Patia shares a conversation she had with Shileshia and Eric Milligan, a couple who became victims of adoption fraud in 2019 after self-matching through a Facebook group. What began with hope quickly turned to fear when the teen birth mother claimed she was in danger. Then, Hannah unpacks the story of Tara Lee, the woman behind a multi-million dollar adoption scam that operated out of Michigan. 

National Council for Adoption: How to Avoid Adoption Scams: https://adoptioncouncil.org/article/howtoavoidadoptionscams/ 

Recommendations: “Couples Therapy” documentary series  

Adoption Scam Artist Sentenced to Federal Prison: https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/macomb-county/2020/02/26/macomb-co-adoption-scam-artist-tara-lee-sentenced-federal-prison/4879858002/ 

Couples Therapy Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XmmIoCQ40hs 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On November 23, 1985, Jackie Pflug took her seat aboard EgyptAir Flight 648. When the plane reached flying altitude, several men forcefully took control of the plane. Jackie’s flight was being hijacked. Jackie miraculously survived, but many others did not. Decades later, she tells a story of bravery, profound loss and hope. 

Sydney Morning Herald – 

https://www.smh.com.au/world/europe/from-the-archives-1985-massacre-on-hijacked-egyptair-flight-648-20191122-p53d4w.html 

Miles to Go Before I Sleep, by Jackie Pflug – 

https://www.amazon.com/Miles-Before-Sleep-Survivors-Terrorist/dp/1568388373 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A listener sends in a tip about an international conman, Chadwick Hauser – who is still on the run. Through an interview with his ex-wife, Hannah tells Patia the story of a man whose scams have ruined lives across the world and whose victim list is still growing. For Chad’s ex-wife, Jordana, the end of their marriage was just the beginning. When the man she thought she loved vanished with her children, she would stop at nothing to get them back. 

Victims of Chadwick Peel Hauser Facebook Page – 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/505870920516958/ 

Associate for the Recovery of Children – 

https://www.recoveryofchildren.org/ 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Susan was going about a normal day at work when an FBI Agent showed up with terrifying news. She was on a hit list. A notorious terrorist organization wanted her dead. Susan tries to find out why she of all people would be targeted. As she tries to answer this question, she must also work to protect herself. 

Articles referenced in the episode:  

The Seattle Times: 

https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/law-justice/man-suspected-of-killing-3-in-king-county-will-not-face-the-death-penalty/ 

Department of Justice:  

https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/pr/maryland-man-charged-interstate-transportation-stolen-vehicle 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hannah and Patia discuss the 1996 murder at Mountain Park Baptist Boarding Academy, where 16-year-old William Futrelle—new to the school—was killed by fellow students. They unpack the trial of Joseph Burris, who was charged with Futrelle’s murder, and examine the disturbing environment that enabled the crime. We also cover what happened with Bethesda Home for Girls, Bob and Betty Wills’ earlier “troubled teen” program in Mississippi, which was eventually shut down by the state. 

LA Times - https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-oct-04-me-39141-story.html 

https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-oct-05-mn-39651-story.html 

Bethesda Home for Girls: https://www.nbcnews.com/specials/bethesda-home-girls-stolen-babies/ 

Cult Education Institute: https://www.culteducation.com/group/1059-mountain-park-baptist-church-and-boarding-academy/14571-insiders-tell-of-boarding-school-past-and-present.html 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Meg Richter was branded a “troubled teen” and sent by her parents to Mountain Park Baptist Boarding Academy. But the rural Missouri facility wasn’t focused on education—it was more like a juvenile detention center masquerading as a Christian reform program. With no licensed therapists and a heavy reliance on corporal punishment, Mountain Park operated like a militaristic cult, where some students stayed well past their 18th birthdays.  

Links:  

I Survived A Cult: https://www.madeofmillions.com/articles/i-survived-a-cult-now-i-m-using-my-voice-to-make-a-difference 

Mountain Park Survivors: https://www.mountainparksurvivors.com/ 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Patia shares the story of a string of bizarre robberies in Edwardsville, Illinois—cracked not by cops, but by the sharp-eyed owner of a local spa. One of the weirdest discoveries? A Walmart-style basement packed with stolen “trophies.” Then, Hannah dives into the rise and fall of Doc Gallagher, a Texas preacher and radio host who weaponized faith to run a multimillion-dollar Ponzi scheme. 

Links:  

Texas Department of Insurance Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-texas-insurance-podcast/id1557773249 

AARP podcast – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-perfect-scam/id1362050907 

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2023-03-27/texas-preacher-doc-gallagher-stole-24-million-with-ponzi-scheme 

Recommendation: 

The Telepathy Tapes podcast 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 1991, Yolanda Thomas’ sister Jacquetta was murdered. A trial followed—conviction, life sentence—all without Yolanda or her family even knowing it happened. Sixteen years later, Yolanda finds herself in an unexpected battle: fighting to free Greg Taylor, the man convicted of killing her sister. 

Show Notes: 

Healing Justice  

https://healingjusticeproject.org/  

https://innocencecommission-nc.gov/wp-content/uploads/state-v-taylor/state-v-taylor-brief.pdf 

https://triad-city-beat.com/24930-2/ 

Documentary on Greg Taylor’s wrongful conviction:  https://inpursuitofjusticefilm.com/ 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hannah unpacks the wild true story of Osama El-Atari—a flashy con man- turned-jailhouse informant, who ultimately helps take down a serial killer. Also, Patia and Hannah discuss There Is No Ethan, Anna Akbari’s gripping account of a catfishing saga. 

There Is No Ethan: https://www.annaakbari.com/thereisnoethan 

Washington City Paper article: https://washingtoncitypaper.com/article/195498/the-king-of-ashburn-the-life-and-murder-of-con-man-osama-elatari/ 

Additional Recommendation: The Con: Kaitlyn’s Baby 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jennifer Thompson was a college student when a man broke into her home and sexually assaulted her. Jennifer did her best to help law enforcement capture her assailant, but years later would learn the wrong person had been held responsible. 

Show Notes: 

Healing Justice https://healingjusticeproject.org/ 

Picking Cotton https://www.pickingcottonbook.com/ 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.