The Opportunist

By Kast Media

What's The Opportunist about?

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 a Kast Original podcast hosted by Hannah Smith.

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The Opportunist: Season 5 C...

07.04.2022

Peggy Fulford was a business manager for high profile athletes in professional sports, including former NBA star Dennis Rodman. To everyone who knew her, she was the picture of success - a strong woman in a male dominated world. Her ...

The Opportunist episodes:

07.04.2022 The Opportunist: Season 5 Coming July 5, 2022 Peggy Fulford was a business manager for high profile athletes in professional sports, including former NBA star Dennis Rodman. To everyone who knew her, she was the picture of success - a strong woman in a male dominated world. Her ...
06.24.2022 ALLIE CONTI: On Making Season One of Vigilante Allie Conti gives Hannah Smith a behind-the-scenes look at the making of season one of Vigilante. She talks about the unsolved Texas Killing Fields murders, her reporting trips to Texas, and what it's like to report on someone's real life ...
05.24.2022 FALLON BLACKWOOD Part 1 of 1: A Double Life When Lindsay Reichard set out to find a new home for her horse, Willie, she stumbled upon Fallon Blackwood's cruel scheme that spanned state lines and victims by the dozen. You can reach out to us at [email protected] Find the ...
05.23.2022 VIGILANTE IS AVAILABLE NOW! Tim Miller is a famous search-and-rescuer in Dickinson, Texas, who's helped track down more than 300 missing persons. After 38 years of searching, he’s now convinced that he’s finally solved his own daughter’s murder. In the first season of VIGILANTE, ...
05.17.2022 STEVEN BENSON Part 1 of 1: Family Business The quaint community of Naples, Florida is rocked by a deadly explosion that reveals the darkside of a picture perfect family. You can reach out to us at [email protected] Find the episode transcript here: tinyurl.com/opppodcast Thank you to our sponsors: ...
04.26.2022 DAVID GHANTT Part 1 of 1: A Capital M For David Ghantt, the morning of October 4th, 1997 started out like any other work day. But by the time his shift was over, David was on his way to Mexico to start a new life, as an international fugitive. ...
03.29.2022 CHRIS BATHUM Part 5 of 5: Criminal 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 ...
03.22.2022 CHRIS BATHUM Part 4 of 5: The Sleeping Bear 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 ...
03.15.2022 CHRIS BATHUM Part 3 of 5: Rumors 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 ...
03.08.2022 CHRIS BATHUM Part 2 of 5: Hypnotist 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 ...
03.08.2022 CHRIS BATHUM Part 1 of 5: Rehab Mogul 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 ...
03.05.2022 The Opportunist: Season 4 Coming March 8, 2022 Chris Bathum was the founder of a community-focused drug and alcohol treatment center, Community Recovery Los Angeles. He was seen as an innovator in the field of recovery, a brilliant-yet-unconventional CEO, who was literally saving lives. With the protection of ...
02.15.2022 KIM McMORRIES Part 1 of 1: A Family Secret Kim McMorries was a small town doctor, highly regarded and beloved by his patients. But he was keeping a secret. And in 2019, that secret was revealed, first to east Texas, then to the world. Reach out to us at ...
12.07.2021 DAN WARREN Part 1 of 1: Service Dog Fraud From the outside, Dan Warren’s farm in Madison County, Virginia looked idyllic. A place where life-saving Diabetic Alert Dogs were carefully bred and trained. But in 2011, a cruel fraud was exposed and the families he hurt would search for ...
11.16.2021 OOBAH BUTLER Part 1 of 1: Internet Prankster Before he even opened its doors, Oobah Butler’s restaurant was number one on TripAdvisor. He had no staff, no menu, and no real location. In fact, the restaurant was a lie. It would launch his career as an internet prankster, ...
11.09.2021 CANDACE CLARK Part 1 of 1: Serial Scammer Serial scammer Candace Clark preyed on vulnerable people who believed she was a friend — but her relentless greed would be her downfall. Thank you to our sponsors: Better Help: Go to betterhelp.com/opp to get 10% off your first month ...
10.19.2021 SHERYL RUTHVEN Epilogue: What Kind of Power? Hannah and producer Patia discuss making Season 3. We bring you more information on Sheryl’s finances and her connection to local law enforcement in Tennessee and we ask the question: what happens to someone after they leave a cult? We ...
10.12.2021 SHERYL RUTHVEN Part 4 of 4: The Exodus When her ministry and cat rescue gain unwanted notoriety in Whatcom County, Sheryl Ruthven plans a mass exodus, shrouded in secrecy. Thank you to our sponsors: Philo: For 25% off your first 2 months, go to Philo.tv/opp Firstleaf: To get ...
10.05.2021 SHERYL RUTHVEN Part 3 of 4: Creating Eden When Sheryl Ruthven’s cat passes away, she calls on her followers to build “Eva’s Eden,” a cat rescue, unlike any other, with a mission that extends far beyond rescuing cats. She also plots to get rid of her ex-husband. Thank ...
09.28.2021 SHERYL RUTHVEN Part 2 of 4: You've Been Conned When one of Sheryl Ruthven's followers dares to question her need for a $170,000 trip to Scotland, he is excommunicated. We begin to see a pattern, a wake of destruction that follows anyone who dares to question Sheryl's authority. Thank ...
09.28.2021 SHERYL RUTHVEN Part 1 of 4: A New Mary Magdalene In 2001, Sheryl Ruthven started her own church: Freedom Fire Ministries. But gradually, her uplifting sermons gave way to unorthodox teachings and doomsday prophecies. Over the last fifteen years those who believed her have seen families destroyed, their bank accounts ...
08.31.2021 TARA LEE Part 2 of 2: The Perfect Scam After discovering Tara’s scam, her lawyers, adoptive parents and the FBI all work to build a case against her. Thank you to our sponsors: Feals: Become a member today by going to Feals.com/opp and you'll get 50% off your first ...
08.24.2021 TARA LEE Part 1 of 2: Tara Trance Tara Lee was an adoption facilitator in Detroit, loved by many. In the Fall of 2018 a group of adoptive parents and attorneys discovered she wasn’t who she said she was. Thank you to our sponsors: Better Help - Our ...
08.10.2021 DIRTBAGS AT DOPE LAKE Part 1 of 1 In 1976, a plane carrying around 5000 pounds of weed crashed in Yosemite National Park. For a group of rock climbers living off the grid, this was the opportunity of a lifetime. Thank you to our sponsors: Mejuri - Go ...
07.13.2021 BONUS: And That’s Why We Drink! in conversation with The Opportunist In this bonus mini crossover episode, we're joined by Em Schulz and Christine Schiefer of And That's Why We Drink, a podcast where murder and the paranormal finally meet! Grab your wine and milkshakes and listen in as Em and ...
07.06.2021 ROBERT COURTNEY Epilogue: Could It Happen Again? In the season epilogue, we talk about Kansas City (some more), discuss Robert Courtney's family, and answer the question, "Could it happen again?" Thank you to Jason Dearen for speaking with us about his book, Kill Shot. Thank you to ...
06.29.2021 ROBERT COURTNEY Part 4 of 4: Diluted Trust Robert Courtney’s impending release spurs a public uproar and brings up questions about how the disgraced pharmacist has been perceived and treated as an upper class white criminal. Thank you to our sponsors: The Jordan Harbinger Show: You can’t go ...
06.22.2021 ROBERT COURTNEY Part 3 of 4: The Path to Hell While awaiting sentencing, Robert Courtney agrees to debrief investigators on the extent of his unthinkable crimes. Thank you to our sponsors: Dipsea: Go to dipseastories.com/OPP for an extended 30 day free trial Wondery- This is Actually Happening: Listen to the ...
06.15.2021 ROBERT COURTNEY Part 2 of 4: Caught in the Act The allegations against Robert Courtney are so heinous, the FBI initially assumes there has been a mistake. They move quickly, setting up a sting operation to catch him in the act. Thank you to our sponsors: Daily Harvest: Go to ...
06.15.2021 ROBERT COURTNEY Part 1 of 4: A Deadly Prescription In August 2001, Robert Courtney, a respected church deacon and family man, would find himself at the center of a massive FBI investigation. Thank you to our sponsors: Athena Club: Go to athenaclub.com and use code opportunist for 20% off ...
04.06.2021 SHERRY SHRINER Epilogue: A New Queen In the Sherry Shriner epilogue we talk about the history of orgone, update you on the current status of the Orgone Warriors, and reveal more information about Sherry’s death. We also bring you a brand new interview with a former ...
03.30.2021 SHERRY SHRINER Part 8 of 8: Day of Reckoning Sherry goes viral after Stephen’s death. Meanwhile, Barbara is charged and tried for murder. Thank you to our sponsors: BetterHelp - Get 10% off your first month by going to betterhelp.com/opp Amazon Pharmacy - Learn more at Amazon.com/opportunist Athena Club ...
03.23.2021 SHERRY SHRINER Part 7 of 8: The Lion and The Lamb Angered by his exile, Stephen becomes obsessed with taking Sherry down. A distressing night fighting with Orgone Warriors online ends with his death. Thank you to our sponsor: Daily Harvest - Go to DailyHarvest.com and enter promo code opp to ...
03.16.2021 SHERRY SHRINER Part 6 of 8: Unraveling Shortly after Barbara Rogers and Stephen Mineo start dating, Sherry Shriner declares Barbara to be a witch. Stephen is thrown into a state of distress when Sherry makes him choose between Barbara and the Orgone Warriors. Thank you to our ...
03.09.2021 SHERRY SHRINER Part 5 of 8: A Warrior Betrayed Sherry, increasingly paranoid and power hungry, turns on her inner circle. Thank you to our sponsors: Audible - Audible.com/opp or text OPP to 500-500 to start your free 30 day trial BetterHelp - Betterhelp.com/opp for 10% off your first month ...
03.02.2021 SHERRY SHRINER Part 4 of 8: Building an Army Sherry, after being rejected from several ministry groups, realizes she can gain more followers through the internet. She also becomes friends with Stephen Mineo. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
02.23.2021 SHERRY SHRINER Part 3 of 8: Decoding the End of the World In the aftermath of Kelly’s death, Sherry sees an opportunity to promote her ministry and she predicts the end of the world by decoding messages in the bible. Thank you to our sponsor: Care/of: For 50% off, go to takecareof.com ...
02.16.2021 SHERRY SHRINER Part 2 of 8: The Elect After a member of Sherry Shriner’s cult dies, her friends and family recount how she went from a well-rounded young woman to a dedicated follower obsessed with the end of the world. Subscribe to The Opportunist wherever you listen to ...
02.16.2021 SHERRY SHRINER Part 1 of 8: Internet Prophet When Barbara Rogers murdered her boyfriend Stephen Mineo, it looked like a domestic dispute gone wrong, until investigators learned they were both involved in an internet doomsday cult led by Sherry Shriner. Subscribe to The Opportunist wherever you listen to ...

The Opportunist

What's The Opportunist about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

The Opportunist episodes:

The Opportunist: Season 5 Coming July 5, 2022

ALLIE CONTI: On Making Season One of Vigilante

FALLON BLACKWOOD Part 1 of 1: A Double Life

VIGILANTE IS AVAILABLE NOW!

STEVEN BENSON Part 1 of 1: Family Business

DAVID GHANTT Part 1 of 1: A Capital M

CHRIS BATHUM Part 5 of 5: Criminal

CHRIS BATHUM Part 4 of 5: The Sleeping Bear

CHRIS BATHUM Part 3 of 5: Rumors

CHRIS BATHUM Part 2 of 5: Hypnotist

CHRIS BATHUM Part 1 of 5: Rehab Mogul

The Opportunist: Season 4 Coming March 8, 2022

KIM McMORRIES Part 1 of 1: A Family Secret

DAN WARREN Part 1 of 1: Service Dog Fraud

OOBAH BUTLER Part 1 of 1: Internet Prankster

CANDACE CLARK Part 1 of 1: Serial Scammer

SHERYL RUTHVEN Epilogue: What Kind of Power?

SHERYL RUTHVEN Part 4 of 4: The Exodus

SHERYL RUTHVEN Part 3 of 4: Creating Eden

SHERYL RUTHVEN Part 2 of 4: You've Been Conned

SHERYL RUTHVEN Part 1 of 4: A New Mary Magdalene

TARA LEE Part 2 of 2: The Perfect Scam

TARA LEE Part 1 of 2: Tara Trance

DIRTBAGS AT DOPE LAKE Part 1 of 1

BONUS: And That’s Why We Drink! in conversation with The Opportunist

ROBERT COURTNEY Epilogue: Could It Happen Again?

ROBERT COURTNEY Part 4 of 4: Diluted Trust

ROBERT COURTNEY Part 3 of 4: The Path to Hell

ROBERT COURTNEY Part 2 of 4: Caught in the Act

ROBERT COURTNEY Part 1 of 4: A Deadly Prescription

SHERRY SHRINER Epilogue: A New Queen

SHERRY SHRINER Part 8 of 8: Day of Reckoning

SHERRY SHRINER Part 7 of 8: The Lion and The Lamb

SHERRY SHRINER Part 6 of 8: Unraveling

SHERRY SHRINER Part 5 of 8: A Warrior Betrayed

SHERRY SHRINER Part 4 of 8: Building an Army

SHERRY SHRINER Part 3 of 8: Decoding the End of the World

SHERRY SHRINER Part 2 of 8: The Elect

SHERRY SHRINER Part 1 of 8: Internet Prophet