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The Opportunist

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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 Hannah Smith.
81 Episodes
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
In this episode of The Opportunist, we explore the bizarre case of Arian Taherzadeh and Haider Ali, who posed as federal agents and infiltrated the highest levels of the U.S. Secret Service with astonishing ease. We delve into the duo's motivations, the extent of their deception, and the ramifications of their actions on national security. Tune in to learn how these two individuals turned deception into an audacious opportunity, exposing serious security flaws surrounding President Joe Biden and his family.
In this episode of “The Opportunist,” we explore the chilling case of David Xu, a seemingly ordinary engineer who attempted to poison his coworker with cadmium over a period of several months. We explore his twisted motives behind his actions and uncover the dark side of a workplace rivalry.
Is justice really blind? In this week’s episode of “The Opportunist” we explore the shocking case of Judge Jeffrey Ferguson. Known as a strict law and order judge, Ferguson is accused of shooting his wife during a drunken rage. Despite admitting to the murder via text message, Judge Ferguson is currently out on bail and has been allowed to leave the state of California. Is Judge Fergeson leveraging his deep connections within the judicial system to receive preferential treatment?
Sebastián Marset is currently one of South America’s most powerful drug traffickers - opening new cocaine trafficking routes to Europe. In this episode of the "The Opportunist," we explore his rise to power and uncover how Marset cunningly used soccer to hide in plain sight, and to launder vast drug profits.
Casa Ruby was once a vibrant shelter offering essential services to Washington D.C.'s vulnerable and at-risk LGBTQ+ community. The non-profit shelter was the vision of Ruby Corado, an activist born in El Salvador, who dedicated her life to advocating for gay and transgender individuals. Her efforts garnered numerous awards and helped her secure millions in government grants and donations from wealthy philanthropists. However, suddenly the shelter closed, and Corado fled the country.
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.
The Fake CIA Spy

The Fake CIA Spy

2024-07-0854:13

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
End of Year Wrap Up 2023

End of Year Wrap Up 2023

2023-11-1301:01:34

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.
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.
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Comments (128)

Cobra 7

It is more likely than not he was excommunicated, given the nature and number of accusations. If he was baptized into another religion, that's automatic excommunication. If he's convicted criminally, that's also automatic excommunication. And the last time the Mormon church publicly repudiated someone so openly was July of 1842, so that was, indeed, almost unprecedented.

Dec 2nd
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Simo plops

speak, repeat. how many times can you say the same thing over and over each episode. i would guess you could condense this multi part into two episodes MAXIMUM.

Nov 27th
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Simo plops

lomg and dragged out episodes repeating the same meaning with different words. it used to be good with the old narrator.

Nov 21st
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Julia

"You have to have a man's financial mind" wtf is he talking about??

Oct 28th
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Krominov

Been waiting for the return of the original host, Hannah Smith, under the assumption she was just on vacation, only to learn today that she left the show circa February 2024 and is not returning. The new host and changes to the show aren't bad, they're just not what I subscribed to years ago. The Opportunist was Hannah, they were indistinguishable or inseparable from one another, and the show without her is not the show at all.

Sep 30th
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Non Dairy Canary

What on earth has happened to this podcast? It used to involve grown up, in depth, broadsheet quality investigations into people who took advantage of opportunities that came their way, hence the name. Suddenly it's become a series of superficial, juvenile, tabloid stories about crooks, just like almost every other true crime podcast out there. The writing is semi literate, the presenters talk as if to infants, everything that made it stand out has been stripped away. I'm done with it.

Sep 4th
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Nickie Manjon

I had to Google this show and its narrator as soon as I listened to this episode. Not to say SJM isn't good, but the original narrator, Hannah, made this show. I was able to tell the difference when sponsor messages started/ended when she did them, there were a lot more "meat" & details. The stories were way easier to follow and had flow. I had a "wtf did I just listen to?" moment after this episode, especially since I knew what to expect--and loved this podcast.

Aug 25th
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Non Dairy Canary

Where is the opportunism in this story? This podcast has forgotten what it is supposed to be about.

Aug 20th
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Simo plops

where is hannah smith. narration boring and this story was not interesting.

Aug 3rd
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Afifa Najnin Shetu

⭕𝗖𝗟𝗜𝗖𝗞 𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗘 𝗪𝗔𝗧𝗖𝗛 𝗗𝗢𝗪𝗡𝗟𝗢𝗔𝗗 ALL 𝗙𝗨𝗟𝗟 MOVIES LINK👉https://www.justhd.online

Apr 19th
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Suey

oh, how convenient. Sovereign citizens don't adhere to US law but they can use it at will--call the cops and bring cases against innocent people willy billy and will call 911 and allow municipal police to show up on her behalf. What a manipulative sick asshole. Reaping all the good benefits of being a citizen when it suits her and not having the consequences effect her. I don't particularly like the government, either, but I'm not stupid enough to be a hypocrite. Dont like it? Easy, leave!

Feb 17th
Reply

Suey

oh, how convenient. Sovereign citizens don't adhere to US law but they can use it at will--call the cops and bring cases against innocent people willy billy and will call 911 and allow municipal police to show up on her behalf. What a manipulative sick asshole. Reaping all the good benefits of being a citizen when it suits her and not having the consequences effect her. I don't particularly like the government, either, but I'm not stupid enough to be a hypocrite. Dont like it? Easy, leave!

Feb 17th
Reply

Suey

Ugh! Naturally those guys never considered the moral or ethical implications of what it meant to scrounge through a plane wreckage for weed, AND think that this highly illegal thing was "fun" because they were white crunchy guys in the 70's. They consider themselves untouchable. These guys are the same climbers who still continue to gatekeep the climbing community because they miss the "good old days" when they didn't have to share the sport with anyone else and want to keep it that way.

Jan 31st
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Me

Wow, heartbreaking series. I hope social media puts this industry out of business.

Dec 18th
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Mantik K

Great show in many levels! I’m listening all shocked and amazed!

Dec 17th
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Aakash Amanat

I thoroughly enjoyed this episode of "The Opportunist." The host's storytelling skills are truly remarkable, and the way they delved into the life of the opportunist in question was both captivating and insightful. The narrative painted a vivid picture of how opportunism can lead individuals down a complex and often morally ambiguous path. https://www.fixerhub.com/england/london/professional-service/kraft-paper-printer The interview with the subject's close friend added a personal touch that made the story even more engaging. The exploration of the psychological aspects of opportunism was particularly intriguing, shedding light on the motives and justifications behind the opportunistic behavior. I appreciate how the podcast not only sheds light on the dark side of opportunism but also encourages listeners to reflect on their own actions and choices. Overall, a thought-provoking and well-executed episode. https://www.biztobiz.org/london-uk/business-services/kraft-paper-printer

Nov 2nd
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Erik Moses

Superbly done podcast - great voice and delivery of the content, not to mention very interesting.

Sep 12th
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Melissa

What. A. Bitch.

Aug 2nd
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Paul

What a sap! How appropriate, a tree farmer too! You can't fix dumb.

Jul 28th
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Simo plops

Excellent and amazing as always. thankyou

Jul 26th
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