Being Caught Was Only The Beginning🎙Darknet Diaries Ep. 129: Gollumfun (Part 2)

If you thought Brett Johnson (AKA Gollumfun) had hit rock bottom, think again. His online scam spree continued, even while working as an informant for the Secret Service. After years on the run and in prison, there was only one thing that made him hang up his criminal past.
Be sure to check out Part 1 of this story first: • Beanie Babies Were the...
Visit darknetdiaries... for a list of sources, full transcripts, and to listen to all episodes.

[@copperymaster]

This needs to be made into a movie

[@dalebursell32196db]

I’m glad I was not the only one thinking this! I watched a movie in my head just from how well this was produced!

[@Xenomorphicism]

This is too wild of a life to not get Hollywood involved. It is better than most of the cookie-cutter stuff out there.

[@michaelhicks8603]

I’d watch that movie.

[@nyx1094]

The whole channel should !

[@Freakinkat]

😭I suck at spelling 🐱

[@Entropy67]

These podcasts are absolutely insane first hand accounts of crazy real life stories.

[@ReligionAndMaterialismDebunked]

:3 I was born and raised in the infamous Miami, FL, USA, and I went to Disney a lot growing up. I miss it. Well, I live abroad now.

[@kkeithf]

I'm hooked

[@David-pf4hr]

Imagine how awkward it was for the secret service agent watching Bret’s ex dump his shit off

[@Goodpizzaa]

Holy shit i cried at the very end. It was the love of another seeing his true heart that made him change forever. Jeeez this is the best series of your show yet Jack, thank you. So relatable and real.

[@jeff2758]

​@@acmhfmggru No. This is the story of my life minus being a dickbag and stealing money. I was young, stupid, and way too intelligent. "Loving" a hot chick makes you completely fucking dumb, even when you're an actual genius.

[@ray-mc-l]

i call BS. the guys just a good con artist. and this "ive changed" thing is his new scheme. no-one can rip off people that much for that long and suddenly grow a conscience. when he tears up about having to actually do a real job mowing lawns, that really annoyed me. doesn't he realise that that's how the people he robbed make their money? he has no right to feel sorry for himself.

[@JeremyAndersonBoise]

He still owes everyone he stole from. Possibly including myself. I have been stolen from entirely too much in my life to give a rip unless someone cuts off some parts of his body or tortures him at the end. That would obviously be horrible, but I can tell that isn’t the deal. No “thank you” forthcoming to any con artist from me. Jack is wrong about losing naivete being a favor to victims of theft, that mindset is an internalization of financial abuse by internet criminals.

[@JeremyAndersonBoise]

@@ray-mc-l yeah this guy is a scumbag, crybaby, snitch and a successful con man, not a good guy. Not a good look, at all.

[@vlmilan24]

This channel is so underrated. This should have a 100million views!

[@travelinman70]

dude, you're supposed to entertain me. mot make me feel my own feelings. Thank you Bret for sharing your story. It may have taken a hard road of you to follow, but you have a wonderful life. I've found someone as special as you have and she's making a better person too!!!!

[@kaotiskhund]

"I don't know if it was me" LMAO

[@JK-gm6kk]

Honestly changing who you are is never easy. Good on him

[@EsganjaSTREAM]

As a former convict this story hit me deep. Brett needs to sell his story. It could be a more serious "catch me if you can". I love this podcast.

[@LiamStojanovic]

Brett’s story made me laugh, shocked me to my core, and made me cry at the end. What a life, what a story. Brett, despite all your self inflicted fuck ups it’s clear that you persevered through absolutely horrible circumstance. I’m thankful you are not incarcerated, get to share your story, and impart your wisdom for the greater good. Godspeed my friend. Jack, I’ve been listening to your podcast for years. This two part story was an absolute roller-coaster. This is my favorite episode I’ve ever listened to of yours, and you are truly a master of your craft. You are authentic and engaged with your guests, perform incredible storytelling, and clearly devote massive time and attention to post-production. Keep up the amazing work!!

[@JaredTinsley]

I am glad this guest speaker is back! You're opening question is epic.

[@vihangapramodya405]

Man, this is full of emotions

[@DougDingus]

Jack, your production is amazing! This guy... good grief! Seriously relatable look into the dark side. Yes, I was waiting for this. Thank you for doing what you do.

[@drifter61]

Gollum fun is still a certified bad ass in his own right here in Chucktown SC! ❤ damn I love that you picked him to interview Jack! That’s where I live, and it’s cool to here him discuss all of this. Really a roller coaster man.

[@techjots]

He's a scammer, can't trust what he says. He even said it himself, "I use to come up with the most ridiculous stories to see if they would believe it". Only he knows if this story is fabricated or not

[@itsaperionasentinel5446]

Yea he’s full of it

[@afterskool444]

what an emotional emotional episode, a lot to learn both about the world and how it works & also how the human heart and mind works and about the factors that keep people in unhealthy, destructive or illegal coping mechanisms + lifestyles.. the way he refuses to praise any part of his crimes except note the level of fluency he reached with his methods and how he openly acknowledges his crimes and wrongdoings instead of shying away from them or trying to cover himself in any way is really inspiring for me to hear and gives me a lot of hope for myself and my own life :) a major criminal, yes, but he is human too and i'm grateful he was given the chances he was given so that he could live a more honest healthy life

[@smartbusinessltd]

This story is really deep 😢 1:14:25 I understand… the feeling of not being able to provide for your family

[@Sasquatchbones]

The level of positive bias and privilege this guy was given by the Secret Service is astonishing 🤣

[@TheChanDave]

The interview Lex did with this guy is just as good

[@josephjohnson1057]

I think it’s his personality. He’s able to charm everybody. Still it’s no excuse think of the millions lost.

[@saxxonpike]

One of the best stories ever told, thanks for sharing and putting this together. Gollumfun interviews incredibly, so I appreciate we got a two-parter.

[@HillbillyIslandLife]

He is the best! Definitely needs to be made into a movie and have Billy Bob play him

[@none4086]

nah homie really had the method tho. went from 8$ to 67,000$ in one night off a rack his side piece gave him!

[@toronikusuLabs]

Awesome story , i could listen to that guy forever , would love to talk with him honestly

[@marketalpha5426]

This is an incredible story jack, wow. I feel like I was punched in the gut at the end. This is one of your best works yet. His story was incredible but the way you dealt with such a big personality was masterful. Awesome job! Under all of the surface level distractions for Brett is really a kindred spirit. Ultimately his destiny was to help others. He just didn't know how.

[@JakeLoeppky]

First time i listened to this i wanted there to be a heartwarming ending. Second time I'm convinced he's just a menace to society and won't ever change. Lol

[@DevinSprout]

It's probably my third time listening since it came out. It is still one of my favorites.

[@millertime6]

This dude was relentless! Crazy because he seems to really have separated himself from who he was in the past. Excellent story as usual!

[@rumplstiltztinkerstein]

It is crazy how much damage a simple key logger can do. So interesting.

[@JAY.ARE47]

I saw the Netflix documentary with Brett in it and I think your podcast is much better. Thanks Jack for continuing to make the best podcast available 👍

[@sudo-bandit]

What’s the documentary called?

[@JAY.ARE47]

@@sudo-bandit "Web of Make Believe "

[@storytimewithunclekumaran5004]

Elizabeth hit the jackpot and took as much money out of Brett as she could.. He will be her biggest score.. Sad part of the story as much as Brett did it was this woman was the one thing he had no control over.. Thinking with his little HEAD.

[@SRBIJA79]

How important it is to have rolemodels (parents) in your family... and he was not the guy to enrich himself... he blow threw the money, did no drugs and spend all of it on other people. That says alot...

[@___echo___]

Its also very hard to stop seeing yourself as a criminal if you get refused at every job because of your criminal record, it doesn't make sense to me, it just leads people back to crime

[@spacedogx6694]

i can relate so much to when he breaks down talking about the lawn mower. im in a situation where i have done stuff i regret and it has had severe consequences relating to jobs. But again, earning money by hard labour is also rewarding in some other way.

[@none4086]

im just imagining him frantically running through the night, rippin atms...

[@bobbyjoe3559]

Was really looking forward to Part 2 of this interview! Thanks for the work you do, Jack! Also, can we get more pentester stories??

[@jonnyfatboy7563]

what an incredible honest story told from his heart and laid down for all to see.. thanks Gollumfun and you too Jack 👊

[@KTFCUTL]

Top Story Jack! Brett's such a relatable guy and it really showed at the end.

[@iron-man-2.0]

Yeah it's really difficult to get a good job for people that have any sort of criminal record. Although, I wonder if either of our lives would be any better either way regardless of if we even got a single speeding ticket. I think everyone makes mistakes and has regrets regardless of if their a brain surgeon or a criminal...

[@TidalSoftWash]

Late night uploads…where the night owls at? About to sit down and start some work, thank you for the background noise. The best podcast ever made.

[@muzi7335]

10:00 AM this side.

[@Goodpizzaa]

This man has absolute balls of steel to do all what he did. You can't make this shit up. I was in a mental hospital once and it's exactly how he is describing prison around an hour and 4 minutes in.

[@samuel-maa]

This is one of the best stories I've ever heard, and idk I was so excited to listen to it all the way from Episode 128

[@Kevin-nw9om]

"That was you?!?!" 😂😂

[@chrishansenbiz]

So many familiar names and references. April 2012 was the end. 6 years. It's what you don't get caught for that you have to make up for somehow. Daemon Lord

[@arghyl]

This dude is the living walking definition of insanity.

[@morisn]

Funniest episode I've heard so far... Was it... You?? 😂😂😂 He surely made the guy feel uncomfortable.

[@arcmonk8743]

Ridiculously good episode, best Brett interview I've heard. Riveting stuff

[@cyphaborg6598]

Some people are so poor that all they have is money. It's not something you just say but have seen or lived by, Good luck Brett.

[@ebk304]

Oh shit it is! I just looked in the description & it is him. Funny guy 😂

[@masterkeykid]

Kudos to Dave Ramsey for.playing Brett. 😂

[@BracaPhoto]

I can tell a local when i hear one - good on you my man - it was funny hearing the stripper karma story

[@justanotherhuman4854]

The camera scamming stuff hit close to home. When I was maybe 15, I saved up to buy my dad a cannon 5d mk3 to give to my mom as an anniversary present. Ended up getting a box with a used napkin and some Chester’s hot fries for something to the tune of $1000 bucks. It wasn’t the first and wasn’t the last time I’ve been ripped off, but it was the angriest I’ve ever been as a result.

[@minisam1988]

Just found these pods and holy crap, the last 2 nights at work flew by. Amazing stories and amazing production

[@Qalios]

Love the show always !!!!! But this episode ELITE!!!!! My new favorite episode will be listening to this one on repeat lol the way this guy tells a story 🔥

[@emera1750]

Samy episodes phenomenal as well #61

[@drug.3797]

I appreciate all your content, but this one is pretty special. Keep up the great work!

[@Thumper68]

You were upset about me saying people deserve to be scammed if they fall for stupid stuff and I explained in the thread exactly what you are saying what you learned by falling for the camera scam.😂 Brett Johnson’s a good man.

[@dmanm85]

Ive heard his story a few times and i think the most irionic and fascinating part is how one of the biggest scammers on the internet got scammed by a prostitute.

[@areseabwaaaaa]

Dude, your Chanel is such a gem. Keep it up. Thanks for the awesome vids.

[@JeremyAndersonBoise]

Pretty sure this guy owes me $170 🤬

[@pocketvices]

Great episode, love the ending. Thanks Jack

[@DeadRyGuy]

It took me until the end of episode 1 to recognize the name and story of Brett Johnson from a Lex Fridman episode. Weirdly (or should I say sadly) it was the details about his mother that lingered and made me recognize him. I actually haven't started this episode yet, but I'm looking forward to it. Great guest and great series!

[@Freakinkat]

Damn he went 100% honest that takes balls to be that honest with ones self.

[@neilfroese9385]

This is what my father-in-law called the price of education

[@ReallyGoodBadBoy]

It’s ironic he is such a master con-artist, and falls in love with a stripper. LOL! We should have her on the podcast instead.

[@janet.snakehole]

what a weasel lol

[@HollyTroll]

dude, I wanna reach in and give this guy a fucking hug

[@annberlin5811]

He let his mom lose bail money? Cold

[@dustinhxc]

The ending gave me goosebumps 🥹😭 hope he is still being good. Love your series Jack

[@kly8105]

The system seems to think anyone can be addicted to any number of things and that its their duty to rehabilitate people, but they don't seem to think people can be addicted to money or the high life. I think if the system really worked the way its supposed to he wouldn't have come out of prison the first time thinking the only way of living he had available was crime, or the second time.

[@M21assult]

Dave Ramsey teaching scamming

[@epicdelvegaming1023]

This story was and is so inspiring and Brett Johnson you are just amazing and Jack I just want to take this opportunity to say thank you for all this amazing stories and it`s so nice to know about these things happening and learning from them👍👍👌👌

[@kimdotnet2110]

Probably the best episode on here, and that's saying something.

[@KaloKross]

pretty funny that there is adult language all throughout this podcast but in the podcast where they say "wigger" 1 time there is a whole disclaimer at the start lol

[@erock.steady]

so it sounds like we have brett to thank for darknet diaries...

[@ReligionAndMaterialismDebunked]

I was born and raised in the infamous Miami, FL, USA, and I went to Disney a lot growing up. I miss it. Well, I live abroad now.

[@mariowilliams4704]

I think this was 1 of the best episodes

[@turtleswithbombs]

I got the attention span of an amoeba, but I gotta say this before I try to finish this video: I am so glad that the career criminal, that made his money off of lying to people, is suddenly telling the truth now that he stands to get attention as an anti-hero :)

[@GorbBABI]

Jack please teach me how to do what you do. I would honestly love to just try and achieve the success that you have reached.

[@helly_dic]

i don't mind a part 2 to things but please make the wait time less than 3 days, its been ages !!!

[@AlgorithmEngagementEntity]

Engaging engagement algorithm algorithm 🏴‍☠️

[@martinmathieu6098]

this story was verry good. Thank you.

[@gsmith9045]

By far the most amazing story on this podcast. W O W .

[@Rooot-username]

What an amazing story.

[@thirsty3333]

The emotional roller coaster this story put me threw wow 😯

[@ReligionAndMaterialismDebunked]

This was a wild story! Damn. He left that girl. That was fuc*ed, but not literally. XD 💀

[@KTFCUTL]

Just woke up to this. Thanks Jack!

[@ebk304]

I know this guy! I’ve seen him on a show at some point. He’s hilarious. His mom taught him how to be a criminal 😂🤣🤣 if it’s the same person I’m thinking of. His voice sounds like him.

[@Lizard6376]

Anyone know the name of the song that starts at 49:09? It's gonna bother the hell out of me if I can't find it.

[@jermainefrench5218]

Man this story was amazing!!! Brent im so proud of you man!! dont go back to crime man hahaha!! Jack you got another banger! Love your work!!!

[@emera1750]

This is my new favorite channel dawg

[@0therun1t21]

I haven't rooted so hard for anyone in a while, I'm so happy he found love and is ok now.

[@rlaw1971]

This guy's voice he sounds just like starmaker Kenny Bolin

[@Who_datt_]

To good ol canon days I had two XLs three gl1s. And Sony VX with the century optics death lens lol. Grow up doin BMX sk8 boarding and some of my good friends to this day best fmx riders in the world. Should’ve stuck with the filming but went Down a similar but different criminal path lol. These have been my some of my top fav episodes this guy and his crew so to say are fuckin pioneers 💯💪🏻

[@InMoneroWeTrust]

Amazing story

[@flobuilds]

Im running out of videos to watch keep going and i love your stories 🔥

[@FadiGamingRP]

This one was really good! Keep it coming bro!

[@reallyjonez2610]

One of the beast story channels on the web

[@mattfrazee3324]

That part with Shaun hit harder than anything so far.

[@digital303s]

Great story and content…….. best channel on KZbin

[@incremental_failure]

Fantastic stuff. This channel is a great find.

[@pradhanan9413]

This guy needs to have a fucking movie

[@John-tq7mb]

Awesome show!