PRETEND

PRETEND

Creative Babble

From cult leaders to con artists and undercover FBI agents, PRETEND exposes those pretending to be someone they're not.

Licensed to Kill part 1

Licensed to Kill part 1

What if your doctor wasn’t trying to save you, but trying to cash in on you?In this episode of Pretend, we uncover the shocking case of Dr. Thomas Weiner, an oncologist accused of prescribing years of brutal chemotherapy treatments to patients who may not have even had cancer.We follow the story of Scott Warwick, a man who was told he had stage 4 lung cancer and endured 11 years of toxic treatments—only to later learn there was no biopsy confirming his diagnosis. When Dr. Randy Sasich, a pulmona

Feb 25, • 42:33

Operation Cock Block

Operation Cock Block

A group of women, all with eerily similar stories, say they were deceived—emotionally and financially—by the same man: William Sullivan. But instead of staying silent, they took matters into their own hands. They formed Operation Cock Block, a coordinated effort to expose what they claim were Sullivan’s deceptive tactics and warn others before they fell victim. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 18, • 51:32

The Telepathy Tapes B-side part 3

The Telepathy Tapes B-side part 3

Facilitated Communication is marketed as a miraculous tool for non-speaking autistic children. But what happens when this controversial method leads to devastating consequences? In this episode, we hear from Kevin Plantin, a father who was falsely accused of assault based solely on messages typed with the help of a facilitator.Despite the evidence, some courts and institutions still give FC credibility—with tragic consequences.In this episode, Kevin Plantin recounts how a letter typed via FC led

Feb 11, • 39:08

The Telepathy Tapes B-Side part 2

The Telepathy Tapes B-Side part 2

A mother kills her autistic son. Why? Because he asked her to.The mother claims he used facilitated communication to ask her to help him die. This case is just one of many tied to the controversial method that claims to give a voice to non-speaking autistic individuals. But what if the voice wasn’t theirs at all?Share Your Thoughts:Have you listened to The Telepathy Tapes? What do you think about the claims it makes? We want to hear from you! Send a voice memo with your thoughts to javier@preten

Feb 4, • 50:15

2003: The Telepathy Tapes B-Side part 1

2003: The Telepathy Tapes B-Side part 1

The Telepathy Tapes podcast shot to the top of the charts, making bold claims about telepathic abilities in non-verbal autistic children. But are the claims rooted in science—or something else entirely? In this episode of PRETEND, we take a closer look at the phenomenon, the controversies, and the skepticism surrounding these extraordinary claims.We’ll discuss:➜ The premise of The Telepathy Tapes and the experiments it presents.➜ Scientific skepticism surrounding telepathy claims.➜ Ethi

Jan 28, • 46:57

Criminal Conduct S5: The Life and Death of Buffalo Jim

Criminal Conduct S5: The Life and Death of Buffalo Jim

Hello PRETENDERS! I'm excited to announce that the new season of my other podcast, Criminal Conduct Season, is here! To listen to the rest of the story, search for Criminal Conduct and subscribe.____________________Buffalo Jim Barrier was a wrestling promoter, mechanic, and Las Vegas icon. He faced off against Rick Rizzolo, a powerful strip club owner with alleged mob ties. Their feud lasted decades. Days after Rizzolo’s release from house release, Buffalo Jim was found dead under myste

Jan 21, • 32:45

Nobody Should Believe Me: Sophie Saves Zambia

Nobody Should Believe Me: Sophie Saves Zambia

Today on PRETEND, we’re featuring the season 5 premiere of Nobody Should Believe Me, a compelling podcast hosted by author Andrea Dunlop that explores Munchausen by proxy abuse. Dunlop’s investigative storytelling sheds light on a complex and deeply troubling form of abuse, offering listeners both empathy and insight.Season 5 kicks off with an in-depth look at Sophie Hartman’s 2016 memoir, Crowns of Beauty, where Hartman recounts her experiences in Zambia and her journey to becoming the adoptive

Jan 14, • 47:50

DNA Deception

DNA Deception

DNA evidence is often seen as the gold standard in criminal investigations—a scientific fingerprint that can definitively prove guilt or innocence. But what happens when the science behind it is mishandled or manipulated? In this episode of PRETEND, we explore two shocking cases: the Garrett Coughlin triple homicide and the wrongful conviction of Josiah Sutton. Both cases reveal how sloppy forensic work and unethical practices can set guilty criminals free and, worse, imprison innocent people. T

Jan 7, • 38:26

Drone Hysteria

Drone Hysteria

People panicked when a swarm of mysterious drones appeared in New Jersey’s night skies. Were they military? Foreign spies? Aliens? But buried under all the hysteria was one theory that refused to die: Birds Aren't Real. Yeah, that old internet conspiracy claiming birds are actually government surveillance drones. But here’s the thing—what if the joke isn’t as silly as it seems? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 31, 2024 • 24:33

1914: BONUS: Grapes, Grifts, and Gavel

1914: BONUS: Grapes, Grifts, and Gavel

As a holiday treat, Amanda of Wine & Crime, Javier of PRETEND, and Whitney of Navigating Advocacy sit down to chat true crime, being in the podcasting industry, cases that haunt us, dream collaborations, and more! Enjoy this bonus conversation and check out all of these amazing shows wherever you get your podcasts! Javier Leiva - PRETEND, Criminal Conduct, Ponzi PlaybookAmanda Jacobson - Wine & Crime https://open.spotify.com/show/5OeKXVPomhbejM9v7CDqxJ?si=4451247ce3704a0aWhitney

Dec 26, 2024 • 1:08:25

The Christmas Con Revisited

The Christmas Con Revisited

In today's Christmas episode, we delve into the story of David Ellisor, a man whose grand Christmas scheme left the city of Miami in disbelief. Ellisor, a real-life Grinch, planned to host "Christmas From Around the World," a supposed once-in-a-lifetime event promising the presence of ambassadors, live reindeer, and a spectacle of global traditions. But the event never happened. He collected the cash and made a run for it. This is a Christmas caper for the ages.Plus, listeners tell their own Chr

Dec 24, 2024 • 40:31

1912: BONUS: Affirmative Pretend Bullsh**

1912: BONUS: Affirmative Pretend Bullsh**

The true crime podcasting community has come together for the holiday season to discuss all things true crime podcasting. Over the next two weeks, ten shows will be dropping bonus episodes sharing these conversations. In this episode, I'm joined by Alvin Williams (Affirmative Murder) and Josh Hallmark (True Crime Bullsh**) to discuss how we started our shows, true crime as an industry, how we've grown and lessons we've learned, cases we've covered, monetizing true crime, television, the

Dec 23, 2024 • 1:09:53

Love and Taxes Revisited

Love and Taxes Revisited

When the IRS knocked on John Coutu's door, demanding $80,000, his girlfriend, Jennifer Mitchell, offered to help with his taxes. It seemed like a simple gesture of support.But John would soon find himself caught in a troubling situation. Unbeknownst to him, his taxes were never filed, and a series of lies began to unravel. As John speaks out, his story reveals a strange and complicated web that extends beyond his own experience.Today, we explore what happens when trust, love, and taxes collide.

Dec 18, 2024 • 38:33

1910: The Maury Povich Olive Lady - Revisited

1910: The Maury Povich Olive Lady - Revisited

So, I've got to tell you about this crazy rabbit hole I slipped into. It's about that bizarre olive lady from the Maury show. Remember her? Olives freaked out Sally because they reminded her of, get this, dead people's eyes. Wild, right?I always wondered... Was Sally for real or just putting on a show for the cameras? This question led me to Anthony Freire, a guy who used to produce for Maury Povich.Man, the stuff I learned while putting together this episode! It’s like peeling back the

Dec 11, 2024 • 36:19

The Woman Who Almost Stole Graceland

The Woman Who Almost Stole Graceland

Lisa Findley tried to steal Elvis Presley’s home. She almost got away with it.A con artist with a long history of scams almost pulled off her biggest scheme yet—stealing Elvis Presley’s iconic home, Graceland. Using fake documents and fabricated identities, Lisa Findley tried to claim ownership of the historic estate.In this episode, NBC News reporter Brandy Zadrozny takes us down a rabbit hole and shows us how she unraveled Findley’s web of lies, linking her to years of fraud and harassment.Thi

Dec 3, 2024 • 47:39

BONUS: How to Spot a Con Artist on the First Date and When to Walk Away

BONUS: How to Spot a Con Artist on the First Date and When to Walk Away

In this episode, Dr. Jan Canty, a psychologist, author, and podcast host, shares essential advice on recognizing and avoiding con artists in modern relationships. Dr. Canty, who experienced betrayal and tragedy in her life, offers insights into the red flags of deceptive individuals and provides practical tips for safeguarding against potential scams. Through her 'Don't Con Yourself' TikTok series, Dr. Canty breaks down each stage of interactions with con artists and how to protect ones

Nov 26, 2024 • 51:50

1908: LaDonna's Surrogates part 4

1908: LaDonna's Surrogates part 4

The Rise and Fall of LaDonna’s Loudest Surrogate: David McClamLaDonna Humphrey’s most vocal supporter, David McClam, launched the We Are Not Afraid podcast to defend her against mounting accusations. Episode after episode, McClam promised to deliver proof that LaDonna’s critics were lying. But instead of delivering proof, McClam brought Alecia Lockhart’s alleged sexual abuser on air to dismiss her claims, issued personal threats to show up at my doorstep and attack me, and even threaten

Nov 19, 2024 • 37:00

1907: LaDonna's Surrogates part 3

1907: LaDonna's Surrogates part 3

LaDonna Humphrey groomed Lexi Kakis to be her next close ally—a “surrogate in training,” if you will. Drawn in by their shared passion for cold cases, Kakis found herself getting deeper into Humphrey’s world. Surprisingly, Kakis says she never experienced the harassment others have claimed, but during our interview, she learned how LaDonna truly felt about her.Kakis was with LaDonna the weekend the Pretend podcast series came out, and in a fit of desperation, LaDonna asked her to retali

Nov 12, 2024 • 33:05

LaDonna's Surrogates part 2

LaDonna's Surrogates part 2

What's the old saying? People who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones.Well, it turns out that Dennis McCaslin, editor of LaDonna's tabloid blog, has some skeletons in his closet. Listen to part 3 of LaDonna's Surrogates:https://www.patreon.com/posts/ladonnas-part-3-114712491 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 5, 2024 • 31:37

1905: LaDonna's Surrogates part 1

1905: LaDonna's Surrogates part 1

LaDonna Humphrey uses her surrogates to do her dirty work; in part one, we discuss how she weaponized Dennis McCaslin, a Fort Smith, Arkansas tabloid blogger, to go after her enemies. Listen to LaDonna's Surrogates Part 2: https://www.patreon.com/posts/ladonnas-part-2-114024374 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 29, 2024 • 29:33

1904: The White Collar Support Group

1904: The White Collar Support Group

It’s hard to imagine former executives, investment fraudsters, and insider traders gathering for weekly support meetings.When I first heard about a support group for white-collar criminals, I was skeptical. It sounded like an SNL sketch: former hedge fund managers, insider traders, and embezzlers sitting in a circle, sharing their woes. However, Jeff Grant, the founder of the White Collar Support Group, doesn’t see it that way. After serving time for his crimes, Grant emerged with a mis

Oct 22, 2024 • 59:23

1903: The Naked Surgeon Revisited

1903: The Naked Surgeon Revisited

Where do sovereign citizens go when they need medical attention? Some of them seek help from homeopathic quacks like Rick Van Thiel. Rick Van Thiel is not a surgeon. He's a porn star operating on people with dirty scalpels, reused needles, surrounded by filth. And the worst part is that he performs his surgeries in the nude. This episode is part of my sovereign citizens series. I first learned about this story from Jerri William's podcast called FBI retired Case File Review. DisclaimerI

Oct 15, 2024 • 55:06

1902:  The Greatest Footballer Who Never Played

1902: The Greatest Footballer Who Never Played

In this episode of PRETEND, we uncover the unbelievable story of Carlos Henrique Raposo, better known as "Kaiser," the man who lived the life of a soccer legend without ever kicking a ball. He partied like a star, signed with major teams, and tricked the entire football world for nearly three decades. I sit down with the producer of Kaiser: The Greatest Footballer Never to Play Football, Louis Myles, to unravel how Kaiser pulled off this audacious stunt and the real story behind the myt

Oct 8, 2024 • 35:01

1901: The Return of the Stalker

1901: The Return of the Stalker

In this episode of PRETEND, I’m taking you back to the case of Tanya and Rick Fernandez—the Arizona couple behind one of the most bizarre harassment campaigns I’ve ever covered. For those of you who followed The Stalker series, you might think this story ended when they struck a plea deal, but not so fast. Despite completing court-ordered counseling and walking away without convictions, it looks like the Fernandezes are back at it.I'll fill you in on everything that's happened since our

Oct 1, 2024 • 33:46

1816: Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey part 16

1816: Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey part 16

Can you believe this is the 16th episode of our investigation into LaDonna Humphrey—a story that, honestly, I didn’t think would last this long. But here we are.Now, if you’ve followed along, you know this has been a wild ride. LaDonna, once a respected figure in the true crime community, has become the center of some truly shocking accusations. Stealing evidence from the Fort Smith Police Department? Allegations of harassment? Manipulating people for her own gain? It’s been hard to kee

Sep 24, 2024 • 54:36

1815: Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey part 15

1815: Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey part 15

We continue our investigation into Charles Ray Vines and his potential involvement in the Melissa Witt murder. In this episode, we track down Vines’ former neighbor and friend, Thomas Seymour. Seymour claims that he spoke with Vines just before Vines was heading to the bowling alley to meet a girl named Melissa. What other information does Seymour have that could shed light on this 30-year-old mystery? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 17, 2024 • 42:33

1814: Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey part 14

1814: Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey part 14

I’ve been investigating the Melissa Witt case for a while now, and just when I thought I had a handle on it, a new lead dropped into my lap. In this episode, I sit down with Patti Rush, a victim advocate who might have uncovered the most crucial evidence yet. We’re talking about a case so warped by misinformation that even those closest to it can’t tell what’s real anymore. But now, we’re pulling on a thread that could unravel the whole story—and maybe, just maybe, lead us to the truth

Sep 10, 2024 • 40:19

BONUS: A Swing and a Miss

BONUS: A Swing and a Miss

"Javier, aren't you worried that LaDonna might target you next?" That's the question I get asked most frequently. The answer is too late. Even before this series dropped, LaDonna began sending me spoof emails. I've received various messages, including some from fake accounts, and even attempts to hack into my podcast platform. Additionally, LaDonna tried other creative ways to obstruct my investigation and stop the legitimate reporting of her abusive behavior toward others. Fun, fun. ________If

Sep 3, 2024 • 20:48

1813: Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey part 13

1813: Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey part 13

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Aug 27, 2024 • 35:37

Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey part 12

Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey part 12

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aug 20, 2024 • 45:25

1811: Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey part 11

1811: Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey part 11

Every charity organization LaDonna Humphrey has led seems to collapse under the weight of controversy and financial mismanagement. Today, we're closely examining Oasis of Northwest Arkansas, a sober living facility under LaDonna's direction. Our investigation reveals alarming stories of harassment, financial mismanagement, and overcrowded, unsafe living conditions.A former resident of Oasis shares her harrowing experience living at the facility. She recounts how donations intended for h

Aug 13, 2024 • 1:00:44

1810: Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey part 10

1810: Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey part 10

Every charity organization LaDonna Humphrey has led seems to collapse under the weight of controversy and financial mismanagement.Today, we scrutinize LaDonna Humphrey's non-profit world, focusing on her troubled history with charities. Our investigation reveals a pattern of failed ventures, harassment accusations, and questionable financial practices.______I'd like to thank Jayson Blair with the Silver Linings Podcast for allowing me to use clips from his interview with LaDonna Humphre

Aug 6, 2024 • 29:57

1809: Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey part 9

1809: Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey part 9

Content Disclaimer: This episode contains discussions of sexual assault.Today, we're going to talk about the enigma that is LaDonna Humphrey. Like the fact that she was logged in under the same death fetish account, harassing her co-host, yet she denies creating the account. We'll also try to untangle how LaDonna went from attacking the death fetishers to befriending them. Or perhaps her plan to pin Missy Witt's murder on Daniel Watson despite having zero evidence. Credits:    Written a

Jul 30, 2024 • 49:40

1808: Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey part 8

1808: Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey part 8

To truly understand LaDonna Humphrey, we need to delve into her childhood. In an exclusive interview, a family member describes the years of harassing messages and relentless vendettas that have torn their family apart. This episode sheds light on the deep-rooted conflicts that have shaped LaDonna's tumultuous life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 23, 2024 • 39:11

Listen Now: Hysterical

Listen Now: Hysterical

Hysterical investigates a mysterious illness that spreads among a group of high school girls in upstate New York. What is causing their sudden, often violent symptoms? Is there something in the water or inside the school? Or is it “all in their head?” The series examines the outbreak in LeRoy, NY, believed by some to be the most severe case of mass hysteria since the Salem Witch Trials. In his search for answers, Dan Taberski (9/12, Missing Richard Simmons, Running from Cops) explores other seem

Jul 22, 2024 • 7:35

1807: Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey part 7

1807: Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey part 7

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Jul 16, 2024 • 43:05

1806: Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey part 6

1806: Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey part 6

STOP WHAT YOU'RE DOING! The LaDonna Humphrey interview episodes are in. In this first part of my exclusive interview with LaDonna Humphrey, we dive deep into the accusations and controversies surrounding her. I confront LaDonna with the tough questions to unravel the intricate details of her story. We also hear from her supporters. Don't miss out on Part 2 of this interview, available now on Patreon and Pretend+ on Apple Podcasts.Episode Highlights:    -LaDonna's surprising reaction to

Jul 9, 2024 • 34:23

1805: Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey part 5

1805: Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey part 5

True Crime Author LaDonna Humphrey Targets Ex-Boyfriend in Melissa Witt Killing, According to RecordingsLaDonna Humphrey is accused of relentlessly pursuing Daniel Watson as a suspect in the unsolved murder of Melissa Witt. Watson, who has consistently maintained his innocence, claims he is being unfairly targeted by Humphrey, who is alleged to be driven by personal and financial motives. Later in the episode, Julie Murray, whose sister Maura Murray disappeared in 2004, also had a conte

Jul 2, 2024 • 45:59

1804: Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey part 4

1804: Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey part 4

Old Flames Reignited: The Mysterious Return of LaDonna Humphrey in Allen Arson CaseLaDonna Humphrey, with a history marked by harassment allegations, emerges from the shadows 13 years later to entangle herself in the arson investigation of her former boss and preacher, Jon Allen. As the flames of the past reignite, investigators uncover a convoluted story of manipulation, embezzlement, and vindictiveness. Why has LaDonna returned after all these years to discredit the Allens, and what d

Jun 25, 2024 • 31:10

1803: Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey part 3

1803: Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey part 3

In part 3 of Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey, we explore the intense battle between Anthony Christopher and LaDonna. Anthony, LaDonna's former boss, shares his story of harassment, alleging LaDonna's relentless efforts to destroy his life and career. From sending spoof emails to unauthorized background checks, LaDonna's actions led to a legal showdown that landed her in jail for destroying evidence and contempt of court and awarded Anthony a multimillion-dollar judgment. Highlights:

Jun 18, 2024 • 51:26

1802: Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey part 2

1802: Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey part 2

In this episode, we explore the troubling allegations against LaDonna Humphrey surrounding the Melissa Witt case. Crime victim advocate Patti Rush shares her story, claiming that Humphrey, once seen as an ally, was actually behind years of harassment and deceit. From stolen evidence to questionable motives, we peel back the layers on a complicated figure.Patti Rush, a dedicated crime victim advocate, shares her experiences and evidence, suggesting that Humphrey, who was once seen as a s

Jun 11, 2024 • 38:37

1801: Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey part 1

1801: Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey part 1

LaDonna Humphrey. Remember that name because she is central to this story. I've tried to sum up this tale quickly, but every time I attempt an elevator pitch, I fail. When friends ask me what this new series is about, I'm at a loss for words. It's impossible to explain in just a few minutes.I'm about to retell the story the way I learned it: completely out of order. By the end, you'll need a suspect board like the ones in the movies. I've conducted over 20 interviews and counting, and y

Jun 4, 2024 • 45:44

TRAILER: Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey

TRAILER: Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey

LaDonna Humphrey, a respected true crime author and podcaster, has built a strong reputation through her detailed investigations. However, beneath her acclaimed public image lies a troubling undercurrent of allegations and dark secrets. As former associates, friends, and family come forward with disturbing claims. These people have never spoken out... until now. The question arises: Who's really afraid of LaDonna Humphrey? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 31, 2024 • 11:04

Introducing: White Devil from Campire Media

Introducing: White Devil from Campire Media

Sharing something special this week: A show from our friends at Campside Media, called White Devil. Late at night in May of 2021, a single gunshot shattered the silence along the beach at Belize’s luxurious Alaia resort. In White Devil, journalist Josh Dean dives into one of the biggest, splashiest, and most perplexing crime stories you’ve never heard of: The shooting death of renowned cop Henry Jemott, by a Canadian property developer, connected to the family of one very influential billionaire

May 20, 2024 • 11:00

1705: Hockey Dad Poses as Delta Force Agent to Scam Parents part 2

1705: Hockey Dad Poses as Delta Force Agent to Scam Parents part 2

The strange and intricate hoax crafted by Saint Jovite "Kota" Youngblood, a hockey dad who posed as a Delta Force agent, unravels in court. An FBI agent peels back each layer of Youngblood's elaborate scheme that duped dozens of families.Get early and ad-free episodes:Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pretendradioPRETEND+ on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/channel/pretend/id6443456985 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 14, 2024 • 44:15

1704: Hockey Dad Poses as Delta Force Agent to Scam Parents part 1

1704: Hockey Dad Poses as Delta Force Agent to Scam Parents part 1

Saint Jovite Youngblood posed as a Delta Force agent to swindle the families of his son’s hockey team.Today's episode revolves around two victims: Eric Perardi, an Austin-based real estate developer, and Rebecca Kumar, a hockey mom, whose lives were turned upside down by Youngblood’s elaborate scams. Their experiences may sound like something out of a crime thriller, but they show the danger of falling prey to a master manipulator.Listen to part 2 now:Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pr

May 7, 2024 • 35:42

1703: The Doula BREAKING NEWS

1703: The Doula BREAKING NEWS

BREAKING NEWS - Kaitlyn Braun is Arrested Again for Duping Doulas in Phony Pregnancy Scam25-year-old Kaitlyn Braun, who is currently under house arrest for prior offenses involving fraud and harassment against doulas, faces new charges as of Tuesday. This week's charges come after new allegations of once again exploiting the trust of unsuspecting doulas by falsely soliciting support related to pregnancy and childbirth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 2, 2024 • 7:25

Introducing: MURDER HOMES

Introducing: MURDER HOMES

ABOUT MURDER HOMES PODCAST The real estate market has never been hotter. Houses sell as soon as they’re listed. Bidding wars lead to all cash deals far above the asking price. But there is one kind of property that often sits on the market for years, no matter how much of a bargain it seems to be. Potential buyers come and go, the price keeps going down, and still the house stands empty.  In real estate jargon, it’s called a “stigmatized property” because the home comes with a history. A

Apr 26, 2024 • 3:51

1702: The Doula part 2

1702: The Doula part 2

In the second installment of "The Doula" series, we uncover new dimensions of Kaitlyn Braun’s elaborate pregnancy scams. This episode features a new doula speaking out about her experiences, the story of how Kaitlyn was finally caught, and a revealing interview with a former friend whom Kaitlyn also deceived. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 23, 2024 • 38:22

1701: The Doula part 1

1701: The Doula part 1

Warning: This episode contains graphic discussions of pregnancy loss, sexual violence, and emotional abuse. Listener discretion is advised. In this episode of "Pretend," listen to the chilling tale of Kaitlyn Braun, a woman who orchestrated an elaborate pregnancy hoax, affecting nearly 60 doulas across Ontario. Seanna Hayes, a doula from London, Ontario, provides a firsthand account of her experience with Kaitlyn Braun. The story begins on a stormy night when Seanna is called to assist Kaitlyn,

Apr 16, 2024 • 28:51

Confessions of a Ponzi Schemer

Confessions of a Ponzi Schemer

This episode offers an unprecedented look into the life of the 'Timepiece Gentleman' Ponzi schemer, Anthony Farrar, whose love for luxury watches spiraled into a deceitful web of lies, culminating in a rare and candid confession. If you want to hear more wild Ponzi stories, subscribe to The Ponzi Playbook hosted by me, Javier Leiva, and my buddy Neal McTighe. SUBSCRIBE: https://t.co/M02YhRa5Iq _______ Also, listen to Javier's interview on The Film Nuts podcast. Subscribe to Film Nuts Podcas

Apr 9, 2024 • 51:40

The Treasure Hunter Revisited

The Treasure Hunter Revisited

In today's episode, we revisit the captivating story of Seafarer Exploration and its quest to unearth a 300-year-old treasure buried beneath the ocean waves off Florida's coast. Join us as we delve into the tale of Kyle Kennedy, CEO of Seafarer Exploration, and his fateful encounter with Dr. Michael Torres, a man whose promises and credentials were as deep as the ocean itself. What begins as a hopeful journey into the past, seeking lost treasures of a Spanish galleon quickly spirals int

Apr 2, 2024 • 40:41

How to find people who don’t want to be found

How to find people who don’t want to be found

I recently spoke at the Triangle Content Creators Meetup in Raleigh, NC, about using OSINT techniques to locate and research your next guest. OSINT stands for Open Source Intelligence. As a journalist, I've teamed up with brilliant hackers like Mishaal Khan and Michael Bazzell to uncover new information about my subjects. In this talk, I explain how Alan Logan and I exposed Frank Abagnale and how Mishaal Khan and I investigated the Stalker case. I thought you might find this interesting

Mar 26, 2024 • 33:59

1609: The Truth Experts part 2

1609: The Truth Experts part 2

Previously on Pretend, we dived deep into the murky waters of academic fraud. Celebrity behavioral scientist Dan Ariely of Duke University, alongside Francesca Gino from Harvard and other distinguished behavioral scientists, embarked on a series of experiments with a noble aim: to enhance honesty among individuals. Their investigation centered on whether positioning an honesty pledge at the top of a form, as opposed to the bottom, would discourage deceit. However, it emerged that two ou

Mar 19, 2024 • 58:00

1608: The Truth Experts part 1

1608: The Truth Experts part 1

Everything we believe about what drives us to be honest might be a lie.A scandal rocks the behavioral science world, casting shadows over renowned researcher Dan Ariely and the integrity of academic research on honesty.We all tell lies—it's a human thing. But can we modify behaviors to coax people into doing the right thing? Let's delve into what the research indicates. After all, facts and numbers don't lie, and academic researchers shouldn't lie either, right? But what happens when th

Mar 12, 2024 • 46:15

1607: The Fake Lawyer

1607: The Fake Lawyer

I discovered a little-known realm of con artists within the legal system. I found story after story of people impersonating attorneys, prosecutors, and even judges. One woman hacked into the court system and dropped the charges against her. Get early and ad-free episodes:PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/pretendradioPRETEND+ on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/channel/pretend/id6443456985 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 5, 2024 • 35:54

HACKED: Internet Hitmen Aren't Really A Thing

HACKED: Internet Hitmen Aren't Really A Thing

Cybercrime writer Eileen Ormsby delves into the chilling world of the BESA Mafia, a purported online hitman service. What unfolds is a story of modern folklore, a sophisticated scam targeting those with the darkest intentions, and a relentless pursuit of exposing the world of online assassinations-for-hire in the digital age. Today's episode was a partnership with the podcast HACKED. HACKED is hosted by Jordan & Scott. They explore the strange tales of hacking, internet grifters, cybersecurity

Feb 27, 2024 • 43:01

1606: The Grave Detector (Junk Science Bonus)

1606: The Grave Detector (Junk Science Bonus)

Think all forensic evidence is foolproof? You'd be surprised. In our latest bonus episode of PRETEND, we're taking a deep dive into the murky world of forensic science with M. Chris Fabricant from the Innocence Project. We're talking about how some methods, like bite mark analysis and cadaver dogs, might not be as reliable as you’d think. It's a thought-provoking look at the challenges of separating solid science from shaky beliefs in our legal system.  Junk Science and the American Criminal Ju

Feb 20, 2024 • 24:05

1605: The Stalker - Case Closed

1605: The Stalker - Case Closed

Breaking News on the Stalker case. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 15, 2024 • 8:29

1604: The Grave Detector part 3

1604: The Grave Detector part 3

Dr. Arpad Vass touts his Quantum Oscillator, a contraption made of plywood and PVC pipe, as a revolutionary tool capable of locating missing persons' remains with 92% accuracy from up to 60 miles away, using just DNA from fingernail clippings. In a desperate attempt to solve the cold case of Brandy Hall, a Florida firefighter gone missing, Hall's family turned to Dr. Vass and his device. Guided by the oscillator's dubious promise, they believed Brandy could be buried in a specific woode

Feb 13, 2024 • 39:05

1603: The Grave Detector part 2

1603: The Grave Detector part 2

In today’s episode of Pretend, we're zeroing in on Dr. Arpad Vass's invention called the Quantum Oscillator—a device straight out of a sci-fi plot with the audacious promise of finding the lost with just a sliver of DNA. Imagine a gadget claiming to pinpoint your long-gone ancestors' graves or track down missing persons with a flicker of electromagnetic waves. Dr. Vass claims that with a bit of your DNA, his Quantum Oscillator could lead him to grave sites with 92% accuracy from a dista

Feb 6, 2024 • 35:23

1602: The Grave Detector part 1

1602: The Grave Detector part 1

In "The Grave Detector," we delve into the enigmatic practice of using dowsing rods with a focus on the work of Dr. Arpard Vass, a forensic anthropologist renowned for his innovative methods in locating unmarked graves and human remains. The episode explores the traditional and modern uses of dowsing rods, often associated with finding water, treasures, and possibly ghosts. But most alarming of all, dowsing rods play a controversial role in police investigations and legal proceedings. M

Jan 30, 2024 • 39:29

1601: The High School Hoax (Shelby Hewitt)

1601: The High School Hoax (Shelby Hewitt)

In "The High School Hoax," the latest episode of "PRETEND," we explore the true story of Shelby Hewitt, a 32-year-old woman who enrolled as a high school student in Boston.What compels an adult to return to high school? How did this go unnoticed? Janelle, a 16-year-old classmate and friend of Shelby's, offers a unique window into this bizarre ruse.See video of Shelby Hewitt:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/C02ngXjsUh1/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pretendpod/video/73126400202072

Jan 23, 2024 • 22:32

How to Disappear Revisited

How to Disappear Revisited

Dartanyon A. Williams (DAW) stole his parents’ identities at the age of 15. Unfortunately, they weren’t his last victims. Dartanyon, who also goes by DAW, claims he has stolen thousands of identities. So many that he’s lost count. It’s rare to hear firsthand from an identity thief. In this episode, DartanyonHow to steal someone’s identityHow did he do it? He had many tactics. But the most proven technique was paying off restaurant employees, car dealerships, and tax preparation companies. These

Jan 16, 2024 • 56:18

1509: The One Who Got Away - Revisited

1509: The One Who Got Away - Revisited

Peter Pan syndrome is when someone refuses to grow up. It’s neither a disease nor a recognized mental disorder—it’s just a state of mind. Today, you’ll meet a man who became a fugitive to live in his very own Neverland.Larry Douglas Jones is not your typical fugitive. He had a wife and three kids. He’s not a dangerous man. Larry just became overwhelmed with life and decided to run away. This is a rebroadcast of a previous series about fugitives running from the law. In season 4 of PRETE

Jan 2, 2024 • 50:16

1508: The Christmas Con

1508: The Christmas Con

In today's Christmas episode, we delve into the story of David Ellisor, a man whose grand Christmas scheme left the city of Miami in disbelief. Ellisor, a real-life Grinch, planned to host "Christmas From Around the World," a supposed once-in-a-lifetime event promising the presence of ambassadors, live reindeer, and a spectacle of global traditions. But the event never happened. He collected the cash and made a run for it. This is a Christmas caper for the ages. Plus, listeners tell the

Dec 24, 2023 • 40:02

1507 - The Stalker - It Will Never End (part 18)

1507 - The Stalker - It Will Never End (part 18)

The Stalker Saga Continues: Trial Back On for Tanya and Rick FernandezHey there, avid followers of the "Stalker" series! You might recall my last update, where I mentioned Tanya and Rick Fernandez may have taken a plea deal. Well.... There was a bit of a mix-up: while the State of Arizona court website had the trial marked as "vacated," a peek into the Maricopa Superior Court website told a different story. It turns out they have a new trial date set for February 27, 2024. So, what doe

Dec 12, 2023 • 25:15

1506: The Maury Povich Olive Lady

1506: The Maury Povich Olive Lady

So, I've got to tell you about this crazy rabbit hole I slipped into. It's about that bizarre olive lady from the Maury show. Remember her? Sally was freaked out by olives because they reminded her of, get this, dead people's eyes. Wild, right? I always wondered, was Sally for real or just putting on a show for the cameras? This question sent me down a path that ended with me chatting with Anthony Freire, a guy who used to produce for Maury. Man, the stuff I learned while putting together this

Dec 5, 2023 • 35:19

1504: The Red Collar Killer part 2

1504: The Red Collar Killer part 2

Today on "PRETEND," we explore the unsettling world of red-collar criminals, as defined by Frank Perri. These are white-collar offenders who commit murder to hide their frauds. This episode takes a closer look at the motivations and warning signs of these dangerous individuals. They could be closer than you think: a friend, family member, or coworker.We also investigate how male and female red-collar criminals differ in their methods and motivations. Understanding these distinctions is

Nov 28, 2023 • 24:48

1503: The Red Collar Killer part 1

1503: The Red Collar Killer part 1

Red Collar Killers: The Hidden Violence of White Collar Crimes Can white-collar criminals be driven to murder?  In this episode of PRETEND, we explore 'Red Collar Criminals,' a term coined by attorney, CPA, and Certified Fraud Examiner Frank Perri. Perri defines red-collar criminals as white-collar offenders who turn to violence to hide their frauds.  We investigate the psychology and patterns common among these criminals, revealing how ordinary financial crimes can escalate into brutal acts of

Nov 21, 2023 • 30:00

The Stalker - Is this the end?

The Stalker - Is this the end?

I checked the Arizona court website and it looks like Tanya and Rick Fernandez accepted a plea deal. So is this the end? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 20, 2023 • 7:39

1502: The Stalker - Beyond a Reasonable Doubt (part 17)

1502: The Stalker - Beyond a Reasonable Doubt (part 17)

"PRETEND: The Stalker" is back with a bombshell that you've all been waiting for: new court audio from The Fernandez Settlement Conference.It's been a while since we've delved into the world of Tanya and Rick Fernandez, the subjects of one of The Stalker series. In the nine months since their indictment on January 25, 2023, where they faced a barrage of six felony charges, the Fernandez case has been marked by a relentless procession of delays.The defense attorneys? They've been hitting

Nov 14, 2023 • 34:56

PREVIEW: The Stalker Settlement Conference

PREVIEW: The Stalker Settlement Conference

Get ready, folks!I've just wrapped up listening to the Settlement Conference audio, and let me tell you, it's nothing short of mind-blowing. Right now, "WOW" is all I can muster. It's jam-packed with the answers we've all been itching to find.Ever wondered what might happen if this case goes to trial? Will the Fernandez's stand firm in their refusal to accept a plea deal? What does the judge think of all this madness? Well, get ready to find out as the judge describes Tanya and Rick's p

Nov 10, 2023 • 0:59

The Lie Detector Revisited

The Lie Detector Revisited

Learn how to cheat a polygraph test. Ex-cop, Doug Williams, says it’s a lot easier than you think.  Doug Williams is looking over his shoulder because, since 1979, he’s been on a crusade to defeat the polygraph machine. In 1996, he started a website called polygraph.com, offering a handbook and one-on-one training teaching people how to pass the test.  “There is no Pinocchio response. Your nose does not grow when you lie.” Doug Williams, polygraph critic According to Doug Williams, a lie detec

Nov 7, 2023 • 1:37:01

The Babalawo Revisited

The Babalawo Revisited

In today's episode titled "The Babalawo," we delve deep into the world of Santería - the religion, not the song. While many might recognize the song, few are familiar with this mysterious Afro-Cuban faith, also known as Regla de Ochá, La Regla de Ifá, or Lucumí, which translates to the worship of saints. You might wonder, "Where's the twist in this tale?" I've always felt an unsettling vibe around this religion. My fellow Cubans often consult Santería priests as if seeking divination. But is thi

Oct 31, 2023 • 46:33

Listen Now: New Podcast “Ghost Story”

Listen Now: New Podcast “Ghost Story”

Tristan Redman is a journalist who doesn’t believe in ghosts. But weird things happened in his teenage bedroom – weirder than normal. When, years later, he discovers subsequent occupants of his family home say they have been visited by the ghost of a faceless woman, he’s curious. It just so happens that the house Tristan grew up in is right next door to the house where his wife’s great grandmother, Naomi Dancy, was murdered – killed by two gunshots to the face. Could there be a connection? Trist

Oct 27, 2023 • 10:02

1413: The Haunted Tourist

1413: The Haunted Tourist

This week, we journey into the heart of dark tourism, exploring iconic haunted locations like the Winchester House, The Myrtle Plantation, and the eerie Lost City of Frenier. But how much of what we hear is historically accurate, and how much is just for show? Are the tales of the curse of Julia Brown rooted in fact, or are they just spine-chilling fables? Brandon Schexnayder of the Southern Gothic Podcast is here to help us separate spectral facts from fiction. Prepare for a deep dive into the

Oct 24, 2023 • 58:52

1412: The Puppet Master

1412: The Puppet Master

Former Lieutenant Governor's Ex-Staffer Arrested for Elaborate Deception in Divorce; Husband Speaks OutBeth Green, a former member of Georgia Lieutenant Governor Geoff Duncan's staff, was arrested, facing felony charges stemming from a plot to torment her husband during their divorce proceedings. Accused of impersonating her former boss and employing deceptive personas, Green's arrest follows a warrant issued by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI). But what's even more astonishing

Oct 17, 2023 • 37:50

1411: The Lost and Found part 2 (Rudy Farias)

1411: The Lost and Found part 2 (Rudy Farias)

On the next episode of Pretend, we investigate the perplexing case of 17-year-old Rudy Farias. While he was presumed missing for eight years, an unexpected twist raised suspicions of a hoax. Our investigation uncovers a trail of fraud linked to Rudy's mother, Janie Santana, spanning decades. This includes multiple marriages, charity scams, a fabricated cancer diagnosis, and even laying claim to the house of a late sheriff's deputy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/ad

Oct 10, 2023 • 41:10

Listen Now—Agent of Betrayal: The Double Life of Robert Hanssen

Listen Now—Agent of Betrayal: The Double Life of Robert Hanssen

Here’s a preview of a new podcast I think you’ll enjoy. Amid the nuclear threat of the Cold War, America's prized secrets were falling into the hands of its sworn enemy—the Kremlin. The FBI's hunt for the leak led to an astonishing discovery—the mole was one of its own, special agent Robert Hanssen. For two decades, Hanssen masqueraded as a devoted patriot while ruthlessly selling out his country, trading classified intelligence to the Soviet Union and later Russia, in exchange for cash and diam

Oct 5, 2023 • 42:05

1410: The Lost and Found part 1 (Rudy Farias)

1410: The Lost and Found part 1 (Rudy Farias)

Missing teen is found. From Heartwarming Reunion to 'Wait, What?' Hoax ClaimsSo, here's a plot twist for you: Rudy Farias, the Houston teen who was reported missing in 2015, returned after eight years. Instead of celebration and joyful tears, rumors were swirling about possible deception. Where was Rudy Farias hiding? This is not your typical missing person's case. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 3, 2023 • 24:56

Listen Now: 48 Hours

Listen Now: 48 Hours

One of television's most popular true-crime series is now adapted for your ears with the “48 Hours” podcast. Every week, award-winning CBS News correspondents investigate the most intriguing crime and justice cases. Here’s a preview of a new “48 Hours” episode, “The Night ofthe Idaho Student Murders”. "48 Hours" correspondent Peter Van Sant sits down with family members of Kaylee Goncalves and Xana Kernodle, two of the four University of Idaho students shockingly murdered the night of November 1

Sep 28, 2023 • 8:31

1409: The Shit Show (plus Stalker update)

1409: The Shit Show (plus Stalker update)

Subscribe to the Ponzi Playbook podcast:https://linktr.ee/ponziplaybook Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 26, 2023 • 28:55

1408: The Digital Pickpocket part 2

1408: The Digital Pickpocket part 2

James Freedman: Unmasking the Modern-Day PickpocketIn a world where the hustle and bustle of everyday life increasingly revolves around smartphones and digital wallets, the age-old craft of pickpocketing has found new avenues to thrive. Enter James Freedman, a British entertainer and professional pickpocket who has chosen a unique and unexpected path. Rather than succumbing to a life of crime, Freedman employs his extraordinary skills to aid law enforcement in apprehending criminals.The

Sep 19, 2023 • 33:12

1407: The Digital Pickpocket part 1

1407: The Digital Pickpocket part 1

Pickpockets in the Digital Age: The Evolution of a Timeless CrimeIn a world where technology reigns supreme, the art of pickpocketing has not vanished into history's annals.While traditional pickpocketing still thrives in popular European tourist destinations like Barcelona, Prague, and Rome, the game has evolved. In an era where wallets bulging with cash have been replaced by minimalist essentials - a smartphone and keys - cunning thieves have adapted to exploit new opportunities. In t

Sep 12, 2023 • 27:17

The Pests Bonus Update

The Pests Bonus Update

In this bonus episode, we pick up where we left off, diving into the events leading up to the much-anticipated August 24th contempt of court hearing involving Patrick Tomlinson.In our previous episode, we shared the suspenseful build-up to this critical date, where Patrick faced potential jail time for failing to pay the legal fees of the opposing party. In our last interview. Patrick had made it clear that he had no intention of making the required payment.So, what happened on August 24th conte

Sep 5, 2023 • 7:47

Listen Now: Sports Explains the World

Listen Now: Sports Explains the World

Sports Explains the World unveils some of the wildest and most surprising sports stories you’ve never heard - And they’re all true. From the teenager who wrote a Wikipedia page that got a young athlete signed to a million-dollar deal - to the Ugandan National basketball coach who was really an undercover agent for the CIA, these stories will amaze and move you at every turn. Reported by award-winning journalists across the globe, Sports Explains the World reveals the human side of athletics in p

Sep 1, 2023 • 6:44

Criminal Conduct Season 4 - Getting Away with Murder

Criminal Conduct Season 4 - Getting Away with Murder

A mother's anguish resurfaces as her son's convicted killer is set free due to a jury verdict reversal by a judge. This is the story of Pravin Varughese.Binge all 9-episodes ad-free:Patreon: https://patreon.com/CriminalConductPodcast PRETEND+ Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/channel/pretend/id6443456985 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 29, 2023 • 29:25

1404: The Pests part 4

1404: The Pests part 4

There are always two sides to every story. In part 4, listen to my interview with the online forum administrator. We discuss the ongoing legal battle with Patrick Tomlinson and why Patrick may go to jail over this feud. _____________ Binge all 9-episodes of CRIMINAL CONDUCT ad-free: Patreon: https://patreon.com/CriminalConductPodcast PRETEND+ Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/channel/pretend/id6443456985 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aug 22, 2023 • 52:59

1403: The Pests part 3

1403: The Pests part 3

WARNING: This episode contains language and disturbing content. Listener discretion is advised.Sci-Fi Writer Patrick Tomlinson Loses Harassment Lawsuit Against Online Forum, Faces Hefty Legal FeesPatrick Tomlinson, known for his imaginative works in the science fiction genre, took a stand against the onaforum's vicious gangstalking attacks, hoping to end the torment he endured for over five years. However, the court ruled against him, leaving him without the justice he sought and burden

Aug 15, 2023 • 34:18

1402: The Pests part 2

1402: The Pests part 2

WARNING: This episode contains language and disturbing content. Listener discretion is advised. Police Storm Sci-fi Writer's Home 42 Times in "Swatting" CampaignWisconsin science fiction author Patrick Tomlinson and his wife have been living a nightmare, enduring years of terror as cyber stalkers repeatedly sent police to their doorstep in a relentless "swatting" campaign. The couple, who claim to have experienced this terrifying ordeal 42 times, describes the chilling encounters with o

Aug 8, 2023 • 31:02

1401: The Pests part 1 (Gang stalking)

1401: The Pests part 1 (Gang stalking)

WARNING: This episode contains language and disturbing content. Listener discretion is advised. Wisconsin Author Faces Cyberstalking Nightmare After Tweeting that Norm MacDonald Isn't Funny.Wisconsin science fiction author Patrick Tomlinson and his wife have been living in fear for years, enduring a relentless campaign of terror orchestrated by cyberstalkers, all stemming from a seemingly innocuous tweet about the late comedian Norm Macdonald. Tomlinson's criticism of the "Saturday Nigh

Aug 1, 2023 • 33:07

1311: The Stalker - Interview with the Doctor (part 16)

1311: The Stalker - Interview with the Doctor (part 16)

This is the episode you've been waiting for!While we've primarily heard from Tanya and Rick Fernandez's perspective, it's time to introduce you to a key figure in this fascinating case: Dr. Grace Gressman (not her real name). As a central player, Dr. Gressman holds valuable insights into the stalker's actions. What is her connection to the Fernandez family? What does she have to say about the mysterious messages? In today's episode, we finally hear Dr. Gressman's story. Learn more about

Jul 18, 2023 • 31:47

Suspect: Five Shots in the Dark

Suspect: Five Shots in the Dark

Leon Benson spent 24 years in an Indiana state prison for the 1998 murder of a young man named Kasey Schoen. His conviction hinged on the testimony of two eyewitnesses – but what if their memories turned out to be wrong? And what if the people who knew what really happened had never been allowed to speak? Suspect Season 3: Five Shots in the Dark is the story of two victims: one murdered, one sentenced to life. Follow host Matt Shaer and attorney Lara Bazelon as they investigate how the justice s

Jul 17, 2023 • 7:22

The Undercover White Supremacist (FBI Retired Case File Review)

The Undercover White Supremacist (FBI Retired Case File Review)

In this episode of FBI Retired Case File Review, retired agent Scott Payne reviews his undercover role in the investigation that resulted in averting a mass shooting at a synagogue by a copy-cat white supremacist who said he wanted to do something similar to the June 17, 2015 massacre of church attendees in Charleston, SC, only bigger.Subscribe to FBI Retired Case File Reviewhttps://jerriwilliams.com/289-scott-payne-undercover-white-supremacist/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastcho

Jul 11, 2023 • 55:14

1310: Love and Taxes (plus Stalker update)

1310: Love and Taxes (plus Stalker update)

The IRS knocked on John Coutu's door, demanding $80,000.Jennifer Mitchell, his girlfriend, offered to handle John's taxes. At first glance, it seemed like a simple act of love. Little did he know that this act of goodwill would lead him down a treacherous path of deception and impersonation.Unbeknownst to John, Jennifer never actually filed his taxes and instead fabricated an elaborate web of lies. She even went as far as impersonating the IRS to fool John into believing everything was

Jul 4, 2023 • 41:47

Up In Arms, from Alphabet Boys

Up In Arms, from Alphabet Boys

This week, we’re sharing an episode of Alphabet Boys. Alphabet Boys takes you inside secret investigations that the FBI, DEA, CIA, and other alphabet agencies never wanted the public to know about. These cases are both dangerous and absurd … and they raise a troubling question: Are America’s top cops catching criminals -- or creating them? In this episode, you’ll hear real audio from an illegal arms deal and meet our central character, who, despite being arrested, claims he works for the CIA. Bu

Jul 3, 2023 • 12:25

1309: The Pale-Faced Lie part 2

1309: The Pale-Faced Lie part 2

Previously on PRETEND, we heard the story of David Crow and his criminal father, Thurston. In today's episode, we delve deeper into "The Pale-Faced Lie," a memoir about growing up as his father's accomplice. David's father, Thurston Crow, lived a life of crime: stealing, lying, and killing anyone who stood in his way. And right beside him, the whole time, was his young son David. In this episode, hear David's story of overcoming a life of crime and trying to understand why the one perso

Jun 13, 2023 • 19:36

Wondery & Bloomberg Present - Spellcaster: The Fall of Sam Bankman-Fried

Wondery & Bloomberg Present - Spellcaster: The Fall of Sam Bankman-Fried

When nerdy gamer Sam Bankman-Fried rocketed to fame as the world’s richest 29-year-old, he pledged to donate his billions to good causes. But when Sam's crypto exchange FTX collapsed, billions of dollars went missing, and Sam was in handcuffs, those who knew him were left wondering — who was Sam really? A well-meaning billionaire who made a mistake? Or a calculated con man? From Wondery and Bloomberg, the makers of The Shrink Next Door, comes a new story of incredible wealth, betrayal, and what

Jun 8, 2023 • 8:08

1308: The Pale-Faced Lie part 1

1308: The Pale-Faced Lie part 1

David Crow says he was his father's criminal accomplice. In today's episode, we delve into the extraordinary story of David Crow, author of the book titled "The Pale-Faced Lie." It's the story of a father and son entangled in a life of crime. David recounts his experiences as his father's criminal accomplice, always by his side. And what it was like growing up with a violent and convicted felon who used the Native American reservation as a refuge to evade his enemies. This episode is the stor

Jun 6, 2023 • 29:27

1307: The Stalker - Fly on the Wall (part 15)

1307: The Stalker - Fly on the Wall (part 15)

Imagine being a fly on the wall at the Fernandez house. What are they like? What do they talk about? Who in that house is capable of sending such disgusting messages? If only we could talk to someone who lived with them.  Last week, out of the blue, Brittni Stone reached out to me because she lived with the Fernandez family for five years. She has a lot to say about the Stalker series. But maybe her insights can lead us closer to the truth.  Plus, hear the latest on the trial. Has the state offe

May 30, 2023 • 1:01:16

George Santos & The Harbor City Capital Ponzi Scheme (THE PONZI PLAYBOOK)

George Santos & The Harbor City Capital Ponzi Scheme (THE PONZI PLAYBOOK)

The Ponzi Playbook: Welcome to The Ponzi Playbook, the podcast that exposes the dark underbelly of the financial world. Join hosts Neal McTighe and Javier Leiva as they take you on a journey through the seedy world of financial fraud, exploring the twisted minds of the people behind some of the most audacious Ponzi schemes in history. Episode 1 Description: We peel back the layers of the Harbor City Capital Ponzi scheme, exposing the deceptive tactics orchestrated by Jonathan Paul Maroney and

May 23, 2023 • 41:15

1305: The Stalker - In Time You'll Get the Truth (part 14)

1305: The Stalker - In Time You'll Get the Truth (part 14)

This podcast series on the stalker case has captured the attention of many listeners, making it one of the most talked-about series on PRETEND. Some listeners have even listened to it multiple times, hoping to find some clue or slip-up that could help them solve the mystery.Listeners are clamoring for more updates. But it's important to note that this type of investigation takes time, and it took me two years to report on this story. The series ended with Tanya and Rick Fernandez being

May 16, 2023 • 19:26

1304: The Cuban Spy part 2

1304: The Cuban Spy part 2

How Ana Montes' Family Ties Unraveled the Cuban Spy Plot Against the U.S.When the lights of the Pentagon dimmed and the rest of D.C. settled into the night, Ana Montes began her covert dance as a Cuban spy. But after 17 years in this dangerous tango, her own bloodline played an unexpected role in her downfall. Dive in as we delve deeper into the captivating world of espionage, loyalty, and unexpected betrayals. From Shadows to Spotlight: The Unraveling of Ana Montes, the Cuban SpyHidden

May 9, 2023 • 29:33

1303: The Cuban Spy part 1

1303: The Cuban Spy part 1

You've probably never heard the name Ana Montes because the FBI arrested her just ten days after 9/11. "Ana Montes, I believe, was one of the most dangerous American spies, period. And I would argue, the most dangerous female spy." - Jim Popkin is a long-time journalist and author of "Codename Blue Wren," the story of Ana Montes, the Cuban Spy.Ana Belen Montes spied on the US for Cuba for 17 years. Find out what made her so dangerous and how she spied on the Cubans from within the US in

May 2, 2023 • 31:20

1302: The Real Catch Me If You Can - The Promissory Note

1302: The Real Catch Me If You Can - The Promissory Note

Virginia Morris, a retired real estate agent from Houston, Texas, doesn't want me to use her real name. She claims Frank Abagnale scammed her out of $20,000 through a bogus investment scheme. Virginia spent years suing Abagnale, trying to recover her money. However, she was unsuccessful. Abagnale ignored the court summons and failed to appear in court. So, Virginia did what anyone who lost more than $20,000 would do. She showed up at one of Frank Abagnale's speaking events and confronted him. Le

Apr 25, 2023 • 20:00

1301: The Real Catch Me If You Can part 9 (update)

1301: The Real Catch Me If You Can part 9 (update)

Frank is Back!This update episode is loaded with new allegations and never-before-told capers. Like the time Frank Abagnale: Impersonated a cop with a paper badge and a toy gun. Posed as a pilot to work at a preschool Took a group of teachers on an "all-expense paid" trip to Puerto Rico Abagnale's true life story is featured in the New York Post.Frank Abagnale is getting national attention. Just this month, the New York Post published an article citing an 87-page file of old newspaper c

Apr 18, 2023 • 49:53

1215- The Proxy part 2

1215- The Proxy part 2

In today's episode, we will talk about how to treat perpetrators of Munchausen by Proxy—if that's even possible. And also, what happens when you suspect a mother of abuse? Should you report it? And what happens if you get it wrong? We're going to get into it all of this. Plus, we'll talk about Hope Ybarra's downfall. Munchausen Support:https://www.munchausensupport.com/resources/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 11, 2023 • 36:13

1214- The Proxy part 1

1214- The Proxy part 1

In today's episode, we'll discuss Munchausen by Proxy and how to identify it. And I'm not talking about scandalous stories like the ones you've seen on TV. In fact, we will focus on the less popular cases to show you that this form of abuse is far more common than we even realized. You may know someone who is a victim of Munchausen by proxy and not even realizes it.Follow Pretend on social media:TwitterTikTokYouTubePRETEND is consistently in the top True Crime Podcasts about con artists

Apr 4, 2023 • 31:53

S1213: The Stalker part 13 (The Arraignment)

S1213: The Stalker part 13 (The Arraignment)

Just when you thought this case couldn't get any crazier.The night before the arraignment, Dr. Gressman's former patient, "Chelsea," starts badgering my followers on Instagram. The tone of her texts are eerily similar to the stalker. Then, Tanya goes on Facebook and makes a surprise announcement. To almost all of her friends' shock and surprise, she announced a new addition. Yes, you read correctly. The night before her court appearance, she let everyone know she was the mother of a bra

Mar 28, 2023 • 23:44

S1212: The Stalker part 12

S1212: The Stalker part 12

Note: Tune in to the end of the episode for some breaking news on this case.This series started as a whodunit about a menacing cyberstalker. But in reality, it turned into something else... something far more disturbing. We may all be witnessing medical child abuse in real-time. Munchausen by proxy is a disorder in which a caregiver intentionally causes or exaggerates the medical symptoms of someone in their care to seek attention or sympathy.BINGE ALL 13-EPISODES AD-FREEPatreonListen t

Mar 21, 2023 • 46:56

INTRODUCING: Against the Odds: Alaska Bear Attack

INTRODUCING: Against the Odds: Alaska Bear Attack

Against the Odds: Alaska Bear AttackWhat if you were stranded on a mountaintop? Or survived a plane crash? Or attacked by a bear in the dead of winter? These might sound like action movie plots, but for an unlucky few, these stories were all too real.Against the Odds is a podcast from Wondery that tells mind-blowing, edge-of-your-seat survival stories filled with adventure and bravery, perseverance and tragedy. These vivid stories will transport you into the shoes of the heroes who survived to t

Mar 16, 2023 • 6:54

S1211: The Stalker part 11

S1211: The Stalker part 11

In this week's episode, we investigate who may be responsible for the harassing messages sent to the Rodriguez family. The postal inspector and the detectives assigned to the case have their sights set on the oldest daughter, Logan, but at this time, there are no official suspects, and no one has been charged. One thing we can say for sure is that there is no evidence that Dr. Gressman or the husband is involved in any way. Whoever is behind these messages is someone living inside the Rodriguez

Mar 14, 2023 • 45:44

S1210: The Stalker part 10

S1210: The Stalker part 10

Examining the Evidence: Is Someone in the Rodriguez House Responsible for the Stalking?As the investigation into the cyberstalking of the Rodriguez family continues, new information has come to light about the possible culprit. To uncover potential leads, an ethical hacker was brought on to investigate all parties involved in the case, including the alleged stalker, Dr. Grace Gressman, and her husband, John. After a thorough search, it was determined that both the doctor and her husban

Mar 7, 2023 • 31:47

S1209: The Stalker part 9

S1209: The Stalker part 9

Munchausen by Proxy Accusations: Is the Rodriguez Family Stalking Themselves?This series started out as a story of cyberstalking, but it has taken an unexpected turn. In the latest episode, we delve into the allegations that Claudia Rodriguez suffers from Munchausen by proxy. This criminal act involves intentionally making one's child sick to gain attention. However, the Rodriguez family fiercely denies these accusations, calling it victim blaming. Instead, they insist they are like an

Feb 28, 2023 • 43:36

S1208: The Stalker part 8

S1208: The Stalker part 8

Dr. Grace Gressman speaks out about the Rodriguez family stalking case In today's episode, we finally hear from Dr. Grace Gressman, the woman at the center of the Rodriguez family's cyberstalking saga. Despite having her statements in the police report, Javier calls her up to get her side of the story. To everyone's surprise, she picked up the phone. But that's not all. To get to the bottom of this case, Javier also confronts the alleged stalker himself. It's a bold move that could potentially r

Feb 21, 2023 • 27:58

S1207: The Stalker part 7

S1207: The Stalker part 7

Doctor and Husband Cleared as Suspects in Rodriguez Stalking Case The Rodriguez family has been the target of a cyberstalker for over three years. Despite their efforts to involve the police and find help, the stalking has continued until this day. In fact, the detectives and postal inspector assigned to their case have even accused their oldest daughter of being the perpetrator, despite their claim of her having a solid alibi. However, the stalker has identified himself as Dr. Gressman's husban

Feb 14, 2023 • 28:13

S1206: The Stalker part 6

S1206: The Stalker part 6

Cyberstalker Resumes Harassment of Rodriguez Family, Targets Infant DaughterAfter months of peace, the cyberstalker who has been tormenting Claudia and David Rodriguez for years has returned. This time, the stalker has directed his rage toward his own infant daughter, causing great concern and fear for the child's safety.Rodriguez Family Reports Alleged Abuse to Child Protective ServicesIn response to this disturbing development, the Rodriguezes have reported the alleged abuse to child

Feb 14, 2023 • 22:46

S1205: The Stalker part 5

S1205: The Stalker part 5

The Stalker part 5Claudia and David Rodriguez have five children, four of whom are adults, and most have severe medical or mental health issues. Two of their adult children are so disabled that the Rodriguezes have guardianship over them, meaning they have no rights. One child has undergone multiple surgeries, including spinal cord surgery, brain surgery, and stomach stoma surgery.The Rodriguez family has faced accusations from their daughter's neurologist, Dr. Grisman, accusing Claudia

Feb 7, 2023 • 29:50

S1204: The Stalker part 4

S1204: The Stalker part 4

Rodriguez Family Fights to Prove Daughter's Innocence in the face of Stalking AccusationsFor over three years, Claudia and David Rodriguez have been dealing with the terror of being stalked. Despite their efforts to involve the police and get help, the Stalking has continued to this day. In fact, the detectives and even the postal inspector assigned to their case have accused their oldest daughter of being the perpetrator, despite her claiming to have a solid alibi.BINGE ALL 10-EPISODES

Jan 31, 2023 • 23:41

S1203: The Stalker part 3

S1203: The Stalker part 3

From Victims to Suspects: The Bizarre Turn of Events in the Rodriguez Family's Cyber Stalking Case In the world of cyberstalking, it's not uncommon for victims to have an idea of who their perpetrator might be. It could be an ex-partner, a disgruntled employee, or even an obsessed friend. But for Claudia and David Rodriguez, the situation was much more complex. For the past three years, they've been the victims of a cyber stalker who claims to be the husband of their daughter's doctor, a man the

Jan 24, 2023 • 28:50

Wondery Presents: Frozen Head

Wondery Presents: Frozen Head

Hosted by Ash Kelley and Alaina Urquhart from the hit show Morbid.When 90-year-old Laurence Pilgeram drops dead on the sidewalk outside his condo, you might think that’s the end of his story. But, really, it’s just the beginning. Because Laurence and others like him have signed up to be frozen and brought back to life in the future. And that belief will pull multiple generations of the Pilgeram family into a cryonics soap opera filled with dead pets, gold coins, grenades, fist fights, mysterious

Jan 23, 2023 • 5:21

S1202: The Stalker part 2

S1202: The Stalker part 2

Harassed by a Cyber Stalker Claiming to be the Doctor's Husband: The Strange Story of Claudia and David RodriguezClaudia and David Rodriguez claim they have been the victims of a cyber stalker for the past three years. The person behind the messages claims to be the husband of Claudia's daughter's doctor, a man they've never even met. As bizarre as this situation sounds, it's been a constant source of harassment and anxiety for the Rodriguez family. In this podcast episode, we'll delve

Jan 17, 2023 • 23:54

S1201: The Stalker part 1

S1201: The Stalker part 1

Couple terrorized by a sadistic cyber stalker for years For more than three years, Claudia and David Rodriguez (not their real names) have been the targets of a sadistic cyber stalker. Despite their attempts to involve the police and stop the stalking, it has continued to this day. In fact, the couple has faced accusations from the very detectives assigned to their case. One detective suggests that Claudia may have a split personality and is causing the stalking herself. BINGE ALL 10-EPISODES Pa

Jan 10, 2023 • 30:06

SUSPECT: Vanished in the Snow

SUSPECT: Vanished in the Snow

For more than three and a half decades, the disappearance of 12-year-old Jonelle Matthews was a mystery – a riddle neither authorities nor her family members could solve. The residents of her cloistered Colorado hometown had scoured every inch of prairie. Jonelle’s face had been on milk cartons nationwide.Even the President of the United States had appealed to the public for help. Still, every lead had fizzled. Every person of interest had turned out to be a dead end.Then, in 2019, Jonelle’s rem

Jan 9, 2023 • 8:20

S509: The Santa Claus Man Revisited

S509: The Santa Claus Man Revisited

This is the story about a Christmas con artist pretending to be Santa Claus. Brian Earl, the host of the Christmas Past podcast, joins me to tell a little-known true-crime holiday story. Christmas Past The seventh season of Christmas Past is out. Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, Brian shares the fascinating backstories behind our favorite holiday traditions. Looking for a last-minute gift idea? Buy the Christmas Past book. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoice

Dec 20, 2022 • 45:34

S505: The Prank Revisited (featured on Netflix Don’t Pick Up the Phone)

S505: The Prank Revisited (featured on Netflix Don’t Pick Up the Phone)

The Prank series inspired the new Netflix documentary series "Don't Pick Up the Phone." This docuseries follows the investigation into a hoax caller who talked managers into strip-searching employees at fast food businesses across the US.Binge the entire series on Netflix starting December 14th:https://www.netflix.com/title/81576846 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 6, 2022 • 1:20:06

S401: The One Who Got Away Revisited

S401: The One Who Got Away Revisited

Larry Douglas Jones is not your typical fugitive. He had a wife and three kids. And to be honest, he's not a dangerous man. He became overwhelmed with life and decided to run away.This is the first in a series of stories about fugitives. In season 4, we explore how abandoning your old identity leads to a whole set of complications. How do these criminals assume a new identity? What strategies do they use to avoid getting caught?_______________This episode was 100% funded by you. I was a

Nov 22, 2022 • 50:16

Suspect: Vanished in the Snow

Suspect: Vanished in the Snow

For more than three and a half decades, the disappearance of 12-year-old Jonelle Matthews was a mystery – a riddle neither authorities nor her family members could solve. The residents of her cloistered Colorado hometown had scoured every inch of prairie. Jonelle’s face had been on milk cartons nationwide. Even the President of the United States had appealed to the public for help. Still, every lead had fizzled. Every person of interest had turned out to be a dead end.Then, in 2019, Jonelle’s re

Nov 11, 2022 • 6:51

S101: The Prophet Revisited  - Word of Faith Fellowship Cult

S101: The Prophet Revisited - Word of Faith Fellowship Cult

When I started this podcast, I reported on a secretive church in the foothills of western North Carolina called the Word of Faith Fellowship.The church, accused of being a cult, separates families—forcing them to break ties with non-believers.A history of documented abuseOne teenager named Matthew Fenner pressed charges against five church ministers because he said they beat the gay demons out of him.And that’s just the beginning. Several former members remember spending weeks and month

Nov 8, 2022 • 1:00:24

S806: The Real Vampires Revisited

S806: The Real Vampires Revisited

John Browning investigates real blood-sucking vampires—people who need human blood to survive. In today's episode, we will talk about real people who claim to be real vampires. Self-harmYou know, we bantered about tapping into veins and arteries from the vantage point of vampires feasting on blood. But if you remove the word vampire from our conversation, it starts sounding like a much more familiar crisis...self-harm.  It's not uncommon for some of us with depression or anxiety to infl

Oct 25, 2022 • 41:16

Introducing: Last Resort

Introducing: Last Resort

What if California seceded from the United States? If it did, what would happen? Would it usher in a new era of peace and prosperity? Or plunge the US into a new civil war?This is The Last Resort, a new documentary podcast following the rise, fall, and rebirth of CAL EXIT: the campaign for Californian Independence.It’s a story about a dream for a new progressive utopia on the West Coast. It’s about the fight for America’s future. And it’s also a tale of two friends who started on the political f

Oct 18, 2022 • 5:37

S1108: The Real Catch Me If You Can part 8 (finale)

S1108: The Real Catch Me If You Can part 8 (finale)

On September 12, 2022, Frank Abagnale was honored with a Heroes in Ethics award at Xavier University. An ethics award for a conman!Unlike the general public, who were spellbound by the myth surrounding Abagnale's life, Xavier University knew precisely who they were honoring that night. They can't claim ignorance because I wrote the University and told them they had the wrong guy. Frank Abagnale doesn't deserve an ethics award. He lied about his entire life story. Was Malala busy that we

Oct 11, 2022 • 1:05:20

Wondery Presents: The ReWatcher: Buffy The Vampire Slayer

Wondery Presents: The ReWatcher: Buffy The Vampire Slayer

Welcome to the Hellmouth Weirdos! Your favorite Morbid hosts, Ash and Alaina are branching out from true crime and heading to Sunnydale for the ultimate Buffy the Vampire Slayer Rewatch podcast! Alaina is a Buffy superfan and Ash has never watched a single episode, so whether you’re Team Angel, Team Spike, or have no clue who those people are…they’ve got you covered! Join them each week as they slay their way through the series, episode by episode, re-watching, and watching for the very first ti

Oct 3, 2022 • 5:51

S1107: The Real Catch Me If You Can part 7

S1107: The Real Catch Me If You Can part 7

What if I told you that Frank Abagnale wasn't the only con artist in his family? His older brother used multiple aliases, faked his career as a therapist, and was even accused of kidnapping a 7-year-old girl. This episode reveals the dark and puzzling secrets of Frank Abagnale's family history. Correction: In the episode, I mention that Susan was married to Roy Abagnale from 1970 to 1978 - but it was actually 1978 to 1992.  __________ Bonus episodes Sleepover with Leo: https://www.patreon.com

Sep 27, 2022 • 1:01:09

From Death of an Artist: Ana Mendieta and Carl Andre

From Death of an Artist: Ana Mendieta and Carl Andre

Here’s a preview from a new podcast, Death of the Artist, that explores a tragedyin the art world. For more than 35 years, accusations of murder shrouded one ofthe art world’s most storied couples: Was the famous sculptor Carl Andreinvolved in the death of his up-and-coming artist wife Ana Mendieta? Host HelenMolesworth revisits Mendieta’s death, taking a closer look at how she might havefallen out of the window of Carl’s 34th floor New York apartment and thefollowing trial which has divided the

Sep 23, 2022 • 8:07

S1106: The Real Catch Me If You Can part 6

S1106: The Real Catch Me If You Can part 6

This series is not just a story about a con man who lied about his past experiences. No, it's much bigger than that. This series is about correcting history. For decades, we've celebrated Frank Abagnale's life. He's invaded our living rooms in countless tv interviews. He's had Leonardo DiCaprio play him in a movie. John Williams even scored his superhero theme song. And his life has even been turned into a musical that one reviewer wrote: "is an amazing true story with a happy ending we all need

Sep 13, 2022 • 57:24

Wondery Presents: American Scandal: Snowden

Wondery Presents: American Scandal: Snowden

The terrorist attacks on September 11th, 2001, took a large toll on America’s sense of security. In the dawn of this new era, Congress moved to take swift action by creating the Patriot Act. The stated goal was to identify and strike back against terrorists, but in practice, the law had much wider-reaching effects. But everything changed in 2013 when an intelligence contractor named Edward Snowden decided to expose the truth, leaking more classified documents than any whistleblower in American h

Sep 5, 2022 • 6:30

S1105: The Real Catch Me If You Can part 5

S1105: The Real Catch Me If You Can part 5

I confronted Frank Abagnale in Las Vegas, NV. He claims he posed as a pilot, a lawyer, a doctor, and a professor from the age of sixteen to twenty-one years old. But how is that possible if he was sitting in prison most of that time? You won't believe his response._______Watch the Abagnale saga unfold: YouTube - search for Pretend Podcast TikTok - @pretendpod Instagram - @pretendpod ______Support PRETEND Podcast on Patreon:-Get early access to episodes-Bonus content-Stickers and t-sh

Aug 30, 2022 • 1:05:58

Wondery Presents: Blood Ties Season 3

Wondery Presents: Blood Ties Season 3

Our family members are not always who we think. When Eleonore Richland exposed her father’s dark legacy, she vowed to clean up the family business – and hired her half-brother, Santino Reyes, to help her do it. But old habits die hard. In the shocking new third season, Eleonore reckons with what her father always taught her growing up: medicine is a bloody business. From Wondery, the makers of “The Shrink Next Door” and “Dr. Death,” Blood Ties stars Gillian Jacobs (Community, Love), Christian Na

Aug 28, 2022 • 6:00

S1104: The Real Catch Me If You Can part 4

S1104: The Real Catch Me If You Can part 4

We've spent the last three episodes debunking the infamous Frank Abagnale myth. If he wasn't posing as a doctor, a lawyer, or a professor, then what the heck was Frank Abagnale up to? This is the story Abagnale never talks about. _______ Part 5 will be available soon on Patreon. https://pretendradio.org/donate/ _______ Fact-checking for this episode by Kate Gallagher. Special thanks to Alan Logan, author of The Greatest Hoax on Earth: Catching Truth, While We Can Learn more: https://www.amazon

Aug 16, 2022 • 54:10

S1103: The Real Catch Me If You Can part 3

S1103: The Real Catch Me If You Can part 3

Two reporters destroy Frank Abagnale's story. Yet nobody cared.  _______ Listen to part 4 right now on Patreon: https://pretendradio.org/donate/ Special Thanks to: Fact-checking for this episode by Kate Gallagher. Special thanks to Alan Logan, author of The Greatest Hoax on Earth: Catching Truth, While We Can Learn more: https://www.amazon.com/dp/173619741X/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_5EAWP7S0XC5J1WJQF2D5 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aug 2, 2022 • 44:46

S1102: The Real Catch Me If You Can part 2

S1102: The Real Catch Me If You Can part 2

Frank Abagnale claims he never stole money from the little guy—it was all victimless crimes. But that's not what I found. Hear the story of one family who says they were robbed blind by Abagnale. _______ Fact-checking for this episode by Kate Gallagher. Special thanks to Alan Logan, author of The Greatest Hoax on Earth: Catching Truth, While We Can Learn more: https://www.amazon.com/dp/173619741X/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_5EAWP7S0XC5J1WJQF2D5 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com

Jul 19, 2022 • 1:01:01

S1101: The Real Catch Me If You Can part 1

S1101: The Real Catch Me If You Can part 1

This might be my favorite PRETEND series of all time.  Remember the movie Catch Me If You Can? Most people believe the film is based on a true story. But, did you know it's mostly made up? I spent the last few weeks and months pouring over court records, police reports, and other documents to prove that Frank Abagnale faked his entire life story. It turns out that the real story behind Catch Me If You Can is actually a lot more fascinating than the one you thought you knew. _______ Fact-checkin

Jul 5, 2022 • 50:46

Trailer: The Real Catch Me If You Can

Trailer: The Real Catch Me If You Can

What if I told you that 90% of Frank Abagnale's claims are totally made up? Yeah, that's right. The most extraordinary con man in the world never actually did the crimes he claims he did. In the new season of PRETEND, host Javier Leiva debunks Frank Abagnale’s claims one by one, not with opinions but with court and prison records. This series also gives voice to new victim testimonies. In the end, Leiva travels to Las Vegas to confront Abagnale about his lies. This is the real-life Catch Me If

Jul 4, 2022 • 1:54

Who Rules Porn? From Hot Money

Who Rules Porn? From Hot Money

We’re shaking things up today and sharing a preview from Hot Money, a new podcast from our friends at Pushkin Industries and the Financial Times.When Financial Times reporter Patricia Nilsson started digging into the porn industry, she made a shocking discovery: Nobody knew who controlled the biggest porn company in the world. Now, Nilsson and her editor, Alex Barker, have figured out who the guy was, and much more.Their reporting reveals a shadowy power structure that includes billionaires, tec

Jun 28, 2022 • 10:15

S1004: The Man Who Wears Many Hats part 2

S1004: The Man Who Wears Many Hats part 2

Fred Brito posed as a priest in order to hide from law enforcement. Find out how he ALMOST got away with it. __________ Follow PRETEND on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. __________ True Crime Podcast Festival 2022 in Dallas, TX We’re excited to announce that Criminal Conduct is going to be attending the True Crime Podcast Festival on August 26-28th in Dallas, Texas. The Festival is specially designed around your desire to mingle, interact, and have casual conversations with the podc

Jun 21, 2022 • 34:35

Wondery Presents: The Execution of Bonny Lee Bakley

Wondery Presents: The Execution of Bonny Lee Bakley

On May 4, 2001, Bonny Lee Bakley was found fatally shot in a car on a dark North Hollywood street. The prime suspect was her husband, famed actor Robert Blake. But Bonny, a longtime con artist, had plenty of enemies. She left behind a trail of men she’d scammed, and she had a volatile relationship with Christian Brando, the troubled son of movie star Marlon Brando. Not since the O.J. Simpson case had the eyes of the nation been so fixated on a homicide. The search for Bonny’s killer took detecti

Jun 20, 2022 • 6:24

Introducing Smoke Screen "Puppy Kingpin”

Introducing Smoke Screen "Puppy Kingpin”

Americans are used to being on the lookout for a scam, but authorities arewarning of a new kind of fraud. Puppy Kingpin shines a spotlight on JolynNoethe, a secretive businesswoman from Iowa who is accused of launderingpuppies like drug money. Over the course of 7 episodes, investigative reporterand host Alex Schuman exposes the scheme and an underground part of theindustry bringing us the pets we love. From Neon Hum Media and Sony MusicEntertainment subscribe to Smoke Screen: Puppy Kingpin on A

Jun 16, 2022 • 7:57

S1003: The Man Who Wears Many Hats part 1

S1003: The Man Who Wears Many Hats part 1

Fred Brito worked as a psychiatrist, priest, and a Red Cross fundraiser—but it was all based on lies.______________Follow PRETEND on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.______________True Crime Podcast Festival 2022 in Dallas, TXWe’re excited to announce that Criminal Conduct is going to be attending the True Crime Podcast Festival on August 26-28th in Dallas, Texas. The Festival is specially designed around your desire to mingle, interact, and have casual conversations with the po

Jun 7, 2022 • 31:52

Introducing PERSONA: THE FRENCH DECEPTION

Introducing PERSONA: THE FRENCH DECEPTION

Introducing the true crime podcast Persona: The French Deception— the story of Gilbert Chikli, one of the greatest con artists of all time. What does it feel like to pick up the phone and scam someone out of $50 million? Host and award-winning journalist, Evan Ratliff, investigates how Chikli successfully duped some of the world’s most powerful people into handing over their fortunes. He explores how Chikli evaded the law for years and became a Robin Hood-like hero. More than just a tale of crim

Jun 6, 2022 • 4:37

S1002: The Sperm Donor

S1002: The Sperm Donor

David Berry took an at-home DNA test and discovered dozens of half-siblings. Was this a coincidence or the scheme of one sperm donor? ______________ True Crime Podcast Festival 2022 in Dallas, TX We’re excited to announce that Criminal Conduct is going to be attending the True Crime Podcast Festival on August 26-28th in Dallas, Texas. The Festival is specially designed around your desire to mingle, interact, and have casual conversations with the podcasters you listen to regularly. There will a

May 24, 2022 • 36:05

S1001: The Dadbot

S1001: The Dadbot

Does death start when your heart stops beating? What if technology can extend our lives and gives us immortality? Today's episode is about one son who turned his dying father into a chatbot. Here After AI https://www.hereafter.ai/ Replika https://replika.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 10, 2022 • 44:21

Wondery Presents: Blood Ties Season 3 – “Strange Days

Wondery Presents: Blood Ties Season 3 – “Strange Days

Our family members are not always who we think. When Eleonore Richland exposed her father’s dark legacy, she vowed to clean up the family business – and hired her half-brother, Santino Reyes, to help her do it. But old habits die hard. In the shocking new third season, Eleonore reckons with what her father always taught her growing up: medicine is a bloody business. From Wondery, the makers of “The Shrink Next Door” and “Dr. Death,” Blood Ties stars Gillian Jacobs (Community, Love), Christian Na

May 9, 2022 • 6:18

S908: The Deepfake

S908: The Deepfake

Today, we're talking about deepfakes.Deepfakes are video or audio of a person in which their face, body, and/or voice has been digitally altered so that they appear to be someone else. And we're not just talking about some harmless Snapchat filters. This tech can start wars and destroy lives. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 19, 2022 • 20:45

Wondery Presents: Scamfluencers

Wondery Presents: Scamfluencers

You never really know someone…especially online. In today’s world, the power of influence canbe the quickest path to money and fame, and it often ends in ruin. These are the stories of theworld’s most insidious Scamfluencers. And we are their prey. On Wondery’s new weekly series,join co-hosts Scaachi Koul and Sarah Hagi as they unpack epic stories of deception from theworlds of social media, fashion, finance, health, and wellness. These influencers claim to beeverything from charismatic healers

Apr 11, 2022 • 5:45

From Cautionary Tales: Death on the Floor

From Cautionary Tales: Death on the Floor

Here’s a special preview of the new season of Cautionary Tales from PushkinIndustries. On Cautionary Tales, bestselling author Tim Harford shares stories ofhuman error, natural disasters, and tragic catastrophes from history that teach usimportant lessons for today. In this preview, you’ll hear about the 1981 HyattRegency Hotel collapse, a shocking design failure that resulted in 114 deaths andmany more injuries. Hear the full story, and more from Cautionary Tales, athttps://podcasts.pushkin.fm/

Apr 8, 2022 • 13:41

S907: The Forensic Musicologist

S907: The Forensic Musicologist

Luxxury rips apart your favorite songs. Check out his TikTok feed for more videos on interpolation.https://www.tiktok.com/@luxxuryxx/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 5, 2022 • 31:14

PRETEND's 100th Episode

PRETEND's 100th Episode

Lauren Passell, the founder of Tink Media, interviews Javier in celebration of PRETEND's 100th episode. Subscribe to Lauren's incredible podcast newsletter: https://podcastthenewsletter.substack.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mar 22, 2022 • 46:15

Introducing American Hostage

Introducing American Hostage

In the series premiere, radio DJ Fred Heckman (Jon Hamm) receives an unexpected call from alistener that turns his life upside down.Follow American Hostage on Amazon Music, to hear all 8 episodes right now:http://wondery.fm/CC_AmericanHostageLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 17, 2022 • 4:45

Javier Interviews a Serial Killer — Criminal Conduct Season 3

Javier Interviews a Serial Killer — Criminal Conduct Season 3

In Season 2 of PRETEND, I covered the story of a serial killer who murdered at least five American ex-pats. Three years after the story aired, I received a message from a listener who said she could put me in touch with the killer.I decided to turn my interviews with Wild Bill into an entire season of CRIMINAL CONDUCT.Listen to part 1 of Criminal Conduct season 3 then subscribe to listen to the rest:https://linktr.ee/criminalconduct Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/a

Mar 8, 2022 • 32:17

S905: The Business of Cults part 3

S905: The Business of Cults part 3

Rebekah Sebastian and Javier Leiva visit businesses run by cults. Also, what happens when a cult leader dies or goes to prison? Can the cult go on without its leader? Find out which cults are trying to continue the organization without any clear leadership. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 22, 2022 • 1:00:44

S904: The Business of Cults part 2

S904: The Business of Cults part 2

Cults are businesses too. Like any company, cults recruit, have middle management, and some even have succession plans.  Many of these religious sects are tax-exempt. Like Scientology, even some fringe religions are recognized by the Internal Revenue Service.  Not all cults are religious. At first glance, some cults don't seem culty at all. For example, take a closer look at businesses such as multi-level marketing companies. These companies are masquerading as a business, but in reality, they

Feb 14, 2022 • 46:11

S903: The Business of Cults part 1

S903: The Business of Cults part 1

Cults are businesses too. Like any company, cults recruit, have middle management, and some even have succession plans. Many of these religious sects are tax-exempt. Like Scientology, even some fringe religions are recognized by the Internal Revenue Service. Not all cults are religious. At first glance, some cults don't seem culty at all. For example, take a closer look at businesses such as multi-level marketing companies. These companies are masquerading as a business, but in reality,

Feb 8, 2022 • 42:17

Introducing Deep Cover: Mob Land

Introducing Deep Cover: Mob Land

Deep Cover tells true stories of crime and corruption. Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Jake Halpern reveals dark underworlds most of us know nothing about. The new season, Mob Land, tells the true story of a high-rolling Chicago lawyer who fixed court cases for the mob. He did this for years... until he decided to betray them and work with the FBI. He wears a wire to expose a black market of corruption—where politicians were bought and justice was sold. Where, for the right price, even murdere

Jan 31, 2022 • 8:32

Chameleon: Wild Boys

Chameleon: Wild Boys

The latest season of the wildly popular con-themed podcast Chameleon is back! This new season called “Wild Boys” covers the 2003 International news story where two half-starved young boys, known as the “Bush Boys” turned up in a small Canadian town and tell an incredible story where they claimed to be raised in the British Columbia wilderness, and this was their first-ever contact with society — they’d never seen a TV, gone to school, or registered for IDs.  …There was just one problem: not a w

Jan 28, 2022 • 8:24

S902: Cons, Scams, and Flim-flams

S902: Cons, Scams, and Flim-flams

I'm working on a new series on cults that's really exciting. While you wait, here's a fun little bonus episode for you.Moxie LaBouche, host of the Your Brain on Facts podcast, and I talk about our favorite scams. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 25, 2022 • 45:33

S901: The KGB Agent

S901: The KGB Agent

In this podcast episode A conversation with Jack Barsky, a former KGB spy. For 10 years, Jack Barsky was a sleeper agent spying for the Soviet Union. His job was to obtain secret or confidential information from inside the United States any way he could. The KGB Spy Jack Barsky spied on the United States from 1978 to 1988. And that entire time, his primary mission was to become an American. And that's precisely what he did. He moved to New York City, got a job as a computer programmer, and live

Jan 11, 2022 • 46:49

S811: The Truth About Santa

S811: The Truth About Santa

WARNING: This episode contains details about Santa Claus that younger listeners will not appreciate. If you have little ones around, plugin your headphones.  Happy Holidays, everyone! Javier Check out the Christmas Past podcast with Brian Earl for more magical fun listening. https://christmaspast.media/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 24, 2021 • 26:14

S810: The Hypnotist part 4 - Alien Abductions and Hypnosis

S810: The Hypnotist part 4 - Alien Abductions and Hypnosis

John Mack, a respected Harvard psychologist, uses hypnosis to recover memories of alien abductions.Alien abductions and hypnosisLike they say on the X-files, "the truth is out there." Throughout history, people claimed to have seen many unexplainable things. Some have tangible proof, like the leaked U.S. Navy cock pit videos chasing unidentified flying objects. Other experiencers don't have any evidence at all. The only thing they have are their memories. Maybe the answer is buried deep

Dec 21, 2021 • 43:43

Lost Hills: Dead in the Water

Lost Hills: Dead in the Water

This week, we're sharing a special preview of the new season of Pushkin's show Lost Hills: Dead in the Water. Lost Hills investigates the dark side of Malibu, California. Beneath a seductive facade, this city of billionaires, celebrities, and surf bums is hiding something menacing. Season 2 takes place in the early ‘80s, as Malibu was changing from a low-profile beach town into a celebrity haven, full of new money and hard drugs. When a woman and her son mysteriously drowned, her husband was arr

Dec 15, 2021 • 8:56

S809: The Hypnotist part 3 - Is hypnosis admissible in court?

S809: The Hypnotist part 3 - Is hypnosis admissible in court?

Is hypnosis used in criminal investigations?Believe it or not, law enforcement and intelligence agencies in the US routinely use hypnosis as a form of forensic evidence. And in some states, evidence gained from forensic hypnosis is admissible in court. Even the federal government allows hypnosis under certain circumstances. What is investigative hypnosis?When law enforcement hits a dead end, they sometimes rely on investigative hypnosis to solve the case. Specially trained law enforceme

Dec 7, 2021 • 52:45

S808: The Hypnotist part 2

S808: The Hypnotist part 2

I got hypnotized to recall a childhood trauma.In part one of The Hypnotist, I interviewed several hypnotherapists to answer the question: what is hypnosis? The short answer is a trancelike state that resembles sleep but is induced by a person whose suggestions are readily accepted by the subject.*In part two, I try hypnosis for myself to see what all the fuss is about. You see, when I was 8-months old, I pulled the cord of an electric rice cooker and suffered 3rd-degree burns on the lef

Nov 23, 2021 • 41:23

S807: The Hypnotist part 1

S807: The Hypnotist part 1

I want to undergo hypnotic regression, experience it for myself, and try to unlock memories from my childhood that should probably never resurface. Can hypnosis help me recover that memory?  So, what the hell is hypnosis anyway?  What is hypnosis? Is hypnosis even a real thing? The word "hypno" comes from the Greek word "hypnus," which means sleep. And the suffix "osis" describes a process or state. So, is hypnosis a state of hibernation? Or is it something in between? looked it up.   Webster's

Nov 9, 2021 • 54:07

S806: The Real Vampires

S806: The Real Vampires

John Browning investigates real blood-sucking vampires—people who need human blood to survive.  In today's episode, we will talk about real people who claim to be real vampires.  Self-harm You know, we bantered about tapping into veins and arteries from the vantage point of vampires feasting on blood. But if you remove the word vampire from our conversation, it starts sounding like a much more familiar crisis...self-harm.   It's not uncommon for some of us with depression or anxiety to inflic

Oct 26, 2021 • 40:54

Hemingway's Picasso

Hemingway's Picasso

Steven Kough lived many lives. He was an NFL journeyman, a male model, and one of the most well-connected smugglers in 1980’s Miami, the “Drug Capital of the World.” Kough collected many souvenirs from his adventures, but his most treasured bounty/item – a beautiful ceramic, crafted by Pablo Picasso and gifted to Ernest Hemingway at the author’s Cuban home... or so the story goes. Lost during the Cuban Revolution, the artwork resurfaced when Kough took it as a payment for drug run financed by th

Oct 20, 2021 • 7:52

Bonus: Michael plays air guitar

Bonus: Michael plays air guitar

Michael shreds a mean "pretend" guitar. He's also a PRETEND podcast supporter on Patreon.If you want to co-host an episode with me, consider supporting the podcast on Patreon/ Patreon Guest Co-host: https://www.patreon.com/pretendradio Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 12, 2021 • 22:23

S805: The King of Lies

S805: The King of Lies

Lee King spilled the beans on his family's secret—leading to his father’s arrest.Hannah’s boyfriend, Lee King, is hiding a big secret; and it’s not just about his multiple fiances. It turns out his father, “Fast” Eddie Maher is an international fugitive.Fast Eddie, an international fugitive, was on the run for 20 years until his son gave him up.Today’s episode was brought to us by a long-time PRETEND listener, Kim Evans.Kim knew her daughter’s new boyfriend was no good. So, she did ever

Sep 28, 2021 • 36:03

S804: The Ransomware Negotiator

S804: The Ransomware Negotiator

Ransomware. Does that term ring a bell?Even if you've never heard those words before, trust me, most of us have experienced Ransomware one way or another.If you live on the East Coast, you remember waiting long hours at the gas pump this past May. That's because a hacking group known as DarkSide hacked the Colonial Pipeline. The hackers demanded a ransom for 75 bitcoins which is equivalent to $4.4 million.How did the hackers break into the oil company's system? Easy. Some employees used

Sep 14, 2021 • 40:39

S803: The Sovereign Man

S803: The Sovereign Man

Sean David Morton was arrested in 2016 after being charged with more than 50 counts related to filing phony tax documents and bogus government bonds. He was also accused of conspiracy to defraud the IRS. These are similar tactics used by sovereign citizens—but Sean David Mortin doesn't like that label.  You see, Sean David Morton's name is synonymous with the sovereign citizen movement. The New York Times wrote a whole piece about him titled, "How Sovereign Citizens Helped Swindle $1 billion fr

Aug 31, 2021 • 37:15

S802: The Naked Sovereign Surgeon

S802: The Naked Sovereign Surgeon

Where do sovereign citizens go when they need medical attention? Some of them seek help from homeopathic quacks like Rick Van Thiel. Rick Van Thiel is not a surgeon. In reality, he's a porn star operating on people with dirty scalpels, reused needs, surrounded by filth. And the worst part is, he performs his surgeries in the nude. The last episode about sovereign citizens was just exposition for what you’re about to hear. I first learned about this story from Jerri William’s podcast called FBI

Aug 17, 2021 • 52:11

S801: The Sovereign Citizen

S801: The Sovereign Citizen

What is a sovereign citizen?  American Sovereign citizens believe that the laws of the United States do not apply to them. Therefore, no authority should tell them what to do: not judges, lawmakers, lawyers, or police officers. Oh, and they don't pay taxes either.  Sounds crazy, right? It would be crazy if they didn't get away with it so often. ________ Story idea? If you have a story to share, email Javier at javier@pretendradio.org. For more episodes like this, visit pretendradio.org. To ge

Aug 4, 2021 • 43:45

Birth of a Con Man (Revisited)

Birth of a Con Man (Revisited)

This is the very first episode I recorded for PRETEND. Hear how a small-time crook went from breaking into houses to running a phony medical clinic.-------FEATURING: Follow the Truth Podcast TrailerIn 1993, James Jordan, father of NBA legend Michael, was murdered in NC. Was the wrong man convicted of pulling the trigger? E1 and E2 release date: 7/22/21Check out Follow the Truth Podcast:https://t.co/b4grdGjwJp?amp=1________Story idea?If you have a story to share, email Javier at javier@p

Jul 20, 2021 • 47:37

The Hijacker (Revisited)

The Hijacker (Revisited)

This week, we revisit one of PRETEND's most popular episodes. It's called the Hijacker and it's a collaboration with my friend Chris Knittel. Hear Martin McNally describe the day he hijacked a plane.________Story idea?If you have a story to share, email Javier at javier@pretendradio.org.For more episodes like this, visit pretendradio.org.To get early releases and bonus episodes, go to pretendradio.org/donateToday's episode was written and edited by Javier Leiva Learn more about your ad

Jul 6, 2021 • 1:11:33

PRETEND turns 4

PRETEND turns 4

Jules Hannaford from the Fool Me Twice podcast joins me to talk about 4 years of PRETEND.________Story idea?If you have a story to share, email Javier at javier@pretendradio.org.For more episodes like this, visit pretendradio.org.To get early releases and bonus episodes, go to pretendradio.org/donateToday's episode was written and edited by Javier Leiva Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 22, 2021 • 30:08

Introducing Fool Me Twice Season 2

Introducing Fool Me Twice Season 2

‘Fool Me Twice’ is a podcast about diamonds. Jules and Zara were approached by a woman in Hong Kong who owns a diamond business and had an incredibly compelling story to tell, full of twists and turns. Hearing her story, Zara became interested in diamonds themselves and started doing some digging. This podcast follows the story of that scam and attempts to unravel some of the shadier aspects of the diamond industry as a whole. We interview people related to the scam, diamond miners, scam experts

Jun 21, 2021 • 6:34

Bonus: Jackie and Javier watch Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

Bonus: Jackie and Javier watch Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

My friend Jackie grew up in an underground bunker. That's the only thing that can explain why she hasn't watched missed every classic movie to ever hit the silver screen.  Jackie's on a cinematic quest to watch movies that she's never seen before. From cult classics to iconic cinema, Jackie will finally be able to laugh at movie references...instead of just pretending to. Today, we're watching my favorite con artist movie, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. Check out more Jackie WAtches Stuff podcast: ht

Jun 8, 2021 • 1:14:51

Bonus: The Real I Love You Phillip Morris

Bonus: The Real I Love You Phillip Morris

I'm joined by Shea from the All Crime No Cattle podcast. We're talking about a Texas con artist who goes by Steven Russell and his partner Phillip Morris. This story is the inspiration for the movie and book titled "I love you Phillip Morris," starring Jim Carrey and Ewan McGregor. Story idea? If you have a story to share, email Javier at info [at] pretendradio [dot] org. Support the show To get early releases and bonus episodes, go to pretendradio.org/donate Learn more about your ad choices.

May 25, 2021 • 44:52

The Sham vol. 1

The Sham vol. 1

The Sham vol.1This week, I turn the mic over to you. Two listeners share stories about their run-in with a con artist.Our first story is from a long-time listener named Paul Schiffbauer Jr. He tells us about the time he learned the truth about the family business.Our second story is about a listener whose con artist husband destroyed her life.Links from the episode:Amusement Only by Paul Schiffbauer Sr.https://amzn.to/3uxsbtoDo you have a story to share?Leave me a voicemail 919-444-2800or email

May 11, 2021 • 36:09

The Liquor Guy

The Liquor Guy

There are two sides to Billy. There's Billy, who just wants to do the right thing. And then there's the criminal lurking from within.So which way did he go? Did Billy end up becoming a criminal? Or did he choose to be the good guy in his own story? Well, he decided to do both.If you've listened to this show long enough, you know I go to great lengths to fact-check my episodes. But today is different because it's tough to corroborate Billy's stories. And that's okay. One of my favorite movies is

Apr 27, 2021 • 31:32

S708: The Constable (Criminal Conduct)

S708: The Constable (Criminal Conduct)

This week's episode is actually the first episode of my other podcast CRIMINAL CONDUCT.I wanted you, PRETEND listeners to get a sneak peek before it's debut on April 16th. If you like this episode, subscribe to the CRIMINAL CONDUCT feed to listen to the full episode.--------Criminal Conduct is back with a brand new case.This season, John and Javier investigate a rogue constable in Kentucky who is accused of planting drugs, stealing money, and shaking people down.Like a police officer, a

Apr 13, 2021 • 42:45

The Lie Detector part 2

The Lie Detector part 2

Doug Williams, the former Oklahoma City police officer who is best known for his crusade against the polygraph industry, teaches an undercover federal agent how to beat the lie detector test. The agent confessed that he had sex with a minor and was smuggling drugs into a prison. Should Doug Williams continue the training? What if Doug William's techniques get into the wrong hands?Watch the undercover sting on YouTube.________Story idea?If you have a story to share, email Javier at javier@pretend

Mar 30, 2021 • 50:53

S706: The Lie Detector part 1

S706: The Lie Detector part 1

Learn how to cheat a polygraph test. Ex-cop, Doug Williams, says it's a lot easier than you think. Doug Williams is looking over his shoulder because, since 1979, he's been on a crusade to defeat the polygraph machine. In 1996, he started a website called polygraph.com, offering a handbook and one-on-one training teaching people how to pass the test. "There is no Pinocchio response. Your nose does not grow when you lie." - Doug Williams, polygraph criticAccording to Doug Williams, a lie

Mar 16, 2021 • 48:20

S705: The Word of Faith Fellowship Update

S705: The Word of Faith Fellowship Update

If you haven't listened to The Prophet series, start here:http://pretendradio.org/the-prophet-word-of-faith-fellowship-revisited/When I first started this podcast, I reported on a secretive church located in the foothills in western North Carolina called the Word of Faith Fellowship.The church is accused of being a cult and separating families—forcing them to break ties with non-believers.One teenager named Matthew Fenner pressed charges against five church ministers because he said the

Mar 2, 2021 • 1:14:39

S704: The Confident Woman

S704: The Confident Woman

Tori Telfer, author of Confident Women: Swindlers, Grifters, and Shapeshifters of the Feminine Persuasion joins us to talk about female con artists. Today, we're focusing on one of the women in her book—Bonny Lee Bakley, the wife of Hollywood actor Robert Blake.______Story idea?If you have a story to share, email Javier at javier@pretendradio.org.For more episodes like this, visit pretendradio.org.To get early releases and bonus episodes, go to pretendradio.org/donateToday's episode was

Feb 16, 2021 • 31:15

S703: The Pharmacist

S703: The Pharmacist

In today's episode, we're going to take another look at the opioid crisis, but this time from a pharmacist's perspective. But this is not just any pharmacist. Dan Schneider is a vigilante who helped bring down his son's killer, a pill mill, and one of Earth's largest pharmaceutical companies. Watch the Pharmacist on Netflix: https://www.netflix.com/title/81002576 ______ Today's episode was written by Javier Leiva and edited by Logan Castrodale. ______ Story idea? If you have a story to share,

Feb 2, 2021 • 43:26

The Pill Mill

The Pill Mill

A doctor caught trading prescriptions for cash leaves a trail of bodies behind. A respected anesthesiologist ran a pain-management clinic on the weekends out of a basement in Flushing Queens, New York.Each Saturday, Dr. Stan Li saw more than seventy patients a day, writing prescriptions for Oxycontin, Xanax, and other opioids.Today's episode features Charlotte Bismuth, author of Bad Medicine. LinksHere's a link to the Birth of a Con Man series.Also, subscribe to the new PRETEND YouTube channel f

Jan 19, 2021 • 46:35

S701: The Real Donnie Brasco

S701: The Real Donnie Brasco

Johnny Depp played Donnie Brasco in the Academy Award-nominated film. But the real-life story of Donnie Brasco is even more fascinating. Joe Pistone, an FBI agent, went deep undercover as Brasco and spent six years inside the Bonanno and Columbo crime families.The movie, if you remember, starts with Joe Pistone immediately infiltrating with the mob. In today's episode, we will talk about everything that happened before the movie even begins.What was Donnie Brasco's backstory? Where did

Jan 4, 2021 • 56:08

S611: The Santa Claus Man (Rebroadcast)

S611: The Santa Claus Man (Rebroadcast)

Brian Earl with the Christmas Past podcast shares a Christmas story you’ve probably never heard before. In the early 1900s, children’s letters to Santa Claus never made it to the North Pole. They landed in the dead letter office and were eventually destroyed. But along came John Gluck, a hustler who took these letters to Santa and turned it into an opportunity to get rich and famous. It’s the strange and true story of government agents, spies, an art thief, U.S. presidents, and gun-toting boy sc

Dec 22, 2020 • 47:14

S610: The Party Crasher

S610: The Party Crasher

Remember when we used to go out to parties? Well, since you can't really go out these days, today we're going to celebrate together. In this episode we're talking about party crashers.Act 1: How to crash a partyOur first story is about the art of crashing a party. What do you need to do to attend a party you weren't invited to without ever getting caught? Megan Gillikin a wedding planner and the host of the Wedding for Real Podcast shows us how.Act 2:The White House party crashersOur se

Dec 9, 2020 • 42:55

S609: The Treasure Hunter part 4

S609: The Treasure Hunter part 4

A real-life Indiana Jones?  The word on the street is that Michael Torres is Ph.D. by day and a treasure hunter by night. Torres claims he has an aeronautical engineering degree from Duke University. Don’t believe him? He has a photo of his diploma. Michael Torres also claims to have taught at MIT Lincoln Laboratory. He has the library card to prove it.  When he’s not in the classroom, Torres is out looking for treasure. He claims he raided catacombs in Turkey, he’s recovered one of Sir Francis

Nov 25, 2020 • 48:49

S608: The Treasure Hunter part 3

S608: The Treasure Hunter part 3

In this episode, Michael Torres discovers "a mass Jewish grave." But is it what he thinks it is? And I talk to the CEO of Seafarer Exploration to figure out why he hasn't found a single treasure in 13 years. -------Story idea? If you have a story to share, email Javier at info@pretendradio.org.For more episodes like this visit pretendradio.org.To get early releases and bonus episodes go to pretendradio.org/donate Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 11, 2020 • 1:01:55

S607: The Treasure Hunter part 2

S607: The Treasure Hunter part 2

A modern-day pirateMichael Torres is a self-proclaimed pirate. He says his most recent finds include the crown jewels of a pre-Incan civilization, a missing colonial settlement, and a desecrated Jewish burial site at Bonaventure cemetery. These larger-than-life discoveries have come into question. In today’s episode, we’ll follow the evidence to separate fact from fiction. Seafarer ExplorationMichael Torres is currently being sued by Seafarer Exploration, a treasure salvage company. The

Oct 30, 2020 • 49:28

S606: The Treasure Hunter part 1

S606: The Treasure Hunter part 1

A Florida treasure-hunting CEO says he was tricked by a conman. Seafarer Exploration, a treasure salvage company, has spent the last 13 years trying to find a 300-year-old Spanish galleon sunken off the coast of Florida. A galleon is a large sailboat, with multiple leveled decks, and 3 or 4 masts. These ships were designed to carry large treasures found in the new world and bring them back to Spain.  Lost treasure In 1715, a Spanish fleet loaded up with silver departed from Havana, Cuba. Seven d

Oct 16, 2020 • 42:07

S605: The Inheritance

S605: The Inheritance

A man says his best friend scammed him out of almost $100,000. Now, he's getting revenge.Jonathan Walton fell for the oldest trick in the book. He said, “It wasn't some Nigerian Prince emailing me in my spam folder. It was a living, breathing, lovable woman.” That lovable woman’s name is Mair Smyth. She’s also known as Marianne Smyth, or Marianne Andle, or Marianne Welch. She has 23 known aliases.The way Johnathan Walton describes her, Marianne Smyth is a gifted con artist who brilliant

Oct 2, 2020 • 52:31

S604: How to disappear part 4

S604: How to disappear part 4

Confessions of a former identity thief Dartanyon A. Williams stole his parents' identities at the age of 15. Unfortunately, they weren’t his last victims. Dartanyon, who also goes by DAW, claims he has stolen thousands of identities. So many that he lost count. How to steal someone’s identityHow did he do it? He had many tactics. But the most proven technique was paying off employees at restaurants, car dealerships, and tax preparation companies. These employees served as double agents.

Sep 18, 2020 • 54:53

S603: How to disappear part 3

S603: How to disappear part 3

In the last two episodes, you heard from Michael Bazzell a privacy expert whose job is to make people disappear. But who is he? Why is he so passionate about privacy? And how exactly does he make people disappear? I'm going to do my best to figure him out. It turns out Michael Bazzell eats his own dog food. He's pretty much an invisible man. I have no idea where he lives or what he looks like. I've spent hours talking to Michael these past few months hoping that he will slip up and let

Sep 4, 2020 • 1:02:11

S602: How to disappear part 2

S602: How to disappear part 2

In the last episode, we talked about the wrong way to disappear. Faking your own death rarely works. But did you know that there are real people out there who legitimately need to fade away into society? Who needs to disappear?There are many reasons to live anonymously. However, we’ve broken it down to four different archetypes: the executive, the celebrity, the victim, and the government employee. The executiveCEOs and business executives are easy targets. They take all the credit when

Aug 21, 2020 • 45:54

S601: How to disappear part 1

S601: How to disappear part 1

Did Olivia Newton-John’s Former Boyfriend Fake His Own Death?Faking your own death is almost always a bad idea. Hear the story of Patrick McDermott, Olivia Newton John’s boyfriend, who many believe staged his own death.  The wrong way to disappear People have been playing dead since the beginning of time. There’s really no way of knowing for how long this has been going on. But I can imagine that the illusion of dying is closely correlated with the concept of debt. If you owe someone lots of mon

Aug 7, 2020 • 41:37

Introducing Smoke Screen: Fake Priest

Introducing Smoke Screen: Fake Priest

While we wait for next week's episode on “How to disappear,” I wanted to share with you a brand new documentary podcast that I think you PRETENDERs will really like. It’s called Smoke Screen: Fake Priest.  Smoke Screen: Fake Priest is an investigative podcast about a priest named Ryan Scott. Father Ryan is a con man who also goes by the name Randall Stocks, Ryan Geh-vi-linger and SEVEN other names.   I don’t want to spoil it for you but you won’t believe the kinds of crimes he’s accused of. Th

Jul 30, 2020 • 9:11

S512: COVID-19 Scams: The Rattlesnake King

S512: COVID-19 Scams: The Rattlesnake King

The COVID-19 pandemic is a conman’s Super Bowl. In times like these, when there's so much uncertainty, snake oil salesmen are ready to promise you a cure.In this episode, you'll hear from a woman who takes one of these miracle drugs. I ask her why she takes it.Special thanks to:Joe Terrell with Instrument of Mercy https://instrumentofmercy.com/A Concerned Citizen and host of SwindledSources:https://www.who.int/csr/don/2011_11_24/en/https://wayback.archive-it.org/7993/20170722143956/http

Jun 16, 2020 • 42:30

S511: COVID-19 Scams: How to Steal a Stimulus Check

S511: COVID-19 Scams: How to Steal a Stimulus Check

COVID-19 Scams I wasn’t expecting to be back with a new PRETEND episode so soon. In fact, I’m still wrapping up the final episodes for my new show called CRIMINAL CONDUCT. But the world around us has changed. And scammers are on the prowl.  If you live in the US, chances are you probably received your stimulus payment. It went either straight into your bank account through direct deposit. Or some of you may have cashed the check that you received in the mail.  We’re talking about much-needed mon

May 26, 2020 • 37:35

Inside Criminal Conduct

Inside Criminal Conduct

//Criminal Conduct debuts on March 23rd.//Get an inside look into the making of the new podcast. Thank you to Jerri Williams from FBI Retired Case File Review for helping us with this bonus episode.You can listen to the episode one now on Patreon.https://www.patreon.com/posts/34832524Subscribe to Criminal Conduct now so you won't miss an episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 16, 2020 • 20:03

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT: Criminal Conduct

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT: Criminal Conduct

On September 2nd, 2010, 24 year-old Michelle O’Connell broke up with her boyfriend, St. Johns County Sheriff’s Deputy, Jeremy Banks. Minutes later, she was dead.The St. Johns Sheriff’s Office quickly ruled the case a suicide, without examining crucial forensic evidence or interviewing any key witnesses. A medical examiner ruled her death a homicide, yet other investigations failed to gain traction.Her boyfriend, Deputy Jeremy Banks was never charged and is still working as a St. Johns C

Feb 3, 2020 • 2:48

S510: The Joe Schmo Show

S510: The Joe Schmo Show

The Joe Schmo Show is a real-life Truman Show—where everyone is an actor except one unsuspecting guy. It’s a reality show within a reality show. The series everyone watched on SPIKE TV was called The Joe Schmo show. But the show Matt Kennedy Gould thought he was participating in was called The Lap of Luxury—a Big Brother style television show. He had no idea that the people he was living with were all actors. The series was created by Paul Wernick and Rhett Reese (Deadpool). It was host

Jan 14, 2020 • 1:00:19

S509: The Santa Claus Man

S509: The Santa Claus Man

A con artist save ChristmasBrian Earl with the Christmas Past podcast shares a Christmas story you’ve probably never heard before. In the early 1900s, children’s letters to Santa Claus never made it to the North Pole. They landed in the dead letter office and were eventually destroyed.But along came John Gluck, a hustler who took these letters to Santa and turned it into an opportunity to get rich and famous.It’s the strange and true story of government agents, spies, an art thief, U.S.

Dec 18, 2019 • 43:38

S508: The Prank Call part 4

S508: The Prank Call part 4

PrankNet is a network of online terrorists who performed crank calls which caused thousands of dollars worth in damages.These cruel prank phone calls created anxiety and fear for anyone who picked up the phone. PrankNet victims destroyed hotel rooms, set off fire alarms, and flooded rooms by damaging the sprinkler system. In part 3, you heard actual Pranknet prank calls. In part 4, you’ll hear from a former prank caller who says she was one of the architects behind Pranknet’s most despi

Dec 4, 2019 • 34:13

S507: The Prank Call part 3

S507: The Prank Call part 3

When does a prank call go too far? When it leads to sexual abuse and thousands of dollars worth of destruction. PrankNetThe punks at Pranknet are believed to be responsible for tens of thousands of dollars worth in damages. They often called restaurants making employees set off sprinklers systems and fire alarms. Sometimes they would even call hotel guests directly and convince them to shatter hotel windows.An ESPN reporter falls for a Pranknet hoaxNobody is safe from PrankNet's mayhem.

Nov 20, 2019 • 39:13

S506: The Prank Call part 2

S506: The Prank Call part 2

A prank call leads to a 2-hour strip-search at a fast-food restaurantA prank caller posing as a cop calls a manager at a Hardee's Restaurant in Rapid City, South Dakota. He tells the store manager that one of his employees stole money from a customer. Instead of calling the real police, the manager decides to strip search the employee. This prank call went on for more than 2 hours.I spoke with the manager of that restaurant to find out why he obeyed the prank caller's every demand.Searc

Nov 6, 2019 • 41:28

S505: The Prank Call part 1

S505: The Prank Call part 1

Disclaimer: We will be talking about sexual abuse and other disturbing topics. Listener discretion is advised. Strip-search hoax A prank caller pretending to be a police officer instructed fast-food managers to strip-search female employees forcing them to jog naked, do jumping jacks and perform other humiliating acts. He made more than 70 of these calls in the United States over a 12-year period. Why do we obey? Some of the managers were charged with rape and kidnapping as a result of these pr

Oct 23, 2019 • 49:00

S504: The Cousins part 2

S504: The Cousins part 2

The most bizarre cyberstalking story you’ll ever hear Susan Fensten is a victim of cyberstalking. Distant family members and ex-cons bombarded her with harassing emails. She felt cornered and there was nothing she could do about it. Rapists and Stalkers and cannibals, oh my. Two ex-cons convicted of raping a woman were sending her threatening emails. They even invited her to the Fall Slaughter an event hosted by a cannibalistic cult from upstate New York. The plan was to eat her alive. It was

Oct 9, 2019 • 49:16

S503: The Cousins part 1

S503: The Cousins part 1

This is not your typical internet stalker story. Susan Fensten's tale is one of torture, rape, bondage, cannibalism, and murder. It’s just plain cruel.  It all started when Susan began looking for distant family members on a genealogy site. While trying to fill the gaps with her family tree, she found herself tangled in a web of lies. Her newfound cousin, Leonard Nachman, bombarded her with pornographic emails and a picture of himself masturbating while wearing nylon bodysuits. It was distu

Sep 25, 2019 • 50:11

The Sugar Daddy part 2

The Sugar Daddy part 2

Alan Canty spent most of his lunch breaks rendezvousing with an 18-year-old sex worker named Dawn Spens in the seedy streets of downtown Detroit. His wife Jan Canty had no idea he was living a double-life.A real-life Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde sagaAlan Canty was a prominent psychologist but to Dawn, and her pimp John “Lucky” Fry, he was known as Dr. Alan Miller. He developed an alter ego in order to protect his two worlds from colliding. However, secrets can’t last forever. One day, Alan Canty’s lo

Sep 11, 2019 • 51:42

S501: The Sugar Daddy part 1

S501: The Sugar Daddy part 1

1980s Prostitution in the Streets of DetroitBack in the 1980s, Mark Bando was a Detroit police officer working the streets of Detroit. His assignment was to keep tabs on women forced into prostitution, their pimps, and the sugar daddies who kept them in business. Dawn Spens was one of those women. We follow their interlaced story.Dawn’s sugar daddy was a prominent psychologist named Alan Canty. He would meet her for sex during his lunch break. This relationship went on for two years. Me

Aug 28, 2019 • 34:44

Bonus: For Keeps - Paul Goresh, the Beatles Collector Who Befriended John Lennon

Bonus: For Keeps - Paul Goresh, the Beatles Collector Who Befriended John Lennon

I want to introduce you to one of the most curious podcasts out there. It’s my friend’s show called For Keeps. It has nothing to do with Pretend, but I think you’ll love it. David Peterkofsky, the host of For Keeps, finds some of the world's most interesting collectors and tells the stories behind their collections. This episode is one of my favorites. It’s about a man who was stalking John Lennon outside of the Dakota apartment building in New York City—but it’s not who you think it is. If yo

Aug 14, 2019 • 1:04:43

S411: The Norco Bank Heist part 2

S411: The Norco Bank Heist part 2

The Norco Security Pacific Bank heist was just the beginning. The thief in the nightGeorge Smith and his friend Chris Harven decided to rob a bank in Norco, California. And just like in the movies, these bank robbers charged into the bank and demanded all the money. Except, it was a Friday afternoon, and the vault was pretty much empty.In part one of The Norco Bank Heist, we left off as the bank robbers blasted away the Sheriff Deputies arriving at the scene.DoomsdayPeter Houlahan, auth

Jul 31, 2019 • 1:05:42

S410: The Norco Bank Heist part 1

S410: The Norco Bank Heist part 1

This is the story of the 1980 Norco bank robbery—one of the most violent bank heists in U.S. history. Remarkably, only three people died. However, 30 police cars and one helicopter were torn apart by bullets.In this episode, you’re going to hear from some of the people who were there that day at the Security Pacific Bank.This wasn’t your typical bank robbery. George Smith, the mastermind behind the heist, believed the rapture was coming.His gang of bank robbers was armed with military-g

Jul 19, 2019 • 53:09

S409: The Psychic Vampires

S409: The Psychic Vampires

Susan Gerbic says that psychics are grief vampires—taking advantage of our broken hearts. She asks, “Why isn’t anybody doing something about this?” Susan Gerbic is just like you and me. She has a normal job working as a baby photographer. But at night, she is a badass vigilante hunting psychics. Susan says, “One of my favorite things to do is try to expose people we call grief vampires. People who claim to speak to the dead.” Her motivation is not to settle a vendetta. In fact, she says she’s

Jul 3, 2019 • 42:05

The Psychic Kids (James Randi and Project Alpha)

The Psychic Kids (James Randi and Project Alpha)

In 1979, two high school kids claiming to be psychic managed to fool parapsychology researchers at Washington University using simple magic tricks and sleight of hand. Little did the scientists know, these kids were just amateur magicians pulling a fast one on them.Today, these kids are grown. Their names are Steve Shaw, who now goes by the stage name Banachek, and Mike Edwards. But back in 1979, they were seen as boys with exceptional abilities. They were planted in the parapsychology research

Jun 19, 2019 • 43:14

S407: The Psychic Spy (featuring Uri Geller)

S407: The Psychic Spy (featuring Uri Geller)

In 2017, The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) released more than 12 million pages of declassified documents online. Some of these documents pertained to the self-proclaimed psychic spy Uri Geller. The documents revealed a CIA funded study at the Stanford Research Institute revolving around psychokinesis. Psychokinesis is the ability for someone to move objects with the power of their minds. Why in the world would the CIA, arguably the world’s most elite spy agency, want to study psychi

Jun 5, 2019 • 1:01:56

The Bounty Hunter Part 2

The Bounty Hunter Part 2

Jack Saltarelli is a bounty hunter who also happens to be a former fugitive. In part one of the Bounty Hunter, a judge sentenced Jack to 20 years in prison for a drug offense. After failing to appeal the judge’s decision, Jack decided he wasn’t going back to prison.Instead, Jack Saltarelli moved to Pennsylvania and started cooking meth in a mountainside cabin. When he wasn't cooking meth, Jack was hiding in plain sight on national television. He was volunteering as a search and rescue crew membe

May 22, 2019 • 45:24

S405: The Bounty Hunter Part 1

S405: The Bounty Hunter Part 1

Jack Saltarelli is a bounty hunter. His job is to hunt down fugitives. Any given day, he’s going after rapist, murderers, and people who skip court. Most bounty hunters carry lethal weapons, but not Jack. He goes door-to-door carrying a stun gun and a training revolver that fires rubber bullets. You may be asking yourself what’s the difference between a cop and a bounty hunter? First, bounty hunters have more authority than local police. Cops have jurisdictions, and they need warrants i

May 7, 2019 • 39:31

S404: The Soccer Mom

S404: The Soccer Mom

Every night, Marie Walsh had the same nightmare.If only she could roll over and tell her husband the truth. But she can’t. Tonight, she’s going to have to suffer alone.Marie says, "I had a dream where they were chasing me and chasing me." But one night, Marie's nightmare was different."I finally got away. I was finally free, and they wouldn't be able to catch me. And I woke up feeling really happy. After all those years of being a nightmare, I'd finally gotten away."But what was Marie r

Apr 24, 2019 • 40:06

S403: The One Who Got Away

S403: The One Who Got Away

Peter Pan syndrome is when someone refuses to grow up. It’s neither a disease nor a recognized mental disorder—it’s just a state of mind. Today, you're going to meet a man who became a fugitive in order to live in his very own Neverland.Larry Douglas Jones is not your typical fugitive. He had a wife and three kids. And to be honest, he's not a dangerous man. He became overwhelmed with life and decided to run away.This is the first in a series of stories about fugitives running from the

Apr 10, 2019 • 57:35

S402: The Shawcross Letters

S402: The Shawcross Letters

Arthur Shawcross is one of America's most notorious serial killers. This is the story about one of his closest friends. Who do you turn to when your deepest fantasies involve murder and cannibalism? It's an affliction most people can't relate to—unless you're a serial killer. For John Paul Fay, that confidant was a killer named Arthur Shawcross. In a series of letters, Fay confesses to Shawcross his desire to kill, yet he never crosses that line.My friend John Taylor interviewed John Pa

Feb 20, 2019 • 48:10

S401: The Commander

S401: The Commander

Abby Ellin didn't know it yet, but the man she was about to marry was a compulsive liar living a double life. She was duped—hard. In this bonus episode, we talk about her story and why she's now obsessed with con artists. Abby Ellin is a New York Times contributor and author of Duped: Double Lives, False Identities and the Conman I Almost Married.  ____________ Stick around to the end of the episode to listen to a preview of Pretend season 4.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoic

Jan 30, 2019 • 33:00

S311: The Prophet – Matthew Fenner vs. the Word of Faith Fellowship Cult Part 2

S311: The Prophet – Matthew Fenner vs. the Word of Faith Fellowship Cult Part 2

Let’s say a man speaks to another man. Perhaps he looks at him for too long or laughs at his joke. That’s gay. Maybe you’re standing too close. It doesn’t matter. If I’m a Word of Faith fellowship member and I think you’re gay—then you’re gay. I don’t have to prove it–I know it. And I can’t let you suffer from those gay demons. I have to pray for you to release the gay spirits out of you. And the way we pray at the Word of Faith Fellowship is through loud prayers. And it’s not only me p

Dec 4, 2018 • 38:31

S310: The Prophet – Matthew Fenner vs. the Word of Faith Fellowship Cult Part 1

S310: The Prophet – Matthew Fenner vs. the Word of Faith Fellowship Cult Part 1

Jane Whaley recently turned 80-years-old. Obviously, the Word of Faith Fellowship can’t go on forever. At least not the way we know of it today. So, who’s taking over? Can it go on without Jane Whaley’s vision and authority? Or will it all just fall apart? John Huddle, a former member, says that Jane’s biological daughter Robin Webster is believed to take over the church. But he suspects that, when Jane Whaley dies, there will be a power struggle within the church.The case against the Word of Fa

Nov 27, 2018 • 32:23

S309: The Prophet – Inside the Mind of Cult Leader Jane Whaley

S309: The Prophet – Inside the Mind of Cult Leader Jane Whaley

Christina Bryant is about to go face-to-face with the real Jane Whaley. In my previous episode, I got to see the political side of Jane—the Jane she wanted the world to meet. Christina, on the other hand, is about to talk with the real Jane Whaley—the one everyone fears. And she got it all on tape.Christina Bryant went undercover inside the Word of Faith Fellowship. She’s wearing a hidden microphone. It’s been 6 years since she last step foot in the church. You see, Christina is a forme

Nov 20, 2018 • 48:50

S308: The Prophet - Meet Cult Leader Jane Whaley Part 3

S308: The Prophet - Meet Cult Leader Jane Whaley Part 3

The world first learned about the Word of Faith Fellowship after an Inside Edition exposé in 1995. The investigation, led by the Trinity Foundation, revealed accusations of abuse within the church. Watch the Inside Edition story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YwE5fBT9RYEJane Whaley's quiet little kingdom was suddenly in the spotlight. Hidden cameras captured Jane's signature screaming prayer. Church members told Inside Edition that they would strap children to chairs so they wouldn't

Nov 14, 2018 • 46:32

S307: The Prophet - Meet Jane Whaley Part 2

S307: The Prophet - Meet Jane Whaley Part 2

Previously on Pretend Radio, I came face-to-face with pastor Jane Whaley of the Word of Faith Fellowship. When I arrived, we met in her office for a few minutes before the church service began. I was surprised by everyone's friendliness. Suddenly, the music started playing and we knew it was time to head into the main sanctuary. Jane Whaley held my hand as we walked down a long hallway towards the service. As we inched closer to the sanctuary, the music got louder and louder—it was ear

Nov 7, 2018 • 55:06

S306: The Prophet - Meet Cult Leader Jane Whaley Part 1

S306: The Prophet - Meet Cult Leader Jane Whaley Part 1

As far as I know, I'm the first journalist who has ever interviewed pastor Jane Whaley. Heck, I might be the only member of the media to have attended church service. How was I able to pull this off? The short answer is, I have no idea. In fact, when the executive producer of the upcoming A&E series on Word of Faith Fellowship found out about my exclusive interview, he gave me a call. He asked me, "I just want to know one thing... how did you do it?" I told him, "I just asked nicely?" (UPDATE: A

Oct 31, 2018 • 33:07

S305: The Prophet - Brazil and the Word of Faith Cult

S305: The Prophet - Brazil and the Word of Faith Cult

Did you know that the Word of Faith Fellowship has nearly 2,000 members internationally? They have affiliate churches all over the world including Brazil, Sweden, Scotland, and other countries.Brazil is by far the biggest territory ruled under Jane Whaley’s kingdom. They have churches in two southeastern Brazilian cities. The first church is in Soa Joaquim de Bicas which is about 6 hours north of Rio de Janeiro. They also have second church in Franco de Rocha which is an hour outside of

Oct 24, 2018 • 35:42

S304: The Prophet - Allegations of Cult Abuse and Corruption

S304: The Prophet - Allegations of Cult Abuse and Corruption

When Nancy Burnette was appointed by the courts to be a guardian ad litem, she knew her job wasn’t going to be easy. A guardian ad litem is someone who represents kids in the foster care system. It’s her job to place children in homes with the right parents. If she doesn’t get right, her decision can cause lasting damage on these vulnerable children.This was a challenge Nancy was willing to take.So, put yourself in Nancy’s shoes for a second. If you had to place a child in the custody o

Oct 17, 2018 • 34:34

S303: The Prophet - Former Cult Members Speak Out

S303: The Prophet - Former Cult Members Speak Out

On April 7th, 2018, more than a dozen former Word of Faith Fellowship members reunited at the Spindale House in Rutherford County, North Carolina.It was an opportunity for former members to answer lingering questions for the citizens in the community. But in reality, it was probably an event designed to make good television for the documentary crew filming the whole thing. When I walked into the room, I expected a small gathering with a few chairs. Instead, I counted 6 professional vide

Oct 10, 2018 • 26:12

S302: The Prophet - Who is cult leader Jane Whaley?

S302: The Prophet - Who is cult leader Jane Whaley?

Who is Jane Whaley? Jane Whaley is the pastor at the Word of Faith Fellowship—a conservative, charismatic Christian church. Those who have left the church describe her as a ruthless cult leader. But, we don't know much about her. Where did she come from? How did she assume power? I spoke with John Huddle, a former Word of Faith Fellowship member, to learn more about Jane Whaley's past. To learn more visit pretendradio.org   --Promo-- All Crime No Cattle   --Music-- Thechicken.net   Learn more ab

Oct 3, 2018 • 34:35

S301: The Prophet - Word of Faith Fellowship Cult Revisited

S301: The Prophet - Word of Faith Fellowship Cult Revisited

Season 3: The Prophet - Word of Faith Fellowship RevisitedI’m back with a whole new season of Pretend Radio. But this time it’s going to be a little different. Instead of telling you a different story each episode, I decided to do a serialize season where I tell you a single story, one episode at a time. So what is it about? It’s about the first episode I aired on this show—the Word of Faith Fellowship church.Back in season one, I met up with a man who says he escaped the cult. His name

Sep 28, 2018 • 1:02:39

S213: The Hijacker, Part 2 - Martin McNally

S213: The Hijacker, Part 2 - Martin McNally

Martin McNally needed some cash, so what did he do? He hijacked an American Airlines flight with 90 passengers on board.If you haven’t listened to part one, check that out first.Today’s episode, picks up where we last left off. It’s 1972, and Martin McNally just hijacked a plane heading to Tulsa, Oklahoma. His plan was simple… Demand a half a million dollars, jump out of the plane, and disappear into the darkness of night.After 15 seconds of freefall, McNally pulls the ripcord. He begin

Jul 24, 2018 • 43:59

S212: The Hijacker, Part 1 - Martin McNally

S212: The Hijacker, Part 1 - Martin McNally

Martin McNally is going to hijack this plane and nobody, not even the FBI, is going to stop him. In today’s episode, Martin McNally recounts his 1972 hijacking of an American Airlines flight heading to Tulsa, Oklahoma. His plan was simple—sneak a submachine gun onboard a 727 jet, demand a half-million dollars in cash, and escape with a parachute. And he almost got away with it.  Martin McNally’s story is gripping and will have you at the edge of your seat. He was inspired by the infamo

Jul 18, 2018 • 43:12

S211: The Jolly Roger Social Club

S211: The Jolly Roger Social Club

You may remember Sharon McConnell-Dickerson from episode 8 titled “The Sculptor.” You know, the blind artist who casts the faces of dying blues musicians. When we first recorded that episode, she told me a story that quite frankly was hard to believe. It sounded like something out of a movie. In fact, it should be turned into a movie. It’s one of the most sadistic con artist stories I’ve ever heard. And warning, this episode is pretty dark. So if you don’t like that kinda stuff, you’ve

Jul 4, 2018 • 37:55

Pretend Radio Anniversary Bonus Episode

Pretend Radio Anniversary Bonus Episode

Guess what? Pretend Radio turns one year old this month. So I thought it would be cool to replay some old guest interviews I've done on other shows.  (01:00) Generation Why Podcast Interview - I talk about Vester Flanagan, the reporter who murdered the news crew live on television(14:23) Maurer Glass Podcast Interview - Learn how I find my guests and behind the scenes insights(30:22) The Live Canary Interview - I traded a story for a beer I'll be back soon with a new episode. In the mea

Jun 19, 2018 • 38:31

The Babalawo - Secrets of Santeria

The Babalawo - Secrets of Santeria

Today's episode "The Babalawo" is about Santeria… the faith, not the song.Unlike the pop tune, not a lot of people know about this mysterious religion. Santería, also known as Regla de Ochá, La Regla de Ifá, or Lucumí, is an Afro-Cuban religion that means the worship of saints.So, you maybe asking yourself, “Javier, where’s the pretend angle here?” Well, this religion in particular gives me the heebie jeebies. I feel like people visit these Santeria priests like if they’re fortune tellers. Are t

Jun 6, 2018 • 46:35

S209: The Good Cop, Bad Cop

S209: The Good Cop, Bad Cop

How does a good cop turn bad? For Ruben Palomares, a former corrupt LAPD Rampart division officer, the process was slow. He went from receiving LAPD’s highest honor to becoming one of the most corrupt cops in US history.Officer Palomares’ story begins with his first undercover assignment. In the late 1980s there was this show called 21 Jump Street. Johnny Depp starred in it. It was about undercover cops, who pretended to be students, in order to bust drug dealers in schools.But did you

May 22, 2018 • 39:39

S208: The Stranger

S208: The Stranger

A lie is only powerful if you choose to believe it. So why do we fall for it every time? In this episode, we’ll hear four different stories. Each describes a tall tale, so persistent, that it’s hard to imagine someone keeping all the lies straight in their head.   Each one of these stories reminds me of the movie The Truman Show. It seems like everyone I spoke with lived in a world carefully created just for them.   Now it’s time to ask you. Have you ever been lied to? Or have you ever told a li

May 9, 2018 • 34:12

S207: The Gambler Part 2 - Art Schlichter

S207: The Gambler Part 2 - Art Schlichter

Previously on Pretend Radio, we learned how Art Schlichter’s gambling habits destroyed Anita Barney life. She went from being the wealthy widow of a Wendy’s CEO to becoming broke and struggling to pay her light bill. In part two of The Gambler, we’re going to talk about how Anita went from being Art Schlichter’s victim to his accomplice. You can find Anita Barney's memoir titled "Quarterback Sneak: Exposing the Criminal Game Plan of Art Schlichter" on Amazon. Learn more about your ad choices. Vi

Mar 13, 2018 • 21:04

S206: The Gambler Part 1 - Art Schlichter

S206: The Gambler Part 1 - Art Schlichter

This is the story of disgraced Ohio State quarterback Art Schlichter.In order to understand Art Schlichter’s crimes, you first have to understand how his story ends. Anita Barney, heiress and widow of a former Wendy’s CEO, lost every single penny her husband left her. Art Schlichter and Anita BarneyHow did it happen? Art Schlichter gambled away her entire fortune. This episode was written and produced by Javier LeivaMusic by:Cylinder Eight by Chris ZabriskieCareless Morning, Bivly, Pxl

Mar 7, 2018 • 21:16

S205: The Reporter - Vester Flanagan

S205: The Reporter - Vester Flanagan

Warning, this episode may be disturbing for some listeners. It describes a shooting that resulted in the death of two people. While this story is not technically about a mass shooting, it has every characteristic of one. This is the story of Bryce Williams, the reporter who murdered Alison Parker and Adam Ward live on television. It turns out Bryce Williams is not his real name. Bryce Williams is just a pseudonym for his on air personality. The killer’s real name is Vester Flanagan.  Le

Feb 28, 2018 • 27:59

S204: The Taker

S204: The Taker

Karl comes from a long line of con men. He says both his grandfather and father were swindlers. It's only natural that Karl slipped into the family business. In today's episode, Karl talks about bribing corrupt company building managers. He says he sold them cheap light bulbs, trash can liners, and cleaning supplies at a premium price. In exchange for buying overpriced products, Karl would send these building managers gifts and cash.  He made lots of money working as a B2B telemarketer. He even

Feb 20, 2018 • 26:38

S203: The Boy and the Girl

S203: The Boy and the Girl

Candis Cox and her husband Adam live in North Carolina. This is their love story. Their story is unremarkable in many ways. They met at a bar, went on a date, and eventually married after years of dating. What makes this story special is listening to them retell it. But love doesn’t come without sacrifice. This is a story about being your true self, even when the world is making you pretend to be someone else. The boy and the girl was written and produced by Javier Leiva and Wendy Gatli

Feb 14, 2018 • 20:32

S202: The Snake Oil Salesman Part 2 - Curing Autism

S202: The Snake Oil Salesman Part 2 - Curing Autism

Last time, I spoke with a group of women who drink a bleach-type chemical that they claim cures everything from cancer to depression. I soon discovered that parents are forcefully giving bleach enemas to kids with autism. In this episode, I interview Kerri Rivera, the woman leading this movement, and find out why she thinks this chlorine dioxide treatment is the cure for autism. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 7, 2018 • 26:46

S201: The Snake Oil Salesman Part 1 - Curing cancer & depression

S201: The Snake Oil Salesman Part 1 - Curing cancer & depression

I stumbled upon a group of people who self-medicate with chlorine dioxide, a bleach like substance. They claim it cures everything from headaches, malaria, HIV, & cancer. In this episode, you'll hear from the man who discovered the "miracle cure" and from the people who take it. Thanks to Chris Cogswell w/ the Mad Scientist Podcast & Dr. Zuckerman with the TOXnow Podcast. toxnow.org/ themadscientistpodcast.com/ The Disgraceland Podcast disgracelandpod.libsyn.com/ Learn more about your ad choices

Jan 31, 2018 • 25:19

S111: The Bigamist

S111: The Bigamist

Mary Turner Thomas says she married a bigamist. She claims her husband, William Allen Jordan, was involved with 8 different women and fathered 13 kids. At one point, he had two wives, two fiances and a girlfriend on both sides of the Atlantic. William Allen Jordan and Mary Turner Thomson How in the world did Mary not know about these other relationships? How can one man pull off a con this big? It's easy to dismiss Mary as being naive. However, William Jordan was a skilled con man. Once you list

Sep 13, 2017 • 33:17

S110: The Pretender Part 2 - Undercover FBI Agent Marc Ruskin

S110: The Pretender Part 2 - Undercover FBI Agent Marc Ruskin

The Pretender - Marc Ruskin FBI undercover agent Remember the name Marc Ruskin: because if you run into him, chances are he will introduce himself as Alex Perez, H. Marc Renard, or Sal Morelli – just a few of his FBI undercover personas. Marc Ruskin started his career as an assistant DA in Brooklyn and left it all behind to join the FBI Academy. It didn’t take him long to become an FBI undercover agent. His first big undercover case landed him in Wall Street busting up trading scams. Th

Sep 5, 2017 • 26:00

S109: The Pretender Part 1 - Undercover FBI Agent Marc Ruskin

S109: The Pretender Part 1 - Undercover FBI Agent Marc Ruskin

Before Marc Ruskin was an undercover FBI agent, he was an assistant DA in Brooklyn. Why did he give up his career as a powerful attorney to join the FBI academy? Well, in order to prosecute criminals, you have to catch them first. It didn’t take long for Marc to become an undercover agent. For 27 years, he slipped into various different characters busting criminals ranging from drug dealers to Wall Street insiders. At one point, Marc was juggling three or four cases at a time – switchin

Aug 27, 2017 • 19:26

S108: The Sculptor

S108: The Sculptor

Sharon McConnell-Dickerson is preserving the Mississippi Delta blues with her own two hands. She's doing it by creating molds of some of the most influential blues musicians of our time. The lifecasts include a mask of Bobby “Blue” Bland, Little Milton from Memphis, “Honeyboy” Edwards from Chicago, and Pinetop Perkins from Clarksdale, just to name a few – almost 60 musicians total. http://mcconnelldickersonart.com/blues-lifecast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adcho

Aug 23, 2017 • 23:11

S107: The Real Estate Agent - Part 2 - Todd Kohlhepp

S107: The Real Estate Agent - Part 2 - Todd Kohlhepp

South Carolina serial killer Todd Kohlhepp confesses to the Superbike Motorsports mass murder. This is part 2 of "The Real Estate Agent." I suggest starting with part 1. It was a Thursday morning. Kohlhepp walked into the Superbike motorsports store and started scoping out the place. He’s not shopping for motorcycle. He’s looking for his next victims. Kohlhepp: "I got there. Not everybody was there. I went in sat on a few bikes, did my usual. Basically buying for time. And doing my best to make

Aug 10, 2017 • 22:47

S106: The Real Estate Agent Part 1 - Todd Kohlhepp

S106: The Real Estate Agent Part 1 - Todd Kohlhepp

This week’s story is about self-professed serial killer Todd Kohlhepp. What’s terrifying about Todd Kohlhepp? He’s not the type of serial killer you see in the movies. He doesn’t collect body parts in his fridge. He doesn’t taunt the media with riddles. He seems like a normal guy who owns a successful real estate company. Listen as his last surviving victim describes how he killed her boyfriend and locked her up in a shipping container for weeks. And that's just the beginning.   SUBSCRIBE NOW Ap

Aug 9, 2017 • 27:27

S105: Birth of a Con Man Part 2 - Opioid epidemic

S105: Birth of a Con Man Part 2 - Opioid epidemic

Previously on Pretend Radio we witnessed the birth of a con man.A man started his criminal career as a street thug and worked his way up to car insurance scam artist. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 27, 2017 • 19:38

Birth of a Con Man Part 1

Birth of a Con Man Part 1

In part one of the Birth of a Con Man, hear how man became a career criminal—a con-man. First, he started scamming auto insurance companies. Then the con got bigger and more elaborate. You see, that’s how it works. Once a con man gets away with it, they have to do it again. But the next time, the con is bigger and more complex. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 25, 2017 • 23:27

S103: The Prophet Part 3 - Word of Faith Fellowship

S103: The Prophet Part 3 - Word of Faith Fellowship

In the Prophet part 3, we’ll look at the Word of Faith Fellowship from a completely different lens. We’ll hear from current sect members and get their version of the story. Plus, you'll hear the latest on trial against five ministers accused of beating and kidnapping Michael Fenner. If you enjoy the show, consider donating a dollar: https://patreon.com/user?u=5971503&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&utm_campaign=creatorshare2 Follow us on: Twitter: @pretend_radio Facebook: www.facebook.com/P

Jun 22, 2017 • 21:56

S102: The Prophet Part 2 - Word of Faith Fellowship

S102: The Prophet Part 2 - Word of Faith Fellowship

John Cooper remembers one of the Word of Faith Fellowship ministers commanding him to beat his wife. He also describes his family’s attempt to what he describes as a cult. Then it finally happened. John escaped. We’ll listen to secret recordings of pastor Jane Whaley trying to lure him back.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 20, 2017 • 23:02

S101: The Prophet Part 1 - Word of Faith Fellowship

S101: The Prophet Part 1 - Word of Faith Fellowship

///UPDATE/// Start with Season 3, episode 1. After covering this cult, I was personally invited by the cult leader to spend the day with her. You won't want to miss it. ///UPDATE/// The Prophet part 1 explores The Word of Faith Fellowship. You will hear about the accused cult leader, Pastor Jane Whaley, who many inside the sect believe is a prophet with direct communication with God. John Cooper describes the day 20 to 30 sect members surrounded and attacked him. He also shares secret recordi

Jun 6, 2017 • 24:31

PRETEND Podcast Trailer

PRETEND Podcast Trailer

PRETEND is a documentary-style podcast about con artists and real people pretending to be someone else.  Javier Leiva interviews real con artists, snake oil salesmen, and former cult members–anyone living a lie. PRETEND is consistently in the top True Crime Podcasts in U.S., UK, Canada, and Australia.  It has been featured in the New York Times, the BBC, and New York Magazine. In 2018, Vulture named PRETEND one of the top 52 True Crime podcasts in the U.S. Learn more about your ad choices. Vi

Jun 4, 2017 • 1:56

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