Comedy
**ScamWow**

Scammers, swindlers, con artists: unethical rogues who should be brought to justice? Or brilliant players in the game of capitalism that can help you get a free mattress? Comedian and author Caitlin Brodnick can’t always decide. Each week, join Caitlin and a special guest as they dive into current and historic scams, from skillful mobsters to Real Housewives fraudsters, from MLMs to YouTube grifters. Together, they’ll explore the thin line between swindle and survival, between fleecing an easy mark and just launching a startup. Listen and embrace the art of the dupe with true crime’s less-disturbing sister: the true con.

Latest Episodes:

S02E025 - Don’t Incriminate Yourself with Sticky Notes: The NYPD Cop Scam W/ Allen Arthur Aug 04, 2022

Show notes

Journalist and husband extraordinaire Allen Arthur joins Caity to explore a top cop con job. They discuss the recent scam pulled by former NYPD Sergeants Benevolent Association President Ed Mullins, in which he (allegedly) used around $1 million of his union’s money to fund his grocery shopping and steakhouse dinners.

Not only did this special boy in blue (allegedly) defraud his own union members, but he found the time to dox former Mayor Bill de Blasio’s daughter on Twitter! (That’s not allegedly. That one definitely happened.)

There’s really nothing like a guy tweeting about the dangers of crime while skimming a few hundred grand of cop money. And the way this hero does it (allegedly) is jaw-dropping. Because hey, if you can expense a dinner for $50.00 why not make it $500? They’re just numbers guys!

Plus hear all our uncut bits and more on our Patreon.

RESOURCES:

Dept. of Justice press release

Full indictment

ProPublica reporting on Ed Mullins’ history

Now he’s getting sued

So don’t you want to think beyond police? https://millionexperiments.com

Get those couch DISCOUNTS!!! https://allform.com/lp/scamwow/podcasts

DISCLAIMER: We are comedians and this is satire. C’mon

Send us your scams!

scamwowpodcast@gmail.com

Or call: 347-509-9414

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S02E024 - Jen Shah’s Shamazing Shocker W/ Ellen Haun Jul 21, 2022

Show notes

ScamWow’s fan favorite Ellen Haun is back to discuss our beloved Jen Shah. Nothing about this case quite adds up from last season's canceled uber rides to her recent guilty plea, she keeps us guessing. Jen Shah is one of the Real Housewives of Salt Lake City who has lived a life of luxury, and much of that luxury was from a scheme where she sold and traded personal information of the elderly! Gross. Shah, who has claimed originally to be innocent appeared in front of US District Judge Sidney Stein this month to change her plea to GUILTY.

Our last episode with comedian, and writer Ellen Haun was so popular we had to have a quick sit down to go over the few facts and figures released about this case. Because no matter how vague, unclear, or random they may be, we love a good shah shocker.

Plus hear more on our Patreon.

RESOURCES:

Real Housewives Star Jen Shah Just Pled Guilty to Fraud. Here's What Happens Next

‘RHOSLC’ star Jen Shah pleads guilty in fraud case, PageSix

Andy Cohen Is 'Especially Upset' for Fraud 'Victims' After RHOSLC's Jen Shah Enters Guilty Plea, People.com

https://twitter.com/innercitypress/status/1546503403806883841?s=20&t=zn35xDqtM6UMnxmlsV0cKQ

Find us on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/scamwowpodcast?fan_landing=true

Get those couch DISCOUNTS!!! https://allform.com/lp/scamwow/podcasts

DISCLAIMER: We are comedians and this is satire. C’mon

Send us your scams!

scamwowpodcast@gmail.com

Or call: 347-509-9414

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S02E23 - Chrisley Knows House Arrest w/ Molly Thomas Jul 14, 2022

Show notes

Have you ever watched Chrisley Knows Best, because we sure haven’t! But that is not an issue because this reality star scam is so transparent you could write it yourself. Comedian Molly Thomas joins Caitlin to discuss this trainwreck of a family, their go-to scheme, and their fraud conviction... which apparently will be airing on USA Network next season! Nothing is sacred in reality television, except for uber-religious people lying about their taxes. Also, for all you Chrisleyheads, if your dad is threatening you with a sex tape — time to get a new dad!

Plus hear more on our Patreon.

RESOURCES:

Department of Justice Chrisley Conviction 2022

Department of Justice Chrisley Indictment 2019

USA Will Still Air Chrisley Knows Best After Fraud Conviction

Harvard Lawyer Lee

https://www.ajc.com/life/radiotvtalk-blog/todd-and-julie-chrisley-on-trial-federal-case-is-underway-in-atlanta/2JVOQ332SRDEJC77EZQV6LQVB4/

https://www.reuters.com/world/us/reality-tvs-chrisley-knows-best-stars-found-guilty-fraud-tax-evasion-2022-06-08/

https://www.insider.com/todd-julie-chrisley-trial-recap-what-we-learned-2022-5

https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2022/06/chrisley-knows-best-stars-face-up-to-30-years-in-prison-on-federal-fraud-convictions

https://www.tennessean.com/story/entertainment/people/2022/05/17/chrisley-family-crime-trouble-tax-evasion-bank-fraud/9805409002/

Find us on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/scamwowpodcast?fan_landing=true

Get those couch DISCOUNTS!!! https://allform.com/lp/scamwow/podcasts

DISCLAIMER: We are comedians and this is satire. C’mon

Send us your scams!

scamwowpodcast@gmail.com

Or call: 347-509-9414

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S02E022 - “Your Beanie Baby is Worthless” W/ Becky Chicoine Jun 30, 2022

Show notes

Did your mom collect beanie babies with hopes it would become your 401k? Well so did everyone! And this investment went the way of the tomigachi. Sit back and enjoy this journey through the many lies we’ve told ourselves about millions of plush toys.

Becky Chicoine, comedian, and actress, dissects her own personal beanie baby collection. Her mother is still convinced it could one day pay off. If only she had collected cool edgy toys like comic books, she would be rolling in dough.

https://www.forbes.com/profile/ty-warner/?sh=4877d936d708

https://nypost.com/2015/02/22/how-the-beanie-baby-craze-was-concocted-then-crashed/

https://public.com/learn/beanie-babies-boom

https://www.wbur.org/hereandnow/2015/03/02/beanie-baby-bubble

https://www.businessinsider.com/rise-and-fall-beanie-babies-ty-warner-2021-8

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ty_Warner

https://luxe.digital/lifestyle/scene/most-valuable-beanie-babies/

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S02E021 - “Scam Calls Are Ramping it up For Summer w/ Gwynna Forgham-Thrift” Jun 23, 2022

Show notes

Are you a creative engineer who recently lost a job? Are you an unemployed actor? Are you looking to get back at the “man”? Well this is your summer because scam call centers need smart, self-starters, and creatives like you!

Writer and comedian Gwynna Forgham-Thrift joins Caitlin to discuss the scam phone calls they receive on a daily basis. Unlike Caitlin’s Grandma, who puts those callers in their place, Gwynna engages in the most interesting conversations we’ve heard yet. How do you rescue an iPad from an oven? Also, did you know Publishers Clearing House still exists????? Find out more on this week’s episode!

Plus hear more on our Patreon.

RESOURCES:

https://kfor.com/news/local/oklahoma-city-police-warn-about-hostage-scams/

https://www.nbc4i.com/news/investigates/better-call-4/better-call-4-how-to-avoid-getting-scammed-by-an-amazon-impersonator/

https://www.koaa.com/money/consumer/robocalls-and-scam-texts-pose-a-threat-this-summer-for-those-who-arent-prepared

https://www.wdam.com/2022/06/10/alert-forrest-county-reports-publishers-clearing-house-scam/

https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/publishers-clearing-house-phone-scam/

https://www.usmarshals.gov/news/chron/2022/052022a.htm

https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdtx/pr/scammers-pretending-be-us-attorney-s-office-asking-money

Find us on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/scamwowpodcast?fan_landing=true

Get those couch DISCOUNTS!!! https://allform.com/lp/scamwow/podcasts

DISCLAIMER: We are comedians and this is satire. C’mon

Send us your scams!

scamwowpodcast@gmail.com

Or call: 347-509-9414

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S02E020 - You’re Being Lied To About Baby Formula w/ Dara Katz Jun 16, 2022

Show notes

Comedian and Producer Dara Katz joins Caitlin to discuss her coverage on the current baby formula shortage. In her recent article for Pure Wow “I Need You to Care About the Baby Formula Shortage” Katz addresses the major problems with this crisis. It involves a cover up, whistle blowers, and babies.

You can blame the shortage on supply chains but that is only a fraction of the story. This episode is packed with shocking facts and upsetting truths that can no longer be ignored. And for all the parents out there, we see you.

Plus hear more on our Patreon.

RESOURCES:

I Need You to Care About the Baby Formula Shortage by Dara Katz.

FDA Infant Formula Recall

CNBC Abbott Nutrition restarts baby formula production in reopened Michigan plant

ByHeart

Bobbie

Hipp Baby Formula

https://abc13.com/baby-formula-shortage-enfamil-similac/11954705/

The Hill, House passes bills to address baby formula shortage

CNN Senate passes bill to improve access to baby formula for families in need

President Biden Enacts Bipartisan Law to Address Baby Formula Shortage

https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/2333/text

https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/7790/text

Find us on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/scamwowpodcast?fan_landing=true

Get those couch DISCOUNTS!!! https://allform.com/lp/scamwow/podcasts

DISCLAIMER: We are comedians and this is satire. C’mon

Send us your scams!

scamwowpodcast@gmail.com

Or call: 347-509-9414

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S02E019 - The Great Muppet Caper with Chelsey Whitelock Jun 09, 2022

Show notes

The Summer of Scam Movie of The Week is the iconic Great Muppet Caper. And this week’s guest, performer Chelsey Whitelock, is not only an actor/singer/dancer, but also a muppet expert. The gang’s all here, from Kermit and Miss Piggy to Lady Holiday and Charles Grodin.

Caity and Chelsey unpack the actual caper while indulging in 80’s nostalgia and tallying the benefits of being a blonde. Is lying about your occupation to infiltrate a prison to visit your love who’s in there because she lied about her occupation also and possibly stolen her boss's diamonds a romantic gesture? Find out how this beloved movie (and Miss Piggy’s glamorous grifts) shaped them into the “weirdos” they are today. Plus, you guys think cartoon fox Robin Hood is hot too right???

Plus hear more on our Patreon.

RESOURCES:

The Great Muppet Caper

Robin Hood

Find us on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/scamwowpodcast?fan_landing=true

Get those couch DISCOUNTS!!! https://allform.com/lp/scamwow/podcasts

DISCLAIMER: We are comedians and this is satire. C’mon

Send us your scams!

scamwowpodcast@gmail.com

Or call: 347-509-9414

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S02E018 - Happy Birthday Conor! Throwback Episode: Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn Jun 02, 2022

Show notes

This week is Caitlin’s brother Conor’s birthday and what better way to celebrate than to listen to him talk about a super creepy cult/religion/belief system ?!

Sit back, relax and learn all about the Hermetic Order of the Gold Dawn, with Conor Brodnick!

Music by Conor Brodnick

Resources:

Aleister Crowley: The Beast in Berlin-Art, Sex, and Magick in the Weimar Republic by Tobias Churton

Theosophical Enlightenment by Joscelyn Godwin

https://heterodoxology.com/2011/10/22/who-was-fraulein-sprengel-new-evidence-on-the-origin-of-the-golden-dawn-or-vale-soror-ave-frater/

Plus hear more on our Patreon.

RESOURCES:

Find us on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/scamwowpodcast?fan_landing=true

Get those couch DISCOUNTS!!! https://allform.com/lp/scamwow/podcasts

DISCLAIMER: We are comedians and this is satire. C’mon

Send us your scams!

scamwowpodcast@gmail.com

Or call: 347-509-9414

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S02E019 - To Scam Is to Love, with Angel Yau May 27, 2022

Show notes

Artist, actress, and filmmaker Angel Yau shares her lifelong journey of pulling the kindest scams you’ve ever heard of. Is loving your family so much that you simply lie to them about your life such a bad thing? Maybe it’s secretly the answer to a peaceful home! The emotional level of these scams pushes us closer to “very special episode” territory than we’ve ever been. Should ScamWow sell “Love. Laugh. Lie” throw pillows? Probably not, but this episode covers all that anyway.

Plus hear more on our Patreon.

RESOURCES:

http://angelyau.com

Angel on BBC

More Angel

Find us on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/scamwowpodcast?fan_landing=true

Get those couch DISCOUNTS!!! https://allform.com/lp/scamwow/podcasts

DISCLAIMER: We are comedians and this is satire. C’mon

Send us your scams!

scamwowpodcast@gmail.com

Or call: 347-509-9414

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S02E018 - Hey Hustlers! Money is Meaningless So Make Your Own, with Laura Willcox May 19, 2022

Show notes

Comedian and writer Laura Willcox and Caitlin rewatch the iconic movie Hustlers. Though Hustlers and JLo have been celebrated in past episodes, this conversation takes a sharp turn. They discuss rhinestone thongs, economic challenges, and chinchilla coats. Laura and Caitlin roll up their sleeves and get down and dirty to discuss their new manifesto: Money is worth shit.

Plus hear more on our Patreon.

RESOURCES:

Read Laura’s Book!

http://laurawillcox.com/contact

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5503686/

https://www.thecut.com/2015/12/hustlers-the-real-story-behind-the-movie.html

https://time.com/5671735/hustlers-movie-true-story/

Find us on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/scamwowpodcast?fan_landing=true

Get those couch DISCOUNTS!!! https://allform.com/lp/scamwow/podcasts

DISCLAIMER: We are comedians and this is satire. C’mon

Send us your scams!

scamwowpodcast@gmail.com