Episode 76: The Art of the Con – Exploring the Psychology and Tactics Behind Famous Con Artists

In this gripping episode of Put Em On The Couch, hosts Jason McCoy and Nelson Beaulieu take a deep dive into the world of con artists—those charismatic manipulators who make deception an art form. From 19th-century fraudsters like Samuel Thompson to modern-day scammers like Anna Sorokin (aka Anna Delvy), this episode explores the fascinating techniques and psychology behind the perfect con.

We break down the lives of some of history's most infamous conmen, including the legendary Ferdinand Waldo Demara, who successfully posed as a Canadian Navy surgeon, a prison warden, and even a college professor. We also explore the motivations behind cons like the "Nigerian Prince" scam and discuss the fascinating charisma that makes con artists so compelling.

Whether you're curious about the psychology of persuasion, the traits that make a successful conman, or why we sometimes idolize these criminals, this episode has it all. We explore classic cons, modern scams, and discuss how confidence and charm play a pivotal role in pulling off the perfect deception. Plus, we get into the psychology behind successful cons, such as the "foot-in-the-door" technique, and debate whether even conmen can get conned themselves.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone intrigued by human behavior, persuasion, or the fascinating world of deception.

Listen now to discover:

• The story of Samuel Thompson, New York’s first “confidence man”
• The psychology of persuasion and the dark triad of personality traits
• How Anna Sorokin conned her way into the high society and landed on Dancing with the Stars
• Why con artists like Frank Abagnale and Ferdinand Waldo Demara are so compelling

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