The Opportunist

On this episode of The Opportunist, Tai Lopez built a massive online following selling the gospel of wealth, knowledge, and hustle - until the SEC alleged he was running a $112 million Ponzi scheme behind the scenes. The episode traces how the internet's most famous self-help guru allegedly used his own playbook to con the very audience he built his empire on.

Thank you to our sponsors:
- Quince: high quality everyday staples like breathable linen, organic cotton, and washable silk, priced 50 to 80% less than comparable brands, plus elevated basics for your home, kitchen, and bedding. Go to quince.com slash opportunist for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns. Now available in Canada too. That's quince.com/opportunist.
- Grow Therapy: online therapist marketplace with no subscription and no big commitment. Pay by the session, filter by insurance, specialty, background, and availability, and you may be able to start within a couple of days. Accepts over 125 insurance plans, sessions average $21 with insurance, and some pay as little as $0 depending on their plan. Visit growtherapy.com slash opportunist today to get started. That's growtherapy.com/opportunist.
- Pluto TV: free streaming with thousands of movies and shows, all free, including Terminator 2, Fringe, Arrow, The 100, and The X-Files. No credit card needed. Pluto TV. Stream now, pay never.

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On this episode of The Opportunist, Mary Margaret Kreuper and Lana Chang were trusted educators and religious leaders at St. James Catholic School - until missing school funds shattered the community’s faith in them. The episode traces how two women who preached morality and discipline allegedly concealed a secret double life for years.
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Mint Mobile: Get premium wireless starting at just $15/month at mintmobile.com/opportunist
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this episode of The Opportunist, Natalie Marie Gonzalez built the image of a driven high achiever while secretly operating a drug distribution scheme. The episode traces how ambition and access helped her rise - and how that same double life ultimately caught up with her.

Thank you to our sponsors:
- AquaTru: countertop reverse-osmosis water purifier that removes 84 contaminants including lead, chlorine, forever chemicals, and microplastics. "Head over to Aquatru.com now and get 20% off your purifier using promo code OPPORTUNIST."
- Grow Therapy: online therapist marketplace that takes insurance (over 125 plans), sessions average $21, virtual or in-person, nights and weekends available. "Visit GrowTherapy.com slash OPPORTUNIST today to get started. That's GrowTherapy.com slash OPPORTUNIST."
- Mint Mobile: premium wireless plans starting at $15 a month on the largest 5G network. Bring your own phone and number, activate with eSIM in minutes. "Shop plans at mintmobile.com slash opportunist. That's mintmobile.com slash opportunist."
- Quince: affordable luxury basics priced 50 to 80% less than similar brands by working directly with ethical factories and cutting out the middleman. "Head to quince.com slash opportunist for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns."
- Pluto TV: free streaming with thousands of movies and shows (Terminator 2, Fringe, Arrow, The 100, The X-Files). No credit cards needed. "Pluto TV. Stream now, pay never."
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this episode of The Opportunist, chef Valentino Luchin built an acclaimed restaurant - until mounting financial pressure drove him to a drastic choice. The episode traces how a celebrated career unraveled into a string of bank robberies in an attempt to stay afloat.
Thank you to our sponsors:
Grow Therapy: GrowTherapy.com/Opportunist
Pluto TV: Pluto.tv
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this episode of The Opportunist, we tell the story of Kentucky Judge Kevin Mullins, who allegedly used his position to solicit sex from inmates, and how his abuse of power came to a shocking end.
Thank you to our sponsors:
Quince: Quince.com/Opportunist for free shipping 365 day returns
Mint Mobile: montmobile.com/opportunist $15/month
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.