The Opportunist tells true stories of regular people who turn sinister by embracing opportunity. How does an everyday person turn into a thief, a scammer or a cult leader? Perhaps the most dangerous person is the one who appears the most normal. Perhaps there is a dark potential lurking inside all of us that is just waiting for the right opportunity to emerge. The Opportunist is an original podcast hosted by Hannah Smith.
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As the veteran and former spokesperson for the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency, Garrison Courtney seemed destined to end up as a Washington, DC powerbroker. But Courtney had a secret. He was a conman and was tricking some of America’s most senior National Security officials out of millions of dollars.Autor: info@podcastone.com
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Vigilante - Byron David Smith: THE DEER HUNTER
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Byron Smith was tired of his home being burgled. He said it had been broken into at least a half dozen times. And he was determined not to let it happen again.So, Smith set a trap and laid in wait to protect his “castle.”When two teenage cousins broke into his house on Elm Street, it set off a true-life horror story.Listen to Vigilante:https://podc…
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Vault Release: CHRIS BATHUM Part 5 of 5: Criminal
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Multiple investigations close in on Chris Bathum as his behavior leads to dire consequences, including a drug arrest with a former CRLA client named Erika Littell. As his criminal trial gets underway, the prosecution battles with the idea of victim credibility, and Chris' defense is unintentionally reinvigorated thanks to evidence provided by Cliff…
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Vault Release: CHRIS BATHUM Part 4 of 5: The Sleeping Bear
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Rose searches for evidence to bring to law enforcement and comes across a CRLA laptop, as Jill realizes the awful truth behind Chris' behavior. A hopeful new client named Amanda enters CRLA with the intent to stay sober, but suddenly finds herself isolated and alone with Chris Bathum.Autor: info@podcastone.com
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Vault Release: CHRIS BATHUM Part 3 of 5: Rumors
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More rumors circulate around Chris Bathum, especially over the death of a beloved client named Mo. Meanwhile, a devoted employee named Jill is skeptical of CRLA's insurance billing and Rose sets out to find the truth behind the biggest rumor of them all.Autor: info@podcastone.com
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Vault Release: CHRIS BATHUM Part 2 of 5: Hypnotist
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Chris tells Rose that all the rumors about him are because of Cliff Brodsky, a former investor in CRLA's predecessor, Walking Miracles. Chris paints Brodsky as his nemesis, an unhinged wild card who wants to destroy their community. But his battle against Brodsky gets out of hand when he suggests desperate measures to stop him.…
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Vault Release: CHRIS BATHUM Part 1 of 5: Rehab Mogul
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In 2013, Rose Stahl sought the help of Christopher Bathum, a therapist and CEO of a burgeoning recovery organization called Community Recovery Los Angeles. Chris would eventually offer Rose a job at CRLA. But after a while, she started hearing unsettling rumors surrounding Chris' behavior, especially towards female clients. Find the episode transcr…
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Two years ago, Kyle MacLachlan, the star of Twin Peaks, called investigative journalist Joshua Davis with a strange story. Kyle had heard a rumor that Pablo Escobar did a deal in the early 1980s with a remote, coastal Southern town of 300 people. In exchange for vast wealth and limitless cocaine, Escobar would be allowed to land planes and ships in…
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In this wrap up episode for 2023, Hannah revisits some of your favorite episodes and seasons and gives updates! She also takes questions and voicemails from listeners, including one listener who writes in with a bizarre mystery that she wants your help to solve. Hannah checks back in with people she interviewed years ago as well as gives an update …
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MARC ST-ONGE Part 1 of 1: The Mudman
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In early 2021, a new product went viral in health and wellness spaces on Facebook. Black Oxygen Organics (or BOO) was an MLM selling what was touted as the "miracle cure." What was it? It was mud. Actual mud that people were eating, drinking, bathing in and giving to their babies and pets. Many claimed it cured their COVID symptoms. But this produc…
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Enjoy today's mini episode about a guardianship scam and please send your stories and questions to: hannahmegsmith@gmail.com or on Instagram or Twitter/X @hannahpodcasts Thank you Lindsey Dominguez for sharing your story! Her podcast is called What's Up ABQ.Autor: info@podcastone.com
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KIMBERLY SMITH Part 5 of 5: A Breath of Stale Air
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Fred and Stacia anxiously wait for Kimberly Smith to face justice and continue to look for answers as to how Goldie Robinson died.You can purchase Opportunist merchandise here: https://theopportunistpodcast.com/Thank you to our sponsors:Hello Fresh: Go to Hellofresh.com/50opp and use code 50opp for 50% off plus free shipping!Go to HelloFresh dot co…
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KIMBERLY SMITH Part 4 of 5: The Motel Room
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While the fraud case against Kimberly Smith had a robust paper trail, the homicide case did not. Detectives interview Adam Smith and his high school friend about the events surrounding Arthur Sheldon's death and a motel room in Orange City, Florida. You can purchase Opportunist merchandise here: https://theopportunistpodcast.com/Thank you to our sp…
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KIMBERLY SMITH Part 3 of 5: Where is Goldie Robinson?
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Detectives interview Kim's boyfriend, David Enos, looking for answers on Goldie Robinson's whereabouts. There is another discovery in the case that changes the scope and approach of the investigation. You can purchase Opportunist merchandise here: https://theopportunistpodcast.com/Thank you to our sponsors:Hello Fresh: Go to Hellofresh.com/50opp an…
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A gruesome discovery shocks everyone including the detectives and expands the case far beyond one missing person. You can purchase Opportunist merchandise here: https://theopportunistpodcast.com/Thank you to our sponsors:Hello Fresh: Go to Hellofresh.com/50opp and use code 50opp for 50% off plus free shipping!Go to HelloFresh dot com slash 50opp an…
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KIMBERLY SMITH Part 1 of 5: Bad Wrong
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In August of 2010, 78-yr-old Goldie Mae Robinson disappeared. The police investigation upended the quiet little town of South Daytona, Florida. Goldie was in good health, knew her neighbors and had lived in the same mobile home park for over 30 years. Her son Fred was astounded that she has just vanished. The search for Goldie Robinson revealed tha…
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MARION BERNTSEN Part 1 of 1: Paper Terrorist
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Marion Berntsen was in her 70s when she began renting rooms in suburban Illinois, appearing to be a quiet, elderly lady. What her housemates didn't realize is that Marion was actually a domestic terrorist, determined to upend their lives. Listen to The Opportunist ad-free on Amazon Music You can purchase Opportunist merchandise here: https://t…
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GREG GUMUCIO Part 1 of 1: Circle of Trust
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Greg Gumucio was the founder of a yoga empire called Yoga to the People, professing that yoga was for everyone. But behind the loving mantras and thriving studios, was a man obsessed with making money and controlling women. Listen to The Opportunist ad-free on Amazon Music You can purchase Opportunist merchandise here: https://theopportunistpodcast…
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GAYLE PALMER Part 7 of 7: Criminally Minded
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Gayle Palmer moves her program into Nevada after being denied a license to operate in Utah. The Suttons seek justice for Michelle by suing Gayle and Summit Quest. Listen to The Opportunist ad-free on Amazon Music You can purchase Opportunist merchandise here: https://theopportunistpodcast.com/ Thank you to our sponsors: Athena Club Razor: Go to ath…
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GAYLE PALMER Part 6 of 7: Window of Loss
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After discovering the truth about Michelle’s death, Cathy goes on a crusade to shut down Summit Quest. But Gayle is determined to fight. Would she be held responsible for what happened to Michelle? Listen to The Opportunist ad-free on Amazon Music. You can purchase Opportunist merchandise here: https://theopportunistpodcast.com/ Thank you to …
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GAYLE PALMER Part 5 of 7: Far From Over
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Amanda and the other survivors are uncertain of their fate. Gayle Palmer continues to operate Summit Quest even as she’s being investigated for Michelle’s death. Meanwhile, Cathy Sutton begins to piece together the truth of what happened. Listen to The Opportunist ad-free on Amazon Music You can purchase Opportunist merchandise here: ht…
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GAYLE PALMER Part 4 of 7: I Hate This Place
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Amanda DeRose attended Summit Quest with Michelle in May of 1990. She shares her experience of the program, including what happened to Michelle on the last day of her life. Listen to The Opportunist ad-free on Amazon Music You can purchase Opportunist merchandise here: https://theopportunistpodcast.com/ Thank you to our sponsors: Athena Club Razor:…
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GAYLE PALMER Part 3 of 7: Damage Control
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The Sutton family continues to search for answers as an investigation is opened into Michelle’s death. Gayle Palmer tries to convince the Suttons, the police, and the media that Summit Quest is not at fault, even as evidence to the contrary begins to emerge. Listen to The Opportunist ad-free on Amazon Music You can purchase Opportunist mercha…
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GAYLE PALMER Part 2 of 7: The Price of Admission
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Before Summit Quest, Gayle Palmer worked at another wilderness therapy program called Challenger. Challenger was founded by Steve Cartisano, who is generally viewed now as a con artist. Listen to The Opportunist ad-free on Amazon Music You can purchase Opportunist merchandise here: https://theopportunistpodcast.com/…
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GAYLE PALMER Part 1 of 7: The Deadly Mirage
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In May of 1990, 15-year-old Michelle Sutton attended a wilderness therapy program called Summit Quest. It was a 63-day program promoted as a way to help stuggling teens, founded by Gayle Palmer. But after only nine days, Michelle Sutton was dead. Was this a tragic accident, or the result of a more calcuated pattern of abuse in a burgeoning industry…
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