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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

00:34:20

Murder, Money, and a Children's Book

The Opportunist ·

2025/03/10

Kouri Richins was a grieving widow—or so it seemed—until her husband’s suspicious death revealed a web of deceit and greed. In this episode, we uncover the chilling story of how she exploited trust and love in a scheme that shocked everyone who knew her. 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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00:44:07

Part 2: The Season and Scandal That Shattered Hayfield

The Opportunist ·

2025/03/03

Coach Overton’s win-at-all-costs mentality led Hayfield High to a dream season—but also to its darkest chapter. In this episode, we delve into how his opportunistic actions unraveled the team, exposing a scandal that left a community reeling.

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00:36:00

Part 1: The Opportunist Coach Overton’s Big Move

The Opportunist ·

2025/02/24

When Coach Overton made a surprising leap to Hayfield High School, he was hailed as the savior of the struggling football program. But behind his calculated move lay the actions of an opportunist willing to bend the rules to build his legacy at any cost.

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00:50:22

Part 2: The Fraternity

The Opportunist ·

2025/02/18

After Peter Martins’ actions were exposed, a dancer named Chase Finlay was caught taking inappropriate pictures and videos of dancers at the New York City Ballet. In this episode, we dive into how the misogynistic culture created by Peter Martins spurred others to misuse their perceived power.

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00:48:06

Part 1: The Peter Martins Ballet Scandal

The Opportunist ·

2025/02/10

The New York Ballet Company, led by the charismatic Peter Martins, was the epitome of grace and perfection—until allegations of abuse and exploitation surfaced. In this episode, we explore how Martins used his influence to exploit dancers and manipulate those around him to maintain his dominance.

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00:33:21

John Greer: Above the Law

The Opportunist ·

2025/02/03

Discover the shocking story of Officer John Greer, a trusted law enforcement officer who exploited his badge to commit unthinkable murders. In this episode, we uncover the dark secrets Greer tried to hide, and how his abuse of power led to a chilling reign of terror.

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00:38:44

Tim Ballard E10: The Roundtable

The Opportunist ·

2024/12/16

In the final episode of The Opportunist: Tim Ballard - Unmasking a Hero, host Sarah James McLaughlin sits down with the producers and writers to explore the creative and investigative processes behind this compelling series. They also discuss their attempts to secure an interview with the new leader of O.U.R. Rescue.

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00:45:24

Tim Ballard E9: The Lawsuit

The Opportunist ·

2024/12/09

In this episode of The Opportunist, we delve into the new allegations against Tim Ballard and explore the Federal civil lawsuit that accuses him of exploiting his position as the head of O.U.R to traffick the women he worked with.Thank you to our sponsors: Betterhelp: Visit betterhelp.com/opportunist for 10% off your first month Quince: Go to quince.com/opportunist for free shipping and 365-day returns Shopify: Sign up for $1/month trial period at shopify.com/opp

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00:42:51

Tim Ballard E8: Operation Resurrection

The Opportunist ·

2024/12/02

In this episode, we delve into the latest chapter of Tim Ballard’s controversial journey. Facing multiple lawsuits and a fallout with the LDS Church, Ballard is navigating scandal and scrutiny while attempting to hold onto his public influence.Thank you to our sponsors: Betterhelp: Visit betterhelp.com/opportunist for 10% off your first mo nth Quince: Go to quince.com/opportunist for free shipping and 365-day returns Shopify: Sign up for $1/month trial period at shopify.com/opp

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00:45:29

Tim Ballard E7: Too Close to the Sun

The Opportunist ·

2024/11/25

In this episode, we explore Tim Ballard's dramatic downfall. As his hidden actions were exposed, even his most devoted supporters started to pull away, leaving the promising future he once imagined increasingly overshadowed by each new revelation.Thank you to our sponsors: Quince: Go to Quince.com/Opportunist for 365-day returns plus free shipping on your order! Shopify: Go to Shopify.com/OPP to upgrade your selling today! Better Help: This podcast is sponsored by Better Help. Visit

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00:38:33

Tim Ballard E6: Crusade & Conspiracy

The Opportunist ·

2024/11/18

In this episode, we delve into Tim Ballard’s connection to QAnon conspiracy theories and the role the Sound of Freedom movie played in reinforcing these narratives. We explore how the film’s themes of child trafficking and heroic rescues mirrored common QAnon stereotypes, fueling its popularity among conspiracy believers.

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00:46:07

Tim Ballard E5: The Church

The Opportunist ·

2024/11/11

In this episode, we examine how Tim Ballard's ties to the LDS Church and his relationship with Former President M. Russell Ballard may have provided cover for the controversial "couple ruse" used in undercover operations. Allegations suggest this tactic, supported by Ballard's church ties, played a role in shielding him from scrutiny as claims of inappropriate behavior surfaced.

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00:55:13

Tim Ballard E4: The Couples Ruse

The Opportunist ·

2024/11/04

In this episode, we investigate the controversial "couple ruse" tactic used by Tim Ballard during undercover operations. Allegations have surfaced suggesting that this strategy blurred professional boundaries and contributed to claims of inappropriate conduct, with some accusing Ballard of predatory behavior.

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00:53:04

Tim Ballard E3: A Broken Moral Compass

The Opportunist ·

2024/10/28

In this episode, we explore the pull of Tim Ballard’s powerful appeal and how his public persona drew volunteers like Bree Righter to the OUR movement. And we look at how that appeal blinded supporters to his potential misdeeds.

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00:57:52

Tim Ballard E1: For A Good Cause

The Opportunist ·

2024/10/19

In this episode, we dive into the recent allegations made by Celeste Borys against Tim Ballard, the founder of Operation Underground Railroad. Borys accuses Ballard of unethical behavior during their work together, raising serious questions about his methods and leadership. Join us as we unpack these claims and explore their potential impact on Ballard's reputation and anti-trafficking efforts.

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00:43:57

Tim Ballard E2: The Origin Myth

The Opportunist ·

2024/10/19

In this episode, we explore the rise of Tim Ballard, from his claims of being in the CIA to his early days in law enforcement to at DHS. We examine how Ballard built a global anti-trafficking organization and gained widespread attention for his daring rescue missions. Tune in to hear the story behind the man and the movement that has sparked both praise and controversy.

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00:01:11

Unmasking a Hero: Tim Ballard - The Opportunist...

The Opportunist ·

2024/10/15

Coming October 21, 2024... In the 10th season of "The Opportunist: Tim Ballard," PodcastOne will explore controversy surrounding Tim Ballard, the celebrated founder of Operation Underground Railroad, an organization known for its mission to combat human trafficking. Hailed by some as a modern-day hero, Ballard's reputation is now tarnished by controversy as allegations of sexual misconduct have emerged - shaking the foundations of his crusade. Through exclusive interviews with victims and those

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00:36:00

Sneak Preview of a New Season of “The Opportunist”

The Opportunist ·

2024/09/30

Join the host and producers of The Opportunist for a behind-the-scenes discussion on some of the most captivating single-story episodes from the past season. Plus, get an exclusive sneak peek at the twists and turns of the upcoming season, which will delve into the rise and fall of Tim Ballard, the founder of the anti-sex trafficking organization Operation Underground Railroad.

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00:00

Dr. Henry Lee: Evidence of Foul Play

The Opportunist ·

2024/09/16

In this episode, we dive into the controversial career of forensic scientist Dr. Henry Lee, exploring allegations that he may have fabricated or mishandled evidence in several high-profile cases. Did one of America's most famous forensic experts use his scientific credentials to help investigators in convicting two innocent men?

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00:55:38

Baby Doe: An Afghan Abduction

The Opportunist ·

2024/09/09

In this episode, we delve into the controversial story of U.S. Marine Joshua Mast, who adopted a young Afghan girl under questionable circumstances. Using the 2021 fall of Afghanistan and its ensuing chaos as a pretext, Mast navigated legal and ethical gray areas to carry out the adoption, sparking intense debate and legal battles.

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124 results

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