Smoke Screen: Fake Priest

Ryan Scott, known to some as “Father Ryan,” was no ordinary con man. He’d been accused of abusing followers and enriching himself with their money. He's left a wake of angry people across multiple states. And that’s not all. There are questions surrounding the brutal deaths of two priests he associated with. Investigative reporter Alex Schuman explores Scott's bizarre, quizzical, and sometimes dangerous world.Smoke Screen is an investigative documentary series on people with complex motives and morals. Follow characters on the fringes of society - con artists, cult leaders, corrupt politicians - as they seduce their marks and bend communities to their will. Join us as we unravel their stories and bring justice to the people they've deceived. Want the full story? Unlock all episodes of Smoke Screen, ad-free, right now by subscribing to The Binge. Plus, get binge access to brand new stories dropping on the first of every month — that’s all episodes, all at once, all ad-free.Just click ‘Subscribe’ on the top of the Smoke Screen show page on Apple Podcasts or visit GetTheBinge.com to get access wherever you listen.A Sony Music Entertainment production.Find out more about The Binge and other podcasts from Sony Music Entertainment at sonymusic.com/podcasts and follow us @sonypodcasts.

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Recent Reviews
  • britinohio
    Distracting sound effects
    I gave up on what was clearly a fascinating story due to the intrusive background sounds. A pity the reporter didn’t simply tell the story.
  • meliknox
    Good story!
    The story is good and I can tell a lot of effort went into it is why 5 stars. But something about the way Alex talks, his nasal voice, is so distracting to me that I end up missing out on the story. So many ppl were interviewed but you don’t hear them talking for long. And every time it goes back to Alex’s voice I lose interest bc I’m irritated by his voice. Then I read a review that said the priest’s son doesn’t appear in future episodes which will be very disappointing, although I have a feeling there’s a good reason for that.
  • Nanc Y
    Well told complex story
    Alex takes us through a complicated story of a fake priest conman. He does a great job keeping the narrative moving forward and exposing the complexities of relationships and crimes when the conman is a “priest.” Loved it! I highly recommend and could not stop listening. My only tiny complaint (no stars deducted) is we needed to hear more from the son.
  • TaraBaccus
    Where’s the son
    You should’ve stuck with the son. He was more interesting than half an episode.
  • aihnndle
    Great show, bad editing.
    I really enjoy this and it captivates my attention. I am troubled with episodes randomly cutting from one audio scene to another or entirely cutting out and going to ending credits mid sentence. I’ve experienced it 3 times in 6 episodes so far. Most recently episode 6 at about 3:40 it’ll randomly cut out at 3:44 to the ending credits so now I cannot hear the remainder of the episode..
  • EvaMaddie
    Quirky story
    Such a quirky story. We’ll put together podcast that moves quickly and holds interest.
  • Cask12:35
    Surprised I liked this
    I am not a fan of organized religion yet feel many people would be more evil without religion. Glad I took the time to hit play and get sucked into this juicy story! Thank you
  • thhrgjfr
    Not Ad-Free
    Great story! Disappointing to get ads after paying for subscription 😕
  • ZoobyZoobs
    John / Marie - Please tell me they aren’t still PIs
    I need an update on John/Marie “investigative” team… these people cannot still be working investigators. It’s so hard to listen to! They aren’t employable as investigators, I need to know these ppl are not being hired lol I am unusually disturbed by their stupidity and seemingly willful ignorance… yikes.
  • Sissarae27
    Language
    Cant get past the language. Tried but gave up.
  • TherapyRocks!
    Excellent show! Captivating!
    I also just binged all 9 episodes- mind blowing!! I have so much empathy for all of those who he wronged.- it’s crazy that the Catholic Church hasn’t done more to stop him!!! Thank you for exposing his crimes- I hope it can prevent other people from being scammed by him. Also, just wanted to say you are a fabulous storyteller!
  • SeePatrice
    Fascinating story
    I just binged all 9 episodes. A story that’s hard to believe. Hard to believe that Ryan Scott has gotten away with this con for decades. Hard to believe that he’s still doing it! Well told.
  • MIA Frustration
    “Mr Scott”
    The host established very early that Ryan Scott was a con man and never a Catholic priest yet referred to him as “Father Ryan” throughout the entire series - a distinguished title he never earned. If instead he was a fake doctor would be consistently referred to as Dr. Scott for all 9 episodes?
  • farmer 357
    Two thumbs up
    Really enjoyed. Well researched and presented. Sad that he conned so many vulnerable people.
  • Matty1
    Great podcast!!
    Awesome podcast… but why do you keep calling him “Father Ryan?” He’s not a priest, even by your own admission and the school that he allegedly attended?
  • Ant ba
    Awesome
    I listened to all of Fake Priest. I’m so impressed with you’re story telling and honesty in catching yourself believing him. I’m signed up for a year of great podcasts, thanks 👍
  • Lyla_N
    Editing issues
    Great story! Started experiencing some choppiness and jumps around the fourth episode. I believe it’s an editing issue.
  • 6chan6belle6
    Great listen
    The podcast is really well written and produced. So many twists keep you on the binge!
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