The Ponzi Playbook

Feb 26 2025 23 ep. 30 mins 349

The Ponzi Playbook Podcast artwork

Welcome to The Ponzi Playbook, the podcast that exposes the dark underbelly of the financial world. Join hosts Neal McTighe and Javier Leiva as they take you on a journey through the seedy world of financial fraud, exploring the twisted minds of the people behind some of the most audacious Ponzi schemes in history.

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20: The Ponzi Priestess

Feb 26 2025 32 mins

When the FBI raided financial advisor Dawn Bennett’s luxury penthouse in 2017, they expected to find evidence of fraud. What they didn’t expect? Freezers packed with mason jars—each containing a severed cow tongue, labeled with the initials of SEC attorneys investigating her. Bennett, once a well-respected investment advisor, promised her clients 15% annual returns. Instead,

19: Burkhalter’s $372M Drive Planning Scheme

Feb 12 2025 42 mins

A guaranteed 10% return in just 90 days—sounds too good to be true, right? Well, it was. In this episode, we investigate Todd Burkhalter and Drive Planning, a Georgia-based financial firm that promised real estate-backed investments but instead ran a massive $372 million Ponzi scheme. Hosts Javier and Neal expose how Burkhalter and his team lured in over 2,000 investors, convince

The White Collar Support Group

Oct 22 2024 56 mins

Hey everyone, it's Javier. Neal and I are working hard on season two of the Ponzi Playbook. In the meantime, I want to share an episode that I think you'll enjoy from my other podcast PRETEND. It’s hard to imagine former executives, investment fraudsters, and insider traders gathering for weekly support meetings. When I first heard about a support group for white-collar crimin

18: Confessions of a Ponzi Schemer: The Timepiece Gentleman (Anthony Farrar)

Apr 09 2024 48 mins

This episode offers an unprecedented look into the life of the 'Timepiece Gentleman' Ponzi schemer, Anthony Farrar, whose love for luxury watches spiraled into a deceitful web of lies, culminating in a rare and candid confession. If you want to hear more wild Ponzi stories, subscribe to The Ponzi Playbook hosted by me, Javier Leiva, and my buddy Neal McTighe. SUBSCRIBE: https://t.

17: Defrauding a U.S. President? Ferdinand Ward's Ponzi Scheme

Mar 13 2024 38 mins

The Swindle of the Century: How Ferdinand Ward Duped President Grant This episode unveils the cunning plot that led to the financial ruin of Ulysses S. Grant, Civil War hero and former President of the United States. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

16: Matthew Beasley: You May Get Shot If You Run a $500M Ponzi

Feb 07 2024 31 mins

Matthew Beasley, once a respected attorney in Las Vegas, found himself at the heart of a $500 million Ponzi scheme, entangling investors with the promise of lucrative returns from slip-and-fall lawsuits. But his empire crumbled on March 3, 2022, with a shootout after the FBI showed up at his doorstep. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

15: The Cash Flow King: The Ponzi Podcaster Matthew Motil

Dec 06 2023 30 mins

In this episode of the Ponzi Playbook Podcast, we delve into the shocking case of Matthew Motil, the host of "The Cash Flow King" podcast, who was charged by the SEC for running an $11 million Ponzi scheme. Motil, from North Olmsted, Ohio, is accused of deceiving over 50 investors with promissory notes, falsely backed by real estate, while using their money for lavish personal expe

The Red Collar Killer part 1

Nov 22 2023 30 mins

This week's "Ponzi Playbook" episode features a special crossover with Javier's acclaimed podcast, "PRETEND." Listeners are introduced to "The Red Collar Killer," the first of a two-part series. This engaging segment delves into the world of 'red collar' criminals, a concept coined by Frank Perri, an attorney, CPA, and certified fraud examiner. These criminals, originally involved

14: From Soulmates to 'Scheme-mates': Brent and Jana Seaman's Ponzi Accusations

Nov 08 2023 25 mins

Brent and Jana Seaman, a prominent Naples couple once regulars on the gala circuit, now face serious allegations as the SEC charges Brent Seaman with conducting a multi-million-dollar Ponzi scheme. On today's episode of the Ponzi Playbook, get an in-depth look at the couple's journey from socialite status to the center of a financial controversy. Learn more about your ad choices. V

13: Matthew Piercey: Ponzi Schemer Evades FBI Capture with Underwater Scooter

Oct 25 2023 25 mins

Ponzi Schemer Evades FBI Capture with Underwater Scooter 44-year-old Matthew Piercey, accused of orchestrating a $35 million Ponzi scheme, led FBI agents on a wild chase through the streets of Redding, California. After evading capture on the roads and highways, Piercey made a desperate bid for escape by plunging into the icy waters of Lake Shasta, using a Yamaha 350LI underwater