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Sin City Clickbait (Deadly Influence S1E1)

October 2, 2025·1 hr 4 min·5 clips

Ash Armand's mushroom trip ended with Harleen's jaw pulverized and teeth fragments in her stomach.

Hosts Patrick Hinds and Gillian Pensavalle introduce their bonus episode covering the Hulu series "Deadly Influence," focusing on its first episode, "Sin City Clickbait." The episode examines the story of a male companion in Las Vegas and his entanglement with a famous influencer. Patrick and Gillian are the creators of the "True Crime Obsessed" podcast, known for their comedic and detailed recaps of true crime documentaries. The documentary centers on Ash Armand, a male model and companion originally discovered on Model Mayhem by agency owner Garen James. Ash gained prominence on the Showtime reality series "Gigolos" and cultivated a significant social media following as an influencer. He began a high-profile relationship with Las Vegas mega-influencer Tucci Cash, who had millions of followers and considerable local fame. The relationship reportedly soured due to Ash's intense jealousy, exemplified by an incident where he threatened Garen after a photo shoot involving Tucci. Tucci Cash ended the relationship, and Ash's career subsequently declined as "Gigolos" was canceled and his contract with the agency Cowboys for Angels was terminated. Facing this downfall, Ash allegedly sent violent, threatening texts to a newer companion named Rex, who later dated Tucci. To maintain his physique and image, Ash began using steroids and posted increasingly explicit content online. The hosts note that the documentary highlights the "culture of yes" in Las Vegas, where access, drugs, and fame create a potentially dangerous environment. A journalist in the series, Brent Holmes, argues for destigmatizing sex work while chronicling this story. A surprising claim is that Ash's entire "zen warrior" persona was likely a calculated act, belying a controlling and volatile temperament. The hosts find it ironic that his jealousy over Tucci's success directly contributed to the relationship's end and his own decline. They also note the documentary's observation that Ash, in his late 30s, faced the finite nature of a career built on youth and appearance, especially after alienating his support system. The tone is conversational and comedic, with the hosts frequently interjecting personal anecdotes and humorous asides about influencer culture and Las Vegas life. Their style is informal and engaging, blending recap with their own reactions and tangential discussions. This episode would appeal to listeners who enjoy true crime stories involving social media, influencer culture, and dramatic personal downfalls. It might be less suitable for those seeking a strictly serious or straightforward documentary analysis, as the hosts' commentary is abundant and lighthearted.

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