Tim Ballard: Unmasking a Hero

Listen to the new season of Opportunist, out now wherever you listen to podcasts.

In the 10th season of "The Opportunist: Tim Ballard," Podcast One will explore controversy surrounding Tim Ballard, the celebrated founder of Operation Underground Railroad, an organization known for its mission to combat human trafficking.

Hailed by some as a modern-day hero, Ballard's reputation is now tarnished by controversy as allegations of sexual misconduct have emerged - shaking the foundations of his crusade.

Through exclusive interviews with victims and those who know him best, this podcast series aims to unravel the complexities of Ballard's dual persona- a savior to some, a predator to others.

Join host Sarah James McLaughlin as she explores the rise and potential fall of a man whose actions have sparked a national conversation on trust, power, and accountability.

River Donaghey grew up in a cult. Or at least that’s what some people called it. His parents called it a “personal-growth seminar group.” Its leader called it “one big happy family.” But there was a dark side to the world River grew up in. One he never heard about as a kid. 

In the 1970s and 80s, a self-help company called Lifespring took America by storm. Hundreds of thousands of people walked out of Lifespring as true believers, convinced that the seminars had the power to change the world. But dozens of trainees claimed that after taking a seminar, they had a psychotic break. Some spent months in the hospital. Others attempted suicide. And at least four people died. 

River spent the past year digging into the bizarre, untold story of Lifespring and its controversial leader: a convicted felon turned New Age guru named John Hanley. What he uncovered made him question everything he thought he knew about his childhood. And about the seminars that are still changing lives—and ruining them—to this day.