Whistleblowers, bombshell information, and scandals: 8 podcasts to binge if you loved ‘Fed Up’
If you can’t get enough of “Fed Up,” we’ve rounded up several podcasts investigating scandals, sharing bombshell information, and spilling whistleblowers’ stories. “Fed Up” detailed Emily Gellis’ whistleblowing journey when she heard countless negative reports about F-Factor, a trendy diet program that allegedly caused adverse reactions. The podcast explained how Emily exposed F-Factor and its creator, Tanya Zuckerbrot, on social media – a public feud that led to lawsuits.
On our list, you’ll hear podcasts covering mishandled investigations, government cover-ups, and journalists digging deep to find the truth. Tune in for podcasts about Theranos, scam artists, a MLM company, and the cult-like Twin Flame organization.
Twin Flames
“Twin Flames” examined a cult-like organization led by YouTube creators Jeff and Shaleia Ayan, promising followers they’d find eternal love. This Wondery podcast looked into the company’s shady business dealings and coercive practices used to isolate their members and ask them to fork over money for courses. This 7-episode series is hosted by Stephanie Beatriz (Encanto, In The Heights, and Brooklyn 99).
Who Killed Daphne?
In 2017, Maltese journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia was killed in a car bombing after spending decades exposing networks of corruption. After her death, journalists, law enforcement, and Daphne’s family searched for the killer and uncovered secrets about Prime Minister Joseph Muscat’s resignation in 2019 when his associates were linked to the crime. Hear what investigative journalists like host Stephen Grey unearthed in “Who Killed Daphne?”
Chameleon: Scam Likely
The Binge’s “Chameleon” series explores a different true crime-fueled story each season. Season 1 searched for (and tracked down) the “Hollywood Con Queen,” a scammer who extracted cash from Hollywood hopefuls. The latest season, “Scam Likely,” investigates scam call operations targeting individuals everyday in the U.S. Hear what Department of Homeland Security investigators learned, why two former scam callers turned on their bosses, and how this mob evaded law enforcement for years.
The Dropout
Former Theranos CEO Elizabeth Holmes claimed her company revolutionized blood testing technology until an investigation exposed what the company was hiding. “The Dropout” shared the former self-made billionaire’s story, the multi-year investigation, trial coverage, and conviction of Holmes and the former Theranos president Ramesh “Sunny” Balwani.
Bed of Lies
In The Telegraph’s “Bed of Lies” season 2, Cara McGoogan investigates a deadly medical scandal where people contracted AIDS via contaminated medication, and victims were left suffering. The public wondered how the disease suddenly started affecting people with hemophilia and traced how the medication was created – starting in a Louisiana prison, resulting in cover-ups and thousands of deaths. In Season 1, Cara investigated an undercover policing scandal in the United Kingdom. Both seasons are now streaming.
The Rise and Fall of LuLaRoe
In “The Rise and Fall of LuLaRoe,” host Stephanie McNeal chronicles LuLaRoe’s rise to the top of the clothing market before lawsuits and allegations rolled in from retailers claiming the company was a pyramid scheme. Stephanie interviews women who found themselves deep in debt from this predatory company. This series is presented by discovery+.
The Immaculate Deception
Dutch sperm doctor, Jan Karbaat, ran a successful fertility clinic. When his facility in Rotterdam closed, people wondered why. Jan artificially inseminated patients with his semen while women believed they received IVF and treatments from anonymous donors’ sperm or their partners’. This podcast shares stories from Jan’s biological kids who call themselves “Karbastards,” Jan’s former clients, and more. All episodes of Somethin’ Else / Sony Music Entertainment’s “The Immaculate Deception” are now streaming.
What Happened to Sandy Beal?
Journalist Melissa Jeltsen investigates if an 18-year-old’s 1977 death was a suicide on iHeartPodcasts’ “What Happened to Sandy Beal.” The teen hoped to join law enforcement before she was found shot in her car. The story had numerous inconsistencies, so Sandy’s mom asked police to reinvestigate. This podcast examines Sandy’s life, a mishandled investigation, possible cover-ups, conspiracies, and more.