Once Upon A Con – Episode 2: "If You Live in Hope, You Die in St"**
Release Date: February 12, 2025
Host: Caroline D'Amore
Producer: iHeartPodcast
Episode Overview
In the riveting second episode of Season 1 of Once Upon A Con, Caroline D'Amore delves deeper into her harrowing encounter with David Bloom, a seemingly influential and benevolent businessman who ultimately orchestrates a complex scheme to defraud her and her business partners. This episode, aptly titled "If You Live in Hope, You Die in S**t," chronicles Caroline's journey from trust and hope to betrayal and determination to seek justice.
Recap of Previous Episode
The episode opens with a brief recap of Caroline's initial interactions with David Bloom, setting the stage for the unfolding drama. Caroline expresses her feelings of betrayal, stating, “Why would you do that to me? When I thought we were friends” ([02:42]).
Introduction to David Bloom
Caroline recounts her first encounter with David Bloom at Villa Carlotta, a prestigious high-end apartment building. She describes him as the "Wall Street Whiz Kid" with notable connections and an aura of credibility.
"He looked like a guy in his early 60s, kind of short, maybe like five'five or five'six with a thick shock of silver hair. He really seemed like the life of the party."
— Caroline D'Amore ([04:20])
David impressed Caroline by showing genuine interest in her business, Pizza Girl, an organic pasta sauce company she founded. His warmth and apparent sincerity made him an immediate mentor figure.
The Investment Pitch
David proposed an enticing investment opportunity tied to the anticipated IPO of Soho House, a private social club with deep ties to billionaire Ron Burkle. Convincing Caroline of his authenticity, David promised substantial returns, leading her to invest alongside her business partners, Beck and Aaron.
"If you can only put together $1,000, that'll help you out. But if you can put together more, it's going to be worth 28 or 29 times whatever you put in in a couple months."
— David Bloom ([09:00])
Caroline recalls the optimism surrounding this investment:
"David offered to use his close connection with billionaire Ron Burkle to help get my Pizza Girl pasta sauce on the shelves of a giant supermarket chain."
— Caroline D'Amore ([11:00])
The Dinner at Craig's: A Turning Point
The pivotal moment occurs during a dinner at Craig's, a celebrity hotspot in Los Angeles, where David failed to discuss business matters despite the meeting's purpose. Instead, tensions flared as David sowed seeds of distrust among the partners.
"David was planting in me that you guys weren't substantial enough investors, and he was planting in you guys that I wasn't living up to whatever standards I needed to live up to."
— Caroline D'Amore ([30:14])
The dinner ended disastrously with Beck and Aaron storming out, leaving Caroline isolated and questioning the once-trusted mentor.
Manipulation and Isolation
Post-dinner, David adeptly manipulated situations to further isolate Caroline from her partners. He whispered doubts into her ears about Beck and Aaron’s capabilities, making them question their roles in the business.
"David started dividing us, whispering things into my ear about Beck and Aaron not being the right business partners for Pizza Girl."
— Caroline D'Amore ([24:34])
Caroline reflects on the psychological tactics employed by David:
"David was so good at what he did. He fooled us, too, in the beginning. He was strategic about it."
— Aaron Coote ([20:31])
The Betrayal Unfolds
As weeks progressed, David’s true intentions became evident. Promises of meetings with influential figures like A.C. Gallo of Whole Foods were mere facades to deepen the deceit.
"I was hanging out by the pool, doing some work on my laptop. It was a gorgeous sunny day, and all of a sudden I noticed David Blum..."
— Caroline D'Amore ([04:00])
Caroline's trust was further betrayed when the supposed meeting with the Whole Foods president never materialized, and David vanished with the invested funds.
"It was like a game I'll just play. Like, if you're so excited about it. I don't even know if I met him at that point..."
— Caroline D'Amore ([37:19])
The Aftermath and Seeking Justice
Realizing the depth of the con, Caroline took decisive action. She recorded a critical conversation with David Bloom, which she later submitted to the Los Angeles District Attorney's office, marking the beginning of her pursuit for justice.
"The recording I made that David consented to of me Talking to the CEO of Whole Foods, A.C. gallo, is just unbelievable. I actually submitted it to the Los Angeles district attorney's office."
— Caroline D'Amore ([32:42])
Emotional and Financial Turmoil
The emotional toll on Caroline and her business partners was immense. Beck and Aaron expressed feelings of betrayal and helplessness, highlighting the psychological manipulation they endured.
"If you live in hope, you die in shit."
— Beck ([23:27])
Caroline acknowledges the challenging dynamics and the loss of trust within her close-knit group, emphasizing the personal and professional ramifications of David’s deceit.
Conclusion and Tease for Next Episode
The episode concludes with Caroline dedicating the podcast to her late mother, Bonnie Major, underscoring her resolve to stand up for herself. A tease for the next episode promises further uncovering of David Bloom's schemes as he orchestrates another high-stakes move involving a trip to Texas.
"Next time on Once Upon a Con, David gets us all to board a plane and fly to Texas for the opportunity of a lifetime."
— Caroline D'Amore ([33:42])
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
- Caroline D'Amore: “If you live in hope, you die in shit.” ([23:27])
- Aaron Coote: “David Bloom was so good at what he did. He fooled us, too, in the beginning. He was strategic about it.” ([20:31])
- Beck: “We look after ourselves. It's, you know, that's the only thing we can control. The rest is just, you know, it might be luck, but it's just a lot of waiting and hoping.” ([23:42])
Key Takeaways
- Trust and Betrayal: The episode underscores the fragility of trust and how it can be exploited by skilled manipulators.
- Psychological Tactics: David Bloom's strategic manipulation highlights the importance of vigilance and due diligence in business partnerships.
- Resilience: Caroline's journey reflects resilience and the determination to seek justice despite profound personal and financial setbacks.
Stay tuned for Episode 3 of Once Upon A Con, where the stakes heighten, and Caroline's quest for truth intensifies.