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PODCAST

The Opportunist

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.

true crime

All Episodes

00:48:48

CANDACE CLARK Part 1 of 1: Serial Scammer

The Opportunist ·

2021/11/09

Serial scammer Candace Clark preyed on vulnerable people who believed she was a friend - but her relentless greed would be her downfall. You can purchase Opportunist merchandise here: https://theopportunistpodcast.com/ Thank you to our sponsors: Dipsea: Go to Dipseastories.com/opp for a free 30 day trial Apostrophe: Go to apostrophe.com/opp and use that code OPP to get your dermatologist-crafted treatment plan for $5 Raycon: Go to BuyRaycon.com/opp to unlock exclusive deals up to 20% off your

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00:49:15

SHERYL RUTHVEN Epilogue: What Kind of Power?

The Opportunist ·

2021/10/19

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:

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00:50:13

SHERYL RUTHVEN Part 4 of 4: The Exodus

The Opportunist ·

2021/10/12

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

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00:52:53

SHERYL RUTHVEN Part 3 of 4: Creating Eden

The Opportunist ·

2021/10/05

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.

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00:51:34

SHERYL RUTHVEN Part 1 of 4: A New Mary Magdalene

The Opportunist ·

2021/09/28

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.

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00:53:51

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

The Opportunist ·

2021/09/28

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.

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00:47:39

TARA LEE Part 2 of 2: The Perfect Scam

The Opportunist ·

2021/08/31

After discovering Tara's scam, her lawyers, adoptive parents and the FBI all work to build a case against her.

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00:56:18

TARA LEE Part 1 of 2: Tara Trance

The Opportunist ·

2021/08/24

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.

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00:50:51

DIRTBAGS AT DOPE LAKE Part 1 of 1

The Opportunist ·

2021/08/10

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.

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00:50:12

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

The Opportunist ·

2021/07/13

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 HEREon the And That's Why We Drink

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00:55:14

ROBERT COURTNEY Epilogue: Could It Happen Again?

The Opportunist ·

2021/07/06

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

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00:57:57

ROBERT COURTNEY Part 4 of 4: Diluted Trust

The Opportunist ·

2021/06/29

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

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00:55:07

ROBERT COURTNEY Part 3 of 4: The Path to Hell

The Opportunist ·

2021/06/22

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

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00:52:46

ROBERT COURTNEY Part 2 of 4: Caught in the Act

The Opportunist ·

2021/06/15

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.

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00:45:32

ROBERT COURTNEY Part 1 of 4: A Deadly Prescription

The Opportunist ·

2021/06/15

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

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00:54:08

SHERRY SHRINER Epilogue: A New Queen

The Opportunist ·

2021/04/06

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.

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00:55:25

SHERRY SHRINER Part 8 of 8: Day of Reckoning

The Opportunist ·

2021/03/30

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

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00:51:00

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

The Opportunist ·

2021/03/23

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

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00:49:44

SHERRY SHRINER Part 6 of 8: Unraveling

The Opportunist ·

2021/03/16

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.

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00:49:59

SHERRY SHRINER Part 5 of 8: A Warrior Betrayed

The Opportunist ·

2021/03/09

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

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124 results

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