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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Learn more about Fool Me Twice by visiting www.foolmetwice.com.au

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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 humour, 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.

Book Steve Van Aperen as your next keynote speaker: Click here

Get coached in stand-up comedy with Brad Oakes: Click here

Learn more about Fool Me Twice by visiting www.foolmetwice.com.au

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