The Opportunist

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 on Amazon Music 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 firs...

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 on Amazon Music. You can purchase Opportunist merchandise here: https://theopportunistpodcast.com/ Thank you to our sponsors: Athena Club Razor: Go to athenac...

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 on Amazon Music You can purchase Opportunist merchandise here: https://theopportunistpodcast.com/ Thank you...

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 The Opportunist ad-free on Amazon Music 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 fo...

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 The Opportunist ad-free on Amazon Music You can purchase Opportunist merchandise here: https://theopportunistpodcast.com/...

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 on Amazon Music You can purchase Opportunist merchandise here: https://theopportunistpodcast.com/   See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at...

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 on Amazon Musi...

In 2018, Katrina Gay turned to National Autopsy Services to get answers about her mother's death. The man performing the autopsy, Shawn Parcells, claimed to be a forensic expert. But an investigation into his past would call into question Shawn Parcells' credentials. Was he really qualified to be performing autopsies? And what would that mean for the hundreds of grieving families who had used his...

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 on Amazon Music You can purchase Opportunist merchandise here: https://theopportunistpodcast.com/   See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privac...

Hannah and producer Patia discuss making Season 3. We bring you more information on Sheryl's finances and her connection to local law enforcement in Tennessee and we ask the question: what happens to someone after they leave a cult? We also have a brand new interview for you with one of Sheryl's former's followers. Hear more of Rachael's on The Ex Files The Safe Passage Foundation - https://safepa...

When her ministry and cat rescue gain unwanted notoriety in Whatcom County, Sheryl Ruthven plans a mass exodus, shrouded in secrecy. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When Sheryl Ruthven's cat passes away, she calls on her followers to build "Eva's Eden," a cat rescue, unlike any other, with a mission that extends far beyond rescuing cats. She also plots to get rid of her ex-husband. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In 2001, Sheryl Ruthven started her own church: Freedom Fire Ministries. But gradually, her uplifting sermons gave way to unorthodox teachings and doomsday prophecies. Over the last fifteen years those who believed her have seen families destroyed, their bank accounts drained and their homes filled... with cats. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https...

When one of Sheryl Ruthven's followers dares to question her need for a $170,000 trip to Scotland, he is excommunicated. We begin to see a pattern, a wake of destruction that follows anyone who dares to question Sheryl's authority. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this bonus mini crossover episode, we're joined by Em Schulz and Christine Schiefer of And That's Why We Drink, a podcast where murder and the paranormal finally meet! Grab your wine and milkshakes and listen in as Em and Christine share their own take on stories of opportunists with Hannah.  Check out And That's Why We Drink for more chilling ghost stories and downright terrifying true crime s...