Deep Cover: The Nameless Man

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Deep Cover is a show about people who lead double lives. Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Jake Halpern reveals webs of deception and dark underworlds, through interviews with federal agents and convicted criminals. 

Sarah Cavanaugh was many things: A decorated veteran. A Marine who saved her comrades. A young woman fighting cancer. She was stoic, humble, tough. In short: a hero. Sarah was everything people wanted her to be—until she wasn’t. Turns out, no one knew the real Sarah. Not her comrades. Not her wife. No one.  

Lies tend to be fragile, temperamental things. Small ones may flourish, but the big ones die, wilting under their own weight—except in this case. The bigger it grew, the more real it became.

Jake Halpern and acclaimed investigative journalist Jess McHugh unravel an epic six-year deception that upended the lives of countless people.

To this day, much of this story is shrouded in mystery. There was never a trial and most of the people involved, including victims and investigators, have never spoken publicly in any depth.

In the sixth season of Deep Cover: The Truth About Sarah, Jake and Jess interview all of the key sources—including Sarah, herself—to tell this sprawling tale.


 

Season five covers the rise and fall of George Santos, the former Republican Congressman from New York, and the stories—many of which were not true—he told about his life and credentials.

Season four, The Nameless Man, tells the epic tale of two federal agents who investigate a rumor about a murder that supposedly took place 15 years prior. It is also the story of a family searching for answers about why their brother was killed. These two storylines collide in a courtroom in Philadelphia, where murder, memory, and morality go on trial.     

Season three, Never Seen Again, tells the story of two women living on opposite sides of the country, who went missing in the summer of 1999. Seven years later, their stories collided when a small town detective got a tip and became convinced that if he could solve one mystery, he'd solve the other. 

Season two, Mob Land, is about a high-rolling lawyer who joins forces with the feds to try to bring down one of the most powerful criminal syndicates in the country. 

Season one, The Drug Wars, tells the story of an FBI agent who goes undercover with a biker gang, and follows a trail of clues that eventually leads to the US invasion of a foreign country.

Deep Cover drops on Mondays. To hear episodes early and ad-free, subscribe to Pushkin+ in Apple Podcasts or at pushkin.fm/plus.

iHeartMedia is the exclusive podcast partner of Pushkin Industries.

Recent Episodes
  • Episode 6: The Defendant
    Jun 9, 2025 – 45:35
  • Episode 5: The Wife
    Jun 2, 2025 – 40:17
  • Episode 4: The Suspect
    May 26, 2025 – 33:36
  • Episode 3: The Confidante
    May 19, 2025 – 40:43
  • Episode 2: The Poster Child
    May 12, 2025 – 35:44
  • Episode 1: The Warrior
    May 12, 2025 – 40:50
  • Introducing Deep Cover: The Truth About Sarah
    May 5, 2025 – 03:01
  • Episode 4: The Donor
    Aug 28, 2024 – 36:13
  • Episode 3: The Plea
    Aug 21, 2024 – 16:57
  • Episode 2: The Congressman
    Aug 19, 2024 – 37:28
  • Episode 1: The Campaign
    Aug 19, 2024 – 35:22
  • Deep Cover: George Santos
    Aug 15, 2024 – 02:00
  • Unpacking the Verdict
    Jul 29, 2024 – 35:41
  • Behind the Scenes of The Nameless Man
    Jul 1, 2024 – 37:24
  • Episode 6: The Verdict
    May 27, 2024 – 38:58
  • Episode 5: The Trial
    May 20, 2024 – 31:51
  • Episode 4: The Grand Jury
    May 13, 2024 – 32:35
  • Episode 3: The Yearning
    May 6, 2024 – 30:09
  • Episode 2: The Confession
    Apr 29, 2024 – 29:44
  • Episode 1: The Rumor
    Apr 22, 2024 – 39:33
  • The Nameless Man: Deep Cover Season 4
    Apr 10, 2024 – 03:47
  • Camouflage Bias: Part 3
    Feb 12, 2024 – 21:16
  • Camouflage Bias: Part 2
    Feb 12, 2024 – 27:18
  • Camouflage Bias: Part 1
    Feb 12, 2024 – 24:04
  • The Search for Brooke Henson
    Apr 13, 2023 – 33:12
  • Deep Cover Live with Emily Bazelon
    Mar 27, 2023 – 51:45
  • Episode 6: A Shared Name
    Mar 6, 2023 – 40:59
  • Episode 5: The Searchers
    Feb 27, 2023 – 38:17
  • Episode 4: A Very Sophisticated Gal
    Feb 20, 2023 – 28:24
  • Episode 3: The Imposter
    Feb 13, 2023 – 39:12
  • Episode 2: The Star Man
    Feb 6, 2023 – 35:31
  • Episode 1: The Dark Corner
    Jan 30, 2023 – 33:58
  • Never Seen Again: Deep Cover Season 3
    Jan 18, 2023 – 03:03
  • Camouflage Bias: Part 2
    Sep 19, 2022 – 27:18
  • Camouflage Bias: Part 1
    Sep 19, 2022 – 24:04
  • Episode 10: The Witness
    Mar 14, 2022 – 49:25
  • Episode 9: The Vanishing
    Mar 7, 2022 – 38:10
  • Episode 8: The Big Fish
    Feb 28, 2022 – 35:07
  • Episode 7: The Philosopher King ft. Michael Imperioli
    Feb 21, 2022 – 37:34
  • Episode 6: The Breaking Point
    Feb 14, 2022 – 32:06
  • Episode 5: The Babe in the Woods
    Feb 7, 2022 – 29:52
  • Episode 4: The Favorite Son
    Jan 31, 2022 – 38:48
  • Episode 3: The Fix
    Jan 31, 2022 – 45:56
  • Episode 2: The Murder
    Jan 24, 2022 – 46:25
  • Episode 1: The Walk-In
    Jan 24, 2022 – 37:46
  • Deep Cover Season Two Trailer
    Jan 10, 2022 – 03:18
  • The Origin of Ned’s Novel, Plus a Sneak Peek of Deep Cover Season Two
    Dec 23, 2021 – 27:12
  • The Supply Side
    Dec 21, 2020 – 28:04
  • Episode 9: 1989
    Aug 31, 2020 – 43:39
  • Episode 8: The Political Shitstorm
    Aug 24, 2020 – 30:56
Recent Reviews
  • ListenerExtraordinaire
    Engaging
    I really enjoyed this podcast but agree with another reviewer that I wouldn’t trust a single thing the interview subject says, or her mother. As a mother, I would back my child 100%. I can’t wait to read Jess’ upcoming book about women scam artists.
  • The Passenger444
    Wow!
    What a sociopath! Susan Cavenaugh is completely out of touch with reality, needs serious counseling, and sounded 💯 remorseless. The pod is well produced, well written, (as usual, thank you Pushkin) and I was able to binge it all during a thorough apartment cleaning. Well done! Highly recommend!!!(Though I can’t speak for the other seasons in this series.) Coincidentally, I just finished reading “Sociopath” by Patric Gagne, an excellent memoir about a woman who has to come to terms - starting in kindergarten !!! - with her own sociopathy.
  • MysteryLoverCoco
    Loved it!
    This series was well researched and written. Detailed without adding unnecessary fluff to extend the story. I especially appreciate the narration. I have to pass on so many podcasts due to the narration style. This one was perfect! His voice pulled me in without being distracting, so I could actually focus on the story. Sarah herself? She comes across as quite unlikeable. I’m not naive enough to think everything is black or white, but it’s hard to feel sympathy for a person who would deceive on this big a scale. When she talks about her actions it seems like she is speaking about someone else. Like she is detached from the person who did those things. Maybe it’s a coping mechanism, maybe not. I do hope everyone involved is getting some form of therapy. I wish everyone in this story well, and hope they can find peace and learn to trust again.
  • ScrodyMcBoogerballs
    Fascinating, troubling subject, but left a few loose ends.
    Just finished listening to the final episode of The Truth About Sarah. Fascinating stuff — Jake Halpern and Jess McHugh tell a great story. But they left some troubling loose ends. I agree with another reviewer here that you can’t believe a word Sarah Cavanagh says. The only evidence for the truth of her alleged abuse was her mother’s corroboration. That needed more research. And so did that letter Sarah claims Sam’s mother wrote — and Sam’s mother denies writing. Surely there would have been a way to look deeper into that and likely catch Sarah in another lie.
  • f do ghg
    Phuc Sarah
    Sarah deserves zero sympathy. She is a selfish narcissist. People like Sarah make everyone have a distrust in those in real need. The earth is better without people like her.
  • Beatles66*
    Exceptional True Crime
    A friend recommended this years ago and I’ve had it on my list. Finally started season 1 a couple of months ago and binged everything. Each season is packed with intrigue and the host makes it really interesting. One of my favorites now!
  • CancerBoA
    Shocked!!
    I’m not a member of the military but have always admired and respected those that serve or have served in some capacity. I am very proud of veterans. VERY. PROUD. I am beyond shocked by this story. It’s so heartbreaking and crazy and sad and unreal all at the same time. My respect to those who took the time to try and help/assist/understand her. Your kindness is what saves you and maybe someday it will have been your past kindness that saves her as well. But honestly, that’s on her… not you. ❤️
  • Omahabyrd
    Great Show
    Any show Jake is a part of is a story worth listening to!!!
  • Tink2040
    Deep Cover Should Be On Your Podcast List of Favorites
    I just listened to, or I should say binged, “The Truth about Sarah”, produced by Pushkin. I don’t normally write reviews for podcasts, but I have to share when I find something as special as this show, Deep Cover. I’ve now listened to two series and both were riveting. A deep dive into stories that were touched on in the news, but Deep Cover text the time to flush out all the characters, whether they’re good or bad. I like the approach and I feel like have learned something every time I listen.
  • Jfhbcfjvdv
    Ads ads ads
    I prefer podcast to be longer as I can listen to them all day at work. I would never pay for this channel as after all the ads each episode is only 5 to 10 minutes.
  • Meg Elise
    Addicting
    This show is awesome! Great voices and a bingeable story.
  • nordseg
    Really good podcast
    Story is fascinating and the presentation is very well done.
  • runfoster
    Eagerly awaiting new episode each week
    I have thoroughly enjoyed all seasons of this show -each one exploring in depth the mystery and unfortunate consequences of someone or something intentionally misrepresented as someone or something else.
  • Malnickian
    The biggest mistake podcasts make
    Like many podcasts, this one started out great. Compelling story and fine narration but then it makes the mistake of drawing out the episodes with filler and repetitive content. It happens with so many podcasts. The first three or four episodes are great and then it just drags. It would be so much better if it had been cut down with fewer episodes.
  • Mlpwq88!
    Great listen despite cover art
    Exactly the kind of story I’m drawn to (like Scamanda) but the cover art looked so boring that I might never have found it. I assumed it was some sort of historical spy story! Glad I tried it anyway- very interesting and great listen.
  • annatheanon
    Good
    Interesting podcast. I am glad y’all explored the childhood trauma attached to the behavior. That’s something I felt was missing from Scamanda.
  • Goblue60004
    Solid with one major issue.
    Enjoyed the content overall. Solid production, structure and hosts. I was frustrated in episode 5 by the show making Sarah appear sympathetic by mentioning her past. I wouldn’t trust a single word out of her mouth and including anything not 100% verifiable through other sources is irresponsible
  • Travel-art-music
    Fascinating
    Great storytelling! I found the tale of Sarah’s double life completely addictive.
  • SargeTDubb
    Good, But…
    Really enjoying the pod, but I wish Jake would reel in the maudlin a bit….
  • Pumpilove
    Reporting at its finest
    Former print journalist here. This is a fascinating story well told.
  • RoGo18
    Season 6 is the best yet!
    Really enjoying season 6. It’s my favorite pod at the moment.
  • 555701
    Interesting Story and Well Told
    Great audio experience. Between the story, the editing and the music, you’re entertained the whole time.
  • @cesargonz
    Consistently Excellent Storytelling
    Season after season DC never disappoints. Their latest story is, up to now, told with their usual brilliance, empathy and engagement. Recommended!
  • rNPV Jeff
    Excellent
    I have stomach cancer. Sarah's story is a sad one to me even though she faked cancer. Deep Cover humanizes someone who digs her hole deeper. I think many of us can relate to that. "No matter how long you've going down the wrong road, turn back!" Sarah didn't.
  • nicoleLB
    Centering the wrong person
    You lost me when you gave the con artist a platform to continue her con by talking about how remorseful she is. Maybe that’s real, maybe that’s fake. Regardless, she shouldn’t have the attention of a national audience. Immediately unsubscribed
  • Mike6674
    Uninteresting
    Between the massive amount of ads and a 10 minute intro, you only get maybe 10 minutes of story per episode and the story isn’t even that interesting.
  • Jeminem
    Good Listen
    Good show and keeps my interest well! But does anyone else think that the host sounds like Ryan Reynolds?? Lol
  • csl writes
    The truth about Sarah
    Well structured to keep listeners listening. Really hard to hear Sarah be upset and talk about what she went through during this time, including suicidal ideation, because it’s not clear she’s really taking responsibility for the harm she caused. But her victims are interviewed at length too.
  • Nikky Kelley
    Humm
    How did Sam not know that she never had that scar? If they were intimate and together… She said Sara didn’t want to show her hip as a physical therapist but that makes no sense if they were together… Besides that… The story is interesting but it’s going over the same thing a lot…
  • anna4213
    Fantastic, Should be 5 ⭐️
    I think it’s wrong that ppl can rate a podcast based on ads vs content and affect the rating, skip them. This was top notch, well reported, intriguing, and had a first hand account. A fascinating insight into a fanatical liar.
  • doglover76754
    So glad I found this!
    Excellent podcast. And I don’t do many reviews on the many I listen to!
  • nhgirl724
    Excellent
    Very well done podcast. Well researched and delivered. Highly recommend!
  • EMoss777
    The Truth About Sarah
    I have listened to every season of Deep Cover and this one did not disappoint. Jake is fantastic at storytelling and his co-host this season is excellent. Highly recommend all seasons!
  • krs architect
    Some incredible stories and TRUE
    I enjoy these stories, they are suspenseful and “unbelievable but TRUE. I have liked most all of the stories and series, the one I didn’t. I skipped. I encourage you to check these out and I bet you’ll like them.
  • PJBINKLEY
    Well done
    Riveting and high quality
  • Danielle dee1111
    Season 6
    I haven’t listened to any season but season 6 at this point and I’m hooked. I hope the other seasons are just as enjoyable.
  • TJR-7
    Great Pod
    If you like long form reporting and storytelling this is a great podcast. Well put together. Good pace. The only season I didn’t like as much was season 5
  • Char’s got this
    Sadly interesting
    So many good people in the world willing to help. It’s a shame to see them get burned by this one person. So much to unwind and organize. Good job! Great narrating
  • Hargrove67
    Sarah
    Sarah
  • Shutupaboutthesun!
    Superficial
    No depth to these stories. Insane amount of ads. Unsatisfying.
  • d00dles4science
    Deep Cover!
    Interesting stories especially if you are into psychological stuff and investigative narratives- something beyond your average true crime story. I remember seeing the Esther Reid one on the news! I thought Jake did a great job and enjoyed listening to him outside of Stuff They Don’t Want You To Know! He was perfect for this. Fortunately there is a fast forward button so I am not forced to listen to the ads.
  • bunnyreebs
    Season Six Review
    This story blew me away. Once it was revealed around episode 4 where Sarah worked I actually dropped my mouth open on the train and gasped. Sarah, the liar and scammer is interviewed in the podcast which was interesting because I feel a huge amount of disgust for her. I’m not sure this level of deception is something you come back from on a personal level. What she did to the people in the story is truly shockingly despicable. The hosts letting her speak showed their journalism chops.
  • Longaway
    Drags
    Stories drag. Over reliance on suspense, create empathy and this listener. A little suspense works, too much and the story drags.
  • esj2654
    Nameless victim
    Really excellent investigative journalism. Bravo to the detectives & all of the Philadelphia police for helping to solve this horrible, senseless crime. My heart goes out to Aaron Wood’s family.
  • Nonicknames2
    Ads are insane
    Yet another podcast about a grifter -- think Belle Gibson, Elizabeth Holmes — with a truly indecent amount of ads. Makes it unlistenable.
  • mikewestside
    Fantastic
    Haven't been so interested in a podcast in a long time. Bravo.
  • 00010si
    Be Honest
    You are posing the question “how did this happen” and clearly playing dumb with the answer. It happened because the donor “Kathy” saw a GAY man who she thought could win a blue district and nothing else mattered. He was their u corn and ALL Republicans choose to live in a post-truth world where facts don’t matter. Trump is clearly accepting gifts and stealing money with his scam crypto and Republicans DONT CARE. This is who they are and it will always be.
  • Heesh4
    Ai reviews
    weird..
  • Cousin Isaac
    Best true crime podcast
    I’m only on season 3 but so far this is the best true crime podcast and possibly best podcast I’ve heard. The storytelling and follow up on the wider context is completely engrossing without sensationalizing. 5 stars.
  • Yostbomb
    Too many ads…
    Over 3 minutes of ads before the podcast even begins had me stopping before it even started.
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