Episode 2: The Poster Child
Summary
In this episode of Deep Cover, hosts Jake Halpern and Jess McHugh explore how Sarah Kavanaugh maintained her elaborate lie of being a decorated Marine veteran. She gained trust within Rhode Island’s veteran community and gym by fabricating stories of combat trauma and sexual assault. The narrative details her rise to VFW leadership and a wedding where she carefully separated her two lives to avoid exposure.
Topics discussed
Intro, sponsors, and episode preview
Previously on Deep Cover: Sarah's lies
Sarah's public debut at the Purple Heart Trail
Dave and the VFW post in Rhode Island
Sarah joins the VFW and becomes commander
Sarah's role as a lesbian veteran poster child
Sponsors and the psychology of Sarah's deception
Sarah's friendship with Michelle at the gym
Sarah's fake cancer diagnosis and community support
Sponsors and transition to the wedding story
Planning the wedding with Kate and Mark
The fake sexual assault report and the wedding day
The investigation begins and Dave's realization
Credits and closing sponsors
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