Deceiving Your Way to the American Dream: The George Santos Story
In this jaw-dropping episode of Wicked Coin, hosts Diana Shaw and Tatiana Sainati are joined by their Wiley colleague Rob Walker – former Chief Counsel to both the House and Senate Ethics Committees – for an unflinching look at the rise and fall of George Santos. From fabricating his résumé and heritage to defrauding donors and misusing campaign funds, Santos’ story is a masterclass in audacity and deception. Tune in as the Wiley team unpacks how a man built on lies made it to Congress – and what ultimately brought him down. For more on the rise and fall of George Santos, check out "The Fabulist: The Lying, Hustling, Grifting, Stealing, and Very American Legend of George Santos" by Mark Chiusano.
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36:34
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36:34
Signed, Sealed, Prosecuted: The UK Post Office Scandal
Join hosts Tatiana Sainati and Diana Shaw as they unravel one of the most shocking corruption scandals in modern British history – the UK Post Office Horizon debacle. From a centuries-old institution to a catastrophic IT failure that led to the wrongful prosecution of over 900 subpostmasters, this episode dives deep into how systemic failure, blind institutional loyalty, and a flawed sense of virtue devastated lives. Prepare to be outraged by a cover-up that shattered lives and public trust for decades.
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32:52
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32:52
Dictator Deluxe: Chechnya's Eccentric Strongman
Join hosts Diana Shaw and Tatiana Sainati as they explore the captivating and controversial life of the current head of the Chechen Republic. In this episode, they unpack one man's rise to power, including his opulent lifestyle and the dark underbelly of his regime. From lavish palaces and exotic pets to allegations of human rights abuses and corruption, this episode uncovers the many facets of a leader who is equal parts bling, violence, nationalism, and religion. Discover how this cult of personality has shaped Chechnya and the implications for its future.
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22:38
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22:38
Oil, Opulence, and One Crystal-Encrusted Michael Jackson Glove
Join hosts Tatiana Sainati and Diana Shaw as they delve into the harrowing history of corruption and violence in the Republic of Equatorial Guinea. Discover how a single political family managed to siphon off the nation's vast oil wealth and amass an astonishing portfolio of assets, including 11 luxury sports cars, lavish mansion estates, and a collection of Michael Jackson memorabilia. Tune in to learn about the international efforts to hold these kleptocrats accountable.
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33:26
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33:26
Peeling Back the Bruising History of the Banana Trade
Join hosts Diana Shaw and Tatiana Sainati as they explore the fascinating and dark history of the banana trade in the latest episode of Wicked Coin. From the entrepreneurial spirit of Minor Cooper Keith in the late 1800s to the rise of the United Fruit Company and its impact on Central and South America, this episode uncovers the shocking tale of corruption, labor exploitation, and political manipulation that shaped the banana industry. Discover how a seemingly innocent fruit found itself at the center of power struggles, economic monopolies, and even terrorist funding. It's bananas!
USA