Snake Oil

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Snake Oil is a podcast about charlatans, grifts, and cons. Sometimes tragic, sometimes whimsical, each episode unpacks a notorious hoax and the repercussions it had on society at large.

Jason Potel


    • Jun 3, 2020 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 28m AVG DURATION
    • 11 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Snake Oil

    S1E10: Cardiff Giant

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2020 31:50


    A cigar maker exercising his religious freedom creates a sensation that revitalizes the community.

    S1E9: Theranos

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2020 46:59


    A girl wonder changes Silicon Valley forever.

    S1E8: Cottingley Fairies

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2020 18:38


    Two mischievous children cast a spell on an entire country.

    S1E7: Tasaday

    Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2020 41:43


    The world encounters an isolated Filipino tribe, culminating in one of the greatest controversies in the history of anthropology.

    S1E6: William-Henry Ireland

    Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2020 30:15


    A precocious boy goes to extremes to maintain his father’s affection.

    S1E5: Crop Circles

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2020 18:30


    A couple of artists pull a prank that shakes the nation.

    S1E4: Feejee Mermaid

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2020 28:38


    A Bostonian encounters an exotic marvel while abroad that changes his life forever.

    S1E3: Tania Head

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2020 38:55


    A group of friends bonded by trauma encounter a woman with a mysterious past.

    S1E2: Manti Te’o

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 8, 2020 30:50


    A celebrity couple finds themselves pulled apart by unforeseen forces.

    S1E1: Balloon Boy

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 1, 2020 21:20


    One family's pursuit of fame spirals out of control.

    S1E0: Promo

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 25, 2020 1:23


    In a time of fake news and alternative facts, we find the truth.

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