The Opportunist

In this episode of The Opportunist, we explore the bizarre case of Arian Taherzadeh and Haider Ali, who posed as federal agents and infiltrated the highest levels of the U.S. Secret Service with astonishing ease. We delve into the duo's motivations, the extent of their deception, and the ramifications of their actions on national security. Tune in to learn how these two individuals turned deception into an audacious opportunity, exposing serious security flaws surrounding President Joe Biden and his family.

In this episode of “The Opportunist,” we explore the chilling case of David Xu, a seemingly ordinary engineer who attempted to poison his coworker with cadmium over a period of several months. We explore his twisted motives behind his actions and uncover the dark side of a workplace rivalry.

Is justice really blind? In this week’s episode of “The Opportunist” we explore the shocking case of Judge Jeffrey Ferguson. Known as a strict law and order judge, Ferguson is accused of shooting his wife during a drunken rage. Despite admitting to the murder via text message, Judge Ferguson is currently out on bail and has been allowed to leave the state of California. Is Judge Fergeson leveraging his deep connections within the judicial system to receive preferential treatment?

Sebastián Marset is currently one of South America’s most powerful drug traffickers - opening new cocaine trafficking routes to Europe. In this episode of the "The Opportunist," we explore his rise to power and uncover how Marset cunningly used soccer to hide in plain sight, and to launder vast drug profits.

Casa Ruby was once a vibrant shelter offering essential services to Washington D.C.'s vulnerable and at-risk LGBTQ+ community. The non-profit shelter was the vision of Ruby Corado, an activist born in El Salvador, who dedicated her life to advocating for gay and transgender individuals. Her efforts garnered numerous awards and helped her secure millions in government grants and donations from wealthy philanthropists. However, suddenly the shelter closed, and Corado fled the country.

As the son of a powerful Hollywood agent, Sam Haskell IV seemed to have everything at his fingertips - money, power and connections. But when a homeless man discovers part of a human body in a dumpster in an upscale Los Angeles neighborhood, Haskell’s dark secret is revealed.

To the families of St. James Catholic School in Torrance, California, Sister Mary Margaret Kreuper and Sister Lana Chang were the picture of morality and religious devotion. The two lifelong educators were known at St. James as stern disciplinarians, who instilled their students with Christian values that were disappearing from society. But the nuns had a secret addiction, an addition that would rip apart the small Christian community.

Xu Yao’s career potential seemed limitless. The Chinese lawyer and entertainment executive was in charge of all business related to the best selling Chinese science fiction trilogy, and soon to be hit Netflix show, “The Three Body Problem.” But then, overnight, the entire franchise, and all of the life changing wealth that came with it, was all taken from Xu Yao. He had been demoted. Xu Yao’s demotion set in motion a revenge plot ripped from the pages of a Hollywood script.

As the veteran and former spokesperson for the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency, Garrison Courtney seemed destined to end up as a Washington, DC powerbroker. But Courtney had a secret. He was a conman and was tricking some of America’s most senior National Security officials out of millions of dollars.

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

In this wrap up episode for 2023, Hannah revisits some of your favorite episodes and seasons and gives updates! She also takes questions and voicemails from listeners, including one listener who writes in with a bizarre mystery that she wants your help to solve.  Hannah checks back in with people she interviewed years ago as well as gives an update on Sherry Shriner's followers and speaks with someone who has a very personal relationship with Orgone. Links from the episode: Check out C.C.’s plant-urns at boycestudio.com   If you want to stay up-to-date with Nora's project on her father, you can find her on Instagram @Noracroftcutsmyhair  Visit the Adrienne Wilson Liver Cancer Association at bluefaery.org  You can reach out to Hannah on Instagram or X @hannahpodcasts 

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

Fred and Stacia anxiously wait for Kimberly Smith to face justice and continue to look for answers as to how Goldie Robinson died. You can purchase Opportunist merchandise here: https://theopportunistpodcast.com/ Thank you to our sponsors: Hello Fresh: Go to Hellofresh.com/50opp and use code 50opp for 50% off plus free shipping!Go to HelloFresh dot com slash 50opp and use code 50opp for 50% off plus free shippingGo to HelloFresh dot com slash 50opp and use code 50opp for 50% off plus free shipping! Shopify: sign up for a $1-per-month trial at shopify.com/opp Dipsea: sign up for a 30-day free trial at DipseaStories.com/opp Sports Explains the World: To hear incredible stories from the wide world of sports, listen to Sports Explains the World on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Canva: Get a free 45-day trial when you go to Canva.me/opp Better Help: This show is sponsored by Better Help. Go to Betterhelp.com/opp to get 10% off your first month.

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

Detectives interview Kim's boyfriend, David Enos, looking for answers on Goldie Robinson's whereabouts. There is another discovery in the case that changes the scope and approach of the investigation.  You can purchase Opportunist merchandise here: https://theopportunistpodcast.com/ Thank you to our sponsors: Hello Fresh: Go to Hellofresh.com/50opp and use code 50opp for 50% off plus free shipping!Go to HelloFresh dot com slash 50opp and use code 50opp for 50% off plus free shippingGo to HelloFresh dot com slash 50opp and use code 50opp for 50% off plus free shipping!” Shopify: sign up for a $1-per-month trial at shopify.com/opp Dipsea: sign up for a 30-day free trial at DipseaStories.com/opp Sports Explains the World: To hear incredible stories from the wide world of sports, listen to Sports Explains the World on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Canva: Get a free 45-day trial when you go to Canva.me/opp Better Help: This show is sponsored by Better Help. Go to Betterhelp.com/opp to get 10% off your first month.

A gruesome discovery shocks everyone including the detectives and expands the case far beyond one missing person.  You can purchase Opportunist merchandise here: https://theopportunistpodcast.com/ Thank you to our sponsors: Hello Fresh: Go to Hellofresh.com/50opp and use code 50opp for 50% off plus free shipping!Go to HelloFresh dot com slash 50opp and use code 50opp for 50% off plus free shippingGo to HelloFresh dot com slash 50opp and use code 50opp for 50% off plus free shipping!” Shopify: sign up for a $1-per-month trial at shopify.com/opp Dipsea: sign up for a 30-day free trial at DipseaStories.com/opp Sports Explains the World: To hear incredible stories from the wide world of sports, listen to Sports Explains the World on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Canva: Get a free 45-day trial when you go to Canva.me/opp Better Help: This show is sponsored by Better Help. Go to Betterhelp.com/opp to get 10% off your first month.

In August of 2010, 78-yr-old Goldie Mae Robinson disappeared. The police investigation upended the quiet little town of South Daytona, Florida. Goldie was in good health, knew her neighbors and had lived in the same mobile home park for over 30 years. Her son Fred was astounded that she has just vanished. The search for Goldie Robinson revealed that her life was intricately intertwined with her neighbor, friend and caretaker, Kimberly Smith. You can reach out to us at TheOpportunist@kastmedia.com Find the episode transcript here: tinyurl.com/opppodcast You can purchase Opportunist merchandise here: https://theopportunistpodcast.com/ Thank you to our sponsors: Hello Fresh: Go to Hellofresh.com/50opp and use code 50opp for 50% off plus free shipping!Go to HelloFresh dot com slash 50opp and use code 50opp for 50% off plus free shipping. Go to HelloFresh dot com slash 50OPP and use code 50OPP for 50% off plus free shipping! Shopify: sign up for a $1-per-month trial at shopify.com/opp Dipsea: sign up for a 30-day free trial at DipseaStories.com/opp Sports Explains the World: To hear incredible stories from the wide world of sports, listen to Sports Explains the World on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Canva: Get a free 45-day trial when you go to Canva.me/opp Better Help: This show is sponsored by Better Help. Go to Betterhelp.com/opp to get 10% off your first month.

Marion Berntsen was in her 70s when she began renting rooms in suburban Illinois, appearing to be a quiet, elderly lady. What her housemates didn't realize is that Marion was actually a domestic terrorist, determined to upend their lives. Listen to The Opportunist ad-free on Amazon Music You can purchase Opportunist merchandise here: https://theopportunistpodcast.com/ Thank you to our sponsors: Babbel: Get up to 55% off and start speaking a new language at babbel.com/OPP Earth Breeze: Subscribe and save 40% by going to earthbreeze.com/OPP to get started with eco-friendly laundry detergent Shopify: Get a $1 per month trial period and start selling on Shopify at shopify.com/OPP Zocdoc: Download the Zocdoc app for FREE and book a top-rated doctor today at zocdoc.com/OPP 

Greg Gumucio was the founder of a yoga empire called Yoga to the People, professing that yoga was for everyone. But behind the loving mantras and thriving studios, was a man obsessed with making money and controlling women. Listen to The Opportunist ad-free on Amazon Music You can purchase Opportunist merchandise here: https://theopportunistpodcast.com/ Thank you to our sponsors: Babbel: Get up to 55% off and start speaking a new language at babbel.com/OPP Earth Breeze: Subscribe and save 40% by going to earthbreeze.com/OPP to get started with eco-friendly laundry detergent Canva: Start creating with a FREE 45-day extended trial at canva.com/OPP Dipsea: Start your 30 day FREE trial and listen to sexy stories at dipsea.com/OPP Shopify: Get a $1 per month trial period and start selling on Shopify at shopify.com/OPP  

Gayle Palmer moves her program into Nevada after being denied a license to operate in Utah. The Suttons seek justice for Michelle by suing Gayle and Summit Quest. Listen to The Opportunist ad-free on Amazon Music You can purchase Opportunist merchandise here: https://theopportunistpodcast.com/ Thank you to our sponsors: Athena Club Razor: Go to athenaclub.com and use code OPP for 25% off your first order. Microdose: To learn more about microdosing THC go to Microdose.com and use code OPP to get free shipping and 30% off your first order Dipsea app: Get an extended 30 day free trial when you go to dipseastories.com/OPP. Earth Breeze: Get 40% off your first order of eco-friendly laundry detergent at earthbreeze.com/OPP