Episode 36 - Charles Ponzi + Andre Riela and Madame Antoinette Sherri

First Bec (they/them) gives us a history lesson about Charles Ponzi, the namesake of the Ponzi Scheme. Sometimes referred to as a pyramid scheme, either way, it spells financial trouble. We learn all about how this Italian immigrant took America by storm and what exactly makes this scheme illegal.

Then Adam (he/him) tells us about a couple who could very well be reality stars of today. Unfortunately, they were ahead of their time and their dramatics played out in the paper. Andre Riela (one of the many names of Anthony Macaluso) escapes to Paris and ends up meeting someone as dramatic as him, Madame Antoinette Sherri. The two head back to America eager to make waves, getting their name in the papers, becoming broadway legends, building famous party homes; these two live many lives and we are lucky enough to be taken along for the ride.

Bec's sources:

• ​​https://www.npr.org/transcripts/1150332566
• Wiki
• ​​https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/in-ponzi-we-trust-64016168/ 

Adam's Sources:

• The Audacious Tabloid Couple Who Scammed Their Way Into New York's High Society
• The Fascinating Madame Sherri |
• The Tombs - Wikipedia

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