad about it). Then follow Obsessed for new episodes every Monday, free on Spotify! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dracula wasn’t the only frightful fiction conjured by Irish author Bram Stoker… In this retelling of “The Judge’s House,” a Cambridge student is overcome with curiosity — then dread — as he faces an evil man’s terrifying legacy. Listen to Part 1 right here, then search “Haunted Places: Ghost Stories” to hear Part 2, when the Judge himself comes calling… Haunted Places: Ghost Stories is a Spotify Original from Parcast. Every Thursday, find a new tale of terror from some of history’s greatest authors. Listen free on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Parcasters, your favorite hosts are getting personal in a heart-warming special from Our Love Story. Listen here to Alastair Murden tag-team with his wife Naomi as they tell their swoon-worthy tale of falling in love. Then search “Our Love Story” to hear real-life couples — including the hosts of your favorite Parcast series — prove that true love exists. Our Love Story is a Spotify Original from Parcast. New episodes every Tuesday. Listen free on Spotify.

This season, “L” stands for love… and lawless… and lethal. Beginning February 1st, uncover history’s most infamous couples in this collection of episodes from across Parcast Network. Follow the misdeeds of married mafiosos. Enter the transgressions of casanova cult leaders. And demystify the lives of coupled kingpins, pirates, and spies… Because in this limited series, romance takes a sharp turn into the radical.  Get a preview of Criminal Couples right here, then search “Criminal Couples” to find and follow the series. Episodes air every Monday. Listen free, only on Spotify.

They’re a powerful political dynasty with no shortage of tragedies, scandals and controversies. Ahead of the 60th anniversary of John F. Kennedy’s inauguration, revisit the most shocking moments in the Kennedy family history — from conspiracies and cover-ups to assassinations and affairs — in this Parcast limited series.  All 12 episodes are available January 19th. Listen free, only on Spotify. 

The clock’s winding down on the final moments of the year and people around the world are putting their charms and traditions to work, shoring up good fortune for the future. But it’s not always our own personal luck that’s on the line… In this story, a night of superstitions weaves together the fates of merrymakers eager for fresh starts.  This episode is presented by Superstitions, a Spotify Original from Parcast. Follow Superstitions free on Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

For decades, family members and sleuths have tried to determine what really happened the night of the fire. As of yet, they have been unsuccessful. But the clues remain, the questions linger, and the case unofficially stays open…  This episode is presented by Unexplained Mysteries, a Spotify Original from Parcast. For more of history’s greatest puzzles, follow Unexplained Mysteries free on Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

In the aftermath of the fire, a startling number of tips, twists, and witnesses came forward regarding the fate of the Sodder children. Their father, George, followed the clues for decades, driven by a suspicion of the “official” story and a belief that the blaze was no accident. This episode is presented by Unexplained Mysteries, a Spotify Original from Parcast. For more of history’s greatest puzzles, follow Unexplained Mysteries free on Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. 

Early Christmas day in 1945, Jennie Sodder woke up to her house on fire. The blaze consumed her home, and five of her young children. Or did it? Strange events, prescient remarks, and a lack of human remains hinted at more nefarious — though no less tragic — outcomes.  This episode is presented by Unexplained Mysteries, a Spotify Original from Parcast. For more of history’s greatest puzzles, follow Unexplained Mysteries free on Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

You know you can find love in a bar… on an app… Why not a podcast? Every week on Blind Dating, one hopeful single is introduced to two potential matches in a virtual hangout — no cameras allowed. This week, listen in as Pauler, a 33-year-old dancer from Australia, meets a tutor who falls for mama’s boys and a one-time swinger who’s “lived and learned” in LA. Is personality enough to spark a lasting connection? Listen to find out… and don’t miss the twist at the end! Blind Dating is free on Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

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.

They’re natural-born leaders, hungry for absolute power. Every week on Dictators, delve into the minds and motives of history’s most infamous rulers — people who rose through the ranks toward radicalism, eliminating anyone who stood in their way. This week, track the rise and fall of Nero, an emperor who led Rome to destruction. Hear a clip from Part 1 here, then head to Dictators for the rest of the episode. Dictators is free to listen on Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

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. 

Listeners, we’re excited to bring you an episode from one of our favorite podcasts, Solved Murders: True Crime Mysteries. Every Wednesday on Solved Murders, we explore the days, months, and even years leading up to the closure of a seemingly uncrackable case. This is part 1 of our episode on Helen Potts, a young girl who gets tangled up with a playboy medical student, with deadly consequences—but not for the reasons you might first suspect.  If you enjoy this episode, be sure to check out part 2, available now free and only on Spotify. Follow Solved Murders: True Crime Mysteries for more true-crime stories every week!

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.

Humanity’s most daring achievements are coming together in the new Spotify Original from Parcast! Every weekday, Incredible Feats introduces you to a new story of jaw-dropping physical strength, mental focus, and bizarre behavior. Join comedian Dan Cummins as he profiles the people who turned the impossible into the incredible, breaking records and making history along the way.  Enjoy this exclusive clip from our first episode, and stay tuned for episodes on daredevils, ultramarathoners, performance artists and more! To find more Parcast Network originals, search “Parcast Network” on Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

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

We all know that medical professionals are trained to give exceptional care. But in the new Parcast Original, Medical Murders, you’ll discover a disturbing diagnosis… that not every doctor wants to extend your life. Every Wednesday, meet the men and women who used their expertise to develop sinister specialties. Host Alastair Murden examines the formative years and motives of history’s most infamous killer doctors, dissecting their medical backgrounds with expert analysis provided by practicing M.D., Dr. David Kipper.  Enjoy this exclusive clip from our first episode of Medical Murders! Then search Medical Murders to find more episodes, free on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts!

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