Scamanda Podcast Summary
Episode: BONUS: Amanda’s Early Exploits: Was she ‘sick’ even back in college?
Release Date: July 5, 2023
Host/Authors: Lionsgate Sound (Charlie Webster and Nancy Moscatello)
Narrated by: Amanda’s blog posts read by actor Kendall Horn

Introduction

In this bonus episode of Scamanda, hosts Charlie Webster and Nancy Moscatello delve deeper into the enigmatic past of Amanda Riley, the central figure whose cancer journey captivated thousands through her blog. This episode specifically explores Amanda's early years during her time at San Jose State University, raising questions about the authenticity of her illness even before her public revelation in 2012.

Revisiting Amanda's University Days

Charlie Webster initiates the conversation by introducing two key figures from Amanda’s past:

• Kenrick: Assistant Director of the Resident Advisors (RA) program at San Jose State University.
• Lennon: A former Resident Advisor who worked alongside Amanda.

Nancy Moscatello emphasizes the importance of understanding Amanda’s background to unravel the complexities of her story.

Amanda’s Role and Behavior as a Resident Advisor

Kenrick provides an overview of his role and Amanda’s responsibilities:

“She was very involved in our program... She worked as a student assistant, an RA, and later as a graduate assistant for about a semester” (06:09).

Lennon describes the typical duties of an RA:

“We lived on campus... hosted events and activities to build community and engagement” (06:36).

Despite Amanda's outward appearance of being energetic and bubbly, both Kenrick and Lennon observed discrepancies in her behavior that hinted at underlying issues.

Signs of Inconsistency

Charlie Webster shares his initial reaction upon learning about Amanda's secrets:

“When I first found out about it, I was about 50% surprised... some of it makes sense now” (08:18).

Kenrick discusses Amanda’s consistent portrayal of illness:

“She was always very energized and very, very bubbly and very outgoing... didn’t see the pain that folks with cancer would go through” (09:00).

Lennon reflects on Amanda’s ability to maintain a vibrant exterior:

“A person recognizes their accolades exceeding their actual effort... the little bit of embellishments... tough because there were so many of us working hard” (16:16).

Potential Motivations Behind Amanda’s Actions

Nancy probes into possible reasons why Amanda might have fabricated her illness early on.

Charlie Webster speculates on Amanda’s possible financial motivations:

“She could make some money out of this... I don't know that for a fact” (11:43).

He further elaborates on Amanda’s departure from her RA position:

“She resigned and didn’t give us a reason... she left and got reimbursed for the amount” (18:16).

Kenrick suggests strategic withdrawal to exploit financial benefits:

“If she withdrew before the cutoff, she would have gotten all those funds... she clearly, if that” (21:13).

Personal Reflections and Emotional Impact

The conversation turns personal as both Kenrick and Lennon share their emotional responses to discovering Amanda’s deceit.

Charlie Webster expresses his confusion and disappointment:

“Why would you fake it? There are legitimate ways to get money... I don’t get it” (36:15).

Kenrick hopes Amanda’s actions don’t deter genuine philanthropic efforts:

“I hope that this doesn't deter others from giving to those who really need it” (37:04).

Reconstructing Amanda’s Personal Life

Nancy uncovers more about Amanda’s personal associations during her university years.

Kenrick recounts Amanda’s interactions with Alita’s children, initially presented as Amanda’s cousins:

“She would have two young ladies... but those weren’t her little cousins” (33:37).

This revelation connects Amanda's personal life to potential sources of fabricated support.

Final Thoughts and Reflections

As the episode concludes, both Kenrick and Charlie offer poignant reflections on Amanda’s legacy and the broader implications of her actions.

Charlie Webster poses a fundamental question:

“Why would you do this? Why fake it?” (36:15).

Kenrick emphasizes the importance of accountability and the hope that Amanda seeks redemption:

“I hope her faith's real... to navigate the impact of that reality” (37:04).

Conclusion

This bonus episode of Scamanda meticulously dissects Amanda Riley’s early years, presenting a compelling narrative that questions the authenticity of her purported illness during her college tenure. Through candid discussions with those who knew her best, the hosts shed light on the complex interplay between Amanda’s public persona and her hidden motives, inviting listeners to contemplate the broader ramifications of deceit and the pursuit of sympathy for personal gain.

Notable Quotes:

• Charlie Webster (08:18): “When I first found out about it, I was about 50% surprised... some of it makes sense now.”
• Kenrick (09:00): “She was always very energized and very, very bubbly and very outgoing... didn’t see the pain that folks with cancer would go through.”
• Charlie Webster (36:15): “Why would you do this? Why fake it?”
• Kenrick (37:04): “I hope that this doesn't deter others from giving to those who really need it.”

Timestamps: Quotes have been assigned approximate timestamps based on the transcript for reference.

Disclaimer: This summary is based on the provided transcript excerpts and aims to encapsulate the key discussions and insights shared in the bonus episode of Scamanda. For a comprehensive understanding, listening to the full episode is recommended.