Campus Files: Scandals, Secrets & Crimes at American Universities
Campus Files is an Audacy original podcast that investigates the hidden scandals, secrets, and crimes at American universities. Each episode uncovers stories ranging from rigged admissions and sports scandals to free speech issues and hazing. The podcast aims to reveal the complicated reality behind the polished image of college life. It also references previous seasons of Gangster Capitalism, which covered the college admissions scandal, the NRA, and Jerry Falwell Jr. and Liberty University.
Episodes
Introducing Season 1 Gangster Capitalism: The College Admissions Scandal
With exclusive interviews and thought-provoking discussion, Andrew Jenks examines the people involved and the larger debate around higher education in America.
Gangster Capitalism S1: The College Admissions Scandal I EP 1: The Side Door
Through transcriptions of wiretapped conversations between Rick Singer, Felicity Huffman, and others, Episode 1 brings to life just how dirty these schemes were. We also hear from a student who cheated on his SAT, a psychologist who deals with students and parents trying to game the system to get more time to take the SAT and ACT, and Jenks breaks news by finding the ringleader, Rick Singer, in an
Gangster Capitalism S1: The College Admissions Scandal I EP 2: The Bumper Sticker Mentality
Rick Singer’s “Side Door” has another, more expensive option that clients like actor, Lori Loughlin opt for. The scam? $500,000 to get your kids accepted to college as Division 1 athletes - even if they never actually played the sport. Race and status are explored, as this scandal forces all of us to confront uncomfortable subjects.
Gangster Capitalism S1: The College Admissions Scandal I EP 3: The Dominoes Fall
Federal agents make an arrest for securities fraud, and get much more than expected. They are offered information that leads to a man they’d never heard of - Rick Singer, and the biggest scandal in education history. Once Singer is caught, he brings everybody else with him through conversations that shed light on the world of those involved, and their sense of entitlement.
Gangster Capitalism S1: The College Admissions Scandal I EP 4: Ricky
A best friend, a mentee, and a former coworker provide an intimate account of Rick Singer’s transition from the boy determined to transform himself, to the coach who refused to accept failure, to the man whose obsession with wealth would be his ultimate undoing. These people, and their stories are being heard for the first time, and a new picture of who Rick Singer really is, finally emerges.
Gangster Capitalism S1: The College Admissions Scandal I EP 5: Where You Start is Where You Finish
A Singer parent negotiates a deal for her son to have the ACT taken for him, without him even being in the same state, and a college admissions insider reveals the a la carte menu that wealthy parents have when donating to schools, also known as “The Backdoor.” But as it turns out, paying top dollar for access to admissions offices can start as far back as preschool. This episode looks at the lega
Gangster Capitalism S1: The College Admissions Scandal I Ep 6: Watershed Moment
An argument is made that just because we are repelled by the indicted parents’ behavior, that doesn’t make it criminal. In fact, one opinion is that the parents may face no punishment. Some solutions are presented, but a mother and a son show us that any real change must come from within.
Gangster Capitalism S1: The College Admissions Scandal I Bonus Episode: The Price to Be Paid
With sentences starting to be handed out to those who’ve plead guilty in this scandal, some cases are coming to a close. Others who’ve plead not guilty may have an uphill battle, despite their potential argument that Rick Singer followed the steps of any good con, which are explained in this episode. Any real sense of closure and long term change will require changing the narrative, both for the p
Introducing Season 2 Gangster Capitalism : The NRA
From C13 Originals, Gangster Capitalism, Season 2 explores The National Rifle Association and the allegations swirling around the nonprofit organization. Andrew Jenks hosts.
Gangster Capitalism S2: The NRA | EP1: Let Loose the Dogs of War
A show of strength and unity kicks off the 2019 Annual Convention, but behind the scenes, the NRA is nearing a civil war.
Gangster Capitalism S2: The NRA | EP2: A Clear Crisis
Lines are drawn, as Wayne LaPierre’s supremacy is tested, and the rift spills out into public.
Gangster Capitalism S2: The NRA | EP3: Man on the White Horse
A financial surplus becomes a deficit once Wayne LaPierre is elevated to EVP, and he is questioned about the relationship with Ackerman McQueen, more than 20 years ago. An old friend with a clever maneuver helps to keep the status quo.
Gangster Capitalism S2: The NRA | EP4: The Big Game
A dream job slowly becomes something very different for a former NRA fundraiser, as ethical questions come to light.
Gangster Capitalism S2: The NRA | EP5: A Hostile Takeover
The NRA has a new program to help lift them out of financial despair, and a fresh face to run it. But both turn out to be disasters.
Gangster Capitalism S2: The NRA | EP6: Family Business
Could this be more than business? Could it be personal? A deeper look at the NRA attorney at the center of everything.
Gangster Capitalism S2: The NRA | EP7: Enough is Enough
Board members are receiving money directly from the NRA. A fundraiser and a major donor decide they’ve seen enough.
Gangster Capitalism S2: The NRA | EP8: Down to the Studs
A former Ackerman employee explains how expenses were hidden. Leaked audio of Wayne LaPierre lets people know the real damage under his watch. Where will the NRA go from here?
Gangster Capitalism S2: The NRA | Bonus Episode: Rigging The Election
Following the last episode of Season 2, the creators of Gangster Capitalism received a tip about a secret scheme to keep Wayne LaPierre in power.
Introducing Season 3 Gangster Capitalism: Jerry Falwell Jr. and Liberty University
The C13Originals Peabody nominated series is back for Season Three: Jerry Falwell Jr. and Liberty University. A sex scandal rocks one of the world’s largest Christian universities, and the man at the center of it. But that scandal is just the beginning. The award-winning Gangster Capitalism team spoke with more than 80 former and current Liberty students, faculty, staff, high-ranking administrator
Gangster Capitalism S3: Jerry Falwell Jr. and Liberty University | EP1: Quid Pro Quo
A never-before told story details Jerry and Becki Falwell’s behavior at the height of their power. And a favor comes with big enough strings attached to change the course of an election.
Gangster Capitalism S3: Jerry Falwell Jr. and Liberty University | EP2: A Hostel Arrangement
Giancarlo Granda, AKA “The Pool Boy” reveals the predatory nature of the Falwells. Exclusive audio reveals another side, and another character in the middle of this story.
Gangster Capitalism S3: Jerry Falwell Jr. and Liberty University | EP 3: Protecting the Brand
Liberty has failed to address, and even covered up the stories of women who have been sexually harassed and assaulted on campus.
Gangster Capitalism S3: Jerry Falwell Jr. and Liberty University | EP 4: Bust to Boom
Jerry Falwell Sr founds Liberty University in 1971. Amid financial turmoil, Jerry Falwell Jr takes over in 2007. Business booms, but at what cost?
Gangster Capitalism S3: Jerry Falwell Jr. and Liberty University | EP 5: Controlling the Narrative
From the Liberty Police Department, to the student newspaper, to faculty, staff, and administration, loyalty was constantly tested, and enforced.
Gangster Capitalism S3: Jerry Falwell Jr. and Liberty University | Ep 6: The Family Business
It pays to be connected to the Falwells.
Gangster Capitalism S3: Jerry Falwell Jr. and Liberty University | Ep 7: On the Margins
Atypical Liberty students face enormous and sometimes dangerous pressure on campus.
Gangster Capitalism S3: Jerry Falwell Jr. and Liberty University | Ep 8: Playing With Fire
Liberty University strayed far from its mission under the leadership of Jerry Falwell Jr, but even in the wake of his departure, the future of the school may be determined by those who enabled him.
Gangster Capitalism S3: Jerry Falwell Jr. and Liberty University | Bonus: Jane Does v. Liberty
More survivors of sexual violence at Liberty speak for the first time, revealing yet again how deeply the coverup culture on campus is rooted. Our reporting has led to a lawsuit against Liberty, in which the women featured in episode 3, those in this episode, and others have joined.
Gangster Capitalism S3: Jerry Falwell Jr. and Liberty University | Bonus 2: Shannon
Jane Doe 15 tells her story.
Introducing: Campus Files
College holds a mythic place in American culture. It’s often hailed as the best four years of your life and revered as a beacon of integrity and excellence, but beyond the scripted campus tours and glossy brochures lies a far more complicated reality. Campus Files is a new weekly podcast series produced by the award winning studio, Audacy Originals. Every week, a new episode, a new scandal, and a
The Carolina Way - Part 1
Between 1993 and 2011, UNC operated a shadow curriculum—hundreds of courses and independent studies that never met, required no work, and awarded high grades. The reason? To keep athletes eligible for UNC's multi-million dollar sports program.Read Jay and Mary's book: https://www.nebraskapress.unl.edu/potomac-books/9781640122468/cheated/For a transcript of this episode: https://bit.ly/campusfiles-
The Carolina Way - Part 2
For years, UNC protected its athletic dominance wth fake classes to keep athletes eligible. In 2011, the secret exploded into public view, threatening to shatter the university’s athletic standing.Read Andy’s book: https://press.umich.edu/Books/D/Discredited2Read Dan Kane’s reporting:https://www.newsobserver.com/profile/218713930/dan-kaneFor a transcript of this episode: https://bit.ly/campusfiles
Alabama's Segregated Sororities
In 2013, Alpha Gamma Delta senior Melanie Gotz made national headlines when she revealed that sorority hopefuls were being cut from rush based on race. Her allegations shed light on the entrenched segregation within the University of Alabama’s Greek system — a system that, in over 100 years, had extended a bid to just one Black woman.Read Abbey and Matt’s reporting: https://thecrimsonwhite.com/164
Harvard's Secret Court
In 2002, Harvard undergraduate student Amit Paley stumbled upon a strange entry in Harvard’s archival database: “Secret Court Files, 1920.”This discovery unearthed a dark and little-known chapter in Harvard’s history—a secret disciplinary tribunal convened in 1920 to investigate and punish students for being “guilty” of homosexuality.Read Amit's original reporting: https://www.thecrimson.com/artic
Hot for Chancellor - Part 1
In 2023, Joe Gow, the long-serving chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, began posting pornographic videos featuring him and his wife online, revealing a double life the couple had long kept hidden. This revelation ultimately cost him his job. Through interviews with a journalist who covered the story, a former coworker, and archival audio, this episode explores the boundaries of fr
Hot for Chancellor - Part 2
In 2023, Joe Gow, the long-serving chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, began posting pornographic videos featuring him and his wife, revealing a double life the couple had long kept hidden. This revelation ultimately cost him his job. In this episode we visit Joe and his wife, Carmen Wilson, at their home to hear their side of the story.This episode contains references to pornogra
The Hazing of George Desdunes
In February 2011, George Desdunes was kidnapped by freshman pledges as part of a hazing ritual. He was blindfolded, tied up, and made to consume a lethal amount of alcohol. When George's mother stepped in to get answers, she was met with silence.For a transcript of this episode: https://bit.ly/campusfiles-transcripts
The Party Never Ends
In 2016, police uncovered a multi-million dollar drug ring operated by fraternity brothers at the College of Charleston. The police report reads like a Breaking Bad episode, complete with firearms, grenade launchers, and hundreds of thousands of dollars in hidden cash.Read Max's book about this story: https://www.harpercollins.com/products/among-the-bros-max-marshall?variant=41509299290146For a tr
Dissension in the Ranks
In 2022, Columbia University math professor Michael Thaddeus published a 21-page analysis accusing his own university of submitting flawed data to U.S. News & World Report. His findings would cause the entire academic world to question the legitimacy of college rankings.For a transcript of this episode: https://bit.ly/campusfiles-transcripts
Dogmatic Slumber
In 2019, after nearly two decades at Duke University, one of its most popular—and controversial—professors was abruptly ousted. For the first time, Evan Charney reveals the untold story behind his departure.For a transcript of this episode: https://bit.ly/campusfiles-transcripts
Carolina Way - Part 3 | Carolina's Favorite Son
Holden Thorp was the chancellor of UNC when the university faced the worst atheltic scandal in its history. This week, he opens up about his experience—revealing what he knew, what he kept hidden from the public, and what he would do differently if given the chance.For a transcript of this episode: https://bit.ly/campusfiles-transcripts
Trojan Course
In 2010, USC launched a fully remote version of its prestigious social work program. According to USC’s website, it offered the same professors, curriculum, and career services as the on-campus version. However, those who enrolled—at a cost of over $100,000—soon discovered that the program was far from what it claimed to be. In fact, it wasn’t even being run by USC.For a transcript of this episod
Food Science?
Cornell's Brian Wansink was at the top of his field, renowned for translating behavioral science into practical tips for improving eating habits. He famously popularized the notion that we tend to eat more when served in large bowls. But, when skeptical researchers and journalists exposed Wansink for manipulating data, his fall from grace led to the dismantling of Cornell's entire food psychology
USC's Drug Peddling Dean
In 2016, a woman overdosed on meth in a Pasadena hotel room. The man who provided the drugs: Dr. Carmen Puliafito, the dean of USC’s Keck School of Medicine. As one reporter at the Los Angeles Times fought to expose the truth, he encountered a power structure that made publishing the story all but impossible.Read Paul's book about this story: https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250824103/badcity/
Weed in the Garden of Academe
Half of all college students and 73% of social fraternity members experience hazing. As it turns out, hazing has a long and deadly history in the United States and we know about this history in large part because of the hard work of one man, Hank Nuwer.
For a transcript of this episode: https://bit.ly/campusfiles-transcripts
For Profit - Part 1: The Pain Funnel
For the last 30 years, a group of schools have targeted America's most vulnerable students, saddling them with mountains of debt and a poor education, all for the sake of profit. Mike DiGiacomo fell victim to two of these schools.
For a transcript of this episode: https://bit.ly/campusfiles-transcripts
For Profit - Part 2: Thrown to the Wolves
Ashley Pizzuti fell in love with photography from an early age, and found what felt like the perfect opportunity to start the career of her dreams. She would soon learn that her school was part of an industry designed to prey upon students like her, and that legislators were key to finding relief.
For a transcript of this episode: https://bit.ly/campusfiles-transcripts
For Profit - Part 3: The Evidence is Clear
The future of for-profit schools, and the millions of students who have attended them hangs in the balance as a key legal protection is under threat from the courts and the Trump administration.
For a transcript of this episode: https://bit.ly/campusfiles-transcripts
The Machine
It’s been called the most powerful—and most secretive—fraternity in America. For decades, a shadowy group known as The Machine has controlled student government at the University of Alabama through intimidation and backroom deals. And it matters—because its influence stretches far beyond campus and into national politics.
For a transcript of this episode: https://bit.ly/campusfiles-transcripts
The Harvard Morgue
Few people know that most of our modern medical knowledge is based on centuries old research using human remains, often stolen. While those practices are thankfully gone today, the market for human remains is as strong as ever. In 2023, the public got a glimpse into that world when the Harvard Morgue was implicated in the illegal trade of human remains.
For a transcript of this episode: https://bi
The D
For years, Dartmouth’s student newspaper quietly struggled to stay afloat. Then in 2021, a student uncovered a case of massive financial fraud that would shake the paper to its core.
For a transcript of this episode: https://bit.ly/campusfiles-transcripts
Higher Ed for Sale
Mills College, the first all-women’s college west of the Rocky Mountains, had a rich history of social justice and women's leadership. That is, until the school shocked everyone by announcing it was going bankrupt and would soon be absorbed by a new owner, leaving its storied legacy hanging in the balance.
For a transcript of this episode: https://bit.ly/campusfiles-transcripts
Bessie on the Dome
Pranks are a legendy part of life on campus in America. There's one campus in particular that has a unique tradition of it's own. This is the story of how Bessie, a 300 pound fiberglass cow, found her way to the top of the Great Dome at MIT.
For a transcript of this episode: https://bit.ly/campusfiles-transcripts
Who Speaks for Loyola?
In 2016, Loyola University welcomed a new president, sparking excitement on campus — the first woman and the first layperson ever to lead the school. But the honeymoon didn’t last. Soon, the student paper found itself facing an administration determined to protect the university’s image at all costs — even if it meant censoring the press.
For a transcript of this episode: https://bit.ly/campusfile
Operation Free Kick
The operation we now know as Operation Varsity Blues didn’t begin the way you might expect. It was uncovered by chance. Prosecutor Eric Rosen takes us behind the scenes of how investigators discovered—and ultimately prosecuted—the largest college admissions scandal in American history.
For a transcript of this episode: https://bit.ly/campusfiles-transcripts
For more on Eric’s work, check out: http
Coach v. Physician
In 2019, the head doctor for Penn State’s football team was fired after resisting pressure from the head coach to clear injured players. His story exposes a deeper crisis in college sports: when wins and revenue are at stake, who’s protecting the players?
For a transcript of this episode: https://bit.ly/campusfiles-transcripts
The Army's Got Your Goat
In 1965 a group of 5 people broke into a secret Naval base to kidnap a key figure as part of a covert operation. That key figure? A goat named Bill. The kidnappers? West Point cadets.
For a transcript of this episode: https://bit.ly/campusfiles-transcripts
Campus Cult
As a freshman at Long Beach State, Chele joined a church that was popular with other students. What she didn't know: the group had been accused of cult-like behavior by students nationwide. Years later, she's sharing her story — and warning others about an organization that's still recruiting on college campuses today.
For a transcript of this episode: https://bit.ly/campusfiles-transcripts
The Robinson Center
A student reporter uncovers troubling rumors about misconduct at University of Washington's prestigious Robinson Center, a school for students as young as 14.
For a transcript of this episode: https://bit.ly/campusfiles-transcripts
Breaking Deadlock
Lately you’ve probably been hearing about the Department of Education a lot as the Trump administration moves to dismantle it. For many, this move feels shocking and unprecedented. In reality, it's just the latest chapter in a long-running battle over who controls education in America.
For a transcript of this episode: https://bit.ly/campusfiles-transcripts
Harvard's Funding Freeze
Since World War II, America has led the world in science and medicine by making an unusual choice: instead of keeping research in government labs, it invested directly in universities. That partnership fueled decades of discovery and breakthroughs. But today, that pipeline is under serious threat, and nowhere is the impact clearer than at Harvard. This week, Dr. Joan Brugge, director of Harvard’s
Goodbye, DEI
Just a few years ago, colleges across the country were pouring resources into Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs. Today, many of those same offices are being dismantled. In some states, the pressure runs so deep that professors are stripping DEI from syllabi and renaming courses—steps they feel are necessary to avoid scrutiny, and to safeguard their jobs.
For a transcript of this epi
Espionage at Stanford
Most Chinese nationals at Stanford never intended to be intelligence assets. But under Chinese law, if the government demands information, they must comply. Two student journalists investigate the sprawling espionage campaign taking place on their own campus.
For a transcript of this episode: https://bit.ly/campusfiles-transcripts
Cayuga's Waiters
Cornell's oldest and most historic a capella group was suddenly shut down in 2017 when allegations of severe hazing came to light.
For a transcript of this episode: https://bit.ly/campusfiles-transcripts
Epstein & MIT
In our last episode of the season (season 2 is in the works), we look at MIT's Media Lab, which long dazzled the public with its bold ideas and groundbreaking projects. But behind that reputation was a secret: much of the lab’s funding traced back to Jeffrey Epstein.
Read Noam Cohen’s reporting: https://www.wired.com/story/for-jeffrey-epstein-mit-was-just-a-safety-school/For a transcript of this e
Introducing Campus Files Season 2
Last season, we brought you 35 stories from American colleges. Stories of drug rings, fraternity hazing, stolen body parts, campus cults and more. And now, Campus Files is coming back for another season, at a time when universities are all over the news. Starting March 11th, we’ll have a new episode every week. Listen to and follow Campus Files wherever you get your podcasts.
Naked Orientation: When Yale Freshmen Were Photographed Nude
For decades, freshman orientation came with an unusual requirement: students had to pose for a photograph - completely naked.It wasn’t a fringe practice. Colleges across the country, including several Ivy League schools, did it.Why? And what happened to all those photos?
For a transcript of this episode: https://bit.ly/campusfiles-transcripts
A Tale of Two Presidencies | Texas A&M Caught Up In Culture Wars
The story of Mark Welsh III, the beloved president of Texas A&M who was dramatically forced out as part of a conservative backlash to academic freedom in higher ed.
Read Kate and Nico's Reporting: https://www.texastribune.org/2025/12/10/texas-a-m-mark-welsh-regents-abbott-fired/Read Jessica Priest's Reporting on Melissa McCoul's firing: https://www.texastribune.org/2025/09/19/texas-a-m-welsh-f
Rush for Sale: The Business of Sorority Consulting
Sorority recruitment has grown increasingly competitive, with more applicants and the same limited number of spots. A new industry has emerged to meet the pressure: sorority rush consultants. For thousands of dollars, they promise to coach students through every step of the process.
For a transcript of this episode: https://bit.ly/campusfiles-transcripts
Assassination on Campus | Should UVU Memorialize Charlie Kirk?
The fight at Utah Valley University over whether or not to install a memorial to Charlie Kirk after his assassination on campusRead Matthew's work: https://www.uvureview.com/author/matthewfranke/For a transcript of this episode: https://bit.ly/campusfiles-transcripts
"100% Preventable": The Death of Bucknell Football Player Calvin Dickey Jr.
What was supposed to be a light workout during football orientation ended in tragedy. Calvin Dickey, a freshman with sickle cell trait, collapsed and died days later. His parents say Bucknell failed to follow basic safety protocols and then withheld what really happened.
For a transcript of this episode: https://bit.ly/campusfiles-transcripts
Bloat@Brown: DOGE Comes to Brown University
In the first weeks of Donald Trumps second term, the Department of Government Efficiency ransacked the federal government. One student at Brown University decided to take the same approach and bring DOGE to campus.
For a transcript of this episode: https://bit.ly/campusfiles-transcripts
Original Sin: The Rise and Fall of the CCNY Basketball Team
In 1950, the City College of New York pulled off one of the greatest Cinderella stories in sports history, winning both the NIT and NCAA tournaments in the same season. The team, made up largely of Black and Jewish players, became a symbol of possibility. Within months, a point shaving scandal shattered that legacy.
For a transcript of this episode: https://bit.ly/campusfiles-transcripts
Hostile Takeover | The Dramatic Reshaping of New College of Florida
The story of the New College of Florida becoming a pawn in Ron Desantis' campaing for president, and what happens when a school is reshaped by force and against the will of students and faculty.
For a transcript of this episode: https://bit.ly/campusfiles-transcripts
The Cambridge Five: From Students to Soviet Spies
They were ambitious students at Cambridge University who went on to climb the ranks of British government and intelligence. But they had a secret. All the while, they were working for the Soviet Union.
For a transcript of this episode: https://bit.ly/campusfiles-transcripts
Upside Down Stanford | The University of Austin
For the last decade at least, the question of free speech has been the defining issue of American higher education. One school set out to tackle those problems head on, but appears to have lost its way in the process, struggling to define itself even before opening its doors.
Read Evan's piece: https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2026/01/16/civil-war-university-of-austin-bari-weiss-00729688
For
Contamination on Campus: What Did NC State Know About Poe Hall?
Poe Hall, an academic building on NC State’s campus, shut its doors abruptly. It later emerged that the building was contaminated with PCBs, a known carcinogen, and had been for decades. Faculty, staff, and former students say they raised alarms after developing cancer, only to be ignored.
For a transcript of this episode: https://bit.ly/campusfiles-transcripts
Frankly Fraud | “The $175 Million Scam”
In 2022, famous young entrepreneur and founder of the student financial aid startup Frank was charged with fraud and conspiracy, facing up to a 100 years in prison. How did this wunderkind turn into an alleged con-artist, and how did America's largest bank get duped?
For a transcript of this episode: https://bit.ly/campusfiles-transcripts
Sworn In: The Hidden History of American Sororities
Pick up any history of women in higher education and you'll find sororities in a footnote, maybe a paragraph. But that's not the whole story. The first sororities weren't social clubs - they were academic lifelines for women. So how did that get forgotten?For a transcript of this episode: https://bit.ly/campusfiles-transcripts
Weather Pledges | Corruption and Hazing at the University of Tennessee
"It’s the middle of a September night at the University of Tennessee Chattanooga and two young men light themselves on fire. Both are later rushed to the hospital. The resulting investigation uncovers alleged hazing, and possible public corruption within the justice system.For a transcript of this episode: https://bit.ly/campusfiles-transcripts"
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