The Ringer

The Wedding Scammer

True Crime EN ↓ 9 episodes

Have you ever been scammed? In The Ringer’s first true crime podcast, host Justin Sayles tracks a mysterious figure who once wronged him. A man with a lot of aliases, a lot of failed businesses, and a trail of victims. Justin follows him through a sham media company, a series of ruined weddings, and beyond, trying to find answers. The police can’t offer any help—but maybe we can. From Spotify and The Ringer, this is ‘The Wedding Scammer.’ A story in seven parts.

Author

The Ringer

Episodes

8. The Arrest 02.09.2025 1:12:16

We are back with a big update: Carl Butcho has been arrested. Join Justin for one more trip down the rabbit hole as we explore how we got here and what closure looks like. Host: Justin Sayles Producers: Vikram Patel, Jade Whaley, Kaya McMullen, Devon Baroldi, Justin Sayles Executive Producers: Sean Fennessey, Juliet Litman, Mallory Rubin Copy Editing: Jack McCluskey Fact-checking: Dan Comer Sound...

7. Fool Me Twice 28.11.2023 1:20:41

In the final episode, we hear from the Wedding Scammer himself. A lot. Host: Justin Sayles Producers: Jade Whaley, Mike Wargon, Bobby Wagner, Amanda Dobbins, Justin Sayles, and Vikram Patel Original Music: Justin Catoni of 13th Ward Social Club Sound Design: Bobby Wagner Mixing and Mastering: Scott Somerville Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

6. Undercover Cowboy 21.11.2023 1:09:12

Justin confronts Carl Butcho, a.k.a. Lance Miller. And he records the whole thing. Host: Justin Sayles Producers: Jade Whaley, Mike Wargon, Bobby Wagner, Amanda Dobbins, Justin Sayles, and Vikram Patel Original Music: Justin Catoni of 13th Ward Social Club Sound Design: Bobby Wagner Mixing and Mastering: Scott Somerville Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

5. All My Scammers Live In Texas 14.11.2023 50:21

The Wedding Scammer resurfaces. Carl Butcho is still in the wedding business, and he's got a new alias. But a few discerning Texans manage to connect the dots, and find their way to Justin. To buy Rob Harvilla's new book, '60 Songs That Explain the '90s,' click here: https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/rob-harvilla/60-songs-that-explain-the-90s/9781538759462/ Host: Justin Sayles Producers:...

4. Coal Country 07.11.2023 56:55

Michael, Mark, Lawrence: What is the Wedding Scammer's real name? Turns out it's none of the above. In this episode, Justin gets the answer, takes a trip, and tells you an origin story. Host: Justin Sayles Producers: Jade Whaley, Mike Wargon, Bobby Wagner, Amanda Dobbins, Justin Sayles, and Vikram Patel Original Music: Justin Catoni of 13th Ward Social Club Sound Design: Bobby Wagner Mixing an...

3. The Fake Name Game 31.10.2023 1:02:47

The Wedding Scammer hits the road, and lands in the Bay Area. However, there’s a catch: He’s no longer going by Michael Esposito. But while he’s got a new name, some things haven’t changed. And the cost of knowing him has gone up. Host: Justin Sayles Producers: Jade Whaley, Mike Wargon, Bobby Wagner, Amanda Dobbins, Justin Sayles, and Vikram Patel Original Music: Justin Catoni of 13th Ward Soc...

2. The Crooked Caterer 24.10.2023 51:40

Michael Esposito has shut down Newsaratti and moved on to a new hustle: the wedding industry. Over the next few years, a handful of couples in Los Angeles will sue him, saying he did the unthinkable: ruined their weddings and kept the money. Host: Justin Sayles Producers: Jade Whaley, Mike Wargon, Bobby Wagner, Amanda Dobbins, Justin Sayles, and Vikram Patel Original Music: Justin Catoni of 13...

1. The Glass Castle 17.10.2023 57:07

A drive across the country. A fresh start. An unexpected job offer. What could go wrong? In this episode, Justin tells the story of how he stumbled into the orbit of a con man. Host: Justin Sayles Producers: Jade Whaley, Mike Wargon, Bobby Wagner, Amanda Dobbins, Justin Sayles, and Vikram Patel Original Music: Justin Catoni of 13th Ward Social Club Sound Design: Bobby Wagner Mixing and Master...

Introducing ‘The Wedding Scammer’ 11.10.2023 0:59

Jump down the rabbit hole with host Justin Sayles as he tracks a scammer and tries to get some answers—for himself, and so many others. This is ‘The Wedding Scammer,’ The Ringer’s first true crime podcast. A story in seven parts, starting October 17. Video Trailer: Cory McConnell Original Music: Justin Catoni of 13th Ward Social Club Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adch...