In Episode 17 of Fool Me Twice, hosts Bradford Oakes and Steve Van Aperen explore one of the most provocative and complex topics in modern relationships, cheating, deception, and the psychology that drives it.

The episode opens with the usual light-hearted banter between the hosts before quickly shifting into a deeper and more confronting conversation about infidelity. Bradford shares a personal story about being cheated on, highlighting the emotional impact and the lasting effect that betrayal can have. This leads into a broader discussion about trust, honesty, and the behaviours people exhibit when they are being deceptive.

Drawing from his professional experience, Steve explains that a significant portion of his work involves investigating allegations of cheating. He breaks down how lie detection works in practical terms, including the use of polygraph testing and newer technologies like EyeDetect. He explains that it is not necessarily the act of lying itself that is detected, but rather the psychological stress and fear of being caught that creates measurable physiological responses. He also touches on the importance of analysing clusters of behaviour rather than relying on a single sign of deception.

A major focus of the episode is the Ashley Madison data breach. The hosts revisit how the site, which was specifically designed to facilitate extramarital affairs, was hacked in 2015, exposing the personal details of millions of users across the world. They discuss the irony of a platform built on secrecy and deception being undone by its own lack of security and questionable practices, including the presence of fake profiles.

The fallout from the breach is explored in detail, from public shaming and damaged relationships to extortion attempts and widespread panic. Steve also shares firsthand insight into how the scandal led to a surge in people seeking lie detector tests after discovering their partner’s details linked to the site.

Throughout the episode, Bradford and Steve examine the concept of partial admissions, where individuals reveal only part of the truth as a way to minimise consequences. They also discuss the role of emotion in decision making, particularly how vulnerability and desire can make people more susceptible to manipulation and scams, especially in the world of online dating.

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In Episode 16 of Fool Me Twice, Bradford Oakes and Steve return, now recording from their newly finished podcast studio in South Melbourne, for a wide ranging and engaging discussion on deception, perception, and human behaviour. The episode opens with Steve reflecting on his recent return trip from China, where a mix of golf, alcohol, and a brief speaking engagement left him both rejuvenated and full of stories. This sets the tone for a deeper exploration into how often we encounter deception in everyday life.

From airport experiences to retail environments, the hosts unpack how easily consumers can be misled. Steve shares examples of inflated “duty free” pricing, while Bradford breaks down the psychology behind marketing tactics designed to manipulate perception. They explain how framing and emotional triggers influence decision making, often leading people to believe they are getting value when they are not.

The conversation then shifts to larger systemic issues, including scrutiny of major retailers and their pricing strategies. Bradford draws on his background in law enforcement to compare these practices to criminal deception, highlighting the double standard between individuals and corporations. He explains how fines imposed on large companies often fail as deterrents, as the costs are typically passed on to consumers. The discussion raises important questions about accountability, transparency, and whether current penalties are enough to change behaviour.

A standout moment in the episode comes when Bradford recounts an experience at Revolver nightclub. While enjoying a night out, he was approached by a couple awkwardly asking where to buy “ecstasy tablets”, instantly revealing themselves as inexperienced undercover police. The story provides both humour and insight into the nuances of deception, emphasising how authenticity and attention to detail are critical when attempting to blend in.

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In Episode 15 of Fool Me Twice, hosts Bradford Oakes and Steve Van Aperen unpack the fascinating and often flawed world of alibis. Blending true crime with behavioural analysis, they explore how people attempt to construct believable cover stories, and more importantly, how those stories unravel under scrutiny.

Steve breaks down the true definition of an alibi, proof you were elsewhere when a crime occurred, and explains how it differs from a simple excuse. The episode dives into common types of alibis, including unsupported claims, social alibis involving friends, digital alibis, partial timelines, and overly detailed accounts that raise suspicion. Along the way, the hosts discuss hedging, a key linguistic behaviour where liars soften statements to avoid being caught in a definitive lie.

A major focus of the episode is the case of Dezi Freeman, who was accused of shooting two police officers in Porepunkah before being located months later near Thologolong. The discussion highlights how fugitives may rely on others for protection, raising questions about false alibis and aiding offenders after the fact. Steve also shares firsthand insight into the elite Special Operations Group (SOG), describing their tactical precision and recounting a personal training experience that demonstrates just how effective they are in high risk situations.

The episode also explores how modern investigations dismantle alibis using digital evidence such as phone data, CCTV, bank records, and forensic analysis. Steve explains the concept of cognitive load, why lying is mentally demanding, and how inconsistencies often emerge when someone fabricates a story. He also highlights the importance of separating witnesses, analysing timelines, and identifying missing details that can expose deception.

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In Episode 14 of Fool Me Twice, Bradford Oakes and Steve Van Aperen explore deception in everyday situations, beginning with a call from a listener named Jules, who asks how to identify dodgy salespeople. Her question sparks a practical discussion on recognising misleading behaviour in sales. The hosts explain that while many salespeople are honest, the sales process often involves exaggeration or selective truth. A key insight is that deception is often found in what is omitted rather than what is said. Salespeople may avoid direct answers, gloss over key details, or rely on vague responses. The hosts emphasise asking clear, direct questions and observing behaviour such as hesitation, uncertainty, or evasiveness. They also highlight that doing prior research gives buyers a strong advantage in identifying misleading claims.

The discussion then shifts to investigative tools, including the Shoe Database used by the FBI. This system catalogues shoe prints collected from crime scenes and enables investigators to match them to specific shoe types. Much like DNA, these impressions can be highly distinctive and play an important role in linking suspects to criminal activity.

The core of the episode focuses on the difference between psychopathy and narcissism, two terms that are often misunderstood or used interchangeably. Van Aperen explains that a psychopath is characterised by a lack of empathy, guilt, and remorse, along with manipulative and controlling behaviour. Importantly, psychopaths are not always violent and can function in everyday environments while still acting ruthlessly to achieve their goals. In contrast, narcissists are driven by ego, a need for admiration, and a strong sensitivity to criticism. Their behaviour is often rooted in insecurity and a desire for validation.

A standout example discussed is the self diagnosed narcissistic doctor, who sought comedy coaching but reacted poorly when given honest feedback. Instead of accepting constructive criticism, he became defensive, accusatory, and ultimately revealed his own narcissistic traits. This story highlights how narcissists often seek validation rather than genuine improvement, and how quickly they can become hostile when their self image is challenged.

Through a mix of real cases and personal experiences, the hosts illustrate how these traits manifest. Psychopaths tend to manipulate without emotional attachment, while narcissists seek recognition and may boast about their actions. The episode also notes overlap between the two, particularly in control and manipulation.

Overall, Episode 14 blends practical advice on detecting deception with deeper psychological insight, giving listeners a clearer understanding of both everyday dishonesty and complex personality traits.

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Episode 13 of Fool Me Twice, hosted by Brad Oakes and Steve Van Aperen, explores the theme of deception, with a strong focus on truth in advertising, corporate accountability, and how misleading information operates in everyday life. The episode blends humor, personal anecdotes, and detailed explanations to unpack how lies, defined as deliberate, factually incorrect statements intended to mislead, manifest across industries and society.

The hosts begin by addressing listener questions, including explanations of “The Trots,” historically referring to Trotskyite socialists, and “gerrymandering,” the political manipulation of electoral boundaries to favour particular parties. This sets the tone for a broader discussion about manipulation, both political and commercial.

The core of the episode centers on misleading advertising practices. Brad highlights that while Australia has clear laws governing advertising across platforms such as social media, packaging, and testimonials, these rules are frequently bent or broken. Both hosts point out that large corporations often escape serious consequences, receiving minor financial penalties that fail to act as effective deterrents. They contrast this with how individuals would face harsher legal outcomes for similar deceptive conduct.

The discussion introduces the “pub test,” an informal measure of fairness based on common sense. If a claim sounds unreasonable or dishonest in a casual social setting, it likely fails this test. However, the hosts argue that many corporations ignore this basic moral standard.

Weight loss advertising becomes a key example of deceptive practices. Brad critiques celebrity endorsements and programs that promise results but often fail to deliver, while Steve emphasizes the role of human behavior in weight management. They suggest that advertising often oversimplifies complex issues, contributing to misleading expectations.

The episode also examines regulatory bodies like ASIC and fair trading agencies, noting that investigations into corporate misconduct differ significantly from police investigations. Brad explains how police build cases using structured evidence and multiple lines of inquiry, whereas corporate investigations may lack the same rigor.

Throughout, the hosts stress the gap between legality and morality, questioning whether current penalties truly discourage unethical behavior. They conclude that deception in advertising remains widespread, under enforced, and deserving of greater scrutiny, leaving plenty of ground for future discussion.

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Episode 12 of the Fool Me Twice podcast features hosts Bradford Oakes and Steve Van Aperen discussing deception in politics, focusing on how politicians lie, why they do it, and how those lies shape public perception. The conversation opens with lighthearted banter about accents and impersonations before shifting to the central topic: the prevalence of lying in politics. Steve defines a lie as "knowingly misleading someone with factually incorrect information". Both hosts note that many people have become so accustomed to dishonesty from politicians that they now expect it, raising questions about societal standards and accountability.

They begin with a contemporary example from Victoria involving claims that government officials reported corruption within the CFMEU union. According to Steve, conflicting statements from political leaders and a lack of police records illustrate how politicians sometimes backtrack when confronted, often framing false statements as “misspeaking” rather than deliberate deception.

The hosts then examine several historical examples of political lies. Richard Nixon is discussed in relation to the Watergate scandal, where he denied wrongdoing before evidence from secret White House tapes revealed obstruction of justice. Steve highlights Nixon’s famous statement, “Your president is not a crook,” pointing out behavioral cues, such as contradictory body language, that can signal deception.

They also revisit Bill Clinton’s denial of sexual relations with Monica Lewinsky, using it to illustrate how deceptive individuals exploit ambiguity. Steve explains that poorly worded questions can allow someone to technically tell the truth while still misleading others, even potentially passing a polygraph test.

The discussion expands to international politics, including claims about weapons of mass destruction in Iraq promoted by the US and UK governments. The hosts argue that these claims, later shown to lack evidence, demonstrate how large-scale political narratives can shape public support for major actions like war.

And then Steve drops a bombshell. Focusing on the 2001 “Children Overboard Scandal" in Australia, Steve recounts conducting a polygraph test on public servant Mike Scrafton, who said he informed Prime Minister John Howard that there was no evidence asylum seekers threw children into the sea. Despite this, the claim was publicly promoted during an election campaign and later disproven, ultimately damaging Scrafton’s career before he was vindicated.

The hosts conclude by reflecting on how deception permeates politics, media, and society. They argue that politicians lie for strategic reasons, such as protecting reputations, winning votes, or shaping narratives, and invite listeners to share examples of political deception they have observed.

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Episode 11 of Fool Me Twice with Brad Oakes and Steve Van Aperen explores the growing problem of online dating scams and the psychology behind how scammers manipulate people into giving away money. The conversation focuses on deception, catfishing, love bombing, and the playbook commonly used by fraudsters to exploit loneliness and trust.

The episode opens with some light conversation during Grand Prix week, which leads Steve to share a story from his time in the South Australia Police when the Formula One Grand Prix was held in Adelaide before the race later moved to Melbourne. While working night shift near the Adelaide street circuit, Steve and his police partner decided to take a police car for a quick lap around the empty track. The fun quickly turned into trouble when Steve lost control and the police car slid sideways into the sand trap, becoming stuck up to the axles. Hoping to avoid embarrassment, they enlisted help from nearby army personnel to tow the car out. Unfortunately the rope was attached to the plastic bumper, which was ripped off as the truck drove away, leaving the damaged police car still buried in the sand. The story sets a humorous tone before the hosts move into the main topic of scams and deception.

Brad and Steve explain that scams are fundamentally built on lies and manipulation. In the case of dating scams, criminals often create fake identities online and pretend to be attractive romantic partners. This process is known as catfishing. Victims believe they are communicating with a real person, when in reality the scammer may be someone entirely different, often operating from overseas.

Steve outlines the typical playbook used by scammers. The first step is love bombing, where the scammer overwhelms the victim with affection and attention to create emotional attachment. Once trust is established, the scammer introduces a backstory designed to build sympathy, such as a sick relative, financial hardship, or travel problems. Eventually the relationship shifts to the “ask,” where the scammer requests money, investment opportunities, or financial assistance.

The hosts also discuss how these scams can continue for long periods, sometimes months or even years, as scammers carefully build rapport with their victims. Even intelligent and experienced people can fall for these schemes because the tactics exploit powerful psychological triggers such as loneliness, trust, greed, and emotional connection.

Brad and Steve highlight the challenges police face investigating these crimes because many scammers operate internationally, making enforcement difficult. They also emphasize that victims are often embarrassed and reluctant to report the crime, which allows scammers to continue targeting others.

The episode concludes with practical advice: never send money to someone you have never met, be cautious of online relationships that avoid video calls or in person meetings, and consider using reverse image searches to check whether profile photos are genuine. Ultimately, the hosts remind listeners that most scams share the same goal: separating people from their money through deception.

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In Episode 10 of Fool Me Twice, Steve Van Aperen and Bradford Oakes dive headfirst into the murky worlds of art fraud, AI deception, political deflection, and undercover policing—unpacking how lies work, why they succeed, and what ultimately exposes them.

The episode opens with a light-hearted exchange about names, identity, and misdirection, setting the tone for a deeper conversation about how perception shapes belief. From there, the hosts revisit the concept of amygdala hijacking, the neurological fight-or-flight response, that can override rational thought. Steve explains how emotional overload, often seen in road rage or explosive confrontations, can cloud judgment. Importantly, he reveals why provoking anger during an interrogation is counterproductive.

The conversation pivots to artificial intelligence and so-called AI “hallucinations.” As machines begin producing confident but inaccurate information, the hosts explore a chilling possibility: what happens when technology learns not just to be wrong, but to deceive?

Political theatre also comes under scrutiny, particularly when public figures, specifically Pam Bondi, respond to accusations with outrage rather than answers. Steve breaks down this classic deflection tactic: attack the interviewer, shift the pressure, avoid the substance. It’s a familiar behavioural pattern in deceptive personalities.

The heart of the episode focuses on art fraud and memorabilia scams, where massive sums of money change hands based on signatures, provenance, and trust. From forged masterpieces to fake sports collectibles, the hosts examine how greed, ego, and opportunity drive deception. Steve contrasts high-risk crimes like drug trafficking with lower-visibility fraud schemes that can net millions with less immediate scrutiny. He shares gripping stories from his undercover policing days, including controlled buys and elaborate sting operations involving the bedsheets, illustrating how criminals often get caught not because they’re reckless, but because they’re habitual.

Brad adds perspective from the entertainment world, where joke theft and inferred deception mirror larger fraud dynamics. Whether it’s forged paintings, counterfeit signatures, or prison artwork attributed to notorious criminals, the formula remains the same: notoriety plus narrative equals perceived value.

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