Episode #171: John Vandemoer on the College Admissions Scandal

This week’s Good Jibes guest is former Stanford University sailing coach John Vandemoer. John chats with host Moe Roddy about the Varsity Blues college admissions scandal chronicled in his book Rigged Justice: How the College Admissions Scandal Ruined an Innocent Man’s Life.

Hear how to become a college sailing coach, where John met his wife Molly O’Bryan Vandemoer (a fellow Good Jibes alum), how Rick Singer came into his life, the ins & outs of the racketeering conspiracy case, and what he hopes others learn from his mishaps.

Here’s a sample of what you’ll hear in this episode: 

• What happens when you’re charged with Racketeering ?
• Why was John charged? And what was he charged with?
• What made John decide to coach instead of continue competing?
• How much is his name worth?
• John’s goals for Stanford University prior to the incident
•  What is John involved in now?

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and your other favorite podcast spots — follow and leave a 5-star review if you’re feeling the Good Jibes!

Get an autographed copy of John’s book at InkSpellBooks.com and learn more here: https://www.newyorker.com/news/annals-of-inquiry/the-stanford-sailing-coachs-defense

Check out the episode and show notes below for much more detail.

Show Notes

• John Vandemoer on the College Admissions Scandal
  • [0:21] Welcome to Good Jibes with Latitude 38
  • [1:11] Welcome to Good Jibes, John Vandemoer!
  • [2:08] Where in Cape Cod did John grow up?
  • [3:03] What was the first boat you were ever on?
  • [3:57] Did you come up through a sailing program or how did that work?
  • [5:50] What did you sail in college?
  • [7:15] Where did you meet Molly O’Bryan Vandemoer?
  • [8:24] Are your kids sailing yet?
  • [8:52] What made you decide to coach instead of continue to compete?
  • [10:45] What were some of John’s accomplishments at the Naval Academy?
  • [12:11] How did you get Navy back to national championships within the first year?
  • [14:28] If you’d like to be a sponsor, email [email protected] 
  • Rigged Justice
  • [15:12] How long was John at the Naval Academy?
  • [16:09] The transition to Stanford University
  • [17:27] What was John’s big goal for Stanford before the incident?
  • [19:30] How long since Stanford had won a national championship?
  • [20:26] What happened with Rick Singer?
  • [22:52] Would it matter if her family could donate $1 million to the sailing program?
  • [27:38] A surprise check for $500,000 
  • [30:30] What do you need?
  • [32:50] The judge asks, “What are we doing here?”
  • [34:20] Why did John get charged? And what did he get charged with?
  • [37:10] This is not a normal court case …
  • [39:37] How much is your name worth?
  • [40:00] Is there any ongoing litigation?
  • [40:35] What happened to Rick Singer?
  • [41:32] Was it cathartic to write the book?
  • [42:26] What is John involved in now?
  • [44:33] If you have a boat or want to crew, add your name to the crew list at Latitude38.com
  • Short Tacks
  • [45:27] What’s John’s favorite book about sailing?
  • [45:35] John’s favorite non-sailing book?
  • [46:11] If you could have coffee with anyone alive or dead, who would that be?
  • [47:10] What’s the most important lesson that you’ve learned over your professional career?
  • [47:28] Who’s inspired you most in your life?
  • [47:57] Where is your favorite place in the world to sail?
  • [50:19] What can people learn from the college admissions scandal?
  • [52:13] Where can people buy Rigged Justice?
  • Check out the Latitude 38 Bookstore here for books recommended by Good Jibes guests
  • Make sure to follow Good Jibes with Latitude 38 on your favorite podcast spot and leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts
  • Check out the December 2024 issue of Latitude 38
  • Theme Song: “Pineapple Dream” by Solxis