Podcasts about American Greed

Motivational speakers started really gaining popularity in the 70s and 80s, the golden age of “self-help.” And in recent years, they've been even more in-demand, especially in the business world. You can't swing a dead cat these days without hitting some self-proclaimed entrepreneurial guru who claims to have the formula for success and would be happy to share it with you, if you sign up for their seminar for the low-low price of thousands of dollars. Or buy their TikTok course. But you don't have to get certified or trained to be a motivational speaker, and their industry is almost totally unregulated—meaning, anybody with a megawatt smile and a catchphrase can do it. And according to a Harvard study, most of these guys focus more on entertaining you than teaching you the way to win. It all makes you wonder—are the ones who claim to have all the answers really so enlightened? Well, today we're gonna tell you about two who most definitely weren't.Join Katie and Whitney, plus the hosts of Last Podcast on the Left, Sinisterhood, and Scared to Death, on the very first CRIMEWAVE true crime cruise! Get your fan code now--tickets go on sale February 7: CrimeWaveatSea.com/CAMPFIRESources:True Crime with Aphrodite Jones, S3E4, “Chosen to Kill” https://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/25/nyregion/25speaker.html https://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/19/nyregion/man-seeks-plea-deal-at-retrial-in-assisted-suicide-of-long-island-counselor.html?searchResultPosition=2 https://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/04/nyregion/new-trial-for-man-who-helped-motivational-speaker-kill-himself.html?searchResultPosition=3 https://archive.nytimes.com/cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/04/04/killer-of-l-i-motivational-speaker-is-sentenced/?searchResultPosition=6CNBC's American Greed, Episode "Making a Killing"Court papers: https://www.casemine.com/judgement/us/5914e231add7b049348ef740/amphttps://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/national/2009/08/02/several-questions-remain-in-investors-disappearance/2a3002f5-3c83-4c8d-8e1a-c0f115273394/https://patch.com/california/sanclemente/shawkey-admits-his-stories-sound-unbelievableFollow us, campers!Patreon (join to get all episodes ad-free, at least a day early, an extra episode a month, and a free sticker!): https://patreon.com/TrueCrimeCampfirehttps://www.truecrimecampfirepod.com/Facebook: True Crime CampfireInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/truecrimecampfire/?hl=enTwitter: @TCCampfire https://twitter.com/TCCampfireEmail: truecrimecampfirepod@gmail.comMERCH! https://true-crime-campfire.myspreadshop.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/true-crime-campfire--4251960/support.

Ever hated your ops so bad you considered arson? Or flipped a whole trafficking scheme into a “legit” business? Sounds like y'all been watching American Gangster… but clearly skipped over American Greed.

We have guest on today's episode is hoping to bring attention and light to a very cold case.  A few weeks ago, I had the honor and pleasure of speaking to 11 time Emmy award-winning (to name a few) creative composer, producer, multi-instrumentalist and NOW filmmaker, Dan Brown Junior.  Because you listen to this podcast and many other podcasts across the true crime landscape, I can say with a reasonable degree of certainty that you have most likely heard Dan's work…somewhere…on networks such as ABC,CBS, NBC,  Disney, A & E,  Investigation Discovery, Hulu, Netflix, YouTube, History Channel, Hallmark, NFL, HBO, TLC, HLN, Oxygen,, BET, AMC, Apple, Crime & Investigation… on shows such as Dateline, Snapped, Unspeakable Crimes, The Hunt for the Zodiac Killer, Pitbulls & Parolees, Killer Beside Me, Catfish, The Hunt with John Walks, Deadline Crime with Tamron Hall, Wives with Knives, American Greed, The Disappearance of Maura Murray, Very Scary People, Forensic Files II, The Disappearance of Crystal Roberts, A Current Affair…to name a few…there are literally thousands of places where you've heard his work and today, we will put…at least a voice to the musician who woke up one day and decided he wanted to “write the music you hear on the crime shows”.  With that, Dan created Crimesonics in 2018 with a singular goal in mind…to take over the sound of crime television, films and games worldwide by supplying the globe with exquisitely criminal production music.  Since then, Crimesonics, under Dan's creative vision and leadership, has amassed an eclectic repository of criminal and investigative music and sound effects, redefining what Crime TV could sound like.  Dan has since crossed over into filmmaking with a project that is also a passion, with his documentary Girl Forgotten: What Happened To Brianna Wells.  You heard the trailer of Dan's film at the opening, a link to which is in the show notes where you can watch and subscribe to Crimesonics on YouTube…which you're going to want to once you learn who Brianna was and is…and the ongoing efforts to solve her murder.  With his documentary, Dan hopes to bring light to a case that has been languishing in darkness for more than a decade.  This is Killafornia Dreaming's interview with Dan Brown JuniorHAVE TIPS?:https://silentwitness.org/cases/brianna-wells-1800-e-mobile-lanealley-phoenix/(480) WITNESS (948-6377)1-800-343-TIPS (8477)(480)TESTIGO (837-8446) for SpanishSOURCES:https://crimesonics.com/https://www.danbrownjr.com/about/https://www.azfamily.com/2021/08/18/cold-case-still-no-arrest-7-years-after-teens-body-found-phoenix-alley/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-DJ3p_VJt8https://silentwitness.org/cases/brianna-wells-1800-e-mobile-lanealley-phoenix/

Welcome to Book of Lies Podcast! We have a drawing/contest to earn a free book of lies podcast mug for those listeners out in the universe, a winner will be annouced June 1st 2025. Email your entries to bookofliespodcast@gmail.comThis week we bring you an episode for American Greed streaming on Peacock. Joel Steiner was a convicted felon who was banned from selling securies in the 80's because he's a crook, that didnt stop him and his brothers from running and raising over 1 billions dollars from 30 thousand investors. Tap into this episode to watch out for a scam like this.We catch up on Sunni's birthday shindig, what we've been watching and more. Send us a message anytime, or just listen in to learn how to get a chance at this exclusive Book of Lies Podcast Mug.Subscribe and follow. Follow us on social @bookofliespodcast. 

Welcome to the Money Insights Podcast, where high-income earners find ways to transform their wealth-building strategies from merely high-income to high-net-worth. In this episode, hosts Christian Allen and Rod Zabriskie delve into the critical topic of identifying bad investments. They share eye-opening stories from the series 'American Greed' to highlight common pitfalls and provide listeners with actionable steps to protect their investments. Learn how transparency, realistic returns, and aligned incentives can safeguard your portfolio while avoiding the lure of unrealistic promises and polished deceptions. Tune in for expert advice and practical strategies to enhance your financial well-being.

We discuss DIY projects and the book Absolution by Jeff Vandermeer.

Most people love getting a peek behind a fellow human's carefully managed facade. We're delighted when we see the local magistrate gettin' wrecked at a dive bar two towns over. We catch a glimpse of our married coworker making out with a guy who's not her husband behind the building, and we can't wait to tell somebody. We love a hot mic moment, when a news anchor or politician drops the mask for a second and acts like the flawed human they are. I think that's one of the reasons we love hit-man stings on this show. A recording of somebody offering money in exchange for murder—it's the most authentic peek behind the curtain you could possibly get. A person making an inexplicable, evil choice, dropping the face they normally show to the world to show the darkness underneath. This week we have two cases for you: One where a career fraudster and general snake in human form stays exactly true to his character, and one where a respected member of the community does something light-years out of hers.Sources:Oxygen's "Murder For Hire," episodes "Revenge! Revenge!" and "Wrong Side of the Law"CNBC's "American Greed," episode "A Con Man's Deadly Revenge"https://www.oxygen.com/murder-for-hire/crime-time/long-island-inmate-joseph-romano-plot-murder-judge-prosecutor-bianco-gatzhttps://www.cnbc.com/2014/02/27/how-joseph-romano-went-from-million-dollar-coin-fraudster-to-hiring-a-hit-man.htmlCourt papers: https://law.justia.com/cases/colorado/supreme-court/1987/86sc254-0.htmlNew York Times: https://www.nytimes.com/2014/04/15/nyregion/inmate-gets-life-in-prison-for-plotting-to-behead-a-judge-and-a-prosecutor.htmlFollow us, campers!Patreon (join to get all episodes ad-free, at least a day early, an extra episode a month, and a free sticker!): https://patreon.com/TrueCrimeCampfirehttps://www.truecrimecampfirepod.com/Facebook: True Crime CampfireInstagram: https://gramha.net/profile/truecrimecampfire/19093397079Twitter: @TCCampfire https://twitter.com/TCCampfireEmail: truecrimecampfirepod@gmail.comMERCH! https://true-crime-campfire.myspreadshop.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/true-crime-campfire--4251960/support.

Welcome to Book of Lies Podcast. Thank you for joining us. This week we bring you a $350 Million Ponzi scheme right out of San Diego, California intentionally orchestrated by Gina Champion-Cain. Listen in and learn how she scammed investors with promises for unreal returns on their investments, this episode is brought to you by American Greed.Sunni Discusses her hopes for the winner of The Circle Season 7. Brandi starts watching Kung Foo on Netflix and RHOSLC is back for a new season. Connect with us on social if you arent already @bookofliespod on X@bookofliespodcast on MetaIf you like join us on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/BookofliespodcastVisit www.beautysbiscuits.com for delicously healthy dog treats use offer code "LIES" to save 15% on your order. Thanks for listening. 

Have you ever seen a doctor and wondered if they were a quack? Maybe they are! Medical fraud is the focus of Episode 98!First, Benton tells of the many products containing radioactive material at the turn of the 20th century that probably did more harm than good. Then, Anna relays the case of Jacques Roy, one of the biggest Medicare fraudsters in history. Finally, the two watch a truly iconic episode of American Greed, profiling the illegal practice of back ally silicone butt injections.Our TV doc this week is the first half of Season 10: Episode 4 of American Greed, “Vanity and Greed: Deadly Beauty”.

This episode of the Concierge Coaches Show, which features Bruce and Wayne, features special guest Ross Mandell. Ross was featured in American Greed and has completed his prison sentence. Ross now helps people through his financial coaching website and YouTube channel. Within the episode, Ross discusses the mismanagement of finances within the US government and the problems involved. He also goes over how the market works and the importance of insurance. Ross then pivots to discuss his early business years and how he worked the market and made lots of money. He addresses his prison sentence, how he was arrested, and the court trial. To this day, he is still trying to prove his innocence. Ross has taken the bad that happened and has now used it to teach business classes to help people make money and do it correctly. Throughout the episode, Bruce, Wayne, and Ross go over their experience with finances and the stock market. Ross is a top-tier guest and provides incredibly helpful advice and financial wisdom. Ross can be reached through his website:https://rossmandell.com/ and YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheRealRossMandell Bruce through his cell (214) 431-2032 and https://conciergecoach.net/ Wayne, through email at wayne_515@yahoo.com

AMERICAN GREED | The Bonnie and Clyde of Mortgage Fraud --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mattcox/support

Uncovering a bizarre murder-for-hire plot hatched by a millionaire's ex-wife and her lover. This Week's Sponsors:  SKIMS - Shop the SKIMS T-Shirt Shop now at SKIMS.com. If you haven't yet, be sure to let them know we sent you! After you place your order, select "podcast" in the survey and select I Think Not in the dropdown menu that follows LolaVie - Get an exclusive 15% off your entire order when you use code THINK at checkout. ARMRA Colostrum - Go to tryarmra.com/THINK or enter THINK to get 15% off your first order BetterHelp - This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/ithinknot today to get 10% off your first month and get on your way to being your best self. 

American Greed: Where'd Matt Cox Hide the Money --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mattcox/support

A con man runs a fake green energy business and collects millions by scamming major corporations. This Week's Sponsors:  Smalls - Head to Smalls.com/THINK and use promo code THINK at checkout for 50% off your first order plus free shipping! Apostrophe - Go to apostrophe.com/think and use code think to get your first visit for only $5 BetterHelp - This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/ithinknot today to get 10% off your first month and get on your way to being your best self.  Blissy - Go to blissy.com/think and use code think to get an additional 30% off!  Songfinch - Go to songfinch.com/THINKNOT and start your song – after you purchase, you'll be prompted to add Spotify Streaming for your original song for FREE - a $50 value! 

A man with a multimillion-dollar yacht and 80 sports cars runs a $200 million fraud. This Week's Sponsors:  ARMRA Colostrum - Go to tryarmra.com/THINK or enter THINK to get 15% off your first order Miracle Made - Go to trymiracle.com/THINKNOT and use the code THINKNOT to claim your free 3 piece towel set and save over 40% off Lume - Go to lumedeodorant.com and insert code ITHINKNOT for 15% off SKIMS - Shop the SKIMS T-Shirt Shop now at SKIMS.com. If you haven't yet, be sure to let them know we sent you! After you place your order, select "podcast" in the survey and select I Think Not in the dropdown menu that follows Stamps - Go to stamps.com, click the microphone at the top of the page and sign up with promo code THINKNOT for a 4-week trial, free postage and a free digital scale

A man and his brothers run a massive $40 million rare coin con until they're caught and embark on a grisly revenge plan. This Week's Sponsors:  Songfinch - Go to songfinch.com/THINKNOT and start your song – after you purchase, you'll be prompted to add Spotify Streaming for your original song for FREE - a $50 value!  IQ Bar - Get twenty percent off all IQBAR products, plus get free shipping. To get your twenty percent off, just text think to 64000. Message and data rates may apply. See terms for details. Apostrophe - Go to apostrophe.com/think and use code think to get your first visit for only $5 BetterHelp - This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/ithinknot today to get 10% off your first month and get on your way to being your best self.  Quince - Go to Quince.com/think for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns

In this episode we continue our discussion on PDiddy and the conspiracies surrounding him and his lawsuits. Including that of Lil Rod and the information he's brought out against him. Then we get into a bit of alien news and what ever happened to those aliens they found in Peru?? We talk history,war and what's going on in the Middle East. Is this the beginning of WW3? We talk Politics and American Greed, and so much more! So come join in if you dare!

From back when we called it Fraud Busting.... Retired FBI economic crimes agent Jerri Williams visits Fraud Busting.  She'll tell us the behind the scenes stories of her work on fraud cases including the ponzi scheme she helped bust that landed her on the CNBC TV show American Greed.  She'll debunk myths about the FBI and tell us all about her podcast where she gets the real story on FBI cases and the books she's written.  You don't want to miss this one.  Help keep the show going and buy us a coffee. Your donation goes a long way. Here's the link so you can doneat today

This episode we talk about sports around are attention spans, Welcome to Wrexam, and Sauna talk.

(***TIMESTAMPS in Description Below) ~ Matthew Cox is a notorious former con artist, FBI's Most Wanted suspect, fraud expert, and criminal. Retired from the game, he is now a prolific author and YouTuber. Jim DiOrio is a former FBI Special Agent in Charge & a West Point-educated Special Forces Veteran. EPISODE LINKS: - Protect Your Retirement W/ A Gold. IRA noblegoldinvestments.com/juliandorey or call 877-646-5347 Noble Gold is Who I Trust ^^^ - Julian Dorey PODCAST MERCH: https://legacy.23point5.com/creator/Julian-Dorey-9826?tab=Featured  - Support our Show on PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/JulianDorey  - Join our DISCORD: https://discord.gg/caZ8E8rK  - SUBSCRIBE to Clips Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UChs-BsSX71a_leuqUk7vtDg  MATT LINKS - MATT YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3_qYh4foNgVXI7NzcuxlCA  - MATT BOOKS ON AMAZON: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Matthew-Cox/author/B08372LKZG?ref=ap_rdr&store_ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true  - MATT INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/insidetruecrime/?hl=en  ***TIMESTAMPS*** 0:00 - Matt Cox Story recap 7:30 - Matt faces 32 years in prison; Inmate advice on family 16:23 - FBI Tactic to interrogate criminals; Flying on Con Air 24:19 - Matt decides to cooperate; Finding lost money; “Great Fraud” 36:18 - Matt rips FBI to Jim's face; Secret Service & FBI Roles on Matt's Case 46:35 - FBI Agent Candace comes for Matt; Matt does Dateline (and it goes badly) 56:30 - Candace interrogates Matt; Matt & government negotiate sentence 1:06:21 - Judge oversentences Matt; Matt's Aunt's unfortunate testimony at sentencing 1:16:22 - Matt's mindset in court; Matt cries in prison 1:20:52 - Matt ponders escape; Getting acclimated to prison 1:29:14 - Jim's perspective on Matt's case; Matt teaches real estate in prison (really) 1:39:11 - The corrupt politican Matt paid off 1:44:19 - How cliques in prison work; Matt gets beat up in prison 1:50:53 - FBI comes back to Matt w/ a proposal 1:56:02 - Low Security Prison vs Medium Security Prison; Matt does “American Greed” 2:03:33 - “99% Accurate”; Matt accidentally said he has weapons (lol) 2:13:23 - Matt comes to terms with reality; TI's lawyer 2:19:32 - The schizophrenic billionaire, Frank Amodeo 2:31:03 - Tyree's Case; Frank gets years off Matt's sentence; Matt & Millie reunion 2:42:37 - Frank wants more; Matt's first book he wrote in prison; Ron Wilson 2:47:01 - Frank sas something's gonna happen CREDITS: - Hosted & Edited & Produced by Julian D. Dorey ~ Get $150 Off The Eight Sleep Pod Pro Mattress / Mattress Cover (USING CODE: “JULIANDOREY”): https://eight-sleep.ioym.net/trendifier Julian's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julianddorey ~ Music via Artlist.io ~ Julian Dorey Podcast Episode 177 - Matt Cox & Jim DiOrio

The title above does not do justice to today's guest, Alex Achten. Alex is from Kansas City where he grew up. After college he spent time in Texas where he worked as a news reporter for several years. We talk quite a bit about news reporting and what makes a good reporter.   As Alex explains, he finally felt that the stress of the reporting job caused him to want to go more into the communications and public relations aspects of media and media relations. His parents had moved to San Diego several years ago and so Alex decided to moved to San Diego as well. He joined the staff of the national nonprofit agency, Identity Theft Resource Center, where he directs media relations.   Alex tells us some about identity theft although he says he is not an expert. Even so, he has some excellent ideas about identity protection he passes along.   I asked him about his college minor in Leadership Studies and a certificate he recently earned in “Coaching as a Leadership Tool.” As you will hear, he is quite passionate about this topic and offers some great ideas about good leaders and quality leadership.   In all, no doubt that Alex is quite an unstoppable person. I am sure you will see why by the end of our conversation.     About the Guest:   Alex Achten is the Director of Communications & Media Relations for the Identity Theft Resource Center. Alex oversees the Communications Department of the ITRC and all of the company's Communications initiatives. He specializes in public relations and media relations. At the ITRC, Alex has helped secure media coverage with programs like CBS This Morning, NBC Nightly News, CNBC's American Greed, NPR, The New York Times, The Washington Post and Red Table Talk, and many others.   Previously, Alex was a TV Reporter at KAUZ-TV News Channel 6 in Wichita Falls, Texas. While at News Channel 6, Alex covered the political beat and interviewed Governor Greg Abbott, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, U.S. Congressman Pat Fallon, former U.S. Congressman Mac Thornberry, and many others. He also worked the city beat and covered breaking news ranging from plane crashes and fires to shootings and stabbings.   Alex is a graduate of Kansas State University, where he earned his Bachelor of Science with a Major in Broadcast Journalism and a Minor in Leadership Studies. While at K-State, Alex was involved with Channel 8 News, The Collegian, and The Wildcat 91.9. Alex won First Place in the Kansas Association of Broadcasters Student Awards for Complete Sports Feature and Sportscast, as well as Honorable Mention for Entertainment Programming and DJ Personality. His radio show was also a finalist in the South Central Competition for Audio Talent.   Alex recently completed and received a certificate for his participation in Fieldstone Leadership Network's Course titled “Coaching as a Leadership Tool.” His passion for leadership dates back to his involvement in Student Leadership Institute in high school. He has taken part in numerous leadership projects, most notably a service project that consisted of gathering and manipulating data to figure out better and more efficient ways of advertising for the Flint Hills Discovery Center in Manhattan, Kansas. Alex was born and raised in Kansas City and is a huge Chiefs and Royals fan! There is a good chance you will find him in San Diego wearing either blue, red, or purple!     Ways to connect with Alex:   Alex Achten LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-achten-27a9002b/ Alex Achten Twitter: @Alex_ITRC https://twitter.com/Alex_ITRC Alex Achten Facebook: @Alex-Achten-Identity-Theft-Resource-Center https://www.facebook.com/people/Alex-Achten-Identity-Theft-Resource-Center     About the Host: Michael Hingson is a New York Times best-selling author, international lecturer, and Chief Vision Officer for accessiBe. Michael, blind since birth, survived the 9/11 attacks with the help of his guide dog Roselle. This story is the subject of his best-selling book, Thunder Dog.   Michael gives over 100 presentations around the world each year speaking to influential groups such as Exxon Mobile, AT&T, Federal Express, Scripps College, Rutgers University, Children's Hospital, and the American Red Cross just to name a few. He is Ambassador for the National Braille Literacy Campaign for the National Federation of the Blind and also serves as Ambassador for the American Humane Association's 2012 Hero Dog Awards.   https://michaelhingson.com https://www.facebook.com/michael.hingson.author.speaker/ https://twitter.com/mhingson https://www.youtube.com/user/mhingson https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelhingson/   accessiBe Links https://accessibe.com/ https://www.youtube.com/c/accessiBe https://www.linkedin.com/company/accessibe/mycompany/ https://www.facebook.com/accessibe/       Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!   Subscribe to the podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.   Leave us an Apple Podcasts review Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.     Transcription Notes      Michael Hingson ** 00:00 Access Cast and accessiBe Initiative presents Unstoppable Mindset. The podcast where inclusion, diversity and the unexpected meet. Hi, I'm Michael Hingson, Chief Vision Officer for accessiBe and the author of the number one New York Times bestselling book, Thunder dog, the story of a blind man, his guide dog and the triumph of trust. Thanks for joining me on my podcast as we explore our own blinding fears of inclusion unacceptance and our resistance to change. We will discover the idea that no matter the situation, or the people we encounter, our own fears, and prejudices often are our strongest barriers to moving forward. The unstoppable mindset podcast is sponsored by accessiBe, that's a c c e s s i  capital B e. Visit www.accessibe.com to learn how you can make your website accessible for persons with disabilities. And to help make the internet fully inclusive by the year 2025. Glad you dropped by we're happy to meet you and to have you here with us.   Michael Hingson ** 01:21 Well, hi, yep, it is Mike Hingson Once again, and welcome to another episode of unstoppable mindset. Today, we get to chat with Alex Achten and Alex and I have had some wonderful discussions ahead of this podcast and just to help you out and get you hungry. Since he spent a lot of his life in Kansas, we talk about ribs and shrimp. And we're now both very hungry, but we are going to resist on the podcast we're going to just chat and not eat in front of all of you. And we we do have the willpower at least for one episode to resist. Alex, welcome to unstoppable mindset.   Alex Achten ** 02:02 Thank you I'm so so happy to be here and appreciate the the invite to be on. And I have to say saying no to ribs as someone from Kansas City that that's just wrong. Like I you know, I should not be saying no to ribs or rib talk or anything barbecue related or shrimp related. But here I am saying let's talk about something more important. So people listening to this against that. You might say Alex, what are you doing? Why are you giving up an opportunity to talk about ribs? But But hey, you know, you mentioned it we talked a lot about in our political.   Michael Hingson ** 02:38 I want to say that we're going to talk about something more important what we're going to talk about something else. But we could always talk about ribs, you know that's   Alex Achten ** 02:44 true. Ribs is an evergreen topic. You can talk about a whenever, wherever,   Michael Hingson ** 02:48 right? And eat them wherever and whenever you can just to say,   Alex Achten ** 02:54 just don't wear a white shirt. Like I'm like, I'm   Michael Hingson ** 02:56 right now. Right? Yeah, we're at least wear a bib. Yes, I've   Alex Achten ** 03:00 been at the minimum. Yeah, federal. Well, I   Michael Hingson ** 03:03 really am glad you're here. We had a fun time when we chatted last time. So why don't we start by maybe you telling me a little bit about you growing up and a younger Alex and all that kind of stuff?   Alex Achten ** 03:15 Yeah, absolutely. So I started I suppose I told you. I grew up in Kansas City. That's where I was born and raised. That's where my roots are. That is, that's where a lot of my family is. And and it's still home. You know, it is absolutely still home at my core. But yeah, that's where it that's where I grew up. I went to Kansas State University. So I am a Wildcat. Through and Through. I graduated there in 2015. I got a Bachelors of Science and I majored in broadcast journalism, and I minored in Leadership Studies and and from there, I went and pursued a TV career. And I went down to Texas, and was a TV reporter and multimedia journalist for about three to three and a half years down at KU Zee TV NewsChannel, six, and had a really good time there did a lot of a lot of interesting, interesting things that you wouldn't get to do it. Many other jobs, covered tons of different stories there. But even after three, three and a half years, I made the decision that I wanted to get into communications and public relations and also wanted to have the opportunity to get closer to home. And as I told you, in the past, my parents actually moved to San Diego in 2011, which is when I went to Kansas State so they had been there for a while I come out here and I knew I loved it. And I knew that ultimately, you know with my brother in Los Angeles as well, you know, it gave me an opportunity to get closer to home. So I went ahead and moved out here and I was able to land a job with the identity that The Resource Center where I'm at now and I've been here for four years working in communications and public relations. I'm our Director of Communications and Media Relations at the identity theft Resource Center now, and it's just really worked out. It's been a it's been a great, a great experience and opportunity for me. So that is kind of be in a nutshell on my background. But again, my roots, my roots are in Kansas. That's there's no doubt about that. But, but you know, you can't be living in America's Finest City there.   Michael Hingson ** 05:33 Well, having lived in Vista for six years, I can very well appreciate what you're saying. And we love the San Diego area. I still think it's the best weather in the country.   Alex Achten ** 05:44 I will not debate you on that. I will not debate you on I was telling I literally like the 10 day forecast for the next 10 days it is sunny and either 7374 75 or 76. That 10 day so yeah, doesn't get much better than that. It does it.   Michael Hingson ** 06:00 Next Friday, I fly to the National Federation of the Blind Convention, which this year is in Houston. Oh, one that's gonna weather Yeah, well be nice and toasty. That'll be nice and toasty there. You're wearing your clothes. Yeah, there is something to be said for air conditioning.   Alex Achten ** 06:22 But I've been down there to the   Michael Hingson ** 06:24 humidity in Houston is no fun either. been there before. That's okay. I can cope. Well. So when you were a news broadcaster, that must have been pretty interesting. Did you find it interesting and fun. And you must have introduced interviewed lots of people like the governor of Texas and people like that. Did you get a chance to talk to people like that?   Alex Achten ** 06:46 Absolutely. I did. I did interview the governor of Texas, Greg Abbott, three or four different times, in my stint there at Channel six. And I actually worked the political beat. So I interviewed a lot of political figures in the state of Texas. So I interviewed Governor Greg Abbott, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick. I also interviewed Beto O'Rourke a handful of times when I was there, and then pat Fallon, who is in the he is in the US House. Now. I interviewed him a handful of times, former congressman Mac Thornberry was was one of them. So a lot of a lot of political figures. I interviewed in my time there and I also had the, the city beat so that actual Wichita Falls that he beat. So I've covered all the the government related things going on in the city of Wichita Falls. And, you know, really what was kind of the, the wildcard was was really the breaking news that you've covered. I think, you know, I think every reporter will tell you that's one of the probably one of the most exciting parts of the job is the breaking news that you cover. And unfortunately, you know, not not all breaking news is good news. But as a reporter, you know, that's that's, that's what you go to school for, you know, you go to school for opportunities to be able to tell the public, you know, do your service tell the public what is going on and, and while it is something that you know, a lot of it is stuff you never want to see happen. You want to do to the best your ability, and it is a thrill to be in a situation now it can be a moment, don't get me wrong, it is emotionally draining. It is physically draining, mentally draining, it is draining in every sense of that word, but but your passion, your passion is what drives drives you and I tell everybody you know what my passion and my core is journalist I'm a I'm a I'm a journalist, at my core, even though I work in public relations, and Media Relations and Communications now and I love it. At my core, I'm a journalist and I am telling story. So in Wichita Falls, you know, I was able to, to cover so many stories that impacted my life in so many different ways and stories they'll carry with me forever. And I met people that I will remember and carry with me forever. You know, you talk with so many people every single day. When you when you're doing so many different stories and you hear so many stories from so many different people. It is just a very rewarding job and it can be very exhausting job. So it was it was something that again, I covered everything from you know, amazing story. I covered one guy who had like, multiple heart surgeries, didn't know if he was going to live and then he ended up a few months later being able to come out and ride in the Hunterdon hell bike race, which is a really really popular bike race Wichita County. I got to interview him. That was a great story. I got to do stories like that I got to ride To be 25 Bomber for one particular story, which was something that was actually really near and dear to my heart because my grandma was actually a Rosie the Riveter. So that was really, really cool opportunity for me. But on the flip side of that, you know, I covered a handful of stories and breaking news that didn't end well, that things that you won't forget. And, you know, those are the things that stick with you. But you know, I know, as a reporter, something that I was passionate about was telling these people, some of these people that may have been gone too soon telling their story, and telling their story in a way that that really highlighted them and showed them in the best light possible, so people could really get to know who they were in some of the tragic events that happen. And so that was something I took very seriously. And those are some of the things that I'll definitely remember. So, again, I could go on for days, about everything I got in that, in that in that role. But ultimately, what it just came down to was, it was a position where sustainability, you know, I just didn't think it was something that I could sustain long term going through that, again, that that mental, emotional, psychological, physical strain, needed some better work, some better work life balance, that was something that was really important. And then look, you know, I'm honest with people about it, you know, TV reporters, it's not the biggest salary in the world. It's not a and, you know, you also got to worry about you being able to support yourself financially. So you know, that's another piece of it, too. And again, not that you don't make a livable wage. But that, you know, I know a ton of people who have made the jump to communications PR for that reason, as well. So, but don't get it all.   Michael Hingson ** 11:47 As a speaker. I know that when I go somewhere to speak, from the time the airplane lands until I take off, I have to be on. Oh, yeah. And so I appreciate what you're saying about the whole emotional aspect of it, then sometimes you go on well, I went, I've gone to places where it was very interesting. And certainly the the tenor and tone of people and some of their views. Were not the views that I had. But I can't ever let that get in the way. And I'm there to do something. And I'm there to inspire. And I learn as much as I can about how to inspire every audience when I go. So it is different for different kinds of audiences. And for you, it must have been a challenge. I mean, going from beta O'Rourke to Greg Abbott, talk about two different ends of the spectrum. And that kind of thing has to be a real challenge for you, as a reporter, and if you are working to represent the story and talk to the people, then you have to do it without getting emotionally involved in and letting your biases and show on show and that has to be emotionally draining   Alex Achten ** 13:01 it 100% It absolutely is emotionally draining. I don't think people understand, understand how many aspects of that job, are emotionally draining. And, you know, not just that, but there's, you know, there's a lot of people out there that, that don't love what you do, and that, that you have to deal with when you're on the public as well. And unfortunately, I have stories about things that have happened to me, just trying to do stories and cover stories. And unfortunately, too many reporters do have stories like that. And it just kind of comes with the territory. But you're right, getting back to what you were saying, working that political beat in particular. When you're covering, you know, politicians from these, you know, complete opposite sides of the spectrum. You do, you have to let your biases, you have to leave your rises at the door, and you have to come in and you have to do your job, which is strictly to report, report what this person is saying, and then report what the other person is saying. And then you let the viewer come to the conclusion of whatever conclusion they're going to come to but your job is to report the facts. Your job is not to apply any, you know, any sort of speculation or any sort of any sort of leanings one way or the other. There's just something that you can't do. And I think I always told people that I thought the ultimate compliment was not when a when a when a politician told me that I did a good story. It was when they told me that I did a fair story, that that was what I really took as the ultimate cost. Because if I did a fair story, it meant they respected what I did, but you know, understood that, you know, I was tough, you know, and but I was but I wasn't disrespectful. You know, I did, I did my job. And so that was really kind of what I strive for in that in that position. So that was one piece that was really important. And then as you mentioned when you're getting a lot of these other stories that are emotional like Again, you know, I, you know, one story, did a touched on a girl who unfortunately was murdered walking home from school and her friend was with her and shot as well. And that was a story that really captivated kind of the way it happened really captivated the entire community. And it was really hard to leave your emotions out, you know, at the door on this particular piece, he was only 14 years old. It was a really sad backstory to it. And I was reported it was live on the scene, I was the reporter that was at her memorial, and I was the reporter that was speaking with her family, and that was just super emotionally draining. And there's multiple times stories like this, where you're trying to talk about someone's life. And you're also trying to report about the breaking news that might be happening, and maybe also about that trial, you know, I was part of the trial coverage do? How do you leave your emotions out of that when there's so much heavy emotion in it. But you have to find a way to leave it at the door. And that is really difficult to do, and it takes a toll on you. But you have to do it to be able to do the job to the best of your ability   Michael Hingson ** 16:07 I listened to from a standpoint of collecting old radio shows some interesting news reports through the years, I think the probably one of the most dramatic ones is when the Hindenburg exploded, and there was one reporter on the scene everybody else had left because it was late coming in. And he was there reported the whole thing herb Morrison did and did an incredible job. Although his emotions came through some there was no way not to. But yeah, but the point is that he was able to report the whole thing. And even through the emotion, he reported everything. I've heard reports, because I was alive then about JFK getting shot. And I heard the Columbia challenger or the Columbia space shuttle thing. And, you know, other things. What amazes me today is how many people when we see some reporters reporting on stories, and clearly being very bias and not just reporting, which we see a lot, and to all too many people won't hold them accountable and say that's not your job, your job is to report the news. And it's really scary. And so unfortunate that we see all too often today where people don't leave their biases at the door. And they portray things as facts that aren't. And that's too that's too bad too, because that gives the whole industry a very bad name.   Alex Achten ** 17:43 Exactly. You nailed it right there. At the end, it gives the industry a bad name. And it really damages the credibility of good reporters and a majority. And we say this best so many different fields of work, but you know, there's always a few bad apples that seemed it can ruin it for everybody. And in the news, everybody sees what to do. So if those few bad apples are going to be directly seen what what they're doing, and I used to tell some of the new reporters that came in, that I would train, you know, don't you know, don't take, you can't take some of this, you know, stuff that you're going to hear some stuff you're going to encounter, you can't take it too hard. You can't take it too personal. Yeah. And you can't you have to let it go if you have a bad day, because the reality of the fact, you know, the reality is, when you have a bad day, unfortunately, everybody's gonna see it, because you're on TV every day. And, you know, people aren't gonna see my bad days. Now, you know, when I'm when I'm working at the CRC, but they did when I was on TV, and there was no way to get around that and it's in the public eye. But you have to find a way to let that go. Getting to these kind of these bad apples that really kind of paint media in a bad light. It's the same thing, you know, they're being seen. And then, you know, people think, well, that's what all journalists and all media are like, and I think that's what's most disappointing to me is that there are so many good journalists out there, and they get overshadowed by some bad apples that ruin it. And I'm very clear with people that, you know, those that are inserting their opinions into things. That's not news. I mean, that that is entertainment programs and entertainment. Right? That is entertainment, that is not news. Entertainment, but no, I agree. And I've had people come up to me and say, you know, well, you know, I don't watch the news because of this person. And I think that's not like I don't even consider that a news program, whatever. They whatever. They came to me, and I'll tell them, you know, some of some of the some of the places that I think do have good news, but again, I you know, I got to know a ton of reporters when I worked in the industry. I know a ton now for my current role and working in media relations. And again, there's just so many good reporters out there. Air. And you know, I will say that the line, it's thinner now than it's been in a long time with within certain opinion in the news. And that is kind of a, you know, scary thing a little bit. But, you know, when you, you know, they teach you these things in school, how to handle these situations, and there's a lot of really good reporters who do good work. And it's hard work work that requires tons of research and education, and being able to be impartial and ask good questions. And not even just that, you have to, after you ask the question, do you have to tell the story and you have to be a good storyteller. There's so many pieces of that. And there's so many good reporters that doing that, and getting messages out that needed need to get out there. But unfortunately, not enough people. Read the news, watch the news, hear the news, because they just associate some of those bad apples in the opinion with it. So it's disappointing to hear kind of that misconception. And again, I, as a former reporter, I will obviously stand up for many reporters, and believing that it is it is still a good industry. But I will admit at the same time that there are some some some bad apples out there. But I definitely encourage people to if you hear opinion, you see opinion, there is a differentiator between what I would consider news and entertainment program. Yeah,   Michael Hingson ** 21:22 yeah. Well, for me, I was so impressed, watching a lot of the news once I got home on September 11, having gotten on at the tower and all that, but people like Aaron Brown on CNN, who all day stayed and covered it. Of course, they were across the river. I think he was in New Jersey, I believe, but he, he did the reporting for hours and hours. And I finally got to meet him. And just anyone who could do that, and Peter Jennings did the same thing on ABC, and just being able to do that. And I think with Peter Jennings Finally, there was some emotion, but but still ropey, how can there not be on the next Monday? Dan, rather, was interviewed on Letterman, and and he broke up on the Letterman Show. And yeah, how could you not and why shouldn't you? Yeah, because you're doing Yeah, they're human, they should you be able to react?   Alex Achten ** 22:26 Exactly. I, you know, I, I, I haven't met a reporter that hasn't had a broker who has not had a breakdown, I'll be honest and honest, I, every single reporter that I've worked with had a breakdown at one point or another, I've had breakdowns before as a reporter. It's going to happen, it comes with the territory. And when you're covering something like, like, September 11, I can't even imagine how difficult that had to be. And again, you're only human, you only can take so much. And, and that that is just a incredibly tough job to do. But I'm glad that you mentioned that is because that's that's a great example, and a perfect example. But you know, I think that you mentioned in there human. I mean, I think that that is kind of when I would remind people of you know, these reports are human. And, you know, they they're out here trying to do the best job that they can. Yeah, sure, there are again, there are some bad apples out there. And they're gonna, you know, you know, you need to be able to decipher news from non news. That's deaf, right thing. But But I again, I think that there's just a lot of lack of respect for for some media out there. And I don't think people understand how hard they work and what they go through. And so, you know, hopefully, that's something that, you know, I've been an advocate, again, that a lot for a long time, I'll continue to advocate for that. Because it's like I said, I'm a journalist at my core. Those are my people always advocate for them. But, but just again, you know, you're human, you will and go through so much. And I can't even imagine what it was like this 911 coverage, but I will say I have watched, I have gone back again, news junkie, I've just pronounced surprised anybody. I've gone back and watched to the coverage, one of the coverage from September 11. And it was, it was some very, very good coverage that day.   Michael Hingson ** 24:14 There was some some really good coverage that day. And it was very amazing that people held it together as much as they did. And it's a testimony to them and to their character that they did and they didn't go off and try to go off on deal with diatribes and lecturing people and so on but reported the business which is what they should have done.   Alex Achten ** 24:34 Exactly. And I'll say just one thing with that, too, that's so hard because you don't know they didn't know initially what was going on? No, and you have to have essentially wall to wall coverage of what's going on and you have to fill that time was something so you have to fill it and it's hard not to go to those places on well, they could have been this or it could have been that right it's that is that is so hard when you don't have a script, there's there's not a playbook for that. There's not there's not a playbook for that. That is so hard. You're going wall to wall all day long covering this event where you're learning what's going on. But you don't fully know, I mean that there's no job more difficult.   Michael Hingson ** 25:13 And one of the things that I realized pretty early on, and I'm not sure it was said, as much as it should have been, is that this was not an attack by Islam, this was attacked by a fringe group that wanted to have their way. But that's not the representation of the Muslim church. Yeah. And and I think that not nearly enough people understood that. And again, it's all too often that we, as the public haven't learned to step back and truly analyze, we listen, and we hear somebody, Oh, I agree with that. And then we just go on, and we don't analyze for ourselves. And we really need to do that. I'm not a great fan of Fox, but I watch Fox to hear what they say, as long as I can, can take it, and then I will go back and listen to other news, but I do like to watch a variety of different kinds of newscasts. And I could also go off and say things like, watching the BBC, or news from Europe and so on is really fascinating, because the way they report a lot of stuff is totally different, compelling way we do it here. And there's a lot of value in what they do.   Alex Achten ** 26:29 Oh, yeah, absolutely. Did you write I would encourage someone go go watch a BBC broadcast and see what the way that it did. It is much different than the way than the way and that's not a bad thing. No, no, not a bad thing at all. And, but But I will say, you know, you're right. I think that it is important for people to again, be able to watch different different news outlets and be able to get news from different places. And because, you know, again, I just think it's good to be hearing what everybody's saying and thinking and then I think if you can come to more of an educated opinion, on whatever it is that that that's going on. But if you're only watching the news that plays into the narrative that you want to believe I mean, how much are you really, you know, learning or to the flip side of that, if you're only watching news that goes against what you believe in, they're there to just, you know, mock what they're saying, again, I'll say the same thing. What are you what are you really gaining from that? I my default is always tell people that I go back to you know, I like to watch. You know, I like to watch a galley i I'm, I worked at CBS affiliate, I think CBS news is, is pretty good. I work with the investigate TV team, for television a lot. I actually used to be in a great, great TV employee. But I think investigate TV has an has an incredible team of people there. And I think that NBC is not not MSNBC, just NBC MVCs investigative team is tremendous. I think that there's some tremendous reporters on their investigative team. So again, I think it's about you know, figuring out being able to sift out you know, who's, you know, who's going to really tell this, you know, who tells stories from an impartial standpoint,   Michael Hingson ** 28:28 given my age. I'm a relative late comer to 60 minutes. I love watching 60 minutes, but I had a radio program on our college radio station K UCI at 9.9 on your dial on every Sunday night, I played old radio shows for three hours. And I learned along the way when somebody called from the Orange County Jail in California, that half the people in the jail wanted to listen to our show on Sunday nights and roughly half of the people wanted to listen and watch 60 minutes. And ultimately we beat out Wallace so I'm really glad that we'd be Wow, look at that. And you know, of course what I say to everybody is that Wallace was really just kind of a guy with criminal tendencies if you listen to him when he did old radio shows. What did he announce the Green Hornet What's that all about? Crime and Sky King you know, what's that all about crime? So we know what we don't what kind of mic well, it says I never got to meet him and say that a person who would have been great to do   Alex Achten ** 29:29 Mike Well, that is true. But it was it   Michael Hingson ** 29:33 was really funny that we we we beat out 60 minutes and so they wanted more entertainment the news that's okay.   Alex Achten ** 29:40 Hey, you know what? There's so many there's so many things that are coming into my mind right now but it's it's what was it I you know, if it bleeds it leads like that was one that I remember being like a really popular saying yeah, and then there I there was another one that rhymed at sales, and I'm pretty sure I'm forgetting what it was but but You're right. I mean, you know a lot of these news producers, I mean, they're stalking their shows know what what people are gonna be most interested in here and are seeing at the beginning of a show.   Michael Hingson ** 30:09 My favorite, my favorite 60 minutes is still the one where Morley Safer interviewed Miss Piggy. And she had him on the ropes. It was so funny. I'd love to get a copy of that. She kept calling him Morty and all sorts of stuff that is still my favorite 60 minutes episode.   Alex Achten ** 30:29 Well, I'll say this. I do like some good news mixed in with that. Yeah. I hear people talk about you know, I hate how much bad news is the beginning. And I get it why people say that. I also understand why is it the beginning of shows and why it's so prevalent, but I think it is important to sprinkle some things in. And yeah, I watched CBS Sunday Morning, every morning because I love their feature stories. And I at the station that I worked at, we had a good news segment at the end of every show. So I'm sure it's something that we that we'd like to mix in, I think it's important to be able to get that in. So again, you know, you have to hear the people and there's a lot of people want some more good   Michael Hingson ** 31:05 news. Yeah. And sometimes I don't think we get as much of it as we could, and probably should. There's so much bad stuff. And that's what seems to get a lot of the headlines, I understand it. But and the other part of it is there always seems to be something that is dramatic enough that we do have to get those headlines. So you know, that's the other part about it. We there's there's hardly a slow news day anymore. No, no. Which is, which is too bad. Well, you know, but we cope. So how did you then I understand why you decided that you wanted to leave actually doing real reporting? How did you end up at the identity theft Resource Center?   Alex Achten ** 31:47 Yeah, well, you know, getting back to, you know, you count what I said a little bit earlier in the podcast, you know, it was kind of a situation where, you know, okay, and do you want to sign on it, you know, sign a contract with your, you know, with your current employer and, you know, stay longer? Do you want to look to go to a new station and a bigger market? You know, what do you want to do, and I was kind of at the crossroads, they were, you know, it was time to make a decision one way or the other. And I've been mulling it over for a while, you know, again, I was like, This is not something that's not sustainable. It's really a stressful job. I love what I'm doing. But it's super stressful. And, you know, again, I wanted a little bit of more financial stability, my life, I wanted a little more work life balance, and I wanted to be ultimately be, you know, a little bit closer to family. That was something that would that I wanted as well. So I moved to San Diego, and said, You know what, I'm going to go after this communications thing and see what happens. So I came out to San Diego, I got involved in prsa, which is the Public Relations Society of America, the San Diego chapter in particular, and took part in a mentorship program actually, there. And that was an amazing experience, I was able to work with somebody who at the time was with VA II, out here in San Diego. And they helped me with with a ton, you know, with prep on the industry, interview PrEP. PrEP on the resume, refining the resume. And they really helped me with a lot of that. And I'll say this is a very common jump. And I don't know how many of you will know this very common jump for people and news to jump to communications and PR, I would say, I mean, I don't know if 50% of the people who work in PR are former news people but it, it feels like it well, I'm meeting with them all the time. And it feels like half the time they're like, Yeah, I used to be a reporter as well or used to work in the news as well. And I have a ton of friends that have made the jump since me even from news to PR. So it's a really, really common jump. There's a lot of parallels there. But I ended up you know, the mentorship program was great, it helped me learn a lot. And then I landed a position with the identity theft Resource Center is a communication specialist with a focus on PR. And after about a year, a little over a year, year and a half, I got a promotion to earn an own media specialist. So it was more really focused on media relations. In particular, which is more what I wanted to do. And then from there, I got a promotion to head of earned and owned media relations, which really kind of allowed me to kind of begin to run the show on that side of things. And then the way things ended up shaking out I got another promotion to Director of Communications and Media Relations. So now I'm running an overseeing the communications team for the identity theft Resource Center. And it is a position that that I Love, you know, I love the company, I love the people that I work with. And I love that, you know, I have an executive that we have an executive team there that is so supportive of me and supportive of the work that I do, and they give me the freedom to go out and, and do what I think needs to be done to put the ITRC in the best light publicly, to get us media coverage, to execute successful communications campaigns. And it is something that I really do enjoy, we got a great team. I'm in a managerial role now, which is something that that I said I would never do. I was like, I'll never I'm never I'm never gonna be be a manager, I'm never going to manage people. That's not something I'm going to do. Here I am 31. And now I'm a director, so, so much for that. But, but that's what I said, But you know, I really do enjoy it. I better work life balance. Closer my parents, I get to see them more often. And I've built a community of friends out here that that I really enjoy. And, again, you can't beat San Diego, but but I really I really do. I really do love it. And I think what is something that has really helped me is being a former reporter. Being able to speak with people who work in the media, I feel like it's so much easier for me to speak with them. And so yours didn't say easier. But it's so easy for me to speak with them. Because I feel like I know how to talk to them. How would I know? How to myself back when I was sitting at my news desk? What would I tell? What would I tell Alex like, that's what I think when I'm when I'm writing a press release, or I'm right, you know, I'm I'm personally pitching somebody, or if I'm about to send out a media alert, you know what, what I want to hear and then I think of it just about how people will have it I want people to communicate with me, so much of it is about building relationships. And I put a ton of stock and building relationships with with these people in the media, and it goes beyond just hey, I've got a story for you, or, Hey, I'll scratch your back here, if you scratch our back there, you know, it goes further than that. It's about you know, taking genuine interest in these people. Because again, you know, these amateurs, good journalists, I mean, they're good people, and being able to build those relationships with them. And getting to know them is something that I think is really important. And when I was a reporter, it was the same, you know, I kind of had the same approach, I wanted to get to know the PR people that I was working with, and I took a lot of stock and building those relationships. So I that's something that's really important to me, kind of with where I'm at right now with the with the communications team, at the ITRC is our executive team knows that media relations and public relations is really kind of my my bread and butter. So they let me really stay in the weeds and kind of do all of that. But, but I delegate for the most part, a good chunk of the the other stuff that we do marketing stuff, project management stuff, I'll delegate that to other to other people on the team. But, but I really do stay in the weeds with the media relations stuff, because I love it, I mean that I really am passionate about that. And I love to see the ITRC highlighted on these programs. And and now that I've worked in a space for four years, I didn't I am really passionate about helping these victims because I see the the way that these victims of identity crimes are impacted. And I always I you know, one of the things I wanted to do, and I moved into communications, I wanted to take take a role, where I felt like I would make a difference. You know, I didn't want to take a role to take a role, you know, I wanted to take a role or I could make a difference. And I feel like you know, being able to get media coverage of the ITRC and our services and our reports and our data and all this stuff in return helps get more, you know, help to these victims who need it again, whether or not that means it leads to more government assistance, government programs, whether it means that they find the ITRC and we're able to help them whatever it might be they know that's something that I'm that I'm definitely passionate about. So it has been it has been a great four years working with the communications team at the ICRC   Michael Hingson ** 39:23 well tell me a little bit more about what the ITRC is what it does and and all that kind of stuff. Yeah, the   Alex Achten ** 39:29 I didn't have resource center there. It's a national nonprofit. And it really is and I won't sit here and you know, read off I'm not gonna I won't go into Mr. PR and read off the mission statement and do all that. I'll say the thought of that. But I but I will say it's a national nonprofit that works in the in the identity crime space. The only national nonprofit that has free remediation services for for victims of victims can call us or live chat with us for free and we can help I help them with their identity crime case. Or we can help. Even if you're not a, you know, a victim of identity theft, you know, you can always message us if you have a question or you know, something that's preventative, you can message us about anything. And we are advisors will, will work with people on whatever the issue is toll free. And it's not like you just call one time or message one time, and then we're like, well, there's a fee, the second or third time No, it's, you know, you can, however, many times you need to reach out to us however long you need to talk to us, we'll do it, we'll do it. And that is something that we do. And we also work with, we also work a lot in the research side of things, we do a lot of research. When it comes to identity crimes, right now we're doing a lot of research in the identity crime landscape, in particular in the black communities, and how they're impacted by any crime. So that's something that we're working on right now. We track data breaches, and we report our findings and our trends and what they mean and, and we do things to try to see, you know, try to get additional support for victims. So you know, we'll work we'll work with the, with other organizations, and you know, the government, we have a lot of federal federal grants, and we'll we'll work to try to get more resources for victims add that as part of it as well. And then, you know, we obviously provide education, we'll provide education to businesses, and things of that nature. So there's a lot of different things that we do. But ultimately, you know, the goal is to, is to help reduce identity crime, and, and really to be able to educate people on what's going on in cybersecurity,   Michael Hingson ** 41:36 privacy. So somebody, so somebody calls and says, you know, my identity has been stolen, I've had 10,000 or $50,000, in lost credit card charges, and so on. How do you guys help? What is it that the senator does?   Alex Achten ** 41:51 Yeah, so the senator, what we do is we ultimately can help somebody create a resolution plan with, okay, you know, here's what you need to do next. In regards to steps, who, here's who you need to call, here's what you need to tell them. Here's what you need to get from them. And then here's the steps that you need to take to protect yourself. So we're not there actually doing all of these things for the victims, but we are there to help provide them a resolution plan. And to really guide them through this process that is so tricky, and so difficult, especially people are so vulnerable at those moments. And it's hard. I mean, look, I mean, I mean, a lot of us are the victims of identity crimes, and we know how it can play on your emotions. And you may not be thinking in your proper state of mind at that time, you know, well, we can we can help you in that moment. Walk you walk you through that process, and make sure that you're able to take the appropriate steps to keep yourself as as safe as possible. So that's really, really our role in that. And again, you know, we're there to always provide support.   Michael Hingson ** 42:58 One of the things that we did I have a niece who had she and her family had their identity stolen, gosh, it's gotta be close to 10 years now. And one of the things that we did was we signed up with LifeLock obviously gives some protection and so on. But that's a different kind of an entity that does sort of different things than what you do, right.   Alex Achten ** 43:24 Yeah, yeah, exactly. You're You're right that there, that's more identity theft, protection. Talking about that, and look, you know, I Norton, Norton LifeLock is one of our is one of our supporters. So we work with them on certain things, but But you're right, that that is that is more service based. And we, you know, we're really, we're really not service based, you know, we're just some things in the works that that will roll out at a later time, but, but we're really not.   Michael Hingson ** 43:54 You help people and you help give people perspective and you help give guidance in some way.   Alex Achten ** 43:59 Exactly. We're there to provide guidance for people that help help victims and, and be able to help businesses and and again, get and do the research and figure out what's going on what are the trends and that really could help guide us and what needs to be done next in the space to to help reduce the number of data breaches or identity crimes or whatever it may be. And so again, there's so many layers to what we do, but at the core, again, it comes back to the victims and being able to help those help those victims and provide them the best resources that we can.   Michael Hingson ** 44:38 And really, again, help them get back to having some perspective because you are in a very traumatized situation when you discover something like this has happened. And sample. Generally, it's like being a reporter. They don't know how to step back like most reporters can do and you're probably in theory, a little bit better position. Shouldn't if identity were to be stolen from you, because you can learn to step back, but I'll bet even then you are going to have to deal with it with the emotions. And so it's a challenge for you to.   Alex Achten ** 45:09 I'm glad you brought that up. Because recently that did happen to be where I was targeted, I won't get into the details of it, but I was targeted with with a particular scam, and even knowing exactly what scam there, I could I could have told you the name of the scam, I could have told you what exactly their tactics were, I could have told you everything. But when you hear it, it's still scary. And it still can, you know, make you paranoid, and you can freeze and you know, I froze for a brief, you know, brief minute in that situation. And again, that's with a background is being a reporter and working in this space and all these different things and knowing what scams are talking about and knowing that they're they're literally following a playbook knowing all this, it's still hard for me to pull myself back. So I can't even imagine someone who may not have that type of knowledge. And you know, it can there's so many identity criminals out there. And it's really, it can just be really difficult. And I think the emotional impacts is again, you know, people talk about identity crimes and financial losses. And yeah, you know, financial losses are really, really sad seeing some of them. But I think one of the things that people don't talk about enough as the the emotional impacts of those crying, we ever we do a report that's strictly on that, because it's such a such an important piece. But, um, but it's just, you know, that's something that I don't think people think about is just that, you know, yeah, physical physical abuse, you can see, right, you can you can see the marks from the emotional abuse, you can't, you can't see it. And so, you know, it's harder sometimes to to get people to take it seriously, they can't actually see the, you know, the physical marks of what you've gone through, you know, because it's something that's emotional.   Michael Hingson ** 47:05 One of the challenges that happened with my niece was, for a while even law enforcement was not convinced that she wasn't doing this to herself, or perpetrating and in some way, and she said, look, here's all the evidence, and it was still hard for people to accept that this really occurred, which is so unfortunate   Alex Achten ** 47:29 why and unfortunately, it's not surprising. Yeah, I've heard that story so many times, too. And the crazy thing is, I've had, again, working in media relations. I've had reporters who I'll work with who work, maybe a cybersecurity beat, or a consumer reporter beat reach out to me and say, Oh, my gosh, I'm a victim. Can I talk with one of your advisors like that? Or, you know, this horrible thing is happening to me, I need your help. That is absolutely, I've had a handful reach out like that. It is just so hard to to escape it. I really, really is. And I tell people I said I think this just made me a little more of a cynic now because I feel like I'm questioning everything. My mom will it's funny. I'll use this example. She so I'm still on my parents family plan for our phone because we're all on the family plan together. But my brother and I, we have to pay right? You know, so yeah, Your Honor family pay up you have to pay. So we Venmo my mom every month she'll sit she'll send us like the transaction saying this is how much you owe. And you know, we'll we'll pay through Venmo I am such a cynic. Now that I text my mom every time even though I know it's coming. And it says it says the amount it says it's from her it says what it's for, but I'll still text her and say did you just spend money for this this much money for the phone bill? Then yeah, she'll say yep. And I'll be I'll go, Okay, I'll pay it now. I mean, that is like, that is where my brain is, because of where I work, but, but they're just they're just, you know, there's so many, again, identity criminals out there and, and you have to you have to keep an eye on them. But the good news is, the good news is there are things you can do to protect yourself. And that's the great thing. And, you know, again, we're about education. So you know, we'll try to educate people the best we can, so they can be as safe as possible. So hopefully they don't fall victim.   Michael Hingson ** 49:17 Yeah, and it is it is so easy. I've seen some really good email scams that I almost fell for until I really looked carefully at where the mail came from and all the stuff in the header. I went Wait a minute and chose correctly I know not to do anything with it, but you've got to watch 24 hours a day. Because it is so scary that they're they're getting so clever about what they do much less all the robo calls on the scams that come from that   Alex Achten ** 49:53 100% and and you know, again, this gets back to BBA probably being a little bit of a cynic, but this is this is it definitely something that we put in all of our content. We always tell people, if you get a message or someone you're not expecting, don't respond to it, you know, reach out directly to the person they claimed to be, or the sword, you know, the company they claimed to be from and say, did you send this? And if they did, then you're going to respond? And if they didn't, you know, that it's a scam? And, and again, it's crazy that it's like, oh, I have to I really have to, like, go to the source every time I receive a message where Yep, for somebody I didn't, didn't expect. And I'm gonna say, Yeah, I mean, that that would be my that would be what I would encourage you to do.   Michael Hingson ** 50:32 I do it from people where I'm expecting a message. And this is this comes through. And I haven't had a problem that is I haven't, like you with Venmo haven't had one where it wasn't true. But I still check. Because I've seen some really good texts, too. I got a message about a month ago, from Walmart. And it said that there was a charge for $124 or $184, or something like that. And I forget what it wanted me to do to verify it or whatever. But Amelia, I'm going, Wait a minute. First of all, I didn't spend any money at Walmart. Yeah, of course, the scammer wouldn't know that. But you know, I wasn't even going to respond to the message because of that kind of thing. I didn't expect it. It couldn't have possibly been true. But unfortunately, things happen. I've done credit card charges somewhere, like buying gas. And a day or so later, suddenly, the bank calls and said, we've got these other charges that we don't know about how in the heck, they got the credit card. Info. I mean, this is a long time ago. So I don't think that they even had the ways of sticking the credit card tracker inside of the reader. But nevertheless, somehow people got charged information and used it. And you got to watch everything that goes on. You've got to monitor it all.   Alex Achten ** 52:01 Yeah, it's a scary world. It's a scary world. And unfortunately, people are going to continue to try to find ways to to get Yeah,   Michael Hingson ** 52:08 yeah, it is. It is really too bad. Well, what are some things that you would advise people to do to protect themselves?   Alex Achten ** 52:19 I, you know, yeah.   Michael Hingson ** 52:21 Obviously, one is, is what we just talked about, what kinds of things would you advise people?   Alex Achten ** 52:27 Yeah, you know, I'll go back to our default messaging that we have at the ITRC, which really is gets back to kind of what we would call I know, we, you know, preventative tips, some of you could call it cyber hygiene. But really, it gets back down to not over sharing information. I think that's yeah, that's one we always talk about, you know, not over sharing personal information, using unique passwords on all your accounts. So essentially, using a different password on every account, in particular passphrase is that's actually something that's more effective passphrase is that we say, are usually at least 12 characters long. So some sort of saying that you'll remember. So that way, if somebody may get into one account, they won't get into all your accounts. So that's, that's one of the common ones we give. And then we always encourage people to use multi factor authentication with an app if possible, because text messages can get spoofed. But But user acquisition is an added layer of security that people have to go through to get into an account. So if you have that, that's just going to, you know, make it make your accounts that much safer. So those are some of the basics. And we always tell people freeze their credit, if you there's no reason for your, you know, if you don't have, you know, a loan out or anything like that, you know, we always tell people that or I shouldn't say tell we don't tell people anything, we encourage people to freeze your credit, if it's something that they may not need at that time, because, again, you know, a criminal can't access credit that's frozen. So that what does that mean, exactly? Here? You know, I have to be 100% honest, it's hard for me to get into the specifics, because I tell people all the time, I'm not going to act like I'm an expert in identity theft.   Michael Hingson ** 54:10 But if you talk about freezing freezing credit, what does that mean?   Alex Achten ** 54:14 Yeah, so freezing credit, essentially, that means that you can't have your credit taken by somebody else. I mean, that that you can do there's you can get your credit frozen by the credit reporting agencies. And essentially, they can't, uh, you know, they can't happen to that they can't get that credit and use it against you and commit identity crimes. That is because that's again, you can there's credit monitoring, right that we were you can monitor your credit, but it's just, you know, it's something that we always tell people it's not necessarily as effective because you can monitor it but once something happens to us, something happened to it. If your credit if your credit is frozen, you know, nothing. Again, nothing can happen to it because it is frozen, and then you can unfreeze it. We especially tell people who have who have children to freeze their credit, reduces child identity theft, because a child's not going to be using their credit, no, that's not you, they don't, they're not going to have their child's not going to go get an apartment tomorrow, you know, go buy a car and get a loan. That's not something that's going to happen. So that's something that we encourage, too. But, but yeah, so that's just a good universal tip. But again, you just take those tips, typically, it it does indeed, help bring someone   Michael Hingson ** 55:25 at risk. If someone freezes their credit, does that mean then that nothing can be charged, or you have to verify it before a charge can be made?   Alex Achten ** 55:33 Well, essentially, freezing the credit. So do that you can't do again, like if you've got a loan out or something like that, that's not something that you can that you can do, I that more really applies to and again, I won't get too too much in the weeds, you don't want to act like I'm the expert on it. But, um, but that is something that it can't be you, right? You can't like if your credit is frozen, you can't necessarily use that if you need to use it for something you will have to go thaw that credit or unfreeze it. And then you can use that credit again, if you want again, you go in, I'm ready to go buy a car, you know, how to get a loan? Well, you can unfreeze that credit, and then you can use it for for that purpose.   Michael Hingson ** 56:13 Freeze credit again, so that nothing else can be done.   Alex Achten ** 56:16 Exactly that you can think of when you're when you're not using it again. So that is it. And I think there's a misconception people think if I freeze it, I can't unfreeze it when you can't, I   Michael Hingson ** 56:23 am That was why I was asking. Well, you minored in Leadership Studies and you just got a certificate. Tell us about that?   Alex Achten ** 56:32 Yes, I did. So I am a Leadership Studies minor. And you know, my passion for leadership studies, actually, I think came in high school, where I was involved in the Student Leadership Institute at Kansas Christian, where I, where I graduated high school. And I actually got a scholarship to leadership, the School of Leadership Studies at Kent State. And so, you know, I was I can't, you know, this is this is interesting. And let me let me, you know, obviously, what this is about, and I got into it, and, you know, I was captivated. I was captivated immediately, in my introduction class. And, and we learned about so many different things. So many different leadership styles, you know, culture and context, adaptive leadership, a bunch of different types of leadership practices that can be implemented. And by the way, people, people think about leadership, and they think, oh, you know, that just means you're a good leader here. You're a good leader there. But there are so many, I mean, there's so much, there's so much leaders that people don't understand. But it really hooked me and, and I learned a ton about being a good leader, being an effective leader. And our, our mission statement, which is something that I really believed was becoming, I'm gonna blank on it now that I'm on the spot, but it was becoming more it was becoming. I see I rattle off time all i rattle it off all the time. And now I'm on here, and I'm freezing when I'm trying to think of it, but the crux of it is to become knowledgeable, ethical, caring, inclusive leaders for a diverse and changing world. knowledgeable and knowledgeable, ethical, knowledgeable, ethical, caring, inclusive. I'm missing one, I'm missing one or two. But everywhere people get the point of that. So the cool, knowledgeable, ethical, caring, caring giver, yes. And in inclusive. Yeah, exactly. Because you haven't. And I think it is something that is really, really true. Because, you know, the world is constantly changing. And to be a good leader, you have to be able to evolve and adapt with what is changing in the world. And so it's something that has been really helpful to me, I've been able to apply it to my jobs, I was able to, again, apply a lot of that a lot of those things as a reporter. And then in the role now I'm able to apply it as a manager as a director as a leader. And you mentioned that I just got done. Taking a about a four month course, that on coaching, coaching as a leadership tool, and it was through the fieldstone fields Student Leadership Network, in San Diego, through the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance. And it was really, really a beneficial course and it really kind of reinforced kind of reinforced a lot of the things that I really tried to implement, which is the first thing you have to do as a leader is you have to look at yourself and who like who are you what are your values, what do you stand for, and we talk about being like the self aware leader, you know, you have to be a self aware of the type of leader that you are. Once you're aware of that then you can dive into you know, the other aspects of being able to be a good coach. And, you know, we talk about one thing we talked about a lot was was, was these different models that you can use, and one is the is the GROW Model, which can apply to many different leadership, leadership situations where you're able to kind of objectively look at these situations and say, you know, what's the goal, you know, what are some realistic opportunities here. And, you know, what's next, and when, and, and it's really, really an impactful model, that that you can apply. So I, that was a very, very helpful course and being able to look at that, you know, being able to be a good leader includes so many things, and you have to be authentic, you have to be empathetic, you have t

Ondiro Oganga reports on China calling out American greed and stating it won't effect BRICS. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/africandiasporanews/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/africandiasporanews/support

Welcome to the 50th episode of The Protectors Podcast. Today's episode features special guest - news anchor, narrator, producer, and author Bill Kurtis. This legendary journalist's credits include hits such as Cold Case Files, American Justice, and American Greed, to name a few. Host Mark Solomon, and sitting in for co-host Mike Carroll, April DeValkenaere, take listeners on a compelling adventure recounting Kurtis's journey from his early days to becoming an internationally known TV personality.In this special 50th episode, Bill shares his thoughts on the fraud and financial crime crisis plaguing the United States and the world. Bill also discusses what he calls the four "Crimes of the Century." This podcast promises to be as entertaining as it is enlightening, so sit back, relax, and let the Maestro himself take you through this very special 50th episode of The Protectors Podcast.IAFCI CONTACT INFO:IAFCI Website: https://iafci.org/Phone: 916-939-5000Advertising Opportunities and Guest Appearance: IAFCIProtectorspodcast@gmail.com

David Bowie once described aging as “an extraordinary process by which you become the person you have always been.” We want to think of this as a nice sentiment, right? Like, aww, I'm gonna come into my full flower as the best possible version of myself. But what if the “person you've always been” is a nightmare? What if the monster's just been biding its time? Join us for two stories of killer old ladies: Olga Rutterschmidt and Helen Golay, a pair of serial killers who preyed on the most vulnerable members of society; and South Korea's Madame Yoon, a woman who let delusion and obsession take over her life, and the lives of everyone around her. Sources:Court papers, PEOPLE v. RUTTERSCHMIDT (2009)LA Magazine, "What Can I Tell You?" by Paul Brownfield (2015)CNBC's "American Greed," episode "The Black Widows" (2010)Investigation Discovery's "Wicked Attraction," episode "Helen Golay and Olga Rutterschmidt"Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Widow_MurdersYouTuber Grazy TV: https://www.youtube.com/@GRAZYTV/videosMedium, "Madame, Are You Still Laughing?" by Magda Szymanska: https://medium.com/@szymanskamagda11/madame-are-you-still-laughing-10ab19d72ad1Follow us, campers!Patreon (join to get all episodes ad-free, at least a day early, an extra episode a month, and a free sticker!): https://patreon.com/TrueCrimeCampfireFacebook: True Crime CampfireInstagram: https://gramha.net/profile/truecrimecampfire/19093397079Twitter: @TCCampfire https://twitter.com/TCCampfireEmail: truecrimecampfirepod@gmail.comMERCH! https://true-crime-campfire.myspreadshop.com/This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/4251960/advertisement

On this episode we delve into the intriguing realm of collaboration, exploring the hows and whys, the importance of actively meeting people face to face, and the delicate balance between quantity and quality in sync. We'll also uncover the secrets behind writing for indie films, discussing the intricacies of payment, how to break into scoring for indie projects, and the age-old debate of working for free. Don't miss this enriching episode filled with valuable insights from a true master of his craft!      Based in the heart of the entertainment industry, Los Angeles, Andrew is a multifaceted musician, songwriter, arranger, and producer who's had his music placed in shows like American Greed, RuPaul's Drag Race, Forensic Files II, Love & Hip Hop Miami, Very Scary People, and Celebrity True Crime Story.   Connect With Andrew: https://andrewlipow.com

According to the newspaper The Guardian, there are at least 125 million twins and triplets living today. Twins come into the world together, and they can have an almost supernatural bond. Most of the time it's a beautiful thing, but it can go sideways, too. Take, for example, the Eriksson twins, Sabina and Ursula, who in the spring of 2008, shocked the United Kingdom by dashing out into traffic, and fighting off anybody who tried to stop them. Ursula was badly hurt and needed a hospital stay, but Sabina was released after a short police interview. The next morning, in the grip of paranoia, she stabbed a man to death. The Eriksson twins are one of the only recorded examples of folie a deux, or “the madness of two,” a fascinating psychological phenomenon where two close people share the same delusion. And that's just one of the many ways in which the twin bond can go wrong. We're about to show you a couple others. Case 1: Scammers Charlene Corley and Darlene Wooten. Case 2: The Han Sisters, Sunny and Jeena. Sources:Evil Twins by John Glatt Investigation Discovery's "Evil Twins," episode "Green-Eyed Monsters"CNBC's "American Greed," episode "Dr. Stokes/C&D Distributors"ABC News: https://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/story?id=5197739&page=1Medium: https://medium.com/truly-adventurous/the-han-twins-cb293ac0f554Court papers: https://caselaw.findlaw.com/court/ca-court-of-appeal/1299900.htmlOrange County Register: https://www.ocregister.com/2018/06/20/evil-twin-who-plotted-to-kill-sister-in-irvine-is-released-on-parole-after-20-years-in-prison/Follow us, campers!Patreon (join to get all episodes ad-free, at least a day early, an extra episode a month, and a free sticker!): https://patreon.com/TrueCrimeCampfireFacebook: True Crime CampfireInstagram: https://gramha.net/profile/truecrimecampfire/19093397079Twitter: @TCCampfire https://twitter.com/TCCampfireEmail: truecrimecampfirepod@gmail.comMERCH! https://true-crime-campfire.myspreadshop.com/This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/4251960/advertisement

Retired agent Tom Simon reviews his investigation of Las Vegas couple Perry and Rochelle Griggs for orchestrating a prison Ponzi scheme. While serving 8 years in federal prison for securities fraud, Perry Griggs started another scam, where fellow prisoners and their families were the victims. When Griggs was paroled, he and his wife disappeared. A national fugitive manhunt ensued. CNBC featured this prison Ponzi scheme case on American Greed. Tom Simon served in the FBI for 26 years.  Check out episode show notes, photos, and related articles.  https://jerriwilliams.com/285-tom-simon-prison-ponzi-scheme/   Buy me a coffee - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/JerriWilliams Join my Reader Team to get the FBI Reading Resource - Books about the FBI, written by FBI agents, the 20 clichés about the FBI Reality Checklist, and keep up to date on the FBI in books, TV, and movies via my monthly email. Join here. http://eepurl.com/dzCCmL  Check out my FBI books, non-fiction and crime fiction, available as audiobooks, ebooks and paperbacks wherever books are sold. https://jerriwilliams.com/books/

Faylene Grant's death could have been many things. It could have been an accident. It could have been a suicide. It could have been cold-blooded murder. It could have been the result of emotional manipulation at the hands of her husband, Doug Grant. It was difficult to say for certain what led to the drowning death of 35-year-old Faylene Grant. But when her husband remarried just three weeks after Faylene died, it raised some eyebrows. Then Kristin tells us a truly vomitrocious story. At its peak, the Peanut Corporation of America produced peanuts, peanut butter and peanut powder for major food conglomerates like Sara Lee, Kelloggs and General Mills. They supplied peanut butter to hospitals, nursing homes and schools. Over the years, their profits soared. But their factories were unsanitary. Their workers were badly paid. Worst of all, the people in charge didn't care about whether the food that they sent all over the country was safe to consume. And now for a note about our process. For each episode, Kristin reads a bunch of articles, then spits them back out in her very limited vocabulary. Brandi copies and pastes from the best sources on the web. And sometimes Wikipedia. (No shade, Wikipedia. We love you.) We owe a huge debt of gratitude to the real experts who covered these cases. In this episode, Kristin pulled from: The episode of American Greed, “From Peanuts to Sick Millions” “The rise and fall of a peanut empire,” by Lyndsey Layton and Nick Miroff for NBC News “PCA prison terms put industry on notice about accountability,” by Kathy Holliman for foodqualityandsafety.com “Praise for an unlikely whistleblower,” by Darin Detwiler for Food Safety News “Michael Parnell's attorney paints him as the ‘little guy' in the PCA case,” by Dan Flynn for Food Safety News “Unprecedented verdict: Peanut executive guilty in deadly salmonella outbreak,” by Moni Basu for CNN “Former peanut executive sentenced to 28 years in prison,” by Brady Dennis for the Washington Post In this episode, Brandi pulled from: “A Divine Death” episode A Wedding and a Murder “Fatal Visions” episode Dateline “Mormon Widower Doug Grant Wasn't Counting on a Murder Rap When He Followed His Late Wife's Instruction to Marry His Ex-Lover” by Paul Rubin, Phoenix New Times “Doug Grant Gets Five Years After Slain Wife's Sister Pressed for His Conviction Based on a Dream” by Paul Rubin, Phoenix New Times “Grant v. Grant” casetext.com “Woman sues over mom's 2001 drowning” by Gary Grado, East Valley Tribune YOU'RE STILL READING? My, my, my, you skeezy scunch! You must be hungry for more! We'd offer you some sausage brunch, but that gets messy. So how about you head over to our Patreon instead? (patreon.com/lgtcpodcast). At the $5 level, you'll get 45+ full length bonus episodes, plus access to our 90's style chat room!  

This week we discuss the greed in America, Silicon Valley Bank, Remote work, Donald Trump's rumored indictment, Getting rid of Florida, What we're watching, NBA season wrapping up, Willis Reed, Bobby Caldwell and Lance Reddick, UConn Men & Women reaching the Sweet 16, and more. Subscribe, Rate Us, and Share! Follow us on social media: @TheGoddamnFools @EvSwain @TheBlkofWallSt @hi_biancaaaa (Twitter) / @hi.biancaaaa (Instagram)

As a bonus for American Greed listeners, we're sharing a special preview of Letters from Sing Sing, a new original podcast from NBC News Studios. Letters from Sing Sing tells the story of a man convicted of murder, his fight for justice, and how the letters he sent NBC News producer Dan Slepian sparked a 20-year investigation that changed both of their lives. Listen to the first two episodes now: https://link.chtbl.com/lfss_fdlw

On today's episode of All in the Industry®, Shari Bayer's guest is Rebecca Halpern, a documentary filmmaker whose work includes multiple seasons directing, writing and producing the hit series “American Greed” and “Gangland,” and the critically acclaimed six-part limited series “Helter Skelter,” which she co-executive produced for Epix. Her award-winning feature documentary, “Love, Charlie: The Rise and Fall of Chef Charlie Trotter”, won Best of the Fest at the 2021 Chicago International Film Festival, and was acquired by Greenwich Entertainment. Rebecca also produced and wrote the feature documentary “Who Is Stan Smith?,” premiering at Doc NYC 2022, and most recently, she served as co-executive producer of the six-part Netflix series, “How to Become a Mob Boss.” To note: Shari worked as a server at Charlie Trotter's restaurant in Chicago from 1997-98. Today's show also features Shari's PR tip to stick with your vision; Industry News Discussion on the US Department of State's Diplomatic Culinary Partnership with the James Beard Foundation; and shifts coming to restaurants, according to top chefs in San Francisco; plus, Shari's Solo Dining experience at Maguy Le Coze and Chef Eric Ripert's 4-star seafood restaurant, Le Bernardin in NYC. **We are proud to announce that our show, All in the Industry, has been nominated for 3 Taste Awards, including Viewers Choice for Best Food or Drink Radio Broadcast, Viewers Choice for Best Food or Drink Podcast, and Viewers Choice for Best Single Topic Series. We are honored to be among the incredible nominees and part of Heritage Radio Network's 28 nominations across 9 categories. You can vote now for All in the Industry until February 17. We thank you in advance! TO VOTE: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ZJD97NFAll in the Industry is nominated for a viewer's choice TASTE AWARD. Cast your vote before February 17th.Photo Courtesy of Rebecca Halpern.Listen at Heritage Radio Network; subscribe/rate/review our show at iTunes, Stitcher or Spotify. Follow us @allindustry. Thanks for being a part of All in the Industry®. Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support All in the Industry by becoming a member!All in the Industry is Powered by Simplecast.

We now know what Jen said to Ben at the Grammy's. I know the only thing Brandi Glanville can do to work again in reality TV. RHONJ premiered, and I still don't understand why Joe and Melissa are mad at Teresa. Madonna likes her look and doesn't care if you don't! Harry and Megan are now into rom-coms. Should the police be held responsible for Gabby Petito's death? Then I interviewed Joumana Kidd, who was just on American Greed. After divorcing an NBA player, she and her kids move to LA. She thinks she has found the perfect assistant to help with her, but instead, she unknowingly hires a sophisticated, convicted con woman who turns her life and her finances upside down. Get extra juice on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/juicyscoop https://heathermcdonald.net/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joumana Kidd and DJ Sixsmith discuss the American Greed episode called “VIP Schemers” where influencer Tracii Hutstona, a convicted fraudster and identity thief, stole thousands of dollars after being hired as a nanny.

Episode 228: If a situation presents itself and you could commit fraud and not suffer any consequences, would you do it? When someone thinks about committing fraud, they're likely thinking about the financial benefits that can come from it.  What goes through a person's mind in the moments leading up to and during a fraudulent act? Is it about the money or is it more?   Our next guest, former licensed mortgage broker and now true crime author Matthew Cox was declared as “one of the most prolific mortgage fraud con artists of all time,” by CNBC's American Greed. In this episode, Matt and I discuss his mindset around money before, during, and after his time in prison.  He sheds some light on how perpetrators rationalize their behavior and what motivated him to commit fraud.   Matt's criminal case received national media attention after he used forgeries, combined with stolen and synthetic identities to swindle America's biggest banks out of an estimated $55 million. Despite numerous encounters with bank security, state and federal authorities, Cox narrowly, and quite luckily, avoided capture for nearly a decade. Eventually he topped the Secret Service's most wanted list, and led the U.S. Marshals, FBI, and the Secret Service on a three-year chase, while jet-setting around the world.   Matt is a published author of several popular true crime books, including: Shark in the Housing Pool, Once a Gun Runner, Generation Oxy, Bent, and It's Insanity. Check out Matt Cox's Inside True Crime channel on You Tube where he highlights unique, clever, and bizarre true crime stories.   Learn more about this episode at https://go2.money/fraud  

Stacy Keach has been the voice of American Greed since its beginning. The legendary actor joins CNBC's DJ Sixsmith for a special edition of American Greed to discuss Greed and his career.

Joseph Campbell wrote, “It is only when a man tames his own demons that he becomes the king of himself, if not the world.” Problem is, sometimes there's a thin line between “hero” and “hero complex.” Adoration and attention aren't always good for people. After a while, they can start to believe so strongly in their own PR that they lose all sense of reality. And protecting the image can become the most important thing in their lives, crowding out everybody, and everything. I'd say this is the story of a fallen hero. But the fact is, he was never really a hero in the first place. He was just wearing the mask. Join us for the story of Lt. Joe Gliniewicz, or as his admirers called him, G.I. Joe--a former paratrooper and 30 year veteran of the Fox Lake, Illinois police. A local celebrity and family man who devoted his time to the Boy Scout "Police Explorers" club and maintained an impeccable reputation...until his shocking death in 2015. What initially looked like a murder--an officer cut down in the line of duty--soon revealed itself as something very different, and revealed Joe Gliniewicz to be a villain in disguise. Sources:https://www.fox29.com/news/disturbing-new-details-emerge-in-probe-of-disgraced-fox-lake-copMichael Martinez, CNN special report "The Secret Life of GI Joe" https://www.cnn.com/2016/01/26/us/fox-lake-police-lt-joe-gliniewiczABC: https://abc7chicago.com/melodie-gliniewicz-joe-fox-lake-police-guilty/11577785/NBC, Joe Schuppe: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/officer-joe-gliniewiczs-dark-double-life-leaves-village-shock-n458821https://www.nydailynews.com/news/crime/bad-fox-lake-town-official-killed-article-1.2424992CNBC's "American Greed," Episode "Badge of Dishonor"Investigation Discovery's "Married With Secrets," episode "A Darker Shade of Blue"Follow us, campers!Patreon (join to get all episodes ad-free, at least a day early, an extra episode a month, and a free sticker!): https://patreon.com/TrueCrimeCampfireFacebook: True Crime CampfireInstagram: https://gramha.net/profile/truecrimecampfire/19093397079Twitter: @TCCampfire https://twitter.com/TCCampfireEmail: truecrimecampfirepod@gmail.comMERCH! https://true-crime-campfire.myspreadshop.com/

Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes was sentenced today to more than 11 years in prison for fraud. Earlier this year, American Greed revealed fresh details about one of the most infamous corporate fraud cases of the 21st century: Theranos, with former insiders providing new insights. (Original airdate: 01/12/22)

Actor Jenifer Lewis takes us behind the scenes of what it was like to be interviewed by American Greed about being duped by con-man Antonio Wilson. Lewis and DJ Sixsmith discuss the American Greed episode called "Financial Infidelity" and how Lewis lost $50,000 when Wilson asked her to invest in his sound engineering business. Listen to the full episode of "Financial Infidelity" now!

Did you like the movie "Catch Me If You Can"? Well, you will find Matt Cox fascinating. The episode of American Greed titled the episode "The Modern Day Bonnie and Clyde of Mortgage Fraud." His story has been chronicled on DATELINE NBC, FORTUNE magazine, and several others. Cox was a fugitive for over 2 years and ended up on the Secret Service Most Wanted list. Interestingly, there were always girlfriends assisting him with his cross country scheme. He had a strained relationship with his Dad. Matt was diagnosed with a learning disability early on. I believe, he was always trying to prove to his Dad that he was smart (Insurance Test Story)...with an IQ over 140 he was smart. He was finally captured and sentenced to 26 years in prison. While he was in, he began writing books for several inmates that he was incarcerated with. One of those inmates was Efraim Diveroli. That manuscript was made into a very popular movie titled "War Dogs."  Matt began teaching a GED class in prison. He enjoyed sharing his knowledge about the business of real estate, and eventually began teaching a real estate class to inmates. Several of those inmates left prison and began successful real estate careers. I know Matt takes a lot of satisfaction with that. Matt now has a successful podcast titled "Inside True Crime with Matt Cox." He has several published books that can be found on Amazon. Matt is an entertaining storyteller and brutally honest about what he did and how he did it.

CEO Jacob Kingston appears to be a rising star in Utah's fledgling biofuel industry, untila member of a secretive polygamist group called The Order reveals that Kingston, one of the group's prominent members, is committing a 1.1 billion dollar fraud with a flashy, Bugatti-driving Los Angeles fuel baron known as The Lion.Get the full episode right now. Follow and listen to the American Greed Podcast and be sure to watch American Greed Tuesdays at 10 PM ET on CNBC.

Matthew Cox is a true crime writer who was sentenced to 26 years in Federal prison for identity theft and mortgage fraud. One of his most popular stories "Once a Gunrunner" was even turned into the feature film "War Dogs" starring Jonah Hill. Mr Cox was also featured on his own episode of "American Greed" on CNBC. Matt's links: YouTube Channel: http://bit.ly/2EoqWnMWebsite: https://insidetruecrime.com JOIN OUR KULT: https://bit.ly/koncretepatreon Danny https://www.instagram.com/jonesdanny https://twitter.com/jonesdanny

On today's episode of The BS, we have guest co-host Chuck Lunsford from the band Distinct Grace once again plus more info on Podcasts and Pours 2: Hallowversary. Also, we talk Dahmer on Netflix and uncomfortable it makes you feel. Nate's Mexico / Greece moment and the legend himself Stacy Keach talks everything from the new season of American Greed to the role he missed out on. Later , Bailey wants to know if there's anyone cooler than The Rock, Hurricane Ian and 1 Question with Branden. For daily ad-free content, become a subscriber of The BS today: WWW.PODCASTTHEBS.COM --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/the-bailey-show/message

I read a book once about the inner workings of Wall Street. I don't really like to talk about it—I still get a little nauseous when I think about it. Yechh. One of the most memorable bits, though, was an interview with an investment banker who said, with a total lack of irony, “What good does it do me to make ten million if the guy down the hall is making twenty?” When the author said, “Well…okay, but when is it enough?” the guy looked at him like he'd just grown a second head. “Enough? It's never enough.” That right there, campers, is the engine that drives some of the worst stuff in the world. And there's no shortage of assholes in the clown car—some of whom are more than willing to resort to fraud to get there. Join us for the story of Dawn Bennett, a woman who rose to fame as one of the "best" financial advisors in the country, then crashed and burned spectacularly, despite her efforts to put curses on the SEC agents coming after her for fraud. Yeah, you read that right: Curses. Sources:CNBC's "American Greed," episode "The Luxury Curse Scam"https://www.cbsnews.com/news/dawn-bennett-ponzi-scheme-suspect-paid-720k-for-prayers-by-hindu-priests-in-india/https://www.forbes.com/sites/sarahhansen/2019/10/04/when-a-financial-advisor-turned-to-hoodoo-spells/?sh=514afa3146bbhttps://www.washingtonpost.com/business/capitalbusiness/dj-bennett-brings-luxury-to-sporting-goods/2012/12/23/3c9a365e-43cc-11e2-8061-253bccfc7532_story.htmlhttps://www.justice.gov/usao-md/pr/former-financial-advisor-sentenced-20-years-federal-prison-her-conviction-17-federalhttps://www.baltimoresun.com/news/crime/bs-md-cr-maryland-investment-adviser-sentenced-0801-20190801-ueewer72wnglvdpwimudumebje-story.htmlhttps://www.sec.gov/alj/aljdec/2016/id1033jeg.pdfhttps://www.sec.gov/litigation/complaints/2017/comp23922.pdfhttps://www.cnbc.com/2020/02/07/how-to-find-a-financial-advisor-who-wont-make-your-money-disappear.htmlFollow us, campers!Patreon (join to get all episodes ad-free, at least a day early, an extra episode a month, and a free sticker!): https://patreon.com/TrueCrimeCampfireFacebook: True Crime CampfireInstagram: https://gramha.net/profile/truecrimecampfire/19093397079Twitter: @TCCampfire https://twitter.com/TCCampfireEmail: truecrimecampfirepod@gmail.comMERCH! https://true-crime-campfire.myspreadshop.com/

Johnathan Walters, host of Queen of the Con podcast discusses the story behind Lizzie Mulder, also covered on CNBC's American Greed series. Mulder, a native of Southern California, was the owner and operator of a financial services company that provided accounting, tax and bookkeeping services to small businesses. Mulder pleaded guilty to wire fraud and subscribing to a false income tax return for failing to report the misappropriated funds to the Internal Revenue Service. American Greed also airs on Peacock TV. Kate's friend talks about her experience with Lizzie. Reality Life with Kate CaseyPatreon: http://www.patreon.com/katecaseyCameo: https://cameo.com/katecaseyTwitter: https://twitter.com/katecaseyInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/katecaseycaTik Tok: http://www.tiktok.com/itskatecaseyClubhouse: @katecasey Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/113157919338245Amazon.com: www.amazon.com/shop/katecasey Make sure you're taking advantage of the opportunity to earn something back for all those Pampers you're going through. Download the Pampers Club app and start turning diapers into rewards. Earn $5 PampersCash with your first three product scans. Download Pampers Club app today and get access to exclusive Pampers coupons and more!”See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

No matter how many apples you eat in a day, you're gonna eventually have to go see the doctor. It's an unfortunate but necessary part of the human experience to go into that cold little room, put on a gown with no back, try not to gag on the tongue depressor, and hold your breath while they stick a needle in your arm. It's not fun. And it's bad enough without having to worry about whether the doctor who's doing it to you is qualified to be there. We put a lot of faith in our healthcare providers. Sometimes we put our actual lives in their hands. It's high-stakes stuff. But as stories like “Dr. Death” have taught us, our faith isn't always well-placed. Join us for one of the most audacious cases of medical malpractice we've ever heard of, and forgive us in advance if it haunts your nightmares. Sources:https://caselaw.findlaw.com/us-9th-circuit/1096465.htmlCNBC's "American Greed," Episode "The Impostor"Investigation Discovery's "Who the BLEEP," episode "Bad Medicine"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gerald_BarnbaumNew York Times, Kenneth B. Noble: https://www.nytimes.com/1996/04/17/us/doctor-s-specialty-turns-out-to-be-masquerade.htmlSan Francisco Chronicle, Elizabeth Fernandez: https://www.sfgate.com/crime/article/Bizarre-Medical-Masquerade-Determined-con-man-2950633.phpFollow us, campers!Patreon (join to get all episodes ad-free, at least a day early, an extra episode a month, and a free sticker!): https://patreon.com/TrueCrimeCampfireFacebook: True Crime CampfireInstagram: https://gramha.net/profile/truecrimecampfire/19093397079Twitter: @TCCampfire https://twitter.com/TCCampfireEmail: truecrimecampfirepod@gmail.comMERCH! https://true-crime-campfire.myspreadshop.com/

Today's FlashBack Friday was published last August 21, 2017. Jason welcomes Patrick Donohoe of The Wealth Standard Podcast to discuss the dirty details of pensions, insurance policies and Ponzi schemes. Jason describes the difficulties and common mistakes average retail investors make when investing in financial services. And, Pat gives a comprehensive overview of how to make the most of your existing policies in order to invest your money in the most historically-proven asset class, income property. Key Takeaways: 02:25 Is the US a giant Ponzi scheme? 05:31 Understanding the difference between pension benefit plans and contribution plans is essential. 15:15 The financial service industry preys on retail investors. 20:49 Harry Markopolos is waiting to capitalize on a market correction. 27:09 Analyzing the patterns and mistakes of the middle-class investor. 35:27 The Wealth Standard Podcast focuses on helping individuals understand the comprehensive nature of the economy. 37:49 Pat explains how policyholders can reduce their risk and get investment money for cash-flow properties. Mentioned in This Episode: Be Your Bank The Wealth Standard The Wizard of Lies 401K Jail Article Venture Alliance Mastermind     Follow Jason on TWITTER, INSTAGRAM & LINKEDIN   https://twitter.com/JasonHartmanROI https://www.instagram.com/jasonhartman1/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonhartmaninvestor/ Learn More: https://www.jasonhartman.com/   Get wholesale real estate deals for investment or build a great business – Free course: JasonHartman.com/Deals Free White Paper on The Hartman Comparison Index™:  https://www.hartmanindex.com/white-paper Free Report on Pandemic Investing: https://www.PandemicInvesting.com Jason's TV Clips: https://vimeo.com/549444172 Free Class: CYA Protect Your Assets, Save Taxes & Estate Planning: http://JasonHartman.com/Protect Special Offer from Ron LeGrand:  https://JasonHartman.com/Ron What do Jason's clients say?  http://JasonHartmanTestimonials.com Contact our Investment Counselors at: www.JasonHartman.com Watch, subscribe and comment on Jason's videos on his official YouTube channel: YouTube.com/c/JasonHartmanRealEstate/videos Guided Visualization for Investors: JasonHartman.com/visualization Jason's videos in his other sites: JasonHartman.com/Rumble JasonHartman.com/Bitchute JasonHartman.com/Odysee Jason Hartman Extra: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0qQ… Real Estate News and Technology: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPSy…

T.R. Wright -- the architect of what's been called the wildest insurance fraud scheme Texas has ever seen -- shares his almost-too-crazy-to-be-true story with American Greed. (Original television broadcast: 06-21-2021) Want to binge watch your Greed? The latest episodes at: https://www.cnbc.com/american-greed/

The first law of thermodynamics states that energy can be neither created nor destroyed—only transferred from one form to another. For example, dynamite explodes when chemical energy is converted to kinetic energy. It's an interesting metaphor for a kind of killer we see a lot on True Crime Campfire: the smart, dynamic charmer with everything going for them, who throws it all away by putting their energy into all the wrong stuff: Revenge, or greed, or a lust for power. And like a stick of dynamite, when these people go off, they tend to take innocent people with them. Monserrate Shirley was a bright, attractive ICU nurse with a loving daughter and a beautiful home. She had the potential to do anything she wanted to do. What she did instead was hook up with a guy named Mark Leonard, a con artist with a faux tan and a whole lot of bad ideas about how to get rich quick. Join us for the bizarre true story of a plan gone horribly wrong. Sources:CNBC's "American Greed," episode "Neighborhood Inferno"Oxygen's "Killer Couples," episode "Monserrate Shirley and Mark Leonard"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richmond_Hill_explosionhttps://www.wthr.com/article/news/crime/monserrate-shirley-sentencing-starts-monday/531-c1efed7f-5eff-4f1f-b989-d88067ee5a51https://www.wrtv.com/longform/but-for-monserrate-shirley-she-was-a-neighbor-a-friend-a-nurse-she-betrayed-it-allhttps://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwiYqL-BnKD2AhU0JEQIHVx5AcQQFnoECAQQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.indystar.com%2Fstory%2Fnews%2F2016%2F12%2F20%2Frichmond-hill-suspect-monserrate-shirley-gets-50-years%2F95657520%2F&usg=AOvVaw3jMrZL-YLV1R88znU7pUajhttps://fox59.com/news/richmond-hill-explosion-culprit-mark-leonard-dies-at-indy-hospital/https://fox59.com/news/cause-of-death-of-richmond-hill-conspirator-mark-leonard-determined/https://www.in.gov/apps/indcorrection/ofs/ofs?lname=Shirley&fname=Monserrate&search1.x=40&search1.y=12Follow us, campers!Patreon (join to get all episodes ad-free, at least a day early, an extra episode a month, and a free sticker!): https://patreon.com/TrueCrimeCampfireFacebook: True Crime CampfireInstagram: https://gramha.net/profile/truecrimecampfire/19093397079Twitter: @TCCampfire https://twitter.com/TCCampfireEmail: truecrimecampfirepod@gmail.com