S2 | E5 — THE TALENTED MR COWELL
The deeper Sarah investigates, the more versions of Admiral Peter Cowell she uncovers. Online profiles, official-looking biographies, and a growing trail of uniforms and honours paint a picture that keeps shifting with every click.
In this episode, Sarah traces how Cowell’s public image evolved — from early job titles to later claims of international rank — and examines the psychology behind reinvention. How does a story take hold, and why do so many accomplished people accept it at face value?
As new evidence emerges from emails, websites, and interviews, Sarah starts to see how credibility can be built one carefully placed detail at a time.
Peter Cowell was contacted for comment during the production of this series. At the time of publication, no response has been received.
All accounts and opinions in this series are those of the participants, based on their own experiences. Allegations are always attributed to their sources. The story is told in the public interest to explore how trust, belief, and ambition can intertwine.
🔎 Themes: investigative journalism · identity · credibility · veterans · leadership · belief · trust · true story
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🎙️ The Tonka Trilogy – bonus season to Conning the Con
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💰 Klooghless – The Long Con – full series ad-free + video extras (where available)
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The BADmiral is Season 2 of CONmunity Podcast (from Sarah Ferris Media) — an independent investigative true-story series exploring trust, belief, and the fine line between ambition and illusion.
🎙️ Explore our other shows:
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Stop the Killing — with former FBI agent Katherine Schweit
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Watching Two Detectives — true crime told by those who solved it
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Guilty Greenie — sustainability without the guilt trip
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Klooghless – The Long Con — an award-winning investigation into New Zealand’s largest financial deception
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The Bravery Academy — stories of courage and resilience
✳️ Now part of CONmunity Podcast (formerly Conning the Con) — from Sarah Ferris Media, telling true stories that explore how belief and ambition intertwine.
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