The Parents Who Home-Alone’d Their Kids for the Holidays w/ Kal Penn

Scam Goddess — "The Parents Who Home-Alone’d Their Kids for the Holidays w/ Kal Penn"

Date: December 23, 2025
Host: Laci Mosley
Guest: Kal Penn

Episode Overview

In this lively episode of Scam Goddess, host Laci Mosley welcomes actor, comedian, podcaster, and former White House associate director Kal Penn to the congregation. They dive into hilarious, shocking, and insightful tales of scams—both personal and historic—culminating in the breakdown of a real-life "Home Alone" case where parents left their kids for a nine-day Mexican vacation. True to form, the show blends comedy, sharp commentary, and teachable moments about drawing boundaries and recognizing scams.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Guest Introduction and Show Banter (03:10–05:54)

Laci hypes Kal's many career highlights, from Harold & Kumar to his new podcast Here We Go Again.
Kal shares the all-too-real struggles and little fibs actors use to get jobs, like fabricating "special skills" on resumes.

"Every actor has scammed a casting director. The special skills section of any actor's resume is almost entirely just made up, for sure." — Kal Penn (03:18)

Fun Anecdote:

Kal's Nike Commercial "Scam": He lied about being able to play basketball to get his SAG card. Due to an audition quirk (talking instead of playing), he was cast, even though he couldn't play—forcing the commercial to be rewritten.

"They had to change the commercial to make it about three guys who can't play basketball. And I got my side card." — Kal Penn (04:54)

2. Personal Scam Stories (06:22–12:03)

Kal’s Brief Scam Stint as a Teen (06:22–11:25)

Recounts working at a shady telemarketing job at 17, where he was told to pressure elderly people into donating to a fake policeman's benevolent fund.
Felt awful and quit after a day, noting how both the callers and the call recipients were vulnerable.

"You're basically convincing these old people that they're going to get murdered if you don't donate to the police. It was so insane." — Kal Penn (07:23)

Laci and Kal discuss the trap of desperate job-seekers becoming unwitting tools for scams.

3. Kal’s Acting Scam Experience — Getting Scammed as a Professional (13:41–28:39)

The Bollywood Indie Film Escrow Scam (13:41–28:39)

Kal recounts the time he was scammed working on an indie film in India.
Despite a contract promising an escrowed salary, the money never appeared. Excuses piled up ("bank holiday", "it's on its way"), and he eventually received half his payment in cash through a mysterious, panda-shirt-wearing messenger, and the other half the next day.
Only when he threatened to stop showing up did the producers pay him.

"As soon as I was done cursing at him, I was like, oh, my God, this is a construction gangster in the middle of India. Like, what have I just done?" — Kal Penn (20:32)
"The reason that the money showed up is not... that I yelled at him... The fact that I was not getting in the car to go to work... is what made the money show up." — Kal Penn (36:13)

Insight: Standing firm on your leverage is key to getting what you’re owed.

Memorable Airport Moment

Upon declaring his earnings at U.S. Customs, the agent is more shocked at Penn's low movie paycheck than the cash itself.

"Cal Penn only makes $10,000 for a movie?" — Customs Agent (24:14)

4. Industry Real Talk: Standing Up On Set (32:07–36:02)

Laci shares her experience of staged resistance as an actor to demand better working conditions: sitting on the set in plain view instead of her trailer to force producers to fix issues.
Both discuss the danger of "being labeled difficult"—especially as people of color and/or women in entertainment—but emphasize the importance of leverage and knowing your worth.

"Everybody wants their work delivered on time...But, oh, when it comes to paying you...we got those net 45s, those net 90s." — Laci Mosley (34:21)

5. Historic Hoodwinks: The Real-Life Home Alone Parents (Main Scam Story) (37:09–62:46)

THE SCAM: David & Sharon Shue Leave Kids for Vacation (37:09–62:46)

The Case

In 1992, Chicago couple David and Sharon Shue left their 9- and 4-year-old daughters home alone for nine days while vacationing in Mexico. Inspired (possibly) by the massive popularity of Home Alone.

Discovery & Aftermath

Firefighters discovered the girls after a neighbor checked on them due to a fire alarm (likely triggered by the children trying to cook).
The girls only had frozen dinners, cereal, and a strict schedule note; no emergency contact number.

"'What would you do if your kids are all alone on the bedroom floor, 'cuz they're hungry, but you had to go to Mexico?'" — Laci Mosley (43:50)

Parents stayed in a very cheap, obscure, run-down hotel ("not even TripAdvisor could help you"), didn’t call home, and ignored the media storm brewing back in Chicago.
Both kids had already experienced abandonment—this was not the first incident.

Background & Motive

Further investigation revealed David had lost his pharmacy license over a Valium theft. The family had moved and kept a low profile; neighbors found them reclusive and odd (nighttime lawn mowing, no socializing).
Commentators speculate the vacation story was a cover for something illicit.

Legal Consequences

The parents were arrested upon their return (media shouting "Scrooge" at them at the airport), avoided jail with a plea deal (probation), and put the girls up for adoption.
Illinois law was changed as a direct result: children under 14 cannot be left alone for more than 24 hours (previously, the law was vague).

Key Quotes

"They left enough food and a set of written instructions, including a bedtime. People like this usually don't have a bedtime for their kids." — Kal Penn (51:22)
"At O’Hare airport, a crowd of newspaper and television reporters were waiting for them while onlookers shouted ‘Scrooge’ at them." — Laci Mosley (51:54)

Social Commentary

Laci and Kal riff on both the dark humor and tragedy of the case, the race/class aspects of family abandonment, the influence of media ("Home Alone"), and the inadequacies of the legal response.
They reflect on the importance of laws, public scrutiny, and what constitutes an "abandonment" in the eyes of the state.

What Became of the Kids?

Placed in an adoptive home, confirmed "fine" by lawyers—exact details sealed by court order to protect privacy.

"He said, guys, they're alive and breathing. So… next question." — Laci Mosley (58:41)

6. Kal’s Podcast & Projects Plug (63:27–69:53)

Here We Go Again: Kal’s new show about the cyclical nature of history, recounted in a fun, contextual, and hopeful way.

"Each podcast is basically the opposite of how icky you feel when you watch the news…" — Kal Penn (64:21)
Also plugs Earsay with Ed Helms and his memoir You Can’t Be Serious.

Notable Quotes & Moments

Actor Fibs:

"The special skills section of any actor's resume is almost entirely just made up, for sure." — Kal Penn (03:18)
On Working Desperation:

"That's why we're rife for scams, because that desperation meter is so high..." — Laci Mosley (05:54)
Industry Leverage:

"You give people an inch, they'll run a 5K on your ass… you have to kind of come at what they need from you to get what you want from them." — Laci Mosley (35:36)
Dark Comedy:

"How you gonna leave your kids for Kwanzaa?" — Kal Penn (42:55)
Public Shaming in the Age of Social Media:

"Today's public scrutiny is way, way worse. I think I could take 1993 public scrutiny. As someone who's been on TMZ twice, I think I could do 93." — Laci Mosley (60:32)

Timestamps for Key Segments

Intro & Kal’s Career: 03:10–05:54
Scam Stories (Acting, Telemarketing): 06:22–12:03
Bollywood Indie Escrow Scam: 13:41–28:39
Onstanding Up for Yourself Professionally: 32:07–36:02
Historic Hoodwink: Home Alone Parents: 37:09–62:46
Discussion on Public Scrutiny: 59:33–62:34
Podcast Plug & Wrap-Up: 63:27–69:53

Tone & Style

The episode is a blend of laugh-out-loud banter, candid industry insights, and sharp social commentary. Laci brings quick wit, empathy, and incisive takes; Kal Penn is affable, funny, and reflective, sharing both industry war stories and thoughts on systemic vulnerabilities that allow scams to flourish.

Summary Takeaways

Always check the legitimacy of a job, contract, or opportunity—don’t be afraid to walk away.
Desperation creates an environment rife for scams—build leverage and use it wisely.
Real-world scams often target society’s most vulnerable, but sometimes the system traps both scammer and victim.
Even the wildest news stories (like the "Home Alone" parents) can push societal change and legal reform.
Advocating for yourself—professionally or otherwise—is crucial in the face of unfairness or exploitation.
Know your worth and don’t be afraid to demand what’s rightfully yours.

As Laci always says: "Stay scheming… but don’t leave your kids home alone for Christmas!"

Scam Goddess — "The Parents Who Home-Alone’d Their Kids for the Holidays w/ Kal Penn"

Date: December 23, 2025
Host: Laci Mosley
Guest: Kal Penn

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Guest Introduction and Show Banter (03:10–05:54)

Laci hypes Kal's many career highlights, from Harold & Kumar to his new podcast Here We Go Again.
Kal shares the all-too-real struggles and little fibs actors use to get jobs, like fabricating "special skills" on resumes.

"Every actor has scammed a casting director. The special skills section of any actor's resume is almost entirely just made up, for sure." — Kal Penn (03:18)

Fun Anecdote:

Kal's Nike Commercial "Scam": He lied about being able to play basketball to get his SAG card. Due to an audition quirk (talking instead of playing), he was cast, even though he couldn't play—forcing the commercial to be rewritten.

"They had to change the commercial to make it about three guys who can't play basketball. And I got my side card." — Kal Penn (04:54)

2. Personal Scam Stories (06:22–12:03)

Kal’s Brief Scam Stint as a Teen (06:22–11:25)

Recounts working at a shady telemarketing job at 17, where he was told to pressure elderly people into donating to a fake policeman's benevolent fund.
Felt awful and quit after a day, noting how both the callers and the call recipients were vulnerable.

"You're basically convincing these old people that they're going to get murdered if you don't donate to the police. It was so insane." — Kal Penn (07:23)

Laci and Kal discuss the trap of desperate job-seekers becoming unwitting tools for scams.

3. Kal’s Acting Scam Experience — Getting Scammed as a Professional (13:41–28:39)

The Bollywood Indie Film Escrow Scam (13:41–28:39)

Kal recounts the time he was scammed working on an indie film in India.
Despite a contract promising an escrowed salary, the money never appeared. Excuses piled up ("bank holiday", "it's on its way"), and he eventually received half his payment in cash through a mysterious, panda-shirt-wearing messenger, and the other half the next day.
Only when he threatened to stop showing up did the producers pay him.

"As soon as I was done cursing at him, I was like, oh, my God, this is a construction gangster in the middle of India. Like, what have I just done?" — Kal Penn (20:32)
"The reason that the money showed up is not... that I yelled at him... The fact that I was not getting in the car to go to work... is what made the money show up." — Kal Penn (36:13)

Insight: Standing firm on your leverage is key to getting what you’re owed.

Memorable Airport Moment

Upon declaring his earnings at U.S. Customs, the agent is more shocked at Penn's low movie paycheck than the cash itself.

"Cal Penn only makes $10,000 for a movie?" — Customs Agent (24:14)

4. Industry Real Talk: Standing Up On Set (32:07–36:02)

Laci shares her experience of staged resistance as an actor to demand better working conditions: sitting on the set in plain view instead of her trailer to force producers to fix issues.
Both discuss the danger of "being labeled difficult"—especially as people of color and/or women in entertainment—but emphasize the importance of leverage and knowing your worth.

"Everybody wants their work delivered on time...But, oh, when it comes to paying you...we got those net 45s, those net 90s." — Laci Mosley (34:21)

5. Historic Hoodwinks: The Real-Life Home Alone Parents (Main Scam Story) (37:09–62:46)

THE SCAM: David & Sharon Shue Leave Kids for Vacation (37:09–62:46)

The Case

In 1992, Chicago couple David and Sharon Shue left their 9- and 4-year-old daughters home alone for nine days while vacationing in Mexico. Inspired (possibly) by the massive popularity of Home Alone.

Discovery & Aftermath

Firefighters discovered the girls after a neighbor checked on them due to a fire alarm (likely triggered by the children trying to cook).
The girls only had frozen dinners, cereal, and a strict schedule note; no emergency contact number.

"'What would you do if your kids are all alone on the bedroom floor, 'cuz they're hungry, but you had to go to Mexico?'" — Laci Mosley (43:50)

Parents stayed in a very cheap, obscure, run-down hotel ("not even TripAdvisor could help you"), didn’t call home, and ignored the media storm brewing back in Chicago.
Both kids had already experienced abandonment—this was not the first incident.

Background & Motive

Further investigation revealed David had lost his pharmacy license over a Valium theft. The family had moved and kept a low profile; neighbors found them reclusive and odd (nighttime lawn mowing, no socializing).
Commentators speculate the vacation story was a cover for something illicit.

Legal Consequences

The parents were arrested upon their return (media shouting "Scrooge" at them at the airport), avoided jail with a plea deal (probation), and put the girls up for adoption.
Illinois law was changed as a direct result: children under 14 cannot be left alone for more than 24 hours (previously, the law was vague).

Key Quotes

"They left enough food and a set of written instructions, including a bedtime. People like this usually don't have a bedtime for their kids." — Kal Penn (51:22)
"At O’Hare airport, a crowd of newspaper and television reporters were waiting for them while onlookers shouted ‘Scrooge’ at them." — Laci Mosley (51:54)

Social Commentary

Laci and Kal riff on both the dark humor and tragedy of the case, the race/class aspects of family abandonment, the influence of media ("Home Alone"), and the inadequacies of the legal response.
They reflect on the importance of laws, public scrutiny, and what constitutes an "abandonment" in the eyes of the state.

What Became of the Kids?

Placed in an adoptive home, confirmed "fine" by lawyers—exact details sealed by court order to protect privacy.

"He said, guys, they're alive and breathing. So… next question." — Laci Mosley (58:41)

6. Kal’s Podcast & Projects Plug (63:27–69:53)

Here We Go Again: Kal’s new show about the cyclical nature of history, recounted in a fun, contextual, and hopeful way.

"Each podcast is basically the opposite of how icky you feel when you watch the news…" — Kal Penn (64:21)
Also plugs Earsay with Ed Helms and his memoir You Can’t Be Serious.

Notable Quotes & Moments

Actor Fibs:

"The special skills section of any actor's resume is almost entirely just made up, for sure." — Kal Penn (03:18)
On Working Desperation:

"That's why we're rife for scams, because that desperation meter is so high..." — Laci Mosley (05:54)
Industry Leverage:

"You give people an inch, they'll run a 5K on your ass… you have to kind of come at what they need from you to get what you want from them." — Laci Mosley (35:36)
Dark Comedy:

"How you gonna leave your kids for Kwanzaa?" — Kal Penn (42:55)
Public Shaming in the Age of Social Media:

"Today's public scrutiny is way, way worse. I think I could take 1993 public scrutiny. As someone who's been on TMZ twice, I think I could do 93." — Laci Mosley (60:32)

Timestamps for Key Segments

Intro & Kal’s Career: 03:10–05:54
Scam Stories (Acting, Telemarketing): 06:22–12:03
Bollywood Indie Escrow Scam: 13:41–28:39
Onstanding Up for Yourself Professionally: 32:07–36:02
Historic Hoodwink: Home Alone Parents: 37:09–62:46
Discussion on Public Scrutiny: 59:33–62:34
Podcast Plug & Wrap-Up: 63:27–69:53

Tone & Style

Summary Takeaways

Always check the legitimacy of a job, contract, or opportunity—don’t be afraid to walk away.
Desperation creates an environment rife for scams—build leverage and use it wisely.
Real-world scams often target society’s most vulnerable, but sometimes the system traps both scammer and victim.
Even the wildest news stories (like the "Home Alone" parents) can push societal change and legal reform.
Advocating for yourself—professionally or otherwise—is crucial in the face of unfairness or exploitation.
Know your worth and don’t be afraid to demand what’s rightfully yours.

As Laci always says: "Stay scheming… but don’t leave your kids home alone for Christmas!"

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Summary

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Guest Introduction and Show Banter (03:10–05:54)

Fun Anecdote:

2. Personal Scam Stories (06:22–12:03)

Kal’s Brief Scam Stint as a Teen (06:22–11:25)

3. Kal’s Acting Scam Experience — Getting Scammed as a Professional (13:41–28:39)

The Bollywood Indie Film Escrow Scam (13:41–28:39)

Memorable Airport Moment

4. Industry Real Talk: Standing Up On Set (32:07–36:02)

5. Historic Hoodwinks: The Real-Life Home Alone Parents (Main Scam Story) (37:09–62:46)

THE SCAM: David & Sharon Shue Leave Kids for Vacation (37:09–62:46)

Key Quotes

Social Commentary

What Became of the Kids?

6. Kal’s Podcast & Projects Plug (63:27–69:53)

Notable Quotes & Moments

Timestamps for Key Segments

Tone & Style

Summary Takeaways

Summary

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Guest Introduction and Show Banter (03:10–05:54)

Fun Anecdote:

2. Personal Scam Stories (06:22–12:03)

Kal’s Brief Scam Stint as a Teen (06:22–11:25)

3. Kal’s Acting Scam Experience — Getting Scammed as a Professional (13:41–28:39)

The Bollywood Indie Film Escrow Scam (13:41–28:39)

Memorable Airport Moment

4. Industry Real Talk: Standing Up On Set (32:07–36:02)

5. Historic Hoodwinks: The Real-Life Home Alone Parents (Main Scam Story) (37:09–62:46)

THE SCAM: David & Sharon Shue Leave Kids for Vacation (37:09–62:46)

Key Quotes

Social Commentary

What Became of the Kids?

6. Kal’s Podcast & Projects Plug (63:27–69:53)

Notable Quotes & Moments

Timestamps for Key Segments

Tone & Style

Summary Takeaways