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Jeffrey Epstein was more than just the wealthy financier with a knack for elite connections—his ascent was shadowed by serious financial fraud. In the late 1980s, he was hired as a consultant at Towers Financial Corporation, a company run by his mentor Steven Hoffenberg. That firm turned out to be one of the largest Ponzi schemes in U.S. history, defrauding investors of over $450 million. Hoffenberg later claimed Epstein was “intimately involved,” even calling him the “architect” and “mastermind” behind complex schemes and manipulations, despite Epstein escaping legal charges. Those stolen funds allegedly served as seed capital for Epstein's later financial ventures—his own hedge fund, foundations, and private empire. That's not rumor—it's his legacy in plain sight.What's worse, Epstein's role wasn't ancillary. Court documents and Hoffenberg's testimony paint Epstein as a central player who helped design and scale the scheme using his network. He may have walked free, but make no mistake: his wealth, influence, and the veneer of legitimacy he built were built on the bones of investor ruin. It wasn't clean money; it was stolen. And those shadowy beginnings illuminate the true cost of his rise—not just in dollars lost, but in the destruction of trust, victims, and the systems he exploited so ruthlessly.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:https://radaronline.com/p/jeffrey-epstein-ponzi-scheme-money-book-dead-man-tell-no-tales/
On the Feb 27 Edition: Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger has issued a half-million-dollar fine for the multi-million-dollar Ponzi scheme that touched the top ranks of GOP politics here in Georgia; One Northeast Georgia county has approved a moratorium on new detention centers and data centers; And Colin Gray, the father of the accused Apalachee High School shooter, took the stand in his own defense this morning.
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Rich Dotson and Garret Price are back for one of their most popular yearly shows: the real value of rookie draft picks. With the Combine running and rookie drafts right around the corner, they break down where picks actually hit, where they turn into roster cloggers, and why “not worth a first” is meaningless unless you say which first. Garret lays out the scoring tiers they track to define outcomes. A “hit” requires at least one Tier 1 season, or multiple Tier 2 seasons, with thresholds adjusted by position. Quarterbacks need top six seasons to count as Tier 1, running backs and wide receivers need top 12, and tight ends need top three. The point is simple: if a player never reaches at least Tier 2, that pick never truly helped your starting lineup. After adding the 2024 class to the spreadsheet, they call out early hits already logged, including Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, Malik Nabers, Drake Maye, Brock Bowers, Ladd McConkey, Brian Thomas Jr., and Bo Nix, while noting plenty of names still need time to prove it. The biggest takeaway is the stability at the very top. Since 2018, the 1.01 has a 100% hit rate in their sample, and top four picks hit about three quarters of the time, with even more value when you include “mid” outcomes. After that, the first round becomes far less differentiated, and they point out an odd recent trend where 1.09 to 1.12 has slightly better results than 1.05 to 1.08. They dig into a possible reason: quarterbacks often get pushed into that 1.05 to 1.08 range in Superflex, and non-elite rookie quarterbacks are harder to “hit” by their definition. The broader lesson stays the same. Outside the top tier, it often makes sense to trade down, tier up into a proven veteran, or move picks into stronger future classes. They hammer the second round value drop. Once you get into the 2.01 to 2.12 range, the hit rate collapses, and third round picks become true dart throws. Their advice for contenders is aggressive: if you can turn a first into multiple years of a proven producer, that is usually the winning bet because many late firsts never become lineup players. Garret also tests a theory about late rookie drafts. If you trade late seconds and thirds for multiple fourths and fifths, the position most likely to return value is running back. Late-round running backs can become “ships to shore” quickly when injuries hit, and that short window can still flip into future seconds. They add that tight ends are often pushed down by the community chasing wide receivers, which can create value pockets in the late second and early third. The data behind “hits” and why the top mattersWhat the hit rates say about trading picksWhy second round picks are the “Ponzi scheme”Late draft strategy: load up on running backs and tight ends. 00:00 Start 00:30 Why Rookie Picks Are Often Overvalued 03:23 Hit/Mid/Miss Definitions 10:42 Top Picks Hit Rates 16:21 Mid/Late Firsts & Second/Third Round Drop-Off 27:43 Trade Firsts for Proven Assets & Late-Round Targets 37:27 FFPC 38:46 2026 Rookie Class Outlook Start Using the Film Room Today! FFPC: New Users: Use promo code NERDS for $25 off your first FFPC Orphan Team! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Is your brand built to survive the next five years or just the next quarter? Sean Frank, CEO of Ridge, and co-host Katy Mimari, Founder and CEO of Caden Lane, sit down with Taylor Holiday, CEO of Common Thread Collective, to reflect on the wild ride from 2020 to 2025 and what it means for the road ahead. Together, they unpack what worked, what failed, and what they'd do differently as operators who've built and scaled brands through one of the most volatile decades in e-commerce history. The conversation covers how AI is quietly reshaping creative production and how unchained AI outperforms humans in head-to-head studies. Taylor breaks down why TikTok Shop is essentially an affiliate Ponzi scheme but still an arbitrage opportunity. Sean reveals his new supplement brand and the logic behind launching new brands every year, while Katy shares how wholesale is really just training wheels for her ultimate goal of owned retail. Finally, all three dig into the Four Peaks framework — a practical, steal-worthy strategy for engineering conversion spikes and clearing your funnel all year long. Powered ByFulfilhttps://bit.ly/3pAp2vuRichpanelhttps://9ops.co/richpanelNorthbeamhttps://www.northbeam.io/Saras Analyticshttps://bit.ly/9OP-YtdescAftersellhttps://9ops.co/4i3bb5Postscripthttps://9ops.co/postscriptOperators Newsletterhttps://9operators.com/
I started documenting Goliath Ventures on 1 September 2025 after investors began quietly telling me withdrawals had stalled.At the time, the explanation was simple: liquidity delays, wallet restrictions, MSB approvals in progress. Weekly emails reassured everyone that patience was required. What began as a financial dispute has now become a federal criminal case.Christopher Alexander Delgado, CEO of Goliath Ventures Inc, has been arrested and charged by the United States government with wire fraud and money laundering. The Department of Justice is alleging that what investors were told was a sophisticated cryptocurrency liquidity pool operation was, in fact, a $328 million Ponzi scheme.THE SCAM BEGINSAccording to the federal complaint, from January 2023 through January 2026 Goliath Ventures raised at least $328 million from investors. The pitch was modern and technical. Funds would be deployed into cryptocurrency liquidity pools. Monthly returns between 3% and 8% were presented as achievable. Some were told returns were effectively guaranteed. Joint Venture Agreements promised principal would be returned “without diminution or impairment,” with withdrawals processed within five to seven business days.That language created confidence. The contracts looked structured. The dashboards showed monthly distribution rates. The numbers increased. Investors saw what appeared to be performance.THE STRUCTURE UNRAVELSFederal investigators now allege that although investors were told their money was being placed into liquidity pools, little to none of it was meaningfully deployed that way. Instead, the complaint states that new investor funds were used to pay purported returns to earlier investors, to return principal to those requesting withdrawals, and to cover corporate and personal expenses.Bank records cited in the complaint show hundreds of millions flowing into specific business accounts. Approximately $253 million was deposited into one JP Morgan Chase account. Another $75 million went into a Bank of America account. Tens of millions moved into Coinbase wallets allegedly controlled by Delgado. He was identified as the sole signatory on key accounts.Blockchain analysis, including work performed by Chainalysis Government Solutions, allegedly showed only a small fraction of funds ever reaching platforms like Uniswap. Meanwhile, investor dashboards continued to reflect steady monthly returns.If proven, that gap between representation and reality becomes the core of the case.THE LIFESTYLEThe complaint also details real estate purchases allegedly funded with investor money. Properties in Winter Park, Kissimmee, Windermere, and Sanford, each valued between approximately $1.15 million and $8.5 million. The government outlines transactions that form part of the money laundering count, including a $300,000 transfer cited in the charging documents.For months, investors were told delays were temporary. Meanwhile, according to the affidavit, funds were cycling internally and assets were being acquired.THE ARRESTOn February 24, 2026, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Florida issued a press release titled “Goliath Ventures CEO Arrested for Wire Fraud and Money Laundering.” The case is now formally listed as United States v. Christopher Alexander Delgado, Case No. 6:26-mj-01240-LHP.The investigation is being conducted by IRS Criminal Investigation and Homeland Security Investigations. Prosecutors named in the case include AssistBuy Me a Coffee I'm on @buymeacoffee. If you like my work, you can buy me a coffee and share your thoughts.Support the show
Send a text“Our school system went from 3rd in the nation to 30-something, yet we spend 29% more. It's a giant Ponzi scheme, and I have the plan to end it." ~ Mike LindellThe Business of Leadership: Mike Lindell's 2026 Vision for MinnesotaIn this high-stakes episode, Mike Lindell, CEO of MyPillow and 2026 candidate for Governor of Minnesota, joins David Pasqualone to discuss the radical transparency needed to save a state in crisis. From exposing a $20 billion welfare fraud “smoking gun” to his plan for dismantling the property tax “Ponzi scheme” in schools, Mike applies his reverse-engineering business mind to government. Problem-Solution Leadership: From MyPillow to the State HouseMike breaks down how his experience building a massive American-owned company prepared him to tackle Minnesota's most complex issues. He reveals his “First Day” plan, including banning Sharia law, removing satanic statues from the capital, and enforcing stringent protest laws to bring safety back to the streets of Minneapolis. Breaking News: MyPillow Factory Move & New Health InnovationBeyond politics, Mike shares exclusive updates on the “sleep game-changer” that is MyPillow.Factory Relocation: Why MyPillow is moving into a brand-new facility and clearing out overstock.Rev 7 Innovation: The launch of the Rev 7 “anti-tired” health bar and energy shots using patented BHB ketones.Exclusive Promo Code: How listeners can use code REMARKABLE for up to 80% off and verified free shipping.KEY TIMESTAMPS & MOMENTS OF GOLD00:00:36 – The Top 3 changes Minnesotans want right now.00:01:16 – The $20 Billion Smoking Gun: Welfare fraud exposed.00:03:19 – Analyzing the race: Mike Lindell vs. Amy Klobuchar.00:10:04 – The School Bond “Ponzi Scheme”: Why property taxes are soaring.00:11:57 – Day One Plan: Banning Sharia law and satanic statues.00:15:30 – Restoring Law: Enforcing protest laws in Minneapolis.00:32:02 – BREAKING: MyPillow Factory move and clothing line closeout.00:34:06 – World Premiere: Introducing Rev 7 “Anti-Tired” health bars.00:38:08 – The Art of Reverse Engineering: How Mike develops world-class products.Support the showTHE NOT-SO-FINE-PRINT DISCLAIMER: While we are very thankful for all of our guests, please understand that we do not necessarily share or endorse the same beliefs, worldviews, or positions that they may hold. We respectfully agree to disagree in some areas, and thank God for the blessing and privilege of free will. For more Remarkable Episodes, Inspiration, and Motivation, please visit https://davidpasqualone.com/remarkable-people-podcast/ now!
Jeffrey Epstein was more than just the wealthy financier with a knack for elite connections—his ascent was shadowed by serious financial fraud. In the late 1980s, he was hired as a consultant at Towers Financial Corporation, a company run by his mentor Steven Hoffenberg. That firm turned out to be one of the largest Ponzi schemes in U.S. history, defrauding investors of over $450 million. Hoffenberg later claimed Epstein was “intimately involved,” even calling him the “architect” and “mastermind” behind complex schemes and manipulations, despite Epstein escaping legal charges. Those stolen funds allegedly served as seed capital for Epstein's later financial ventures—his own hedge fund, foundations, and private empire. That's not rumor—it's his legacy in plain sight.What's worse, Epstein's role wasn't ancillary. Court documents and Hoffenberg's testimony paint Epstein as a central player who helped design and scale the scheme using his network. He may have walked free, but make no mistake: his wealth, influence, and the veneer of legitimacy he built were built on the bones of investor ruin. It wasn't clean money; it was stolen. And those shadowy beginnings illuminate the true cost of his rise—not just in dollars lost, but in the destruction of trust, victims, and the systems he exploited so ruthlessly.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:https://radaronline.com/p/jeffrey-epstein-ponzi-scheme-money-book-dead-man-tell-no-tales/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.
On episode 190 of Kliq This, Kevin Nash and Sean Oliver kick things off by examining the rapidly evolving world of AI-generated content, reacting to a shockingly realistic AI film featuring digital recreations of Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise. The duo debates whether this technology will ultimately replace traditional entertainment or remain a novelty, with Nash offering his characteristically skeptical take on the promises of Silicon Valley and the tech industry at large. The conversation shifts into the financial arena as Nash and Oliver dissect what they see as modern-day Ponzi schemes, from Bitcoin's volatile valuation to the murky world of precious metal ETFs. Nash channels his inner Warren Buffett, passionately arguing that nothing has true value unless it produces something tangible, while Oliver highlights the absurdity of paper silver trading at 350 times the amount of physical silver that actually exists. The pair also takes aim at Pam Bondi's now-infamous claim that the Dow crossed $50,000, using it as a springboard to discuss the current state of political and financial literacy. In the heart of the episode, Nash fields fan questions about the inherent dangers of professional wrestling, delivering a masterclass in ring safety. From his death-defying descent from the ceiling as Sting at World War 3 1997 to his philosophy on Hell in a Cell matches, chair shots, battle royals, and blading, Nash reveals the tricks of the trade that kept him safe over a decades-long career. He explains why he insisted that Hell in a Cell should stay "in" the cell, how he took chair shots without contact, and where wrestlers hide their blades — including Hulk Hogan's notorious habit of stashing his in his mouth. The Mount Ashmore segment crowns Nash's picks for wrestlers who could hold their booze, with The Undertaker, Steve Austin, Scott Hall, and Nash himself earning spots on the mountain. From there, the episode veers into Nash's hilarious gym stories — including a run-in with Nickelback-loving powerlifters — his meticulous approach to planning workouts on the road, and a weather report from a brutally cold Florida winter that cost him tens of thousands in landscaping. Nash and Oliver close out the show by tackling Trump's tariffs on Canada and the controversial delay of the Gordie Howe Bridge, with Nash connecting the dots between billionaire bridge owner Matty Moroun's influence and the political maneuvering behind the scenes. The episode wraps with a heartfelt look at the real-world impact on Canadian snowbirds in the Daytona Beach area, proving once again that Kliq This is equal parts wrestling history, cultural commentary, and unfiltered conversation. Cash App-Download Cash App Today: https://capl.onelink.me/vFut/3v6om02z #CashAppPod. Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App's bank partner(s). Prepaid debit cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC. See terms and conditions at https://cash.app/legal/us/en-us/card-agreement. Direct deposit and promotions provided by Cash App, a Block, Inc. brand. Visit http://cash.app/legal/podcast for full disclosures. The Perfect Jean-F*%k your khakis and get The Perfect Jean 15% off with the code KLIQ15 at https://theperfectjean.nyc/KLIQ15 #theperfectjeanpod BlueChew-Get 10% off your first month of BlueChew Gold with code NASH at BlueChew.com BetterWild-Right now, Betterwild is offering our listeners up to 40% off your order at betterwild.com/KLIQ 00:00 Kliq This #190: Wrestler Safety 00:34 AI Movies 02:51 Will this replace entertainment? (KT199) 05:51 Tech Bro Ponzi Schemes (KT199) 10:44 the DOW is over 50,000? 13:18 The Epstein Operation 15:34 BREAK CASH APP 17:52 Wrestler Risks (KT190) 30:56 BREAK PERFECT JEAN 33:43 Where to hide the blade 36:29 Who smoked Cigarettes? 38:10 FOR WORKERS HOLDING THEIR BOOZE (KT190) 39:12 BREAK BLUECHEW 41:11 PRE SHOW 021226 01:06:11 BREAK BETTERWILD 01:08:59 Becoming an "Investment Guy"? 01:14:37 Trump's Tariff on Canada/ the Gordie Howe bridge
Behavioural economics can explain an awful lot about how governments, media and businesses can manipulate your day-to-day choices and habitual thinking to their advantage (and your disadvantage!). This new special by your friendly neighbourhood economists Pete and Gav lifts the lid on common heuristics and biases (aka "rules of thumb" or "mental shortcuts") that influence your thinking and ultimately our world. Whether it's getting you to spend more than you intend to in the shops or being caught up in a Ponzi scheme (or buying an NFT - remember them?) because someone famous and/or beautiful told you to do so - this is a top ten of behavioural economics that may help you catch yourself in time before you take an unfortunate and potentially expensive plunge. Guided by our insights you won't get caught out again or at least recognise when you need to slow down your thinking to improve your decision-making. Enjoy Pete and Gav living their dreams of being Top of the Pops DJs as they run down their Top Ten! Technical support comes from Nic, our very own Mark Ronson.
I've been tracking Goliath Ventures Inc. since September 1, 2025, warning anyone who would listen that this so-called "joint venture" in decentralized finance was nothing more than a textbook Ponzi scheme dressed up in crypto jargon.On February 18, 2026, everything I've been saying was laid bare in federal court. Prestige Florida Property Investment LLC filed a blistering complaint in the U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida (Case No. 6:26-cv-00392), accusing Goliath Ventures and its key players of securities fraud, civil conspiracy, and running an unregistered investment scheme that defrauded investors out of millions.THE SCAM BEGINSIt started with a slick Joint Venture Agreement dated November 21, 2024. Investors were told they were "partners" contributing Bitcoin or Ethereum into liquidity pools on Uniswap, promised guaranteed 4% monthly returns—48% annually—with principal supposedly protected or insured. The document emphasized mutual effort and votes, but the reality was far different. Prestige Florida Property Investment LLC deposited $300,000 in March 2025, then another $1,000,000 on July 30, 2025—totaling $1.3 million. Early distributions kept the illusion alive, but in October 2025 the money stopped flowing.THE FALSE ASSURANCESBy August 15, 2025, Goliath was sending out emails with a glowing "Financial Audit Review" from Blackblock Management Solutions claiming 115% or more reserves, full liquidity, and compliance with AML, FinCEN, and CTA rules. The report painted a picture of a conservative, rock-solid operation. Then came the November 17, 2025, "Forensic Audit Update"—a sudden "temporary halt" in distributions, blamed on an ongoing third-party forensic review for "gold-standard verification." Participants were assured it was all about safety and transparency. The truth? It was the beginning of the end.THE LULLING EMAILSNovember 18, 2025: Jonathan Mason relayed reassurances from Eric Clayman—GVI had "plenty of money," excess reserves of $100–200 million (or even "a few hundred million") after payouts, delays only due to audits and banking. On Christmas Day 2025, Chris Delgado himself emailed: "Merry Christmas," then blamed delays on an MSB account setup pushed to January 1, 2026, and announced USDC wallets would be required moving forward. January 19, 2026: more excuses—MSB application at the 80-day mark, institutional wallets restricted for "policy violations." Even account closures turned into bureaucratic nightmares requiring attorney-drafted letters.THE FEDERAL HAMMERThe complaint hits with nine counts: federal securities fraud under Section 10(b) and Rule 10b-5, sale of unregistered securities (both federal and Florida law), control person liability against Delgado, Mason, and Clayman, civil conspiracy involving the misleading Blackblock report and deliberate delay tactics, fraudulent inducement, FDUTPA violations, and breach of contract as an alternative claim. Prestige is demanding rescission, return of the full $1.3 million principal plus interest, attorneys' fees, and more. This isn't speculation anymore—it's in federal court, building on earlier Broward County cases and potentially drawing SEC and FinCEN eyes.THE HUMAN COSTBehind every email and every promise were real people who trusted the 48% returns and the "transparency" narrative. Families, retirees, everyday investors poured in money thinking they were part of something legitimate. When the excuses piled up—audits, banking issues, MSB applications, wallet restrictions—thBuy Me a Coffee I'm on @buymeacoffee. If you like my work, you can buy me a coffee and share your thoughts.Support the show
Why are men's style guides just glorified affiliate link shopping lists? What should a real style guide for men actually teach you? And how do you build a wardrobe you love without spending a fortune?On the Season 13 finale, Sol and Michael tear apart the modern men's style guide — from GQ and Esquire to The Rake — and expose why today's fashion advice is failing young men. We do what none of those guides bother to do: share real, practical styling tips that will actually make you dress better, starting today. No affiliate links. No product lists. No bullshit.The duo covers how to find a good tailor (and why a $100 vintage suit tailored for $600 beats a $1,000 suit off the rack), why you need to wear your clothes and break them in instead of babysitting them for resale value, how to stop treating clothing as an investment piece, the right way to wash and care for your garments, why trying clothes on in person matters more than ever, how to build your personal style by copying first and evolving over time, and why patience and eBay alerts will get you everything you want for a fraction of retail.They also rant about "end game" brand gatekeeping, Our Legacy, why influencer fashion has broken people's brains, Raf Simons resale culture as a Ponzi scheme, and the forgotten art of just wearing a beat-up Oxford shirt to work every day like a Thom Browne employee. Plus: fit checks featuring a 1971 US military fishtail parka with original blanket liner, Rick Owens drawstring pants and Uggs, a FedEx customs horror story, Joe Pesci's golf fits, the season wrap-up, and a $250 giveaway.We hope you enjoy this one as much as we loved making it. Season 14 returns in four weeks.Lots of love!Sol---Episode Tags: men's style guide 2026, how to dress better, menswear tips, men's fashion advice, style tips for men, how to find a tailor, build a wardrobe on a budget, personal style for men, fashion podcast, Pair of Kings podcast, GQ style guide critique, affiliate link fashion, Rick Owens, Thom Browne, Raf Simons resale, Our Legacy, military surplus fashion, fishtail parka, vintage menswear, garment care tips, eBay fashion finds, streetwear, archive fashion, men's wardrobe essentials, how to wear your clothes, investment piece myth, fashion for young men, Gen Z menswear, dressing well in your 20s, fit check, fashion criticism 2026, break in your boots, tailoring advice Sol Thompson and Michael Smith explore the world and subcultures of fashion, interviewing creators, personalities, and industry insiders to highlight the new vanguard of the fashion world. Subscribe for weekly uploads of the podcast, and don't forgot to follow us on our social channels for additional content, and join our discord to access what we've dubbed “the happiest place in fashion”.Message us with Business Inquiries at pairofkingspod@gmail.comSubscribe to get early access to podcasts and videos, and participate in exclusive giveaways for $4 a month Links: Instagram TikTok Twitter/X Sol's Substack (One Size Fits All) Sol's Instagram Michael's Instagram Michael's TikTok
Host Victor opens by previewing the podcast's current coverage: HBO's Industry (focus of this episode), The Pitt on HBO Max, Apple TV+'s Drops of God, and a Christopher Nolan rewatch ahead of The Odyssey (with upcoming discussion of Insomnia). He also mentions upcoming premieres including Paradise, which remains the podcast's most popular show. mailto:needssomeintroduction@gmail.com Victor calls Industry's episode “Dear Henry” an elite, event-packed installment that feels like a season finale while resolving little. He follows up on last week's revelation that Tender is effectively a Ponzi scheme by outlining real-world analogs: the FTX collapse (FTX/Alameda circular self-inflation via the FTT token), Germany's Wirecard fraud (manufactured transactions, overpaying for acquisitions, auditors' failures, and political/regulatory protection including actions against Financial Times reporting), and Theranos as a charisma-driven deception. He also notes money-laundering examples involving Ghana and argues the show's broader theme is the emptiness of a culture fixated on wealth, valuation, and belief-driven “truth,” raising questions about how much corporate value is overstated and whether society celebrates con men. Joined by Darren, they first discuss the Game of Thrones prequel A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms (episodes 1–5), praising its intimacy, sets, humor, acting, and a brutal recent battle episode, and noting its short season and fast production cadence. They then break down “Dear Henry”: Harper warns Yasmin that she and Henry were duped by Whitney, and while Yasmin reacts defensively, the warning sinks in. Whitney's unsettling dynamic with Henry escalates (including a bathroom/shower moment and later clubbing), while Henry grows suspicious about Tender's audit and Whitney's manipulation. Sweetpea's public takedown presentation at an Alpha conference drives Tender's stock down sharply and impresses Eric, who watches with pride. In Ghana, a planned whistleblower meeting is disrupted when Whitney arrives first and intimidates the potential source (Tony), reinforcing fears of more dangerous forces behind Tender. Later, Whitney is revealed to be using a fabricated identity (a Lithuanian passport is shown) and a conversation indicates Russian-linked backers are laundering money through Tender, trapping Whitney and raising the stakes for everyone. They discuss Whitney's use of high-end escorts as tools for access and influence; Hayley confirms she and others were planted around key figures and that sex acts were recorded, confronting Yasmin with how they were exploited. Eric receives a compromising video involving an underage girl (“Dolly”) while with his daughter, but still appears on TV to push for a new audit, warning Whitney not to corner him and implying he could expose Whitney. Henry fires an auditor and tries to assert control as CEO, while Whitney continues drafting a “Dear Henry” letter about a “hole in the bucket,” revealed as a cash-flow/shortfall problem. The episode culminates in Eric meeting Harper with a lawyer present; he asks only for his original investment back to be put in trusts for his daughters if the short pays off, suggesting he may be planning to exit entirely. Eric admits he felt genuine pride watching Sweetpea, more than he expected he could feel, and the final image of him walking alone fuels Victor and Darren's concern about possible suicide or at least Eric's departure from the show. They close by anticipating two remaining Industry episodes, the A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms finale, and the upcoming launch of Paradise, while noting Darren will be traveling and will catch up later. 00:00 Welcome & What We're Covering This Week (Industry, The Pit, Drops of God, Nolan Rewatch) 02:36 Why This Week's Industry Episode ‘Dear Henry' Feels Like a Finale 03:20 Tender as a Ponzi: Looking for Real-World Analogs 05:24 FTX Explained: The Circular Token House of Cards 10:27 Wirecard: The Closer European Parallel (Fraud, Audits, Politics) 18:26 More Scams & Money Laundering Threads: Theranos, Ghana, and Beyond 19:59 What Industry Is Really Saying: The Emptiness of Wealth Culture 23:49 Darren Joins: Quick Detour Into the New GoT Prequel ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms' 39:41 Back to Industry: First Impressions, Then Scene-by-Scene Breakdown Begins (Yasmin & Harper) 42:46 Yasmin vs. Harper: Self-Made Power vs. Riding Coattails 43:32 Trailer Talk: Are Harper & Yasmin Two Sides of the Same Coin? 45:48 Whitney's Shower Ambush & the ‘Hole in the Bucket' Letter 49:44 Boarding School ‘Experimentation' and Henry's Growing Suspicion 52:12 Whitney's Intimate Manipulation: Touch, Jealousy, and Control 57:03 Political Satire + Real-World Scam Parallels (FTX, Wirecard, Theranos) 01:01:35 ‘Too Big to Fail' Lies: Can a Fake World Hold Together? 01:03:06 Clubbing, Relapse Energy, and Henry's Night Spirals 01:05:53 Was Jim's Overdose a Setup? Russian Operatives and Higher Powers 01:08:36 Whitney Unmasked: Fake Identity, Ripley Vibes, and Being ‘Nothing' 01:13:39 Sweetpea's Alpha Conference Bombshell: Tender Is Worth Zero 01:16:57 Accra Whistleblower Meeting Goes Sideways + Hailey Reveal & Sex Tapes 01:20:00 Hailey's Agency-Girl Reveal & Missing Escort Mystery 01:21:32 Hailey Reads Whitney: Try-Hard Conman Energy 01:23:14 Escape Hatches & Suicide Hints Start Creeping In 01:23:59 Ferdinand's Info Dump: Russian Operatives Behind the Scheme 01:27:04 Eric's Blackmail Text: The Dolly Video Bombshell 01:29:39 CNN Showdown: Eric Forces the Audit and Shakes the House of Cards 01:33:09 Henry as CEO: Firing the Auditor & the ‘Dear Henry' Letter Trap 01:37:37 Hailey Warns Yasmin: Access, Exploitation, and Epstein Parallels 01:45:51 Eric's Final Meeting with Harper: Trust Fund Request & Devastating Exit 01:51:10 Wrap-Up: Class Tension, Finale Speculation, and Sign-Off
A lawsuit alleges that a man ran a Ponzi scheme involving cattle he did not actually have - and the suit names banks, saying they should have spotted the problem earlier. https://www.lehtoslaw.com
Scams, spectacular failures, and billions burned! This special greatest hits episode of History's Greatest Idiots explores three tech disasters that prove innovation and incompetence make the perfect recipe for catastrophe.First up: Ruja Ignatova, the "Crypto Queen" who convinced investors OneCoin was the next Bitcoin whilst running one of history's largest Ponzi schemes. She vanished in 2017 with $4 billion of other people's money, becoming one of the FBI's Most Wanted. Her brother went to prison. Her victims lost everything. She's probably on a yacht somewhere laughing at all of us.Then we explore Y2K, the Millennium Bug that convinced the entire world civilization would collapse at midnight on 1st January 2000. Governments spent $300-600 billion preparing for disaster. Russia put nuclear forces on high alert. People stockpiled generators, tinned food, and guns (sales spiked 700% in some US areas). Airlines grounded flights. Survivalists moved to remote cabins. What actually happened? Some slot machines in Delaware stopped working. That's it. The most expensive non-event in human history.Finally, Sam Altman and OpenAI: the Stanford dropout who convinced the world he was building God whilst burning billions and destroying the planet. From nonprofit to capped profit to whatever OpenAI is now. ChatGPT's explosive growth to 100 million users in two months. The environmental catastrophe (training GPT-3 used enough energy to power 358 UK homes for a year). The brain drain to Anthropic as safety researchers fled. The board firing Sam for lying, 500 employees threatening to quit, and Sam returning five days later more powerful than ever. OpenAI projected to lose $14 billion in 2026 and potentially go bankrupt by mid-2027. Tech stocks making up 40% of the market. Microsoft losing $357 billion in a single day in January 2026. The AI bubble that might crash harder than dot-com.From crypto fraud to millennium panic to AI hype, these tech disasters prove that when greed meets fear meets overconfidence, billions of dollars disappear and nobody learns anything.Join Lev, Derek and special guest The History Obscura Podcast, as they count down the greatest hits of technology's most spectacular failures.https://www.patreon.com/HistorysGreatestIdiotshttps://www.instagram.com/historysgreatestidiotshttps://buymeacoffee.com/historysgreatestidiotsArtist: Sarah Cheyhttps://www.fiverr.com/sarahchey
Scams, spectacular failures, and billions burned! This special greatest hits episode of History's Greatest Idiots explores three tech disasters that prove innovation and incompetence make the perfect recipe for catastrophe.First up: Ruja Ignatova, the "Crypto Queen" who convinced investors OneCoin was the next Bitcoin whilst running one of history's largest Ponzi schemes. She vanished in 2017 with $4 billion of other people's money, becoming one of the FBI's Most Wanted. Her brother went to prison. Her victims lost everything. She's probably on a yacht somewhere laughing at all of us.Then we explore Y2K, the Millennium Bug that convinced the entire world civilization would collapse at midnight on 1st January 2000. Governments spent $300-600 billion preparing for disaster. Russia put nuclear forces on high alert. People stockpiled generators, tinned food, and guns (sales spiked 700% in some US areas). Airlines grounded flights. Survivalists moved to remote cabins. What actually happened? Some slot machines in Delaware stopped working. That's it. The most expensive non-event in human history.Finally, Sam Altman and OpenAI: the Stanford dropout who convinced the world he was building God whilst burning billions and destroying the planet. From nonprofit to capped profit to whatever OpenAI is now. ChatGPT's explosive growth to 100 million users in two months. The environmental catastrophe (training GPT-3 used enough energy to power 358 UK homes for a year). The brain drain to Anthropic as safety researchers fled. The board firing Sam for lying, 500 employees threatening to quit, and Sam returning five days later more powerful than ever. OpenAI projected to lose $14 billion in 2026 and potentially go bankrupt by mid-2027. Tech stocks making up 40% of the market. Microsoft losing $357 billion in a single day in January 2026. The AI bubble that might crash harder than dot-com.From crypto fraud to millennium panic to AI hype, these tech disasters prove that when greed meets fear meets overconfidence, billions of dollars disappear and nobody learns anything.Join Lev, Derek and special guest The History Obscura Podcast, as they count down the greatest hits of technology's most spectacular failures.https://www.patreon.com/HistorysGreatestIdiotshttps://www.instagram.com/historysgreatestidiotshttps://buymeacoffee.com/historysgreatestidiotsArtist: Sarah Cheyhttps://www.fiverr.com/sarahchey
Jeffrey Epstein was a college dropout with no formal financial training who amassed a fortune worth hundreds of millions of dollars and mingled with presidents and billionaires. Drawing on court records and media investigations we trace where Epstein's money came from and what happened to it? From his first job as a high school teacher to involvement in a Ponzi scheme, secretive offshore firms, and powerful clients like Les Wexner and Leon Black. As conspiracy theories swirl and official narratives shift, one question remains unanswered: where did Epstein's money actually come from?Patrick's Books:Statistics For The Trading Floor: https://amzn.to/3eerLA0Derivatives For The Trading Floor: https://amzn.to/3cjsyPFCorporate Finance: https://amzn.to/3fn3rvC Ways To Support The Channel:Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PatrickBoyleOnFinanceBuy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/patrickboyle
A Republican candidate for Congress in Wisconsin was legal counsel for a company alleged to have run a Ponzi scheme. Community members are rallying behind a Madison restaurant owner now in ICE detention. And, WPR's Danielle Kaeding tells us about a Wisconsin native on a year-long quest to eat only what he can forage from the land.
On this episode of Simply Money presented by Allworth Financial, Bob and Brian explain what a stronger-than-expected jobs report could mean for Fed rate cuts and your portfolio, break down a potential Social Security tax surprise tied to retroactive benefit payments, examine the pros and cons of trendy “buffered” annuities tied to international markets, warn about gold and AI-driven Ponzi scams, and answer listener questions on retirement spending, Monte Carlo projections, and building tax-smart income flexibility. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dosarele Epstein vor marca o generație – iată una dintre concluziile comentatorilor, după ce tot mai multe dintre documente încep să fie citite și înțelese. Dar cum și-a clădit și cum și-a folosit infractorul sexual această vastă rețea de relații? Presa internațională explică. The New York Times, citat de Courrier International, analizează o serie de tranzacții și tentative de investiții ale lui Jeffrey Epstein în toate sectoarele din Silicon Valley, în criptomonede, startup-uri biomedicale, dar și în vedete Big Tech în ascensiune, precum SpaceX și Facebook. Fie că s-au materializat sau nu, toate aceste tranzacții au cel puțin un lucru în comun: au fost discutate după 2008, anul primei condamnări a finanțatorului pentru racolarea unei minore în scopuri de prostituție în Florida. La acea vreme, Epstein, simțind că lațul legal se închide, încerca să se mențină pe linia de plutire financiară și să-și consolideze vasta rețea de contacte prestigioase sau pur și simplu lucrative. În revista franceză L'Express citim cum ”Jeffrey Epstein și oamenii Kremlinului au clădit un parteneriat fructuos”. Este titlul interviului acordat de Françoise Thom, cercetătoare specializată în Rusia. Ea spune că legăturile dintre agresorul sexual și Moscova erau de lungă durată. Iar revista se întreabă dacă nu cumva, până la punctul în care au transformat-o în cel mai mare kompromat din istorie. ”Acest lucru este suficient pentru a le da fiori guvernelor occidentale, care încep să se întrebe dacă agresorul sexual nu era și un agent... care lucra pentru Moscova. Citeste siDosarele Epstein și filiera rusească Și pe bună dreptate. Peste 10.000 de scrisori, note și mesaje text publicate de Departamentul de Justiție al SUA se referă la Rusia - și o mie la Vladimir Putin. Aceste documente dezvăluie că Epstein avea legături de lungă durată cu înalți oficiali ruși. În 2011, de exemplu, notoriul om de afaceri a călătorit în Rusia cu o viză emisă de Vympel, asociația veteranilor unei unități de elită FSB, potrivit ziarului Novaya Gazeta”. ”Faimă, putere, sex și crimă” Iar Financial Times descrie cum ”Epstein a reușit să transforme relațiile într-o sursă de bani, putere și alte conexiuni - un fel de schemă socială Ponzi pe care a menținut-o până la arestarea și moartea sa în închisoare în 2019. Membrii de elită ai grupului său nu aveau toți aceleași nevoi. Pentru a le satisface, Epstein putea să-și asume rolul de confident, broker sau pețitor, ghid către o viață mai luxoasă sau chiar bancher. Faimă, putere, sex și crimă - dosarele Epstein vor avea probabil repercusiuni care vor reverbera o generație. Citeste siEpstein s-a înconjurat de numeroși oameni de știință. Ce urmărea? În aceste vremuri de neîncredere absolută față de elite, politica modernă este deja modelată de puterea teoriilor conspirației. Și se dovedește că adevărata conspirație nu a fost orchestrată de la Davos sau la Națiunile Unite, sau din subsolul unei pizzerii [așa cum credeau susținătorii „Pizzagate” din Statele Unite], ci de la adresa de e-mail hiperactivă a unui pedofil. Când bogăția, lingușirea sau ajutorul pe care l-a oferit nu i-au adus ceea ce își dorea, Epstein a devenit amenințător și brutal - folosindu-și intimitatea atent cultivată cu oamenii pentru a se juca cu teama lor de a fi expuși, ceea ce a asigurat funcționarea mașinăriei (Sursa: Courrier International).
The Fed quietly restarted balance sheet expansion. History shows this ends badly. Here's what it means for your savings and how to protect your wealth.Questions on Protecting Your Wealth with Gold & Silver? Schedule a Strategy Call Here ➡️ https://calendly.com/itmtrading/podcastor Call 866-349-3310
In this Bonus Episode Sebastian takes questions from listeners about the series on the original Ponzi Scheme. The host investigates the history of the expression "robbing Peter to pay Paul", locates early usages of the phrase "getting Ponzied", and muses about whether all expansionist empires are actually just big Ponzi Schemes. Sebastian also throws out a possible replacement for "Watergate" as the go-to synonym for a scandal. Tune-in and find out how cheeky bank ads, skin grafts, and Atilla the Hun all play role in the story.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Epstein's operation has been explained as a sexual Ponzi scheme because it relied on the same core mechanics as a financial fraud: constant recruitment, layered incentives, and silence bought through perceived advancement. Young women were drawn in with money, housing, travel, or vague promises of mentorship, then pressured to recruit others beneath them to maintain their own position and income. Each new recruit reduced risk for those above them, creating a self-sustaining pipeline that insulated Epstein and his inner circle from direct exposure. Like a Ponzi scheme, it depended on continuous inflow; the moment recruitment slowed, the structure would collapse under scrutiny. Power, not just money, was the currency, with access to elites dangled as proof of legitimacy. The system normalized abuse by reframing it as opportunity, turning victims into reluctant intermediaries. The structure rewarded compliance and punished resistance through isolation or financial cutoff.What made it especially effective was how it mirrored legitimate social and professional networks, blurring exploitation into something that looked transactional rather than criminal. Epstein positioned himself at the top as the untouchable beneficiary, while Ghislaine Maxwell and others functioned as managers who enforced rules, managed expectations, and handled recruitment. Those at the bottom bore the harm, while those in the middle were trapped by sunk costs, fear, and complicity. Just as in a Ponzi scheme, early participants might initially believe they were benefiting, only to realize later that the system required perpetual harm to survive. Accountability was diffused across layers, allowing Epstein to claim distance while enjoying the spoils. The longer it ran, the harder it became for participants to speak without implicating themselves. That is why survivors and investigators describe it not as random predation, but as an organized, scalable abuse enterprise built on deception, dependency, and silence.to contact m e:bobbycapucci@protonmail.com
Satan's Choice Expands — Legacy, Growth, & Protocol QuestionsToday on Black Dragon Biker TV, we're digging into a major development that's getting attention across the set and beyond. Satan's Choice MC, the Canadian-born 1%er club, has officially announced the opening of new chapters in Arizona and other countries, signaling what could be one of the fastest expansions by a 1%er club in recent history.Once known as the second-largest motorcycle club in the world under its original leader Bernie Guindon, the club is now being reshaped by his son, Harley Guindon, who has restarted the legacy and appears to be taking Satan's Choice in a direction the 1%er world may not have seen before. We'll talk about the rapid international growth, the strategy behind it, and what this kind of expansion means for:MC protocolRecruitment practicesTerritory recognitionAnd long-standing traditions within the 1%er world We'll also discuss the club's association with international rap star Big Caz 1%er, a high-profile and often controversial figure, and what celebrity involvement does—or doesn't do—for MC credibility.️ And then there's the criticism.Some voices, including Hollywood from Insane Throttle Biker News, have questioned whether Satan's Choice's rapid growth model resembles a Ponzi-style structure rather than traditional MC expansion. We'll lay out the arguments, the counterpoints, and the realities without hype or assumptions.⏱️ If time allows, we'll also touch on a developing legal case where a man has changed his plea in connection with a homicide at Omaha's Los Diablos MC.This is a conversation about evolution, tradition, and where the biker world may be heading next.Join Black Dragon, Lavish T. Williams, and Logic as we discuss the pros, the cons, and what all of this could mean for the future of MC culture. Watch it live on: Black Dragon Biker TV – /blackdragonbikertv Lavish T. Williams – /@lavishtwilliams Keep It Logical – /keepitlogicalBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-dragon-s-lair-motorcycle-chaos--3267493/support.Sponsor the channel by signing up for our channel memberships. You can also support us by signing up for our podcast channel membership for $9.99 per month, where 100% of the membership price goes directly to us at https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-.... Follow us on:Instagram: BlackDragonBikerTV TikTok: BlackDragonBikertv Twitter: jbunchiiFacebook: BlackDragonBikerBuy Black Dragon Merchandise, Mugs, Hats, T-Shirts Books: https://blackdragonsgear.comDonate to our cause:Cashapp: $BikerPrezPayPal: jbunchii Zelle: jbunchii@aol.com Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/BlackDragonNPSubscribe to our new discord server https://discord.gg/dshaTSTSubscribe to our online news magazine www.bikerliberty.comGet 20% off Gothic biker rings by using my special discount code: blackdragon go to http://gthic.com?aff=147Join my News Letter to get the latest in MC protocol, biker club content, and my best picks for every day carry. https://johns-newsletter-43af29.beehi... Get my Audio Book Prospect's Bible an Audible: https://adbl.co/3OBsfl5Help us get to 30,000 subscribers on www.instagram.com/BlackDragonBikerTV on Instagram. Thank you!We at Black Dragon Biker TV are dedicated to bringing you the latest news, updates, and analysis from the world of bikers and motorcycle clubs. Our content is created for news reporting, commentary, and discussion purposes. Under Section 107 of the Copyright
Charles Ponzi's remarkable rise and fall played out over the course of a wild eight month period. He went from being a failed importer-exporter mired in debt to Boston's most talked about self-made millionaire in a matter of weeks. After rebranding his company as the Securities Exchange Company, Ponzi started offering remarkable 50% returns to investors after only 90 days. But almost immediately Ponzi's plan to use postal coupons to game international exchange rates became impractical. But, instead of grabbing as much cash as he could and making a dash, Ponzi believed he could transform his scam into a legitimate business. Was Ponzi ever really serious about going straight? Tune-in and find out how the America's nation menace, Babe Ruth, and guy named Get-Rich-Quick Wallingford all play a role in the story.Join us in Greece in 2026! Check out the itinerary and book HERE!Check out the merch at out T-Public store HERE! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jeffrey Epstein was more than just the wealthy financier with a knack for elite connections—his ascent was shadowed by serious financial fraud. In the late 1980s, he was hired as a consultant at Towers Financial Corporation, a company run by his mentor Steven Hoffenberg. That firm turned out to be one of the largest Ponzi schemes in U.S. history, defrauding investors of over $450 million. Hoffenberg later claimed Epstein was “intimately involved,” even calling him the “architect” and “mastermind” behind complex schemes and manipulations, despite Epstein escaping legal charges. Those stolen funds allegedly served as seed capital for Epstein's later financial ventures—his own hedge fund, foundations, and private empire. That's not rumor—it's his legacy in plain sight.What's worse, Epstein's role wasn't ancillary. Court documents and Hoffenberg's testimony paint Epstein as a central player who helped design and scale the scheme using his network. He may have walked free, but make no mistake: his wealth, influence, and the veneer of legitimacy he built were built on the bones of investor ruin. It wasn't clean money; it was stolen. And those shadowy beginnings illuminate the true cost of his rise—not just in dollars lost, but in the destruction of trust, victims, and the systems he exploited so ruthlessly.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:https://radaronline.com/p/jeffrey-epstein-ponzi-scheme-money-book-dead-man-tell-no-tales/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-moscow-murders-and-more--5852883/support.
On Today's Show: Prager shares his thoughts on the moral implications of the liberal welfare state. He discusses how the bigger the government, the less citizens do for one another, and how this leads to a decline in character. Prager also touches on the idea that the welfare state is a Ponzi scheme, where people pay in to support those who previously paid in, but there isn't enough coming in to sustain it. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In Episode 407 Dave fights off a bug while he and Ken discuss the Jim Crowe at the Supreme Court, Chris Carr doing his actual job, peace in Greenland,grilling Jack Smith, a city manager heads to the clink, Ponzi in Georgia, a former State Representative pleads out, and the Rafensperger diaries.
Just like that, it's Fraud Friday! Today, Laci visits one of the very first episodes of Scam Goddess, episode 13, with comedy legend Matt Walsh (Ghosts, Upright Citizens Brigade), as they dive into the most famous Ponzi schemer in world history: Bernie Madoff. More like he “made off” with those billions. Stay schemin'! (Originally released 12/23/2019) CON-gregation, keep the scams coming and snitch on your friends by emailing us at ScamGoddessPod@gmail.com. Follow on Instagram:Scam Goddess Pod: @scamgoddesspodLaci Mosley: @divalaciMatt Walsh:@mrmattwalsh Research by Laci Mosley Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Scam Goddess ad-free and a whole week early. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Epstein's operation has been explained as a sexual Ponzi scheme because it relied on the same core mechanics as a financial fraud: constant recruitment, layered incentives, and silence bought through perceived advancement. Young women were drawn in with money, housing, travel, or vague promises of mentorship, then pressured to recruit others beneath them to maintain their own position and income. Each new recruit reduced risk for those above them, creating a self-sustaining pipeline that insulated Epstein and his inner circle from direct exposure. Like a Ponzi scheme, it depended on continuous inflow; the moment recruitment slowed, the structure would collapse under scrutiny. Power, not just money, was the currency, with access to elites dangled as proof of legitimacy. The system normalized abuse by reframing it as opportunity, turning victims into reluctant intermediaries. The structure rewarded compliance and punished resistance through isolation or financial cutoff.What made it especially effective was how it mirrored legitimate social and professional networks, blurring exploitation into something that looked transactional rather than criminal. Epstein positioned himself at the top as the untouchable beneficiary, while Ghislaine Maxwell and others functioned as managers who enforced rules, managed expectations, and handled recruitment. Those at the bottom bore the harm, while those in the middle were trapped by sunk costs, fear, and complicity. Just as in a Ponzi scheme, early participants might initially believe they were benefiting, only to realize later that the system required perpetual harm to survive. Accountability was diffused across layers, allowing Epstein to claim distance while enjoying the spoils. The longer it ran, the harder it became for participants to speak without implicating themselves. That is why survivors and investigators describe it not as random predation, but as an organized, scalable abuse enterprise built on deception, dependency, and silence.to contact m e:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.
LISTEN: On the Thursday, Jan. 22 edition: Gov. Brian Kemp has declared a state of emergency ahead of the coming winter weather; a financial advisor pleads guilty in Ponzi scheme; and officials have confirmed a baby has the first case of measles in Georgia in 2026.
Legal scholar Elizabeth Chamblee Burch focuses on three women with mesh implants who were targeted, manipulated, and violated—at their own expense. Through the searing stories of Sharon Gore, Barbara Shepard, and Jerri Plummer—middle-aged women separated by geography, education, and socioeconomic factors—Burch sheds light on not only the injustices of mass torts, which she describes as “personal-injury litigation on steroids,” but also the indignities endemic in women's healthcare. Drawing on more than 150 interviews conducted over two years, backed by 209,000 pages of documentation, THE PAIN BROKERS is at once a critical work of public service journalism and a real-life thriller. As Burch unfolds each level of the scheme, readers meet: Vincent Chhabra, a Versace-clad entrepreneur and architect of Alpha Law, LLC—which, despite its name and partnerships with some actual lawyers, was a call center. Headquartered at 1000 Corporate Drive in south Florida, Alpha Law employed nearly two hundred operators in headsets who capitalized on patients' private medical records, obtained through a data breach in India, to make unsolicited calls to vulnerable women with mesh implants, including Sharon, Barbara, and Jerri. Blake Barber, a hulking ex-paralegal with a flamingo pink goatee who turned women's medical fears into cash for third-party funders by orchestrating a ruthless “concierge service” that flew terrified patients to Florida chop shops to have their mesh removed. Dr. Christopher Walker, a Jamaican-born urogynecologist known by his Instagram handle @Dr.Downtown who, after losing his savings in a Ponzi scheme, went from inserting mesh to extracting it at breakneck speed for seven times his normal fee—a feat made possible by refusing to accept women's insurance and forcing them to sign liens against their future settlement proceeds. J.R. Baxter, a newly minted small-town Arkansas lawyer and passionate crusader for justice who, against daunting odds, represented Sharon, Barbara, and Jerri, as well as 180 other women.And finally, J.R. 's unlikely ally, Barbara Binis, a seasoned Philadelphia defense attorney hired to do financial damage control for a mesh manufacturer who devoted nearly four years to uncovering the mass-tort scheme. Centered on three women who went through the mesh mill, THE PAIN BROKERS exposes the profit-hungry scammers and unscrupulous doctors whom they trusted. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/arroe-collins-like-it-s-live--4113802/support.
HOLY DENVER In 2009, at the height of the economic crash, Elizabeth Zwelland loses her prestigious Manhattan publishing job in the fallout from Bernie Madoff's Ponzi scheme. Forced to move to Colorado, the home of her Beat-poet father, she takes a minimum-wage job at an indie bookstore, shelving the very books she once edited. Bitter and adrift, Elizabeth scorns her coworkers and customers—until a shocking confrontation forces her to reckon with herself. Her journey takes her through the shadows of the Columbine shooting and JonBenét Ramsey case, leading to an awakening forged in hardship and a deepening connection to the city Jack Kerouac once called Holy Denver. TOPICS OF CONVERSATION About the Book: Holy Denver – An introduction to the novel, its second-edition release, and the story of a woman forced to rebuild her life after the 2008 financial crash. Loss, identity, and starting over – How the sudden loss of career, home, and status exposes resentment and forces a personal reckoning. Unlikable protagonists and emotional honesty – Why beginning with a deeply flawed main character makes meaningful transformation possible. Privilege, class, and intellectual armor – How education and status become shields that distance people from empathy and connection. Family legacy, neglect, and the Beat Generation – Growing up in the shadow of a famous poet father and grappling with inherited creative identity. Compassion, shame, and self-forgiveness – Confronting harmful behavior and learning to change with honesty and empathy. What's Next for Florence Wetzel – Backlist re-releases, AI-narrated audiobooks, and an upcoming novel set in Crete. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Florence Wetzel was born in Brooklyn, NY. She writes in different genres, including the memoir Sara My Sara: A Memoir of Friendship and Loss. Her novels include the thriller The Woman Who Went Overboard; the Swedish mystery The Grand Man; and Dashiki: A Cozy Mystery. She has also authored horror short stories, a book of poems and memoir essays, and co-authored jazz clarinetist Perry Robinson's autobiography. Aspasia is her latest novel, published in July 2025. You can learn more about Florence Wetzel and her work at https://linktr.ee/FlorenceWetzel
Historian Brooke Newman discusses with Ivan six things which should be better known. Dr. Brooke Newman is an Associate Professor at Virginia Commonwealth University and a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society. She specializes in the history of early modern Britain and the British Atlantic, with a focus on slavery and its legacies. She is the author of the award-winning book, A Dark Inheritance: Blood, Race, and Sex in Colonial Jamaica (Yale, 2018), and The Crown's Silence: The Hidden History of Slavery and the British Monarchy (Mudlark, 2026), which is available at https://harpercollins.co.uk/products/the-crowns-silence-the-hidden-history-of-slavery-and-the-british-monarchy-brooke-newman?variant=55509554397563. Her writing and research have been featured in the Guardian, the Washington Post, Der Spiegel, and Smithsonian Magazine, and she has served as a historical expert for HBO's Last Week Tonight, Vox, the BBC, and NPR, among others. The difference between historians and journalists https://www.historians.org/perspectives-article/journalists-and-historians-april-2023/ What it's like to work in an archive https://www.wessexarch.co.uk/news/day-life-ofan-archivist The value and limitations of archives https://slimkm.com/blog/advantages-and-limitations-of-archival-research/ The Stuart monarchs launched England into the transatlantic slave trade https://www.historyanswers.co.uk/kings-queens/royal-african-company-how-the-stuarts-birthed-britains-slave-trade/ The South Sea Company was not just a Ponzi scheme https://www.historic-uk.com/HistoryUK/HistoryofEngland/South-Sea-Bubble/ Formerly enslaved people appealed directly to the Royal Family to abolish the slave trade https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/apr/06/british-monarchy-ties-slavery-historical-archives-slaves This podcast is powered by ZenCast.fm
Steven Hoffenberg, Jeffrey Epstein's former business partner in the Towers Financial Ponzi scheme, repeatedly claimed that Epstein presented himself as connected to U.S. intelligence and foreign intelligence services, particularly as a way to intimidate, impress, and shield himself from scrutiny. Hoffenberg said Epstein openly bragged that he was an intelligence asset, telling people he worked with “the government” and hinting that his role involved compromising powerful figures. According to Hoffenberg, these claims were not whispered rumors but part of Epstein's persona, used to explain his unexplained wealth, his access to politicians, financiers, academics, and royalty, and his apparent immunity from consequences. Hoffenberg argued that Epstein's lifestyle, travel patterns, and proximity to intelligence-linked figures were inconsistent with the narrative of a lone, rogue predator operating without protection.Hoffenberg went further, stating that Epstein learned early on that intelligence affiliation, real or exaggerated, functioned as a shield, discouraging questions from law enforcement, regulators, and potential adversaries. He described Epstein as someone who deliberately cultivated ambiguity, never fully clarifying who he worked for, but constantly reinforcing the idea that he was untouchable because he was “connected.” Hoffenberg maintained that this aura of intelligence backing helped Epstein survive scandals that would have destroyed ordinary criminals, including the collapse of Towers Financial and later sex-trafficking allegations. While Hoffenberg acknowledged he could not prove formal intelligence employment, he insisted that Epstein's consistent behavior, confidence in evading accountability, and access to sensitive circles made the intelligence narrative impossible to dismiss and critical to understanding how Epstein operated for decades without serious interference.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:Ponzi schemer claims Jeffrey Epstein moved in intelligence circles | Daily Mail Online
Michelle Reasor-West, Director of Horticulture for Poynter Landscape and Jean Ponzi, Green Resources Specialist with Missouri Botanical Garden answer your gardening questions.
Steven Hoffenberg, Jeffrey Epstein's former business partner in the Towers Financial Ponzi scheme, repeatedly claimed that Epstein presented himself as connected to U.S. intelligence and foreign intelligence services, particularly as a way to intimidate, impress, and shield himself from scrutiny. Hoffenberg said Epstein openly bragged that he was an intelligence asset, telling people he worked with “the government” and hinting that his role involved compromising powerful figures. According to Hoffenberg, these claims were not whispered rumors but part of Epstein's persona, used to explain his unexplained wealth, his access to politicians, financiers, academics, and royalty, and his apparent immunity from consequences. Hoffenberg argued that Epstein's lifestyle, travel patterns, and proximity to intelligence-linked figures were inconsistent with the narrative of a lone, rogue predator operating without protection.Hoffenberg went further, stating that Epstein learned early on that intelligence affiliation, real or exaggerated, functioned as a shield, discouraging questions from law enforcement, regulators, and potential adversaries. He described Epstein as someone who deliberately cultivated ambiguity, never fully clarifying who he worked for, but constantly reinforcing the idea that he was untouchable because he was “connected.” Hoffenberg maintained that this aura of intelligence backing helped Epstein survive scandals that would have destroyed ordinary criminals, including the collapse of Towers Financial and later sex-trafficking allegations. While Hoffenberg acknowledged he could not prove formal intelligence employment, he insisted that Epstein's consistent behavior, confidence in evading accountability, and access to sensitive circles made the intelligence narrative impossible to dismiss and critical to understanding how Epstein operated for decades without serious interference.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:Ponzi schemer claims Jeffrey Epstein moved in intelligence circles | Daily Mail OnlineBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-moscow-murders-and-more--5852883/support.
Steven Hoffenberg, Jeffrey Epstein's former business partner in the Towers Financial Ponzi scheme, repeatedly claimed that Epstein presented himself as connected to U.S. intelligence and foreign intelligence services, particularly as a way to intimidate, impress, and shield himself from scrutiny. Hoffenberg said Epstein openly bragged that he was an intelligence asset, telling people he worked with “the government” and hinting that his role involved compromising powerful figures. According to Hoffenberg, these claims were not whispered rumors but part of Epstein's persona, used to explain his unexplained wealth, his access to politicians, financiers, academics, and royalty, and his apparent immunity from consequences. Hoffenberg argued that Epstein's lifestyle, travel patterns, and proximity to intelligence-linked figures were inconsistent with the narrative of a lone, rogue predator operating without protection.Hoffenberg went further, stating that Epstein learned early on that intelligence affiliation, real or exaggerated, functioned as a shield, discouraging questions from law enforcement, regulators, and potential adversaries. He described Epstein as someone who deliberately cultivated ambiguity, never fully clarifying who he worked for, but constantly reinforcing the idea that he was untouchable because he was “connected.” Hoffenberg maintained that this aura of intelligence backing helped Epstein survive scandals that would have destroyed ordinary criminals, including the collapse of Towers Financial and later sex-trafficking allegations. While Hoffenberg acknowledged he could not prove formal intelligence employment, he insisted that Epstein's consistent behavior, confidence in evading accountability, and access to sensitive circles made the intelligence narrative impossible to dismiss and critical to understanding how Epstein operated for decades without serious interference.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:Ponzi schemer claims Jeffrey Epstein moved in intelligence circles | Daily Mail OnlineBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.
If you are wary of getting into real estate because you believe that it is a difficult industry with numerous risks, well, it is all in your head.Our guest today, Javier Hinojo, is living proof of that. Javier is a locksmith who lost his hard-earned money to a Ponzi scheme and went bankrupt. After his friend introduced him to real estate, he put in the work, and he now owns over $50 million in his real estate portfolio.In this episode, Javier will go over all of the deals he has done -from flips to wholesales. He will then reveal his secret to maintaining momentum and becoming one of the most successful people in the business. He will also go into his mentorship program, Teen Millionaire Challenge, where he helps teens become real estate entrepreneurs. Go to TTP Training Program for more winning strategies!---------Show notes:(0:00) Beginning of today's episode (4:17) Invest in your education and attend seminars even when funds are tight or non-existent (5:44) Take action by making low offers on MLS properties that have been sitting on the market (10:19) Understand that wholesaling is simply sourcing opportunities; you can choose to assign, flip, or hold the property (11:36) Maintain consistent cash flow by wholesaling some deals rather than trying to fix and flip everything yourself (16:03) Read "Mikey and the Dragons" to realize the fears holding you back are much smaller in reality (19:41) Apply wholesaling marketing strategies like direct mail and cold calling to find off-market multifamily deals (25:52) "Get loud" and tell everyone in your network you are in real estate to attract private money lenders----------Resources:Javier's InstagramJavier's websiteRich Dad Poor Dad Investing ClassesThe Collective GeniusMikey and the Dragons by Jocko WillinkTeen Millionaire ChallengeThe One Minute Millionaire by Mark Victor Hansen MLSTo speak with Brent or one of our other expert coaches call (281) 835-4201 or schedule your free discovery call here to learn about our mentorship programs and become part of the TribeGo to Wholesalingincgroup.com to become part of one of the fastest growing Facebook communities in the Wholesaling space. Get all of your burning Wholesaling questions answered, gain access to JV partnerships, and connect with other "success minded" Rhinos in the community.It's 100% free to join. The opportunities in this community are endless, what are you waiting for?
Um dos relatos mais assustadores que já chegaram ao Bunker X.Neste episódio, Affonso Solano e Joey Ponzi mergulham em casos reais enviados pela audiência do podcast. Entre eles, o de um ouvinte que vive experiências paranormais recorrentes durante o sono — cada vez mais intensas e difíceis de explicar.Mesmo dormindo por horas seguidas, ele acorda completamente esgotado. As noites são marcadas por paralisias do sono frequentes e episódios ainda mais perturbadores: marcas inexplicáveis surgindo pelo corpo, incluindo arranhões e até o que parece ser uma marca de mão. Tudo isso acompanhado por presenças sombrias no quarto… e pelo comportamento estranho de suas três gatas, que pareciam observar algo que ele não conseguia enfrentar.Seria uma entidade do astral? Um ataque espiritual? Algum tipo de abdução? Ou apenas um distúrbio do sono extremo levado ao limite?Assista agora e tire suas próprias conclusões — se tiver coragem de dormir depois.Já viveu algo parecido?Conte seu relato nos comentários. Quem sabe ele não aparece no próximo episódio do Bunker X?
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The name Charles Ponzi has become synonymous with financial frauds. In 1920 the formerly obscure Italian immigrant suddenly became one of the most famous men in Boston when his Securities Exchange Company started offering investors remarkable returns. Ponzi claimed that he had discovered an ingenious method of using postal coupons to profit off international exchange rates. However, before the year was out his scheme had totally unraveled. What many Bostonians did not know was that Ponzi was a two-time ex-convict with a history as fraudster. Still, there may have been more to Ponzi than his dishonest reputation would lead you to believe. Ponzi claimed that he was a misunderstood genius. Should we believe him? Tune-in and find out how wasted undergrads, Canadian scammers, and the Hawk Tuah Girl all play a role in the story.Join us in Greece in 2026! Check out the itinerary and book HERE!Check out the merch at out T-Public store HERE! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jeffrey Epstein manipulated financial markets not by traditional trading fraud but through influence, opacity, and access. He embedded himself inside the financial empires of billionaires like Les Wexner and Leon Black, gaining control of vast capital reserves under the guise of “exclusive money management.” By structuring himself as a gatekeeper rather than a trader, Epstein positioned his network at the intersection of elite capital and secrecy. Through Financial Trust Company, registered in the U.S. Virgin Islands, he exploited generous tax shelters, confidentiality protections, and regulatory blind spots to quietly move and obscure assets. These offshore structures let Epstein shift funds globally, mask ownership trails, and shield beneficiaries — creating the illusion of legitimate financial sophistication while actually leveraging loopholes and relationships.Epstein's real power lay in his ability to manipulate liquidity and market perception through shell entities and credit instruments like repos and mortgage-backed securities. His Bermuda-based vehicle Liquid Funding Ltd. — partially financed by Bear Stearns — operated in debt and derivatives markets that allowed him to obscure leverage ratios and offload risk to counterparties. He also had historical ties to Towers Financial, a company later revealed to be a massive Ponzi scheme, where Epstein reportedly advised founder Stephen Hoffenberg on structuring debt packages that misled investors. Taken together, these networks enabled Epstein to influence pricing, conceal illicit inflows, and present himself as a mysterious financial genius while effectively manipulating money flows that blurred the line between investment and laundering.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-moscow-murders-and-more--5852883/support.
Adam and Dr. Drew open by blasting people who don't practice what they preach, especially politicians who pushed Covid masking rules they didn't follow themselves. Adam questions why Ponzi schemes are illegal, Dr. Drew shares concerns about New York's new mayor Zohran Mamdani, and they react to a viral clip of a woman defending socialist property policies. They wrap by discussing the latest on Nick Reiner, L.A.'s drug and homelessness crisis, and why they think San Diego has become such a dump.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Hosted by the University of Illinois-Chicago United Faculty, a roundtable discussion about confronting the challenges facing higher education labor organizing. Topics included education technology, faculty autonomy, power mapping, board composition, lobbying state legislators, artificial intelligence, surveillance and data-mining, Ponzi austerity, and more. Cast (in order of appearance): Jeff Kessler, Matt Seybold, Anna Kornbluh, Dominique Baker, Peter Coviello, Nassar Mufti, Jeff Edwards Date Recorded: December 4, 2025 Music: Danny Weiss Quartet
In this episode, host Travis Chappell and producer Eric break down missed opportunities, painful losses, and fraud-adjacent stories to show how real-world investors actually think through risk. Using everything from crypto FOMO to Shark Tank misses and Ponzi-style funds, they explore how to build a rational investing framework that can survive both wins and wipeouts. On this episode we talk about: Passing on early opportunities like crypto and what that really cost over time Famous “missed deals” like Ring and other Shark Tank passes that later exploded How to emotionally process investments that go to zero—even when they seemed “safe” Why trying to “beat the market” usually backfires for non-professional investors The blackjack analogy for setting clear investing rules and sticking to them Angel investing math: why most startups fail and what that means for your checks A real story of an investor-turned-felon running a quasi‑Ponzi fund How seemingly smart people slide from aggressive bets into outright fraud Why Travis shifted from big swings to boring, low‑risk, long‑term investments Top 3 Takeaways Losses are inevitable, so you need rules before you need returns. Approaching investing like blackjack—accepting losses as part of the game and sticking to a predetermined strategy—keeps you from going on emotional “tilt” after a bad beat. Most private deals will fail, even with “strong” founders. Angel and alternative investments should be treated as high‑risk, small‑allocation bets—not as the foundation of your net worth. Boring usually wins over time. For long‑term wealth, broad, diversified, low‑chance‑of‑zero investments (like major index funds) are a far more reliable base than chasing the next Uber or crypto rocket ship. Notable Quotes “You have to set rules and then stick to the rules—because losses are part of the game.” “You're not going to beat the market. Ray Dalio can't consistently beat the market, and he's the best in the world.” “There's no truly ‘no‑risk' investment. If someone promises that, they're either lying or they're going to prison.” ✖️✖️✖️✖️
While our team is out on winter break, please enjoy this episode of Hacking Humans This week, our hosts Dave Bittner, Joe Carrigan, and Maria Varmazis (also host of the T-Minus Space Daily show) are sharing the latest in social engineering scams, phishing schemes, and criminal exploits that are making headlines. We start with a scam warning from Michal, who is sharing the latest conference scam. Dave's got the story of a retired federal investigator who mapped out the “Scammer Psychological Kill Chain” and shared rules to help you spot and break it. Maria has the story of job scams surging over 1,000% in 2025, as scammers exploit a slowing labor market and desperate jobseekers with fake offers, texts, and bogus recruiter schemes. Joe follows the story on a $4 million forex scam where two men promised safe, high returns but instead ran a Ponzi scheme that defrauded 20 investors before landing in federal prison. Our catch of the day comes from listener Shannon who writes in to share a message from "Amazon" about a recall notice. Resources and links to stories: Job Scams Surge 1,000% As Americans Struggle to Find Work Forex Account: What It Means and How It Works Ex-NYPD Cop Gets 36 Months In $4M Forex Scam That Duped 20 Investors: Feds Have a Catch of the Day you'd like to share? Email it to us at hackinghumans@n2k.com.
Kate breaks down the shocking true story behind Hulu's Missing Millionaires and the disappearance of Australian financial fraudster Melissa Caddick. Melissa Caddick appeared to be a successful Sydney-based financial advisor living an enviable life in one of the city's wealthiest coastal neighborhoods. But in November 2020, as federal police raided her home for operating a massive Ponzi scheme, Melissa walked out for a morning run and never returned. Reality Life with Kate Casey What to Watch List: https://katecasey.substack.com Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/katecasey Twitter: https://twitter.com/katecasey Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/katecaseyca Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itskatecasey?lang=en Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/113157919338245 Amazon List: https://www.amazon.com/shop/katecasey Like it to Know It: https://www.shopltk.com/explore/katecaseySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Not only are the opportunities for personal financial gain for Trump and his White House cronies driving the administration's foreign policy decisions, his tariffs look more and more about grift. Trump also inexplicably granted clemency to a private equity exec who ripped off ordinary Americans in a Ponzi scheme, while he plans a pardon for a former Honduran president who trafficked cocaine to America—even as he orders the bombings of suspected drug smugglers in the Caribbean. Meanwhile, on the immigration front, Border Patrol is moving into NOLA, and the administration is exploiting the heinous and tragic DC Guard shooting to try to rid the country of black and brown immigrants. Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller. show notes Bill's 'Bulwark on Sunday' on Trump's anti-immigrant agenda Tim's 'Bulwark Take' on Scott Jennings WSJ's piece, "Make Money Not War: Trump's Real Plan for Peace in Ukraine" NYT on David Sacks Andy McCarthy on the killing of two survivors of a missile strike in the Caribbean Makeup-less Trump at Mar-a-Lago New Bulwark merch! Go to https://www.american-giant.com and get 20% off your first order with promo code BULWARK. Thanks to American Giant for sponsoring the show!