Cruisin’ for a Bruisin' w/ Luenell

Scam Goddess – "Cruisin’ for a Bruisin'" w/ Luenell

Release Date: September 16, 2025
Host: Laci Mosley
Guest: Luenell

Episode Overview

In this hilarious and lively episode of Scam Goddess, Laci Mosley welcomes comedy legend and Las Vegas headliner Luenell for an in-depth (and side-splitting) conversation about one of the wildest cruise scams in recent history. The duo digs into the story of a three-year round-the-world cruise that never happened, shares personal tales of almost getting scammed, debates the morality of fraud, and takes loving jabs at cruise life and three-year vacations. True to form, Laci and Luenell’s comedic banter brings levity to the con while also unearthing fresh perspectives on scams, their victims, and the cultural factors in play.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Getting to Know Luenell: Comedy Royalty in the Building

Laci introduces Luenell and celebrates her storied career and history-making successes, including her Las Vegas residency and recent Netflix special ([01:00]).
Playful banter over “air horns” and self-hype sets the comedic tone.

“We got some praise dancers today. It’s Hassley’s anniversary... because we have royalty in the building.” — Laci Mosley ([01:30])

2. Luenell’s Perspective on Scams

Luenell wastes no time: she hates scams, especially those targeting individuals.
She’s wary of online shopping, particularly from overseas retailers, and talks about the difficulties of catching real people in scammy operations.

“I hate scams. Scams are the worst... the fact that that's somebody's gig to defraud people out of their money is heinous.” — Luenell ([03:29])

Laci draws nuance between “Robin Hood”-style scams (scamming greedy corporations) and scams against everyday people, with both hosts agreeing on a distinction ([04:05]).

“If you are able to get billions or hundreds of thousands from some greedy ass corporation, then go, go, baby, go.” — Luenell ([04:23])

Both discuss their approaches to avoiding scam calls/emails: hang up and block immediately.

3. Getting Scammed in the Entertainment Industry

Luenell shares classic showbiz scam experiences: bogus gigs, bounced checks, and disappearing promoters ([06:37]).
Story: Three comedians do a New Year’s Eve gig in Sacramento, only to find the venue “shuttered” and the check bouncing the next day.
Laci and Luenell joke about needing an ask-no-questions “shakedown man” for their careers.

“They packed all that shit up and was gone.” — Laci ([07:35])
“Now... I got like a line of people you have to go through before you ever, ever, ever, ever get to me.” — Luenell ([08:11])

4. Celebrity Security, Beyonce, and Renaissance Tour Scams

Digression into celebrity security: tales about Beyoncé’s bodyguard, Julius.
Both attended the Renaissance Tour; Laci vents about resellers and the secondary ticketing scam ([12:27]).
Luenell and Laci discuss how bots make ticket-buying nearly impossible for real fans.

“Bots. Is that another word for wife?” — Luenell ([13:18])

Luenell: “I don’t buy tickets if I can’t go with a plug, get backstage.” ([13:38])
Scammers robbing Queen Bey’s crew: Laci speculates on inside jobs and security failures for touring artists.

5. Historic Hoodwinks: The Cruiseless ‘Life at Sea’ Cruise Scam

Story Setup ([17:10])

Laci introduces the main con: a Turkish company, Miray Cruises, promises a three-year round-the-world cruise for adventurous (mostly older) folks post-pandemic. They attract buyers by pitching affordability and a once-in-a-lifetime experience: 375 destinations, full amenities, even healthcare.
Victims sell homes, pack up their lives, and some even ship all their possessions in preparation.

Immediate Jokes and Skepticism ([18:14])

Luenell calls the idea of a 3-year cruise “lunacy.”

“What kind of lunatic goes on a fucking three year cruise? Five days and I’m ready to go the fuck home.” — Luenell ([18:14])

Jokes about cruise food, lack of black culture/food aboard cruises, and the sheer impracticality of long-term cruise life.

Failure to Launch: The Boat That Never Was ([19:09–38:39])

Miray Cruises sold nearly 300 cabins, but the boats they proposed were old, under-fueled, and unfit for the journey.
They continued collecting payments, despite not actually securing any suitable ship.

“They were taking money for a boat they didn’t have! ...That’s an AI boat.” — Laci & Luenell ([22:53])

The company kept shifting deadlines, postponing departure, and giving vague reassurances, mostly over Facebook posts.

“If I buy something, I don’t want the company that I’m purchasing from to contact me via Facebook.” — Laci ([37:20])

The Fallout ([39:02–44:00])

Many buyers were stranded in Istanbul, with nowhere to live and no refunds. Others had to pay out-of-pocket to get their possessions sent back yet had essentially lost their life savings.
Less than 4% of victims got any refund.
Victims formed online support groups to share their stories and organize possible legal action.

“96% of us have not been refunded. I haven’t received one cent back.” — Quoted victim ([44:12])

Luenell is unsympathetic, finds the scam absurd, but does express remorse for elderly or vulnerable victims.

“I don’t give a fuck about the victims or the company or this fucking boat, okay? This is the stupidest shit I ever heard.” — Luenell ([49:40]) (with later, more empathetic follow-up!)

Sociocultural Context: Who Gets Scammed? ([40:04, 41:10])

Luenell asks how many black people were even involved:

“How many black people was on this boat? ...None. That’s how the fuck many.” — Luenell ([41:12])

Laughs abound about cultural attitudes toward travel, risk, and big purchases for retirement.

“Keeping black ass on the drive. ...Stay on land. Black people don’t fall for the bullshit.” — Luenell ([54:34])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On old scams:
“You can’t prank call me. Cause I’ma hang up and I’ma block you. ...Who’s this? What? Click. Bye. I don’t know you.” — Luenell ([05:27])
On cruise life for three years:
“How many people can you fuck if you stay on a boat for three years?” — Luenell ([19:27])
“Now you gotta boo up. ...We go together.” — Laci ([19:30])
On the 'missing' boat:
"That ship is giving dysentery. It’s giving all the toilets clogged up and then flood." — Laci ([33:05])
On scam victims:
"I judge. ...Clock it. Because I will. Because Luenell will. Luenell will clock it. Period.” — Luenell ([42:18])
On surgery tourism scams:
"If any part of your female anatomy stank…It’s bad.” — Luenell ([46:41])
“Bbls are dangerous so I don’t [recommend]... and they stank, that’s what Nicki Minaj said.” — Luenell ([46:17])

Timestamps for Important Segments

[01:00] — Laci intros Luenell, comedy praise, Las Vegas residency.
[03:29] — Luenell’s strong anti-scam stance.
[06:37] — Early-career scam stories, bounced checks.
[12:27] — Ticket resale & bot scalping at Beyonce's Renaissance tour.
[17:10] — Introduction of the “Life At Sea” cruise scam.
[18:14] — Luenell’s roast of the three-year cruise idea.
[19:27–21:08] — Jokes about cruise food & life; “black deck” and Soul Train Cruise banter.
[22:21] — Scam breakdown: promises, marketing, and the real ship’s condition.
[33:03] — The reveal of the not-so-nice ship.
[34:02] — Details on payment delays and postponements.
[39:02] — Company sues their own manager; victims stranded.
[44:12] — Victims’ online group message; “I haven’t received one cent back.”
[49:40] — Luenell’s blunt judgment (followed by some empathy).
[51:00] — Luenell plugs her Vegas residency and other projects.
[53:35] — Laci plugs book, Hulu show, and teases Luenell for not being on it.
[54:34] — Luenell closes with: “Stay on land. Black people don’t fall for the bullshit.”

Final Thoughts & Episode Wrap-Up

Both Laci and Luenell confirm their allegiance to the average person, noting how unfortunate it is that so many well-meaning, adventurous retirees lost their life savings chasing a dream. As with many scams, the core lesson: if it sounds too good to be true (like a three-year, all-inclusive cruise apartment for less than LA rent), it probably is.

Luenell delivers her signature blend of tough love and humor, and the chemistry with Laci keeps the laughs rolling. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who loves comedy, cringes at cruise life, or just wants to hear two Black women brilliantly break down the culture of True Con.

Stay Schemin’!

Find Luenell:

Vegas: Jimmy Kimmel’s Comedy Club, Sundays & Mondays
Online: heylunell.com + @lunell
On TV: Hacks (HBO Max), Dogman, The Proud Family, and upcoming Crutch on Paramount+

Find Laci:

Everywhere: @divalaci
Scam Goddess book & TV show out now!

“Stay on land. Black people don’t fall for the bullshit.” — Luenell ([54:37])

Scam Goddess – "Cruisin’ for a Bruisin'" w/ Luenell

Release Date: September 16, 2025
Host: Laci Mosley
Guest: Luenell

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Getting to Know Luenell: Comedy Royalty in the Building

Laci introduces Luenell and celebrates her storied career and history-making successes, including her Las Vegas residency and recent Netflix special ([01:00]).
Playful banter over “air horns” and self-hype sets the comedic tone.

“We got some praise dancers today. It’s Hassley’s anniversary... because we have royalty in the building.” — Laci Mosley ([01:30])

2. Luenell’s Perspective on Scams

Luenell wastes no time: she hates scams, especially those targeting individuals.
She’s wary of online shopping, particularly from overseas retailers, and talks about the difficulties of catching real people in scammy operations.

“I hate scams. Scams are the worst... the fact that that's somebody's gig to defraud people out of their money is heinous.” — Luenell ([03:29])

Laci draws nuance between “Robin Hood”-style scams (scamming greedy corporations) and scams against everyday people, with both hosts agreeing on a distinction ([04:05]).

“If you are able to get billions or hundreds of thousands from some greedy ass corporation, then go, go, baby, go.” — Luenell ([04:23])

Both discuss their approaches to avoiding scam calls/emails: hang up and block immediately.

3. Getting Scammed in the Entertainment Industry

Luenell shares classic showbiz scam experiences: bogus gigs, bounced checks, and disappearing promoters ([06:37]).
Story: Three comedians do a New Year’s Eve gig in Sacramento, only to find the venue “shuttered” and the check bouncing the next day.
Laci and Luenell joke about needing an ask-no-questions “shakedown man” for their careers.

“They packed all that shit up and was gone.” — Laci ([07:35])
“Now... I got like a line of people you have to go through before you ever, ever, ever, ever get to me.” — Luenell ([08:11])

4. Celebrity Security, Beyonce, and Renaissance Tour Scams

Digression into celebrity security: tales about Beyoncé’s bodyguard, Julius.
Both attended the Renaissance Tour; Laci vents about resellers and the secondary ticketing scam ([12:27]).
Luenell and Laci discuss how bots make ticket-buying nearly impossible for real fans.

“Bots. Is that another word for wife?” — Luenell ([13:18])

Luenell: “I don’t buy tickets if I can’t go with a plug, get backstage.” ([13:38])
Scammers robbing Queen Bey’s crew: Laci speculates on inside jobs and security failures for touring artists.

5. Historic Hoodwinks: The Cruiseless ‘Life at Sea’ Cruise Scam

Story Setup ([17:10])

Laci introduces the main con: a Turkish company, Miray Cruises, promises a three-year round-the-world cruise for adventurous (mostly older) folks post-pandemic. They attract buyers by pitching affordability and a once-in-a-lifetime experience: 375 destinations, full amenities, even healthcare.
Victims sell homes, pack up their lives, and some even ship all their possessions in preparation.

Immediate Jokes and Skepticism ([18:14])

Luenell calls the idea of a 3-year cruise “lunacy.”

“What kind of lunatic goes on a fucking three year cruise? Five days and I’m ready to go the fuck home.” — Luenell ([18:14])

Jokes about cruise food, lack of black culture/food aboard cruises, and the sheer impracticality of long-term cruise life.

Failure to Launch: The Boat That Never Was ([19:09–38:39])

Miray Cruises sold nearly 300 cabins, but the boats they proposed were old, under-fueled, and unfit for the journey.
They continued collecting payments, despite not actually securing any suitable ship.

“They were taking money for a boat they didn’t have! ...That’s an AI boat.” — Laci & Luenell ([22:53])

The company kept shifting deadlines, postponing departure, and giving vague reassurances, mostly over Facebook posts.

“If I buy something, I don’t want the company that I’m purchasing from to contact me via Facebook.” — Laci ([37:20])

The Fallout ([39:02–44:00])

Many buyers were stranded in Istanbul, with nowhere to live and no refunds. Others had to pay out-of-pocket to get their possessions sent back yet had essentially lost their life savings.
Less than 4% of victims got any refund.
Victims formed online support groups to share their stories and organize possible legal action.

“96% of us have not been refunded. I haven’t received one cent back.” — Quoted victim ([44:12])

Luenell is unsympathetic, finds the scam absurd, but does express remorse for elderly or vulnerable victims.

“I don’t give a fuck about the victims or the company or this fucking boat, okay? This is the stupidest shit I ever heard.” — Luenell ([49:40]) (with later, more empathetic follow-up!)

Sociocultural Context: Who Gets Scammed? ([40:04, 41:10])

Luenell asks how many black people were even involved:

“How many black people was on this boat? ...None. That’s how the fuck many.” — Luenell ([41:12])

Laughs abound about cultural attitudes toward travel, risk, and big purchases for retirement.

“Keeping black ass on the drive. ...Stay on land. Black people don’t fall for the bullshit.” — Luenell ([54:34])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On old scams:
“You can’t prank call me. Cause I’ma hang up and I’ma block you. ...Who’s this? What? Click. Bye. I don’t know you.” — Luenell ([05:27])
On cruise life for three years:
“How many people can you fuck if you stay on a boat for three years?” — Luenell ([19:27])
“Now you gotta boo up. ...We go together.” — Laci ([19:30])
On the 'missing' boat:
"That ship is giving dysentery. It’s giving all the toilets clogged up and then flood." — Laci ([33:05])
On scam victims:
"I judge. ...Clock it. Because I will. Because Luenell will. Luenell will clock it. Period.” — Luenell ([42:18])
On surgery tourism scams:
"If any part of your female anatomy stank…It’s bad.” — Luenell ([46:41])
“Bbls are dangerous so I don’t [recommend]... and they stank, that’s what Nicki Minaj said.” — Luenell ([46:17])

Timestamps for Important Segments

[01:00] — Laci intros Luenell, comedy praise, Las Vegas residency.
[03:29] — Luenell’s strong anti-scam stance.
[06:37] — Early-career scam stories, bounced checks.
[12:27] — Ticket resale & bot scalping at Beyonce's Renaissance tour.
[17:10] — Introduction of the “Life At Sea” cruise scam.
[18:14] — Luenell’s roast of the three-year cruise idea.
[19:27–21:08] — Jokes about cruise food & life; “black deck” and Soul Train Cruise banter.
[22:21] — Scam breakdown: promises, marketing, and the real ship’s condition.
[33:03] — The reveal of the not-so-nice ship.
[34:02] — Details on payment delays and postponements.
[39:02] — Company sues their own manager; victims stranded.
[44:12] — Victims’ online group message; “I haven’t received one cent back.”
[49:40] — Luenell’s blunt judgment (followed by some empathy).
[51:00] — Luenell plugs her Vegas residency and other projects.
[53:35] — Laci plugs book, Hulu show, and teases Luenell for not being on it.
[54:34] — Luenell closes with: “Stay on land. Black people don’t fall for the bullshit.”

Final Thoughts & Episode Wrap-Up

Stay Schemin’!

Find Luenell:

Vegas: Jimmy Kimmel’s Comedy Club, Sundays & Mondays
Online: heylunell.com + @lunell
On TV: Hacks (HBO Max), Dogman, The Proud Family, and upcoming Crutch on Paramount+

Find Laci:

Everywhere: @divalaci
Scam Goddess book & TV show out now!

“Stay on land. Black people don’t fall for the bullshit.” — Luenell ([54:37])

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Summary

Scam Goddess – "Cruisin’ for a Bruisin'" w/ Luenell

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Getting to Know Luenell: Comedy Royalty in the Building

2. Luenell’s Perspective on Scams

3. Getting Scammed in the Entertainment Industry

4. Celebrity Security, Beyonce, and Renaissance Tour Scams

5. Historic Hoodwinks: The Cruiseless ‘Life at Sea’ Cruise Scam

Story Setup ([17:10])

Immediate Jokes and Skepticism ([18:14])

Failure to Launch: The Boat That Never Was ([19:09–38:39])

The Fallout ([39:02–44:00])

Sociocultural Context: Who Gets Scammed? ([40:04, 41:10])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Timestamps for Important Segments

Final Thoughts & Episode Wrap-Up

Stay Schemin’!

Summary

Scam Goddess – "Cruisin’ for a Bruisin'" w/ Luenell

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Getting to Know Luenell: Comedy Royalty in the Building

2. Luenell’s Perspective on Scams

3. Getting Scammed in the Entertainment Industry

4. Celebrity Security, Beyonce, and Renaissance Tour Scams

5. Historic Hoodwinks: The Cruiseless ‘Life at Sea’ Cruise Scam

Story Setup ([17:10])

Immediate Jokes and Skepticism ([18:14])

Failure to Launch: The Boat That Never Was ([19:09–38:39])

The Fallout ([39:02–44:00])

Sociocultural Context: Who Gets Scammed? ([40:04, 41:10])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Timestamps for Important Segments

Final Thoughts & Episode Wrap-Up

Stay Schemin’!