Ryan Scott, known to some as “Father Ryan,” was no ordinary con man. He’d been accused of abusing followers and enriching himself with their money. He's left a wake of angry people across multiple states. And that’s not all. There are questions surrounding the brutal deaths of two priests he associated with. Investigative reporter Alex Schuman explores Scott's bizarre, quizzical, and sometimes dangerous world.
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 seduce their marks and bend communities to their will. Join us as we unravel their stories and bring justice to the people they've deceived.
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A Sony Music Entertainment production.
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Publisher
Sony Music Entertainment
Category
religion & spirituality · society & culture · true crime
Jessica Currin was murdered in a quiet Kentucky town in the summer of 2000. Local housewife Susan Galbreath became instrumental in solving the case, working alongside law enforcement to help convict Quincy Cross. Sentenced to life, he remains in prison today.
For years, the story seemed settled. Justice had been served.
But when Susan's son Ray inherits a box of his mother’s files, everything begins to unravel. Inside are handwritten notes, letters, and photographs—fragments of an investigation that raise more questions than answers.
Buried within his mother’s work, Ray believes he’s uncovered a chilling possibility: Did his mom help put an innocent man behind bars?
The truth was hidden for decades. Now, it’s finally coming to light.
Listen to My Mother’s Lies, the latest series from The Binge. Get the entire series now, ad-free, by clicking subscribe at the top of the page.
Search for My Mother’s Lies wherever you get your podcasts… and decide for yourself what really happened.
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26 Mar 2026
Out Now: Crime Scene Weekly — Unforgettable True Crime Stories
From The Binge, Crime Scene plunges you into stories you can’t stop thinking about—revisiting cases that deserve a second look.
Join Jonathan Hirsch (My Fugitive Dad, Dear Franklin Jones) and investigative reporter Cooper Moll as they crack open overlooked details, challenge the official narrative, and uncover what others missed. Each episode delivers the depth of a true crime mini-series in a single, gripping listen.
If you’re drawn to unresolved mysteries and stories that stay with you long after they end...this is for you.
Follow Crime Scene wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes every Thursday.
Subscribers to The Binge+ can listen ad-free, in addition to our network of limited series.
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22 Apr 2025
Fatal Beauty - Dead Men, Stolen Identities, and a Socialite on the Run
She had a million-dollar smile and a trail of dead men behind her— who was Sandra Bridewell? Host and investigative report Cooper Moll exposes the secrets of the 'black widow' on Fatal Beauty - the latest true crime series to drop on The Binge.
Search for Fatal Beauty wherever you get your podcasts to start listening today. Subscribers to The Binge can listen to all episodes right now, completely ad-free.
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2 Jul 2024
Who is Dr. Miracle? Go Behind Closed Doors of the 'Miracle Ranch'
The twisted truth behind one doctor's 'miracle' methods.
A wellness center known as Miracle Ranch, nestled in the scenic mountains of Southern California, promised a luxurious escape and a path to wellness through clean, alkaline living. Its leader, Dr. Robert O. Young, attracted wealthy clientele with his “groundbreaking” health protocols and friendly, family-man persona. But beneath the serene surface, Miracle Ranch harbored a dark secret…
Join host Larrison Campbell as she unravels the mysterious methods of Dr. Young, his diet and the horrors of his “miracle ranch.” Listen to Chameleon: Doctor Miracle - available now wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribers to The Binge can listen to all episodes right now, completely ad-free.
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6 May 2024
The Most Dangerous Man You've Never Heard Of - Who is John Todd?
In the 1970s, John Todd exploded onto the evangelical scene with a shocking claim: a secret group of devil-worshiping elites called the Illuminati were planning a violent world takeover, and Christians needed to arm themselves against them to protect their families and way of life. But none of it was true—so why did the idea spread so quickly?
Dive into John Todd’s dark and distorted world with journalist Paul Murphy on Cover Up: The Conspiracy Tapes. Featuring sensational tales of witchcraft and human sacrifice from recorded tape of John Todd’s original testimony, this story unravels the threads of Todd’s deceptions, and traces his legacy as an originator of modern day conspiracy theories.
Available now wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribers to The Binge can listen to all episodes of Cover Up: The Conspiracy Tapes right now, completely ad-free.
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1 Apr 2024
Inside the High-Stakes Chase to Catch Austin's Serial Bomber
On March 2, 2018, an anonymous and deadly package bomb detonated on the doorstep of a home in Austin, Texas. Soon after - another was discovered, and another—each one a little more sophisticated than the last, and each target seemingly more and more random. Confusion and panic set in across the city - who was this elusive serial bomber? Why were they planting these bombs? And why were they so hard to track down? Find out on Witnessed: 19 Days - The story behind the frantic race to catch the Austin serial bomber. Join host Sean Flynn as he traces the case from its origins to its shocking conclusions. Available now wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribers to The Binge can listen to all episodes of Witnessed: 19 Days right now, completely ad-free.
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5 Mar 2024
The Untold Story of the 2001 Anthrax Attacks
In 2001, a series of letters laced with a deadly powder called anthrax appeared on the desks of prominent journalists and politicians in New York City and Washington D.C causing a national panic. But what started as an unprecedented case soon turned into an unsettling mystery. Who had sent these letters? And why? Join us as we trace the FBI’s costly investigation into the attacks, all with an eye toward the question that remains today: Did the FBI identify the true killer, or is this case still unresolved? Unravel the story the played out behind closed doors on Cover Up: The Anthrax Threat, listen now wherever you get your podcasts.
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5 Feb 2024
The Secret Lives of the Men Who Plotted to Kidnap the Governor of Michigan
In the Fall of 2020, 14 men were arrested for allegedly conspiring to kidnap the governor of Michigan. Americans were shocked to hear the news of the foiled plot but were left to wonder - what really what happened here?
Find out on this season of the award-winning podcast, Chameleon: The Michigan Plot. You’ll eavesdrop in on this group of alleged kidnappers through the actual wire recordings (that have never been heard by the public) from the FBI informant that infiltrated it. Unravel the story behind the headlines on Chameleon: The Michigan Plot, listen now wherever you get your podcasts
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4 Dec 2023
My Fugitive Dad - Smoke Screen Returns
Meet Ashley Randele.
Ashley’s Dad, Thomas Randele, was her favorite person in the world. A great dad, a great golfer, and the love of her Mum’s life. Ashley thought she knew him better than anyone. But at 38 years old, that notion would be shattered.
Ashley’s dad wasn’t Thomas Randele, he was Ted Conrad - a wanted fugitive who had evaded authorities for over half a century. The mystery of Ted Conrad haunted law enforcement for decades, and now, for the first time, the secrets of his story are finally being revealed.
Join host Jonathan Hirsch as he teams up with Ashley herself to unravel the truth behind her father’s secretive past on Smoke Screen: My Fugitive Dad.
Subscribers to The Binge can listen to all episodes of Smoke Screen: My Fugitive Dad right now, completely ad-free. Catch new episodes of Smoke Screen: My Fugitive Dad every week wherever you get your podcasts or subscribe to The Binge and unlock all episode’s ad-free today.
Just click ‘Subscribe’ on the top of the Smoke Screen show page on Apple Podcasts or visit GetTheBinge.com to get access wherever you listen.
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16 Jun 2022
How To Get Away With Fraud
Until now, Father Ryan has mostly escaped punishment for stealing money from followers under false pretenses. What would it take for him to face a jury of his peers?
Want the full story? Unlock all episodes of Smoke Screen, ad-free, right now by subscribing to The Binge. Plus, get binge access to brand new stories dropping on the first of every month — that’s all episodes, all at once, all ad-free.
Just click ‘Subscribe’ on the top of the Smoke Screen show page on Apple Podcasts or visit GetTheBinge.com to get access wherever you listen.
A Neon Hum Media & Sony Music Entertainment production.
Find out more about The Binge and other podcasts from Sony Music Entertainment at sonymusic.com/podcasts and follow us @sonypodcasts.
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16 Jun 2022
Origin Story
Alex Schuman finally has his showdown with Father Ryan. But things don't go as planned because Father Ryan has something to confess about his past that sheds light on why he wanted to become a "priest" in the first place.
Want the full story? Unlock all episodes of Smoke Screen, ad-free, right now by subscribing to The Binge. Plus, get binge access to brand new stories dropping on the first of every month — that’s all episodes, all at once, all ad-free.
Just click ‘Subscribe’ on the top of the Smoke Screen show page on Apple Podcasts or visit GetTheBinge.com to get access wherever you listen.
A Neon Hum Media & Sony Music Entertainment production.
Find out more about The Binge and other podcasts from Sony Music Entertainment at sonymusic.com/podcasts and follow us @sonypodcasts.
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16 Jun 2022
Two Dead Priests
In his autobiography, Father Ryan connects himself to two priests who died suspiciously. One he accuses of molesting children. The other? He says he teamed up with to publicly shame pedophile priests. What's the truth?
Want the full story? Unlock all episodes of Smoke Screen, ad-free, right now by subscribing to The Binge. Plus, get binge access to brand new stories dropping on the first of every month — that’s all episodes, all at once, all ad-free.
Just click ‘Subscribe’ on the top of the Smoke Screen show page on Apple Podcasts or visit GetTheBinge.com to get access wherever you listen.
A Neon Hum Media & Sony Music Entertainment production.
Find out more about The Binge and other podcasts from Sony Music Entertainment at sonymusic.com/podcasts and follow us @sonypodcasts.
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16 Jun 2022
No Good Deed Goes Unpunished
The father-daughter investigator team discovers the cop who arrested Father Ryan may have an ulterior motive. They defend Father Ryan tooth and nail - until they get a troubling surprise of their own.
Want the full story? Unlock all episodes of Smoke Screen, ad-free, right now by subscribing to The Binge. Plus, get binge access to brand new stories dropping on the first of every month — that’s all episodes, all at once, all ad-free.
Just click ‘Subscribe’ on the top of the Smoke Screen show page on Apple Podcasts or visit GetTheBinge.com to get access wherever you listen.
A Neon Hum Media & Sony Music Entertainment production.
Find out more about The Binge and other podcasts from Sony Music Entertainment at sonymusic.com/podcasts and follow us @sonypodcasts.
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16 Jun 2022
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 get 7 years in prison, but then he meets a father-daughter pair of private investigators who change everything.
Want the full story? Unlock all episodes of Smoke Screen, ad-free, right now by subscribing to The Binge. Plus, get binge access to brand new stories dropping on the first of every month — that’s all episodes, all at once, all ad-free.
Just click ‘Subscribe’ on the top of the Smoke Screen show page on Apple Podcasts or visit GetTheBinge.com to get access wherever you listen.
A Neon Hum Media & Sony Music Entertainment production.
Find out more about The Binge and other podcasts from Sony Music Entertainment at sonymusic.com/podcasts and follow us @sonypodcasts.
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15 Jun 2022
Llama Drama
After Father Ryan steals a follower's money, her property and even her husband's ashes, she hires a lawyer. A legal battle ensues over unpaid loans and a herd of llamas that Father Ryan leaves high and dry.
Want the full story? Unlock all episodes of Smoke Screen, ad-free, right now by subscribing to The Binge. Plus, get binge access to brand new stories dropping on the first of every month — that’s all episodes, all at once, all ad-free.
Just click ‘Subscribe’ on the top of the Smoke Screen show page on Apple Podcasts or visit GetTheBinge.com to get access wherever you listen.
A Neon Hum Media & Sony Music Entertainment production.
Find out more about The Binge and other podcasts from Sony Music Entertainment at sonymusic.com/podcasts and follow us @sonypodcasts.
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15 Jun 2022
The Teacher
Even con artists need mentors. Meet the false prophet who teaches Father Ryan how to perfect his con. Father Ryan evades criminal charges again and Alex learns about an unspoken reason prosecutors could let many criminals go free.
Want the full story? Unlock all episodes of Smoke Screen, ad-free, right now by subscribing to The Binge. Plus, get binge access to brand new stories dropping on the first of every month — that’s all episodes, all at once, all ad-free.
Just click ‘Subscribe’ on the top of the Smoke Screen show page on Apple Podcasts or visit GetTheBinge.com to get access wherever you listen.
A Neon Hum Media & Sony Music Entertainment production.
Find out more about The Binge and other podcasts from Sony Music Entertainment at sonymusic.com/podcasts and follow us @sonypodcasts.
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15 Jun 2022
Coming Home
Alex tracks down Father Ryan’s son, Jonathan Brady, and discovers Father Ryan was a scammer and manipulator long before he wore a priestly robe. Turns out he had plenty of practice committing fraud before he opened his first church in Wisconsin.
Want the full story? Unlock all episodes of Smoke Screen, ad-free, right now by subscribing to The Binge. Plus, get binge access to brand new stories dropping on the first of every month — that’s all episodes, all at once, all ad-free.
Just click ‘Subscribe’ on the top of the Smoke Screen show page on Apple Podcasts or visit GetTheBinge.com to get access wherever you listen.
A Neon Hum Media & Sony Music Entertainment production.
Find out more about The Binge and other podcasts from Sony Music Entertainment at sonymusic.com/podcasts and follow us @sonypodcasts.
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15 Jun 2022
An Unholy Priest
Investigative reporter Alex Schuman hears about a guy accused of swindling millions who has travelled the Midwest for decades pretending to be a priest. Alex starts his journey talking to two people who have long tried to expose the truth. Alex is hoping to finally figure out why anyone would try to pull off such an elaborate con.
Want the full story? Unlock all episodes of Smoke Screen, ad-free, right now by subscribing to The Binge. Plus, get binge access to brand new stories dropping on the first of every month — that’s all episodes, all at once, all ad-free.
Just click ‘Subscribe’ on the top of the Smoke Screen show page on Apple Podcasts or visit GetTheBinge.com to get access wherever you listen.
A Neon Hum Media & Sony Music Entertainment production.
Find out more about The Binge and other podcasts from Sony Music Entertainment at sonymusic.com/podcasts and follow us @sonypodcasts.
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15 Jun 2022
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, Father Ryan would move on to another small Midwestern town and start his scheme all over again. Followers who once worshiped him, now accuse him of exploitation, fraud and abuse. In season one of Smoke Screen, join Alex Schuman as he unravels this con and gets answers from this white-collar criminal himself.
Want the full story? Unlock all episodes of Smoke Screen, ad-free, right now by subscribing to The Binge. Plus, get binge access to brand new stories dropping on the first of every month — that’s all episodes, all at once, all ad-free.
Just click ‘Subscribe’ on the top of the Smoke Screen show page on Apple Podcasts or visit GetTheBinge.com to get access wherever you listen.
A Neon Hum Media & Sony Music Entertainment production.
Find out more about The Binge and other podcasts from Sony Music Entertainment at sonymusic.com/podcasts and follow us @sonypodcasts.
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Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
4.6 / 5
186 ratings
Spotify
4.5 / 5
30 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 20 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
1
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
95
Contact Smoke Screen: Fake Priest
Guest appearances
Does not typically book guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
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