Comedy writer and self-proclaimed scammer Gilli Nissim (The Other Two) joins the Con-gregation to help Laci discuss Guru Jagat—aka white woman Katie Griggs—who's the kundalini yoga cult leader and conspiracy theorist subject of the new HBO docuseries "Breath of Fire." But first, Gilli teaches us how to scam your way to cash and prizes by running an old-fashioned scavenger hunt. DISCLAIMER: This episode will dishearten all fans of Yogi Tea and Kettle Chips. Stay schemin'!
This story was primarily reported by Hayley Phelan in her 2021 Vanity Fair profile "The Second Coming of Guru Jagat" and the new HBO docuseries "Breath of Fire" based on her writing.
Buy Laci's book “Scam Goddess: Lessons from a Life of Cons, Grifts and Schemes":
https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/laci-mosley/scam-goddess/9780762484652/?lens=running-press
Follow on Instagram:
Scam Goddess Pod: @scamgoddesspod
Laci Mosley: @divalaci
Gilli Nissim: @time2getgill
Research by Kate Doyle.
SOURCES:
https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2021/11/the-second-coming-of-guru-jagat
https://www.max.com/shows/breath-of-fire/64f63cfe-94c5-4f33-835a-68915f1f4960
https://time.com/7096209/breath-of-fire-hbo-guru-jagat/
https://laist.com/podcasts/imperfectparadise/queen-of-conspiracy-theories
https://www.npr.org/2023/01/02/1146318331/yoga-guru-qanon-conspiracy-theories
https://www.marieclaire.com/culture/tv-shows/who-is-guru-jagat-breath-of-fire/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CjMnhthTV-0&t=3157s
https://www.instagram.com/robotic_disaster/
Get access to all the podcasts you love, music channels and radio shows with the SiriusXM App! Get 3 months free using this show link: https://siriusxm.com/scam.
If you got unemployed roommates, put your headphones ON as today things get a lil' raunchy with Brandon Kyle Goodman, the host of the new "Tell Me Something Messy" podcast from iHeartMedia's Outspoken Podcast Network. Brandon helps us discuss Alan Todd May—a career criminal who started out committing check fraud and ended up hoodwinking investors out of millions by pretending he was an oil tycoon. Stay schemin'!
This story was primarily reported by Charles Bethea in his 2024 New Yorker article “The Fake Oilman”:
https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/the-fake-oilman
Signed copies of Laci's book are back in stock on Podswag:
https://www.podswag.com/collections/scam-goddess/products/signed-scam-goddess-lessons-from-a-life-of-cons-grifts-and-schemes
Follow on Instagram:
Scam Goddess Pod: @scamgoddesspod
Laci Mosley: @divalaci
Brandon Kyle Goodman: @brandonkylegoodman
Research by Kate Doyle.
SOURCES:
https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/the-fake-oilman
https://www.justice.gov/archive/usao/txn/PressRel12/may_sen_pr.html
https://www.courthousenews.com/dallas-man-gets-20-years-for-7-million-scam/
https://archives.fbi.gov/archives/dallas/press-releases/2010/dl120610.htm
https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/colorado-fugitive-alan-todd-may-captured-florida-leading-posh-lifestyle-flaunting-wealth/
https://www.dallasobserver.com/news/alan-todd-may-once-a-fugitive-always-a-con-man-gets-20-years-for-ripping-off-investors-7131761
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100012714728976
Get access to all the podcasts you love, music channels and radio shows with the SiriusXM App! Get 3 months free using this show link: https://siriusxm.com/scam.
Comedian Atsuko Okatsuka joins the show to discuss how Dan Mallory, the author of the best-selling novel “The Woman in the Window,” took many of the plot points from deception and fraud in his own life of publishing. Plus, Elizabeth Holmes, the founder of Theranos, was sentenced to more than 11 years in prison. Stay schemin’! (Originally Released 12/05/2022)
Laci’s book is out now! Order “Scam Goddess: Lessons from a Life of Cons, Grifts and Schemes" here:
https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/laci-mosley/scam-goddess/9780762484652/?lens=running-press
Follow on Instagram:
Scam Goddess Pod: @scamgoddesspod
Laci Mosley: @divalaci
Atsuko Okatsuka: @atsukocomedy
Research by Kaelyn Brandt.
SOURCES:
https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2019/02/11/a-suspense-novelists-trail-of-deceptions
https://www.nj.com/news/2022/05/nj-man-stole-150k-in-10-state-unemployment-fraud-feds-say.html
https://www.nj.com/news/2022/11/unemployment-scammer-who-stole-400k-bragged-on-instagram-pleads-guilty.html
https://www.thecut.com/2019/02/the-best-character-in-the-dan-mallory-scammer-story.html
https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-47144368
Get access to all the podcasts you love, music channels and radio shows with the SiriusXM App! Get 3 months free using this show link: https://siriusxm.com/scam.
Comedy writer and self-proclaimed scammer Gilli Nissim (The Other Two) joins the Con-gregation to help Laci discuss Guru Jagat—aka white woman Katie Griggs—who's the kundalini yoga cult leader and conspiracy theorist subject of the new HBO docuseries "Breath of Fire." But first, Gilli teaches us how to scam your way to cash and prizes by running an old-fashioned scavenger hunt. DISCLAIMER: This episode will dishearten all fans of Yogi Tea and Kettle Chips. Stay schemin'!
This story was primarily reported by Hayley Phelan in her 2021 Vanity Fair profile "The Second Coming of Guru Jagat" and the new HBO docuseries "Breath of Fire" based on her writing.
Buy Laci's book “Scam Goddess: Lessons from a Life of Cons, Grifts and Schemes":
https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/laci-mosley/scam-goddess/9780762484652/?lens=running-press
Follow on Instagram:
Scam Goddess Pod: @scamgoddesspod
Laci Mosley: @divalaci
Gilli Nissim: @time2getgill
Research by Kate Doyle.
SOURCES:
https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2021/11/the-second-coming-of-guru-jagat
https://www.max.com/shows/breath-of-fire/64f63cfe-94c5-4f33-835a-68915f1f4960
https://time.com/7096209/breath-of-fire-hbo-guru-jagat/
https://laist.com/podcasts/imperfectparadise/queen-of-conspiracy-theories
https://www.npr.org/2023/01/02/1146318331/yoga-guru-qanon-conspiracy-theories
https://www.marieclaire.com/culture/tv-shows/who-is-guru-jagat-breath-of-fire/
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/russell-brand-magic-amulet-wifi-airestech-tiktok-b2629426.html
https://www.3ho.org/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CjMnhthTV-0&t=3157s
https://www.instagram.com/robotic_disaster/
Get access to all the podcasts you love, music channels and radio shows with the SiriusXM App! Get 3 months free using this show link: https://siriusxm.com/scam.
Danielle Pinnock (Ghosts, Young Sheldon) joins the Con-gregation to discuss Nakesia Washington, a scamming travel agent who specialized in planning trips for the Essence Festival, only to leave clients high and dry. Plus, romance fraud is on the rise and one man sends nearly $500,000 to a love interest he never met. Stay schemin’! (Originally Released 04/11/2022)
Laci’s book is out now! Order “Scam Goddess: Lessons from a Life of Cons, Grifts and Schemes" here:
https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/laci-mosley/scam-goddess/9780762484652/?lens=running-press
Follow on Instagram:
Scam Goddess Pod: @scamgoddesspod
Laci Mosley: @divalaci
Danielle Pinnock: @bodycourage
Research by Kaelyn Brandt.
SOURCES:
https://www.blackenterprise.com/travel-agent-arrested-essence-festival/
https://www.nola.com/news/courts/article_1966499c-9d9e-11e9-874b-9b8a792ac22f.html
https://www.wdsu.com/article/she-hurt-a-lot-of-people-bbb-says-about-obl-travel-owner-after-getting-45-complaints/22692013
https://www.lipstickalley.com/threads/essence-fest-scam-obl-travel-many-claimed-they-have-lost-thousands.1688299/
https://alwaysalist.com/?p=15543
Get access to all the podcasts you love, music channels and radio shows with the SiriusXM App! Get 3 months free using this show link: https://siriusxm.com/scam.
Andy Richter (The Three Questions, Conan) joins the Con-gregation to break down the story of the An0m encrypted cell phone—a phone branded as "by criminals for criminals"—and international gangster Maximilian "Microsoft" Rivkin who became a criminal influencer for the company. Make sure you listen 'til the end 'cause there's a twist! Stay schemin'!
This story was primarily reported by Joseph Cox in his book Dark Wire:
https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/joseph-cox/dark-wire/9781541702691/
Listen to the Andy Richter Call-In Show: Wednesdays on SiriusXM's Conan O'Brien Radio (Channel 104)
Buy Laci's book “Scam Goddess: Lessons from a Life of Cons, Grifts and Schemes":
https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/laci-mosley/scam-goddess/9780762484652/?lens=running-press
Follow on Instagram:
Scam Goddess Pod: @scamgoddesspod
Laci Mosley: @divalaci
Andy Richter: @richtercommaandy
Research by Jack Pineda.
SOURCES:
https://www.wired.com/story/inside-biggest-fbi-sting-operation-in-history/
https://books.google.com/books/about/Dark_Wire.html?id=L9faEAAAQBAJ
https://therecord.media/maximilian-rivkin-fbi-europol-reward-anom-encrypted-phones
https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/the-us-and-sweden-have-put-a-bounty-on-the-head-of-alleged-an0m-gangster-maximilian-rivkin/news-story/1a92d24061aa3cf4d1e55bf458bd1de9
https://www.vice.com/en/article/anom-phone-arcaneos-fbi-backdoor/
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whats-the-best-phone-to-do-crimes-on/id1614253637?i=1000665605260
Get access to all the podcasts you love, music channels and radio shows with the SiriusXM App! Get 3 months free using this show link: https://siriusxm.com/scam.
Cody Ziglar (Futurama, Rick and Morty) joins the Con-gregation to talk about an ex-convict claiming to be the reincarnation of Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard. Plus, a teen allegedly steals nearly $1 million from a Kroger grocery store. Stay schemin'! (Originally Released 05/03/2021)
Laci’s book is out now! Order “Scam Goddess: Lessons from a Life of Cons, Grifts and Schemes" here:
https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/laci-mosley/scam-goddess/9780762484652/?lens=running-press
Follow on Instagram:
Scam Goddess Pod: @scamgoddesspod
Laci Mosley: @divalaci
Cody Ziglar: @yayforzig
Research by Sharilyn Vera
SOURCES:
https://www.vice.com/en/article/3kgkwv/this-guy-claims-to-be-the-reincarnation-of-l-ron-hubbard
https://www.businessinsider.com/craziest-scientology-facts-leah-remini-2017-1#there-are-at-least-two-mansions-in-california-that-are-maintained-staffed-and-stocked-with-food-in-the-event-of-hubbards-return-wright-says-18
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/atlanta-area-teen-stole-nearly-1m-kroger-grocery-store-over-n1255199
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JR03drjMuIU
Get access to all the podcasts you love, music channels and radio shows with the SiriusXM App! Get 3 months free using this show link: https://siriusxm.com/scam.
Jamie Loftus (Sixteenth Minute of Fame) helps tell Laci's Version of the Taylor Swift New Orleans Holiday House fan meetup that went from daydream to nightmare when superfan Rebecca Fox couldn't deliver on her many promises for the event. Plus, a listener warns us of a poppin' new scam on the streets where unsolicited checks are being sent to people to trick them into signing up for predatory loans. Stay schemin' Con-gregation!
Buy Laci's book “Scam Goddess: Lessons from a Life of Cons, Grifts and Schemes":
https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/laci-mosley/scam-goddess/9780762484652/?lens=running-press
Follow on Instagram:
Scam Goddess Pod: @scamgoddesspod
Laci Mosley: @divalaci
Jamie Loftus: @jamiechristsuperstar
Research by Kate Doyle.
SOURCES:
https://people.com/woman-books-191-hotel-rooms-taylor-swift-new-orleans-eras-tour-exclusive-8731935
https://www.whiskeyriff.com/2024/11/01/taylor-swift-holiday-house-new-orleans/
https://www.fox8live.com/2024/11/01/metairie-woman-who-booked-191-hotel-rooms-retains-lawyer-swifties-suggest-they-were-scammed/
https://betches.com/new-orleans-holiday-house-drama-rebecca-fox/
https://kpel965.com/new-orleans-taylor-swift-holiday-house-hotel-block-complaints-allegations/
Get access to all the podcasts you love, music channels and radio shows with the SiriusXM App! Get 3 months free using this show link: https://siriusxm.com/scam.
Tracy Clayton joins the Con-gregation to talk about Frank Tassone—the superintendent with a 4.0 average in fraud! Frank stole $11.2 million from a Long Island school district and was later portrayed by Hugh Jackman in the HBO movie Bad Education. Plus, we cover a good old-fashioned pyramid scheme from Tracy and Laci’s favorite white woman: Tyra Banks! Stay schemin'! (Originally Released 06/01/2020)
Laci’s book is out now! Order “Scam Goddess: Lessons from a Life of Cons, Grifts and Schemes" here:
https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/laci-mosley/scam-goddess/9780762484652/?lens=running-press
Follow on Instagram:
Scam Goddess Pod: @scamgoddesspod
Laci Mosley: @divalaci
Tracy Clayton: @brokeymcpoverty
Research by Sharilyn Vera
SOURCES:
https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-features/bad-education-hbo-true-story-scandal-fact-check-992263/
https://www.townandcountrymag.com/leisure/arts-and-culture/a32291684/bad-education-hbo-true-story-frank-tassone-pamela-gluckin/
https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/movies/a32268352/bad-education-hbo-true-story-frank-tassone-now/
https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2019/09/hugh-jackman-movie-bad-education-scandal
https://www.thecut.com/2016/06/tyra-banks-beautytainer.html
Get access to all the podcasts you love, music channels and radio shows with the SiriusXM App! Get 3 months free using this show link: https://siriusxm.com/scam.
Conan O'Brien, the man with "con" in his name, helps Laci discuss stock market manipulator Jordan Belfort who was famously portrayed by Leonardo DiCaprio in the Wolf of Wall Street. Along the way, Laci tries to teach Conan how to sound less like a cop (hint: it doesn’t work). Stay schemin' con-gregation! (Originally Released 10/26/2020)
Buy Laci's book “Scam Goddess: Lessons from a Life of Cons, Grifts and Schemes":
https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/laci-mosley/scam-goddess/9780762484652/?lens=running-press
Follow on Instagram:
Scam Goddess Pod: @scamgoddesspod
Laci Mosley: @divalaci
Conan O'Brien: @teamcoco
Research by Sharilyn Vera.
SOURCES:
https://www.businessinsider.com/revisiting-jordan-belfort-the-wolf-of-wall-street-2010-3#who-is-jordan-belfort-1
https://www.investopedia.com/investing/who-is-jordan-belfort/
https://wealthlab.co/pump-and-dump-explained
https://www.investopedia.com/ask/answers/05/061205.asp
https://www.crimemuseum.org/crime-library/white-collar-crime/jordan-belfort/
https://www.historyvshollywood.com/reelfaces/the-wolf-of-wall-street.php
Get access to all the podcasts you love, music channels and radio shows with the SiriusXM App! Get 3 months free using this show link: https://siriusxm.com/scam.
Comedian Nicole Parker (Mad TV, The Neighborhood Listen) is here to discuss the inspiration behind the Kristen Bell movie Queenpins: a group of housewives who ran a multi-million dollar fraudulent coupon operation. Plus, somebody’s scamming Nickelback fans. Stay schemin' con-gregation! (Originally Released 08/30/2021)
Laci’s book is out now! Order “Scam Goddess: Lessons from a Life of Cons, Grifts and Schemes" here:
https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/laci-mosley/scam-goddess/9780762484652/?lens=running-press
Follow on Instagram:
Scam Goddess Pod: @scamgoddesspod
Laci Mosley: @divalaci
Nicole Parker: @nfparkergirl
Research by Kaelyn Brandt
SOURCES:
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-9789433/Arizona-women-busted-25-MILLION-counterfeit-coupons-inspired-new-movie-Kristen-Bell.html
https://www.businessinsider.com/massive-counterfeit-coupon-ring-busted-in-arizona-2012-7
https://couponsinthenews.com/2013/03/12/counterfeit-coupon-ringleader-pleads-guilty/
https://jillcataldo.com/woman_bought_600_counterfeit_coupons/
CBS TV’s “Pink Collar Crimes”, 2018, Season 1 Episode 7, “The Queen of Coupons”
https://nypost.com/2021/05/07/nickelback-fans-are-now-getting-catfished/
Get access to all the podcasts you love, music channels and radio shows with the SiriusXM App! Get 3 months free using this show link: https://siriusxm.com/scam.
Laci Mosley is a Black American actor, comedian, and podcaster. She performs improv comedy at UCB Los Angeles and is a series regular in Season 2 of HBO's "A Black Lady Sketch Show," and in the ShowMax comedy series "Florida Girls." She is also a cast member in Paramount+'s "iCarly" reboot and a contributor on ABC's "The Con."
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