PODCAST · comedy
ScamWow
by More Banana
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.
Episodes
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S02E33 - Special Announcement & Special Mailbag Episode!
With over 180 episodes of ScamWow (HELL YEAH) we can’t thank you enough!!!!!! Thank you to all our listeners and fans and guests who have supported ScamWow from the beginning! We are not going anywhere, don’t worry. We explain it all in the episode and how you can have special and additional…
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S02E32- I Want My Chickens To Be Sexually Active W/ Priya Patel and Chet Siegel
This week Caitlin is joined by comedians Priya Patel and Chet Siegel, hosts of their own podcast, Nibbles and Bits. This episode covers so many scams. Without exaggeration, the wild ride of today’s episode includes: Food marketing scams Modern gathering and foraging 30-minute meals Crude animal...
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S02E31 - The Worst Catfish In The World W/ Cara Devins
One of the nicest people in New York City and also one of the funniest comedians, Cara Devins joins Caitlin to discuss the time her entire family was catfished in person by a lonely soldier. Did he want to marry Cara’s dad or did he just want to buy everyone a round of drinks? Maybe if your…
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S02E30 - Queenpins Movie, Is It A Scam ? W/Anna Callegari
Caitlin and actress Anna Callegari watched the movie Queenpins and discovered how easy it is to create a coupon conglomerate in your own backyard! Unfortunately this movie was neither a comedy or documentary, and it did not have enough Kirby Howell-Baptiste for both of them. But hey, Bebe Rexha…
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S02E029 - The Money App scams that could make you rich! With Ariel Elias
Who knew you could have so much fun talking about Venmo, Zelle, and other money app scams? Ariel Elias is back this week with Caitlin and they discuss the trening scams that are fooling millions. Did you recently get a random $5000 payment for “an antique doll” that you know nothing about? Well...
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RERUN! Oh No? More like, Au Pair!
She’s a talent scout, devoted babysitter, and sometimes impersonates Florida judges: It’s Australian con artist Samantha Azzopardi. Our special guest this week, comedian Ariel Elias, unpacks the many scams and uncomfortably basic aliases of Azzopardi. Azzopardi traveled around the globe conning...
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02E028 - Recycling
This week Caitlin is joined by comedian and actress Cody Lindquist to discuss plastics and the scam of recycling. Of course, Caitlin begins with her latest obsession (veneers), but all roads quickly lead to the heaps of plastic trash bags piled throughout New York City. All you 80’s babies gather...
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S02E027 - MOVE Over Ann Hathaway, This is a Bank Scam W/ We Stan Together
Caitlin is joined by comedians and podcasters Caitlin Bitzegaio and Lauren Brickman of the hit podcast We Stan Together to discuss the scams percolating scams in pop culture. Whether it’s Dane Cook’s brother, Jen Shah, or your own nightmares, these three are ready to dissect them. Also, did you...
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RERUN! The Inaugural Scammer with Dartanyon Williams
Babes, it’s our first interview with an actual scammer and we are THRILLED! Back in the 90s, Dartanyon Williams began a massive identity theft ring that started in Louisiana and later branched out to many states in the South. This is juicy. He shares with us his incredible story of redemption,...
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S02E026 - BLANK CHECK Summer of Scam Movies W/ Victoria Montalbano
The ‘90s: where $1 million feels like $100 million!!! This week, we’re joined by comedian and Caitlin’s former college roommate Victoria Montalbano. Together, they rewatched the scammy classic Blank Check. The movie, a Blockbuster favorite of millenials, just might have inspired a generation of...
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S02E025 - Don’t Incriminate Yourself with Sticky Notes: The NYPD Cop Scam W/ Allen Arthur
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…
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S02E024 - Jen Shah’s Shamazing Shocker W/ Ellen Haun
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…
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S02E23 - Chrisley Knows House Arrest w/ Molly Thomas
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......
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S02E022 - “Your Beanie Baby is Worthless” W/ Becky Chicoine
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…
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S02E021 - “Scam Calls Are Ramping it up For Summer w/ Gwynna Forgham-Thrift”
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...
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S02E020 - You’re Being Lied To About Baby Formula w/ Dara Katz
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...
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S02E019 - The Great Muppet Caper with Chelsey Whitelock
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...
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S02E018 - Happy Birthday Conor! Throwback Episode: Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn
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...
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S02E019 - To Scam Is to Love, with Angel Yau
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...
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S02E018 - Hey Hustlers! Money is Meaningless So Make Your Own, with Laura Willcox
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...
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S02E017 - Weekend at Bernie’s or A Colonizer's Dream With Suni Reyes!
The Summer of Scam Movies is alive and thriving, and the best actor in this week’s film is dead. And that is where this episode starts. Comedian and artist Suni Reyes joins Caitiln to dive into the beloved 1989 classic, Weekend at Bernie’s. Were the 80’s so coke-addled that to die is to thrive?...
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S02E016 - Never Been Kissed or Never Been Convicted? w/ Sarah Grace Welbourn. Part 2.
Oh we’re back for part two because this movie can and should haunt us all. The META scam is finally revealed in our Summer of Scam Movie: Never Been Kissed. Sarah Grace Welbourn and Caity can’t quite figure out where they land and might be questioning all their middle school memories. Important...
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S02E015 - Never Been Kissed or Never Been Convicted? w/ Sarah Grace Welbourn - Part 1
Were you alive in 1999? Were you also watching every teen romcom you could get your greasy little popcorn fingers on? Have you ever been kissed by a senior citizen? These important questions and more are discussed in today’s episode, as comedian and actor Sarah Grace Welbourn joins Caity to talk...
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S02E014 - Get out of the Scam Schedule w/ Janie Stolar
This week, comedian and writer Janie Stolar joins Caity to discuss a scam rooted in the most iconic con of all: The American Dream. No matter what your thoughts and feelings are on that picture-perfect lifestyle, the pressure still manages to seep into our daily lives. Do I have a car and two…
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S02E013 - Summer of Scam Movies: The Eyes of Tammy Faye or A Pig With A Wig w/ Corinne Caputo
The Summer of Scam Movies starts strong with this week’s scam movie of choice: The Eyes of Tammy Faye. Hysterical comedian and writer, Corinne Caputo joins Caitlin this week to explain this film, or do their best to try. While discussing many scams inside and around this movie, they cover...
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Scam-free ways to donate : HOW TO SUPPORT UKRAINE
This week is about actions we can take to help others. Caitlin has gathered a ton of resources for supporting and donating to people in or fleeing Ukraine. She has combed through organizations and charities to find the ones that will directly benefit those in need. Has the fear of scammy…
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S02E011 - It Takes a Village - Mail Bag Ep w/ McKenzie Brodnick
Sit down and grab a cozy beverage and cuddle close with Caity and her special guest, her sister, McKenzie Brodnick! Join two sisters having the best time ever so you might need to slow down to 1/2x because the JOY is coming at ya FAST! And thanks to our incredible listeners we have more scams to...
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S02E010 - So Many Dinos Have Credit Card Debt! w/ Producer Cait
Do you know what isn’t resolved yet? Caitlin’s credit card debt!! But Producer Cait comes to the rescue this week to share all the tips, tricks, and phone numbers you need to help you get out of credit card chaos. Which organizations can you turn to for help, and what scams are keeping you in…
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S02E09 - Before #METOO “Catch Me If You Can” Man With Molly Thomas - Part 2
Trigger Warning: This episode covers sexual assault, consent, and sexually explicit situations. This week Caitlin and comedian Molly Thomas continue the conversation about con artist Frank Abagnale. Their conversation in part one focused on the scams and lies told by the Catch Me If You Can…
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S02E08 - That Damn “Catch Me If You Can” Man With Molly Thomas, Part 1 of 2
This week comedian Molly Thomas joins Caitlin to discuss liar extraordinaire Frank Abagnale. Remember the book and hit movie Catch Me if You Can? Turns out most of it is fake and we can’t trust anything this scammer has proudly reported. He conned people into thinking he conned people. It’s a...
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S02E07 - “Kate Spencer is Our High Priestess” & The Many Ways We Scam Ourselves with McKenzie Brodnick!
Welcome to all of our new listeners! On today’s very special episode, the incredible Kate Spencer, from the award-winning podcast Forever35, is our guest. We briefly discuss the Netflix hit, The Tinder Swindler but then the conversation takes a turn to run the gamut from Kristen Stewart’s Oscar...
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S02E06 - The Government Won't Use Emojis: WhatsApp Scams with Rommel Ojeda and Allen Arthur
New York State probably won’t email you a holiday card or ask you to share a stimulus opportunity with 10 of your family members to get paid. Journalist Rommel Ojeda from Documented digs into a story (co-reported with Telemundo) about how scammers target immigrants with fake government benefits…
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S02E05 - If You Like Acappella, You’ll Love Our Cult! With Sarah Berman
Investigative journalist and VICE contributor Sarah Berman joins Caitlin this week to talk about Keith Raniere and NXIVM. Sarah has been at the forefront of this story since the beginning, but she’s here to discuss another surprising side to the saga for the first time. It’s creepy, it’s...
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S02E04 - Bishop Sycamore on ESPN with Investigative Journalist, Allen Arthur
A fake boarding school that wanted to be a high school football powerhouse??! What could go wrong? This week, journalist and Caity’s husband Allen Arthur brings a scam hot off the ESPN broadcast! That’s right, even Disney can get in the scam game. Allen covers the fraudulent school and sports...
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S02E03 - Part 2: Keeping Up With The Digital Joneses, Crypto and NFT With Sabra and Stephen Boyd
This week is the 2nd half of our Crypto, shmipto, bipto episode. This episode is about NFTs and how to make them, sell them, and become obsessed. Are NFTs the new answer to financial stability as an artist? Do you trust yourself with a digital wallet? And can your automatic password be actually a...
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S02E02 - Keeping Up With The Digital Joneses, Crypto and NFT With Sabra and Stephen Boyd
Did you know that you can buy a 600k dollar invisible yacht? The incredibly kind, brilliant, and generous Sabra and Stephen Boyd join Caitlin Brodnick today to explain cryptocurrency and NFTs! Bitcoin. Ethereum. Crypto ATMs? Hear this explanation for the lay-woman and Caitlin finally…
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S02E01 – That’s One Salty Jen Shah W/ Ellen Haun
Happy New Year from Caitlin Brodnick and Ellen Haun. Ellen joins Caitlin to discuss the trial of Real Housewife of Salt Lake City, Jen Shah. They discuss the Hulu documentary, The Housewife and the Shah Shocker, and all of the court transcripts they can get their hands on. Find out about how many...
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S01E148. Producer Cait's Favorite Scam Moments!
Caity is off living her best holiday life, celebrating Christmas, Chanukah, and time with family. Producer Cait is stepping in to reminiscence about the last year of scams and great scam episodes. Producer Cait reads bad reviews AND supportive messages from our scam family. Then she plays some of...
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S01E147: Just a bunch of Phonies! Cell Sales Scams with Kevin Smith!
This week Caitlin is joined by Scamspondant , resident Magician, and friend of the pod, Kevin Smith! Kevin shares his experience as a salesperson at a noted cell phone provider store, and all the cons involved. They discuss how a sales team is trained to lead the shopper into certain purchases…
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S01E146: A Cocky Christmas Romance: Holiday Book Scam Special With Carrie McCrossen
Happy holiday shopping season! Have no fear that with the many ways you can be bamboozled in shopping this year, ScamWow is here to guide you down the right path. Author and comedian Carrie McCrossen is here to discuss book scams! Covering everything from publishing to promotion, Caitlin and…
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S01E145: Sextortion Scam Club with Josh Gondelman
Josh Gondelman joins Caity to discuss the ever popular sextortion scams that are probably sitting in your junk folder as you read this. Josh is a comedian, writer, kind human, and quite possibly the perfect guest. His other credits include being a writer and producer for Desus & Mero on Showtime,...
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S01E143: Caitlin Comes Clean: How To Scam Yourself With Credit Cards
Oh geeezzzz this episode is maybe too up close and personal? But Caitlin gets incredibly honest about her current state of financial affairs. Something has to change quickly before she becomes so desperate she creates a new MLM. Talking about money is so hard, but scammers it’s important to talk...
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S01E142: Is Horse Therapy A Solution Or A Scam? With Jess Keefe
Caitlin is welcomed by Comedian and writer Jess Keefe and they’re talking about scams inside addiction treatment centers. Treatment centers vary wildly between services and prices, but when the bill is 60k a month for “brushing a donkey” could it also be a scam, or the very thing that cures ya?...
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S01E141: LulaRich Bitch : A Scam Classic with Sue Smith!
That’s right, Sue’s back! And she’s brought an absolute scam classic, the documentary LulaRIch on Amazon Prime. True scammers will know that this was literally the very first episode of ScamWow covered by Sue and Caity ages ago, but now it’s back and fresh with new details. Caity and Sue discuss...
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S01E140: The Cult of Theranos : Elizabeth Holmes Trial Update with Rebekah Sebastian!
Little bit of blood but a lotta bit of trouble! Rebakah Sebastian guest on this week’s episode to update us on the Elizabeth Holmes/Theranos trial. Caity and Rebekah go over the new evidence, the basis of the case, and the absolutely unbelievable gall of starting a medical company without any...
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S01E139: College is a Scam! Operation Varsity Blues Update With Taylor Kay Phillips
Comedian, writer, Harvard graduate and college prep tutor (YES SHE DOES IT ALL) Taylor Kay Phillips, joins Caitlin to break down the nitty gritty details behind college admissions scams. Taylor and Caitlin revisit the infamous Operation Varsity Blues college admission scam, ane look at in from an...
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S01E138: Scamspondants Sound Off! It’s a Mailbag Episode! Part 2
Producer Cait is back for the second half of our special mailbag episode. We learn about fraudulent archaeology, creepy kinks, and the power of pig GIFs. Learn how to protect yourself with cash lending apps like Paypal and the best ways to scam a small pizza shop. These tips and tricks from our...
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S01E138: Scamspondants Sound Off! It’s a Mailbag Episode! - Part 1
Producer Cait is our special guest this week, and gives all the tips and tricks to avoid your homework! We are having a big catch up, but don’t get too close- one of them unfortunately smells like a hotdog. Did you have a crazy emotional experience during Covid? If so you better share because…
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S01E137: The Man Who Hacked A Game Show w/ Rekha Shankar
Comedian, writer, and pictionary enthusiast Rekha Shankar, joins Caitlin to discuss the savant who destroyed the Press Your Luck game in 1984. Michael Larson single handedly brought down an entire network by simply being very focused, very obsessed, and very weird. His obsession over Press Your...
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S01E136: Hottie with a Body or Bot with a Twat? Interview with a Professional CATFISH!
We’re on the line with Stasia, a former professional catfish! Caitlin asks Stasia about what is was like working for a dating website. The dig into what exactly is the almost mathematical process to capture a heart. There’s vague rules and juicy topics, where you can learn how people were just...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
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.
HOSTED BY
More Banana
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does ScamWow have?
ScamWow currently has 189 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is ScamWow about?
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...
How often does ScamWow release new episodes?
ScamWow publishes regularly with 189 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to ScamWow?
You can listen to ScamWow on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts ScamWow?
ScamWow is created and hosted by More Banana.
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