DeepSummary
The podcast episode features an interview with Kenric, who was Amanda's supervisor when she worked as a resident advisor (RA) at San Jose State University around 2006-2007, and Lennon, who was a fellow RA along with Amanda. They discuss their experiences working with Amanda, describing her as bubbly, energetic, and hardworking, but also expressing suspicions about her claims of having cancer at the time.
Kenric reveals that Amanda claimed to have cancer and other illnesses during her time as an RA, but her behavior didn't match what he would expect from someone undergoing cancer treatment. Lennon shares a similar perspective, noting that Amanda seemed to put on a show and embellish her accomplishments more than her peers.
The episode delves into Amanda's brief stint as a graduate assistant, where she may have withdrawn after a few weeks to receive a tuition reimbursement. Both Kenric and Lennon express disappointment and confusion about Amanda's apparent deception, but also offer empathy and hope that she can find a path to becoming a better person.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- Amanda exhibited deceptive behavior and made false claims about having cancer even during her time as a resident advisor at San Jose State University in the mid-2000s, years before her infamous blog documenting her supposed cancer journey.
- Despite her deceptive behavior, Amanda was described as bubbly, energetic, and hardworking, which helped her charm and manipulate those around her.
- Amanda may have strategically withdrawn from a graduate assistant position at the university after a few weeks to receive a tuition reimbursement, suggesting a pattern of exploiting situations for personal gain.
- While her former colleagues were surprised and disappointed by Amanda's deception, they also expressed empathy and hope that she can find a path to becoming a better person.
- The episode highlights the reluctance and discomfort in questioning someone's claims of having a serious illness like cancer, even when there are doubts, due to the sensitivity of the situation.
- Amanda seemed to embellish her accomplishments and put on a show for those in positions of authority, while her actual efforts didn't match the recognition she received.
- Amanda's deceptive behavior appeared to be a long-standing pattern, as she tested the waters and pushed boundaries to see how much she could get away with over time.
- The episode provides insight into Amanda's personal life during her time as a resident advisor, including her relationship with her boyfriend and her interactions with his wife's children, whom she claimed were her cousins.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “I think something Kenrick alluded to earlier is this idea of looking good for those that matter. I think there were times where a person recognizes their accolades exceeding their actual effort and they don't thrive in that energy. I would say is, or at least I would say is a good, reasonable person would not choose to thrive in that energy.“ by Lennon
- “Who wants to be that person that says you don't have cancer?“ by Kenric
- “I think the foundation of her home life outside of school was mostly, at the time, her current boyfriend. The family stuff with the girls and everything.“ by Lennon
Entities
Product
Person
Organization
Episode Information
Scamanda
Lionsgate Sound
7/5/23