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The Opportunist

The Opportunist

By: PodcastOne
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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 an original podcast hosted by Sarah James McLaughlin.© Copyright © 2002-2025 PodcastOne.com. All rights reserved. True Crime
Episodes
  • Tai Lopez: Guru to Grifter
    Jun 8 2026

    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.


    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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    38 mins
  • Sister Mary Margaret Kreuper: Unholy Roller
    May 26 2026

    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.

    Thank you to our sponsors:

    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.

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    37 mins
  • Natalie Marie Gonzalez: High Achiever Drug Dealer
    May 11 2026

    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.

    Show More Show Less
    42 mins
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All stars
Most relevant
One of my favourite podcasts. Thorough and captivating stories that explain how people use their opportunities to con people. Cult stories are my favourite. And the Robert Courtney story was shocking. Love the hosts voice and how they edit in interviews.

intriguing story telling

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