The Opportunist
The Opportunist tells true stories of regular people who turn sinister by embracing opportunity. How does an everyday person turn into a thief, a scammer or a cult leader? Perhaps the most dangerous person is the one who appears the most normal. Perhaps there is a dark potential lurking inside all of us that is just waiting for the right opportunity to emerge. The Opportunist is an original podcast hosted by Sarah James McLaughlin.
Episodes
On this episode of The Opportunist, Tai Lopez built a massive online following selling the gospel of wealth, knowledge, and hustle - until the SEC alleged he was running a $112 million Ponzi scheme behind the scenes. The episode traces how the internet's most famous self-help guru allegedly used his own playbook to con the very audience he built his empire on.
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On this episode of The Opportunist, Mary Margaret Kreuper and Lana Chang were trusted educators and religious leaders at St. James Catholic School - until missing school funds shattered the community’s faith in them. The episode traces how two women who preached morality and discipline allegedly concealed a secret double life for years.
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On this episode of The Opportunist, Natalie Marie Gonzalez built the image of a driven high achiever while secretly operating a drug distribution scheme. The episode traces how ambition and access helped her rise - and how that same double life ultimately caught up with her.
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On this episode of The Opportunist, chef Valentino Luchin built an acclaimed restaurant - until mounting financial pressure drove him to a drastic choice. The episode traces how a celebrated career unraveled into a string of bank robberies in an attempt to stay afloat.
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On this episode of The Opportunist, we tell the story of Kentucky Judge Kevin Mullins, who allegedly used his position to solicit sex from inmates, and how his abuse of power came to a shocking end.
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- Quince: Quince.com/Opportunist for free shipping 365 day returns
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On this episode of The Opportunist, Daryl Hagler and Kenneth Rozenberg built a sprawling nursing home network in New Jersey — where profits allegedly came before patient care. The episode traces how their operation drew scrutiny, and the fallout from a system critics say put vulnerable residents at risk.
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- Quince: Quince.com/Opportunist for free shipping 365 day returns
- Mint Mobile: montmobile.com...
Kouri Richins was a grieving widow—or so it seemed—until her husband’s suspicious death revealed a web of deceit and greed. In this episode, we uncover the chilling story of how she exploited trust and love in a scheme that shocked everyone who knew her.
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On this episode of The Opportunist, Ian Bick built the image of a young entrepreneur while secretly running a multimillion-dollar fraud scheme out of Danbury, Connecticut. The episode traces how a teenager convinced friends, investors, and even family to trust him - until the scheme began to unravel.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-inf...
In this episode of The Opportunist, Ari Giselle is at the center of a case tied to the killing of three surfers in Baja California. The episode traces how the crime unfolded - and how it turned a long-considered tourist playground into the focus of international scrutiny.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
On this episode of The Opportunist, probation guards at LA County’s Camp Scott, entrusted with the care of vulnerable girls, are accused of using their authority to sexually abuse those in custody. The episode examines how power, isolation, and a broken oversight system created the conditions for exploitation- and the reckoning that followed.
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Jontay Porter \
On this episode of The Opportunist, NBA journeyman Jontay Porter is accused of fixing games to cash in on bets placed by his gambling partners. The episode unpacks how a professional athlete risked his career - and the integrity of the sport - for profit.
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On this episode of The Opportunist, a rising model with a double life, Adva Lavie conned fellow models and wealthy older men, leaving a trail of betrayal in her wake. The episode unpacks how looks, access, and opportunity fueled a years-long scheme hiding in plain sight.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
This episode of The Opportunist pulls back the curtain on pastor Mike Bickle, tracing years of troubling claims and unanswered questions that lingered in the shadows of his ministry.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Pastor David Taylor built Kingdom of God Global Church into a sprawling ministry powered by aggressive fundraising call centers and promises of divine favor. In this episode of The Opportunist, his story exposes how spiritual authority can become a tool for manipulation, control, and unending financial gain.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sel...
Jeffrey Manchester became known nationwide as the “Rooftop Burglar,” a figure often distorted by Hollywood and myth. But in this episode of The Opportunist, the real Jeffrey Manchester emerges - revealing how a quiet Army soldier turned thief built a double life of break-ins, secrecy, and startling ingenuity.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-n...
Suffolk County Sheriff Steven Tompkins rose to power as a reformer promising justice and change within Boston’s jail system. But in this episode of The Opportunist, Sheriff Steven Tomkins’ story reveals how a crusade for reform became a vehicle for power, loyalty, and personal gain.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
...On this episode of The Opportunist, when 27-year-old Adan Manzano is found dead in a New Orleans hotel room, suspicion quickly turns to Danette Colbert. As investigators dig deeper, they uncover a pattern of manipulation and greed that suggests Adan wasn’t her only victim.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
On this episode of The Opportunist, trusted Montana oncologist Dr. Thomas Weiner is accused of diagnosing patients with cancer they didn’t have. What began as a story of hope and healing quickly turned into one of greed, deception, and shattered lives.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
In this episode of The Opportunist, we follow Charlie Javice, a young fintech founder who sold her startup to JPMorgan Chase for $175 million. But behind the glowing headlines was a stunning fraud that would ultimately bring her empire crashing down.
Thank you to our sponsors:
- Betterhelp: The podcast is supported by Better Help. Get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/OPPORTUNIST
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Mary Mahoney’s Old French House was a beloved Gulf Coast landmark, serving presidents, celebrities, and locals for decades. On this episode of The Opportunist, we uncover the hidden story that threatened to tarnish its celebrated reputation.
Thank you to our sponsors:
- Betterhelp: The podcast is supported by Better Help. Get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/OPPORTUNIST
- Simplisafe: Get 50% off your new S...
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