The Opportunist

Two years ago, Kyle MacLachlan, the star of Twin Peaks, called investigative journalist Joshua Davis with a strange story. Kyle had heard a rumor that Pablo Escobar did a deal in the early 1980s with a remote, coastal Southern town of 300 people. In exchange for vast wealth and limitless cocaine, Escobar would be allowed to land planes and ships in the area. Over the last 24 months, Josh and Kyle investigated the rumor, journeying ...

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 r...

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...

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 d...

While the fraud case against Kimberly Smith had a robust paper trail, the homicide case did not. Detectives interview Adam Smith and his high school friend about the events surrounding Arthur Sheldon's death and a motel room in Orange City, Florida.  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 pl...

Detectives interview Kim's boyfriend, David Enos, looking for answers on Goldie Robinson's whereabouts. There is another discovery in the case that changes the scope and approach of the investigation.  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 5...

A gruesome discovery shocks everyone including the detectives and expands the case far beyond one missing person.  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 50...

In August of 2010, 78-yr-old Goldie Mae Robinson disappeared. The police investigation upended the quiet little town of South Daytona, Florida. Goldie was in good health, knew her neighbors and had lived in the same mobile home park for over 30 years. Her son Fred was astounded that she has just vanished. The search for Goldie Robinson revealed that her life was intricately intertwined with her neighbor, friend and caretaker, Kimbe...

Marion Berntsen was in her 70s when she began renting rooms in suburban Illinois, appearing to be a quiet, elderly lady. What her housemates didn't realize is that Marion was actually a domestic terrorist, determined to upend their lives.

Listen to The Opportunist ad-free on Amazon Music

You can purchase Opportunist merchandise here: https://theopportunistpodcast.com/

Thank you to our sponsors:

Babbel: Get up to 55% off an...

Greg Gumucio was the founder of a yoga empire called Yoga to the People, professing that yoga was for everyone. But behind the loving mantras and thriving studios, was a man obsessed with making money and controlling women.

Listen to The Opportunist ad-free on Amazon Music

You can purchase Opportunist merchandise here: https://theopportunistpodcast.com/

Thank you to our sponsors:

Babbel: Get up to 55% off and start speaking a new l...

Gayle Palmer moves her program into Nevada after being denied a license to operate in Utah. The Suttons seek justice for Michelle by suing Gayle and Summit Quest.

Listen to The Opportunist ad-free on Amazon Music

You can purchase Opportunist merchandise here: https://theopportunistpodcast.com/

Thank you to our sponsors:

Athena Club Razor: Go to athenaclub.com and use code OPP for 25% off your first order.

Microdose: To learn more a...

After discovering the truth about Michelle’s death, Cathy goes on a crusade to shut down Summit Quest. But Gayle is determined to fight. Would she be held responsible for what happened to Michelle?

Listen to The Opportunist ad-free on Amazon Music.

You can purchase Opportunist merchandise here: https://theopportunistpodcast.com/

Thank you to our sponsors:

Athena Club Razor: Go to athenaclub.com and use code OPP f...

Amanda and the other survivors are uncertain of their fate. Gayle Palmer continues to operate Summit Quest even as she’s being investigated for Michelle’s death. Meanwhile, Cathy Sutton begins to piece together the truth of what happened.

Listen to The Opportunist ad-free on Amazon Music

You can purchase Opportunist merchandise here: https://theopportunistpodcast.com/

Thank you to our sponsors:

Dipsea app: Get a...

Amanda DeRose attended Summit Quest with Michelle in May of 1990. She shares her experience of the program, including what happened to Michelle on the last day of her life.

Listen to The Opportunist ad-free on Amazon Music

You can purchase Opportunist merchandise here: https://theopportunistpodcast.com/

Thank you to our sponsors:

Athena Club Razor: Go to athenaclub.com and use code OPP for 25% off your first order.

Earth B...

The Sutton family continues to search for answers as an investigation is opened into Michelle’s death. Gayle Palmer tries to convince the Suttons, the police, and the media that Summit Quest is not at fault, even as evidence to the contrary begins to emerge.

Listen to The Opportunist ad-free on Amazon Music

You can purchase Opportunist merchandise here: https://theopportunistpodcast.com/

Thank you to our sponsors:

Microdo...

In May of 1990, 15-year-old Michelle Sutton attended a wilderness therapy program called Summit Quest. It was a 63-day program promoted as a way to help stuggling teens, founded by Gayle Palmer. But after only nine days, Michelle Sutton was dead. Was this a tragic accident, or the result of a more calcuated pattern of abuse in a burgeoning industry?

Listen to The Opportunist ad-free on Amazon Music

You can purchase Opportunist merc...