Scam Goddess Podcast Episode Summary: "Smugglers & Strugglers" featuring Abby Govindan
Podcast Information:
- Title: Scam Goddess
- Host: Laci Mosley (Scam Goddess)
- Guest: Abby Govindan
- Episode: Smugglers & Strugglers
- Release Date: March 18, 2025
1. Welcome and Introduction
The episode kicks off with Laci Mosley welcoming her audience, affectionately referred to as the "Congregation," and introducing her guest, Abby Govindan, a rising star in the stand-up comedy scene. Laci highlights Abby's impressive career trajectory, noting her performances across major cities and her current tour featuring the show "How to Embarrass Your Immigrant Parents."
Laci Mosley [00:48]: "Scam Goddess what's popping Congregation? It's your girl, Lacy Mosley, AKA Scam Goddess, back with a podcast all about robbery, fraud and those who practice it."
Abby Govindan [01:55]: "Abby Lacy, I'm so happy to be here. I'm such a longtime fan of the show. This is literally the only podcast that I listen to."
2. Abby's Personal Encounter with a Fundraising Scam
Abby shares a harrowing personal experience involving a mutual aid organization she collaborated with to fundraise for Palestine. The fundraiser was compromised by an individual who deceitfully redirected the raised funds, leading to confusion and accusations against Abby.
Abby Govindan [04:17]: "I did this fundraiser for Palestine, and I did it with a mutual aid organization... suddenly the girl who was in charge of it started being really weird about the money we raised."
She explains how the scammer manipulated the situation by contacting venues and falsely accusing her of embezzlement, forcing Abby to proactively assure contacts of her integrity.
Abby Govindan [07:28]: "She emailed all the venues in the city, told them that Abby Govinden is running off with the money. Abby's a scammer."
This ordeal not only strained her trust but also taught her valuable lessons about due diligence and accountability in charitable endeavors.
Abby Govindan [09:36]: "Whole experience, even though it was scary to go through it at the time, I'm glad that it made me more accountable."
3. Historic Hoodwinks: Creative Drug Smuggling Techniques
Transitioning into the segment titled "Historic Hoodwinks," Laci delves into various unconventional and often humorous methods individuals have employed to smuggle cocaine. The discussion is lighthearted, infused with the hosts' comedic chemistry.
A. Narco Wigs: The Toupee Caper
Laci recounts the story of a 40-year-old Colombian man caught attempting to smuggle 222 grams of cocaine concealed within a toupee at Cartagena Airport.
Laci Mosley [14:58]: "An aspiring drug smuggler who was recently caught trying to hide 222 grams of cocaine under what the police called a narco wig, AKA a toupee."
Abby critiques the practicality of such a disguise, pointing out its conspicuousness.
Abby Govindan [16:00]: "You should have gone to... there's like so many hairstylists that could have helped with this."
B. Breast Implant Smuggling
The conversation shifts to women who incorporated cocaine into their breast implants, highlighting the audacity and risks involved.
Laci Mosley [26:16]: "In 2014, a Venezuelan woman was arrested at Madrid airport with almost four pounds of cocaine hidden in her breast implants."
Abby jokes about the implications of having drug-laden implants, blending humor with incredulity.
Abby Govindan [28:11]: "They were like, these aren't the boobs that we see coming through this airport. TSA, Caesar."
C. Cocaine-Infused Casts and Shoes
Further exploring inventive methods, the hosts discuss individuals who attempted to smuggle cocaine through broken leg casts and high-end shoes like Manolo Blahniks.
Laci Mosley [35:57]: "A Chilean man with a broken leg was arrested in Barcelona airport after his cast was found to be made of cocaine, not plastic."
Abby Govindan [37:55]: "But also perhaps he was involved in it. Just because no one's gonna be as suspicious of a 91-year-old man in the airport smuggling drugs."
4. Ranking the Most Outlandish Smuggling Attempts
Towards the episode's conclusion, Laci and Abby engage in a playful ranking of the discussed smuggling methods based on creativity and execution.
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Top Performer: Women using breast implants to hide large quantities of cocaine, due to the intricate concealment method.
Abby Govindan [41:02]: "I'm most impressed by the ladies who got breast implants with coke. Because that's just like a type of business acumen I could never hope to possess."
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Second Place: Individuals smuggling cocaine through casts from medical injuries.
Laci Mosley [41:18]: "I like the cast man too. Cause he's like, this is a two for one. I'm smuggling also. I'm healing."
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Lowest Rank: Men using butt pads to conceal drugs, criticized for poor execution and lack of dedication.
Abby Govindan [41:46]: "I would have to say if I had to rank the lowest, it's the butt pad guy. I'M like, you don't want it enough?"
5. Abby's Stand-Up Career and Upcoming Show
Abby takes time to spotlight her stand-up journey, discussing her upcoming Off-Broadway show that delves into her personal struggles with her immigrant parents and mental health. She emphasizes the cultural and emotional bridging her performance aims to achieve.
Abby Govindan [48:13]: "I'm on Instagram. That's the one I use the most... my solo show is going Off Broadway in New York City... it's the story of how I told my parents I wanted to be a standup comedian..."
Laci expresses her support and enthusiasm for Abby's endeavors, highlighting the show's potential impact.
Laci Mosley [50:26]: "Pull up to Abby's show this week. I know it's going to be a great time, and I'm really proud of you."
6. Conclusion and Final Remarks
The episode wraps up with promotional segments, highlighting Abe's show, podcast details, and upcoming content. Laci encourages listeners to engage with both her and Abby's projects, fostering a community centered around humor and the lighter side of scams.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps:
- Abby Govindan [04:17]: "I did this fundraiser for Palestine, and I did it with a mutual aid organization..."
- Abby Govindan [07:28]: "She emailed all the venues in the city, told them that Abby Govinden is running off with the money. Abby's a scammer."
- Abby Govindan [09:36]: "Whole experience... I'm glad that it made me more accountable."
- Laci Mosley [14:58]: "An aspiring drug smuggler... trying to hide 222 grams of cocaine under... a toupee."
- Abby Govindan [41:02]: "I'm most impressed by the ladies who got breast implants with coke."
Key Takeaways:
- Trust and Due Diligence: Abby's experience underscores the importance of verifying the credibility of organizations when fundraising to prevent falling victim to scams.
- Creative Yet Flawed Scams: The episode humorously explores unconventional drug smuggling methods, highlighting both creativity and significant execution flaws.
- Support and Community: The dynamic between Laci and Abby emphasizes the value of community support in overcoming personal and professional challenges.
- Empowerment Through Humor: By dissecting scams and fraudulent activities with humor, the podcast provides an engaging and educational perspective on fraud without the grimness of traditional true crime.
Final Note: "Smugglers & Strugglers" offers a blend of personal storytelling, comedic insights, and real-world scam analysis, making it a compelling listen for those interested in the lighter side of fraud and the resilience of individuals navigating deceptive practices.