Cover image of Smoke Screen: Betrayal on the Bayou

Smoke Screen: Betrayal on the Bayou

Smoke Screen is an investigative documentary series on people with complex motives and morals. Follow characters on the fringes of society — con artists, cult leaders, corrupt politicians — as they se... Read more

Warning: This podcast is a series podcast

This means episodes are recommended to be heard in order from the very start. Here's the 10 best episodes of the series anyway though!

Ranked #1

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Introducing Smoke Screen: Fake Priest

Introducing Smoke Screen: Fake Priest

For 30 years, a man claimed to be a priest. He performed baptisms and took confession. Every time he ran into trouble, F... Read more

31 Jul 2020

2mins

Ranked #2

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Fake Priest | 1. An Unholy Priest

Fake Priest | 1. An Unholy Priest

Investigative reporter Alex Schuman hears about a guy accused of swindling millions who has travelled the Midwest for de... Read more

13 Aug 2020

37mins

Ranked #3

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Fake Priest | 2. Coming Home

Fake Priest | 2. Coming Home

Alex tracks down Father Ryan’s son, Jonathan Brady, and discovers Father Ryan was a scammer and manipulator long before ... Read more

20 Aug 2020

38mins

Ranked #4

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Fake Priest | 3. The Teacher

Fake Priest | 3. The Teacher

Even con artists need mentors. Meet the false prophet who teaches Father Ryan how to perfect his con. Father Ryan evades... Read more

27 Aug 2020

37mins

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Ranked #5

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Fake Priest | 4. Llama Drama

Fake Priest | 4. Llama Drama

After Father Ryan steals a follower's money, her property and even her husband's ashes, she hires a lawyer. A legal batt... Read more

3 Sep 2020

38mins

Ranked #6

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Fake Priest | 5. Meet The Browns

Fake Priest | 5. Meet The Browns

A sheriff deputy arrests Father Ryan for taking more than $70,000 from an elderly follower. It's looking like he might g... Read more

10 Sep 2020

39mins

Ranked #7

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Fake Priest | 6. No Good Deed Goes Unpunished

Fake Priest | 6. No Good Deed Goes Unpunished

The father-daughter investigator team discovers the cop who arrested Father Ryan may have an ulterior motive. They defen... Read more

17 Sep 2020

39mins

Ranked #8

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Fake Priest | 7. Two Dead Priests

Fake Priest | 7. Two Dead Priests

In his autobiography, Father Ryan connects himself to two priests who died suspiciously. One he accuses of molesting chi... Read more

24 Sep 2020

33mins

Ranked #9

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Fake Priest | 8. Origin Story

Fake Priest | 8. Origin Story

Alex Schuman finally has his showdown with Father Ryan. But things don't go as planned because Father Ryan has something... Read more

1 Oct 2020

41mins

Ranked #10

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Fake Priest | 9. How To Get Away With Fraud

Fake Priest | 9. How To Get Away With Fraud

Until now, Father Ryan has mostly escaped punishment for stealing money from followers under false pretenses. What would... Read more

8 Oct 2020

41mins

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