Wicked Coin

Latest Episodes:

Collateral Consequences: The Iowa College Sports-Betting Scandal Oct 09, 2025

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For the first episode of Wicked Coin's second season, hosts Tatiana Sainati and Diana Shaw are joined by special guest Colin Cloherty, a Wiley associate and former NFL player, who helps them unravel the explosive details of the Iowa sports-betting scandal that rocked collegiate athletics. What began as a quiet investigation into suspicious betting activity quickly escalated into a sweeping probe implicating dozens of student-athletes across multiple universities. With allegations ranging from underage gambling to falsified identities and insider information, the scandal exposed deep vulnerabilities in the NCAA's oversight and the growing influence of online sportsbooks. Tune in as the team explores the legal fallout, the ethical dilemmas facing college sports, and the broader implications for the future of amateur athletics in America.

Wicked Coin Turns One: Where Are They Now? Aug 14, 2025

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For this milestone episode, hosts Diana Shaw and Tatiana Sainati revisit the most notorious figures and scandals from the past year of Wicked Coin. From political power grabs and corporate corruption to banana barons and bribed admirals, the team checks in on some of the jaw-dropping developments behind your favorite stories. Tune in for a sobering yet insightful look at the progress made – and the setbacks faced – in the ongoing fight against corruption and wrongdoing.

Deceiving Your Way to the American Dream: The George Santos Story Jul 17, 2025

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In this jaw-dropping episode of Wicked Coin, hosts Diana Shaw and Tatiana Sainati are joined by their Wiley colleague Rob Walker – former Chief Counsel to both the House and Senate Ethics Committees – for an unflinching look at the rise and fall of George Santos. From fabricating his résumé and heritage to defrauding donors and misusing campaign funds, Santos' story is a masterclass in audacity and deception. Tune in as the Wiley team unpacks how a man built on lies made it to Congress – and what ultimately brought him down. For more on the rise and fall of George Santos, check out "The Fabulist: The Lying, Hustling, Grifting, Stealing, and Very American Legend of George Santos" by Mark Chiusano.

Signed, Sealed, Prosecuted: The UK Post Office Scandal Jun 26, 2025

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Join hosts Tatiana Sainati and Diana Shaw as they unravel one of the most shocking corruption scandals in modern British history – the UK Post Office Horizon debacle. From a centuries-old institution to a catastrophic IT failure that led to the wrongful prosecution of over 900 subpostmasters, this episode dives deep into how systemic failure, blind institutional loyalty, and a flawed sense of virtue devastated lives. Prepare to be outraged by a cover-up that shattered lives and public trust for decades.

Dictator Deluxe: Chechnya's Eccentric Strongman May 07, 2025

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Join hosts Diana Shaw and Tatiana Sainati as they explore the captivating and controversial life of the current head of the Chechen Republic. In this episode, they unpack one man's rise to power, including his opulent lifestyle and the dark underbelly of his regime. From lavish palaces and exotic pets to allegations of human rights abuses and corruption, this episode uncovers the many facets of a leader who is equal parts bling, violence, nationalism, and religion. Discover how this cult of personality has shaped Chechnya and the implications for its future.

Oil, Opulence, and One Crystal-Encrusted Michael Jackson Glove Apr 16, 2025

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Join hosts Tatiana Sainati and Diana Shaw as they delve into the harrowing history of corruption and violence in the Republic of Equatorial Guinea. Discover how a single political family managed to siphon off the nation's vast oil wealth and amass an astonishing portfolio of assets, including 11 luxury sports cars, lavish mansion estates, and a collection of Michael Jackson memorabilia. Tune in to learn about the international efforts to hold these kleptocrats accountable.

Peeling Back the Bruising History of the Banana Trade Mar 12, 2025

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Join hosts Diana Shaw and Tatiana Sainati as they explore the fascinating and dark history of the banana trade in the latest episode of Wicked Coin. From the entrepreneurial spirit of Minor Cooper Keith in the late 1800s to the rise of the United Fruit Company and its impact on Central and South America, this episode uncovers the shocking tale of corruption, labor exploitation, and political manipulation that shaped the banana industry. Discover how a seemingly innocent fruit found itself at the center of power struggles, economic monopolies, and even terrorist funding. It's bananas!

The Iron Fist of General Sani Abacha, Nigeria's Ruthless Dictator Feb 13, 2025

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Join hosts Tatiana Sainati and Diana Shaw as they delve into the gripping story of General Sani Abacha, the Nigerian dictator who embezzled billions of dollars and ruled with an iron fist from 1993 to 1998. Known for his ruthless tactics, including a personal security force trained in North Korea and the violent suppression of opposition members, Abacha's relentless pursuit of wealth and power ultimately led to his downfall. Tune in to learn more about the international efforts to recover Nigeria's stolen wealth and the lasting impact of Abacha's regime on the country.

"Dumplings," Diamonds, & Plea Deals: Brazil's Operation Car Wash Dec 11, 2024

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Join hosts Diana Shaw and Tatiana Sainati as they delve into the gripping tale of Operation Car Wash, one of the largest corruption scandals in history. Discover how a small money laundering investigation into a car wash unraveled a web of institutionalized crime, reaching the highest levels of Brazil's political and commercial spheres.

For more information on Operation Car Wash, check out: Operation Car Wash: Brazil's Institutionalized Crime and the Inside Story of the Biggest Corruption Scandal in History, by Jorge Pontes and Marcio Anselmo Operation Car Wash: Is this the biggest corruption scandal in history?, Jonathan Watts, The Guardian Brazil's supreme court overturns 'Car Wash' corruption convictions, Michael Pooler, Financial Times

Ukraine's Legacy of Corruption: From Kuchma to Yanukovych Nov 14, 2024

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In this episode of Wicked Coin, hosts Diana Shaw and Tatiana Sainati delve into the controversies surrounding Victor Yanukovych's presidency in Ukraine from 2010 to 2014. During his tenure, Ukraine was heavily affected by corruption, with scandals and governance issues leaving a lasting impact on the country. Join Diana and Tatiana as they trace the history of corruption in Ukraine leading up to Yanukovych's administration and explore how this era of corruption has impacted present-day Ukraine.

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