Gosh,
Your story is so hard to swallow. I'm so sorry that you had to go through all of this. What I will say is that karma is a mother effer and this sounds like some out of control Ponzi scheme that will come screeching to a halt in due time. I'm upset at reading this. Hard working people being scammed out of their money. I wish I had the words or means to make these guys refund your money. Just know that their time will come. Treat people how you'd like to be treated. I don't know either of them enough to know If their intent was to scam you or if they fell behind in other payments and used your money to pay off others. At any rate, you're left holding the bag and that sucks.
I don't think josh and Brandon are to blame at all for this. That said, I would recommend pulling the podcast as bringing more money to the table with hopes of 'investing' doesn't sound like it'll work with this group of individuals. Furthermore, promoting those with shady business practices does not sound in the best interest of this podcast or site. This is a group of individuals who hope to learn and grow from one another. It takes one rotten apple to make you wonder if you're doing the right thing.
Pick your head up, call it an expensive education and know that you can still succeed. I hope this doesn't detract you from continuing to follow your passion of investing. There are some good folks out there.
I hope you're able to enjoy the weekend and days which follow even though you have that sour taste in your mouth. You (I assume) have your health and sound mind.
I'm proud of you for hopping that flight and seeing for yourself. Best of luck down the road. Their time will come. For now, heal and explore any legal recourse available to you. Breathe. Scream. Yell. Cry. It will pass and you will grow. Don't give up fighting for what is right and get your money back if you can. Stay strong.
Sending you positive thoughts and best wishes.
Peter