Ask ACC anything

Have you heard about the former Apprentice contestant who got married and moved into my neighborhood, threw extravagant neighborhood parties, then got busted for selling fraudulent classes called “The Seller’s Playbook” on Amazon? They had all their assets seized, the husband had a 2-day stand-off with the cops, and people had to evacuate. Before he came out and surrendered to the cops, he had been hiding behind my house in the woods.

Donna Mehta

Hi ACC, what's your view on DarkSide?

Matt Dadley

Not really a question but if you ever make merch for the Dalkon shield episode I'll buy it all 😊

Stephanie Collins

Thoughts on Estonia? Head-f***

Claire French

I just want you to know that the best part of this pandemic was finding your podcast! Thank you for talking about subjects that have been crying out for attention. I am now a Valued Listener and feel so good about supporting this podcast. 🤟🏻

Rebecca Moore

You stuck mittens Bernie in there, ha ha!!!

Katie Swan Hamilton

Sorry I’m so late. What’s the backstory on your theme song? & how long did it take you to conceive it/settle on it/put it together? It’s a masterpiece. 💯

Kathryn Price

Have you ever been swindled ? Is that what made you start the podcast ? What made you start the podcast ?

Iwona mielniczek

What drives your passion to report on greed and corruption? Have you been swindled in the past? 🇨🇦🇺🇸

Carroll Leigh C

Do you have any plans to do advocacy work professionally? Try not to be a smart ass.

Carroll Leigh C

ACC-you’re one of my favorite people and I don’t even know you! 😍

Jami Canavit

Just noticed the Bern in that lecture. Must have been attracted to all that denim.

Christiano Maldini

The last episode of Swindled will about how ACC swindled all of us! #apparelsaledefinesirony

HOLY SHIT

Kathleen Davis

Valentine’s weekend would be a great time to release new episodes...just putting that out there 🤣

Kathleen Davis

I thought I had listened to every episode but somehow I missed 'The Sultan'.....I am listening now, about 15 minutes in and every time I hear about Jamal Ahmad Khashoggi it makes me think - How any one can deny what happened to this man? It makes me so sad, angry, scared.....but, I digress. ACC, thank you for all of your work. I cannot wait for the next season.

Brandi Shover

Would you like to share it .... haha

Kerrin-gai Hofstrand-easom

Like a warm blanket

Swindled

Yes, I know the date

Swindled

Yes, I drink CBD for breakfast and color my hair a different color every day.

Swindled

what does your laugh sound like?

sam

What are your thoughts on #freebritney, and more so on corruption in the conservatorship system as a whole. Episode material or......? ‬

Seriously can we please get some new episodes... I am on the 5th time of listening to old ones! Do you know yet what date that will be? Xx

Kerrin-gai Hofstrand-easom

Dear ACC. Do you really use the products that are advertised on your show? I bought Feals because you recommended it but it did absolutely nothing for me. Not only does it taste like horse shit, it also costs $200 a pop. I was happy that they had a 30 day money back guarantee! Also, I have purchased Madison Reed hair color and I was so horrified when my hair turned orange from it. My god, orange hair and a mouth full of manure made become a patreon member so that I don't have to listen to those bullshit ads anymore!

Maggieworld

Do you ever come and talk in Ohio?

Carolyn Miller

I'm curious how Zolla decided you were the right dude to advertise their wares. No notes or complaints, but curious.

Carrie Elaine

You would probably have a field day with this too: https://www.inquirer.com/crime/inq/full-list-philadelphias-66-problem-cops-20180316.html

Smashing Blumpkins

Not enough content for me to keep my patreon. This may be my last month.

Huge fan! Can't wait for the new content!

AC Kasriel

The Yellowstone Club . Really enjoy listening always waiting for more.

Paul Naugle

No question, just wanted to say, been a long time listener and supporter and Thanks for what you do. I love how in beginning of podcast sets up and into the primary story. Keep up the great work!

You mentioned that if you did another podcast the content of it would be something lighter, which I totally understand; however, I bet you could create a mystery podcast that would be killer. Is that something you'd consider in the future? Also, I'd love to see what dirt you could dig up on the former crooked and racist Philly police commissioner, Frank Rizzo.

Smashing Blumpkins

Do you agree and think like I do... that the following is a total rip off and more or less complete plagiarism of your work? http://pretendradio.org/

RandomDeathMetaller

Ever heard of Marc Dutroux? Belgian's finest political figure.

Isabelle Beauprez

I love some metal! My faves are Primitive Man, Yellow Eyes, Thou... Thanks for noticing. I won't make or sell anything that I personally wouldn't wear. For better or worse.

Swindled

No. I don't know who that is.

Swindled

In the picture for this post, is that actually you in the Marty Mcfly outfit speaking?

RandomDeathMetaller

Do you love metal? If so, what are some of your favorite bands/artists? I am enjoying the progression I see in your merch store of increasingly dark & graphically extreme designs. Hopefully this trend continues as far as you are willing to take it.

RandomDeathMetaller

Thanks for the podcast tip. Listening to them now and very interesting

Ken Smith

I'm not well-versed enough to say. I'll have to dig into that one.

Swindled

Rarely. I try to be a conscientious consumer but I'm not perfect.

Swindled

Do you think Danny Casolaro took his own life or was he suicided for what he knew?

Do you buy bananas? Every time I think about it I think of those slaughtered people. Has your research changed the way you interact with the world?

I remember being really emotionally affected by the PETA video from the Agriprocessors episode. Horrific. The episodes where I struggle to find information never get made. That's always disappointing.

Swindled

Pete Nash aka Pete Nice baseball backstory

www.si.com/.amp/more-sports/2009/12/09/nash

Too kind

Swindled

Sure. When do I start?

Swindled

Yes, I love that documentary, as well. I may have learned about the Dalkon Shield in a business ethics class but I'm not certain. It was one of the very first episodes I researched. I provide updates to previous episodes on VN4VL! Check 'em out if you haven't.

Swindled

Someone earlier asked about a "Robin Hood" type of swindle but...I got nothing. The world is an ugly place.

Swindled

Thanks!

Swindled

Interesting...

Swindled

Nah. I have no intention of ever catering to the lowest common denominator. If the jokes go over their heads, so be it.

Swindled

I have a question: Is this podcast as amazing as I think it is? And I have a comment: yessss 🙌🙌🙌

Hello! Would you read bedtime stories to children in your ACC voice? I think you'd be awesome at it!

The Corporation has resonated with me since its release. It’s one of the documentaries that I watch every year as a reminder of the excesses of life. Learning about farm factories in college and other biologically dissociative human behaviors set me on the path of becoming a neuroscientist. Thank you for sharing what you do. How did you learn of the modern atrocities of the dalcon shield? It would be great to hear some updates on previous episodes. Again, thank you!

Jill C

Love your podcast! Can you comment on any “anti-swindled worthy” institution, genre, decade, human, story etc. that you find pretty honest and without criminal activity? Is anything pure out there? Your mom doesn’t count!

Julia Nickey

No question..just want to say I love and am so grateful for your podcast.the fact that you do all the research yourself ,shows a great commitment and ethic toward the content you put out there.some podcasts read straight from Wikipedia!lol.love your style..looking forward to next season!

Alisdair rae

Regarding Rick's suggestion on 90s baseball cards, please be sure to cover rapper Prime Minister Pete Nice of Third Bass. (Real name is Pete Nash). His story/involvement is very interesting! Thanks for all you do!

Have you considered adding "contains sarcasm" to your list of trigger warnings? It might save you from face-palming while reading Twitter.

Which case was the hardest (either emotionally or physically trying to find information) to do?

Sara Wells

I go through phases. I've been heavy into "post-punk" the past few years. Bands like DIÄT, Bambara, Soft Kill, Iceage, Protomartyr, Women, Choir Boy...I could go on forever. I also like heavier stuff (Primitive Man, Yellow Eyes). And ambient stuff (Grouper, SURVIVE). Hell yeah.

Swindled

It's possible!

Swindled

I'll see what I can do :)

Swindled

Almost certainly

Swindled

That's wild. I'll definitely look that up. Thanks for the tip

Swindled

Only vaguely. I'll check it out!

Swindled

I'm not sure I'm following your question. Which newscasters?

Swindled

King Bee (RIP), Barracuda (RIP), Rio Rita (RIP), and Tyson's Tacos

Swindled

Yeah they know. My mom has definitely listened to the show but I don't think she listens to all of them.

Swindled

Nope

Swindled

Never say never

Swindled

I’ve always just wondered what kind of music you listen to. My guess is always punk, and Swindled makes me want to listen to Aus Rotten?? I’m probably way off, but what is your music taste like?

Kelsie DeZarn

I may speak on behalf of all Canadian listeners when I ask if you will consider covering a story on our Prime minister Justin Trudeau. There are a few scandals that seemingly disappeared: SNC Lavalin scandal, WE charity scandal...& even a blackface Halloween costume scandal! So juicy.

I would absolutely love your take on Benjamin Guggenheim, Fred Astor & Isa Strauss. Just to hear your thoughts on that one. Although there may not be much audio on the subject.

Brandi Shover

Are we going to hear about any nefarious government issues in the near future...acc also.

The body snatcher was the first episode I listened to and I was hooked from there. Mother Theresa was brilliant too. Your one liners are gold. Be interesting to do one on the undercover cops in the UK who infiltrated protest groups and formed long term relationships with women fathering kids and then simply disappearing one day from their lives. It all got exposed when a woman by chance saw her former partner in a community newspaper being profiled on his retirement from the police force. If you read “the lives of Ronald Pinn” by Andrew O’Hagan it provides interesting background.

Ken Smith

Have you heard of the Santa Susana Field Lab / Rocketdyne nuclear meltdown in Simi Valley? Is it Swindleworthy?

I don’t know how I discovered your podcast because I don’t really listen to them. The first episode I listened was about the Dalkon shield and I was hooked. Thank you for doing these podcasts. I am curious about the introduction of news casters, what story segments are they all from?

Mouse H.

What is your favorite hangout spot in Austin?

Maggieworld

Do your friends and family know your identity or do they think you do something else for a living? Does your mom listen to the show?

Maggieworld

When you go to True Crime meetups, do you wear a disguise the whole time?

Maggieworld

I think he has a missus or did at one time. In one episode he credits his 'boo' for editing(?). I love this podcast so much lol!

Jennifer Furneaux

I have a question entirely unrelated to the podcast.... are you married? Or in a relationship?

Will we ever get to see what you look like? 👀 also love the show and cant wait for next season.

Nadine Requejo

Thank you!

Swindled

I haven't. I'll check it out

Swindled

Either the Flint water crisis or the BP oil spill. I spent hours and hours reading and watching everything I could find. Those big cases can be overwhelming.

Swindled

I do!

Swindled

Voicemails and things like that are usually public information used in investigations and court. You can get those things by asking. Other times I go directly to the source. For instance, in the Tinder Swindler episode, I reached out to the victim.

Swindled

It's Texas-ish. There are varying degrees. I think mine is on the lighter side.

Swindled

Actually, yes I have. I have a huge, worthless collection in my attic.

Swindled

Trick question. I would never put my trust in a financial institution. Keep your cash under your mattress. No, I don't know. I would make sure they're a well-established big name and not promising something that's too good to be true.

Swindled

Oof

Swindled

I just want to say thank you for all your dedication and work. I don't know how you get all these juicy details, but the world needs to know the truth in these stories. You are by far my favorite pod. Keep at it.

Lauren Vaia

Have you heard of, or considered an episode about the WE charity scandal in Canada?

What was the most difficult episode to create and why?

Craving a new episode / season 5 so bad! Your voice is the best! Have you got any more Australian 'belters' in the pipeline?

Jennifer Furneaux

How do you get permission to use clips? Especially things like voicemails, some of them are pretty juicy.

Can I ask a second question? Is that really a Texas accent cos I've no idea about American accents, and it's so cute.

DiscoPig

Have you ever thought of doing an episode on how baseball/sports cards in the 90s became a giant swindle? I saw a documentary on this and realized how duped I was as a kid! ps. Keep up the excellent work. Looking forward to the new season!

Rick

If you were to put trust into a financial institution, what red flags would you look for prior to investing

Did you hear the news that Sarah H Sanders is running for Governor of Arkansas 😂?

Brenda Diaz

As much as I trust them to manufacture other vaccines, I suppose

Swindled

As a kid, I liked eDgY stuff like Beavis & Butthead, Ren & Stimpy, South Park, etc. Most recently, I loved The Midnight Gospel on Netflix. The last episode is beautiful.

Swindled

Nestle

Swindled

I did not know I had a lisp until this very moment haha. Is that true?! Anyway, yeah, I think most people who aren't accustomed to hearing their own voices are a bit self-conscious about it. Me, included. But comfort comes with time. I'm glad I put myself out there.

Swindled

I think I answered both of these above!

Swindled

I would've loved to have been a fly on the wall when Jered Threatin's bandmates figured out that the entire tour was a hoax.

Swindled

Everywhere I look. So many good people can't get ahead while scumbags unfairly climb their way to the top with no regard for anything but themselves.

Swindled

Nestle, Kids for Cash, Mother Teresa, Bayer, Hunter Moore

Swindled

Yup! First podcast ever. If I ever made another one, I would do something way less heavy, that's for sure.

Swindled

Jimmy Sabatino. Or maybe Anna Delvey. I kinda have a crush on her.

Swindled

Most enjoyable was maybe Jered Threatin. Mostly harmless and hilarious from what I remember. Most unsettling is probably Bayer or the Dalkon Shield. Anything medical like that freaks me out.

Swindled

Kids for Cash is definitely on the list. Also, Hunter Moore the revenge porn guy. So scummy.

Swindled

Yes. I have a Bachelor's in Accounting and I'm 4 classes short of a Master's in Public Administration. I dropped out to focus on the podcast. No regrets.

Swindled

Maybe The Whistleblower? It's hard to say. What's yours?

Swindled

Plenty. I will be covering it thoroughly in a VN4VL update episode.

Swindled

It just...happens. I like to look for parallels between the stories. Whether it's a common character, a period of time, or just a weird coincidence. The whole point is to demonstrate how pervasive these types of crimes have been and always will be. There's no shortage of material.

Swindled

Subconsciously, probably Kids for Cash. I heard about that case when I was in college and it stuck with me.

Swindled

THIS: https://thecapturedproject.com

Austen Lockwood

Mother Teresa

Swindled

Hmm maybe Martin Frankel. He seems weird af

Swindled

Yeah people that know me IRL know about Swindled. I don't wear a mask in public. In fact, I did some public meetups in 2019 (I think) in LA, Chicago, Boston. Plenty of people have seen my face and loved it.

Swindled

I haven't watched it in a long time, but yeah! I used to like that show back in the day. I can't think of any specific episode that stands out though. Yes, several people have reached out about covering their personal stories. Both former felons and victims. I think those stories are more difficult to do because it requires interviewing the subject which is not really my style.

Swindled

Do you trust private corporations to manufacture a COVID-19 vaccine?

Self-care?

Swindled

That's tough to say because I'm not an expert on sentencing guidelines. I think one could argue that Kwame Kilpatrick received a pretty severe sentence, but that's irrelevant now since he was pardoned.

Swindled

What secret messages?

Swindled

Ha I think we all need a break from Trump for now. But, yes, there is a person that I desperately want to cover but the entire episode hinges on audiotapes to which I do not currently have access. Waiting to hear back from the FBI. Stay tuned.

Swindled

I don't really keep track. I don't want to know haha. But I would guess 60 to 80 hours per episode. That's not counting the time it takes Trevor to make the music. We agree, it's worth it.

Swindled

I've been exercising a lot! Helps with the mental as well as the physical. The rest of the time I'm working on the show.

Swindled

It depends. The Bakker stuff is easy to find because he does a daily (?) television show where he spouts nonstop nonsense. Other times I have to dig and then ask permission and then negotiate licensing terms and fees. Every episode is different.

Swindled

I believe Bob Ross called them "happy little accidents." Sometimes I come across them researching the main story. Other times I actively seek them out. I think it's one of the coolest/most unique things about the show. I live for those coincidences. But it's also one of the most challenging aspects of making it.

Swindled

Do you have a favorite cartoon?

Talia Floyd

is there a single swindled story you wish more people in the US or internationally knew about?

Thanks for pumping out the great content. I love that monologue you did on the kosher meat packing plant episode. So savage. Did your lisp ever make you hesitant to narrate a Podcast? I personally think it adds a lot of character to rhe show.

How do you decide which stories to cover? Once you make a decision, how long does the average episode take to put together including research, finding sound clips, writing, producing, and recording?

Nope, never been recognized in public. That'll be a weird day for sure.

Swindled

Yeah, I remember writing it and thinking it was too boring. Maybe I'll revisit it soon, if that's something people really wanna hear? I'm admittedly biased against super old cases like that.

Swindled

I'll check it out

Swindled

Hmm not that I can remember. Surely there's gotta be one, right? If anybody has a lead on this, let me know.

Swindled

Love this question 😂

K. Smith

I think it's fun and adds a bit of mystique. Don't you agree?

Swindled

I think it's a possibility. I've received plenty of offers to adapt it into a TV show but nothing substantial yet. Mostly just big talk from Hollywood assholes. If it happens, it happens. It's never been a dream of mine. I'm still in love with the podcast and anything beyond that is just a bonus at this point.

Swindled

I have not. I'm probably last in line because I work for myself from home. I'll definitely take it when it becomes available to me. Side note: I think I had COVID-19 in early February 2020 before tests were available. The doctor told me it was an "upper respiratory infection" and sent me away. I spent the next week in bed. No fun.

Swindled

I usually don't revisit movies or TV shows very often. Although I have watched The Lighthouse three or four times in the last few years. I've also been recommending the HBO show How To with John Wilson to everybody I meet. I think it's brilliant.

Swindled

We just got an MLS team! Oh, you mean real sports? Probably never :(

Swindled

If you had a time machine that you could use to travel back in time and watch a Swindled subject occur in real time, which would it be and why?

Jeff Henry

Where does your inspiration for topics come from?

Tiela Duneripper

Love you too

Swindled

Each episode is like one of my babies, and like babies, of course, I have favorites. But I have a recency bias. I was really pleased with The Pope, The Octopus, The Treatment, The Saint, and The Spill episodes from the latest season. From earlier seasons, I'm still partial to The Canal, The Psychic, and The Switch.

Swindled

Nothing like it existed at the time, so I decided to make the podcast that I wanted to hear. I already had the technical know-how and a lot of time on my hands so I went for it!

Swindled

Hi! First, I miss you. Second, which episode has made you the most enraged?

Heyo. Was swindled your first podcast? Or did you have earlier ones that you decided to move away from? If so, what were the subjects you covered?

If you could (or had to) get a beer with someone featured on the podcast, who would it be?

What has been the most enjoyable swindle you’ve covered? And which was the most unsettling?

Josh Garcia

If you HAD to carry out any white collar crime, what would it be and why? You can chose whether you get caught or not in this scenario

Rosalind Sikoff

Which fraudster/conartist really strikes a nerve with you the most (could one you talked about or not)? Mine was the Ciavarella/Cash for kids. It's simultaneously my favorite and most hated.

Did you go to college/get a degree? If so in what?

Jerry Salisbury

What is your favorite episode so far?

Thoughts on Kwame Kilpatrick’s Pardon?

Merideth Burnett

Any book recommendations for us who love white collar crime?

How do you choose which people/topics are a good fit for an intro (Milli Vanilli on the Jered Threatin episode, for example) as opposed to making them the main topic?

I am patiently awaiting the next season. Goodie, goodie!!!!

Isabelle Beauprez

Was there one case that inspired you to create the podcast? What brought about this work of art?

Who do you think the most prolific Swindler is out of every person you have either covered or have researched about.

Aman

I think that's why ACC remains anonymous 🤔

Is there any of the subjects of your show you would have liked to do an interview with, and if so - who, and what would you ask? Love the show, so so much ❤️😊👌

Just Weronicha

Do IRL people know who you are? Do you wear a mask in public?

Are you a fan of “American Greed?” If so, what’s your favorite episode and why? Have you ever had a person, not a troll, reach out to you wanting to be covered on the podcast? Love your work!

What she said. Sorry.

SalBee

Since you cover some of the scummiest people on Earth, how do you go about your day-to-day life without thinking the absolute worst of everyone? I guess I'm asking what kinds of self-care you practice to avoid hating the entire world.

Tara Moore-Lawless

Are there any fraudsters you think are wrongly/unfairly convicted? Budd Dwyer is the only one so far you've discussed with any ambiguity, but are there any other notable cases where there was ambiguity or they deserved a lighter sentence?

DiscoPig

I've noticed something: What are the secret messages played backwards that are at the end of some if not all episodes you've done? What are you saying in them? They're barely audible but I pay attention to the tiniest of audible details. :)

Hanna

Best podcast available right here... As another concerned citizen may I ask if you have a person or company that you have yet to cover but are excited to tackle someday? Why is it Trump?

Donald Roberts

Love love the podcast! I’ve always wondered: how long does it take to make an episode? (However long it is.. it’s definitely worth it in my opinion! Only podcast I will happily re-listen to anytime)

Not podcast related really but, what’s your favorite way to pass time during quarantine?

Caitlyn Olsavsky

Where do you find the audio clips you use? For example, the ones for Jim Bakker minute?

Dylan Donahoe

I like how you open each episode with a story of a con or scam that’s related to the main story. I was wondering how you typically choose the stories to include in these introductions: Are they side stories you come across while researching your main story?

JG Park

I LOVE that you remain anonymous. It reminds me of the Lone Ranger or Batman. Only a few get to know the truth. You are our corruption super hero. However your voice has become such a part of our lives... do you get recognized in public?!

You said once you would do a bonus episode on Charles Ponzi. What happened to that?

MBA

Would love to hear an episode on Kenny Chatman from Florida

Gabrielle Nicole

In your research, have you come across a Robin hood type swindler? Or are they all greedy, money hungry narcissists?

Hodgie Michaels

Why remain anonymous?

Your podcast is absolutely addictive, for myself. Kudos to you and anyone else that helps research & produce (if any do exist). My original question has already been asked by @zoem So my backup question is.... Do you see Swindled becoming bigger than a podcast?

Brandi Shover

Have you had the good fortune to receive a COVID-19 vaccine yet? If not, will you be receiving it once able?

Alyssa Stuart

Hello from Australia! Love all that you do, definitely helped made 2020 easier to get through. Is there any TV show or Movie you find yourself keep going back to? If so, what is it??

TJ Tiong

Hello acc! When will ATX get a pro sportsball franchise?

Jesse Rowe

Has there been a story that you've wanted to cover, but was too spicy in terms of retaliation (legal or extralegal)?

zoem

How do you determine if a ‘Swindle’ is Swindled worthy? Also listening to the podcast makes me v angry at the world, how do you get away from it considering you probably spending a lot of your time researching/talking about all of these horrible things people are capable of?

I can’t wait for Season 5 and the big announcement! Love Swindled!

Carolyn Miller

Do you have a favourite episode? If so, which?

You've probably answered this a million times, or close to it, but what made you want to start this show?

Erin street