Podcast
Royal Swindle
Hosted by Exactly Right Media and iHeartPodcasts · EN
In 1996, two Aussie lesbian lovers touch down in London and become the toast of British high society. One of them starts touting an exclusive investment opportunity and, before long, the money is rolling in.
But the millionaire duo are concealing a dark past and dastardly intentions. Unsuspecting businessmen and England’s horse-loving elite fall under their seductive spell. Even Queen Elizabeth II gets a dose of the couple’s irresistible charms. But when a small-town detective gets wind of their exploits and vows to stop them, he finds they are exceedingly hard to catch. Host Becky Milligan tracks down one half of the duplicitous duo and persuades her to tell all in this extraordinary tale of greed, lies and love. A true rom-con for the ages.
Royal Swindle is a Blanchard House production for USG Audio, in partnership with Exactly Right Media.
18episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Introducing Royal Swindle
2w ago00:02:31Summary readyTwo Aussie lesbian lovers touch down in 1990s London and become the toast of British high society. They charm rich businessmen, England's horse-loving elite, and even Queen Elizabeth herself. But the glamorous duo are concealing a dark past and dastardly intentions—and when a small-town detective vows to bring them down, he finds they are exceedingly hard to catch. Hosted by award-winning journalist Becky Milligan. Royal Swindle is a Blanchard House production for USG Audio, in partnership with Exactly Right Media. Premieres Thursday, July 23rd. Follow Royal Swindle wherever you get your podcasts—and see rare photos from the story at @exactlyright on Instagram.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Introducing Two-Faced: John of God
Jan 2800:02:53Summary readyFor decades, João Teixeira de Faria — known as John of God — was revered as a spiritual healer who claimed to perform miraculous surgeries without anesthesia. Desperate people from around the world traveled to Brazil, believing he could cure what doctors could not. But behind the promise of divine healing was something far darker. Hosted by award-winning journalist Martina Castro, Two-Faced: John of God is a six-episode limited series from Exactly Right Media and Adonde Media. Premieres Wednesday, February 4. New episodes drop every Wednesday on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Este podcast también está disponible en español — búsquenlo como Dos Caras: Juan de Dios. See photos from the story at @exactlyright on Instagram.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Hell in Heaven - 8: At Last
Nov 2000:44:35Summary readyAnn contemplates leaving Costa Rica forever. A drug bust and a prison visit lead to speculation about the Benders’ former head of security and his role in events. Everyone drawn into the couple’s orbit reflects on this shocking story. The final chapter revisits the jungle house, now abandoned, and the mysteries that refuse to die.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Hell in Heaven - 7: A Second Chance
Nov 1300:34:44Summary readyThe second trial concludes with a verdict that stuns Costa Rica. Ann Bender adjusts to a completely new way of life as a terrible tragedy shatters her world further. Meanwhile, public opinion dramatically shifts. A second trial is granted, the defence sharpens their case and judges consider the evidence one last time.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Hell in Heaven - 6: The Folly of Two
Nov 600:32:37Summary readyJohn Bender’s death soon becomes a cause celebre. But the woman at the centre of police suspicion is now the hospital. Ann’s psychiatrist is shocked at her physical and mental state. As the full story of the Benders’ isolation unfolds, prosecutors make their move and judges reach a verdict. But the Costa Rican authorities have a surprise in store.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Hell in Heaven - 5: The Night Of
Oct 3000:35:18Summary readyIt’s midnight in the jungle. The Benders are alone. A single shot rings out. One person is dead. As police arrive on the scene, they initially conclude it’s a suicide. But suspicion grows and the scene raises questions. But soon, the suspect is out of reach of detectives.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Hell in Heaven - 4: A Beautiful Mind
Oct 2300:40:34Summary readyBefore Costa Rica, there was Wall Street. John Bender has a mind built for numbers - and makes a vast fortune betting against the crowd. Friends describe him as brilliant, a little arrogant - and haunted. John’s academic parents are relieved when he decides to escape the world of high finance and build a different kind of empire in the trees - but it will prove to be a decision with dark consequences.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Hell in Heaven - 3: The Ambush
Oct 1600:29:46Summary readyOn a routine excursion, the Benders are ambushed. Guns are drawn. Is it a robbery, or something far more sinister? The couple are certain they’re about to be kidnapped. In the aftermath, they ramp up security at their jungle compound, hiring a former police chief to protect them. Fearing for their safety, the couple retreat further and further from the outside world.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Hell in Heaven - 1: The House of Secrets
Oct 900:35:54Summary readyA jungle compound. A midnight emergency call. The mystery begins. At the centre of it all: John and Ann Bender. Young, brilliant and impossibly rich, they set out to build a vast mansion and wildlife sanctuary in the Costa Rican rainforest. But something is off. Not everything in paradise is what it seems. Hell in Heaven is a production of Exactly Right Media and iHeart Podcasts, produced by Blanchard House. From Blanchard House Hosted, Written and Produced by: Becky Milligan Co-Writer and Producer: Poppy Damon Original Music: Daniel Lloyd Evans, Louis Nanke-Mannell and Toby Matimong Sound Recordist, and Head of Sound and Music: Daniel Lloyd-Evans Lead Sound Designer: Volkan Kiziltug Managing Producer: Amica Sciortino Nowlan Creative Director: Rosie Pye Executive Producer and Head of Content: Laurence Grissell From Exactly Right Artwork: Vanessa Lilak Executive Producers: Karen Kilgariff, Georgia Hardstark and Danielle Kramer Consulting Producer: Lily Ladewig Associate Producer: Jay Elias From iHeart Podcasts Executive Producers: Katrina Norvell, Anna Stumpf and Nikki EttoreSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Hell in Heaven - 2: Trouble in the Valley
Oct 900:29:19Summary readyDark forces gather as the Benders’ presence grows more controversial. The couple’s jungle fortress stands apart from everything around it - lavish, secretive and utterly out of place. Neighbours speculate. Resentments stir. Mystics speak of a curse. Behind the gates, the atmosphere shifts as the couple’s physical and mental health start to decline.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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