Bell's Books and Blog April 4, 2025 -- Great Historic Hoaxes, Hustles, and Half-Truths

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April 4, 2025 • 12 mins

In this episode of the Bell's Books and Blog Podcast, Author Jane M. Bell explores the stories behind historical cons and hoaxes, starting with the infamous snake oil scam. Initially a legitimate treatment brought by Chinese immigrants, the term 'snake oil' became synonymous with fraud due to Clark Stanley's deceptive marketing tactics. Bell then shifts focus to Coca-Cola's complex history, from its beginnings as a casualty of the U.S. Civil War to becoming a global powerhouse and American icon. Finally, she examines the rise and dramatic fall of Elizabeth Holmes, a Silicon Valley entrepreneur who deceived investors with faulty health technology, emphasizing the importance of skepticism and thorough validation.

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.css-14f5ked{margin:0;word-break:break-word;display:-webkit-box;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;box-orient:vertical;-webkit-line-clamp:2;overflow:hidden;}Bell's Books and Blog April 4, 2025 -- Great Historic Hoaxes, Hustles, and Half-Truths