FAKD

What happens when Hollywood's newest rising star... doesn't actually exist? In this episode of FAKD, we dive into the story of Tilly Norwood, the AI-generated actress set to star in a feature film, and explore what her debut means for the future of entertainment. We break down the legal gray areas surrounding AI performers, whether studios have to disclose when a character is artificial, how union...

Everyone has seen the words "Based On A True Story." But how much of it actually has to be true? In this episode of FAKD, we uncover one of Hollywood's most powerful marketing tools. From blockbuster movies and bestselling books to hit TV shows, we explore how creators can stretch, rewrite, and even invent major parts of a story while still calling it "true." We'll break down some of the biggest o...

In this episode of FAKD, we're diving into the surprisingly large world of fake guitar players on social media. With millions of views and followers on the line, some creators have built entire audiences by appearing to play instruments they may not actually know how to play, using pre-recorded tracks, editing tricks, and carefully crafted videos. Joining us is TikTok creator Samee (@sameeguitar),...

What if the FBI didn't break into a criminal network… but convinced the criminals to invite the FBI inside? In one of the most unbelievable law enforcement operations in history, the FBI secretly built an encrypted phone company called ANOM and sold it directly to organized crime groups around the world. Drug cartels, mafia members, money launderers, and hitmen all trusted the devices—completely u...

In this episode of FAKD, we break down the strange world of social media psychics, viral predictions, and the psychology behind why people believe them. From TikTok fortune tellers to a bizarre claim that aliens could abduct soccer players during a World Cup match, we look at how psychics operate, why vague predictions spread so fast, and how failed prophecies quietly disappear. We also explore co...

DOGUE founder Oli joins FAKD to discuss the DOGUE vs. Vogue trademark dispute and the legal battle that has captured attention across the fashion and publishing industries. We dive into the origins of DOGUE Magazine, the rise of luxury dog fashion, trademark law, brand protection, entrepreneurship, and what it's like building an independent media brand while facing scrutiny from a globally recogni...

Most people think of the FBI's Most Wanted list as bank robbers, mob bosses, and violent fugitives. But the FBI has launched a new Most Wanted Fraudsters list featuring eight individuals accused of everything from investment scams and mortgage fraud to COVID relief fraud, illegal gambling schemes, and a Medicare operation that allegedly generated more than $1.2 billion in fraudulent claims. In thi...

From snake oil salesmen and miracle tonics to detox teas, weight-loss gummies, and viral wellness trends, the health industry has always had its share of products that promised far more than they delivered. In this episode of FAKD, Joseph Rowan sits down with Adam Rader of Apple A Day to explore some of the biggest health product scams and misleading wellness claims—both past and present. Together...

Millions of people know the phrase “Don’t Drink The Kool-Aid”… but what if that’s not even what was used during the Jonestown tragedy? In this episode of FAKD, we explore how false details become permanent parts of history, from the Kool-Aid myth to misquoted movies, fake historical quotes, and pop culture facts that were never actually true.

Searching for the H.H. Holmes house in Indianapolis? You’ve probably been sent to the wrong address. For years, 5811 E Julian Ave in Indianapolis has gone viral as the so-called H.H. Holmes murder house in Irvington. It’s been featured online, visited by curious explorers, and widely believed to be real. But it’s not. In this episode, I sit down with Edward Russo, the actual homeowner, to talk abo...

You’ve heard the jingle — but what’s really behind Kars4Kids? In this episode, we break down the origins, lawsuits, and controversy surrounding where donation money actually goes. From its connection to Oorah to accusations of misleading advertising, we uncover how this charity operates — and how to spot red flags before you donate.

What’s actually in the candle you’re burning? In this episode, I sit down with Sharon from Seemy Candles to break down the difference between true hand-poured candles and mass-produced products disguised as premium. We also dive into a viral example from my page—where a $4 Mainstays candle from Walmart was allegedly relabeled and resold for $30—and how common practices like white-labeling can blur...

Castile soap sounds like one of those fake “miracle” products that claims to do everything — body wash, laundry detergent, dish soap, household cleaner, even pet shampoo. But unlike most products with outrageous claims, Castile soap actually has centuries of history and real science behind it. In this episode, we break down the origins of Castile soap from Spain and Aleppo, why olive oil soap beca...

Are food scanner apps actually helping people… or are some of them fear-mongering for clicks and subscriptions? In this episode of the FAKD Podcast, we dive into the rise of barcode-scanning food apps like Yuka, the psychology behind “toxic food” culture, and how AI is beginning to supercharge nutrition paranoia online. We break down the original food scanner apps, the legit concerns around proces...

We've OFFICIALLY reached 200 episodes! Thank you everyone that chooses to listen to my podcast and hopefully here's to 200 more! From a science fiction writer to a global religion worth billions—this episode breaks down the origins of Scientology, the rise of L. Ron Hubbard, and the controversies that have followed for decades. We explore its beliefs, secret teachings, celebrity influence, and the...

In this episode we talk about a new scam that was discovered surrounding a one night stand and a trip to a "planner parenthood". Is this legitimate or "extortion through abortion"?

What happens when your Coachella wristband scans… and suddenly stops working? In this episode, we break down the hidden world of Coachella ticket scams, StubHub resellers, and the shocking loophole in wristband ownership that’s leaving festival-goers locked out after paying hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars. We uncover how Coachella’s RFID wristband system works, why activating your ticket doe...

We landed on the Moon over 50 years ago—so why is NASA going back… and not even landing? In this episode, we break down the real reason behind the Artemis missions, why Artemis II is only flying around the Moon, and what’s actually changed since the Apollo era. From entirely new spacecraft to stricter safety standards and bigger long-term goals, this isn’t a repeat mission—it’s a complete rebuild....

April Fools’ Day is supposed to be harmless fun… but what happens when billion-dollar companies take the joke too far? In this episode, we break down real April Fools pranks that backfired in a big way—from fake rebrands that shook investors to email features that cost people their jobs. Some of these stunts caused public outrage, others triggered real-world consequences, and a few blurred the lin...

What if an entire healthcare industry started with a ghost? In this episode of FAKD, we dive into the bizarre origin story of chiropractic medicine—founded in 1895 by D.D. Palmer, who claimed he learned spinal manipulation from a spirit during a séance. From its supernatural beginnings to its modern-day presence in clinics across the world, chiropractic has evolved into a controversial and widely...

You’ve seen the Disney castle your entire life. Massive. Magical. Untouchable. But what if it’s not actually the size your brain thinks it is? And what if the American flags all over Disney… aren’t even real? In this episode of the FAKD Podcast, we break down two of Disney’s most subtle illusions: The castle, built using forced perspective to appear far larger than it really is… And the flags, int...

In this episode Dan Anderson tells us all about the Cult church located in Greenville, Ohio called Church Of God Restoration. This Cult has every red flag when it comes to cult operations, fear mongering its' members so they never leave, sexual abuse, even choosing what underwear color women should wear! This is a crazy exposure of a Cult that has gone unchecked since the 1980s and i anticipate th...

Japan has some of the strictest packaging and labeling laws in the world—and companies can face serious consequences for misleading consumers. In this episode of the FAKD Podcast, we break down when these laws started, real scandals that shaped them, and how they compare to the U.S. system. If you’ve ever wondered whether food packaging is a scam, this episode will change how you see grocery store...

Most people think an oil change is routine… but what if it’s one of the most common everyday scams? In this episode, we uncover the hidden history of the quick-lube industry, the psychological tactics used to pressure customers, and the modern upsell traps happening right now. Learn how to spot red flags, avoid fear-based sales tactics, and become streetwise before your next visit.

In this episode, we trace the shocking evolution of AI — from a 1950s academic experiment to today’s powerful autonomous agents — and explore the platforms now allowing AI to hire real humans to complete tasks in the physical world. How does software suddenly have the authority to manage people? Who is funding these AI agents? Are major companies already experimenting with this? And what happens w...