Scamfluencers Episode Summary: "Apollo Nida: It’s Too Late to Apollo-gize"

Released January 13, 2025 by Wondery

Introduction

In the gripping episode titled "Apollo Nida: It’s Too Late to Apollo-gize" from Wondery's Scamfluencers series, co-hosts Scaachi Koul and Sarah Hagie delve deep into the tumultuous life of Apollo Nida. Once a charismatic figure on the reality TV show "Real Housewives of Atlanta," Apollo's journey from fame to infamy highlights the intricate web of deceit, personal trauma, and relentless pursuit of a lavish lifestyle that ultimately leads to his downfall.

Apollo's Early Life and Criminal Beginnings

Apollo Nida's story begins in the late 1980s Atlanta, where he endured a childhood marked by trauma and instability. Witnessing his mother's overdose and experiencing domestic violence at a young age, Apollo was thrust into adulthood responsibilities early on. By seventeen, his life took a definitive turn towards criminality. Engaging in auto title fraud—a scheme involving the theft and resale of vehicles using fake titles—Apollo was arrested multiple times in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

As co-host Sachi Koul reflects, “[07:33] This is such a sad backstory, and it's also not one that I really knew, because everything I know about Apollo is from the Real Housewives and is learned through Phaedra.”

Despite his repeated arrests, Apollo's criminal activities persisted, culminating in a significant racketeering case in 2002 where he was sentenced to 18 years in prison. This period marked the end of his initial relationship with Phaedra Parks, a successful attorney and future reality TV star.

Marriage to Phaedra Parks

Apollo's path crosses with Phaedra Parks in a serendipitous meeting during a traffic jam in 1995 when Apollo was just 17. Their connection blossomed quickly, leading to an on-again, off-again relationship that endured Apollo's incarceration. By 2009, Apollo was paroled and rekindled his relationship with Phaedra, culminating in their high-profile marriage in November of that year.

Phaedra's unwavering support is evident when she states, “[12:34] Apollo was very focused on settling down and having a family. He was still very much in love with me and I thought he was still cute. I just knew we always had a true connection.” Despite their differences in pasts, Phaedra saw potential in Apollo, believing she could help him stay on the right path.

Life on "Real Housewives of Atlanta"

Their marriage quickly thrust Apollo and Phaedra into the spotlight as they joined the cast of "Real Housewives of Atlanta" in its third season. Filming began in the spring of 2010, with Phaedra pregnant and Apollo eager to provide for his burgeoning family. However, the pressures of reality TV and the allure of maintaining a luxurious lifestyle pushed Apollo back into deceitful activities.

The dynamic between Apollo and Phaedra became a focal point on the show, especially their differing "love languages." Apollo identified his as "quality time," while Phaedra preferred "gifts," highlighting a foundational clash in their values. This discord was further intensified by interactions with fellow cast member Kenya Moore, whose flirtatious behavior with Apollo sowed seeds of jealousy and tension.

As Koul notes, “[16:52] I do know all about love languages. They're all over my TikTok feed.”

Continued Crimes and Betrayals

Despite the façade of a perfect family life on television, Apollo's criminal instincts remained unshaken. In September 2013, his partner in fraud, Gayla Saint Julien, was arrested, leading to the unraveling of their extensive identity theft and bank fraud operations. Gayla's desperation to fund her daughter's medical expenses made her a vulnerable accomplice, ultimately resulting in Apollo being implicated in over $2 million in stolen funds.

Sarah Hagie articulates the complexity of their schemes: “[23:06] And Gayla has a standard MO at the banks... With all of her fake identities and costume changes, Gala is working hard for the money.”

Apollo's ability to maintain his criminal activities while under the constant surveillance of both reality TV cameras and federal investigators showcased his manipulative prowess. His deceit was further complicated by his interactions on the show, where his public persona clashed with his secret life.

Investigation and Arrest

Special Agent Alexandra Herrera's relentless pursuit of Apollo began in early 2012, tracking Gayla through minor fraudulent activities to uncover the broader scheme. The investigation intensified as Apollo's fraudulent operations became more sophisticated, utilizing fake IDs and multiple bank accounts to siphon funds undetected.

The turning point came when Gayla, facing severe legal consequences, cooperated with the authorities to bring Apollo down. In September 2013, federal agents arrested Apollo during a concealed meeting, seizing invaluable digital evidence that solidified his role in the elaborate fraud network.

Reflecting on the meticulous nature of the investigation, Scaachi Koul remarks, “[28:26] Sarah. A case of so much work for not really that much money.”

Aftermath and Divorce

Apollo's arrest in January 2014 marked the beginning of the end for his troubled marriage. Despite attempts to maintain a united front on television, the strain of his legal battles and continued deceit led to growing tensions with Phaedra. His courtroom appearances were marked by flimsy excuses and heartfelt apologies, but the damage had been done.

Phaedra, focusing on her successful legal career and raising their two sons, distanced herself from Apollo's criminal life. Their marriage deteriorated rapidly, culminating in a volatile confrontation during Apollo's final attempt to evade prison by threatening Phaedra with an electric drill. This harrowing incident underscored the complete collapse of their relationship.

As Koul puts it, “[46:03] I mean, she was taking care of their children. I don't know about that, Apollo.”

The divorce was finalized by July 2017, coinciding with Phaedra's exit from "Real Housewives of Atlanta" following her controversial accusations against another cast member, further isolating Apollo from his support system.

Conclusion and Insights

The episode concludes with Scaachi Koul and Sarah Hagie reflecting on Apollo Nida's relentless pursuit of wealth and status, despite the clear opportunities available to him through legitimate means. They question his inability to break free from his ingrained hustling mentality and the toxic dynamics that fueled his descent into fraud.

Koul summarizes the key takeaway: “[54:05] I think the lesson is that if you are going to go out with an insecure man, then he should at least have his own bank account.”

Hagie adds a poignant reminder about the perils of reality TV fame, emphasizing the importance of personal integrity over public image: “[54:43] Yeah, I guess the lesson is don't racketeer.”

Notable Quotes

• Sachi Koul: "I guess that's because you can't write in an official report that this woman is a brick house. She has one of the most formidable racks I've ever seen in my life. I'm jealous." [02:30]

• Phaedra Parks: “Apollo was very focused on settling down and having a family. He was still very much in love with me and I thought he was still cute. I just knew we always had a true connection.” [12:34]

• Sachi Koul: "You best hope nothing happens to me because you might not have a job. You know why I'm your storyline. I sustained your career." [39:18]

• Sachi Koul: "I do not like cooking famously and I am bad at it and so I'm always grateful for something that makes it a little bit easier." [04:42]

Final Thoughts

"Apollo Nida: It’s Too Late to Apollo-gize" serves as a cautionary tale about the seductive lure of influence and the ease with which ethical boundaries can be compromised in the pursuit of fame and fortune. Through meticulous storytelling and compelling insights, Scamfluencers exposes the dark underbelly of reality TV glamour, reminding listeners that behind every facade lies a complex human story fraught with choices that can lead to ruin.

For more detailed explorations of deceit and manipulation within the influencer world, listen to Scamfluencers on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Early and ad-free listening is available through Wondery+.