The Opportunist

As the son of a powerful Hollywood agent, Sam Haskell IV seemed to have everything at his fingertips - money, power and connections. But when a homeless man discovers part of a human body in a dumpster in an upscale Los Angeles neighborhood, Haskell’s dark secret is revealed.

To the families of St. James Catholic School in Torrance, California, Sister Mary Margaret Kreuper and Sister Lana Chang were the picture of morality and religious devotion. The two lifelong educators were known at St. James as stern disciplinarians, who instilled their students with Christian values that were disappearing from society. But the nuns had a secret addiction, an addition that would rip apart the small Christian community.

Xu Yao’s career potential seemed limitless. The Chinese lawyer and entertainment executive was in charge of all business related to the best selling Chinese science fiction trilogy, and soon to be hit Netflix show, “The Three Body Problem.” But then, overnight, the entire franchise, and all of the life changing wealth that came with it, was all taken from Xu Yao. He had been demoted. Xu Yao’s demotion set in motion a revenge plot ripped from the pages of a Hollywood script.

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.

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://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vigilante/id1622288667 https://open.spotify.com/show/49wzulSXKQKWYOIWoTVEPT?si=0d4c8835885e4fa1

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 Brodsky. 

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.

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.

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. 

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 transcript here: tinyurl.com/opppodcast

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 the area. Over the last 24 months, Josh and Kyle investigated the rumor, journeying to Varnamtown to knock on doors and find out what really happens when a firehose of money and cocaine is turned on a small, tight knit community. Listen to and follow Varnamtown at Apple Podcasts now! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/varnamtown/id1725195343

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 on Sherry Shriner's followers and speaks with someone who has a very personal relationship with Orgone.

Links from the episode:

Check out C.C.’s plant-urns at boycestudio.com  

If you want to stay up-to-date with Nora's project on her father, you can find her on Instagram @Noracroftcutsmyhair 

Visit the Adrienne Wilson Liver Cancer Association at bluefaery.org 

You can reach out to Hannah on Instagram or X @hannahpodcasts 

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 product was not what it claimed to be. What was it actually doing to people? The man behind it all was Marc St-Onge and he watched as millions of orders flooded in.

Enjoy today's mini episode about a guardianship scam and please send your stories and questions to: 

[email protected]

or on Instagram or Twitter/X @hannahpodcasts 

Thank you Lindsey Dominguez for sharing your story! Her podcast is called What's Up ABQ.  

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 com slash 50opp and use code 50opp for 50% off plus free shippingGo to HelloFresh dot com slash 50opp and use code 50opp for 50% off plus free shipping! Shopify: sign up for a $1-per-month trial at shopify.com/opp Dipsea: sign up for a 30-day free trial at DipseaStories.com/opp Sports Explains the World: To hear incredible stories from the wide world of sports, listen to Sports Explains the World on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Canva: Get a free 45-day trial when you go to Canva.me/opp Better Help: This show is sponsored by Better Help. Go to Betterhelp.com/opp to get 10% off your first month.

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 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 and use code 50opp for 50% off plus free shippingGo to HelloFresh dot com slash 50opp and use code 50opp for 50% off plus free shipping! Shopify: sign up for a $1-per-month trial at shopify.com/opp Dipsea: sign up for a 30-day free trial at DipseaStories.com/opp Sports Explains the World: To hear incredible stories from the wide world of sports, listen to Sports Explains the World on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Canva: Get a free 45-day trial when you go to Canva.me/opp Better Help: This show is sponsored by Better Help. Go to Betterhelp.com/opp to get 10% off your first month.

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 and use code 50opp for 50% off plus free shipping!Go to HelloFresh dot com slash 50opp and use code 50opp for 50% off plus free shippingGo to HelloFresh dot com slash 50opp and use code 50opp for 50% off plus free shipping!” Shopify: sign up for a $1-per-month trial at shopify.com/opp Dipsea: sign up for a 30-day free trial at DipseaStories.com/opp Sports Explains the World: To hear incredible stories from the wide world of sports, listen to Sports Explains the World on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Canva: Get a free 45-day trial when you go to Canva.me/opp Better Help: This show is sponsored by Better Help. Go to Betterhelp.com/opp to get 10% off your first month.

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 and use code 50opp for 50% off plus free shippingGo to HelloFresh dot com slash 50opp and use code 50opp for 50% off plus free shipping!” Shopify: sign up for a $1-per-month trial at shopify.com/opp Dipsea: sign up for a 30-day free trial at DipseaStories.com/opp Sports Explains the World: To hear incredible stories from the wide world of sports, listen to Sports Explains the World on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Canva: Get a free 45-day trial when you go to Canva.me/opp Better Help: This show is sponsored by Better Help. Go to Betterhelp.com/opp to get 10% off your first month.

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 that her life was intricately intertwined with her neighbor, friend and caretaker, Kimberly Smith. You can reach out to us at [email protected] Find the episode transcript here: tinyurl.com/opppodcast 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 and use code 50opp for 50% off plus free shipping. Go to HelloFresh dot com slash 50OPP and use code 50OPP for 50% off plus free shipping! Shopify: sign up for a $1-per-month trial at shopify.com/opp Dipsea: sign up for a 30-day free trial at DipseaStories.com/opp Sports Explains the World: To hear incredible stories from the wide world of sports, listen to Sports Explains the World on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Canva: Get a free 45-day trial when you go to Canva.me/opp Better Help: This show is sponsored by Better Help. Go to Betterhelp.com/opp to get 10% off your first month.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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?

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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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In 2018, Katrina Gay turned to National Autopsy Services to get answers about her mother's death. The man performing the autopsy, Shawn Parcells, claimed to be a forensic expert. But an investigation into his past would call into question Shawn Parcells' credentials. Was he really qualified to be performing autopsies? And what would that mean for the hundreds of grieving families who had used his services? 

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Trusted Wisconsin dentist Dr. Scott Charmoli had a thriving practice. But his new patient, Jackie, began to suspect there was a dark side to his work. 

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In 1940, the comic book All-Star #3 introduced the world to the Justice Society for the very first time. 70 years later, All-Star #3 made headlines again—this time for being at the center of not one, but two crimes.

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Hannah Smith speaks with Lee Price to hear his side of the story, and also shares a conversation with another Opportunist producer about the many discrepancies between Lee's version of the events and other interviews.

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The ending credits song is called "The Crow" by Paul Graham Stanborough.

                

Lee's time on the run comes to an unexpected end. And those who mourned his death are stunned to learn he is alive.

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The ending credits song is called "The Crow" by Paul Graham Stanborough.

 

After faking his own death, Lee starts a new life as "Jason" in Florida. Meanwhile, Lee's family and friends react to the shocking news of his disappearance. 

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The ending credits song is called "The Crow" by Paul Graham Stanborough.

                

In a last ditch effort to recoup the losses at his hedge fund, Lee buys a failing bank. And while Lee is praised for the acquisition, behind closed doors, things aren't what they seem. And then, in June of 2012, Lee makes a decision that will land him in the headlines and leave his community shocked and devastated. 

You can purchase Opportunist merchandise here: https://theopportunistpodcast.com/ 

The ending credits song is called "The Crow" by Paul Graham Stanborough.

                

Beloved pastor and family man Aubrey Lee Price ("Lee") shocks his community by leaving his position at his church to start a hedge fund. After collecting millions of dollars in investors’ money, Lee realizes he’s in over his head.

You can purchase Opportunist merchandise here: https://theopportunistpodcast.com/ 

The ending credits song is called "The Crow" by Paul Graham Stanborough.

                

When Ralph Raines Junior stepped into Rachel Lee’s psychic shop in 2004, he was a lonely tree farmer in his 50s looking for love advice. Rachel became his friend and confidant, but over the next decade, what began as a $10 psychic reading would end up costing him more than he could ever have known.

Our theme song is Waltz for Zacaria from Blue Dot Sessions.

                

Greg Brooks is a veteran deep sea salvager who claimed to discover a shipwreck off of Cape Cod carrying a billion-dollar treasure. He promised to share that treasure with friends and neighbors if they funded his mission to retrieve it. What started as a simple expedition led to an FBI investigation and a looming question: was there really treasure on that ship?

You can purchase Opportunist merchandise here: https://theopportunistpodcast.com/ 

Our theme song is Waltz for Zacaria from Blue Dot Sessions.

                

Melissa met Jeffrey through an online dating site. At first they seemed like the perfect match-- they wanted all the same things in life. But Jeffrey wasn't who he said he was. He had a long, storied past as a con man, including once at an annual event for long distance hikers.  

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Financial manager Liz Campos explains what an ethical business management practice looks like, highlighting where Peggy got it wrong. Hannah then interviews the opportunist herself and Peggy offers her side of the story, touching on her mental health struggles, Rodman's relationship issues, and her plans to pay people back. 

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The ending credits song is called "Take Me to the Water" by David Gerard Lawrence and Samuel Kenneth Brookes.

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Ricky Williams and his wife Kristin receive a notice from the IRS after their car is repossessed, leading to serious questions about Peggy. After the fallout from his trip to North Korea, Dennis Rodman finally calls it quits with King Management. Meanwhile, an FBI investigation is under way, showing a system of bank accounts that illustrates the depths of Peggy's deceit. 

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The ending credits song is called "Take Me to the Water" by David Gerard Lawrence and Samuel Kenneth Brookes.

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Rodman honors Peggy in his Basketball Hall of Fame speech, while AJ keeps getting calls about unpaid bills. Vanessa Prieto, Rodman's family lawyer, faces continual problems with Peggy and begins to suspect criminal activity. Then, it is revealed that Peggy has been keeping a family secret from all her clients. 

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The ending credits song is called "Take Me to the Water" by David Gerard Lawrence and Samuel Kenneth Brookes.

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Family friend Pamela Carrie recalls growing up with Peggy Barard in New Orleans and introduces her to future client Ricky Williams, a star running back for the Saints. After divorcing her third husband, Peggy enlists the help of a new business partner, a man she introduces as her brother Elkin. Both become enmeshed with Dennis Rodman, blurring the lines between business and family. 

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The ending credits song is called "Take Me to the Water" by David Gerard Lawrence and Samuel Kenneth Brookes.

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In the mid-2000s, Dennis Rodman hired a new financial manager named Peggy, the CEO of King Management Group. Peggy looks like the picture of success and promises to help her clients achieve generational wealth. But as time goes on, Rodman's team begins to  question her credibility.

You can purchase Opportunist merchandise here: https://theopportunistpodcast.com/ 

The ending credits song is called "Take Me to the Water" by David Gerard Lawrence and Samuel Kenneth Brookes.

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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 also have a brand new interview for you with one of Sheryl's former's followers. Hear more of Rachael's on The Ex Files The Safe Passage Foundation - https://safepassagefoundation.org/ You can purchase Opportunist merchandise here: https://theopportunistpodcast.com/  Thank you to our sponsors:  Wondery, Against The Odds: Plane Crash in the Andes  Dipsea - For an extended 30 day free trial, go to Dipseastories.com/opp  Everlywell - Go to everlywell.com/opp for 20% off your at-home lab test. -  June's Journey - * Download June's Journey free today on the Apple App Store or Google Play!

When her ministry and cat rescue gain unwanted notoriety in Whatcom County, Sheryl Ruthven plans a mass exodus, shrouded in secrecy.

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.

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.

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 drained and their homes filled... with cats.

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 Christine share their own take on stories of opportunists with Hannah.  Check out And That's Why We Drink for more chilling ghost stories and downright terrifying true crime stories. And be sure to check out the second part of this crossover HERE on the And That's Why We Drink feed, where Hannah shares the story of disgraced pharmacist Robert Courtney from season two with Em and Christine.&nbsp

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.  You can purchase Opportunist merchandise here: https://theopportunistpodcast.com/  Thank you to our sponsors:  Athena Club- Go to Athenaclub.com and use promo code opportunist to get 20% Mejuri - Head to mejuri.com/opp for 10% off your first order Dipsea - For Opportunist listeners, Dipsea is offering an extended 30 day free trial when you go to DipseaStories.com/oppSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. You can purchase Opportunist merchandise here: https://theopportunistpodcast.com/  Thank you to our sponsors: The Jordan Harbinger Show: You can't go wrong with adding The Jordan Harbinger Show to your rotation. It's incredibly interesting, there's never a dull show. Search for The Jordan Harbinger Show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Upstart: Find out how Upstart can lower your monthly payments today when you go to UPSTART.com/OPP. Nuts.com: New Nuts.com customers get free shipping on your first order when you text OPP to 64-000.

While awaiting sentencing, Robert Courtney agrees to debrief investigators on the extent of his unthinkable crimes. 

In August 2001, Robert Courtney, a respected church deacon and family man, would find himself at the center of a massive FBI investigation.

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.

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 Orgone Warrior.

Sherry goes viral after Stephen's death. Meanwhile, Barbara is charged and tried for murder.

Angered by his exile, Stephen becomes obsessed with taking Sherry down. A distressing night fighting with Orgone Warriors online ends with his death.

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.

Sherry, increasingly paranoid and power hungry, turns on her inner circle. You can purchase Opportunist merchandise here: https://theopportunistpodcast.com/  Thank you to our sponsors: Audible -  Audible.com/opp or text OPP to 500-500 to start your free 30 day trial 

Sherry, after being rejected from several ministry groups, realizes she can gain more followers through the internet. She also becomes friends with Stephen Mineo. You can purchase Opportunist merchandise here: https://theopportunistpodcast.com/ 

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. You can purchase Opportunist merchandise here: https://theopportunistpodcast.com/ 

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 podcasts, and look for new episodes every Tuesday. You can purchase Opportunist merchandise here: https://theopportunistpodcast.com/ 

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 podcasts, and look for new episodes every Tuesday. You can purchase Opportunist merchandise here: https://theopportunistpodcast.com/