The Opportunist
The Opportunist tells true stories of regular people who turn sinister by embracing opportunity. How does an everyday person turn into a thief, a scammer or a cult leader? Perhaps the most dangerous person is the one who appears the most normal. Perhaps there is a dark potential lurking inside all of us that is just waiting for the right opportunity to emerge. The Opportunist is a Kast Original podcast hosted by Hannah Smith.
Most Recent Episode
Show Announcement + Mini Episode
Enjoy today's mini episode about a guardianship scam and please send your stories and questions to:
or on Instagram or Twitter/X @hannahpodcasts
Thank you Lindsey Dominguez for sharing your story! Her podcast is called What's Up ABQ.
More Episodes
KIMBERLY SMITH Part 5 of 5: A Breath of Stale Air
Fred and Stacia anxiously wait for Kimberly Smith to face justice and continue to look for answers as to how Goldie Robinson died.
Listen to The Opportunist ad-free at KastMedia.com/KastPlus
You can reach out to us at TheOpportunist@kastmedia.com
Find the episode transcript here: tinyurl.com/opppodcast
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 50opp and use code 50opp for 50% off plus free shipping!”
○ Repeat offer, vanity URL, and promo codeGo to HelloFresh dot com slash 50opp and use code 50opp for 50% off plus free shipping!”
○ Repeat offer, vanity URL, and promo code
Shopify: sign up for a $1-per-month trial at shopify.com/opp
Dipsea: sign up for a 30-day free trial at DipseaStories.com/opp
Sports Explains the World: To hear incredible stories from the wide world of sports, listen to Sports Explains the World on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts.
Canva: Get a free 45-day trial when you go to Canva.me/opp
Better Help: This show is sponsored by Better Help. Go to Betterhelp.com/opp to get 10% off your first month.
KIMBERLY SMITH Part 4 of 5: The Motel Room
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.
Listen to The Opportunist ad-free at KastMedia.com/KastPlus
You can reach out to us at TheOpportunist@kastmedia.com
Find the episode transcript here: tinyurl.com/opppodcast
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 50opp and use code 50opp for 50% off plus free shipping!”
○ Repeat offer, vanity URL, and promo codeGo to HelloFresh dot com slash 50opp and use code 50opp for 50% off plus free shipping!”
○ Repeat offer, vanity URL, and promo code
Shopify: sign up for a $1-per-month trial at shopify.com/opp
Dipsea: sign up for a 30-day free trial at DipseaStories.com/opp
Sports Explains the World: To hear incredible stories from the wide world of sports, listen to Sports Explains the World on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts.
Canva: Get a free 45-day trial when you go to Canva.me/opp
Better Help: This show is sponsored by Better Help. Go to Betterhelp.com/opp to get 10% off your first month.
KIMBERLY SMITH Part 3 of 5: Where is Goldie Robinson?
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.
Listen to The Opportunist ad-free at KastMedia.com/KastPlus
You can reach out to us at TheOpportunist@kastmedia.com
Find the episode transcript here: tinyurl.com/opppodcast
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 50opp and use code 50opp for 50% off plus free shipping!”
○ Repeat offer, vanity URL, and promo codeGo to HelloFresh dot com slash 50opp and use code 50opp for 50% off plus free shipping!”
○ Repeat offer, vanity URL, and promo code
Shopify: sign up for a $1-per-month trial at shopify.com/opp
Dipsea: sign up for a 30-day free trial at DipseaStories.com/opp
Sports Explains the World: To hear incredible stories from the wide world of sports, listen to Sports Explains the World on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts.
Canva: Get a free 45-day trial when you go to Canva.me/opp
Better Help: This show is sponsored by Better Help. Go to Betterhelp.com/opp to get 10% off your first month.
KIMBERLY SMITH Part 2 of 5: Dawn
A gruesome discovery shocks everyone including the detectives and expands the case far beyond one missing person.
Listen to The Opportunist ad-free at KastMedia.com/KastPlus
You can reach out to us at TheOpportunist@kastmedia.com
Find the episode transcript here: tinyurl.com/opppodcast
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 50opp and use code 50opp for 50% off plus free shipping!”
○ Repeat offer, vanity URL, and promo codeGo to HelloFresh dot com slash 50opp and use code 50opp for 50% off plus free shipping!”
○ Repeat offer, vanity URL, and promo code
Shopify: sign up for a $1-per-month trial at shopify.com/opp
Dipsea: sign up for a 30-day free trial at DipseaStories.com/opp
Sports Explains the World: To hear incredible stories from the wide world of sports, listen to Sports Explains the World on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts.
Canva: Get a free 45-day trial when you go to Canva.me/opp
Better Help: This show is sponsored by Better Help. Go to Betterhelp.com/opp to get 10% off your first month.
KIMBERLY SMITH Part 1 of 5: Bad Wrong
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, Kimberly Smith.
Listen to The Opportunist ad-free at KastMedia.com/KastPlus
You can reach out to us at TheOpportunist@kastmedia.com
Find the episode transcript here: tinyurl.com/opppodcast
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 50opp and use code 50opp for 50% off plus free shipping!”
○ Repeat offer, vanity URL, and promo codeGo to HelloFresh dot com slash 50opp and use code 50opp for 50% off plus free shipping!”
○ Repeat offer, vanity URL, and promo code
Shopify: sign up for a $1-per-month trial at shopify.com/opp
Dipsea: sign up for a 30-day free trial at DipseaStories.com/opp
Sports Explains the World: To hear incredible stories from the wide world of sports, listen to Sports Explains the World on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts.
Canva: Get a free 45-day trial when you go to Canva.me/opp
Better Help: This show is sponsored by Better Help. Go to Betterhelp.com/opp to get 10% off your first month.
MARION BERNTSEN Part 1 of 1: Paper Terrorist
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, with bonus content, at KastMedia.com/KastPlus
Listen to The Opportunist ad-free on Amazon Music
You can reach out to us at TheOpportunist@kastmedia.com
Find the episode transcript here: tinyurl.com/opppodcast
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 language at babbel.com/OPP
Earth Breeze: Subscribe and save 40% by going to earthbreeze.com/OPP to get started with eco-friendly laundry detergent
Better Help: Find an online therapist and enjoy 10% off your first month at betterhealth.com/OPP
Shopify: Get a $1 per month trial period and start selling on Shopify at shopify.com/OPP
Zocdoc: Download the Zocdoc app for FREE and book a top-rated doctor today at zocdoc.com/OPP
GREG GUMUCIO Part 1 of 1: Circle of Trust
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, with bonus content, at KastMedia.com/KastPlus
Listen to The Opportunist ad-free on Amazon Music
You can reach out to us at TheOpportunist@kastmedia.com
Find the episode transcript here: tinyurl.com/opppodcast
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 language at babbel.com/OPP
Earth Breeze: Subscribe and save 40% by going to earthbreeze.com/OPP to get started with eco-friendly laundry detergent
Canva: Start creating with a FREE 45-day extended trial at canva.com/OPP
Dipsea: Start your 30 day FREE trial and listen to sexy stories at dipsea.com/OPP
Shopify: Get a $1 per month trial period and start selling on Shopify at shopify.com/OPP
GAYLE PALMER Part 7 of 7: Criminally Minded
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, with bonus content, at KastMedia.com/KastPlus
Listen to The Opportunist ad-free on Amazon Music
You can reach out to us at TheOpportunist@kastmedia.com
Find the episode transcript here: tinyurl.com/opppodcast
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 about microdosing THC go to Microdose.com and use code OPP to get free shipping & 30% off your first order
Dipsea app: Get an extended 30 day free trial when you go to dipseastories.com/OPP.
Earth Breeze: Get 40% off your first order of eco-friendly laundry detergent at earthbreeze.com/OPP
GAYLE PALMER Part 6 of 7: Window of Loss
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, with bonus content, at KastMedia.com/KastPlus
Listen to The Opportunist ad-free on Amazon Music.
You can reach out to us at TheOpportunist@kastmedia.com
Find the episode transcript here: tinyurl.com/opppodcast
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.
Canva: get a FREE 45-day extended trial when you go to Canva.me/OPP
ZocDoc: Find a top rated doctor within 24 hours by going to zocdoc.com/OPP and download the app for FREE
Better Help: Visit BetterHelp.com/OPP today to get 10% off your first month.
GAYLE PALMER Part 5 of 7: Far From Over
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, with bonus content, at KastMedia.com/KastPlus
Listen to The Opportunist ad-free on Amazon Music
You can reach out to us at TheOpportunist@kastmedia.com
Find the episode transcript here: tinyurl.com/opppodcast
You can purchase Opportunist merchandise here: https://theopportunistpodcast.com/
Thank you to our sponsors:
Dipsea app: Get an extended 30 day free trial when you go to dipseastories.com/OPP.
Canva: get a FREE 45-day extended trial when you go to Canva.me/OPP
Microdose: To learn more about microdosing THC go to Microdose.com and use code OPP to get free shipping & 30% off your first order
Better Help: Visit BetterHelp.com/OPP today to get 10% off your first month.
GAYLE PALMER Part 4 of 7: I Hate This Place
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 all 7 episodes of Season 7 now, ad-free, with bonus content, at KastMedia.com/KastPlus
Listen to The Opportunist ad-free on Amazon Music
You can reach out to us at TheOpportunist@kastmedia.com
Find the episode transcript here: tinyurl.com/opppodcast
You can purchase Opportunist merchandise here: https://theopportunistpodcast.com/
Thank you to our sponsors:
Better Help: Visit BetterHelp.com/OPP today to get 10% off your first month.
Athena Club Razor: Go to athenaclub.com and use code OPP for 25% off your first order.
Earth Breeze: Get 40% off your first order of eco-friendly laundry detergent at earthbreeze.com/opp.
GAYLE PALMER Part 3 of 7: Damage Control
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 all 7 episodes of Season 7 now, ad-free, with bonus content, at KastMedia.com/KastPlus
Listen to The Opportunist ad-free on Amazon Music
You can reach out to us at TheOpportunist@kastmedia.com
Find the episode transcript here: tinyurl.com/opppodcast
You can purchase Opportunist merchandise here: https://theopportunistpodcast.com/
Thank you to our sponsors:
Microdose: To learn more about microdosing THC go to Microdose.com and use code OPP to get free shipping & 30% off your first order
Babbel: Get up to 55% off and start speaking a new language at babbel.com/OPP
GAYLE PALMER Part 2 of 7: The Price of Admission
Before Summit Quest, Gayle Palmer worked at another wilderness therapy program called Challenger. Challenger was founded by Steve Cartisano, who is generally viewed now as a con artist.
Listen to The Opportunist ad-free, with bonus content, at KastMedia.com/KastPlus
Listen to The Opportunist ad-free on Amazon Music
You can reach out to us at TheOpportunist@kastmedia.com
Find the episode transcript here: tinyurl.com/opppodcast
You can purchase Opportunist merchandise here: https://theopportunistpodcast.com/
GAYLE PALMER Part 1 of 7: The Deadly Mirage
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, with bonus content, at KastMedia.com/KastPlus
Listen to The Opportunist ad-free on Amazon Music
You can reach out to us at TheOpportunist@kastmedia.com
Find the episode transcript here: tinyurl.com/opppodcast
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
Babbel: Start speaking a new language for up to 55% off at babbel.com/OPP
Earth Breeze: Get 40% off your first order of eco-friendly laundry detergent at earthbreeze.com/OPP
Dipsea App: Get a 30 free trial and explore hundreds of sexy audio stories at dipseastories.com/OPP
DR. SCOTT CHARMOLI Part 1 of 1: Broken Trust
Trusted Wisconsin dentist Dr. Scott Charmoli had a thriving practice. But his new patient, Jackie, began to suspect there was a dark side to his work.
Listen to The Opportunist ad-free, with bonus content, at KastMedia.com/KastPlus
Listen to The Opportunist ad-free on Amazon Music
You can reach out to us at TheOpportunist@kastmedia.com
Find the episode transcript here: tinyurl.com/opppodcast
You can purchase Opportunist merchandise here: https://theopportunistpodcast.com/
ALL-STAR #3 Part 1 of 1: Comic Conned
In 1940, the comic book All-Star #3 introduced the world to the Justice Society for the very first time. 70 years later, All-Star #3 made headlines again—this time for being at the center of not one, but two crimes.
Listen to The Opportunist ad-free, with bonus content, at KastMedia.com/KastPlus
Listen to The Opportunist ad-free on Amazon Music
You can reach out to us at TheOpportunist@kastmedia.com
Find the episode transcript here: tinyurl.com/opppodcast
You can purchase Opportunist merchandise here: https://theopportunistpodcast.com/
AUBREY LEE PRICE Epilogue: A Terrible Road
Hannah Smith speaks with Lee Price to hear his side of the story, and also shares a conversation with another Opportunist producer about the many discrepancies between Lee's version of the events and other interviews.
Listen to The Opportunist ad-free, with bonus content, at KastMedia.com/KastPlus
Listen to The Opportunist ad-free on Amazon Music
You can reach out to us at TheOpportunist@kastmedia.com
Find the episode transcript here: tinyurl.com/opppodcast
You can purchase Opportunist merchandise here: https://theopportunistpodcast.com/
The ending credits song is called "The Crow" by Paul Graham Stanborough.
AUBREY LEE PRICE Part 4 of 4: You're Gonna Be Famous
Lee's time on the run comes to an unexpected end. And those who mourned his death are stunned to learn he is alive.
Listen to The Opportunist ad-free, with bonus content, at KastMedia.com/KastPlus
Listen to The Opportunist ad-free on Amazon Music
You can reach out to us at TheOpportunist@kastmedia.com
Find the episode transcript here: tinyurl.com/opppodcast
You can purchase Opportunist merchandise here: https://theopportunistpodcast.com/
The ending credits song is called "The Crow" by Paul Graham Stanborough.
AUBREY LEE PRICE Part 3 of 4: Strangers
After faking his own death, Lee starts a new life as "Jason" in Florida. Meanwhile, Lee's family and friends react to the shocking news of his disappearance.
Listen to The Opportunist ad-free, with bonus content, at KastMedia.com/KastPlus
Listen to The Opportunist ad-free on Amazon Music
You can reach out to us at TheOpportunist@kastmedia.com
Find the episode transcript here: tinyurl.com/opppodcast
You can purchase Opportunist merchandise here: https://theopportunistpodcast.com/
The ending credits song is called "The Crow" by Paul Graham Stanborough.
Lost in Panama is Available Now
In 2014, Dutch friends Lisanne Froon and Kris Kremers disappeared while hiking a jungle trail in Panama. Two months later, investigators found their remains, as well as a backpack with a digital camera filled with photos that hinted at a darker story. What happened to Kris and Lisanne? In this investigative series, journalists Mariana Atencio and Jeremy Kryt retrace the last steps of the doomed women. Their search for the truth immerses them in eight years’ worth of conflicting evidence, testimonies, and rumors, as on-the-ground witnesses in Panama come forward for the first time. This explosive new evidence sets off a real-time race to reopen the case, and finally get justice for Kris and Lisanne.
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lost-in-panama/id1650171879
https://open.spotify.com/show/552v0bU0KQrnNDoeinrYU9?si=iVTRQlLbQ7et-65Cx4EQ7A
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
AUBREY LEE PRICE Part 2 of 4: Root of Evil
In a last ditch effort to recoup the losses at his hedge fund, Lee buys a failing bank. And while Lee is praised for the acquisition, behind closed doors, things aren't what they seem. And then, in June of 2012, Lee makes a decision that will land him in the headlines and leave his community shocked and devastated.
You can reach out to us at TheOpportunist@kastmedia.com
Find the episode transcript here: tinyurl.com/opppodcast
You can purchase Opportunist merchandise here: https://theopportunistpodcast.com/
The ending credits song is called "The Crow" by Paul Graham Stanborough.
AUBREY LEE PRICE Part 1 of 4: Double Time
Beloved pastor and family man Aubrey Lee Price ("Lee") shocks his community by leaving his position at his church to start a hedge fund. After collecting millions of dollars in investors’ money, Lee realizes he’s in over his head.
You can reach out to us at TheOpportunist@kastmedia.com
Find the episode transcript here: tinyurl.com/opppodcast
You can purchase Opportunist merchandise here: https://theopportunistpodcast.com/
The ending credits song is called "The Crow" by Paul Graham Stanborough.