World's Greatest Con
True Crime & Paranormal
About
Brian Brushwood (Scam School, Modern Rogue, Scam Nation) brings you the hidden stories behind the most audacious con jobs, swindles and heists in history. Email the show at Worlds Greatest Con at Gmail dot comSupport us directly at Patreon dot com slash Greatest Con Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
- Who Is the Mysterious Princess Caraboo?
This episode explores the story of a mysterious woman who appeared in an English village claiming to be Princess Caraboo, a shipwrecked royal. It examines how her presence captivated the public and members of high society, raising question…
- Do Rainmakers Believe They Make The Rain?
Charles Hatfield claimed to have a secret chemical process to summon rain for drought-stricken 1915 San Diego. While it rained, it didn't stop, causing floods, deaths, and millions in damages, raising the question of whether Hatfield belie…
- Why Do We Call It A Ponzi Scheme?
This episode explores the origins of the term "Ponzi scheme," detailing the audacious financial fraud conducted by Charles Ponzi and explaining why his name remains synonymous with scams despite most people not knowing the specifics of his…
- Crazy Eddie - Part II
In Crazy Eddie - Part II, Eddie devises a plan to make millions of dollars, a scheme that ultimately results in him becoming an international fugitive. This episode is hosted on Acast.
- Crazy Eddie - Part I
This episode covers the rise of a New York City businessman, detailing his journey through fame and wealth, and the dangers posed by his greed.
- Q Ships
This episode of World's Greatest Con discusses the Royal Navy's Q Ship strategy, a deceptive tactic used to surprise and combat German U-boats during wartime.
- The Greatest Magic Show of all Time was a Lie
The episode details how Jean-Eugène Robert-Houdin came out of retirement for a high-stakes magic performance in French Colonial Algeria to quell an uprising, exploring themes of belief and deception.
- EPCOT - Part II
Roy Disney works to finish his brother's EPCOT dream after Walt's death, encountering challenges from a hostile governor and confused Orlando locals.
- EPCOT - Part I
This episode discusses Walt Disney's ambitious and secretive plan to build EPCOT as a planned community, distinct from its current form, and fueled by a desire to 'defeat communism'. The narrative suggests Disney's quest for control might…
- Uri Geller hijacks the New York Times, An Interview with Michael Shermer
This episode discusses an article alleging magic has a grudge with Uri Geller, relating it to Project Alpha. It features an interview with Michael Shermer discussing being taken in by incorrect information and Project Alpha's legacy.
- In James Randi's Own Words
An unearthed episode of a podcast features James Randi describing Project Alpha in 2008, as requested by listeners of the World's Greatest Con.
- An Update On Project Alpha and Your Emails
This episode provides an update on Project Alpha, featuring host Brian Brushwood reading listener emails and feedback. Topics include James Randi and a special rendition of the podcast title by William Shatner.
- Back In The Lab - Project Alpha Part V
Brian Brushwood, Mike Edwards, and Banachek discuss more stories from the Mac Lab and answer audience questions in this candid conversation.
- Side Characters - Project Alpha Part IV
The Project Alpha charade was revealed at a 1983 press conference for a prime-time NBC special. This episode unpacks 40 years of consequences stemming from Project Alpha's triumph and betrayal.
- Demonic - Project Alpha Part III
Mike and Steve's Project Alpha deception, which lasted over a year, leads to significant consequences at a conference in Madison, Wisconsin.
- Alpha - Project Alpha Part II
Steve Shaw and Mike Edwards, two individuals with vastly different backgrounds, are accepted into the Mac Lab study in St. Louis. Both harbor suspicions of a large-scale fraud and view each other as potential liabilities, raising questions…
- Project - Project Alpha Part I
During the Cold War, amidst fears of nuclear war, a study funded by a military contractor sought child psychics at Washington University. Two boys were accepted into the program.
- Project Alpha Trailer - Season 3 of World's Greatest Con Begins April 10, 2023
The trailer for Season 3 of World's Greatest Con investigates Project Alpha, a 1970s study on psychic powers. The episode features interviews with the two men who revealed the study's subjects were frauds, debunking parapsychology.
- Presenting Don't Explain
The 'Don't Explain' podcast series examines the evolution of cinematic tropes, beginning with an exploration of the earliest conventions in rockstar biopics like 'Lady Sings the Blues,' 'The Buddy Holly Story,' and '8 Mile.' This episode f…
- From Revisionist History: Way to Go, Ohio
This bonus episode preview from Revisionist History, shared by World's Greatest Con, features Malcolm Gladwell discussing a mysterious disease and a doctor's successful, albeit controversial, experiment involving a common condiment to find…
- Interview with John Madden, Director of "Operation Mincemeat"
John Madden, Director of "Operation Mincemeat," discusses his new film, now available on Netflix. The movie is based on the same book used for research in Season One of World's Greatest Con.
- From Cautionary Tales: Fairies or Fakes?
A preview episode of Cautionary Tales features the story of two young girls who created a compelling fake image of fairies, which fooled expert photographers and led prominent figures like Sir Arthur Conan Doyle to believe in their existen…
- Television Game Show Questions - Game Shows Part VI
Brian and co-creator Justin Robert Young answer listener questions from the current season of World's Greatest Con.
- The Price Is Right's Perfect Bid - Game Shows Part V
This episode examines the only perfect bid in The Price Is Right's Final Showcase Showdown history. It delves into conflicting accounts from a fan, an audience member, and backstage staff, exploring allegations of a fed answer and an ex-pr…
- Super Password Put This Liar In Jail - Game Shows Part IV
A criminal on the run plays the TV game show Super Password to finance his escape. Despite playing fairly and winning the game, his participation leads to unforeseen consequences.
- Charles Ingram and the Who Wants To Be A Millionaire scandal - Game Shows Part III
This episode covers the 2001 Who Wants To Be A Millionaire scandal involving Charles Ingram. Accused of cheating with a questionable plan, Ingram's surprising success on the game show became a pop culture event.
- Michael Larson broke Press Your Luck - Game Shows Part II
This episode details Michael Larson's unprecedented win on Press Your Luck, where he exploited a glitch to achieve the largest single-day game show prize. The description touches upon his con artistry and the subsequent sad turn of events…
- Twenty One and the 1950s Quiz Show Scandals - Game Shows Part I
This episode discusses the 'Twenty One' quiz show scandals of the 1950s, where a producer provided answers to contestants. While this brought them wealth and fame, the revelation of the deception had significant negative consequences.
- Operation Mincemeat Questions - Operation Mincemeat Part IV
This episode of World's Greatest Con features host Brian answering audience questions about the Operation Mincemeat season. More content is available on Patreon.com/GreatestCon.
- The Moment Of Surrender - Operation Mincemeat Part IV
In Part IV of Operation Mincemeat, the con reaches its 'moment of surrender,' where the target must be fooled into deceiving themselves. The hosts question if Hitler will fall for this elaborate scheme.
- In The Flesh - Operation Mincemeat Part III
The Twenty Committee created a fictional soldier story to deceive Hitler. This episode explores the gap between the fabricated fantasy and the grim reality of using a deceased body, as detailed in Part III of Operation Mincemeat.
- When Is The Perfect Story Too Perfect? - Operation Mincemeat Part II
This episode delves into Operation Mincemeat Part II, exploring how the Twenty Committee planned to deceive Hitler and whether their strategy risked becoming overly dramatic. It features a piano cover by Claire Waluch and music by Kubbi.
- How To Fool Hitler - Operation Mincemeat Part I
Part I of Operation Mincemeat covers the Allied plan to deceive Hitler during WW2 by using a body with misinformation to suggest an attack on the wrong location. The plan requires approval before execution.
- World's Greatest Con Feature Trailer
This is a feature trailer for World