When I was eight months old, I pulled a rice cooker full of boiling water and oil off the kitchen counter, and it spilled down the left side of my body. I still have the third-degree burn scars, but I have no memory of it happening. So I booked a session with a hypnotherapist in Raleigh to see if regressive hypnosis could take me back to that kitchen. Before I go under, I try to answer a question: what is hypnosis, really? Listeners tell me how it helped them quit smoking, switch careers, and get through childbirth without an epidural. A hypnotist tells me what she believes the mind can heal. This is Part 1 of a four-part series. Keep listening on Spotify: Part 2: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1yPCr0SVefi5vT1BDGYakK Part 3: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4UquzkRVaDn1k4FOTn9Pwe Part 4: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5Ecb3wRhrS1WffWu5bpOFD Who’s Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey is back with three new episodes. Part 19 is available on Patreon right now: https://www.patreon.com/pretendradio/posts/whos-afraid-of-174853114. Everyone else can hear it next week. Have you been hypnotized? Send me a voice memo at javier@thisispretend.com. Get early access and bonus content: PRETEND+ on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/channel/pretend/id6443456985 Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/pretendradio Written and Produced by Javier Leiva Music by Joe Basile | thechicken.net © 2026 Creative Babble LLC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Growing up Catholic in Miami, I heard all kinds of stories about Santeria. People talked about dead chickens on doorsteps, curses, and spirits taking over people’s bodies. Even the people who didn’t practice it all said the same thing: “I don’t believe in Santeria, but I respect it.” That’s enough to terrify a little Cuban kid, and honestly, it still scares me. So I went back to my hometown to face that fear. My mom is a lifelong Catholic who has quietly started visiting a babalawo (or babalao, as we say in Miami), and she takes me to meet Fernando, the Santeria priest who told her things she swears he had no way of knowing. Santeria, also known as Lucumí or Regla de Ocha, is an Afro-Cuban religion with roots in West Africa’s Yoruba culture. Fernando explains how enslaved people in Cuba kept their orishas alive behind the faces of Catholic saints. Then he takes me to a botanica hidden in a residential neighborhood, where the animals for sacrifice wait in their cages. I also sit down with Cynthia Duncan, Ph.D., a scholar of Cuban culture who is also an initiated priestess. She explains what the orishas are, why the rituals are secret on purpose, what really happens during an animal sacrifice, and whether Santeria can ever be used to hurt someone. This episode first aired back when the show was called Pretend Radio. College professors still play it in their classrooms, and it’s still one of the most personal stories I’ve ever told. About our guest: Cynthia Duncan, Ph.D., is Professor Emeritus of Hispanic Studies at the University of Washington Tacoma. She has spent more than 35 years studying Latin American literature, film and culture, with a focus on Mexico and the Hispanic Caribbean. She wrote Unraveling the Unreal: Fantastic Fictions in Latin America (Temple University Press, 2010). She is an initiated priestess of Ochún and part of the religious community in Palmira, Cuba, and the city of Cienfuegos named her a Distinguished Daughter in 2005. Get early access and bonus content: PRETEND+ on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/channel/pretend/id6443456985 Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/pretendradio Written and Produced by Javier Leiva Music by Joe Basile | thechicken.net © 2026 Creative Babble LLC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

According to police, Shelbey Fernandez ran a stalking campaign for years. She used burner numbers, fake accounts and fake 911 calls. She asked Google how detectives trace a texting app, how long a burner number lasts, and whether police can tell when you’ve hidden a phone during a search warrant. Prosecutors charged her with 29 counts. Her parents describe someone else. For years, Tanya and Rick have told me their daughter has the mentality of a 12-year-old. She watches blooper videos and Dancing with the Stars. She couldn’t possibly be behind any of this. Now a judge has to decide which Shelbey is standing in his courtroom. Four days after her arrest, her lawyer asked the court whether she’s even competent to stand trial. Two experts examined her. Their reports are sealed. And if she isn’t competent, Arizona doesn’t simply drop the case. It tries to teach her how to stand trial, one lesson at a time. On October 1, the judge made his decision, and I have the audio. I also share what the latest on Rick’s court file. Plus, a conversation with Susan and Brittni, recorded in the weeks after the arrest. Shelbey has pleaded not guilty, and none of the allegations have been proven in court. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A 19-year-old says members of his church held him down, choked him, and beat him for two hours, trying to cast out what they called his “homosexual demons.” That was in 2013. Thirteen years, a mistrial, and countless delays later, the minister accused of leading it is finally back in court. I drove to Asheville, North Carolina, to be there. Inside the courtroom, members of Word of Faith Fellowship filled three rows, and some of the kids the minister once raised sat with her accuser. You’ll hear from Matthew Fenner, the district attorney, and former members who say they were there that night, along with my own 2018 conversation with the minister, Brooke Covington, and church leader Jane Whaley. The church denies any abuse. Word of Faith Fellowship was the very first story I told on PRETEND. This is how it ends, at least for now. New to the story? Go back to the beginning with Season 3 of PRETEND, “The Prophet,” where I first went inside Word of Faith Fellowship, met Jane Whaley, and heard from the former members who walked away. Find every episode at thisispretend.com or wherever you’re listening now. Binge All 12 Episodes: https://thisispretend.com/seasons/word-of-faith-fellowship/#episodes Credits Hosted, reported, and produced by Javier Leiva Edited and mixed by Puneeth, Podcast Pundits Music by Joe Basile, thechicken.net Special thanks to Matthew Fenner, Sarah Anderson, Rachael Bryant, Danielle Cordes, Nancy Burnette, and Josh Farmer PRETEND is a production of Creative Babble LLC. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When Gypsy Rose Blanchard was a little girl, the thing that comforted her most was her mother's touch. In the final episode of The Gypsy Rose Obsession, I ask Gypsy when that changed. I also track down the attorney who drew up a power of attorney for Gypsy in 2013, and she tells me Dee Dee came into her office claiming her 22-year-old daughter was mentally disabled and asking for guardianship. Then I follow the money in the Gypsy Rose economy. Sir Morbid X, the YouTuber who helped build the anti-Gypsy corner of the internet, tells me he now wants to tear it down. I also talk with Audacious Audrey, Fancy Macelli, Brande from the Dragon's Den, and Nancy Simpson from The Toll. Longtime listener Rebecca Catalfu tells me how her opinion of Gypsy swung back and forth over ten episodes, and my friend Andrew Barbari asks the question many people have wondered about: why such a violent death? I close the series with what I think is the most truthful thing Gypsy ever told me. Go to thisispretend.com to contact me, find every episode, and find the latest news on the cases we've covered. For more, get early episodes and bonus content on PRETEND+ on Apple Podcasts, or join the PRETEND Patreon and become part of our Discord community. You can also watch the video version of my Gypsy interview on YouTube at @pretendpod. Everything is linked at thisispretend.com. PRETEND is written and produced by Javier Leiva. This episode was edited by Puneeth Shenoy with Podcast Pundits, and our theme music is by Joe Basile with thechicken.net. Credits were read by Lexi, a PRETEND Patreon supporter. PRETEND is a Creative Babble production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week I'm handing the feed over to Andrea Dunlop and her show, Nobody Should Believe Me. Andrea has spent years covering medical child abuse, and she came to the subject through her own family. In 2019, Dr. John Cox, an ER physician at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, brought his adoptive infant daughter to her pediatrician with an injured arm. Within months, he was charged with abusing her. NBC News covered his case as a wrongful accusation. Andrea went back to the records, talked to the prosecutor who filed the charges, and found a much more complicated story than the one that made headlines. This is part one of a four-part special report. Follow Nobody Should Believe Me wherever you get your podcasts to hear the rest, or subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Patreon to binge the full series ad free. nobodyshouldbelieveme.com Content warning: this episode discusses the abuse of an infant. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When Gypsy Rose Blanchard announced she was pregnant, the internet opened an investigation. The woman who spent her childhood trapped inside her mother's medical lies was now raising a daughter of her own. In this episode, I look at what the research actually says about the cycle of abuse, and at what happens when a mother is watched as closely as Gypsy is. Strangers called CPS over a livestream and a baby with colic. Someone pulled her daughter's shot records from a state database and put them on TikTok. I talk to one of the women who made a CPS report, I go looking for whoever put a baby's medical records on the internet, and I ask Gypsy where she thinks the line is between protecting a child and isolating one. Content note: This episode discusses child abuse and contains strong language. Sources and further reading Cathy Spatz Widom, Sally J. Czaja and Kimberly A. DuMont, "Intergenerational transmission of child abuse and neglect: Real or detection bias?" Science (2015): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25814584/ Cathy Spatz Widom, "The Cycle of Violence," Science (1989): https://doi.org/10.1126/science.2704995 Fleming S. Pedroso et al., "The Diving Reflex in Healthy Infants in the First Year of Life," Journal of Child Neurology (2012): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21881008/ Louisiana Children's Code, Article 609, Mandatory and permitted reporting: https://www.legis.la.gov/LEGIS/Law.aspx?d=73201 Written and hosted by Javier LeivaEdited by Puneeth Shenoy with The Podcast PunditsTheme music by Joe Basile, thechicken.net ©2026 Creative Babble, LLC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How does a doctor actually decide that a parent is making their child sick? Dr. John Melville is a child abuse pediatrician, president of the Ray E. Helfer Society, and one of the people who helped write the board exam that certifies child abuse pediatricians. In this bonus episode, he walks me through how medical child abuse is diagnosed. He explains the difference between Munchausen by proxy, factitious disorder imposed on another, and medical child abuse. And he answers the criticism that child abuse pediatricians are self-appointed experts who took a short course and now override the specialists who know the patient best. He also talks about what happens when he's wrong, in either direction, and about the myth that a child who's been abused is broken forever. Dr. Melville has cerebral palsy, which affects his speech. He asked me to mention it up front. Note: I didn't ask Dr. Melville about Gypsy Rose Blanchard, and he hasn't studied her case. He speaks here only about his own work, and for himself, not for any organization. Written and hosted by Javier LeivaTheme music by Joe Basile, thechicken.net © 2026 Creative Babble Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ken Urker, Gypsy Rose Blanchard's partner and the father of their daughter, Aurora, died on October 1, 2026, his 34th birthday. The sheriff is still investigating, and no official cause of death has been released. Gypsy has said publicly that she believes it was an overdose, and that she doesn't know whether it was intentional or accidental. Throughout The Gypsy Rose Obsession, Gypsy told me that Ken was struggling with relentless online harassment. The night he died, she texted me three words: "They killed him." In this bonus episode, I talk about what we know so far, who Ken was to Gypsy, what the research says about online harassment, and why I'm worried about Aurora and Gypsy. Whatever you think about Gypsy, a little girl lost her dad this week. Before you post about a real person, remember that a real person is reading it. If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Learn more: https://thisispretend.com/blog/gypsy-rose-ken-urker-death/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Gypsy Rose Blanchard thought no one was listening. For years, everything she said from inside Chillicothe was being recorded. Now it's public. More than five hundred hours of it. Some of those recordings broke through on social media, because on them Gypsy and her now ex-husband Ryan can be heard using racial slurs. She eventually apologized publicly for it. But that's not the part that got me. It's what she says about her mother, when there's no camera on and no reason to give a polished answer. Fair warning. This one is rough. Content warning: racist language and racial slurs, child abuse, sexual content involving a child, murder, and self-harm. Written and Produced by Javier Leiva Edited by Puneeth Shenoy | Podcast Pundits https://www.podcastpundits.com/ Music by Joe Basile | thechicken.net Get early access and bonus content PRETEND+ on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/channel/pretend/id6443456985 Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/pretendradio Learn More: thisispretend.com © 2026 Creative Babble LLC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

"I didn't f---ing get my own f---ing mother murdered just so I could live for everybody else." That is Gypsy Rose Blanchard on a recorded prison line, saying the quiet part out loud. She had taken the plea and could never be tried again, so she let her guard down. Then a content creator asked Missouri for the whole archive, and four days later the state sent it to her. So what does Gypsy actually sound like when she thinks nobody is listening? In this episode you will hear: Gypsy doing the math on her own fame. She is going to be rich when she gets out. It seems like everybody in her orbit is trying to figure out how to cash in on the story. Gypsy has a new mom. She tells her stepmother Kristy that Mother's Day is a good holiday and a sad holiday at the same time. You can hear the two of them becoming family in real time. Gypsy threatens Fancy Macelli. Gypsy talks about what she plans to do to Fancy when she gets out of prison. Gypsy at her loneliest. Man after man writes to her after watching her on TV. Gypsy talks about going to a cancer dental clinic. In a call about a broken denture, she mentions the oncology dental clinic that made it and lets slip that they will not take her now that she is not a cancer patient. The internet calls that the smoking gun. Attorney calls leaked. Some of these recordings are conversations with her attorney, Mike Stanfield. I have listened to a lot of these calls and I am sure I missed some. Now, the State of Missouri released the Nick Godejohn's calls too, so there are even more coming. If there is a call you think belongs in this series, tag me on social media and I will get to it. Stick around to the end of the episode, because I want you to meet the other Javier Leiva. He owns javierleiva.com, which is the address most people assume belongs to me. Listener tips and story leads land in his inbox by mistake, including some of the biggest breaks I have ever gotten, and he forwards every one of them my way. We have been talking for years and it turned into a real friendship. His site is javierleiva.com. Mine is thisispretend.com. Our Patreon community has grown into something I am really proud of. Supporters get bonus episodes, early access to new content, and now a private Discord server where we talk in real time about case theories and episodes, plus live video calls with me. Tiers start at $3 a month, and you can find the link at thisispretend.com. Today's episode was written and produced by Javier Leiva. Edited by Puneeth Shenoy with the Podcast Pundits. Theme music by Joe Basile with thechicken.net. Credits read by Beau Hale, PRETEND Patreon supporter. More at https://thisispretend.com 2026 © Creative Babble LLC. All rights reserved. Think I missed a call?Guest shout outJoin us on PatreonCredits Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There are people online right now who don't believe Dee Dee Blanchard had Munchausen by proxy. Some of them don't believe Munchausen by proxy is a real thing at all. So if the abuse wasn't real, how do you explain the feeding tube, the shaved head, the free trips to Disney? We also discuss the violence in the house leading up to the murder. If Gypsy is the monster, what does that make Dee Dee? For Gypsy critics, the pendulum swings the other way. Justice for Dee Dee, the movement that says the real victim here is the woman who died. Was Dee Dee a sick woman, or was she a con artist with a kid? In this episode: Alaura Flowers and Amber Dietz of Into the Weeds Content creator Audacious Audrey Fancy Macelli of the Good Wives Network Nancy Simpson, host of The Toll podcast Gypsy Rose Blanchard Want more? Ad-free episodes, early releases, and the latest on the stalker case are on Patreon and PRETEND+ on Apple Podcasts. More at thisispretend.com. Written and hosted by Javier LeivaEdited by Puneeth Shenoy with The Podcast PunditsTheme music by Joe Basile, thechicken.net © Creative Babble 2026 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

According to the anti-Gypsy camp, they've found it. The smoking gun. Gypsy Rose Blanchard has a rare genetic disorder, a microdeletion on chromosome 1, and depending on who you ask online, that one word explains the feeding tube, the leukemia, the paralysis. All of it. Which means, according to them, Dee Dee Blanchard wasn't abusing her daughter at all. She was just a mom trying to help a sick kid. So I brought in a genetic counselor and made her explain this thing to me like I'm five, because I am not a geneticist and neither is anyone else arguing about this on TikTok. Kira Dineen, a genetic counselor, walks through what a microdeletion on chromosome 1q21.1 actually is and what it can and can't explain. Featuring Kira Dineen, genetic counselor and host of DNA TodayAndrea Dunlop, host of Nobody Should Believe MeGypsy Rose BlanchardBree, Fancy Macelli, Audacious Audrey, and Amber & Alaura of Into the Weeds Credits Written and hosted by Javier LeivaEdited by Puneeth Shenoy with The Podcast PunditsTheme music by Joe Basile, thechicken.net Listen and support New episodes drop weekly. Early and ad-free episodes are available now on Patreon and Pretend Plus on Apple Podcasts. Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/channel/pretend/id6443456985Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/pretendradio Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

I sat down with Alaura and Amber from Into the Weeds, the podcast that first dug through the Gypsy Rose Blanchard FOIA files. I wanted their honest reaction to my microdeletion episode, including the part where they felt like I'd pitted them against a genetic expert. We discuss: Is there actual evidence Gypsy was medically abused? I put a page from Dee Dee's medical file in front of them, a handwritten list of Gypsy's supposed diagnoses, and we argue about whether it points to Munchausen by proxy, malingering, or something the DSM-5 doesn't cleanly cover at all. We also get into the prison calls and how Gypsy seems to become a different person depending on who's on the other end of the line. This is part one of a longer conversation. The full, lightly edited cut is up on the PRETEND YouTube channel. Into the Weeds is part of Military Broadcast Radio, a nonprofit supporting veterans and military families, so go give them a follow. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

According to the anti-Gypsy camp, they've got the receipts. Gypsy really had leukemia. She really needed that bone marrow treatment, and the feeding tube and the surgeries were all real and documented, not fabricated. Case closed, they say. Munchausen by proxy, debunked. That's the claim, anyway. Three hundred pages of Gypsy's private medical records ended up online, and I got my hands on them. So do the documents validate the claims? We're going to dig in. Want more? Ad-free episodes, early releases, and the latest on the stalker case are on Patreon and PRETEND+ on Apple Podcasts. More at thisispretend.com. Written and hosted by Javier Leiva Edited by Puneeth Shenoy with The Podcast Pundits Theme music by Joe Basile, thechicken.net 2026 © Creative Babble Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's like getting to the end of a movie and discovering the twist, then going back to the beginning because every scene means something else. That's what I've been doing all week with the Rick and Tanya Fernandez interviews. This time we're looking at Shelbey Fernandez's surgeries, what the doctor told police in 2019, and new audio from Shelbey Fernandez herself, recorded before her arrest. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Long before Gypsy Rose Blanchard's mother was murdered, the tension inside that house was already at a breaking point. The private videos between Gypsy and Nick Godejohn that nobody was supposed to see. The evidence of violence that the HBO documentary never showed you. And the text messages from the night of June 9th, 2015, read out loud, minute by minute. They are not what you expect. Gypsy's critics say she was the violent one all along. That it was Dee Dee who had reason to be afraid. Chapters 00:00 Everyone Has A Hot Take02:26 The BB Gun04:09 Chained To The Bed05:11 Why Not Just Run Away?07:23 Nancy Simpson: She Was Shopping For A Man09:22 That Bitch Is Dead10:40 Victim Doesn't Mean Innocent11:19 The Plea Deal13:17 When Nick Became The Victim16:16 Functions Like A 10-Year-Old17:52 I Still Love Her18:43 Activating The Dark Side20:34 The Texts From June 9, 201523:58 What Gypsy Makes Of It25:15 Andrea Dunlop On The Autism Argument26:56 Grace And Accountability28:01 Why Don't They Show You The Same Grace?29:35 On The Plea Deal30:15 Is It In All Of Us? Binge more episodes ad-free on Patreon at patreon.com/pretendpodcast or PRETEND+ on Apple Podcasts. Written and produced by Javier Leiva. Edited by Puneet Shenoy with The Podcast Pundits. Theme music by Joe Basile, thechicken.net. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Her critics say Gypsy Rose Blanchard can't keep her story straight. So I sat down with her for almost three hours and asked about all of it. The pills through the feeding tube. The video where she tells Nick Godejohn she'd been hiding that she could walk since she was seven. And the Demona videos she has never addressed in front of a reporter. You'll also meet the mother-daughter team behind Into the Weeds (youtube.com/@into-the-weeds-podcast), whose records requests produced what the internet calls the Gypstein Files. Binge the first three episodes now, ad-free, on Patreon (patreon.com/pretendpodcast) or PRETEND+ on Apple Podcasts. Chapters: (00:00) Beignets And A Drive Into The Bayou (01:50) The Questions Her Critics Say She Dodges (02:36) No Mansion, Just A Fourplex (04:48) The Breaking Point Was A Throat Surgery (06:47) This Is My Voice (08:19) Vicodin Through The Feeding Tube (09:53) Did She Ever Go To School? (11:46) Into The Weeds Files The Records Request (12:59) What's Actually In The Gypstein Files (15:59) The Video Where She Walks (17:46) What Her Medical Records Say (20:43) I Ask Gypsy To Settle It (23:04) Videos Never Meant To Be Public (25:56) Slave, Master, And An Old Facebook Account (28:23) Dan Glidewell Testifies Under Oath (29:46) The Demona Video (34:25) Those Videos Were Disgusting (35:14) Isolation And The Price Of Freedom (36:10) Next Time On Pretend Written by Javier Leiva. Edited by Puneet Shenoy with The Podcast Pundits. Theme music by Joe Basile, thechicken.net. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For almost five years, the Fernandez family told me their doctor's husband was terrorizing them. Threatening messages, unpaid pizza deliveries, police at the door for crimes that never happened. Three weeks ago, Peoria police surrounded their house with a search warrant and seized every device inside. Nobody was arrested that day. Then this week, Shelbey Fernandez children was booked into a Maricopa County jail on more than thirty counts, including stalking, making a terrorist threat, and sexual exploitation of a minor. All charges are allegations. No one has been convicted, and the case is ongoing. Catch up on the full series here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/41KG24W8b5Lz0dzHsU3LoP?si=3aaeef5a367d4c2d Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Gypsy Rose Blanchard is the most beloved convicted murderer in America. Half the country sees a victim. The other half thinks she conned everyone, including her mother. I spent months trying to figure out which side is telling the truth. Then I emailed Gypsy. A few hours later, we were on a call. Chapters (00:00) The Most Beloved Convicted Murderer In America (01:35) The Short Version (02:53) It's All A Lie (03:41) Inside Her Medical Records (05:26) Allergic To Sugar (06:10) The Community That Flipped The Narrative (07:48) Andrea Dunlop Interviews Gypsy (09:41) Then I Read The Comments (11:20) Straight To The Source (11:52) Welcome To The Gypsyverse (13:04) The Internet Does What The Internet Does (15:35) Is Gypsy Rich? (17:22) What Are They A Fan Of? (19:22) Famous vs. Well-Known (20:12) Billboards, Flyers, And A Minor Child (23:14) Nick Godejohn Is Still In Prison (24:18) The Demona Clips (25:54) Would You Answer Uncomfortable Questions? (27:47) Next Time On Pretend (28:24) Update: The Prison Calls (30:28) What I Will And Won't Play Binge the first three episodes now, ad-free, on Patreon (patreon.com/pretendpodcast) or PRETEND+ on Apple Podcasts. Leave a comment. I want to know what you think. Written by Javier Leiva. Edited by Puneeth Shenoy with the Podcast Pundits. Theme music by Joe Basile, thechicken.net. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Gypsy Rose Blanchard is America's most beloved convicted murderer. The media told us she spent 23 years in a wheelchair, with a feeding tube, a breathing machine, and a diagnosis list that never ended. None of it was real. Her mother made it all up. And then Gypsy had her mother stabbed to death. When she walked out of prison in December 2023, not everyone was celebrating. A community formed online working together to dismantle her new life. So yeah. America's sweetheart is also a convicted murderer. And depending on who you ask, she's either the most sympathetic person alive, or the most dangerous woman on the internet. This is The Gypsy Rose Obsession. Coming August 11th on PRETEND podcast. Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2vaCjR7UvlN9aTIzW6kNCo?si=b3549d886084412a Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

William Ruzich's father stole his identity while he was deployed in Afghanistan. He came home from war at 21 to find bills, liens, and creditors in his own name. He turned his own dad in for fraud. Then he went to work catching people just like him. William is a private intelligence operative now, tracking down scammers, fraudsters, and people who vanish with other people's money. Coming August 11th: The Gypsy Rose Obsession, a new free series from PRETEND. Watch the trailer and subscribe: https://youtu.be/9fcD0os3aG8 Kingdom Forge, a book by Anders Edwards that teaches kids about online safety, Diary of a Wimpy Kid meets Ready Player One. Check it out: https://a.co/d/0hpgdcYx Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

My friend Joe sells real estate. He called me about one of his clients, a retired nurse who was selling her house, because something about her story wasn't sitting right with him. She'd lost her savings to a man named Edward Smog. Found her online, quoted her scripture, told her he was her way out of debt. By the time I got involved, she was out a hundred and fifty grand. Now a new scammer is coming after her. She believes he's an offshore oil rig worker, and they're going to get married. I'm trying to stop him before he takes any more of her money. If you or someone you love is being targeted, here's where to go. To report it, the FBI runs the Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov, and the FTC takes reports at reportfraud.ftc.gov. If you want to talk to a real person for free, call the National Elder Fraud Hotline run by the Department of Justice at 833-372-8311, seven days a week, 6am to 11pm Eastern. You can also reach the AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline at 877-908-3360. Tips for your elderly parents: No real grant, agency, or lottery ever asks you to pay a fee to get money. Gift cards, wire transfers to strangers, and crypto are how scammers get paid. Full stop. If you've never met someone in person on a live video call, assume you don't know who they are. Ask for that video call right now, not later. Take a screenshot of their photos and run a reverse image search. The excuses will tell you everything. And before any money moves, tell one person who loves you. Out loud. The scam only survives in the quiet. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Darnell Emanuel spent years inside Rony Denis's inner circle at the House of Prayer Christian Church. His name is on documents. His credit was used to buy houses he never lived in. But when the fraud finally caught up with the church, Darnell wasn't indicted. In this bonus, Darnell walks us through the burner phones, the code names, and how the whole scheme worked. Plus, an update on Marjorie Denis. And what's happening at NTCC since the series aired. The next two episodes are available right now on Patreon and PRETEND+ on Apple Podcasts. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/pretendradio Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/channel/pretend/id6443456985 Follow @pretendpod: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@pretendpod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pretendpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pretendpod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We've covered a lot of PRETENDers on this show. But the guy in this one might take the prize. Carlos Henrique Raposo, better known as Kaiser, fooled the entire professional soccer world in Brazil for 26 years. He signed with more than 30 clubs. He partied with George Michael. He got protected by Rio's most dangerous crime boss. He once punched a fan in the face rather than actually step on the field. And through all of it, he barely played a single real game. This week we're revisiting one of our favorite conversations: an interview with Louis Myles, director of the 2015 documentary "Kaiser! The Greatest Footballer Never to Play Football." Myles and his team spent 18 months in Rio chasing down the truth, or something close to it, behind Brazil's greatest football legend who never actually played football. Watch the documentary: "Kaiser! The Greatest Footballer Never to Play Football" (2015) is streaming on Amazon Prime. Also from Louis Myles: "Mighty Penguins," following the Brentford Penguins, a football team made up of players with Down syndrome, as they prepare to serve as guard of honour at a Premier League match. It premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in 2023 and is currently on the festival circuit. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, Javier stops by the Hot Mess Happy Hour Podcast and it didn't disappoint. It was a hot mess! About Hot Mess Happy Hour: Are you always running late? Do you leave things on top of your car and drive off? You might be a hot mess too so this podcast is for you! Laugh along as we share crazy hot mess stories during our weekly happy hour with yours truly. We'll also share tips and tricks for those affected by ADHD like your host, Susan Cokas! So grab a cocktail and get ready to laugh! It's Hot Mess Happy Hour! Check out the Hot Mess Happy Hour: https://hotmesshappyhour.buzzsprout.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

My friend Johnathan Walton just launched a new show called Hardcore Con, and I had to share it with you. Each episode, he breaks down a con story and the specific psychological tactics scammers use to pull it off. And this episode gets at something I think about a lot: it doesn't matter how smart you are. Subscribe to Hardcore Con on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0mXtr05OjD4wk4M8JrvLPy Or search "Hardcore Con" wherever you listen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Federal prosecutors say the man known as Rony Denis isn't Rony Denis at all. The arrest finally came in the fall of 2025. Three years after the FBI raids. But the church is still operating. So my friend Jared Smith from the Heliocentric YouTube channel and I drove down to Fayetteville to attend a Sunday service and see what's left of the House of Prayer Christian Church. And the whole sermon, it turned out, felt aimed at two specific people in the pews. This is the final chapter of the Chain of Command series. But it ain't over yet. Watch Jared's Atheist Church Audits on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HeliocentricOfficial Written and Produced by Javier Leiva Edited by Puneeth Shenoy | Podcast Pundits https://www.podcastpundits.com/ Music by Joe Basile | thechicken.net Get early access and bonus content PRETEND+ on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/channel/pretend/id6443456985 Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/pretendradio © 2026 Creative Babble LLC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In Part 6, the FBI comes knocking. Rony Denis and his top associates allegedly defrauded the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and military veterans out of more than $23.5 million. The House of Prayer Bible Seminary looked like a school. Veterans used their GI Bill benefits to enroll, paying the church hundreds of dollars a month for classes that led nowhere and credits worth nothing outside these walls. Rony Denis is still a free man. But not for long. Written and Produced by Javier Leiva Edited by Puneeth Shenoy | Podcast Pundits https://www.podcastpundits.com/ Music by Joe Basile | thechicken.net Get early access and bonus content PRETEND+ on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/channel/pretend/id6443456985 Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/pretendradio © 2026 Creative Babble LLC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rony Denis wasn't just the spiritual leader at the House of Prayer Christian Church... He was their god. In Part 5, former members start connecting the dots on how Rony Denis consolidated control, and it's worse than you think. He ordered members to smash their own phones in front of the congregation. He commanded public confessions. And when he set his eyes on something he wanted, whether that was another man's wife or a ten-year-old boy, he found a way to take it. Written and Produced by Javier Leiva Edited by Puneeth Shenoy | Podcast Pundits https://www.podcastpundits.com/ Music by Joe Basile | thechicken.net Get early access and bonus content — join on Patreon or try PRETEND+ free on Apple Podcasts. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/pretendradio Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/channel/pretend/id6443456985 © 2026 Creative Babble LLC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

I teamed up with Carter Roy for a special guest collaboration on Murder: True Crime Stories and this one is something else. For the full episode, follow Murder: True Crime Stories on your favorite podcast app: https://pod.link/1745145932In November 2006, Abraham Shakespeare won $30 million in the Florida Lottery. He couldn't read or write, and within two years he'd given most of it away to anyone who asked. Then Dee Dee Moore showed up promising to protect what was left — and within months, she had his house, his insurance, and his power of attorney. Not long after, Abe vanished. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Note: This episode contains graphic descriptions of sexual abuse and psychological manipulation. It started with a revolt. Thirty ministers walked out of NTCC mid-service and never looked back. They thought they were done with high-control leadership, mandatory tithing, and pastors who ruled by fear. They were wrong. In this episode, former pastor Arlen Bradeen and Greg Shepard tell us what happened when they followed Rony Denis to Georgia — and what it cost them to finally get out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In part three of Chain of Command, we hear from those who grew up in the New Testament Christian Churches of America. From Victor Johanson, a former Army soldier who confirms on tape that NTCC ministers got vasectomies because children would interfere with their ministry. From a woman we're calling Kaylee, who was raised inside the church and was groomed and assaulted by a family member who was also an NTCC minister. And we look at how the church's CEO, Michael Kekel, has publicly stated at one point that no church is under a legal obligation to report child abuse. This episode discusses sexual assault and the grooming of minors. Please take care while listening. Want to keep going? Bonus episodes featuring the full unedited conversations with Victor Johanson and Kaylee are available right now on PRETEND+ on Apple Podcasts and on Patreon. You'll get bonus episodes and full access to the PRETEND archive. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/channel/pretend/id6443456985 Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/pretendradio Resources mentioned in this episode: Stay Away From NTCC (former member YouTube channel run by Tracy Pelfrey) The Mountain News (Bruce Smith's reporting on NTCC) Washington State Senate Bill 5375 (clergy mandatory reporting law, May 2025) Support and resources: If you or someone you know is currently serving in the military and feels pressured by a religious group, you have options. Military OneSource is available 24/7 at 1-800-342-9647. Your installation chaplain can also provide confidential support across all faiths. If you're a former member of NTCC or another high-control group and looking for support, the International Cultic Studies Association at icsahome.com offers resources, recovery workshops, and a directory of professionals familiar with high-control group recovery. If you've experienced sexual assault, RAINN's National Sexual Assault Hotline is available 24/7 at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673), or online at rainn.org. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Part one was about control. Part two is about the money. Behind the soul-winning and the sermons and the bylaws, the New Testament Christian Churches of America runs a very well-funded business. Tithing is tracked, enforced, and tied to your military paycheck. Fall behind and you go before the general board. Fall further behind and you lose your credentials. So where does the tithing money go? Church CEO Michael Kekel told his congregation they owed $25,000 a year in property taxes on the fellowship hall. But tax records tell a different story. The fellowship hall paid $9.65. The $25,000? That's the bill on a personal house in the name of Kekel's wife. In this episode: -Tracy Pelfrey, former NTCC member of 17 years -Bruce Smith, reporter, The Mountain News, who has covered NTCC for nearly two decades -Sarah DeJonghe, former Navy Seabee and NTCC ex-member -Archival recordings of R.W. Davis, founder of NTCC -Archival recordings of Michael Kekel, CEO of NTCC Next time on Pretend: Former members say that NTCC fosters a culture where adult men courting teenage girls isn't just tolerated — it's encouraged. That's next time. Listen to Part 3 now: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/pretendradio Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/channel/pretend/id6443456985 If you or someone you know is currently serving in the military and feels pressured by a religious group or organization, you have options. The Military OneSource confidential helpline is available 24/7 at 1-800-342-9647. You can also reach out to your installation chaplain, who can provide confidential support across all faiths and no faith at all. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Deep Cover is a true crime show about double lives, brought to you by our friends at Pushkin Industries. Their new season, The Family Man, is a gripping story about how families can deceive each other and the lengths we’ll go to to protect our loved ones. Elise and Marissa grew up in a seemingly normal house in the suburbs of St. Louis—but it was a house built on secrets. There were things their father never told them... like how he really made his money. Everything changed in a single night: The Raid: Police arrived at the front door, seizing boxes of evidence. The Chase: Hours later, the sisters turned on the TV to a surreal sight—their father in the middle of a high-speed police chase. The Identity: The local news identified him as “The Boonie Hat Bandit.” The girls were stunned, struggling to accept a reality they never saw coming. How long had he been lying? What had he done? Who, exactly, was their father? Listen Now: Find Deep Cover: The Family Man wherever you get your podcasts. Binge the Full Season: If you want to know how the story ends right now, you can binge the entire season today. Sign up for a Pushkin+ subscription on the Deep Cover show page in Apple Podcasts or at pushkin.fm/plus. Official Link: lnk.to/DCFMPretend The Secret Life of the SuburbsThe Aftermath[CALL TO ACTION] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In 1996, Sarah DeJonghe was a 20-year-old Navy Seabee stationed in Okinawa, Japan. Two guys in uniform approached her on base and invited her to church. She said no. They came back anyway. Four months later, Sarah was out of the Navy and on her way to a Bible seminary in Washington State. She didn't see it coming. Neither did the dozens of other military members who found themselves drawn into the New Testament Christian Churches of America, a church that has spent decades planting itself outside US military bases around the world, marketing itself as a home away from home for single, lonely soldiers. Former members say it's a cult. Want to keep going? Part Two is available right now on PRETEND+ on Apple Podcasts and on Patreon. You'll get every episode of this series ad-free and a week early, plus bonus episodes and full access to the PRETEND archive. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/channel/pretend/id6443456985 Patreon: www.patreon.com/cw/pretendradio Resources mentioned in this episode: NTCC bylaws (publicly available): https://myntcc.org/bylaws/ Stay Away From NTCC (former member YouTube channel run by Tracy Pelfrey) - https://www.youtube.com/@StayAwayFromNTCC Bruce Smith's reporting at The Mountain News Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A Colorado businessman with a criminal record, no credit, and a gift for charm somehow convinced dozens of women to finance his cars, his home, and his lifestyle. When they finally compared notes, they didn't get mad. They got organized. This is the story of Bill Sullivan, and the self-appointed militia of scorned women who banded together to take him down: Operation Cockblock. Before you go: Stick around for a sneak peek at Chain of Command, PRETEND's new investigative series about a secretive church that brands itself a "ministry to the military" and has been operating near U.S. military bases around the world. 🎧 Listen now on PRETEND+ on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/channel/pretend/id6443456985 💙 Or on Patreon: https://patreon.com/pretendradio?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Somebody went through hundreds of Reddit comments asking what the greatest podcast episode of all time is, then actually listened to all of them. That somebody is Ivy, the creator behind @watchandlisten.ivy on TikTok, and she has been going viral ever since. In this episode we go through the ones that kept coming up: Reply All: "The Case of the Missing Hit" https://open.spotify.com/episode/0CaOGo6xSN51B2aLAQa1kU Heavyweight: "Gregor" https://open.spotify.com/episode/6LKrLVEAY3tsqHPURec6ke Mystery Show: "Belt Buckle" https://open.spotify.com/episode/7niwu8ksl85o2GP2IUEJdA Radiolab: "Colors" https://open.spotify.com/episode/7ugEsqx79eit9kFVw5xN7a You're Wrong About: "Andes Flight 571" https://open.spotify.com/episode/2Tqgu60WVXQWYMqiwWy5F7 Love and Radio: "The Living Room" https://open.spotify.com/episode/1HQSZAsQ78AanIb68NChHC Follow Ivy: @watchandlisten.ivy https://www.tiktok.com/@watchandlisten.ivy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On January 6th, 2021, Pam Hemphill followed the Proud Boys to the Capitol, got trampled by the mob, was carried out by a police officer named Joe, and recorded every minute of it. The internet called her the MAGA Granny. She did 60 days in federal prison. And then, slowly, she woke up. When Trump issued sweeping pardons for more than 1,500 January 6th defendants, Pam did something almost no one else did. She said no. She filed a formal letter of rejection, returned to the Capitol to apologize to officers in person, received death threats, lost a 12-year relationship, and kept talking anyway. In a series about people who got pardons they didn’t deserve, Pam Hemphill is the one who deserved consideration and walked away from it anyway. You’ve heard about January 6th. You think you know the story. You don’t know it like this. Quick Links •  FBI Affidavit (Case 1:21-cr-00555-RCL): Read the original charging document https://jan6attack.com/DoJ/hemphill-pamela/1469486.pdf •  Pam Hemphill’s Wikipedia Page: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pamela_Hemphill •  Pam’s January 6th Testimony (PBS, January 6, 2026): Watch on PBS NewsHour •  Trump’s Truth Social Post (via HuffPost): Read the coverage •  Pam’s Pardon Rejection (NPR): Listen and read on NPR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

My cousin spent 23 years in an Illinois prison for a crime she says she didn't know she was committing. She was 33 when a judge handed down a 60-year sentence. She would have been 93 before she saw the outside again. This episode is personal. In "Only God Pardons," we follow my cousin Iris (not her real name) through the Illinois clemency system: what it takes to apply, what the odds actually look like, and what it means to finally get out, only to discover that freedom comes with its own kind of sentence. Along the way, we hear from Margaret Byrne, a Chicago attorney who has spent 45 years fighting for people inside Illinois prisons who shouldn't be there, including the women she represented through the Illinois Clemency Project for Battered Women. And we talk to Jeff Grant, attorney, minister, and co-founder of the White Collar Support Group, who argues that the pardon system doesn't go nearly far enough and who is pushing Congress to add federal expungement as a tool alongside clemency. We also look at what's happening at the federal level, where a booming paid-pardon industry has taken root around the White House. According to federal lobbying disclosures, clients paid firms more than five million dollars in 2025 just to get their clemency cases in front of the president, eight times what was spent seeking pardons from the Biden administration. And then there's Rod Blagojevich, the former Illinois governor convicted of corruption, commuted by Trump in 2020 and fully pardoned in his second term, a man who turned the governor's office into a shakedown operation, pardoned by a president who turned clemency into currency for whoever could afford the cover charge. Meanwhile, my cousin filed her petition the right way. Through the right channels. And waited. In this episode: Margaret Byrne, founder of the Illinois Clemency Project for Battered Women and veteran clemency attorney Jeff Grant, attorney, minister, and co-founder of the White Collar Support Group and the Federal Expungement Initiative Learn more: White Collar Support Group: whitecollaradvice.org Federal Expungement Initiative: contact Jeff Grant through the White Collar Support Group Illinois Prisoner Review Board: illinois.gov/agencies/prisoner-review-board Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Content Warning: This episode contains detailed descriptions of nursing home neglect, including accounts of residents found in unsanitary conditions. Listener discretion is advised. You're about to hear the story of a man who built a nursing home empire from a tiny office above a pizza parlor in New Jersey. His name is Joseph Schwartz. At its peak, his company Skyline Healthcare owned or operated more than 100 facilities across eleven states. What happened inside those facilities (the rationed diapers, the unpaid bills, the maggots, the residents left without food or clean water) is one of the cruelest stories of corporate neglect you will hear this year. When Schwartz finally got convicted of defrauding the government out of $38 million, he started making calls. In this episode, we'll follow the money from a nursing home empire to a presidential pardon, and then to a violent extortion plot that ended with an FBI arrest in Midtown Manhattan. EPISODE RESOURCES & SHOW NOTES ARTICLES & INVESTIGATIONS Brookings Register: Wave of SD nursing home closures hitting hardest in rural small towns URL: https://www.brookingsregister.com/article/wave-of-sd-nursing-home-closures-hitting-hardest-in-rural-small-towns Arkansas Advocate: Nursing home owner pardoned by Trump ordered to serve state sentence URL: https://arkansasadvocate.com Arkansas Democrat-Gazette (2019): Firm's fall risked care in homes for frail URL: https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2019/apr/28/firm-s-fall-risked-care-homes-frail-201/ Arkansas Democrat-Gazette (2025): Judge orders former nursing home magnate to prison URL: https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2025/dec/18/arkansas-judge-orders-former-nursing-home-magnate/ The Washington Post: Joseph Schwartz Trump Pardon Fraud (Coverage of the $960k lobbying effort) URL: https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/11/23/joseph-schwartz-trump-pardon-fraud/ The New York Times: Pardon Industry Offers Rich Offenders a Path to Trump The New York Times: Trump Pardons: Lobbyist Charged in Extortion Attempt Philadelphia Coverage: Skyline Healthcare: Scenes from the collapse of a nursing-home operator by Harold Brubaker BROADCAST COVERAGE NBC Nightly News: Nursing Home Chain Collapses Amid Allegation Of Unpaid Bills, Poor Care KELOLAND News: Skyline Healthcare owner facing federal charges PRIMARY SOURCE DOCUMENTS State Petition: Attorney General Tim Griffin's Petition to force Schwartz to serve his state sentence URL: https://arkansasadvocate.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Arkansas-v-Schwartz-12022025-Motion.pdf State Civil Lawsuit: State of South Dakota ex rel. Jason Ravnsborg v. Joseph Schwartz, et al. (Case No. 32CIV22-000010) Federal Criminal Complaint: U.S. v. Joshua Nass (Attempted extortion affidavit, Case No. 26-MJ-54) Lobbying Disclosures: Federal filings for Joshua Nass (Merkava Strategies Corporation) and Jack Burkman (J.M. Burkman & Associates) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Introducing Season Seven of Nobody Should Believe Me. Andrea revisits the case of Maya Kowalski—the story at the center of the Netflix film Take Care of Maya–and the family’s high-profile lawsuit against Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital. What became widely framed as a story about “medical kidnapping” began when hospital staff reported suspected medical child abuse after Maya arrived with a history of extreme ketamine treatments.  How did a case of horrific abuse become a story about evil doctors kidnapping children? Listen to Season 7 on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3l3MDM959yf6f4fEbw4Dmz?si=6dba402bffa8435b Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

You know that little bottle of 5-Hour Energy sitting on the counter of almost every gas station in America? Someone was faking it. Millions of bottles, mixed by hand in a filthy warehouse by day laborers with no training, no sanitation licenses, and no recipe. Just plastic barrels, canoe paddles, and industrial chemicals that may not have been approved for human consumption. In this episode, you meet Geoffrey Potter, an anti-counterfeiting attorney at Patterson, Belknap, Webb and Tyler who only takes cases where the fake product can kill you. Think of him as a private prosecutor with powers most people don't even know a private attorney can have. He helped bring down one of the most sophisticated food counterfeiting operations in US history. You'll also learn what happened after the convictions. How a woman with no obvious connection to the President of the United States managed to secure not one, but two acts of presidential clemency. And how, just 42 days after walking out of prison, she was already running a $59 million scheme in the background. This is the story of Adriana Camberos — a woman who was convicted twice, freed twice, and is still out there. This series is called I Beg Your Pardon for a reason. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Twelve days. That’s how long David Gentile spent in federal prison for a $1.8 billion fraud that wiped out the retirement savings of 17,000 people. On Thanksgiving 2025, President Trump signed a one-page clemency grant, commuting Gentile’s seven-year sentence to time served and erasing a $15 million restitution order in the process. In this episode, we talk to one of those 17,000 victims, CarolAnn Tutera, a 70-year-old still working because she can’t afford not to. We also talk to securities fraud attorney Adam Gana and Ponzi Playbook co-host Neal McTighe about how the scheme worked, what the pardon means, and what it says about the current climate for white collar crime. CarolAnn Tutera GPB Capital investor and CEO of Tutera Medical tuteramedical.com Adam Gana Securities fraud attorney, Gana LLP ganalawfirm.com/adam-gana Neal McTighe Co-host, Ponzi Playbook podcast Ponzi Playbook on Spotify The Conviction and Sentencing DOJ Press Release justice.gov The Blueprint of the Fraud SEC Civil Complaint sec.gov The White House Response Forbes Breaking News — search: “Karoline Leavitt Asked About Trump’s Commutation Of Private Equity CEO’s Fraud Sentence” 00:00  CarolAnn’s Story 04:06  David Gentile’s Promise 04:38  I Beg Your Pardon 07:02  How a Ponzi Scheme Works 14:21  The Smoking Gun Emails 15:47  CarolAnn’s $400K 16:42  The Takedown 18:38  The Verdict 19:22  The Pardon 20:06  The White House Response 23:12  Restitution Wiped Out 29:51  The Pay-to-Play Pattern 33:41  The Perfect Storm GuestsResourcesChapters36:44  Ponzi Playbook Returns Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jerry Bush was a plumber from Virginia with fourteen employees, a wife battling cancer, and a business his father built from nothing. When a big construction job left him waiting on $350,000 he'd already earned, he did what you'd probably do. He looked for a loan. The man who picked up the phone was named Jonathan Braun. Before Braun found Jerry, he was running a half-billion dollar international drug smuggling operation. After he found Jerry, he froze his bank account, drained his father's retirement, took money from his 16-year-old son, and told Jerry his only way out was to win the lottery or die. And then things got worse. By the time it was over, Jerry Bush had lost his business, his savings, and nearly his life. Jonathan Braun had a Ferrari, a Lamborghini, a personal butler, and a very powerful friend. What happens next will make you question everything you think you know about who the justice system is actually designed to protect and who it leaves behind. I Beg Your Pardon is a new investigative series from PRETEND. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

CONTENT WARNING: Graphic content. Listener discretion is advised.   Who’s Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey — Revisited A lot of people ask: where should I start if I just discovered PRETEND? The answer is always LaDonna. It’s been almost two years since the first episode of Who’s Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey dropped — and this one is still mind-blowing. Whether you’re a first-time listener or coming back to revisit, this is the place to start. In this episode, we’re replaying Part One. It’s a hell of an introduction. 🎧 Want the full series? We’ve put together a Spotify playlist with all the episodes and updates, tidied up in one place. Check it out below. ➡️ Listen to the full LaDonna Humphrey playlist on Spotify   https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2LOnqAGe8D4JQ4bAwjGn9P?si=54f21cbedfb640f8 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

I want to share a quick update about the "Hand That Held Me" series. Due to some recent developments, I’ve made the decision to postpone the release. I know many of you were expecting it, and I’m sorry for the change. These situations can be complex, and I want to make sure I handle the story the right way. This also leaves an unexpected three-week gap in the schedule while I prepare the next series. I appreciate your patience as I work to queue up what’s coming next. Thank you, as always, for listening and for trusting the work. — Javier Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We conclude one of the most disturbing series ever covered on this podcast. Here are parts 3 and 4 of the Pests. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, we're revisiting one of the most terrifying series ever produced for PRETEND. It's about a gang-stalking internet group known as The Pests. Content Advisory: This episode is disturbing and includes language and topics not suitable for all audiences. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Look, I'm not anti-private school. You want your kid to learn in an environment that matches your beliefs? Cool. To each their own. But should your neighbors be paying for it? North Carolina is funneling half a billion dollars into private schools with almost zero oversight. 87% of new voucher money is going to families who were already paying for private school. Meanwhile, public schools are losing funding and teachers are getting paid near the bottom in the country. In this episode, I talk to a former student, a policy researcher, and a reporter who couldn't find a school that was cashing state checks. Spoiler: it took her seven addresses to track it down. Stephen Cordes — Former student at the Word of Faith Christian School in Spindale, NC Kris Nordstrom — Senior Policy Analyst, NC Justice Center Education & Law Project https://www.ncjustice.org/author/kris-nordstrom/ Blair Reeves — Executive Director, Carolina Forward https://carolinaforward.org/about/ Ann Doss Helms — Former Education Reporter, WFAE (Charlotte's NPR station). 22 years covering education in Charlotte. https://www.wfae.org/people/ann-doss-helms Kris Nordstrom's voucher discrepancy analysis (NC Justice Center) https://www.ncjustice.org/analysis-nc-private-school-voucher-program/ Ann Doss Helms' reporting on TAS Academy (WFAE): Charlotte private school had more vouchers than students: https://www.wfae.org/education/2023-06-27/charlotte-private-school-had-more-vouchers-than-students-and-wheres-the-building The elusive voucher school — some answers and lingering questions: https://www.wfae.org/education/2023-08-01/charlottes-elusive-voucher-school-some-answers-and-lingering-questions Elusive voucher school has a new address in Harrisburg: https://www.wfae.org/education/2024-03-07/elusive-voucher-school-has-a-new-address-in-harrisburg-and-students-are-there Carolina Forward https://carolinaforward.org NC Justice Center — Education & Law Project https://www.ncjustice.org PRETEND Season 3 — Word of Faith Fellowship https://www.pretendradio.org If you live in North Carolina and you have an opinion about how your tax dollars are being spent on private school vouchers, let your legislators know. They work for you. Find your NC state representative and senator: https://www.ncleg.gov/findyourlegislators Call the NC General Assembly directly: 919-733-4111 (ask to speak to your representative or senator) Public Schools First NC also has a full contact list with emails for every member of the General Assembly, including education committee members: https://publicschoolsfirstnc.org/engage/contact-elected-officials/ You don't have to live in North Carolina to care about this. If your state has a voucher program, find out where the money's going. Ask the questions nobody else is asking. Got a story idea? Hit me up: javier@pretendradio.org GuestsResources & Further ReadingMake Your Voice HeardContact Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hey guys, it's Javier here with a new recommendation! I've come across a true crime podcast that I just had to share with you all. It's called 'Everything They Missed' and it's hosted by Stephanie Tinsley. This podcast dives deep into the possible wrongful conviction and police mishandling of the Danny Harris case, a particularly gruesome murder that was mishandled from the get-go. What sets this podcast apart is Stephanie's dedication to uncovering the truth, including hiring her own private investigator https://www.everythingtheymissed.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Criminals have been impersonating ICE agents, using fake badges to rape, rob, kidnap, and terrorize communities across America. These imposters have conducted workplace raids, street stops, and home invasions. They wear tactical gear, drive unmarked vehicles, and ask "Are you a U.S. citizen?" Our investigation documented 13 cases spanning from 2016 to last week. We also talk with Laura Jadeed, a reporter who received a job offer from ICE despite skipping most of the application process. Content Warning: This episode contains descriptions of sexual assault, police violence, and the deaths of U.S. citizens. Listener discretion is advised. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Patreon supporter Kenito Wills joins Javier to break down the finale of the "Didn't See It Coming" series. They talk through Susanne Wilson calling off the reading at the last minute. Did she know it was a sting? Did she just have a bad feeling? Javier shares a detail that got cut from the episode: Suzanne actually arranged for the fake family to get a reading with another medium in Europe, which suggests she wasn't 100% sure it was a setup. Plus: Kenito and Javier swap palm reading stories from college. Kenito was told he'd have five kids (he didn't). Javier was told he'd meet the love of his life right after a bad breakup (he did). The takeaway isn't that psychics aren't real or that you can't grieve however you want. It's that if someone mentions Reynolds Wrap and your maiden name is Reynolds, maybe ask some questions. Susan Gerbic's YouTube channel "Psychics Explained" has dozens of videos documenting Operation Banana Cream Pie and other investigations. Link in the show notes. Watch the full videos of Operation Banana Cream Pie on Susan Gerbic's YouTube page: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcSfdioxwHQGkyFZ68maphdIJuYcb8xln Want to see more psychic stings? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The sting is set. The bait is in place. Six skeptics are logged into a Zoom call, pretending to be grieving siblings. They've paid $1,400 for a private reading with a medium Susan Gerbic believes is a hot reader. Months of planning have led to this moment. And then... the medium does something no one expected. In the finale of this three-part series, we find out what happened to Operation Banana Cream Pie. Then, Susan shares recordings from other readings she's analyzed, walking us through what she believes is evidence of hot reading in action. We break down the techniques, examine the receipts, and let you decide what it all means. Watch the full videos of Operation Banana Cream Pie on Susan Gerbic's YouTube page: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcSfdioxwHQGkyFZ68maphdIJuYcb8xln Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Patreon supporter Christine Harnos (not the Star Trek actress, the other one) joins Javier to break down Part 2 of the "Didn't See It Coming" series before listening to the finale. They get into the weeds on Susan Gerbic's sting setup: the Facebook accounts she's been maintaining for years, the fake obituary, the hog farm detail. If a psychic mentions pigs, you know something's up. They also discuss the difference between hot reading and cold reading, why "scientifically tested" doesn't mean what mediums want you to think it means, and the troubling relationship between psychic mediums and grief support organizations like Helping Parents Heal. Christine also shares a strange, unexplainable moment from her own life involving her daughter and a daycare power outage. Want more? Susan Gerbic documented the entire Operation Banana Cream Pie sting on her YouTube channel "Psychics Explained"—20+ videos of behind-the-scenes footage. Link in the show notes. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcSfdioxwHQGkyFZ68maphdIJuYcb8xln Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In Part 1, we watched skeptic Susan Gerbic dissect a celebrity psychic's cold reading techniques. But cold reading is the little leagues of the psychic industry. In Part 2, Susan sets her sights on something harder to catch... a hot reader. Hot reading is when a psychic does their homework, researching their clients before the reading even starts. So Susan devises an elaborate sting: fake Facebook accounts, fake obituaries, fake family members, and $1,400 worth of bait designed to catch a medium in the act. Six skeptics go undercover as grieving siblings. They don't know each other. They don't know the backstory. And they have no idea what's about to happen. This episode takes you inside "Operation Banana Cream Pie." Let's just say, the moment the medium logs onto the Zoom call, no one saw it coming. ABOUT SUSAN GERBIC: Susan Gerbic is a Fellow of the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry and founder of Guerrilla Skepticism on Wikipedia, a group that has written over 2,000 Wikipedia articles on science and pseudoscience — viewed more than 200 million times. Her most famous investigation, "Operation Pizza Roll," was featured in The New York Times Magazine and exposed medium Thomas John's hot reading techniques. Susan runs the nonprofit About Time, which funds her ongoing psychic investigations. Want more? Susan Gerbic documented the entire Operation Banana Cream Pie sting on her YouTube channel "Psychics Explained"—20+ videos of behind-the-scenes footage. Link in the show notes. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcSfdioxwHQGkyFZ68maphdIJuYcb8xln LINKS & RESOURCES: Susan Gerbic's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PsychicsExplained About Time Project: https://www.abouttimeproject.org/ NYT Magazine feature on Operation Pizza Roll: https://archive.ph/20190226135004/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/26/magazine/psychics-skeptics-facebook.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Longtime Patreon supporter Rebecca Catalfu joins Javier to unpack her firsthand experience going undercover at Matt Fraser's psychic readings. Rebecca went into this investigation as a believer and came out the other side with a very different perspective. In this conversation, she and Javier break down the patterns they observed across multiple readings: the decision tree (grandparent, parent, or mystery), the "who is that to you?" fishing technique, the stop statements psychics use when they're not getting hits, and the emotional bell curve that takes grievers to rock bottom before lifting them back up with platitudes. Rebecca also shares what it was like to make it into the virtual "panelist waiting room," the inconsistencies she noticed while analyzing readings for Susan's YouTube channel, and why she's most concerned about the predatory potential these readings pose to vulnerable people. Plus: Javier attempts his own cold reading. It does not go well. LINKS: Susan Gerbic's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PsychicsExplained Matt Fraser Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcSfdioxwHQGkyFZ68maphdIJuYcb8xln Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Skeptic Susan Gerbic invited PRETEND inside one of her psychic sting operations. In Part 1 of this three-part series, we go inside "Operation Gobble Gotcha," a Thanksgiving sting targeting celebrity psychic Matt Fraser. Susan and her team of volunteers infiltrate one of Matt's online group readings to observe his techniques in real time. What they witness isn't a connection to the other side. It's a technique called cold reading. And once you see it, you can't unsee it. BINGE ALL THREE EPISODES: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/posts/didnt-see-it-2-147839354?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link PRETEND+ on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/channel/pretend/id6443456985 ABOUT SUSAN GERBIC: Susan Gerbic is a Fellow of the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry and founder of Guerrilla Skepticism on Wikipedia, a group that has written over 2,000 Wikipedia articles on science and pseudoscience — viewed more than 200 million times. Her most famous investigation, "Operation Pizza Roll," was featured in The New York Times Magazine and exposed medium Thomas John's hot reading techniques. Susan runs the nonprofit About Time, which funds her ongoing psychic investigations. LINKS & RESOURCES: Susan Gerbic's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PsychicsExplained About Time Project: https://www.abouttimeproject.org/ NYT Magazine feature on Operation Pizza Roll: https://archive.ph/20190226135004/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/26/magazine/psychics-skeptics-facebook.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

PRETEND's first live YouTube AMA, co-hosted by Patreon supporter Katie Watson. The conversation covers listener questions about the making of PRETEND, behind-the-scenes stories, and what's coming next. Highlights include: how Javier knows when a story is worth pursuing (hint: it's like fishing) and his techniques for getting interview subjects to let their guard down. He shares updates on past subjects including LaDonna and Frank Abagnale. Looking ahead to 2026: Season 25 kicks off next week with psychic stings featuring undercover Patreon supporters. Also coming: State of Corruption (North Carolina), a caught-on-camera confessional, and a Word of Faith Fellowship update—the DA supposed to try the case is now on trial himself. 00:00 Intro 02:53 Katie's Podcast Journey 04:08 The Art of Storytelling 06:09 Balancing Bias in Journalism 07:49 Building Trust with Interviewees 13:33 Balancing Podcasting and Life 14:55 Ponzi Playbook & Criminal Conduct 17:22 Scariest Interview Subjects 20:08 LaDonna Updates 26:15 Red Flags and Trust 27:37 Telepathy Tapes 30:58 The Truth in Storytelling 34:36 Interview Techniques 37:20 Biggest Challenges in Podcasting 39:14 Balancing Truth and Twists 42:37 Family Reactions 44:11 Maintaining Neutrality 45:19 Dream Project: Speed Dial 46:56 What's Coming in 2026 50:06 Proudest Series 58:35 Word of Faith Update 01:03:33 Season 25 Announcement Blind Dave (Katie's YouTube show "Only in the UK"): https://youtube.com/@blinddave88 Decoding the Unknown: https://youtube.com/@decodingtheunknown2373 The Greatest Hoax on Earth by Alan Logan: https://a.co/d/gIHDef2 ChaptersLinks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A Montana oncologist allegedly treated patients for cancer they never had and made millions doing it. We're re-releasing our two-part investigation into Dr. Thomas Weiner, plus a brand new interview with whistleblower Dr. Randy Sasich on what's happened since. The medical board finally revoked Weiner's license, but criminal charges still loom, a wrongful death lawsuit is underway, and the broken system that enabled this hasn't changed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

'Tis the season for true crime chaos! Hosts Kristen Seavey from Murder, She Told, Javier Leiva from PRETEND, and Shaun from Sins & Survivors join forces to explore Christmas crimes gone horribly wrong. From a bath salts-fueled home decorator in suburban Ohio to a serial burglar stealing Robert De Niro's wrapped presents right from under his tree, these real-life Grinches prove that the holidays bring out the worst in some people. The hosts also dive into the disturbing case of postal workers who intercepted letters to Santa meant for underprivileged children...stealing laptops, iPads, and gift cards intended for kids in need. But the main event is a fresh-off-the-press case from Bangor, Maine. When a couple woke up to find a stranger sleeping on their couch surrounded by their unwrapped Christmas presents. Police body cam footage reveals just how terrifying this "funny" story really was.  Want to see the footage?  https://youtube.com/shorts/XOBl40Ky6Dc Murder, She Told:  https://www.murdershetold.com/episodes/bertha-cote-1 PRETEND: https://open.spotify.com/show/2vaCjR7UvlN9aTIzW6kNCo?si=6c96588b93d04eb3 Sins & Survivors: https://open.spotify.com/show/1W2swCx9LP38sFY06294pB?si=4b64a4ba692a4025 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This bonus episode features Kim, a Patreon supporter who connected with the Matthew Fenner story...but not for the reasons you might expect. Kim's been through the criminal justice system herself. She was prosecuted, sentenced, and spent two years in jail. The conversation goes to some unexpected places. Kim discusses how small-town politics can impact a case in ways that seem backward. We talk about what jail was really like, why she now advocates for criminal justice reform, how the FBI got involved with her ex-husband's January 6th case, and how Word of Faith Fellowship's political connections might reach all the way to the White House. --- This is part of a new series of listener conversations about recent episodes. Want to be part of it? Support PRETEND on Patreon or PRETEND+ on Apple Podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What happens when the person responsible for prosecuting your case seems more interested in protecting your attackers? Matthew Fenner has been asking that question for eight years. After a 2017 mistrial in his assault case against Word of Faith Fellowship members, the judge ordered an immediate retrial. It never happened. Instead, DA Ted Bell granted delay after delay to the defendants while refusing to meet with Matthew, the victim. A gag order meant to last weeks stretched into years, silencing everyone involved and shielding WOFF from public scrutiny. Now Bell has suddenly scheduled the trial—during Matthew's critical medical residency interview. And when Matthew asked for a single accommodation after watching defendants receive years of them, Bell said no. Matthew's response? A legal petition alleging willful misconduct, political corruption, and conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice. He's asking the court to remove Bell from office entirely—or at minimum, remove him from this case. This episode features parts 10 and 11 of The Prophet series, followed by an in-depth analysis of Matthew's petition. Stick around for an update at the end of the episode. Listen to the entire Prophet series on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4wvQwgTDC0XPEo5rkkW2Uj?si=2a9e6c9214e64b81 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join hosts Javier from Pretend, Kristen Seavey from Murder She Told, and Shaun from Sins and Survivors for a special holiday crossover episode where three true crime podcasters let their guard down and talk shop. Featured Guests: Kristen Seavey, host of Murder She Told https://open.spotify.com/show/0n9q2IMjGQyrHMMByvnA2H?si=5975eb73d4714d07 Shaun, host of Sins and Survivors https://open.spotify.com/show/1W2swCx9LP38sFY06294pB?si=05c3269c69b94a73 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This is the story of Simple Health Plans, a $150 million health insurance scam that preyed on desperate Americans and left thousands buried in medical debt. We'll meet Dawn, who nearly fell victim to their scheme, and Steven Dorfman, the mastermind who spent over a million dollars on jewelry while his customers discovered their "insurance" was worthless. With Open Enrollment happening right now, scammers are out in full force. This episode will help you spot the red flags and protect yourself. PROTECT YOURSELF - ESSENTIAL RESOURCES Verify a Company is Legitimate: - NAIC.org - Find your state insurance commissioner - Google: Company name + "scam" or "complaint" Shop for Real ACA Health Insurance: - HealthCare.gov - Federal Marketplace - LocalHelp.HealthCare.gov - Get free help from navigators Report Fraud: - ReportFraud.FTC.gov - File FTC complaint - Contact your State Insurance Department RED FLAGS: ✗ Not listed with state insurance department ✗ Pressure to sign up immediately ✗ Won't provide documents before purchase ✗ Suspiciously low prices ✗ Can't ask questions during "verification" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Harry spent nearly two years believing the woman he loved was dying of brain cancer. He stood by her for every surgery, organ failure...None of it was real. In this episode, Harry walks us through the emotional fantasy Rachel built. Want the full story? 🎧 Listen to The Rachel Cancer Scam Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6Hn5De466DmCIN8Sppw5Ik?si=6ba6b8cee95e4697 Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-rachel-cancer-scam/id1772955263 Protect your business before hackers even make a move. NordStellar centralizes breach, dark web, and attack surface intelligence into one powerful threat-intelligence platform—helping you spot risks early and take action fast. Get 20% off all NordStellar plans with the Black Friday code: BLACKFRIDAY20 (valid until December 10, 2025). Use the link nordstellar.com/pretend Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this bonus episode, Ali, one of my longtime Patreon supporters, reached out after listening to the Cancer Sympathy Machine series. Ali talks openly about her past with addiction, stigma, Hep C treatment and why some people hide the truth about what they’re really going through. I’m also sharing two listener stories about friends, classmates, and loved ones who faked cancer. Thanks to everyone who’s reached out, shared stories, and supported the show. And if you’ve got something you want to talk about, send it my way: javier@pretendradio.org Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Why would anyone fake cancer? Money? Sure. Attention? Definitely. But as I learned in this episode… the motives are a lot darker, messier, and more human than you might expect. In Part 2 of The Cancer Sympathy Machine, we go beyond the headline-grabbing scams and into the emotional machinery behind these lies. With the help of cancer-survivor-turned-researcher Bill Petrich, we break down the categories of cancer fakers — from those seeking sympathy to those hiding crimes, escaping abuse, or covering up addictions. We revisit the infamous cases you’ve heard about: Belle Gibson, Scamanda, and Jennifer Cataldo. To learn more about Bill Petrich’s work documenting these cases, check out his TikTok: @faking.cancer.expert: https://www.tiktok.com/@faking.cancer.expert Listen to eLIESabeth podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/2nlxXhewsTRAyJhvyvaQbb?si=5de4d34489f549e9 Protect your business before hackers even make a move. NordStellar centralizes breach, dark web, and attack surface intelligence into one powerful threat-intelligence platform—helping you spot risks early and take action fast. Get 20% off all NordStellar plans with the Black Friday code: BLACKFRIDAY20 (valid until December 10, 2025). Use the link ⁠nordstellar.com/pretend Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Some people fake cancer for sympathy. Others do it for money. But the truth is darker than most of us want to believe. In this episode, we break down the tactics, behaviors, and mindsets of some of the most convincing cancer fakers out there. From Madison Russo’s botched medical props to Elizabeth Teckenbrock’s alleged search history...“Is it illegal to fake cancer?” Um, yeah. Bill Petrich, a real cancer survivor who now investigates fake cases, helps us understand the psychology behind the deception. We also take a look at the biggest cancer cons in recent history: Scamanda, Belle Gibson, Jennifer Flynn Cataldo and how these scams went from emotional manipulation to full-on fraud. To learn more about Bill Petrich’s work documenting these cases, check out his TikTok: @faking.cancer.expert: https://www.tiktok.com/@faking.cancer.expert Listen to eLIESabeth podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/2nlxXhewsTRAyJhvyvaQbb?si=5de4d34489f549e9 Protect your business before hackers even make a move. NordStellar centralizes breach, dark web, and attack surface intelligence into one powerful threat-intelligence platform—helping you spot risks early and take action fast. Get 20% off all NordStellar plans with the Black Friday code: BLACKFRIDAY20 (valid until December 10, 2025). Use the link ⁠nordstellar.com/pretend Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On PRETEND, we tell stories about people who build false identities and hide the truth in plain sight. This week, we are featuring a case that fits right into that world. It is the newest season of Dakota Spotlight, titled “Meanwhile in Mankato.” In 1965, an 18-year-old gas station attendant named Ray Dahm was murdered during an overnight shift at a rural Minnesota truck stop. The person who killed him was a clean-cut 17-year-old who looked harmless, the kind of kid no one would ever suspect. On the surface, it seemed simple. A robbery. A terrible act of violence. Case closed. But that was only the beginning. Reporter James Wolner later uncovered that the killer did not stay locked away for long. Within a few years, he was quietly back in the community, working around teenage girls who had no idea they were interacting with a convicted murderer. His past had been buried, ignored, or conveniently forgotten. “Meanwhile in Mankato” is a story about manipulation, vanished accountability, and the people who were left to carry the fallout of one man’s lies. It is exactly the kind of story we look at on PRETEND, because it shows how someone can reinvent themselves while everyone else looks the other way. If you follow PRETEND, you will want to hear this one. It is sharp reporting, unsettling truth, and a reminder that the most dangerous story is often the one no one bothered to check. Subscribe to Dakota Spotlight on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3ZqpK6FfXIvS35TUYjckd6?si=fe79cf9a61264247 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Smallville's Allison Mack is out of prison, and she's finally talking. What was NXIVM, and how did Allison Mack become a high-ranking member?NXIVM was a self-help organization that sold leadership training and personal development courses. Beneath the surface, it operated as a coercive group led by Keith Raniere, using control tactics like starvation diets, sleep deprivation, emotional manipulation, and eventually a secret “master-slave” subgroup called DOS. Who is Allison Mack?Allison Mack, best known from Smallville, joined NXIVM in the mid-2000s. She rose quickly inside the group and later played a major role in recruiting and controlling women within DOS. Mack pled guilty to racketeering and served three years in federal prison for her crimes. She was released in 2023. What is this episode about?In this conversation, journalist Natalie Robehmed — host of the new CBC podcast Allison After NXIVM — explains how Allison Mack describes her journey from devoted follower to active perpetrator. We break down the psychological mechanics that made NXIVM work: obedience training, emotional conditioning, sexual manipulation, and why even smart people get pulled into systems like this. We also revisit Allison’s early life as a child actor, her abusive relationship before NXIVM, and how these patterns help explain the control she eventually exerted over others. After you listen, check out:👉 Allison After NXIVM from Uncover (CBC + Campsite Media) — Episode 1 is out now. https://open.spotify.com/show/5asD2sDYXsiUCtYi7VUO49?si=0325705c159b4f54 👉 Comic Book Central’s 2016 interview with Allison Mack — recorded before NXIVM collapsed, offering an eerie look at who she was then. https://open.spotify.com/episode/1VXZyFrQGrzwHzgU1D1Cih?si=dd94dae2332a493e 20% off all NordStellar Plans (valid until December 10th, 2025)  Link: nordstellar.com/pretend  Coupon code is: blackfriday20  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This bonus episode is a chance to step back and make sense of everything that just unfolded in Cracks in the Fandom. If you listened to the series, you saw how an Instagram unfollow spiraled into harassment, infighting, and full-on chaos inside the SVU fandom. This series was petty, confusing , and pretty revealing about how people form attachments online. I wanted to understand why this happens. Why someone can feel personally betrayed by an actor they don't even know. So I reached out to Bradley J. Bond, a professor at the University of San Diego who studies parasocial relationships for a living. He breaks down what these one-sided bonds actually are, why they feel real, and how they can slide from harmless to unhealthy faster than we think. Copyright Takedown Update:My attorney has already filed a counterclaim. Patreon will let me put the episodes back up after the standard 10-business-day window. And Spotify is working on restoring the episodes promptly. I’ll keep you updated. Thank you for supporting the show. Without you, I couldn't fight these frivolous legal challenges. Javier Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alien abductions.Hundreds of people say it’s happened to them.They’re not looking for fame or attention.Some keep it a secret...haunted by memories they can’t explain. In Day 3 of PRETEND’s Halloween Marathon, we meet Dr. John Mack, a Pulitzer Prize–winning Harvard psychiatrist who risked his reputation to study these so-called abductees. Using hypnosis and relaxation techniques, Mack tried to uncover whether these encounters were dreams, delusions, or something far stranger. Why would a man of science devote his life to stories most people laugh off? And what if the people he studied weren’t crazy at all? This episode is part of a larger series I produced on hypnosis. Check out the rest of the series. Season 8 of PRETEND: https://open.spotify.com/episode/05forE4OuW9zgsI9OZ7XHy?si=71eca84e0f5843ba Listen ad-free on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/collection/1813212 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s Day 2 of my Halloween Marathon, and today we’re diving into The Haunted Tourist. I’m joined by Brandon Schexnayder, host of Southern Gothic and Fear Daily—two shows that live and breathe ghost stories. Together, we pull back the curtain on haunted tourism: the ghost tours, the myths, and the money that fuels them. From fake cemeteries built for tourists to real tragedies twisted into folklore, Brandon and I explore what’s real, what’s exaggerated, and why we want to believe. If you love a good ghost story—but also like to know what’s behind it—this one’s for you. Southern Gothic: https://open.spotify.com/show/6s2eCUQgs76SLGEwiBwYOn?si=b9edd693f49b4e41 Fear Daily: https://open.spotify.com/show/5RrG0f6Yd7WNqSmuebfRMJ?si=d99660cd2e8c4a42 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hey, it’s Javier. Quick update: Meghan Walsh, the subject of my Cracks in the Fandom series, has filed copyright complaints on every major platform. As a result, Spotify and Patreon have temporarily taken down the series. My attorneys are already on it, and we expect everything to be restored soon. In the meantime, it’s Halloween weekend — so let’s have some fun. I’m bringing back some of my favorite spooky episodes from the PRETEND archives. Today’s story? Real Vampires. Yeah, real ones. It’s one of my all-time favorites, and honestly, there’s no better time of year to revisit it. Stick around... I’ll be dropping more eerie episodes all weekend long. For now, let’s press play on The Real Vampires. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Important Update on “Cracks in the Fandom”Meghan Walsh, the subject of my latest series, filed a copyright infringement claim with all major podcast platforms. As a result, Patreon and Spotify have temporarily removed the episodes pending review.The good news? You can still listen to the entire series on Apple Podcasts. https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/pretend-radio/id1245307962?mt=2 __________ In the Law & Order: SVU community, Meghan Walsh says she’s been stalked for years. She even claims Mariska Hargitay is somehow involved. Her alleged tormentor, Michelle Ivey, tells a very different story. Accusations of swatting, online impersonation, and defamation swirl around this fandom feud. The evidence is messy, and just when you think you know where it’s heading... there’s a twist you won’t see coming. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Cracks in the Fandom — Part 3 (Edited Copyright Cut)PRETEND: Stories about real people pretending to be someone they’re not Michelle Ivey has been painted as the villain. Meghan Walsh calls her a stalker, a criminal, a threat to her life. She’s warned not to contact her. But in this episode, I do just that. I talk to Michelle. And what I find is something very different from the unhinged boogeyman Meghan has described for years. What if Michelle isn’t stalking anyone at all? What if she’s just a fan? In Part 3, the story begins to fracture. Meghan's claims get louder. But her evidence starts to slip. And the people she says are targeting her… start to speak up. This is the extended version of the episode. If you're listening now on Patreon or Pretend+, I'd love to know what you think. Is this story about stalking, delusion, or something else entirely? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Meghan Walsh says she is being stalked by three people. One of them is Law & Order: SVU star Mariska Hargitay. Sounds impossible, right? But she’s not the only one saying it. In this episode, we meet Lauren. She claims to be the biological mother of Mariska’s adopted daughter. Her story begins with a supposed secret adoption, and spirals into accusations of betrayal and abandonment. Lauren says the actress is not just stalking her, but working behind the scenes to silence anyone who challenges her. Meghan believes her. To her, Lauren is the missing piece that proves her own story is real. But the more we dig, the harder it becomes to separate truth from delusion. Is this the beginning of a deeper conspiracy? Or just another internet rabbit hole? This extended version includes additional narration and soundbites not available in the public edit. Let me know what you think of the series so far. Your feedback will help shape the final episodes before they go live in the main feed. All 4 Episodes Available now on Pretend+ and Patreon PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/pretendradio PRETEND+ on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/channel/pretend/id6443456985 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

🎧 NEW SERIES: “Cracks in the Fandom” What would you do if you thought your favorite celebrity was stalking you? That’s exactly what Meghan Walsh claims. She says she’s being harassed by not one, not two—but three stalkers. And one of them? Is Mariska Hargitay, best known as Detective Olivia Benson from Law & Order: SVU. Yeah. I know how that sounds. But here’s the thing: the more I looked into it, the more the story started to twist. This new series, Cracks in the Fandom, is not about whether Mariska is actually stalking someone (spoiler: come on). It’s about why someone might believe that. What happens when online relationships go sideways. And what’s really going on underneath the noise. I’m releasing the first three extended cuts that are ~10 minutes longer than what you'll eventually hear on the public feed. There are 5 episodes total. And trust me, this story goes places I did not expect. Your feedback means a lot. Let me know what you think of the pacing, the structure, or anything that feels confusing. This is your sneak preview—and your chance to help shape how the story is told. First 3 episodes available now on Patreon and PRETEND+: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pretendradio PRETEND+ Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/channel/pretend/id6443456985 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A 32-year-old woman enrolled herself in three Boston high schools and passed as a teenager. She sat in classrooms, made friends with freshmen, and even joined the girls basketball team. She wore number 32 on her jersey, which also happened to be her real age. This is the story of Shelby Hewitt, a state social worker who lived a double life. For two years, she convinced students, teachers, and administrators that she was a foster kid with nowhere else to go. She built fake social workers and false backstories to make her cover believable. When PRETEND first aired this episode, there were more questions than answers. Was Shelby trying to relive her youth? Was she gathering information on the kids she worked with? Or was she doing this just for kicks? In this replay, you will hear the original story and then get the latest updates. Since the episode first aired, new details have emerged about the extent of her lies and who got caught up in them. We will also examine the criminal charges she is currently facing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Breaking news in the stalker case: Rick Fernandez has pleaded guilty to harassment. Instead of facing trial, he admitted responsibility for a new wave of harassment tied to the book he published while awaiting trial on felony charges. His sentence? 180 days in jail (suspended) along with three years of probation. If Rick contacts the victims directly or indirectly, he risks going to jail and facing new charges. In this episode, I dig into what this guilty plea really means, and you’ll also hear from Rick’s sister, Olivia Fernandez, who shares her complicated reaction to the news. The big question is: will Rick finally stop the harassment, or is this just another chapter in a story that refuses to end? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Listener discretion is advised. This episode contains discussions of sexual abuse and may not be suitable for all audiences. In 1964, Winston Moseley stalked and murdered Kitty Genovese. The case became infamous not only for its brutality but also for the silence of neighbors who heard her cries and did nothing. During his trial, Moseley confessed to other killings, including the murder of 15-year-old Barbara Kralik. But another man, Alvin Mitchell, had already confessed to that crime. Two men. Two confessions. One murder. This episode is not just about Barbara Kralik’s death. It is about Alvin Mitchell, who later reinvented himself as a minister and claimed he was a wrongfully convicted man saved by God. Behind that testimony, his children say Alvin was hiding decades of abuse. You will hear from Naomi, one of Alvin’s daughters, and Pastor Pete, a prison minister who once worked alongside Alvin. And for the first time, you will hear Alvin himself as I confront him directly. This is a story about the cost of looking away. 👉 Support independent investigative storytelling. Join PRETEND on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pretendradio Fraud Uncovered by Trade Winds October 01, 2025 11:30 am - 1:30 pm Register here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/rvcxhpf/lp/3e23dfff-59f6-4be9-82b2-821afd2293b1?mode=preview&source_id=34206647-f2bd-4bc3-9c6a-4f3882a86833&source_type=em&c= To book Javier Leiva for keynotes, workshops, or speaking events, visit pretendradio.org Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tyler Fehrman went undercover for the FBI after his mentor, Ohio GOP chair Matt Borges, offered him a $15,000 check. His recordings helped uncover a $63 million bribery scheme that brought down House Speaker Larry Householder. This is Part Two of State of Corruption from Pretend. Credits: Portions of this episode reference material from the HBO documentary Dark Money Games.Written and Produced by: Javier Leiva & Mackenzie AmesEditor: Puneeth Shenoy with Podcast Pundits Listening on Spotify? Scroll down and leave a comment on this episode. Tell me what corruption stories are happening in your state. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tyler Fehrman went undercover to bring down the Speaker of the Ohio House. He wore a wire. He met with mentors who turned into suspects. He risked everything. This is the story of how one political insider helped expose a billion-dollar corruption scheme at the heart of Ohio politics. Part two will be available on Patreon and PRETEND+ this weekend. Stay tuned Credits: Portions of this episode reference material from the HBO documentary Dark Money Games. Written and Produced by: Javier Leiva & Mackenzie AmesEditor: Puneeth Shenoy with https://podcastpundits.com/Theme Music: by Thechicken.net Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

If you’re a longtime listener, you probably remember my interview with Joe Pistone, the real Donnie Brasco. But I forgot to ask one important question: Where did the name Donnie Brasco even come from? Turns out, it wasn’t made up. Donnie Brasco is a real person. He’s Joe Pistone’s nephew. And not just any nephew — an undercover FBI agent who followed in his uncle’s footsteps. This story blew my mind, and I wouldn’t have known about it if it weren’t for my friend and fellow podcaster Jerri Williams, host of FBI Case File Review. Jerri interviewed both Joe Pistone and the real Donnie Brasco. Yes, both of them. This might be the FBI’s worst-kept secret, and it’s finally out. This is history being rewritten, and I had to share it with you. So here it is... Part 1 of JerrI’s episode, re-shared with her blessing. Subscribe to FBI Case File Review: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2PG0LHyYjKH7hWTtql3Lfo?si=c55ae6e3d47a4142 Learn more: https://jerriwilliams.com/367-donnie-brasco-following-in-the-footsteps-of-uncle-joe-pistone-part-1/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A 911 call in Madison County, Arkansas reported what sounded like a violent attack. It should have remained confidential. But when LaDonna Humphrey got involved, that caller’s life was turned upside down. Now she is caught in a web of harassment, conspiracy theories, and public exposure that puts her safety at risk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

LaDonna Humphrey has spent years trying to overturn a $3.57 million judgment. But in a rare legal move, her right to appeal was sold in bankruptcy court — to the very person she was fighting, Anthony Christopher. In this episode, you'll hear directly from Anthony Christopher as he reacts to the latest court decision. I also spoke with law professor Joshua M. Silverstein from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and Mark Friedman from Arkansas Business, who explained how this type of sale is even possible. If you want to hear my full bonus conversation with Professor Silverstein, you can find it here:👉 https://www.patreon.com/posts/yes-person-who-135873336 And if you’re just now joining the story, binge the entire series:🎧 Who’s Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey on Spotify👉 https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2LOnqAGe8D4JQ4bAwjGn9P?si=2a376d2f740443ee Stick around — next week in Part 18, we dig into new allegations of harassment. This time, the alleged victim is a 911 caller and a key witness to a murder case. You don’t want to miss it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on PRETEND, we’re bringing you something special: a feed drop from Nobody Should Believe Me, an award-winning investigative true crime podcast created by author Andrea Dunlop. With over 15 million downloads and a spot on The New York Times' radar as “a rich and harrowing chronicle of the condition,” this show dives deep into one of the most disturbing forms of abuse—Munchausen by Proxy. Told through the voices of survivors and leading experts, Nobody Should Believe Me pulls back the curtain on cases that are as heartbreaking as they are eye-opening. Season Six unpacks the devastating saga of the McDaniel family—a true Southern Gothic story of generational trauma and medical child abuse that has haunted those involved for decades. And here’s some exciting news: PRETEND is now part of Andrea Dunlop’s new true crime podcast network, True Story Media. We're proud to be joining forces with storytellers who aren’t afraid to dig into the darkest corners of human behavior. Listen to Season 6 of Nobody Should Believe Me now: 🎧 https://open.spotify.com/episode/4OBmfOH5umqm6AHKtBNprg?si=963e00595cd740c0 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Melanie dies. Jayson takes control of her estate. Then he moves in with her mother. Her children are stunned. They suspect something isn’t right, especially as questions about Melanie’s will and health begin to surface. Jayson was the last person caring for her before she passed. Just when we think the story is over, another woman comes forward. We’re calling her Julie. She says she was seeing Jayson during this same time. In this episode, we unravel what really happened after Melanie’s death and why her family is still looking for answers. Written and Produced by: Javier Leiva & Mackenzie AmesEditor: Puneeth Shenoy with https://podcastpundits.com/Theme Music: by Thechicken.net Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the year 2000, the merger of AOL and Time Warner seemed like the moment that the pendulum shifted from offline to online media. But the megamerger went off script fast. In-fighting, cooked books and incompatible corporate cultures would turn it into a marriage from hell, one that would scar both companies. But before any of that could happen, AOL had to overcome the odds…to take America online. In this season of Business Wars, we explore why the biggest merger in US history turned into a corporate catastrophe. Listen to Business Wars: The AOL Time Warner Disaster right now wherever you get your podcasts: Wondery.fm/BW_IFD Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In Part 2 of The Playwright, we shift focus to the show at the center of it all: The History of Now. Written and directed by Jason Bartlett, the play was billed as a bold, political drama. It was a plan meant to honor a woman he claimed to love. But former cast members and collaborators started noticing red flags. Was this play ever really meant to open? Or was it all just a front? Was The History of Now a sincere artistic project...or just another performance? Written and Produced by: Javier Leiva & Mackenzie AmesEditor: Puneeth ShenoyTheme Music: by Thechicken.net Episode Credits: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, we investigate the mysterious Jayson Bartlett and the many women whose lives he upended. Emma was a single mother in England who fell for Bartlett’s charm and artistic persona. At first, everything seemed perfect. But soon, she realized she was being gaslit, lied to, and emotionally manipulated. Then there’s Melanie. She lived in North Carolina and had been diagnosed with a terminal illness. She thought she had found love and a creative partner. Instead, Jayson took control of her finances and disappeared. Episode Credits: Written and Produced by: Javier Leiva & Mackenzie AmesEditor: Puneeth ShenoyTheme Music: by Thechicken.net 🔓 Get Early Access: Hear the next episode early and unlock bonus content by subscribing to:Pretend Plus on Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/channel/pretend/id6443456985 Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/c/pretendradio Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What if your phone could place you at the scene of a crime—years later? In this bonus episode of PRETEND, we uncover how nearly 200 mobile devices that visited Jeffrey Epstein’s private island left behind invisible data trails. Using just a free trial from a location data broker, an outsider was able to map those devices back to homes, offices, and even gated communities across the U.S. This episode dives into how mobile advertising IDs—those “anonymous” trackers buried inside your apps—are being used to surveil people without their knowledge. It’s not just Epstein’s guests. Similar tactics were used to target abortion clinic visitors in Wisconsin… and the law hasn’t kept up. Sources and Further Reading: WIRED: Location Data From Phones Used to Track Epstein Island Visitors https://www.wired.com/video/watch/we-tracked-every-visitor-to-epstein-island Motherboard (VICE): A Data Broker Was Selling Location Data on People Who Visited Abortion Clinics https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2022/02/meet-abortion-bans-new-best-friend-your-phone/ EPIC.org: Data Broker Helped Anti-Abortion Group Target Planned Parenthood Visitors https://epic.org/data-broker-helped-anti-abortion-group-target-planned-parenthood-visitors-wyden-letter-reveals/ U.S. Congress: American Data Privacy and Protection Act (ADPPA) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Data_Privacy_and_Protection_Act Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 story of a young boy grappling with his place in the world, torn between his father's influence and his desire for a different path. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rick Fernandez—yes, the same Rick who thought he’d escaped six felonies—just got slapped with brand-new criminal charges in Phoenix Municipal Court. I flew in a court-runner to watch the hearing, dug through fresh police files, and pieced together how a self-published book and two midnight phone calls may blow up Rick & Tanya’s “clean-slate” diversion deal. 🎧 New to this saga? Binge the entire 20-part series first: The Stalker — Season 12 playlist on Spotify. Start there, then come right back. 🗂️ Docs & extras PDF of the new criminal complaint Snippet from Layers of Attack All available for Pretend + supporters 🤝 Support the Show Patreon / Apple Pretend + for early drops, bonus tapes, and deep-dive documents. Rate & review PRETEND on your favorite app—helps new listeners find the show! Host / Reporting: Javier LeivaCourt-runner: Tore LynnTheme: TheChicken.net © 2025 Creative Babble Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on PRETEND, we're doing something different. I’m bringing on my friend Johnathan Walton, the mastermind behind Queen of the Con, to share the premiere episode of his brand-new podcast series: Cocaine Air. Jonathan isn’t just a victim of a con artist—he’s turned his trauma into a storytelling empire. And in Cocaine Air, he tells the true story of TJ Dominguez, a Cuban-American businessman who got scammed out of $100,000 and decided to take matters into his own hands... by becoming one of the world’s biggest cocaine smugglers for Pablo Escobar. This story is wild, raw, and straight out of the Miami Vice era—but it's all true. If you're into PRETEND, you’re going to love Cocaine Air. 🎙️ Guest: Johnathan Walton🔗 Listen to the full series: CocaineAir.com📚 Preorder Johnathan’s book: Anatomy of a Con Artist: The 14 Red Flags of Scammers, Grifters, and Thieves (Out August 19). Also, listen to Johnathan share his personal scam story for the first time on PRETEND: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3ixMjLTNaxf4ONIuktqq7s?si=e80842100f984067If. If you liked this episode, text it to a friend who loves true crime. And don’t forget to leave a review for both PRETEND and Cocaine Air. Indie creators like us rely on your support. —Created and hosted by Javier LeivaFor more episodes, visit pretendradio.org Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In part 4 of 'The Internet Saves the Bachelor,' we examine the growing cracks in Laura Owens’ story as her pregnancy timeline collapses under scrutiny. At one hearing, she claims to be 24 weeks pregnant. In another, she says she miscarried months earlier. The dates keep shifting — July, August, October — and still, no medical provider can confirm that she was ever pregnant. Clayton Echard’s legal team seizes on the inconsistencies. They ask the court to dismiss the case, arguing it was filed in bad faith. Sanctions, attorney’s fees, and even questions of criminal liability begin to surface. Sources: SchnitzelNinja69 on YouTube Dave Neal Just Jen & Hay Bales – All the Best Research Justice for Clayton Wiki Megan Fox on YouTube Credits: Written by: Javier Leiva & Mackenzie Ames Hosted by: Javier Leiva Music: thechicken.net Produced by: Creative Babble Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In Part 3 of The Internet Saves the Bachelor, the truth—or at least, what remains of it—is put on trial. Laura Owens takes the stand. Under oath, she admits to altering the ultrasound she submitted as evidence. Her pregnancy timeline, once shaky, now completely collapses under cross-examination. The judge wants answers. The internet sleuths want accountability. And Clayton Echard? He just wants this nightmare to end. Part 4 is available right now on Patreon and PRETEND+ on Apple Podcast Sources: SchnitzelNinja69 on YouTube Dave Neal - https://www.youtube.com/@DaveNealComedian Just Jen & Hay Bales with https://allthebestresearch.com/ Justice for Clayton - https://justiceforclayton.com/wiki/index.php/Main_Page Megan Fox - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9XP_Ax4_vTi1IqSSRD9ORQ Credits Written by: Javier Leiva & Mackenzie Ames Hosted by: Javier Leiva Music by thechicken.net Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The story isn’t over. In Part 2, we dig deeper into the chaos that followed Laura Owens’ accusations against Bachelor star Clayton Echard. Internet sleuths start pulling court records, police reports, and medical documents. Their findings are wild — fake identities, stolen ultrasounds, and a pregnancy that might never have happened. Laura pushes back. She sues YouTuber Dave Neal and threatens to sue other podcasters for even discussing the case. In court, she testifies under oath. But her story keeps falling apart. This episode exposes the internet’s role in fighting back, not with conspiracy theories, but with receipts. Credits: Hosted, Produced: Javier Leiva Written by: Mackenzie Ames References: ⁠https://allthebestresearch.com⁠  Dave Neal's YouTube: ⁠https://youtube.com/@davenealcomedian?si=buUz1EGyODwQ6aGv⁠ https://justiceforclayton.com/wiki/index.php/Laura_Michelle_Owens_-_Court_Case_History https://www.reddit.com/r/JusticeForClayton/ https://victimsoflauraowens.com/coverage/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After a one-night hookup with a fan-turned-client, former Bachelor star Clayton Echard faced an unexpected legal battle — and public accusations that threatened to ruin his life. In this episode, we unpack the early timeline of Clayton’s explosive case with Laura Michelle Owens, who claimed she was pregnant with his twins… despite his insistence they never had sex. But Clayton wasn’t her first target. When no one else believed him, the internet showed up and started pulling Laura’s story apart. Stayed tuned for part 2 and 3 of the "Internet Saves the Bachelor." Be the first to listen on Patreon and PRETEND+ on Apple Podcast. Credits: Hosted, Produced: Javier Leiva Written by: Mackenzie Ames Additional Reporting: The Dating Detectives Podcast References: https://allthebestresearch.com  Dave Neal's YouTube: https://youtube.com/@davenealcomedian?si=buUz1EGyODwQ6aGv https://justiceforclayton.com/wiki/index.php/Laura_Michelle_Owens_-_Court_Case_History https://www.reddit.com/r/JusticeForClayton/ https://victimsoflauraowens.com/coverage/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of PRETEND, recorded live at the GISEC cybersecurity conference in Dubai, I spoke with Hieu Minh Ngo, once one of the most prolific identity thieves in the world. Operating out of Vietnam, Hieu stole and sold personal data on over 200 million Americans. We're talking names, birth dates, Social Security numbers—everything you’d need to become someone else. But he didn’t hack his way in. Instead, he used open-source intelligence and even impersonated a private investigator to gain legal access to massive data broker networks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

While speaking at a hacker conference in Dubai, Javier revisits a conversation with professional pickpocket and entertainer James Freedman. James reveals how a childhood scuffle led to a lifelong obsession with the art of pickpocketing, evolving from swiping coins to mastering social engineering and even digital fraud. 🔗 Listen to Part 2Click here for The Digital Pickpocket, Part 2 → 💬 Connect with Javier on social Instagram/Twitter/TikTok: @pretendpod 🛡 Stay safe: Learn how to defend yourself against modern pickpockets — both analog and digital. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How LaDonna Humphrey Used a Children's Event to Funnel Money Through Oasis of Northwest Arkansas. What happens when a glow-in-the-dark Easter egg hunt turns into a glowing red flag? In this bonus episode of PRETEND, host Javier Leiva exposes a so-called family event that promised “magic,” but delivered mayhem — all tied to LaDonna Humphrey and her questionable nonprofit, Oasis of Northwest Arkansas. Held at Mt. Hebron Park on April 12, 2025, the event was marketed as an unforgettable glow-in-the-dark Easter experience. According to the Facebook ad, attendees were told to: “Embark on an egg-citing adventure under the starry sky..." “Search high and low for luminescent treasures..." “Watch the park come alive with a kaleidoscope of vibrant colors..." “A plethora of prizes and surprises await..." But in reality, it was more like the FYRE Festival of Easter egg hunts. One parent described the event as “no different than any free egg hunt at a church”—except this one cost $50 per family. Instead of a kaleidoscope of vibrant colors, this event featured crying kids, confused parents, and a nonprofit operating in the dark, literally and figuratively. 👀 New LaDonna episodes are in the works — featuring new fake accounts, missing persons cases, and a sheriff caught in the crossfire. Stay tuned. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Can you really fake being insane—and get away with it? In this episode of PRETEND, host Javier Leiva sits down with forensic psychologist Dr. Tristin Engels to pull back the curtain on the high-stakes world of mental health evaluations in the criminal justice system. We explore how some criminals try to game the system, what psychologists look for when evaluating claims of mental illness, and why even experts can be fooled. Plus, we revisit infamous cases like Richard Speck, George Metesky (aka The Mad Bomber), Ted Bundy, and Ed Kemper to examine how psychology—and its blind spots—played a role in their investigations. Guest: Dr. Tristin Engels is a licensed clinical and forensic psychologist, published author, and co-host of the podcast Killer Minds. 👉 If you want more criminal psychology deep-dives, check out Dr. Engels’ podcast Killer Minds, where she breaks down infamous cases through the lens of a forensic expert. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Interview with a man convicted of a Ponzi scheme. Bill Livolsi says he was just trying to help his wife, Linda—the ringleader of a multi-million dollar investment scam. In this episode of PRETEND, Bill opens up about how he got roped into the scheme, ignored every red flag, and ultimately landed in prison. He describes fake hedge funds, imaginary employees, and a key investor who also happened to be a self-proclaimed witch and lottery winner. But here’s the twist: Linda isn’t just any con artist. She’s the sister of the woman who tried to steal Elvis Presley’s Graceland—something we covered in a previous episode of PRETEND. Yeah, this story just got a whole lot weirder. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Trigger warning: This episode contains graphic discussions of emotional, financial, sexual, and physical abuse. Listener discretion is strongly advised. When Lindsay first met him, he was charming, successful, and convincing—a financial advisor with all the right answers. What started as a storybook marriage quickly spiraled into a nightmare of manipulation, gaslighting, and escalating violence. In this episode of PRETEND, Lindsay opens up for the first time in a raw, unfiltered conversation. She walks us through the early warning signs she missed, the love bombing tactics used to win her over, and the slow, calculated process of control that followed. 💬 If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, help is available. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or visit thehotline.org. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After publishing the story of a woman trapped in a marriage with a narcissist, I wasn't sure how it would land. It wasn’t flashy. It didn’t end in violence or arrest. But the response was overwhelming. Listeners wrote in to say, “That was me.” Some still carry the trauma years later. Others are just now realizing what they went through was abuse. In this episode, we hear from listeners who saw their own relationships reflected in Ashley’s story. We also speak with criminal behavior analyst Laura Richards to understand how abuse often hides in plain sight—through gaslighting, coercive control, and emotional manipulation. And we ask: what happens when the narcissist isn’t a partner—but a parent? Or when the survivor is a man? This bonus episode is about the quiet kind of abuse—the kind people are afraid to talk about but desperately need to hear. 🔊 Featuring: Laura Richards and listeners who bravely shared their experiences ⚠️ Trigger warning: discussions of abuse, addiction, and coercive control 🛑 Warning Signs of Narcissistic Abuse: Love-bombing followed by emotional withdrawal or cruelty Gaslighting: making you doubt your memory, emotions, or reality Blaming you for their self-harm threats or emotional instability Constant criticism or belittling over mundane issues Financial control or sabotage Isolating you from family or friends Guilt-tripping, triangulation, or passive-aggressive threats Refusing accountability or twisting facts during arguments 📌 If you’re in a similar situation, here are resources that can help: National Domestic Violence Hotline (U.S.): 800-799-7233 or thehotline.org — 24/7, free, confidential Psychology Today Therapist Finder: psychologytoday.com SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) – for substance abuse and mental health support Domestic Shelters: domesticshelters.org – helps identify resources near you One Mom’s Battle: onemomsbattle.com – for navigating high-conflict custody and divorce Love is Respect: loveisrespect.org – support for young people in abusive relationships Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of PRETEND, we meet “Ashley”—not her real name—who recorded hours of arguments with her husband in an effort to understand what was happening inside her marriage. From the outside, it looked like petty spats over groceries or laundry. But when you hear the audio, you realize this was something darker. Ashley’s husband was emotionally abusive, manipulative, and battling addiction. It wasn’t until COVID lockdowns that his mask slipped and she could see who he really was. He used suicide threats to control her, drained her financially, and isolated her from support. And yet, as is often the case with narcissists, everyone else thought he was the victim. This is not one of the most outrageous stories we’ve told on PRETEND—but it’s one of the most common. It’s a story many people quietly live through and struggle to name. This is what emotional abuse sounds like. 🛑 Warning Signs of Narcissistic Abuse: Constant criticism or belittling (often about “small” things like chores or tone of voice) Love-bombing followed by extreme withdrawal or cruelty Gaslighting: making you question your memory, reality, or emotions Isolation from friends, family, or support systems Walking on eggshells to avoid setting them off Financial control or sabotage Using guilt, blame, or self-harm threats to manipulate behavior Alternating between praise and punishment Jealousy of your attention—especially toward children 📌 If you’re in a similar situation, here are resources that can help: National Domestic Violence Hotline (U.S.): 800-799-7233 or thehotline.org — Free, confidential, 24/7 Psychology Today Therapist Finder: psychologytoday.com Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services (SAMHSA) Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) Narcissist Abuse Recovery Support: DomesticShelters.org – Includes emotional abuse filters One Mom’s Battle: onemomsbattle.com – Focused on divorcing narcissists and protecting children Love is Respect (for younger listeners): loveisrespect.org Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It started with a missing breast milk keepsake. But when Cheyna Lee joined an online group of frustrated customers, she uncovered something much bigger—hundreds of victims, stolen mementos, and a scam artist hiding in plain sight. This is the story of Destiny Magoon, a small business owner who promised sentimental jewelry made from ashes, hair, and even breast milk—but left heartbreak in her wake. What followed was an online investigation that played out like a true crime documentary, exposing fraud, deception, and a woman willing to do anything to cover her tracks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Episode Summary: While working on the new season of Pretend, I wanted to bring back an episode from 2018 that’s worth another listen. It’s the story of Art Schlichter, a former Ohio State football star whose gambling addiction wrecked his life—and the lives of others. One of those people was Anita Barney, the widow of a Wendy’s CEO, who lost everything after trusting the wrong person. This isn’t just a story about gambling. It’s about how someone can slowly gain control over another person’s life and bank account, one small ask at a time. Topics Covered: ✔ How Art Schlichter went from an NFL draft pick to a convicted con artist ✔ The way he pulled Anita Barney into his schemes ✔ How quickly financial fraud can spiral out of control Resources & Links: 📖 Quarterback Sneak – Anita Barney’s book about what happened 📌 Follow Pretend on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pretendpod/ 📌 Join our Facebook group Have a Story to Share? If someone you trusted took advantage of you, I’d like to hear your story. Send a voice memo to Javier@pretendradio.org. 💡 Rate & Review! If you liked this episode, leave a review and share Pretend with a friend. 🎧 Subscribe & Stay Tuned – More episodes coming soon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

n part two of Licensed to Kill, we continue the shocking investigation into doctors who exploit their patients for profit. This episode follows Patty Hester, a fitness instructor who was misdiagnosed with a rare blood cancer and nearly subjected to years of unnecessary chemotherapy—all at the hands of Dr. Farid Fata, a Michigan oncologist who built his fortune by treating healthy patients for diseases they never had. But Fata isn’t alone. Across the country, doctors like Thomas Weiner, Ian Paterson, and Javaid Perwaiz have betrayed their patients, mutilated bodies, and destroyed lives—all under the guise of medical care. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 pulmonary critical care specialist, began questioning Weiner’s practices, he faced pushback, intimidation, and threats. But Weiner’s case isn’t unique. Across the country, doctors like Farid Fata, Jorge Zamora-Quezada, and Michael Swango have been caught exploiting patients for profit, exposing just how broken the U.S. healthcare system truly is. In this episode, we dive into: ✔️ How financial incentives reward doctors for prescribing unnecessary treatments ✔️ The loopholes in insurance billing that allow fraud to go undetected for years ✔️ The whistleblower who risked everything to expose the truth ✔️ The cult-like following that still defends Dr. Weiner 🔍 Sources & Additional Reading: ProPublica’s Investigative Report: "Eat What You Kill" : https://www.propublica.org/article/thomas-weiner-montana-st-peters-hospital-oncology 🎧 Next Time on Pretend: Meet a patient who underwent three years of cancer treatments—for cancer she never had. 🔔 Subscribe on Patreon or Pretend Plus for early access to Part 2: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pretendradio PRETEND+ on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/channel/pretend/id6443456985 📢 Follow us: @PretendPod on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook 💬 Have thoughts on this episode? Leave a review or send us a message—we’d love to hear from you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 Plantan recounts how a letter typed via FC led to his wrongful imprisonment for 10 months on charges of sexual assault. We also revisit the story of Janyce Boynton, a former FC facilitator who now warns against the practice after witnessing its harmful effects firsthand. Featured guests in this episode: Kevin Plantin: Sharing his personal story of wrongful imprisonment. Janyce Boynton: Former FC facilitator and advocate against the practice. Additional Resources: Learn more about Facilitated Communication: https://www.facilitatedcommunication.org/ Read about Syracuse University's involvement with FC: https://dailyorange.com/2024/02/mixed-messages-how-facilitated-communication-persists-at-su/ Prisoners of Silence documentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMn_sDCFAuI Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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@pretendradio.org, and your message might be featured in an upcoming episode. Resources Mentioned: ➜    Learn more about Amy Lutz’s work and her book Chasing the Intact Mind. https://amzn.to/4gg9Mbe ➜    Read Zaid Jilani’s articles on Facilitated Communication and The Telepathy Tapes on his Substack, The American Saga. https://www.theamericansaga.com/  ➜   Explore the history of Facilitated Communication in the documentary Tell Them You Love Me (available on U.S. Netflix). https://www.netflix.com/title/81783064 Stay Connected: Follow PRETEND on social media and subscribe to the podcast for more stories exploring deception and the human condition. ➜ BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/pretendpod.bsky.social ➜ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pretendpod/ ➜ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pretendpod ➜ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@pretendpod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. ➜ Ethical concerns, including the history of Facilitated Communication and its controversies. ➜ Voices from parents, experts, and critics, including Zaid Jilani and Amy Lutz. Resources Mentioned:    Learn more about Amy Lutz’s work and her book Chasing the Intact Mind. https://amzn.to/4gg9Mbe    Read Zaid Jilani’s articles on Facilitated Communication and The Telepathy Tapes on his Substack, The American Saga. https://www.theamericansaga.com/    Explore the history of Facilitated Communication in the documentary Tell Them You Love Me (available on U.S. Netflix). https://www.netflix.com/title/81783064 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@pretendradio.org, and your message might be featured in an upcoming episode. Stay Connected: Follow PRETEND on social media and subscribe to the podcast for more stories exploring deception and the human condition. ➜ BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/pretendpod.bsky.social ➜ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pretendpod/ ➜ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pretendpod ➜ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@pretendpod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 mysterious circumstances in a motel room. Evidence is missing, and there are anonymous threats. Questions remain unanswered. Criminal Conduct Season 5 unravels a story of corruption, crime, and one man’s fight for justice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 mother of two Zambian girls. This episode unravels the layers of Hartman’s narrative, revealing her evangelical Christian roots and the persona she crafted as both a martyr and savior. Andrea Dunlop is joined by Chad Goller-Sojourner, a performance artist and transracial adoption coach, who provides nuanced perspectives on the challenges and intricacies of transracial adoption. Together, they explore themes of identity, privilege, and the ways in which personal narratives can obscure uncomfortable truths. Whether you’re a fan of Nobody Should Believe Me or new to the series, this episode promises a gripping and thought-provoking listen. Tune in to hear Andrea Dunlop and her team continue their important work of exposing the hidden dynamics of Munchausen by proxy abuse. Where to Listen: Nobody Should Believe Me is available wherever you get your podcasts. Don’t miss the season 5 premiere, streaming now! Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0tU5rLsNkx7LeI2GhLlQ4X?si=1e02ca94e6ac4066 Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nobody-should-believe-me/id1615637188 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Through interviews with victims' families, experts, and journalists, we unravel the myth of DNA as infallible evidence and expose the devastating consequences of a broken system. Featuring insights from Kathy Eppler and a special contribution from Celisia Stanton of the Truer Crime Podcast, this episode serves as a sobering reminder: DNA is only as reliable as the people interpreting it. Credits: Special thanks to Celisia Stanton from Truer Crime Podcast for her contributions to the Josiah Sutton case segment. Additional reporting and analysis from Hidden Killers Podcast and forensic scientist Dan Krane. Pitch to Truer Crime Podcast: If you're intrigued by the case of Josiah Sutton and want to dive deeper, check out Truer Crime Podcast hosted by Celisia Stanton, where she explores the complexities of DNA evidence, justice, and wrongful convictions with a sharp and compassionate lens. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 Playbook Amanda Jacobson - Wine & Crime  https://open.spotify.com/show/5OeKXVPomhbejM9v7CDqxJ?si=4451247ce3704a0a Whitney - Navigating Advocacy https://open.spotify.com/show/6I09OWnoDtibLjE7rfQqrH?si=9265b522586d4727 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 Christmas con stories. Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays! And I wish all of you a Happy New Year! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 future of our shows, and more. Check out Josh's and Alvin's shows: Affirmative Murder True Crime Bullsh** Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

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 curtain on daytime TV and finding a whole other world. Turns out, there are many mind games and behind-the-scenes tricks that go into making these shows. Anthony spilled the beans on how they get people to react a certain way or amp up their emotions for the audience. It's not just about Sally and her olive phobia. This episode digs into the bigger picture of how these TV shows mess with people's heads, both the guests and us viewers. If you're into the psychology used in reality TV shows or love a good behind-the-scenes story, you must check this out. It's not your average episode of PRETEND. I can't wait to hear what you all think. Tune in, and let's get our minds blown together! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. This is one of the boldest property scams in recent history, and Findley came dangerously close to succeeding/ We'll also talk about the loopholes that make these crimes possible. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 oneself. She also discusses her life’s work in grief counseling, her compelling past, and the importance of trusting your gut feeling in relationships. Tune in to learn more about navigating the complexities of dating and protecting your personal boundaries. 00:20 Jan Canty's Tragic Past 01:05 Recognizing Con Artists 04:34 Understanding Psychopaths and Sociopaths 05:21 First Date Red Flags 14:24 Trusting Your Gut Instinct 16:09 CIA Techniques for Identifying Lies 21:34 Gaslighting 23:29 Dramatic and Unusual Histories 25:10 Understanding the Significance of Tattoos 28:26 The Importance of Personal Boundaries 29:26 Dealing with Missed Warning Signs 32:03 The Dangers of Sharing Personal Information Prematurely 35:14 Early Attempts at Control in Relationships 38:26 Preparing to Exit a Toxic Relationship 46:08 Finding True Love After Hardships PRETEND podcast featuring Jan Canty's life story The Sugar Daddy parts 1 & 2: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1jXDdZvO197GVomFLseUiq?si=35087f142efd41bd A Life Divided: A psychologist's memoir about the double life and murder of her husband - and her road to recovery https://www.amazon.com/Life-Divided-psychologists-husband-recovery/dp/0578685922 Domino Effect of Murder Podcast https://jancantyphd.com/podcast/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Rise and Fall of LaDonna’s Loudest Surrogate: David McClam LaDonna 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 threatened to send the anti-gay hate group Westboro Baptist Church to Anthony Christopher’s gay club for a "blood bath." This erratic behavior ultimately led to his podcast being pulled down from his hosting provider. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 retaliate against her enemies. Now, Kakis looks back on how she narrowly avoided becoming more entangled in LaDonna's web. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

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

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 mission—to help others like him rebuild their lives, one meeting at a time. “I was lost,” he admits. After his release from prison, Grant realized there was no blueprint for people like him to re-enter society. That’s why he founded the White Collar Support Group, a space for those prosecuted for financial crimes to navigate life after prison. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. Disclaimer It's safe to assume that most PRETEND episodes are unsuitable for young children. Unfortunately, this is one of those episodes. In fact, trigger warning: today, we're going to talk about sexual assault and suicide. This episode is pretty disgusting. So, if you have the stomach for it, please proceed. You've been warned.   Check out my Spotify Radar Billboard in New York City: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DA8vNvnOSTF/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 myth. Keep the conversation going. Join the official PRETEND Facebook Group: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rick and Tanya Fernandez of Peoria, Arizona, entered a felony-diversion program in February 2024 instead of standing trial on charges of harassing a Phoenix pediatric doctor. Then copies of a book called Layers of Attack landed on the desks of executives at her hospital. The book is credited to a mysterious author named "Rachel Cholla," tells the Fernandezes' story from Rick's point of view, and uses the real names of Dr. Gressman and her husband. Javier follows Phoenix Police Detective Anthony Hardina as he traces the Cholla PO box and email account back to Rick, while new police reports from the Fernandezes' son, Blake, accuse Dr. Gressman's husband of crimes. Plus, an unexpected email from the Fernandezes' adult daughter. Correction: An earlier version of these notes, and parts of this episode's audio, described the Fernandezes' arrangement as a "plea deal" and said they were "on probation." Neither is accurate. Court records show Rick and Tanya Fernandez pleaded not guilty and entered the Maricopa County Attorney's Felony Diversion Program, a deferred-prosecution program, in February 2024. PRETEND corrected this in "The Stalker Correction" (Oct. 3, 2024). ______ Support our Patreon members and their small businesses: Rebel Dogs Detroit - is committed to saving dogs’ lives - not just cleaning up the streets. https://rebeldogsdetroit.com Guatemala Trading Company - Delicious chocolates, coffee, and spices from Guatemala https://guatemalatradingcompany.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 keep up, even for me. In this episode, we’ll get a little help trying to make sense of it all. I brought in retired FBI profiler Julia Cowley—yes, the Julia Cowley, the one who worked on the Golden State Killer case. She will help us break down LaDonna’s behavior and explain why someone might go to such extreme lengths to control others. You might be surprised by some of the parallels she draws between white-collar criminals and more violent offenders. We’re also going to revisit some of the disturbing messages that LaDonna has allegedly sent to her victims. And I’ll share some new evidence we’ve uncovered—evidence that links multiple harassing messages to a phone number connected to LaDonna herself. It’s the kind of proof that, quite frankly, is hard to ignore. But here’s what makes this episode different: today, we’re not just looking at the past. We’re asking what’s next for LaDonna Humphrey. With court cases, potential criminal investigations, and a growing list of accusers, is the end finally near for her? Or is this just another chapter in a never-ending saga? Guest: Julia Cowley, Retired FBI Profiler https://www.truecrimeconsult.com/ Watch LIVE Q&A: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJr5bDWJ2nY Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 about who really killed Melissa Witt. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

"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 you need an Intellectual Property attorney, I know a good one. https://www.casimirjones.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

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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 her baby shower were allegedly kept by LaDonna, leaving her without the promised support. Residents describe living in cramped conditions, with up to 15 women and children in a house meant for nine. Basic amenities like smoke detectors, working washers, and air conditioning are often missing or broken. We'll also examine the nonprofit's questionable accounting practices. Oasis's financial records show suspicious entries, such as LaDonna working 65 hours per week for only $15,600 annually and unexplained professional fees amounting to $58,000. LaDonna is accused of using intimidation tactics, such as threatening to kick out residents over minor infractions and enforcing arbitrary fines for damages— creating a culture of fear and control. Call to Action: If you're as concerned as we are about the allegations against Oasis of Northwest Arkansas, we urge you to take action. Contact the Arkansas Attorney General's Office at tabitha.davis@arkansasag.gov or call 501-682-1306. You can also raise awareness by posting on social media with the hashtag #justiceforoasis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 Humphrey. Listen the Silver Linings Podcast: https://linktr.ee/silverliningshandbookpodcast Also, referenced in this episode is the LaDonna Humphrey Talks Sub Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/LadonnaHumphreyTalk/ NEW EPISODES are available now: Part 11 Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/posts/whos-afraid-of-108675318 PRETEND+ on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pretend/id1245307962?i=1000663349553 Part 12 Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/posts/whos-afraid-of-108813124 PRETEND+ on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pretend/id1245307962?i=1000664222141 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 and produced by Javier Leiva.     Produced by Alison Byrne.     Edited by Puneeth Shenoy.     Theme music by Joel Basile with thechicken.net. Referenced in this episode: Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/LadonnaHumphreyTalk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 seemingly inexplicable events of the last few years – CIA officers being crippled with nausea and vertigo; cops OD'ing from exposure to fentanyl – and discovers they’re far more connected than we realize. From Wondery and Pineapple Street Studios, this 7-part series forces us to grapple with the mysteries of our own minds, and reckon with a contagion that we thought was long dead, but may be the defining disorder of our time. Follow Hysterical on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can binge all episodes of Hysterical early and ad-free right now by joining Wondery+ at Wondery.fm/Hysterical_Pretend Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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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 my interview request    - Confronting LaDonna about accusations related to Melissa Witt's case files and the River Valley Killer.    - Hearing from LaDonna's supporters and their perspectives on the situation.    - Discussing LaDonna's admissions about sending spoof messages and other allegations.    - A deep dive into LaDonna's legal battles and contempt charges.    - Addressing the evidence and LaDonna's strategy against the accusations. Written and produced by: Javier Leiva Producer: Alison Byrne Editor: Puneeth Shenoy with the Podcast Pundits Theme Music by: Joe Basile with The Chicken (thechicken.net) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

True Crime Author LaDonna Humphrey Targets Ex-Boyfriend in Melissa Witt Killing, According to Recordings LaDonna 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 contentious experience with Humphrey. Despite initial cooperation, Murray's family became wary of Humphrey's motives, leading to accusations of fabricated evidence and misrepresentation. Follow Us:     Twitter: @pretendpod     Instagram: @pretendpodcast     Facebook: Pretend Podcast For more information and updates on Maura Murray's case, visit mauramurraymissing.org. Today's episode was written and produced by Javier Leiva. Producer: Alison Byrne Editor: Puneeth Shenoy with the Podcast Pundits https://podcastpundits.com/ Theme Music: The Chicken https://www.thechicken.net/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Old Flames Reignited: The Mysterious Return of LaDonna Humphrey in Allen Arson Case LaDonna 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 does this mean for the longstanding accusations against her? This episode revisits one of her earliest cases of alleged deceit and retribution. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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:     [00:00:00] Anthony Christopher introduces his experience of feeling isolated as LaDonna's victim and discovering other victims.     [00:02:00] Patti Rush speaks about finding empowerment after realizing she wasn't alone in being deceived by LaDonna.     [00:03:00] Anthony details the start of his professional relationship with LaDonna and her swift dismissal from Absolute Pediatrics.     [00:07:00] Nae Heintz discusses LaDonna's unauthorized background checks on colleagues.     [00:15:00] Anthony recounts the beginning of the harassment and the steps he took to address it, including filing a lawsuit.     [00:25:00] LaDonna admits to forwarding intimidating text messages under police questioning.     [00:30:00] The judge finds LaDonna in contempt of court for evidence spoliation and orders her to serve jail time.     [00:32:00] Anthony's attorney uncovers key phone records that contradict LaDonna's claims about her phone being stolen.     [00:36:00] LaDonna's damaging actions lead to a $3.5 million judgment in Anthony's favor.     [00:38:00] The broader impact of LaDonna's actions on other victims and the ongoing legal repercussions. Part 4 is in the works. Please be patient as my team and I work through these next few episodes. Follow Us:     Twitter: @pretendpod     Instagram: @pretendpodcast     Facebook: Pretend Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 supportive ally, may have been orchestrating years of harassment and deceit. We'll discuss stolen evidence, questionable motives, and the broader implications for the true crime community. Highlights: [00:01:00] Alicia Lockhart's story of being tormented by "Fetish Master" and the shocking discovery that it might have been LaDonna Humphrey. [00:04:00] Introduction of Patti Rush, her work with REVAMP, and her connection to the Melissa Witt case. [00:08:00] Patti’s account of LaDonna's unusual access to the Melissa Witt case files and evidence. [00:13:00] The story of the mishandling evidence and crime scene video posted online. [00:16:00] Details of the harassment Patti faced after reporting the video to the police. [00:20:00] Allegations of LaDonna’s desire for fame and how it influenced her actions. [00:26:00] Discussion of Charles Ray Vines, a possible suspect in the Melissa Witt case, and why LaDonna ruled him out. [00:31:00] Insights into LaDonna’s new suspect and ongoing investigations. Call to Action: The story is far from over. Don’t miss out on the next part of this series. Listen to part three now on Patreon or PRETEND+ on Apple Podcast. Links: Patreon PRETEND+ on Apple Podcast Follow Us: Twitter: @pretendpod Instagram: @pretendpodcast Facebook: Pretend Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 you're going to hear some far-fetched allegations from many different people—strangers who share one common thread: they've all crossed paths with LaDonna Humphrey. There's a lot of he said, she said in this story, and I'll do my best to prove or disprove each claim. This series is going to be a long one, unfolding in real-time as you listen. By the end, I hope I've done enough for you to make up your own mind and understand why so many people are afraid of LaDonna Humphrey. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

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. In investigating, the craggy depths of Belize are brought to the surface: Its quirks, its corruption, and the all pervasive influence of several generations of one family in particular. You can binge the rest of White Devil at:   https://link.chtbl.com/pretendwhitedevilhttps://link.chtbl.com/pretendwhitedevil Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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/pretendradio PRETEND+ on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/channel/pretend/id6443456985 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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/pretendradio PRETEND+ on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/channel/pretend/id6443456985 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

BREAKING NEWS - Kaitlyn Braun is Arrested Again for Duping Doulas in Phony Pregnancy Scam 25-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 podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. An unfortunate one – a horrible death occurred here. But what few people know is exactly what happened.... or why.  Each week, Murder Homes tells the story of a single property. Who lived there? What secrets did they keep, and what did they leave behind? Part history, part murder mystery, this podcast mixes expert interviews, witness accounts, and court records to pull back the curtain on the hidden stories each property has to tell.  Would you be able to live somewhere that seems perfect, if it weren’t for the ghosts of its past? Listen to Murder Homes: iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-murder-homes-127163602/ Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/murder-homes/id1714612556 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3ZR5QWSlqXBafFkJGyzfof?si=3437778dc31c4cbc Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

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, allegedly in labor, only to discover a web of lies, manipulation, and betrayal that spans across multiple doulas and involves a series of fake medical emergencies and hospital visits. This episode explores the psychological and emotional impact of Kaitlyn's actions on the doulas, the potential motives behind her behavior, and the aftermath of this bizarre case. Stay tuned for Part Two, exclusively on Patreon and Pretend+ on Apple Podcasts, where we continue the conversation with another doula who shares a very different experience with Kaitlyn Braun. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 Podcast on Apple Podcast or Spotify. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 into a lawsuit and allegations of fraud. This rebroadcast from our previous series shines a light on the treasure hunters, the technology they dream of, and the deception that lurks beneath the surface. Guest Speakers: Kyle Kennedy, CEO of Seafarer Exploration Experts in maritime archaeology and treasure hunting Legal analysts breaking down the lawsuit against Michael Torres Listen to the Entire Series: Don't miss out on the full adventure of treachery, technology, and sunken treasures. Click on the links below to listen to the entire series and explore the mystery surrounding Florida's Treasure Coast. Part 2: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6S0XjD4QyyXvuFBh1dOyVY?si=c55b75b8eff4478e Part 3: https://open.spotify.com/episode/19xvUTQQDILhRLrrtiB7Dk?si=df330a9fd2a54c3a Part 4: https://open.spotify.com/episode/69e2SjjyDLJ3CmbU8mfpvn?si=06e9742270b749d4 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

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 out of the three experiments underpinning the study were marred by fabricated data. I interviewed Dan Ariely about these troubling allegations, but our conversation was cut short. I assumed that was the last time I would hear from him. Surprisingly, Ariely reached out, proposing a second interview to directly address what he termed as "false accusations" on my podcast. He stipulated, "If you intend to add these false accusations to the podcast, maybe it's best to have another session and get my answers on the record, but I  will ask you to promise me not to edit these. And to give my answers exactly as I present them. If you're up for this,  let's schedule a sum If you're up for this, let's schedule something." And so, I agreed. You're going to listen to my follow-up interview with Dan Ariely. I will, however, interject here and there to add context. But rest assured, every moment of our 43-minute exchange will be presented. I'll upload the raw, unedited versions of both interviews on Patreon and Pretend Plus, accessible for free. You don't need a subscription to tune in. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 these so-called truth experts, the Ivy League researchers who literally wrote the book on dishonesty, are accused of lying and manipulating data? Who fact-checks the truth-tellers?  Science stands as our final bastion of objectivity. However, the individuals behind the studies we're discussing are people. And people make mistakes. But what happens when errors are set aside and data is deliberately fabricated to create an illusion of truth? The consequences could be dire, undermining our trust in everything we hear or read.  Today's story recaps a major scandal in behavioral science, one that's been spotlighted by The New Yorker, The Atlantic, NPR, and podcasts like Freakonomics and Planet Money. Each outlet brought attention to different aspects of the story, but they all missed one critical voice—Dan Ariely, a professor of psychology and behavioral economics at Duke University. In a rare interview, I confronted Ariely about the studies in question, and to my surprise, he answered all of my questions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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/pretendradio PRETEND+ on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/channel/pretend/id6443456985 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 Justice System by M. Chris Fabricant: https://www.amazon.com/Science-American-Criminal-Justice-System/dp/1636140300 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

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 wooded area. In a fit of hope and despair, Brandy's mother resorted to using a makeshift shovel to dig for her daughter, embodying the heart-wrenching grip of grief and the seductive, yet misleading, appeal of pseudoscience. Ultimately, the search yielded nothing but a painful journey back to square one. In today's episode, we discuss the science behind the Quantum Oscillator.  Watch the video of Dr. Vass and the Quantum Oscillator: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C3DTrzYM-8N/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pretendpod/video/7332889990084578590?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7267660576023873067  YouTube: https://youtube.com/shorts/ub2kdJZ0JNQ?feature=share  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 distance as far as 60 miles. Sounds miraculous, right? But hold your horses—does this invention hold up under the scrutiny of science, or is it veering into the realm of pseudoscience? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. Chris Fabricant, Junk Science - https://a.co/d/cu4tn9m Michael Hadsell, Peace River K9 Search and Rescue (PRSAR) - https://www.prsar.org/ Dr. Arpad Vass- http://forensicrecoveryservices.org/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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/7312640020207242538 YouTube: https://youtube.com/shorts/xG-y0td3MkI?feature=share Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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, Dartanyon How to steal someone’s identity How 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 employees served as double agents. When no one was looking, they would collect customers' social security numbers and smuggle them to DAW. Today, DAW’s life of crime is behind him. He even ran for Congress for the U.S. House of Representatives. How to protect your identity These days, it’s just as easy to steal your identity from a breached database. Everything an identity thief needs to steal your identity is already online. What can you do to protect yourself?  Click here to see if your email has been involved in a breached database: https://haveibeenpwned.com/ Freezing your credit and setting up a fraud alert I’ve taken the extreme step of freezing my credit. It’s actually not really that extreme. In fact, it’s quite easy. In this episode, you’ll hear how simple it is to lock down your credit so that no one can assume your identity.  Michael Bazzell, a privacy consultant, walks me through the credit freeze process. For more details, download his step-by-step guide.  Essentially, get a free credit report from one of the credit bureaus, then ask them to freeze your credit. This way, no one can open a line of credit under your name. If you ever need to unfreeze your credit, it’s easy. Just unfreeze your credit by going online or with a quick phone call.  Equifax Online: https://www.equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services/credit-freeze/ Experian Online: https://www.experian.com/freeze/center.html TransUnion Online: https://service.transunion.com/dss/orderStep1_form.page   If you just stumbled on this page, start with part 1. Michael Bazzell To learn more about Michael Bazzell, check out his website IntelTechniques.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 PRETEND, we explore how abandoning your old identity leads to complications. How do these criminals assume a new identity? What strategies do they use to avoid getting caught? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 Christmas con stories. Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays! And I wish all of you a Happy New Year! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Stalker Saga Continues: Trial Back On for Tanya and Rick Fernandez Hey 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 does this mean? Initially, I speculated that the couple might have struck a plea deal. It seemed like a plausible explanation at the time, considering the how their settlement conference ended. But, as it often turns out, the reality was a bit different. I'm here to set the record straight: the trial is very much back on! But wait, there's more. I had one more conversation with Tanya Fernandez and her oldest son. To say it was enlightening would be an understatement. The conversation added one more clue into revealing the identity of the stalker. Stay tuned for more updates as we approach the trial date. This case has been a roller coaster of developments, and I'm committed to keeping you all in the loop with every twist and turn. Until then, keep your eyes peeled for more updates. The "Stalker" saga is far from over. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 episode! It’s like peeling back the curtain on daytime TV and finding a whole other world. Turns out, there's a ton of mind games and behind-the-scenes tricks that go into making these shows. Anthony spilled the beans on how they get people to react a certain way or amp up their emotions for the audience. It's not just about Sally and her olive phobia. This episode digs into the bigger picture of how these TV shows mess with people's heads, both the guests and us viewers. If you're into the psychology of TV shows or just love a good behind-the-scenes story, you've gotta check this out. It's not your average episode of PRETEND. Can't wait to hear what you all think. Tune in, and let's get our minds blown together! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 crucial in recognizing and possibly preventing future red-collar crimes. Red Collar White Collar Crime: Corporate, Predatory and Violent Fraud Offenders by Frank Perri: https://www.amazon.com/Red-Collar-White-Crime-Corporate/dp/B09BGLZ7XL PRETEND Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pretendradio/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 violence. By examining various cases, this episode paints a vivid picture of the dangerous and often unnoticed overlap between deceit and murder. Red Collar White Collar Crime: Corporate, Predatory and Violent Fraud Offenders by Frank Perri: https://www.amazon.com/Red-Collar-White-Crime-Corporate/dp/B09BGLZ7XL PRETEND Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pretendradio/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

"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 the pause button time and time again, clamoring for more time to prepare their strategy. Meanwhile, the State of Arizona? They've remained steadfast, offering no plea deals whatsoever. The result? It was an agonizing year filled with 'hurry up and wait.' But here's where it gets riveting – this past summer, the Fernandezes made an interesting move. They willingly relinquished their right to a speedy trial. Why? Their legal team argues that this case is anything but ordinary. It's complex, requiring more time for expert witness interviews, akin to a high-stakes murder trial. It's a bold move; let's see if it works. We're inching closer to the December 6th, 2023 trial date. Will the State of Arizona finally extend a plea deal? And more critically, will the Fernandezes accept it, or are they unshakable in their belief that their narrative will captivate a jury? In this episode of "PRETEND: The Stalker," you'll hear directly from the judge and prosecutor and finally get answers to our most burning questions. Will the Fernandezes cut a deal, or are they destined to take their chances in the unforgiving courtroom? Let me know what you think on social! Follow the conversation on Instagram @pretendpod: https://www.instagram.com/pretendpod/?hl=en or on the PRETEND Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pretendradio Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 possible fate. I've even got a sneak peek for you, a short clip of the judge painting a vivid picture of their chances in front of a jury. Trust me; you won't want to miss this. I'm hard at work on the new episode, and my hope is to get it out to you as soon as humanly possible. Bracing myself for a busy weekend ahead. Stay tuned – there's much more to come! Cheers, Javier Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pretendradio Pretend+: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/channel/pretend/id6443456985 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 detector test is about as accurate as a coin toss. He claims the machine doesn’t work, and as a result, innocent people are paying the price. Many innocent people have pleaded guilty and skipped trial because they failed a polygraph during an interrogation. And employers routinely administered polygraph tests as part of their hiring process. If you fail a lie detector test in the US federal government, you’re potentially placed on a blacklist and never allowed to apply for that government agency job again.  Doug Willams says that the polygraph is just a stage prop used to scare people. How does he know this? Because he spent most of his law enforcement career using it as what he calls a psychological billy club. To him, it was just a tool to beat a confession out of a bad guy. But over the years, he realized that a polygraph test is just that… a test. It can be cheated. And he would devote the rest of his life to destroying it.  Doug Williams made a career giving people polygraph exams. Now, he’s going to prison for teaching people how to cheat the test.    FOLLOW PRETEND ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@PretendPod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 this genuine spiritual guidance, or am I unfairly biased against it? Spoiler: I might be letting my biases cloud my judgment. To truly understand, I need to immerse myself in the heart of Santería, right in my hometown of Miami. But first, what exactly is a Babalawo? A Babalawo is a revered figure in Santería, a priest who communicates prophecies from the Orishas, spirits representing aspects of the divine God Olodumare. In this episode, we'll uncover the history and roots of Santería, engaging in enlightening conversations with both a Santería priest and priestess, shedding light on their clandestine ceremonies. —–MUSIC—– Our theme music is crafted by the talented Joe Basile from The Chicken Music and Sound Design. Discover more about Joe and The Chicken at www.thechicken.net. We also feature tunes by Podington Bear. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 stories that have both fascinated and terrified generations. Listen to Southern Gothic: https://www.southerngothicmedia.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former Lieutenant Governor's Ex-Staffer Arrested for Elaborate Deception in Divorce; Husband Speaks Out Beth 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 is what Beth's husband has to say about the extent of her alleged deception. In today's episode of the PRETEND Podcast, we explore the extraordinary story of betrayal, lies, and the unraveling of trust in the midst of a divorce. Follow PRETEND on Social: https://linktr.ee/pretendpod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Missing teen is found. From Heartwarming Reunion to 'Wait, What?' Hoax Claims So, 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 podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

James Freedman: Unmasking the Modern-Day Pickpocket In 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 notion that pickpocketing is a vanishing art form is a misconception. Instead, it has evolved and adapted to the digital age. Today, we delve into the intriguing world of modern pickpocketing with James Freedman, who will unveil the intricate techniques behind the art of "tapp, dip, and swipe." Links: James Freedman:  https://www.jamesfreedman.com/ CNET's Best Password Managers: https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/best-password-manager/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Pickpockets in the Digital Age: The Evolution of a Timeless Crime In 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 this eye-opening interview with James Freedman, we delve into the world of pickpocketing in the digital age with a master of the craft, exploring a spectrum that spans from the classic pocket-wallet dip to the intricacies of credit card swipes and other forms of digital fraud that may leave you astonished—technology changes, as do the tactics of those seeking to exploit it. Listen to part 2 (early and ad-free): Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/channel/pretend/id6443456985 Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pretendradio Links: James Freedman: https://www.jamesfreedman.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 contempt of court hearing? Patrick showed up with his attorney, and so did one of his relentless tormentors, Dan Mullen, who shared his account of a tense courtroom encounter. Intriguingly, Patrick filed a motion just days before the hearing, outlining his demands to the court. He requested a postponement and a closed, private hearing held over video conferencing due to safety concerns. This was in response to online chatter suggesting some of his foes planned to attend in person. But the drama didn't end there. Patrick made a bold claim in his motion, alleging the identity of his online nemesis, "quasi101," and hinting at a familial connection to a federal judge, all without providing any evidence. However, the outcome of the hearing surprised many. Both sides agreed on a payment, and Patrick paid the court-ordered debt, amounting to $32,709.80, satisfying this particular legal obligation. The big question now: Does this payment signify a truce in this long-standing online feud? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

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 Fees Patrick 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 burdened with paying the site owner's legal fees. Listen to all 4 episodes early and ad-free: PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/pretendradio PRETEND+ (Apple Podcast): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/channel/pretend/id6443456985 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

WARNING: This episode contains language and disturbing content. Listener discretion is advised. Police Storm Sci-fi Writer's Home 42 Times in "Swatting" Campaign Wisconsin 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 officers storming their home with guns drawn, handcuffing Tomlinson in his front yard, and even alleging that he had killed his wife. The reason for this campaign of terror, they say, stems from a trivial online criticism of the late comedian Norm Macdonald, leading to a series of threatening messages encouraging the author to take his own life. Listen to all 4 episodes early and ad-free: PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/pretendradio PRETEND+ (Apple Podcast): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/channel/pretend/id6443456985 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 Night Live" comic as not funny ignited a firestorm of online harassment, including threatening emails, voice messages, and disturbing Reddit posts urging him to harm himself. Listen to all 4 episodes early and ad-free: PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/pretendradio PRETEND+ (Apple Podcast): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/channel/pretend/id6443456985 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 in order. But John's story doesn't end there. As he bravely speaks out, it becomes evident that Jennifer's peculiar scam has also ensnared others. Today, we explore the complexity between love and taxes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 person he trusted most in the world took advantage of him. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 story of a young boy grappling with his place in the world, torn between his father's influence and his desire for a different path. The Pale-Faced Lie part 2 is now available on PATREON and PRETEND+ on Apple Podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 offered Tanya and Rick a plea deal?  Listen to the latest bonus episode of The Stalker, then post your reaction on Patreon, Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 shedding light on the involvement of George Santos. In this episode, we delve deep into the intricate workings of the scheme, where enticing promises of remarkable returns through internet advertising conceal a web of deceit. The first two episodes are available right now. Download wherever you get your podcasts https://linktr.ee/ponziplaybook Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 indicted by a grand jury on computer tampering charges and aggravated harassment. Initially, I wasn't sure if the case would even make it to trial. I expected Tanya and Rick to plead guilty and accept a lighter sentence. However, that has yet to happen. In this episode, I will provide an update on where the trial stands and share some interviews I recorded with Tanya and Rick that were not included in the original series. While these interviews didn't align with the story's central plot at the time, they shed some light on the type of drama surrounding this case. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 Spy Hidden within the Pentagon's vast maze, Ana Montes expertly spun her web of secrets for Cuba. Yet, as with all intricate schemes, the threads began to loosen. Over 17 covert years, her dance with deception went unnoticed, but even the best-laid plots have their breaking point. Venture with us into the moment it all came undone. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

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

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 clippings, court documents, and letters — from airlines, university officials, government sources, and others. Here's a link to the article written by Abby Ellin. Abagnale featured in STR8DADVIBES We end the episode with a song inspired by my 'Real Catch Me If You Can' Series. STR8 DAD VIBES by KENDONTCRY Follow Pretend on social media: Twitter TikTok YouTube PRETEND is consistently in the top True Crime Podcasts about con artists in U.S., UK, Canada, and Australia. It has been featured in the New York Times, the BBC, & Netflix. To advertise on our podcast, please reach out to sales@advertisecast.com or visit https://www.advertisecast.com/Pretend  and https://www.advertisecast.com/CriminalConduct Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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: Twitter TikTok YouTube PRETEND is consistently in the top True Crime Podcasts about con artists in U.S., UK, Canada, and Australia.  It has been featured in the New York Times, the BBC, & Netflix. To advertise on our podcast, please reach out to sales@advertisecast.com or visit  https://www.advertisecast.com/Pretend  and  https://www.advertisecast.com/CriminalConduct Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 brand new baby girl. Where did this child come from?  Take a listen for yourself and keep the comments coming.  Follow the conversation on Instagram @pretendpod: https://www.instagram.com/pretendpod/?hl=en or on the PRETEND Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pretendradio Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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-FREE Patreon Listen to the first 10 episodes. Plus...Get Member-only bonus episodes, t-shirts, stickers, and more. Support PRETEND on Patreon PRETEND+ on Apple Podcast Binge the entire season with ad-free episodes plus bonus interviews that didn't make it on the show Subscribe to PRETEND+ on Apple Podcast Follow Pretend on social media: Twitter TikTok YouTube PRETEND is consistently in the top True Crime Podcasts about con artists in U.S., UK, Canada, and Australia.  It has been featured in the New York Times, the BBC, & Netflix. To advertise on our podcast, please reach out to sales@advertisecast.com or visit  https://www.advertisecast.com/Pretend  and  https://www.advertisecast.com/CriminalConduct Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 family's house. It's also worth noting that the Instagram accounts used by the stalker were created using the Rodriguez's IP address and were created before their disabled adult daughter, Chelsea, ever became a patient of Dr. Gressman. With seven people living in that house, there are six possible suspects. In today's episode, we'll be narrowing it down to two. This podcast contains explicit language and mature content that may not be suitable for children. BINGE ALL 13-EPISODES Patreon Listen to the entire season. Plus...Get Member-only bonus episodes, t-shirts, stickers, and more. Support PRETEND on Patreon PRETEND+ on Apple Podcast Binge the entire season with ad-free episodes plus bonus interviews that didn't make it on the show Subscribe to PRETEND+ on Apple Podcast Follow Pretend on social media: Twitter TikTok YouTube PRETEND is consistently in the top True Crime Podcasts about con artists in U.S., UK, Canada, and Australia.  It has been featured in the New York Times, the BBC, & Netflix. To advertise on our podcast, please reach out to sales@advertisecast.com or visit  https://www.advertisecast.com/Pretend  and  https://www.advertisecast.com/CriminalConduct Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 husband had no unusual internet activity and were unlikely to be the stalker. However, when the hacker turned their attention to the Rodriguez family, they found something curious. Logan, the oldest adult child of Claudia and David Rodriguez, had 5 active devices. Mishaal Khan, a cyber-security expert, says, "While it may be normal for someone of Logan's age to have multiple devices, it is unusual for someone to have so many." Naturally, this raised some suspicions, but no concrete evidence was found to pinpoint a suspect. At this point, it is clear that John Gressman cannot be the stalker. But with the investigation at a standstill, questions remain about who is behind the threatening messages. Is it possible that Claudia is orchestrating the Stalking herself to gain attention? Could it be her husband, David, or one of their adult children? These questions will be explored in today's episode as the PRETEND host interviews Logan to learn more about her multiple devices. BINGE ALL 10-EPISODES Patreon Listen to the first 10 episodes. Plus...Get Member-only bonus episodes, t-shirts, stickers, and more. Support PRETEND on Patreon PRETEND+ on Apple Podcast Binge the entire season with ad-free episodes plus bonus interviews that didn't make it on the show Subscribe to PRETEND+ on Apple Podcast Follow Pretend on social media: Twitter TikTok YouTube PRETEND is consistently in the top True Crime Podcasts about con artists in U.S., UK, Canada, and Australia.  It has been featured in the New York Times, the BBC, & New York Magazine. To advertise on our podcast, please reach out to sales@advertisecast.com or visit  https://www.advertisecast.com/Pretend  and  https://www.advertisecast.com/CriminalConduct Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 any other family dealing with disabled children. Are the Rodriguezes Responsible for Their Own Harassment? The detective on the case has revealed some disturbing new information. The Instagram accounts used to harass the Rodriguez family were created months before they were even the doctor's patients, and the IP addresses all point back to their own home address. This raises the question of whether the Rodriguezes could be behind the Stalking. To help get to the bottom of this case, we listen in on a conversation with the detective and bring in an ethical hacker and cybersecurity expert to thoroughly investigate all parties involved. Will the ethical hacker uncover any new evidence that can shed light on this complex and confusing case?  BINGE ALL 10-EPISODES Patreon Listen to the first 10 episodes. Plus...Get Member-only bonus episodes, t-shirts, stickers, and more. Support PRETEND on Patreon PRETEND+ on Apple Podcast Binge the entire season with ad-free episodes plus bonus interviews that didn't make it on the show. Subscribe to PRETEND+ on Apple Podcast Follow Pretend on social media: Twitter TikTok YouTube PRETEND is consistently in the top True Crime Podcasts about con artists in U.S., UK, Canada, and Australia.  It has been featured in the New York Times, the BBC, & New York Magazine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 reveal the true identity of the person behind the threatening messages that have terrorized the Rodriguez family for years. What does Dr. Gressman say about the allegations against her and her husband? And what does the stalker have to say when confronted by Javier? BINGE ALL 10-EPISODES Patreon Listen to the first 10 episodes. Plus...Get Member-only bonus episodes, t-shirts, stickers, and more. Support PRETEND on Patreon PRETEND+ on Apple Podcast Binge the entire season with ad-free episodes plus bonus interviews that didn't make it on the show Subscribe to PRETEND+ on Apple Podcast Follow Pretend on social media: Twitter TikTok YouTube PRETEND is consistently in the top True Crime Podcasts about con artists in U.S., UK, Canada, and Australia.  It has been featured in the New York Times, the BBC, & New York Magazine. To advertise on our podcast, please reach out to sales@advertisecast.com or visit  https://www.advertisecast.com/Pretend  and  https://www.advertisecast.com/CriminalConduct Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 husband, John Gressman. Recently, the Rodriguez family received a voicemail from a detective working on their case. The detective stated that Dr. Gressman was the actual victim in this investigation and that the threatening phone calls made by the cyberstalker were produced inside Rodriguez's home. The detective also mentioned that the investigation is ongoing and that Dr. Gressman and her husband are not suspects. Despite this, the Rodriguez family is convinced that John Gressman is behind the Stalking. Claudia Rodriguez stated, "He scares me. He scares me, and they already think I'm the one doing it. And I feel I'm one step away from having the cops visit here." In the latest episode of the "Pretend" podcast, the tension between the Gressman and Rodriguez families reaches a boiling point. The host even attempts to go toe-to-toe with the stalker to provoke a reaction and potentially reveal their identity. However, as the case continues, it becomes increasingly clear that this situation is complex, confusing, and far from over. BINGE ALL 10-EPISODES Patreon Listen to the first 10 episodes. Plus...Get Member-only bonus episodes, t-shirts, stickers, and more. Support PRETEND on Patreon PRETEND+ on Apple Podcast Binge the entire season with ad-free episodes plus bonus interviews that didn't make it on the show Subscribe to PRETEND+ on Apple Podcast Follow Pretend on social media: Twitter TikTok YouTube PRETEND is consistently in the top True Crime Podcasts about con artists in U.S., UK, Canada, and Australia.  It has been featured in the New York Times, the BBC, & New York Magazine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Cyberstalker Resumes Harassment of Rodriguez Family, Targets Infant Daughter After 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 Services In response to this disturbing development, the Rodriguezes have reported the alleged abuse to child protective services. They've also contacted the medical board in hopes of stripping Dr. Gressman from her medical license.  This situation is maddening. The Rodriguezes hoped to find a sense of normalcy and safety. Instead, more fear and uncertainty have consumed everyone's lives. It's unclear at this time what actions child protective services will take, but it is clear that the Rodriguez family is not backing down.  BINGE ALL 10-EPISODES Patreon Listen to the first 10 episodes. Plus...Get Member-only bonus episodes, t-shirts, stickers, and more. Support PRETEND on Patreon PRETEND+ on Apple Podcast Binge the entire season with ad-free episodes plus bonus interviews that didn't make it on the show Subscribe to PRETEND+ on Apple Podcast Follow Pretend on social media: Twitter TikTok YouTube PRETEND is consistently in the top True Crime Podcasts about con artists in U.S., UK, Canada, and Australia.  It has been featured in the New York Times, the BBC, & New York Magazine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Stalker part 5 Claudia 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 of having Munchausen by proxy, a disorder in which a caregiver intentionally causes or exaggerates the medical symptoms of someone in their care. Claudia vehemently denies these claims, stating that she is a mother who would do anything for her children and that others shouldn't judge her unless they have been in her shoes. Despite their claims of innocence, the authorities suspect that Rodriguez's oldest daughter, Logan, is the one sending the Stalking messages. However, Claudia and David say this is impossible as Logan was in a mental health facility without access to any devices when the Stalking started up again. In this podcast episode, we discuss this complex and confusing case that poses the question, who is behind these threatening messages? BINGE ALL 10-EPISODES Patreon Listen to the first 10 episodes. Plus...Get Member-only bonus episodes, t-shirts, stickers, and more. Support PRETEND on Patreon PRETEND+ on Apple Podcast Binge the entire season with ad-free episodes plus bonus interviews that didn't make it on the show Subscribe to PRETEND+ on Apple Podcast Follow Pretend on social media: Twitter TikTok YouTube PRETEND is consistently in the top True Crime Podcasts about con artists in U.S., UK, Canada, and Australia.  It has been featured in the New York Times, the BBC, & New York Magazine.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rodriguez Family Fights to Prove Daughter's Innocence in the face of Stalking Accusations For 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 Patreon Listen to the first 10 episodes. Plus...Get Member-only bonus episodes, t-shirts, stickers, and more. Support PRETEND on Patreon PRETEND+ on Apple Podcast Binge the entire season with ad-free episodes plus bonus interviews that didn't make it on the show Subscribe to PRETEND+ on Apple Podcast Follow Pretend on social media: Twitter TikTok YouTube PRETEND is consistently in the top True Crime Podcasts about con artists in U.S., UK, Canada, and Australia.  It has been featured in the New York Times, the BBC, Discovery+, & Netlfix. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 they've never even met. The messages started off benign but quickly turned sadistic and threatening. Despite their efforts to report the harassment and seek help from the authorities, the Rodriguez family faced disbelief and suspicion. In this podcast episode, we'll explore the mysterious case of the Rodriguez family's cyber stalker and how a simple IP address couldn't provide all the answers. BINGE ALL 10-EPISODES Patreon Listen to the first 10 episodes. Plus...Get Member-only bonus episodes, t-shirts, stickers, and more. Support PRETEND on Patreon PRETEND+ on Apple Podcast Binge the entire season with ad-free episodes plus bonus interviews that didn't make it on the show Subscribe to PRETEND+ on Apple Podcast Follow Pretend on social media: Twitter TikTok YouTube PRETEND is consistently in the top True Crime Podcasts about con artists in U.S., UK, Canada, and Australia.  It has been featured in the New York Times, the BBC, & New York Magazine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Harassed by a Cyber Stalker Claiming to be the Doctor's Husband: The Strange Story of Claudia and David Rodriguez Claudia 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 into the strange story of Claudia and David Rodriguez, including their ongoing battle with a mysterious cyber stalker and the surprising twist that led to them being accused of stalking. BINGE ALL 10-EPISODES Patreon Listen to the first 10 episodes. Plus...Get Member-only bonus episodes, t-shirts, stickers, and more. Support PRETEND on Patreon PRETEND+ on Apple Podcast Binge the entire season with ad-free episodes plus bonus interviews that didn't make it on the show Subscribe to PRETEND+ on Apple Podcast Follow Pretend on social media: Twitter TikTok YouTube PRETEND is consistently in the top True Crime Podcasts about con artists in U.S., UK, Canada, and Australia. It has been featured in the New York Times, the BBC, & New York Magazine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 Patreon Listen to the first 10 episodes. Plus...Get Member-only bonus episodes, t-shirts, stickers, and more. Support PRETEND on Patreon PRETEND+ on Apple Podcast Binge the entire season with ad-free episodes plus bonus interviews that didn't make it on the show Subscribe to PRETEND+ on Apple Podcast Follow Pretend on social media: Twitter TikTok YouTube PRETEND is consistently in the top True Crime Podcasts about con artists in U.S., UK, Canada, and Australia.  It has been featured in the New York Times, the BBC, & Netflix. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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/adchoices

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 podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 able to travel to Gulfport, MS for this story using funds raised on Patreon. So if you’d like to see me to take the show on the road, consider chipping in a buck or two on our Patreon page. Plus, you’ll get access to early episodes and bonus content. So, thank you so much for the support. _______________ Lies, lies, and more lies A few seasons ago, I asked you to submit stories about lies. Either lies that you’ve told or lies that have impacted you personally. And boy, was the response crazy! I ended up making a whole episode dedicated to lies. I want to try it again. Email me a voice memo. Chances are your story could make it on the show. ------- Story idea? If you have a story to share, email Javier a voice memo or short written description 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 podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 abuse One 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 months in forced isolation. Some male congregants say they lived in a makeshift storage unit for over a year. Locals know them best for their signature style of prayer—blasting. As you can hear in this secret audio recording, blasting is a form of deliverance meant to cast out the devil. Word of Faith Fellowship Revisited The episode you’re about to listen to is my first 3 episodes rolled into one. To listen to my 11-part series on the Word of Faith Fellowship, start here: https://pretendradio.org/episode/who-is-jane-whaley-word-of-faith-fellowship/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 inflict pain on ourselves. The physical wounds hurt, but it's nowhere near as painful as the emotions inside our heads and hearts. So if you're listening to this, there are different places you can seek help. First, talk to a pro. You can use online counselors like BetterHelp, a real-life therapist, or even reach out to a friend. There are also crisis lines where you can text and talk to an actual human for free. Text HOME to 741741, Again text HOME to 741741. I'll have a list of numbers you can text for my international friends in the show notes.  https://www.crisistextline.org/ Get Help US: Text 741741 CA: Text 741741 UK: Text 85258 Ireland: 50808 Sophrpsyne Music featured in this episode is from Sophrosyne. Check out their music on Spotify. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 week? She deserves an ethics award. But despite knowing the truth, Xavier University went along with their little ethics ceremony anyway.  Xavier University's mission is built on moral and ethical responsibility- that's what it says on its website. And out of all the people in the world making a difference, they chose to honor a guy who ripped off his girlfriend and is accused of feeling up college girls pretending to be a doctor-slash pilot recruiter. But, seriously, did they even read this guy's Wikipedia page? Picture a room full of business students, professors, lawyers, accountants, and even current members of the FBI eagerly awaiting Frank Abagnale's Heroes in Ethics acceptance speech. Little does Frank Abagnale know that Jim Grinstead, host of the Scams and Cons podcast, was in the audience. Jim planned to confront Frank Abagnale during the Q&A portion of the ceremony. Get Member-only bonus episodes, t-shirts, stickers, and more. Support PRETEND on Patreon Listen to ad-free episodes and bonus interviews that didn't make it on the show Subscribe to PRETEND+ on Apple Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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/posts/sleepover-with-71435815?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator Pernilla busted the Tinder Swindler. Hear her thoughts on Frank Abagnale https://www.patreon.com/posts/pernilla-busted-72501591?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator  __________ Have you followed PRETEND on TikTok and Instagram?  Help me start a trending sound. Use this sound of Frank Abagnale denying writing his book, movie, and Broadway play:  https://www.tiktok.com/@pretendpod/video/7145467873979338030?is_copy_url=1&is_from_webapp=v1 Here are some examples: https://www.tiktok.com/@pretendpod/video/7145483295080385835?is_copy_url=1&is_from_webapp=v1 https://www.tiktok.com/@pretendpod/video/7145536351801462062?is_copy_url=1&is_from_webapp=v1 https://www.tiktok.com/@pretendpod/video/7145816794819841326?is_copy_url=1&is_from_webapp=v1 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Frank Abagnale's Catch Me If You Can is not just a hit movie, film and musical. It has become American lore. 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." But it turns out that America's favorite con man is really just another petty criminal who's never really repaid all the money he stole. But if we zoom out, this is the story of the spread of misinformation. Where politicians and other grifters have taken a page out of Abagnale's book and learned that if they repeat multiple lies over and over, most people won't question it. And they can get away with it. Frank claims he evaded the FBI for five years. They couldn't catch him even if they tried. Sure, he admits he finally got arrested, but in his version of the story, he's the hero working undercover for the FBI. I may not believe his account, but I think he won in the end. The guy is in his mid-70s, lives in a multi-million-dollar island home, and makes a pre-school teacher's annual salary every time he takes the stage. He made it! And besides his alleged victims, no one seems to question his success. He fooled us all. And he would have gotten away with too, if it weren't for this meddling kid and his scrappy friend from Belfast. (The Irish guy is Alan Logan, the author of The Greatest Hoax on Earth.) We're on a mission to set the record straight. So that when you ask someone if they know who Frank Abagnale is, Instead of it being based on a true story, they'll tell you that he made it all up. Abagnale may have been on the run for the last 50 to 40 years, getting away with his biggest lie. But guess what? We caught him. Listen to part 6 of The Real Catch Me If You Can, then send me a voice memo with your thoughts on this series. Your audio could make it on the show. Email me at . Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

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.com/dp/173619741X/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_5EAWP7S0XC5J1WJQF2D5 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

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/adchoices

Frank Abagnale... the con man whose story inspired Catch Me If You Can — claims he posed as a pilot, doctor, and lawyer before he was 21. Court and prison records tell a very different story. 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-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 _______ Jordan Harbinger Search for The Jordan Harbinger Show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 You Can. Listen to part 1 now on Apple Podcast and Spotify. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 podcasters you listen to regularly. There will also be panel discussions and live episodes you can’t hear anywhere else! Go to the website Truecrimepodcastfestival.com to find information on tickets and the hotel. Prices do go up the closer we get to the event so you won’t want to wait. I’ll see you at the True Crime Podcast Festival! __________ Listen to a preview for the Stolen Lives Podcast at the end of the episode: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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, 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 also be panel discussions and live episodes you can’t hear anywhere else! Go to the website Truecrimepodcastfestival.com to find information on tickets and the hotel. Prices do go up the closer we get to the event so you won’t want to wait. I’ll see you at the True Crime Podcast Festival! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 also be panel discussions and live episodes you can’t hear anywhere else! Go to the website Truecrimepodcastfestival.com to find information on tickets and the hotel. Prices do go up the closer we get to the event so you won’t want to wait. I’ll see you at the True Crime Podcast Festival! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

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 podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

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 podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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're run by narcissistic ego-maniacs.  The Cult Startup  Like businesses, cults go through different phases. First, there's a startup phase where an entrepreneurial cult leader leads a movement and brings new innovative and revolutionary ideas. Take, for example, Jim Jones, leader of the People's Temple. In the beginning, he integrated his congregation during the Civil Rights Movement. After that, he was heavily involved in politics and social activism. The allure was undeniable. But in the end, Jones ordered 909 commune members to end their lives.   The Cult Franchise Then, there comes the point where the cult needs to expand its Business and influence. Take, for example, The Twelve Tribes religious sect. This organization, widely considered a cult, operates several businesses worldwide. I visited one of their Yellow Deli restaurants for the second installment of this series.  The Cult Exit Strategy If you're not evolving, you're dying. And sometimes, literally dying. So, what happens when a cult becomes too big to fail? Some morally bankrupt cult leaders resort to mass suicide. Other cults grow so big and fast that they become worldwide institutional organizations.  The Business of Cults  The Business of Cults is a three-part series hosted by Rebekah Sebastian with the DIELAOGUE Podcast and Javier Leiva of PRETEND podcast.  Part one focuses on The C Suite: Chief Cult Executives. Part two features an interview with former NXIVM member Sarah Edmondson. And Part three explores the question, can a cult survive without its leader? Listen to part two now on Patreon. Buy the t-shirt for this week's episode. Collage art by @kelletteworks https://pretend-radio-3.creator-spring.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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're run by narcissistic ego-maniacs.  The Cult Startup  Like businesses, cults go through different phases. First, there's a startup phase where an entrepreneurial cult leader leads a movement and brings new innovative and revolutionary ideas. Take, for example, Jim Jones, leader of the People's Temple. In the beginning, he integrated his congregation during the Civil Rights Movement. After that, he was heavily involved in politics and social activism. The allure was undeniable. But in the end, Jones ordered 909 commune members to end their lives.   The Cult Franchise Then, there comes the point where the cult needs to expand its Business and influence. Take, for example, The Twelve Tribes religious sect. This organization, widely considered a cult, operates several businesses worldwide. I visited one of their Yellow Deli restaurants for the second installment of this series.  The Cult Exit Strategy If you're not evolving, you're dying. And sometimes, literally dying. So, what happens when a cult becomes too big to fail? Some morally bankrupt cult leaders resort to mass suicide. Other cults grow so big and fast that they become worldwide institutional organizations.  The Business of Cults  The Business of Cults is a three-part series hosted by Rebekah Sebastian with the DIELAOGUE Podcast and Javier Leiva of PRETEND podcast.  Part one focuses on The C Suite: Chief Cult Executives. Part two features an interview with former NXIVM member Sarah Edmondson. And Part three explores the question, can a cult survive without its leader? Listen to part two now on Patreon. Buy the t-shirt for this week's episode. Collage art by @kelletteworks https://pretend-radio-3.creator-spring.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 lived an unremarkable life. He made friends and other relationships while being Moscow's eyes and ears. But his clandestine mission as a sleeper agent was bound to end. "The KGB, for some reason, got spooked and thought my cover was blown," said Barsky. The message was clear. Jack Barsky was exposed and needed to return to Moscow. Double agent Jack Barsky's birth name is Albrecht Dittrich. When he first joined the KGB, he didn't see himself as a spy. Instead, he and other recruits thought of themselves as scouts for peace. The spies are the enemies of the West. The KGB spy living the American Dream Jack Barsky never intended for his story to get out. So for 10 years, Barsky assumed the identity of a dead child. He took the boy's name, birth certificate, and social security number. The mission was to infiltrate, extract secrets and get out. But eventually, his years as a sleeper agent were exposed to the world. Hear the true story of this KGB's spy career came to an end. Special Thanks to Kellette Elliott for the custom collage artwork. Purchase a t-shirt with this episode's artwork here. Story idea? If you have a story to share, email Javier at info [at] pretendradio [dot] org. For more episodes like this, visit pretendradio.org. To get early releases and bonus episodes, go to pretendradio.org/donate Today's episode was written and edited by Javier Leiva Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

John Mack, a respected Harvard psychologist, uses hypnosis to recover memories of alien abductions. Alien abductions and hypnosis Like 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 in our subconscious?  In today's episode, we'll introduce you to a Harvard professor who used hypnosis to help people recover memories from possible alien abductions. Sure, there are people out there who claim they encountered beings from another planet just to seek attention. But, others carry these experiences in secret.  John Mac and psychology of alien abductions John Mack was a respected Harvard psychologist who became fixated with people claiming to have been abducted or encountered alien beings. Ralph Blumenthal recently wrote John Mack's biography titled, "Believer: Alien Encounters, hard science, and the passion of John Mack."  Blumenthal says that at first, Dr. John Mack tried to explain these encounters through other means. First, are these people insane? Are they hucksters looking to make some money? But Dr. Mack found their stories to be credible. Most of his patients never came out publicly with their stories. Instead, they sought his help to grapple with their tormented past. In the 1990s, John Mack conducted hundreds of interviews with men and women of all ages who claimed they had not just one but recurring alien encounters. And one method he used during these interviews was hypnosis.  Alien abductions or sleep paralysis? Maybe there's a more straightforward medical explanation for all of this. What if some people weren't experiencing an abduction but sleep paralysis? Sleep paralysis is that feeling you get when you're in between sleep and being awake. You're awake, but you can't control or move your body.  Studies have shown that Sleep paralysis is much more common than we think. Studies suggest at least 40 percent or 50 percent of all people experience sleep paralysis at least once. However, John Mack argues that his patients did not experience sleep. Instead, many of his patients experienced encounters in daylight and were wide awake. Special Thanks to Kellette Elliott for the custom collage artwork   You can purchase the Hypnotist t-shirt here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 enforcement officers guide witnesses into a hypnotic trance to better recall a crime. But are the memories they recall even accurate? Medical experts say memories recovered after hypnosis can't be considered fact.  Texas leads the country in investigative hypnosis. Many states ban the practice because its use leads to wrongful convictions. But one state leads the country in prosecuting citizens using hypnosis as a primary form of evidence. That state is Texas.  The Dallas Daily News reports that at least 11 people in Texas were executed in cases where police used hypnosis. Today, 4 people are on Texas death row because of this practice.  The Memory Room Dave Boucher and Lauren Mcgaughy are investigative reporters who spent more than a year investigating the story you're about to listen to. Their two-part series is titled "The Memory Room." It's about the case of Helen Barbre, a Texas college student who was savagely attacked in the middle of the night. She couldn't recognize her attacker, so she used hypnosis to identify him.  Here's a link to their series titled "The Memory Room": https://interactives.dallasnews.com/2020/memory-room-dallas-texas-police-use-investigative-hypnosis-to-convict-life-death-row/ Featured Promo: Caper - An Original Multilingual True Crime Series Special Thanks to: Kellette Elliott for the custom collage artwork You can purchase the Hypnotist t-shirt here To advertise on this show visit:  https://www.advertisecast.com/Pretend Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 left side of my body. I don’t remember a thing. In this episode, I’ll let you listen to my hypnotic regression session. Then, hear for yourself if I was able to recover these lost memories. Special Thanks to Kellette Elliott for the custom collage artwork   You can purchase the Hypnotist t-shirt here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 dictionary states that hypnosis is "a trancelike state that resembles sleep but is induced by a person whose suggestions are readily accepted by the subject." Another dictionary says that hypnosis is "the induction of a state of consciousness." A person apparently loses the power of voluntary action and is highly responsive to suggestion or direction. It makes it sound like the person under hypnosis is some kind of puppet.   But maybe these dictionaries have it all wrong? What if hypnosis was another word for relaxation or meditation? I guess my point is that two freaking dictionaries can't agree on a definition; how are we supposed to know what it really is?  Can regression therapy help you remember a forgotten memory? Regression therapy is a hypnotic treatment that focuses on recovering lost memories that are getting in the way of our everyday lives. When I was 8 months old, I burned almost 30% of my body. I'm sure no one really knew if I was going to make it. One study shows that children younger than 48 months with burns on more than 30% of the body surface had a higher mortality rate than adults with identical injuries. But survival rates after a burn have significantly improved over the years. Even children with more significant burns can survive. I've imagined this accident over and over in my head all of my life. Ever since I can remember, I've wondered what it was like. I know; it's morbid. But I've been curious. So, I contacted a local hypnotherapist to see if he could help me access these lost memories. But how do you access memories from when you were a toddler? Ask any medical professional or psychologist, and they will tell you that most adults can't remember anything before their third birthday. It's called Childhood Amnesia. That's because the hippocampus, the part of the brain that helps us recall life experiences, hasn't fully developed. Another reason is that kids don't start really talking until about three. This podcast is about deception. Typically, the stories are about someone else pulling the wool over our eyes. But when it comes to hypnosis, is our mind the one playing tricks on us? Listen to part 2 now on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/posts/hypnotist-part-2-58412331 Have you undergone hypnosis? Send me a voice memo with your story at javier@pretendradio.org. Special Thanks to Kellette Elliott for the custom collage artwork   You can purchase the Hypnotist t-shirt here   Preview Ravi Patil's new podcast Institrve wherever you get your podcasts institrve.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 inflict pain on ourselves. The physical wounds hurt, but it's nowhere near as painful as the emotions inside our heads and hearts. So if you're listening to this, there are different places you can seek help. First, talk to a pro. You can use online counselors like BetterHelp, a real-life therapist, or even reach out to a friend. There are also crisis lines where you can text and talk to an actual human for free. Text HOME to 741741, Again text HOME to 741741. I'll have a list of numbers you can text for my international friends in the show notes.  https://www.crisistextline.org/ Get Help US: Text 741741 CA: Text 741741 UK: Text 85258 Ireland: 50808 Sophrpsyne Music featured in this episode is from Sophrosyne. Check out their music on Spotify. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

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 everything in her power to expose him. It turns out, he was hiding a secret that would eventually lead to the arrest of his father, Eddie Maher. What’s your PRETEND story? If you have a story to tell, do what Kim Evans did and send me an email at info [at] pretendradio [dot] org. You never know; your story could make it on the show. The Christmas Lie Also, I’m working on a Christmas episode. Do you remember when you learned about the big lie? You know, the one about the big guy who magically squeezes down the chimney at night and leaves gifts for children all over the world? You know which lie I’m talking about. If you have a fun Christmas story, send it my way. Thank you for your support Also, I want to thank Alex, Beth Cail and Corey Trevorson for supporting the show. I really couldn’t do this show without you. Want to help keep PRETEND going? Buy me a coffee or throw a few dollars in the hat, head on over to patreon.com/pretendradio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 the same password they used on another account that was previously hacked. And guess what? Colonial Pipeline paid the ransom and the hackers. $4.4. million dollars—gone, just like that. The Justice Department was able to eventually recover half of the money, $2.2 million. When we hear about news like this, we mostly ignore it. Until we run out of gas and everyone panics. But once we were able to fill up our tanks again, we all moved on and put it behind us. We often ignore stories like these because, on the surface, it sounds like hackers are attacking large corporations with tons of cash. They've got the money. But what if I tell you that the real victims here are not just the companies, but really it's you and me. What do you think happens if the company that got hacked decides not to pay the ransom? If the company doesn't cave to the hacker's demands, the hacker will dump the company's data and make it publicly available on the dark web. By the way, the company's data is comprised of your social security number, date of birth, driver's license, and health insurance information... everything an identity thief needs to financially destroy you. In today's episode, we'll talk to a guy whose job is to negotiate with these hackers. We're also going to talk about how you can protect your most valuable information. Today's guests are: Kurtis Minder - CEO and co-founder at GroupSense Eva Velasquez - President and CEO, of the Identity Theft Resource Center Freeze your credit to protect yourself from Ransomware Equifax Online: https://www.equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services/credit-freeze/ Experian Online: https://www.experian.com/freeze/center.html TransUnion Online: https://service.transunion.com/dss/orderStep1_form.page Use a password manager 1Password KeePass Password Want to be my co-host? I want to send a sincere thank you to Rachel Sincere for supporting PRETEND on Patreon. Rachel, you're amazing. Also, as a reminder, I've added a new tier on Patreon. Not only will you get a PRETEND t-shirt and stickers. But these new supporters will get the chance to co-host a Patreon and YouTube episode with me. Like Michael V, who played in the Air Guitar World Championship. People pretending to play guitar! It's apparently a big thing. I'll let you know when that episode is out. So if you want to co-host with me, visit PRETEND on Patreon.com. Cam Cokas Finally, I want to end the show by sharing an indie artist I've been listening to lately. His name is Cam Cokas, and the track is called Don't Quit or Try. Please check out Cam Cokas on Spotify or wherever you get your jams. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 from the government they disavow." So, when it comes to Sovereign Citizens, I thought Sean Mortin was the guy. But now he's telling me that sovereign citizens are idiots. Interesting.  If you're unfamiliar with this sub-culture, you should check out my episode on Sovereign Citizens. To listen to my interview with Sean David Morton, check out the episode The Sovereign Man where ever you listen to podcasts.    Patreon Bonus with Sean David Morton To listen to more of my interview with Sean Morton, check out the FREE bonus episode on Patreon.   Story idea? If you have a story to share, email Javier at info [at] pretendradio [dot] org. For more episodes like this, visit pretendradio.org. To get early releases and bonus episodes, go to pretendradio.org/donate Today's episode was written and edited by Javier Leiva Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 retired Case File Review. Jerri Williams is a retired FBI agent who interviews other former agents on her show. If you haven’t listened to it, you’re missing out. Her episode haunted me for days. So, I asked Jerri if I can share this story with you. If you thought the last sovereign citizen episode was shocking, wait till you hear this. Disclaimer It’s safe to assume that most PRETEND episodes are not suitable for young children. Unfortunately, this is one of those episodes. In fact, trigger warning, today, we’re going to talk about sexual assault and suicide. This episode is actually pretty disgusting. So, if you have the stomach for it, please proceed. You’ve been warned. 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/donate Today's episode was written and edited by Javier Leiva Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 get early releases and bonus episodes, go to pretendradio.org/donate Today's episode was written and edited by Javier Leiva Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 Trailer In 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: 7/22/21 Check out Follow the Truth Podcast: https://t.co/b4grdGjwJp?amp=1 ________ 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/donate Today's episode was written and edited by Javier Leiva Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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/donate Today's episode was written and edited by Javier Leiva Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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/donate Today's episode was written and edited by Javier Leiva Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Sham vol.1 This 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/3uxsbto Do you have a story to share? Leave me a voicemail 919-444-2800 or email me at javier@pretendradio.org To get early releases and bonus episodes go to pretendradio.org/donate Today's episode was written and edited by Javier Leiva Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 Big Fish with Ewan McGregor. It's about a man who lived an extraordinary life. In the end, it turned out that most of his tall tales were true--but just a little skewed due to time. And that's how I feel about Billy. Some of these stories are too incredible to be real. But they might be. He's always wrestled between being the good guy and the bad guy. And in the end, managed to be both a criminal and a cop.       So lean back, relax, and grab your adult beverage of choice. Because today we're going to spend the next half hour or so chatting with Billy the Liquor Guy. Get a copy of Under Too Long by Billy the Liquor Guy: https://amzn.to/3sWlmjo     Story idea? If you have a story to share, email Javier at info [at] pretendradio [dot] org. For more episodes like this visit pretendradio.org. To get early releases and bonus episodes go to pretendradio.org/donate Today's episode was written and edited by Javier Leiva Featured promo for Missing Persons and DNA:ID podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 constable can carry a gun, a badge and drive around town with blue lights. However, unlike police, a Constable has all the powers of a sheriff. He answers to no one but the voters on election day. Criminal Conduct season 2 returns April 16th. http://criminalconduct.net/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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@pretendradio.org. For more episodes like this, visit pretendradio.org. To get early releases and bonus episodes, go to pretendradio.org/donate Today's episode was written and edited by Javier Leiva Featured promo for Die-alogue Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 detector test is about as accurate as a coin toss. He claims the machine doesn't work, and as a result, innocent people are paying the price. Many innocent people have pleaded guilty and skipped trial because they failed a polygraph during an interrogation. And employers routinely administered polygraph tests as part of their hiring process. If you fail a lie detector test in the US federal government, you're potentially placed on a blacklist and never allowed to apply for that government agency job again.  Doug Willams says that the polygraph is just a stage prop used to scare people. How does he know this? Because he spent most of his law enforcement career using it as what he calls a psychological billy club. To him, it was just a tool to beat a confession out of a bad guy. But over the years, he realized that a polygraph test is just that... a test. It can be cheated. And he was going to devote the rest of his life to destroy it.  Doug Williams made a career giving people polygraphs exams. Now, he's going to prison for teaching people how to cheat the test.     To listen to the undercover tape that led to his arrest.  Check out my latest episodes on YouTube: Credits This episode was reported by Javier Leiva.  Special thanks to George Maschke with antipolygraph.org Support PRETEND by becoming a member today at pretendradio.org/donate   Featured promo for Movie Pitch Challenge  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 they beat the gay demons out of him. And that's just the beginning. Several former members reported being forced into isolation in what is known as the lower building. Some male congregants say they lived in this makeshift storage unit for over a year. But perhaps they're best remembered for their signature style of prayer. It's known as blasting. As you can hear in this secret audio recording, blasting is a form of deliverance meant to cast out the devil. It has been said that crying babies were often held down and yelled at until the devil released its grip on the child. I've experienced blasting first hand. In 2018, I was personally invited by the church's leader, Jane Whaley, to spend the day at the Word of Faith Fellowship. While interviewing her in her office, Jane Whaley looked me straight in the eyes, opened her mouth, and began shouting. It was terrifying. To this day, I still get chills. It's been 2 years since I finished my 11-part series on the Word of Faith. Since then, I've been flooded with emails asking me to give them an update. They want to know, have there been any new allegations of abuse? Have any of the church leaders faced any criminal charges? Is Jane Whaley still running the church? Today, I plan to answer some of these questions. ______ 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/donate Today's episode was written by Javier Leiva and edited by Logan Castrodale Reference: Covid-19 Timelines: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_the_COVID-19_pandemic_in_the_United_States_(2020) https://ourworldindata.org/coronavirus Threats against Word of Faith church over coronavirus rumor https://www.charlotteobserver.com/article242307531.html Word of Faith church in NC received a PPP loan amid COVID https://www.charlotteobserver.com/living/religion/article244084852.html Lotz International LLC v. Burnette:  https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/17404523/lotz-international-llc-v-burnette/ Case against Facebook commenters moves to state court: https://www.shelbystar.com/story/special/2020/09/23/case-against-facebook-commenters-moves-to-state-court/43180133/ Former Word of Faith member charged with breaking into minister's home: https://wlos.com/news/local/former-world-of-faith-member-charged-with-breaking-into-ministers-home Word of Faith member reaches plea deal in fraud scam: https://wlos.com/news/local/word-of-faith-member-reaches-plea-deal-in-fraud-scam Trump March: https://youtu.be/yxUksEHZGag?t=350 Trump Rally: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7VJtRZBy-M Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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/donate Today's episode was written by Javier Leiva Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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, 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/donate Today's episode was written by Javier Leiva and edited by Logan Castrodale Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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.  Links Here's a link to the Birth of a Con Man series. Also, subscribe to the new PRETEND YouTube channel for a chance to win a t-shirt. ——- Story idea? If you have a story to share, email Javier at info [at] pretendradio [dot] 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 podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 he come from, and how did he earn money? The FBI needed to figure out every single detail about this fictional character before Joe Pistone ever made the first contact with the mafia. They decided that Donnie Brasco was going to be a jewel thief. That required Pistone to learn how gemology, how to break into safes, and how to disable alarms. In this episode, you will hear from Joe Pistone himself. You'll even get to listen to a real wiretap recording between Donnie Brasco and his associate Lefty Ruggiero. If you want more, check out the new podcast "Deep Cover-The Real Donnie Brasco," Joe Pistone shares the true stories of his time with the mob to his friend and host actor Leo Rossi. PRETEND is on YouTube Make sure to subscribe to the PRETEND YouTube channel. I will pick 10 subscribers at random and mail them a screen printed PRETEND t-shirt. "Fuhggedaboutit" ------- 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 podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 scouts. Check out “My Dear Santa” with Brian Earl from the Christmas Past podcast My Dear Santa: A True Crime Christmas Caper ------- Story idea? If you have a story to share, email Javier a voice memo or short written description 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 podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 party Our 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 crashers Our second story, is about the greatest party crasher story of all time. The date was November 24th, 2009. Two Washington D.C. socialites were on their way to the White House state dinner for Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Tareq and Michaele Salahi, the stars of the Real Housewives of D.C., crashed the White House State Dinner. How were they able to crash the most secure party on Earth? Act 3: A party crasher's confession We end the show with stories from listeners like you about a time you crashed a party. Oh, and by the way, just a warning. Some parts of this episode are not suitable for young children. Just want to put that out there. -------- Have you ever crashed a party? Do you have a party crashing story you would like to share? Leave me a voicemail at (919) 867-1871. Or email me javier [at] pretendradio [dot] org. ------- 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 podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 Drake’s sunken ship. And most recently, he discovered what he believes is a pre-Incan Peruvian burial mask off the eastern coast of Florida.  But like unlike Dr. Indiana Jones, some have accused him of stolen valor by exaggerating his military career. They say Torres falsely represented himself as a war hero with two Purple Heart medals.  His critics say not to believe a word he says. For instance, Michael Torres says he discovered a mass Jewish mass grave in Savannah, Georgia. Is he a serious treasure hunter or just a hack who makes up stories in order to gain attention?  As a spectator in the world of fraud, I allow myself to get sucked in towards the center of the storm of lies. I do this with great caution. The closer I get, the more believable the stories get. And unlike victims, who are emotionally and financially invested, it's easier for me to circle just outside the hurricane's eye wall.  In today’s episode, I’ll let you be the judge. Is Michael Torres a war hero/treasure hunter? Or is he a con artist? ------- 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 podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A modern-day pirate Michael 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 Exploration Michael Torres is currently being sued by Seafarer Exploration, a treasure salvage company. The company says Torres lied about his credentials and has set them back financially. Today, we take a closer look at Seafarer Exploration to understand how this company stays afloat. After all, they’ve been around for 13 years, have millions of dollars in debt, and have yet to find a treasure. ------- 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 podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 days later, a hurricane off the east coast of central Florida swooped in and took down eleven of the twelve ships. Hence, the reason they call this part of Florida the treasure coast.  But as you can imagine, trying to find the mother load buried underneath the ocean is like finding a needle in a haystack. If Seafarer Exploration has any chance of finding this treasure, they are going to need to find someone who can build a ship that is powerful enough to scan the ocean floor. Imagine a giant floating metal detector that can capture high-resolution images of the seabed. That's when Kyle Kennedy, CEO of Seafarer Exploration, met a man who said, "Sure. I can build you this machine." His name was Dr. Michael Torres.   Kyle Kennedy claims that Michael Torres presented himself as an aeronautical engineer who graduated with a doctorate degree from Duke University. Torres also said he taught at MIT Draper labs and represented the NSA while also working on multiple classified government contracts. Kyle Kennedy couldn't believe it. This Dr. Michael Torres guy was perfect! And on top of an unbelievable resume, Kennedy says that Dr. Torres was a wounded war hero, who served two tours in Afghanistan. He was even awarded the Purple Heart medal.  The lawsuit Fast-forward a few years later, Kyle Kennedy is now suing Michael Torres for fraud. He says Michael Torres is a con artist who faked his credential.  So, who is this guy? Dr. Michael Torres? I'm going to track him down to find out if he really is who they say he is. It turns out that the conman in this story is not who you would expect. ------- Story idea? If you have a story to share, email Javier a voice memo or short written description 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 podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 brilliantly juggles lies with ease. Each lie gracefully circles in the air, passing through her hands, without ever getting caught. But when she decided to rip off Johnathan Walton, she picked the wrong mark.  You can learn more about this story by visiting https://johnathanwalton.com/ Bonus episode Historical Cons - The man who sold the Brooklyn Bridge Patreon exclusive episode This is the first in a series of new Patreon only episodes. The series will focus on historical con artists. Today's episode is about the man who sold the Brooklyn Bridge. This week, I'm joined by Rebekah Sebastian with the Die-alogue podcast and the Yellowtape true crime trivia show.  Listen here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/42197195 ------- Story idea? If you have a story to share, email Javier a voice memo or short written description 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 podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 identity How 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. When no one was looking, they would collect customer social security numbers and smuggle them to DAW. Today, DAW’s life of crime is behind him. He’s currently running for congress this November for the U.S. House to represent Louisiana's 6th Congressional District.  How to protect your identity These days, it’s just as easy to steal your identity from a breached database. Everything an identity thief needs to steal your identity is already online. What can you do to protect yourself?  Click here to see if your email has been involved in a breached database: https://haveibeenpwned.com/ Freezing your credit and setting up a fraud alert I’ve taken the extreme step of freezing my credit. It’s actually not really that extreme. In fact, it’s quite easy. In this episode, you’ll hear how simple it is to lock down your credit so that no one can assume your identity.  Michael Bazzell, a privacy consultant, walks me through the credit freeze process. For more details, download his step-by-step guide.  Essentially, get a free credit report from one of the credit bureaus, then ask them to freeze your credit. This way, no one can open a line of credit under your name. If you ever need to unfreeze your credit, it’s easy. Just unfreeze your credit by going online or with a quick phone call.  Equifax Online: https://www.equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services/credit-freeze/ Experian Online: https://www.experian.com/freeze/center.html TransUnion Online: https://service.transunion.com/dss/orderStep1_form.page Michael Bazzell To learn more about Michael Bazzell, check out his website IntelTechniques.com and listen to his podcast The Privacy, Security, & OSINT show.  I also recommend you buy a copy of Extreme Privacy: What it takes to disappear. ------- Story idea? If you have a story to share, email Javier a voice memo or short written description 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 podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 out some detail about his private life. Nope. This guy is locked down and takes his privacy seriously.  If you want to disappear, here is a checklist of things you’ll need to get started: First, you’ll need a copy of Michael Bazzell’s book titled Extreme Privacy: What it takes to disappear. A secure VPN to protect your location. Michael Bazzell says that a VPN is probably the single most important item on this list.  A Faraday bag for your smartphone like this one.  For more resources, make sure to visit inteltechniques.com. And make sure to check out Michael Bazzell’s podcast The Privacy, Security, & OSINT Show. It's time to reevaluate your digital privacy. Everything you need to know in order to live off the digital grid. ------- Story idea? If you have a story to share, email Javier a voice memo or short written description 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 podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 executive CEOs and business executives are easy targets. They take all the credit when things go right. But they’re also responsible any time something goes wrong. And when that happens they have to minimize the threat. It could be a disgruntled employee, or they'be a target because of their wealth. Recently, a Silicon Valley CEO was kidnapped and murdered by two former employees. Hear tactics executives use to live privately. The celebrity Today’s celebrities are more accessible than ever. Stars like Taylor Swift, Eminem, and UFC fighter Anthony Smith have had their homes broken into. Alison Sweeney, from Days of our Lives and the Biggest Loser, talks about balancing the limelight with basic privacy rights.  The victim Often times, domestic violence victims need to disappear in order to survive. Hear the story on how one victim fled her attacker.  The government employee Judges and prosecutors are often targets of intimidation and death threats. And police are targets too due to the heightened attention on police brutality and racial profiling. Learn how government employees eliminate the threat by making themselves impossible to find. This series is a collaboration with Michael Bazzell. In the next few episodes, we’re going to show you to successfully vanish from society. You too can live undetected. It’s not just for wealthy CEOs.  For more than 20 years, Michael Bazzell worked on behalf of the US government investigating computer crimes. He was also a consultant on the hacker show Mr. Robot. He no longer works for the government. These days, Michael Bazzell helps people disappear. ---- Get Michael Bazzell's book: Extreme Privacy: What it takes to disappear Affiliate link disclaimer. ------- Story idea? If you have a story to share, email Javier a voice memo or short written description 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 podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 money, you have two options: either pay it or run away.  Patrick McDermott, Olivia Newton-John’s missing boyfriend, had every reason to run away. His film work had dried up and he owed his ex-wife thousands of dollars in back child support. It took 10 days for anyone to realize he was missing. Olivia Newton-John wasn’t looking for him because they had just recently broken up. It wasn’t until he didn’t show up to pick up his son that his ex-wife noticed something was wrong. But people can’t just run away without leaving behind clues.   Patrick McDermott was last seen after going on an overnight fishing trip. Was McDermott lost at sea or was he just on the run? The truth is, no one wanted to find out. His ex-wife filed a claim on his life insurance. And Olivia Newton John wanted the whole thing put behind her. When the manager of the marina was asked about McDermott’s whereabouts, he said that Patrick McDermott’s name was indeed on the ship’s manifesto. And there was something else. He left behind his tackle box. Inside, they found his wallet, driver’s license, and car keys.  Why would anyone want to fake their own death? I haven’t seen any real study on this topic but I can imagine that there are many reasons why someone would want to leave their own life behind and start fresh. It could be forbidden love like in Romeo and Juliet. Or it can be greed—like someone trying to cash in on their own life insurance policy. When it comes to dying, people have many different motivations.  How to disappear with Michael Bazzell This series is a collaboration with Michael Bazzell, a privacy consultant and host of The PRIVACY, SECURITY, & OSINT Show. We’re going to show you the wrong way and the right way to disappear.  Buy the book: Extreme Privacy: What it takes to disappear by Michael Bazzell: https://amzn.to/2XFm4of A special thanks to Philip Klein. If you want to read more about Patrick McDermott’s disappearance, check out the book “Lost at Sea: The hunt for Patrick McDermott.” Buy the book: Lost at Sea https://amzn.to/3ihMjcf Affiliate link disclaimer. ------- Story idea? If you have a story to share, email Javier a voice memo or short written description 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 podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 Swindled Sources: https://www.who.int/csr/don/2011_11_24/en/ https://wayback.archive-it.org/7993/20170722143956/https:/www.fda.gov/Food/RecallsOutbreaksEmergencies/SafetyAlertsAdvisories/ucm184087.htm https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2020/04/what-can-coronavirus-tell-us-about-conspiracy-theories/610894/ https://news.gallup.com/poll/248837/church-membership-down-sharply-past-two-decades.aspx https://www.christianitytoday.com/news/2020/may/holy-spirit-empowered-christian-global-pentecostal-study.html ------- Story idea? If you have a story to share, email Javier a voice memo or short written description 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 podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 money for tens of millions of Americans out of work due to the Coronavirus. $1,200 for individuals and $3,400 for a family of four.  The IRS has sent out 150 million payments so far since the time of this recording… but more payments are still expected to still arrive through the end of June.  And if you haven’t received your check, you’re probably wondering what’s the hold-up? Unfortunately for some, your money is probably gone and in the hands of thieves.  Today, I’m going to show you exactly how easy it is for scammers to steal your money. In fact, I’ve challenged a privacy expert to try and hack into my private information. I was really shocked at what he was able to find. Resources: Password managers 1Password.com (User-friendly and secure) Bitwarden (More secure cloud-based password manager) KeePassXC (More secure computer-based password manager)  Search to see if you’re password is exposed in a breached database https://haveibeenpwned.com/ Credit freezes Credit Freeze Tutorial (Full Workbook)  Annual Credit Report (Free credit report to detect fraud) Enable 2-factor authentication on all platforms that support it https://twofactorauth.org/ Online removal workbook https://inteltechniques.com/data/workbook.pdf Additional resources Michael Bazzell’s website Intel Techniques Eva Velasquez Identity Theft Resource Center ------- Story idea? If you have a story to share, email Javier a voice memo or short written description 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 podcastchoices.com/adchoices

//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/34832524 Subscribe to Criminal Conduct now so you won't miss an episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 County Sheriff’s Deputy. Years later, an amateur sleuth named Eli Washtock winds up murdered after investigating Michelle O’Connell’s death. What did he find out? ‘Criminal Conduct’ is an investigative true crime podcast series hosted by John Taylor and Javier Leiva. The hosts retrace the footsteps of Eli Washtock, the slain sleuth; picking up the investigation where he left off. ‘Criminal Conduct’ will be released in the spring of 2020. Subscribe now on all podcast platforms. criminalconduct.net Apple Podcast https://apple.co/2S4KaoG Google Play http://bit.ly/CriminalConGoogle Stitcher http://bit.ly/CriminalConStitcher Spotify https://spoti.fi/2S0 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 hosted by Ralph Garman and written and produced by J. Holland Moore. Season one starred a young Kristen Wiig who played a quack psychiatrist. I must warn you. This show did not age well. It would not survive in today’s #metoo movement. Despite what it lacks in sensitivity, it makes up for in its ingenuity and heart.  In this episode, Melissa with Moms and Murder and I talk with Chase Rogan, season three’s Joe Schmo, to find out what it’s like to be the star of television’s biggest hoax. Credits Today’s episode was written and produced by me and Melissa.  Original music was provided by thechicken.net Additional music by Blue dot sessions All clips in this podcast were used in compliance with the US copyright act for fair use exemption, for criticism and commentary  ------- Story idea? If you have a story to share, email Javier a voice memo or short written description 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 podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A con artist save Christmas 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 scouts. Check out “My Dear Santa” with Brian Earl from the Christmas Past podcast ------- Credits Today’s show was written and edited by Javier Leiva. Our theme music was written and composed by Joe Basile with TheChicken.net. Additional music by Podington Bear. ------- Support for this episode is brought to you by Detective Trapp Anaheim investigator Julissa Trapp is not like other detectives. She’s the only woman on the homicide squad, and a skilled chameleon: undercover cop in vice stings, crime-scene commander, patient confidante of killers. A master interrogator, she invokes her personal experience – and deepest griefs — as a tool to elicit confessions. When a young woman’s body is found at a trash-sorting plant, Trapp learns the murder may be linked to the disappearance of three other women in nearby Santa Ana. Trapp embarks on a dark journey that brings her face to face with a man who takes “a little piece of her soul.” Listen now at Wondery.fm/PretendDT ------- Story idea? If you have a story to share, email Javier a voice memo or short written description 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 podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 despicable hoax. It involved two female KFC employees in Manchester, New Hampshire. The two employees were convinced to strip naked in the freezing cold and urinate on each other. Hear how Jeri Batsford says she helped Pranknet orchestrate some of their most twisted pranks. Credits Today’s show was written by Javier Leiva and edited by Molly Brock. Our theme music was written and composed by Joe Basile with TheChicken.net. Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions and Podington Bear. Support for this episode is brought to you by Detective Trapp Anaheim investigator Julissa Trapp is not like other detectives. She’s the only woman on the homicide squad, and a skilled chameleon: undercover cop in vice stings, crime-scene commander, patient confidante of killers. A master interrogator, she invokes her personal experience – and deepest griefs — as a tool to elicit confessions. When a young woman’s body is found at a trash-sorting plant, Trapp learns the murder may be linked to the disappearance of three other women in nearby Santa Ana. Trapp embarks on a dark journey that brings her face to face with a man who takes “a little piece of her soul.” Listen now at Wondery.fm/PretendDT ------ References http://www.onpointnews.com/docs/hoax.pdf https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysSgG5V-R3U https://www.wmur.com/news/18803151/detail.html ------- Story idea? If you have a story to share, email Javier a voice memo or short written description 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 podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When does a prank call go too far? When it leads to sexual abuse and thousands of dollars worth of destruction.  PrankNet The 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 hoax Nobody is safe from PrankNet's mayhem. Even Elizabeth Moreau, an ESPN reporter, was persuaded to swing a toilet seat across her Hilton Garden Inn window in the middle of the night. She thought there was a gas leak in the building. All of these calls were recorded and posted on Youtube. You can hear the desperation in her voice during the call.  Who is behind PrankNet? The mastermind behind PrankNet is allegedly a Canadian man who goes by the name of Dex. Dex, who’s real name is Tariq Malik, is clearly proud of his work. However, when exposed by an internet blog, he vanished without a trace.  A prank caller confesses I wanted to learn more about PrankNet and how they operate. The question is, could I get one of them to talk with me? Fortunately, Jeri Batsford, a former PrankNet member, deflected from the group.  Listen to part 3 of The Prank Call on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Stitcher, or Google Play. ----- Credits Today’s show was written by Javier Leiva and edited by Logan Castrodale. Our theme music was written and composed by Joe Basile with TheChicken.net. Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions and Podington Bear. ----- Support for this episode is brought to you by Detective Trapp Anaheim investigator Julissa Trapp is not like other detectives. She’s the only woman on the homicide squad, and a skilled chameleon: undercover cop in vice stings, crime-scene commander, patient confidante of killers. A master interrogator, she invokes her personal experience – and deepest griefs -- as a tool to elicit confessions. When a young woman’s body is found at a trash-sorting plant, Trapp learns the murder may be linked to the disappearance of three other women in nearby Santa Ana. Trapp embarks on a dark journey that brings her face to face with a man who takes “a little piece of her soul.” Listen now at Wondery.fm/PretendDT ---- References http://www.onpointnews.com/docs/hoax.pdf https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysSgG5V-R3U https://www.wmur.com/news/18803151/detail.html ------- Story idea? If you have a story to share, email Javier a voice memo or short written description 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 podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A prank call leads to a 2-hour strip-search at a fast-food restaurant A 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. Searching for David Stewart—the prank call suspect Victor Flaherty is now the Cheif of Police in West Bridgewater police department in Massachusetts at the time in 2004, he was a detective sergeant searching for the notorious fast-food prank caller. Many police stations across the United States tried to locate the perpetrator—and all of them failed. It turns out that tracing the calls back to the source proved to be nearly impossible.  Listen to the lengthVictor Flaherty went through to find the suspect named David Stewart. If you want to start from the beginning, listen to part 1 here.   Credits Today’s show was written by Javier Leiva and edited by Molly Brock. Our theme music was written and composed by Joe Basile with TheChicken.net. Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions and Podington Bear.   References: Rapid City Journal Courier Journal MSNBC ------- Story idea? If you have a story to share, email Javier a voice memo or short written description 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 podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 pranks. How could they fall for such a prank? The truth is, humans are programmed to respect authority. But why do we obey? In this episode, you'll hear real audio from Stanley Milgram's experiments on obedience and authority. The results are shocking. Bonus episode Donna Summers, the manager from the McDonalds restaurant in Mount Washington, sued McDonald's for failing to warn her about the previous hoaxes. She asked for $50 million. She was awarded $1 million in punitive damages and $100,000 in compensatory damages. Listen to my conversation with her attorney Wendy Wagner. The Pranks part 1 BONUS (McDonalds Lawsuit) https://www.patreon.com/posts/pranks-part-1-30952858 Links and sources https://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/local/2005/10/09/a-hoax-most-cruel-caller-coaxed-mcdonalds-managers-/28936597/ https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/man-on-trial-for-kidnapping-rape/article_faeff508-246c-54db-8a66-15d121c5112d.html https://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/local/2005/10/09/a-hoax-most-cruel-caller-coaxed-mcdonalds-managers-/28936597/https://web.archive.org/web/20090325234639/http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15504125/ Credits Today’s show was written by Javier Leiva and edited by Molly Brock. Our theme music was written and composed by Joe Basile with TheChicken.net. Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions and Podington Bear.   Support for this episode is brought to you by HempFusion Use promo code PRETEND for 20% off of your first order and free shipping at hempfusion.com. Get HempFusion shipped anywhere in the US. ------- Story idea? If you have a story to share, email Javier a voice memo or short written description 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 podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 all a hoax None of this was real. All these threatening messages were fake. And worst of all, the people Susan thought she was interacting with weren’t real either. Today’s story focuses on the search for this cyberstalker. Who was targeting Susan? And why did they want her to suffer? Subscribe to PRETEND on your favorite podcast app:  Apple Podcast, Spotify, Stitcher, or Google Play. Check out Susan Fensten’s Memoir based on this story titled, “You have a very soft voice, Susan.” Today’s show was written by Javier Leiva and edited by Molly Brock. Our theme music was written and composed by Joe Basile with TheChicken.net. Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions and Podington Bear.  Bonus episodes: Susan Fensten shares a story that didn't make it in her book. The full interview with FBI Special Agent Brandon Waller Support for this episode is brought to you by HempFusion Use promo code PRETEND for 20% off of your first order and free shipping at hempfusion.com. Get HempFusion shipped anywhere in the US.  ------- Story idea? If you have a story to share, email Javier a voice memo or short written description 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 podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 disturbing. But I don't want to give away too much of the story. After you’re done listening to part one, get an early preview of part two on Patreon. Also, check out Susan Fensten’s Memoir based on this story titled, “You have a very soft voice, Susan.” Subscribe to PRETEND on your favorite podcast app: Apple Podcast, Spotify, Stitcher, or Google Play. Today’s show was written by Javier Leiva and edited by Logan Castrodale. Our theme music was written and composed by Joe Basile with TheChicken.net. Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions.  ------- Story idea? If you have a story to share, email Javier a voice memo or short written description 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 podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 saga Alan 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 love affair came to a tragic end.   Links and sources: If you enjoyed the story, check out Lowell Lowell Cauffiel’s book titled Masquerade  To read Jan Canty’s memoir visit Amazon or www.jancantyphd.com Credits Today’s episode was edited by Bear Beat Productions and additional editing by Molly Brock Our Theme is Music by Joe Basie with theChicken.net And additional music by Blue Dot Sessions ------- Story idea? If you have a story to share, email Javier a voice memo or short written description 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 podcastchoices.com/adchoices

1980s Prostitution in the Streets of Detroit Back 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. Meanwhile, his wife Jan Canty didn’t know what was really going on. This rendezvous didn’t last forever. Hear how Alan Canty’s double life was exposed.   Meet the characters The Sugar Daddy- Alan Canty The Sex Worker- Dawn Spens The Pimp- John “Lucky” Links and sources: If you enjoyed the story, check out Lowell Lowell Cauffiel’s book titled Masquerade  To read Jan Canty’s memoir visit Amazon or www.jancantyphd.com This is part one of a two-part series. Subscribe to Patreon to listen to part two right now Credits This episode was written and produced by Javier Leiva Edited by Molly Brock Music by Blue Dot Sessions and Podington Bear Theme music by Joe Basile and thechicken.net ------- Story idea? If you have a story to share, email Javier a voice memo or short written description 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 podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Norco Security Pacific Bank heist was just the beginning.  The thief in the night George 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. Doomsday Peter Houlahan, author of the book “Norco ‘80” says that “There were over 500 rounds fired—200 of them shot at [Deputy Glyn] Balasky alone. They hit his vehicle 46 times, wounding him badly in the elbow. All three of the responding deputies had their vehicle struck multiple times. There were bullets in citizens cars, in houses, in the storefronts. Everything in that intersection was hit with gunfire. Five civilians had been injured.” The Riverside County Sheriff's deputies were completely overwhelmed in the firefight. They never really stood a chance. The pursuit George Wayne Smith and his buddies managed to flee the scene and are on their way to get the cold cars parked a few miles away. But how did this chaotic chase end 60 miles east in a remote canyon heading towards the Mojave desert? ------ Norco ’80 Buy a copy of Norco ’80: The True Story of the Most Spectacular Bank Robbery in American History by Peter Houlahan on Amazon or wherever you get your books. ------ Support for this episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Is there is something that interferes with your happiness or is preventing you from achieving your goals? Connect with your professional counselor in a safe and private online environment. Sign up today with discount code “PRETEND” to get 10% off your first month. Betterhelp.com/pretend ------- Story idea? If you have a story to share, email Javier a voice memo or short written description 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 podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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-grade weapons. The police never stood a chance. I mean, it was a downright war zone. Why would George Smith go to such extremes just to rob a bank? We’re going to spend the next two episodes trying to get inside the mind of George Wayne Smith. Who was he? And what motivated him to orchestrate such an insane bank robbery? And how did they finally catch him, the following day in the canyons, heading to the Mojave Desert? Buy a copy of Norco '80: The True Story of the Most Spectacular Bank Robbery in American History by Peter Houlahan on Amazon or wherever you get your books. ------- Story idea? If you have a story to share, email Javier a voice memo or short written description at info@pretendradio.org. For more episodes like this visit pretendradio.org. To get early releases and bonus episodes go to pretendradio.org/donate This episode was written and produced by Javier Leiva Edited by Molly Clay Music by Blue Dot Sessions Theme music by Joe Basile and thechicken.net Support for this episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. BetterHelp Is there is something that interferes with your happiness or is preventing you from achieving your goals? Connect with your professional counselor in a safe and private online environment. Sign up today with discount code “PRETEND” to get 10% off your first month. Betterhelp.com/pretend Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 never really been the target of a psychic. Susan simply doesn’t like them and the way they profit off of people’s grief. The US market for psychic services is worth about $2 billion annually according to IBIS World, a market research firm based in Los Angeles California. On this episode of Pretend, Susan attempts to capture psychics lying on tape. These psychic hunters spent months setting up fake Facebook pages, hoping that a so-called psychic uses the falsified information during a psychic reading. It took a few tries, but she finally got one on tape. Links: Silvia Browne gets punked by skeptic Mark Edward Tim Braun (psychic) Chip Coffey (psychic) Thomas John (psychic) New York Times article: Inside the Secret Sting Operations to Expose Celebrity Psychics - The ...https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/26/magazine/psychics-skeptics-facebook.html Support for this episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Is there is something that interferes with your happiness or is preventing you from achieving your goals? Connect with your professional counselor in a safe and private online environment. Sign up today with discount code “PRETEND” to get 10% off your first month. Betterhelp.com/pretend ------- Story idea? If you have a story to share, email Javier a voice memo or short written description at info@pretendradio.org. For more episodes like this visit pretendradio.org. To get early releases and bonus episodes go to pretendradio.org/donate This episode was written and produced by Javier Leiva Theme music by Joe Basile with thechicken.net Additional music by Glad Rags Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 study by the magician and skeptic James Randi. They coined this stunt Project Alpha. The parapsychology lab at Washington State University was called the McDonnell Laboratory for Psychical Research. The lab ran a long series of experiments ranging from moving objects in sealed glass domes to controlling clocks and creating images appear on unexposed film. Banacheck and Edwards say they received no training from James Randi. They had to rely on their instincts and come up with illusions on the fly. During their time at the McDonnell research institute, they followed one rule—always tell the truth if you’re ever asked whether they were faking the results. They kept this ruse going for almost three years. This is part of my series on Psychics. Part 1 features my conversation with Uri Geller. ------------- Links EXPLORATORY RESEARCH WITH TWO NEW PSYCHIC METAL BENDERS Transcribed from Research in Parapsychology (1981), pp. 144-146 Peter R. Phillips and Mark Shafer† (Washington University) http://www.aiprinc.org/documents/PS.pdf McDonnell Laboratory press release after the revelation http://www.aiprinc.org/documents/CIA_on_Randi.pdf Parapsychological Weapon - NSA Memo Project STARGATE https://www.cia.gov/library/readingroom/document/nsa-rdp96x00790r000100030042-9 ------------- Written and Produced by Javier Leiva Theme music by Joe Basile with thechicken.net Additional music by Podington Bear and Glad Rags Additional audio provided by Banachek's Brain podcast ------- Story idea? If you have a story to share, email Javier a voice memo or short written description at info@pretendradio.org. For more episodes like this visit pretendradio.org. To get early releases and bonus episodes go to pretendradio.org/donate Support for this episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Is there is something that interferes with your happiness or is preventing you from achieving your goals? Connect with your professional counselor in a safe and private online environment. Sign up today with discount code "PRETEND" to get 10% off your first month. Betterhelp.com/pretend Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 psychics? I interviewed Uri Geller about his time at the Stanford Research Institute. We spoke about his childhood, discovering his supernatural abilities, his involvement with spy agencies like the Israeli Mossad, and many other unbelievable events. You have to remember, this all took place in the 1970s. Governments were more open to exploring the supernatural. Even the Soviet Union reportedly hired psychics to spy on their enemies. But not everyone was eager to seek the help of psychics. Johnny Carson invited Uri Geller on The Tonight Show and it was a total disaster. Uri Geller could not perform his most basic tricks. What happened? Uri Geller says it was a hit job.  To learn more about Uri Geller, check out The Secret Life of Uri Geller. It's a fascinating documentary. ------- Story idea? If you have a story to share, email Javier a voice memo or short written description at info@pretendradio.org. For more episodes like this visit pretendradio.org. To get early releases and bonus episodes go to pretendradio.org/donate Theme music by The Chicken Additional music by Podington Bear, Glad Rags, Blue Dot Sessions Written and produced by Javier Leiva Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 members looking for victims of the Atlanta Monster, serial killer Wayne Williams. This is a wild story, so I don't want to spoil it for you. Hear how the FBI finally caught up to him. Special thanks to former agent Jerri Williams with the FBI Retired Case File Review podcast for introducing me to Jack. I would also like to thank former FBI agent Judy Tyler and Jack Saltarelli for sharing their stories. Jack Saltarelli with agent Judy Tyler and the FBI[/caption] ------- Story idea? If you have a story to share, email Javier a voice memo or short written description at info@pretendradio.org. For more episodes like this visit pretendradio.org. To get early releases and bonus episodes go to pretendradio.org/donate Credits Pretend is produced by Javier Leiva Theme music by The Chicken Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions Promos this week for A Date with Dateline Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 in order to enter your home. Bounty hunters, on the other hand, can hunt you down anywhere, and they can even barge into your homes if they have to. How can they get away with this? Simple. Let’s say you get arrested and sign a bail bond contract to get out of jail. The moment you sign that contract, you’re waiving your constitutional rights. I met up with Jack at his bail bonds office in Gulfport, Mississippi. Let’s just say that Jack isn’t your ordinary bounty hunter. His story is much more complicated than that. Find out the secret Jack Saltarelli has been hiding for more than 30 years. Part 2 is available right now for my Patreon supporters. Retired FBI Agent Jerri Williams You know, people always ask me, “Javier, where do you find these stories?” The answer is all sorts of places. But not this one. I learned about this story from my podcast from my friend Jerri Williams. Jerri is a retired FBI agent who has a podcast called FBI Retired Casefile Review. You may remember Jerri from the episode with the telemarketing con artist named Carl. If you haven’t check out FBI Retired Casefile Review, do yourself a favor and subscribe. Jerri is on every week featuring real former FBI agents describing their case. She is the real deal. You can listen to Jerri's interview with Jack Saltarelli and retired FBI agent Judy Tyler here. Also, you should check out her new book, it’s called FBI Myths and Misconceptions: A Manual for Armchair Detectives. Jerri debunks clichés and misconceptions about the FBI in books, TV, and movies. And thank you to you for helping me fund this story. If it weren’t for my Patreon supporters, I couldn’t be able to support the flight down to Gulf Port, MS, or the rental car and hotel. Seriously, this story was great because I was able to be there with Jack. If you want to hear more stories like this, please consider donating one dollar to the show. It really goes a long way. ------- Story idea? If you have a story to share, email Javier a voice memo or short written description at info@pretendradio.org. For more episodes like this visit pretendradio.org. To get early releases and bonus episodes go to pretendradio.org/donate Credits Pretend is produced by Javier Leiva Theme music by The Chicken Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions Promos this week for Beyond the Obituary and Spy Stories Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 running from? After all, she was just a middle-aged suburban mom who lived an unremarkable life. "I was a middle-aged mother of three in a suburb of San Diego, California. I was a soccer mom. That's kind of what I did." Every day revolved around her kids. "It was not that glamorous or exciting." It was just this very average life. An average life that she’s worked so hard to keep. But one night, her recurring nightmare returned. Except for this time she was wide awake. Find out the secret that kept Marie running for more than 30 years. After the episode, make sure to read the book: A Tale Of Two Lives: The Susan LeFevre Fugitive Story _______________ Lies, lies, and more lies A few seasons ago, I asked you to submit stories about lies. Either lies that you’ve told or lies that have impacted you personally. And boy, was the response crazy! I ended up making a whole episode dedicated to lies. I want to try it again. Email me a voice memo. Chances are your story could make it on the show. ------- Story idea? If you have a story to share, email Javier a voice memo or short written description 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 podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 law. This season, we’ll 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 able to travel to Gulfport, MS for this story using funds raised on Patreon. So if you’d like to see me to take the show on the road, consider chipping in a buck or two on our Patreon page. Plus, you’ll get access to early episodes and bonus content. So, thank you so much for the support. _______________ Lies, lies, and more lies A few seasons ago, I asked you to submit stories about lies. Either lies that you’ve told or lies that have impacted you personally. And boy, was the response crazy! I ended up making a whole episode dedicated to lies. I want to try it again. Email me a voice memo. Chances are your story could make it on the show. ------- Story idea? If you have a story to share, email Javier a voice memo or short written description 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 podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 Paul Fay and asked him, what keeps him from acting on his disturbing urges. This episode is frightening. If you enjoyed it as much as I did, please check out the Twisted Podcast. You won't be disappointed. The episode you're about to listen to is borrowed from the Twisted Podcast with John Taylor. You can read John Paul Fay's book titled the Shawcross Letters: My Journey Into The Mind Of Evil. *Warning this episode contains extremely graphic material including descriptions of murder and cannibalism. Listen to my full conversation with John Taylor on my Patreon feed. Alison Sweeney joins us to talk about the Shawcross Letters and her new project “Chronicle Mysteries” on Hallmark Movie and Mysteries. The host of a true crime podcast embarks on her latest project, and uncovers a decades-old murder while investigating a mysterious disappearance, in “Chronicle Mysteries: Recovered,” a new original premiering Sunday, February 17, (9 p.m. ET/PT) on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries. Alison Sweeney (“Days of Our Lives,” “The Biggest Loser”) executive produces and stars, along with Benjamin Ayres (“Saving Hope”). The Chronicle Mysteries: Recovered premieres Sunday, February 17 at 9pm/8c The Chronicle Mysteries: The Wrong Man premieres Sunday, February 24 at 9pm/8c The Chronicle Mysteries: Vines that Bind premieres Sunday, March 3 at 9pm/8c Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 praying over you—Sussie, Bobby, and Roger will join in. Soon, you’ll have 20 to 30 people screaming at you. And like Jane says, “people can get carried away.” So, it’s easy to imagine this prayer becoming more than a loud scream. I might hold on to your shoulders and give you a gentle tug. Then, I might punch you in the chest. Maybe my hands creep further up, and before I realize it, I’m wrapping my fingers around your neck. This hypothetical scenario I painted for you is exactly what Matthew Fenner says happened to him. Release the gay demons Tonight, it’s Matthew Fenner’s turn to receive an exorcism. Church ministers are praying over him. They’re trying to release the devil’s grip over his homosexual desires. Danielle Cordes was there the night. She says Brooke Covington, Jane’s so-called adopted daughter, was the one calling the shots. People who know Brooke’s style of worship say that she doesn’t have time to deal with your devils. So when it’s time to pray over you, it’s going to hurt. Brooke barks at Danielle and demands her to join in. “Brooke was the one coaching them through it,” explained Danielle. She says she too participated in the prayer. “I never slapped him or did any of that. I had my arm on him, but if I had like, I don’t know, I couldn’t do it. I just couldn’t do it.”  The case against Brooke Covington and the Word of Faith Fellowship The night after the alleged attack, Matthew Fenner escaped the Word of Faith Fellowship. He went straight to the police and filed a report. Unfortunately for him, the authorities were only willing to file misdemeanor charges. It will take years for actual criminal charges to be filed. To give you an idea, this beating allegedly took place in January 2013. Matthew was 19 at the time. He’s 25 years old now. That’s almost 5 years and there’s still no resolution to this case.  What happens next? This is the final installment of season 3 The Prophet. This might be the last episode of this series, but the story is far from over. To keep up with this story, follow John Huddle’s blog religiouscultinfo.com andCitizens against corruption and abuse on Facebook. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 Faith Fellowship We’ll talk more about this alleged attack in the next episode. Today, we’re going to focus on how we got to this point. Before Brooke Covington was charged with kidnapping and beating Matthew Fenner, she was actually the person who recruited him into the church. How did she go from being his spiritual leader, to being charged with beating him? In order to understand the case against Brooke Covington and the Word of Faith Fellowship ministries, you first understand how Matthew Fenner joined the church. Cults recruit the vulnerable The biggest questions I get all the time is, how do people get sucked into a cult. Everyone says that they would never fall for it, so how did Matthew and his family become one of them?   Before Matthew Fenner joined the Word of Faith Fellowship, he thought they were freaks. He heard rumors of the demonic possessions and members vomiting in buckets to evil spirits. Let’s just say that he wasn’t exactly a perfect candidate. And on top of that, Matthew was openly gay and considered himself an atheist. So, how does someone like him get sucked into a ultra conservative Christian cult? The Word of Faith Fellowship found Matthew Fenner, and his family, when there were at their lowest point. Matthew’s family rejected his sexuality, his mother was in a bad marriage, and they were running out of money. These were desperate times. Matthew attended his first service in February 2010. During this time he had friends, was a member of a dance troupe, and attended public school. By December of that same year, he cut ties with everyone he knew, quit dance, and enrolled in the church’s private school. How did it happen? How can someone go from gay atheist to a god-fearing cult member? Matthew Fenner describes his journey into the Word of Faith Fellowship. Listen to episode 10 of the Prophet on Apple podcast, Google Play, Spotify, or Stitcher. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 former member who has been excommunicated and is forbidden to contact her family. If she ever wants to ever speak with them again, she has to go through Jane Whaley first. This 3-hour recording is completely engrossing. However, there are certain parts of this tape that brings up interesting legal questions regarding child abuse. Jane flat out says she’s not required by law to report sexual abuse because of pastor confidentiality. Is this true? How can this be true? Jane also claims if a child has bruising, the NC Department of Social Services doesn’t consider that abuse. Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect in North Carolina I reached out to my friend Rabia Chaudry from the Undisclosed Podcast for help. She put me in touch with her co-host Colin Miller, to walk me through what Jane says and how it applies to North Carolina law. I have to say, I’m shocked. I also spoke with NC licensed attorney Paul Ditz. He’s one of the few attorney’s to have ever questioned Jane Whaley on the stand. He tells me that just because DSS allows minor bruising and Jane is protected by penitent privilege, doesn’t mean that she’s not responsible. Take a deep breath because you’re about to go inside the mind of Jane Whaley.  Sources: NC Article 7 – Competency of WitnessesReporting Child Abuse and Neglect in North CarolinaParental Discipline: When Is It Abuse and/or a Crime?A&E Documentary on the Word of Faith Fellowship titled “The Devil Next Door” postponed Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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=YwE5fBT9RYE Jane 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 run away. It was horrifying. After a brief press conference, Jane Whaley never spoke to the media on the record ever again. So why did she pick me as her first interview since 1995? I asked Jane, "Why me?" She told me that God spoke to her after listening to my show. But why now? Jane says she wanted to contact me but said that she didn’t know how to reach me. During my visit, Sam Whaley told me that the closest they’ve come to talking to the media was when a BBC producer approached her about doing a story. She said he was very nice, just like me. But in the end, they decided it wasn’t right. Then, an A&E documentary crew asked to interview Jane and bring cameras into the church. Jane flat out said no because they weren’t interested in the truth. Her lawyers told me that the TV crew and former members showed up unannounced to church member owned businesses and caused a spectacle.  My interview with cult leader Jane Whaley of the Word of Faith Fellowship After the 3-hour service was over, Jane and I walked back to her office. Jane Whaley sat next to me. To my left sat her husband Sam Whaley. And across the room sat her two attorneys Mark Norris and Josh Farmer. Without ever even asking a question, Jane began to tell me about every controversial issue facing the church. She told me that she knows nothing about unemployment (Jane's referring to the recent the guilty pleas in the unemployment fraud cases.) When I asked her about the Brazilian slaves, she told me that some of the Brazilian's making these claims are entitled and lazy. During the meeting, Jane performed a blasting prayer for me. She also told me that she's gearing for a great confrontation and that they're ready for the end of times. National Domestic Violence Hotline I also want to take the time to thank the former members who have listened to the show and have written me emails, facebook messages about their experience at the Word of Faith Fellowship. It just reinforces that what I’m doing is important.   Also, I know there are current members reading this right now. If you feel you’re in danger or just need someone to talk to, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline1-800-799-7233. They’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They can help you find a place to stay near Spindale while you figure things out. Or you can contact the Citizens against corruption and abuse828-289-7923. at area code Promos Southern Gothic Minds of Madness   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 drum busting loud. Jane and I walked in like rock stars. Her attorney escorted me to the second row behind Jane and her husband Sam Whaley. Word of Faith Fellowship sanctuary in Spindale, North Carolina Was the church service real or just a big show? The service started around 9:30am and ended around 12:30pm. It was a musical event filled with praise and worship. Old women were jumping up and down in their high heels, old men were singing as loud as they could, and the children appeared to be happy. Former members say that this is exactly what Jane Whaley wanted me to see. According to them, this service was tailored specifically for me.   Bonus episode: Why did Paul McCartney's drummer join a cult?   Joe English played drums with Paul McCartney and Wings. Today, he's a devoted member at the Word of Faith Fellowship church in Spindale, North Carolina. I met Joe English during my visit. Hear how Jane Whaley saved him from a life of drugs and rock n' roll. Listen to this exclusive Patreon episode.     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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&E pulls the docu-series the night before it was scheduled to air) My first contact with Jane Whaley The last people to get an invitation to the Word of Faith Fellowship got the cops called on them. However, that didn't stop me from contacting Jane. I have Jane Whaley's email address and intend to use it. Besides, what's the worst thing that could happen? Get arrested for trespassing?    True Crime Podcast Festival | Chicago 2019 Also, I am excited to announce that Pretend Radio is going to be attending the first annual True Crime Podcast Festival on July 13, 2019 in Chicago! Trust me, start planning now. It’s worth traveling to. This is your chance to mingle with podcasters you listen to regularly. There will also be live episode recordings as well as panel discussions. In fact, I’m speaking in one of them. Some of the shows registered are All Crime No Cattle, Criminology, Canadian True Crime, Mugshot, Swindled, Sword and Scale, and so many more. You won’t want to miss this. Go to the website TCPF2019.com to find information on tickets and the hotel. Prices do go up the closer we get to the event so you won’t want to wait. When you buy your ticket, make sure you mention Pretend Radio on the ticket registration survey. This is going to be a blast. I can’t wait to meet everyone at the True Crime Podcast Festival! For more information, see the show notes. Many people have been writing me and sharing their stories. If you have a story to share, shoot me an email at info@pretendradio.org or follow me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Our theme music was composed by Joe Basile with thechicken.net.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 Sao Paulo. Jane conquers Brazil and offers them salvation For a few lucky Brazilians, Jane blessed them with more than just salvation—an opportunity to live in the United States. Ana Albuquerque told the Associated Press that when she first arrived in Spindale, church members showered her with love. She said, "The first time you go, they treat you well. But afterwards, they start treating you bad.” Ana says things turned ugly fast. She claims she worked full time as a teacher’s assistant and baby sat church member’s children at night–all without pay. Then the physical abuse started. Ana says that Jane and another minister spanked her with a wooden stick. She told the AP they blasted her with a screaming prayer because she was “unclean” and possessed by the devil. And we’re not talking a small tap on the butt kind of spank. Ana says the beatings lasted for at least 40 minutes. She finally was allowed to return to Brazil and has since left the church. 16 Brazilians come forward “It was a horror living there,” says Rebecca Mello. Her dreams of freedom quickly turned into a nightmare. She told the Associated Press that she was brought to the US in 2009 on a student visa. Immediately after she got here, church leaders took her passports and her money, and was quickly put to work. "We’re made to get up early, make the kids breakfast, cook, do their beds, pick up the the laundry.” Thiago Silva says, "We were there working, but we never got paid. If you’re not paid for something, even for your food, I would say that you’re a slave." All in all, 16 Brazilian’s have come forward to share their personal story of abuse and enslavement.   True Crime Podcast Festival | Chicago 2019 Also, I am excited to announce that Pretend Radio is going to be attending the first annual True Crime Podcast Festival on July 13, 2019 in Chicago! Trust me, start planning now. It’s worth traveling to. This is your chance to mingle with podcasters you listen to regularly. There will also be live episode recordings as well as panel discussions. In fact, I’m speaking in one of them. Go to the website TCPF2019.com to find information on tickets and the hotel. Many people have been writing me and sharing their stories. If you have a story to share, shoot me an email at info@pretendradio.org or follow me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Today’s episode was edited by the talented Molly Clay. Our theme music was composed by Joe Basile with thechicken.net. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 of the Word of Faith Fellowship family, what would you do? This episode explores the series of questions surrounding the Word of Faith and accusations about their grip on local government. For example, did you know the Jane Whaley’s son in law, Frank Webster, was an assistant state prosecutor at a nearby county? There are also accusations that a local social workers undermined abuse investigations at the Word of Faith Fellowship? The list of accusations go on and on. In this episode titled “Allegations of Abuse and Corruption,” I’ll do my best to describe some of the political controversy surrounding the Word of Faith Fellowship.   ------- See the front page article on Pretend Radio and the church's response: http://pretendradio.org/word-of-faith-fellowship-prophet-allegations-of-child-abuse-and-corruption/ ------- Also, I am excited to announce that Pretend Radio is going to be attending the first annual True Crime Podcast Festival on July 13, 2019 in Chicago! Trust me, start planning now, it’s worth traveling to. This is your chance to mingle with podcasters you listen to regularly. There will also be live episode recordings as well as panel discussions. In fact, I’m speaking at one of them.  Some of the shows registered are All Crime No Cattle, Criminology, Canadian True Crime, Mugshot, Swindled, Sword and Scale, and so many more. You won’t want to miss this. Go to the website TCPF2019.com to find information on tickets and the hotel. Prices do go up the closer we get to the event so you won’t want to wait. When you buy your ticket, make sure you mention Pretend Radio on the ticket registration survey. This is going to be a blast. I can’t wait to meet everyone at the True Crime Podcast Festival! For more information, see the show notes.   —PROMO— Swindled Framed: An investigative story   —MUSIC— Thechicken.net   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 video cameras and crew to match it. It was a huge production. I soon learned that today’s community event was part of an upcoming A&E documentary series on the Word of Faith Fellowship. Each former member in the panel sat behind a microphone provided by the A&E crew. About 80 to 100 people were in attendance—including current members of the Word of Faith Fellowship. The room was tense. John Cooper, former Word of Faith Fellowship Former Members speaks about his experience with the Department of Social Services in Rutherford, County. Survivors speak out against Pastor Jane Whaley This episode was especially hard to write because there were so many stories to tell. But there was one story that stood out more than the others. Former Word of Faith Fellowship member Jamey Anderson delivered an impassioned speech about leaving the church. He lamented about being cut off from his family and missing his own grandfather’s funeral. In the audience sat his mother with an emotionless expression on her face. You see, Jamey’s mother is still a member at the church and has cut all communication with her son. Jamey called her out and said, “I’m very happy to see that whatever I've done has motivated her to show up today. So it's at least good to see her.” Jamey used his time behind the microphone to respond to his mother’s 30 minute YouTube video. In the video, his mother Patti, his grandmother Dot, and his step-sister Allison describe why they think Jamey’s a liar and justify why they have disowned him. ---SUBSCRIBE--- Apple Podcasts Google Play  Stitcher  Spotify ---PROMO--- Let's Talk About Sects Killafornia Dreaming ---MUSIC--- Thechicken.net Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Season 3: The Prophet - Word of Faith Fellowship Revisited I’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 is John Cooper. I contacted him and asked "Hey, do you want to meet up? I’m thinking about starting a podcast and would like to tell your story." So, we just met up at a park in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. At this point, I didn’t know what this podcast was all about. All I knew was that he was part of a religious sect. And what he told me that day in that park blew my mind. But in the end, I feel like I didn’t do that story justice. It was one guy’s story. I needed to go out to the other side of the state, where the Word of Faith Fellowship is located, and do a little more digging. So, I got in my car and drove west. After I spending the whole day in Spindale, North Carolina, I thought to myself, there is no way I keep everything I just learned in one episode. If season one was about John cooper, season 3 is all about the town of Spindale. The episode you’re about to listen to is my first 3 episodes rolled into one. And I’m going to stitch them together by playing some ads for some non-profits organizations. And at the end of the episode there’s a preview of the new season. Now many of you have already heard this story, but trust me, even I had to go back and listen to these episodes. Once the season starts, I’m not going to spend a lot setting things up. We’re just going to get right to it. If you’re new to Pretend Radio, well this is a great place to start. Let me tell you, it’s pretty crazy. I got deeper into this story than any other journalist. The BBC has tried and failed. The Associated Press tried and they couldn’t get in. Even A&E is producing a documentary on the WOFF and they didn’t get the access I got.   So enjoy this flashback episode and revisit The Prophet from season one. And get ready for the season because it’s coming out very soon.     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 begins to spin out of control. The parachute whips out and blasts him in the face. McNally looks up at the canopy as it pulls him away from the Earth. Then he looks down, and he realizes that the money bag slipped out of his hands. What now? He’s beat up, he lost all the money, and by the time he reaches the ground, there will be hundreds of FBI agents searching for him. What’s the point? McNally, considers ending it all. You definitely want to check out the rest of this story. This story was produced by Chris Knittel with the Burner Phone Podcast and was written and edited by me, Javier Leiva. LINKS Chief of Police for Peru Indiana picks up Martin McNally | New York Times Article Copter Hijacker Killed by Pilot Had Car With Weapons | New York Times Article Garrett Trapnell | Wiki FEATURED PROMO Already Gone Fall Line Podcast MUSIC The Pretend Radio theme song was composed by Joe Basile with thechicken.net Additional music by Blue Dot Session Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 infamous hijacker D.B. Cooper. But unlike D.B. Cooper, we actually know how McNally’s story ends.   As you can imagine, his plan didn’t go smoothly. The pilot had to return to St. Louis to get the mailbags full of money. After hours of negotiations with the FBI, there was a crew change and an FBI agent, dressed as crew members, snuck on board. Then, as the plane was preparing for take off, a drunk passenger smashed his Cadillac into the nose of the plane.   By now, it should have been over. But McNally persisted and demanded a new plane. Once up in the air, McNally jumped into the darkness and disappeared with the cash.   This story was produced by Chris Knittel with the Burner Phone Podcast and was written by me, Javier Leiva.   --- FEATURED PROMO   Oh No! Lit Class   Killafornia Dreaming   --- MUSIC   The Pretend Radio theme song was composed by Joe Basile with thechicken.net   Additional music by Blue Dot Session   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 been warned. This is the story of Wild Bill.   Wild Bill, who’s real name is William Holbert, had long blonde curly hair and frequently wore a viking helmet. He was 6 feet tall and looked like one of those guys at the gym who’s pumped up on steroids. Wild Bill was also the owner of a Panamanian bar he liked to call the Jolly Rogers Social Club. The bar, which sat off the side of his island property, was a down and dirty watering hole, known for loud parties and the occasional drug use. The decor was simple. Wild Bill flew a flag with skull and bones. And the bar's motto says it all—90% of our members survive. William Holbert, and his wife Laura Reece, were not only the island bar owners. They also had a keen eye for real estate. The strange thing is, every time they closed a deal, the person selling them the property would disappear. Sharon McConnell-Dickerson shares with us the story about her friend Bo Icler and the real estate con that ripped them apart.    ----- To learn more about this story, please check out the book titled, "The Jolly Roger Social Club" by Nick Foster.    ----- Featured Promos: Moms and Murder The Murder in my Family   ----- Theme music composed by Joe Basile with thechicken.net Additional music by Poddington Bear   ----- This episode was written and produced by Javier Leiva   If you would like to support the show, please leave us a rating on iTunes or donate $1 to our Patreon Page.  Also, check out our sweet t-shirts.        Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 meantime, spread the word.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Growing up Catholic in Miami, I heard all kinds of stories about Santeria. People talked about dead chickens on doorsteps, curses, and spirits taking over people's bodies. Even the people who didn't practice it all said the same thing: "I don't believe in Santeria, but I respect it." That's enough to terrify a little Cuban kid, and honestly, it still scares me. So I went back to my hometown to face that fear. My mom is a lifelong Catholic who has quietly started visiting a babalawo (or babalao, as we say in Miami), and she takes me to meet Fernando, the Santeria priest who told her things she swears he had no way of knowing. Santeria, also known as Lucumí or Regla de Ocha, is an Afro-Cuban religion with roots in West Africa's Yoruba culture. Fernando explains how enslaved people in Cuba kept their orishas alive behind the faces of Catholic saints. Then he takes me to a botanica hidden in a residential neighborhood, where the animals for sacrifice wait in their cages. I also sit down with Cynthia Duncan, Ph.D., a scholar of Cuban culture who is also an initiated priestess. She explains what the orishas are, why the rituals are secret on purpose, what really happens during an animal sacrifice, and whether Santeria can ever be used to hurt someone. We also get into how a ban on animal sacrifice in Hialeah, Florida, ended up at the U.S. Supreme Court in Church of the Lukumi Babalu Aye v. City of Hialeah. College professors play this episode in their classrooms, and it's still one of the most personal stories I've ever told. About our guest: Cynthia Duncan, Ph.D., is Professor Emeritus of Hispanic Studies at the University of Washington Tacoma. She has spent more than 35 years studying Latin American literature, film and culture, with a focus on Mexico and the Hispanic Caribbean. She wrote Unraveling the Unreal: Fantastic Fictions in Latin America (Temple University Press, 2010). She is an initiated priestess of Ochún and part of the religious community in Palmira, Cuba, and the city of Cienfuegos named her a Distinguished Daughter in 2005. Get early access and bonus content: PRETEND+ on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/channel/pretend/id6443456985 Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/pretendradio Written and Produced by Javier Leiva Music by Joe Basile | thechicken.net © 2026 Creative Babble LLC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 know that back in the 1994, the Los Angeles police department juvenile narcotics unit actually recruited young officers to infiltrate classrooms in order to investigate drug dealers? They couldn’t just get any cop to fill this undercover role. They needed a fresh face who could blend in with the students. So, they approached officer Ruben Palomares. In 1995, Ruben Palomares got transferred to LAPD’s Rampart Division where he continued to work undercover cases. He was specifically assigned to the anti-gang unit called CRASH. CRASH is an acronym for the Community Resources Against Street Hoodlums. This is when Ruben’s fate will be decided. -----BURNER PHONE PODCAST----- You can find Burner Phone Podcast on Apple Podcast and Twitter. -----MUSIC----- Theme Music composed by Joe Basile from The Chicken Music and Sound Design. Find out more about Joe and The Chicken at www.thechicken.net Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 lie in order to do the right thing? I invite you to share your story on Pretend Radio. If selected, your story will be featured as bonus content on our Patreon channel. Patreon is a way that you can support the show. And who knows, your story could be featured on the main show.   If you would like to share your story, record your story using your smartphone voice recording app and email your audio to javier@pretendradio.org. Or leave me a voice mail at (919) 867-1871. Please try to keep your story under 10 minutes.   Don’t forget to leave me your name and a way to contact you.   I can’t wait to listen to your stories.   Theme Music composed by Joe Basile from The Chicken Music and Sound Design. Find out more about Joe and The Chicken at www.thechicken.net   Additional music by: Podington Bear - Bambi Podington Bear - Twosome Podington Bear - Bumble Podington Bear - Suppose it is  Thank you to Steven Pacheco with the Trace Evidence Podcast and Nicki T with the Strictly Homicide Podcast for partnering with me on this episode. And I’d love to thank Carly Nichols and Andrea Hill for listening and taking the time to talk with me. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 Barney How did it happen? Art Schlichter gambled away her entire fortune.  This episode was written and produced by Javier Leiva Music by: Cylinder Eight by Chris Zabriskie Careless Morning, Bivly, Pxl Eventuat, Pxl Cray, Pxl Ultra by Blue Dot Sessions Bittersweet, Pounded Piano by Podington Bear No More Trap by Audiobinger Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

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 eventually started his own company doing the same scheme. Karl admits that what he was doing was unethical, but surely it wasn't illegal. Finally, he got his answer when the FBI and the Postal Inspector's office showed with a subpoena. Jerri Williams, the FBI agent who busted him, says she could have locked him up right then and there—but she had bigger plans for Karl. ---- Special thanks to Jerri Williams for contributing her episode titled, "Karl LNU." This episode was written and produced by Javier Leiva and Jerri Williams. Subscribe to Pretend Radio: Apple Podcasts: tiny.cc/PretendApplePodcast Google Play: tiny.cc/PretendGooglePlay  http://jerriwilliams.com/cooperating-witness-telemarketing-fraud/ You can learn more about Jerri Williams at jerriwilliams.com --- This episode includes promos from the following independent podcasts: -Maurer Glass Podcast -The Breakers Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

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 podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 listen to how they met, and fell in love, it's easy to understand how he could steal her heart. Little did she know he will eventually steal much more than that. Mary says that William conned her out of £200,000. How did he do it? He led her to believe that he was a contractor for the CIA and terrorist were holding his family for ransom. As unbelievable as this sounds, he crafted evidence to back up his claims. Listen to Mary Turner Thomas describe the tactics he used to con her and learn how he finally got caught. This story was originally reported by my friend Lanie Hobbs at the True Crime Fan Club. I highly recommend you check out their show. You can find Mary’s book titled The Bigamist on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3uI9OkS She is also on Twitter: http://twitter.com/TheBigamistBook or at http://maryturnerthomson.com/book-inner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. That case went down in flames when a former colleague recognized his true identity and blew his cover. His next assignments proved to be much more dangerous. Marc embedded himself with mobsters, corrupt public officials, terrorists, and powerful drug dealers. Of course, we can’t cover his entire 27 year career here on this podcast. For that you’ll need to check out his new book titled “The Pretender.” It’s a great read. What we will do is talk about a few cases that were so intense, it had me grip the book so tight that I almost fused the pages together. Marc Ruskin’s next assignment was to bust up a fraudulent documents scheme in New York City. I'm not talking about fake IDs – there’s a difference. These fraudulent IDs are the real thing. If a police runs a fraudulent driver’s license, it actually checks out in their database. Marc told me terrorists, mob guys, fugitives were being arrested and had all kinds of real documents in their wallets under fake names. The FBI didn't have any leads. First, they had to find the source of these fraudulent documents. Marc says that some of these fraudulent driver’s licenses were selling for as much as a thousand dollars on the streets. It wasn’t until a tip from a twenty-something-year old man named John Sultan that led the FBI to a shabby travel agency in the Bronx called Holy Land Travel. The travel agency was a front led by Palestinian immigrant named Mahmoud Noubani. The Pretender Marc Ruskin FBI Undercover You can find The Pretender on Amazon.com or at your local bookstore. Also a special thanks out to St. Martin’s Press for letting me share Marc’s story with you. Buy the book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3dRXbgl You can also follow Marc Ruskin on Twitter https://twitter.com/mhruskin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 – switching back and forth between identities. He wrote a book about his time at the FBI appropriately titled “The Pretender.” When I first discovered his book I immediately shot him a message. Luckily for me, he agreed to share some of his stories. In the late 80s and early 90s, San Juan Puerto Rico had one of the highest murder rates of any US city. Some of the violence can be blamed on the Machetero, a separatist group actively trying to make Puerto Rico and independent country. Marc: "So I had gone from being an attorney in New York where the biggest thing I had to worry about was a papercut. Now I was in the streets of San Juan Puerto Rico as a combatant to the Macheteros. We learned at one point that the Macheteros had a plot to assassinate an FBI agent. The problem was, we didn’t know who the FBI agent was." Listen to my interview with Marc Ruskin on part 1 of "The Pretender" on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts. You can find The Pretender on Amazon.com or at your local bookstore. Purchase Marc Ruskin's autobiography titled The Pretender: https://amzn.to/3dRXbgl Also, you can follow Marc Ruskin on Twitter http://twitter.com/mhruskin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 sure the paying customers are not there. Collateral damage is not cool. I chose a time when it was not busy. A time after work when I would have a lot of people in there. I did not want to shoot other people. Finally all four show up. From the sound of it nobody else was there." The four people Kohlhepp is referencing are Brian Lucas, Chris Sherbert, Scott Ponder, and Scott’s mother Beverly Guy. Investigator: "When you say all four?" Kohlhepp: "All the four people who work at the bike store. The mechanic, the mom. I was not going for the mom but she was there at the time. Working there. She was thrown into it. She was not a primary target." The store finally cleared. Kohlhepp was the only customer in the store. He tells one of the employees that he’s interested in a certain bike. Kohlhepp: "I cleared that room in under 30 seconds. You guys would have been proud. I’m sorry but you guys would have been proud." This was the crime Kohlhepp got away with. Nobody was looking for him. Why would he confess? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 Apple Podcasts: tiny.cc/PretendApplePodcast Google Play: tiny.cc/PretendGooglePlay Stitcher: tiny.cc/PretendStitcher Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

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

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 podcastchoices.com/adchoices

///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 recordings of Pastor Jane Whaley commanding someone to throw someone down to the ground. Plus, you’ll hear “blasting prayers” — ear-piercing crying sessions meant to cast out demons. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices