All Episodes
313 episodes across 27 seasons of investigative true crime.
Popular Investigations
A true crime author accused of tormenting the very victims she was writing about.
Explore →The reporting that reframed Frank Abagnale, the con man behind the movie, and the parts of his story that never held up.
Explore →Years of anonymous threats. A whodunnit. And finally, an arrest.
Explore →The Munchausen-by-proxy case that ended with a mother dead and a daughter in prison.
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The Stalker: Shelbey Fernandez Speaks, Part 23
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…
The Gypsy Rose Obsession, Part 3
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…
The Gypsy Rose Obsession, Part 2
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 Gypsy Rose Obsession, Part 1
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…
The Stalker: Police Say They Found Who Was Sending the Messages, Part 22
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…
He Turned His Own Father In. Then Built a Career Catching Con Artists.
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…
How Edward Smog Scammed a Retired Nurse Out of $150K
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…
Chain of Command: An Inside Man Speaks
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…
The Greatest Footballer Who Never Played Revisited
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…
Javier Stops by the Hot Mess Happy Hour Podcast 🍸
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?…
Chain of Command part 7
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…
Chain of Command part 6
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.…
Chain of Command part 5
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…
The Lottery Curse with Murder: True Crime Stories
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…
Chain of Command part 4
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…
Chain of Command part 3
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…
Chain of Command part 2
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…
Chain of Command part 1
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…
Operation Cockblock Revisited
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…
The Greatest Podcast Episodes Ever Made (Bonus)
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…
I Beg Your Pardon part 6: The MAGA Granny
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…
I Beg Your Pardon part 5
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…
I Beg Your Pardon part 4
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…
I Beg Your Pardon part 3
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…
I Beg Your Pardon part 2
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…
I Beg Your Pardon part 1
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…
Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey Revisited
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…
Update on “The Hand That Held Me”
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…
The Pests part 3 & 4 Revisited
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
The Pests part 1 & 2 Revisited
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…
2505: State of Corruption: The School That Didn't Exist
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…
Introducing Everything They Missed
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'…
2504: How to Spot a Fake ICE Agent
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…
Listener Reaction: Didn't See It Coming Part 3
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…
2503: Didn't See It Coming (Part 3)
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…
Listener Reaction: Didn't See It Coming part 2
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…
2502: Didn't See It Coming (Part 2)
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…
Listener Reaction: Didn't See That Coming Part 1
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…
2501: Didn't See It Coming (Part 1)
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…
2408: PRETEND Live AMA
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…
2407-Licensed to Kill Revisited
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…
2406: The Real Life Grinch
'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…
Listener Reaction: Matthew Fenner vs. Ted Bell (Bonus)
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.…
The Prophet: Matthew Fenner vs Ted Bell
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…
Off Script: Pretend, Murder She Told & Sins and Survivors Spill the Tea (BONUS)
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…
2404: Open Enrollment, Open Season for Scammers
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…
2403: The Cancer Sympathy Machine part 3
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…
Listener Reaction: The Cancer Sympathy Machine
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,…
2402: The Cancer Sympathy Machine part 2
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.…
2401: The Cancer Sympathy Machine part 1
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…
2309: From Smallville to NXIVM: The Psychology Behind Allison Mack
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…
2210: The High School Hoax Update
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.…
The Stalker: Rick Fernandez’s Guilty Plea
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…
2208: The Monster
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…
2208: State of Corruption: Ohio part 2
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…
2207: State of Corruption: Ohio part 1
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 Real Donnie Brasco - FBI Case File Review
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…
Who’s Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey Part 18: The 911 Caller
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…
Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey part 17
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…
"Nobody Should Believe Me" — When the Advocate Is the Abuser
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…
2203: The Playwright part 3
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…
2202: The Playwright part 2
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,…
2201: The Playwright part 1
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…
BONUS: The Digital Trail to Epstein’s Island
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…
The Pale Faced Lie Revisited
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 Stalker - New Charges part 21
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,…
2110: Cocaine Air
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…
2109: The Internet Saves the Bachelor part 4
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…
2108: The Internet Saves the Bachelor part 3
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…
2107: The Internet Saves the Bachelor part 2
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…
2106: The Internet Saves the Bachelor part 1
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,…
2105: The Man Who Stole 200 Million Identities
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…
2104: The Digital Pickpocket Revisted
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…
LaDonna's Easter Egg Hustle
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…
2102: Faking Insanity
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…
2101: My Wife, the Ponzi Schemer
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…
2013: I Married a Narcissist part 3
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…
2012: I Married a Narcissist part 2 Listener Reactions
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…
2011: I Married a Narcissist part 1
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.…
2010: The Keepsake Scandal
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…
2009: The Gambler Revisited
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…
2008: Licensed to Kill part 2
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…
2007: Licensed to Kill part 1
What if your doctor wasn’t trying to save you, but trying to cash in on you? In this episode of Pretend , we uncover the shocking case of Dr. Thomas…
2006: Operation Cock Block
A group of women, all with eerily similar stories, say they were deceived—emotionally and financially—by the same man: William Sullivan. But instead of staying silent, they took matters into their…
2005: The Telepathy Tapes B-side part 3
Facilitated Communication is marketed as a miraculous tool for non-speaking autistic children. But what happens when this controversial method leads to devastating consequences? In this episode, we hear from Kevin…
2004: The Telepathy Tapes B-Side part 2
A mother kills her autistic son. Why? Because he asked her to. The mother claims he used facilitated communication to ask her to help him die. This case is just…
2003: The Telepathy Tapes B-Side part 1
The Telepathy Tapes podcast shot to the top of the charts, making bold claims about telepathic abilities in non-verbal autistic children. But are the claims rooted in science—or something else…
Criminal Conduct S5: The Life and Death of Buffalo Jim
Hello PRETENDERS! I'm excited to announce that the new season of my other podcast, Criminal Conduct Season, is here! To listen to the rest of the story, search for Criminal…
2002: DNA Deception
DNA evidence is often seen as the gold standard in criminal investigations—a scientific fingerprint that can definitively prove guilt or innocence. But what happens when the science behind it is…
2001: Drone Hysteria
People panicked when a swarm of mysterious drones appeared in New Jersey’s night skies. Were they military? Foreign spies? Aliens? But buried under all the hysteria was one theory that…
1914: BONUS: Grapes, Grifts, and Gavel
As a holiday treat, Amanda of Wine & Crime, Javier of PRETEND, and Whitney of Navigating Advocacy sit down to chat true crime, being in the podcasting industry, cases that…
1913: The Christmas Con Revisited
In today's Christmas episode, we delve into the story of David Ellisor, a man whose grand Christmas scheme left the city of Miami in disbelief. Ellisor, a real-life Grinch, planned…
1912: BONUS: Affirmative Pretend Bullsh**
The true crime podcasting community has come together for the holiday season to discuss all things true crime podcasting. Over the next two weeks, ten shows will be dropping bonus…
1911: Love and Taxes Revisited
When the IRS knocked on John Coutu's door, demanding $80,000, his girlfriend, Jennifer Mitchell, offered to help with his taxes. It seemed like a simple gesture of support. But John…
1910: The Maury Povich Olive Lady - Revisited
So, I've got to tell you about this crazy rabbit hole I slipped into. It's about that bizarre olive lady from the Maury show. Remember her? Olives freaked out Sally…
1909: The Woman Who Almost Stole Graceland
Lisa Findley tried to steal Elvis Presley’s home. She almost got away with it. A con artist with a long history of scams almost pulled off her biggest scheme yet—stealing…
BONUS: How to Spot a Con Artist on the First Date and When to Walk Away
In this episode, Dr. Jan Canty, a psychologist, author, and podcast host, shares essential advice on recognizing and avoiding con artists in modern relationships. Dr. Canty, who experienced betrayal and…
LaDonna's Surrogates part 4
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.…
LaDonna's Surrogates part 3
LaDonna Humphrey groomed Lexi Kakis to be her next close ally—a “surrogate in training,” if you will. Drawn in by their shared passion for cold cases, Kakis found herself getting…
LaDonna's Surrogates part 2
What's the old saying? People who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones. Well, it turns out that Dennis McCaslin, editor of LaDonna's tabloid blog, has some skeletons in his…
LaDonna's Surrogates part 1
LaDonna Humphrey uses her surrogates to do her dirty work; in part one, we discuss how she weaponized Dennis McCaslin, a Fort Smith, Arkansas tabloid blogger, to go after her…
1904: The White Collar Support Group
It’s hard to imagine former executives, investment fraudsters, and insider traders gathering for weekly support meetings. When I first heard about a support group for white-collar criminals, I was skeptical.…
1903: The Naked Surgeon Revisited
Where do sovereign citizens go when they need medical attention? Some of them seek help from homeopathic quacks like Rick Van Thiel. Rick Van Thiel is not a surgeon. He's…
1902: The Greatest Footballer Who Never Played
In this episode of PRETEND, we uncover the unbelievable story of Carlos Henrique Raposo, better known as "Kaiser," the man who lived the life of a soccer legend without ever…
The Return of the Stalker part 20
In this episode of PRETEND, I’m taking you back to the case of Tanya and Rick Fernandez—the Arizona couple behind one of the most bizarre harassment campaigns I’ve ever covered.…
Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey part 16
Can you believe this is the 16th episode of our investigation into LaDonna Humphrey—a story that, honestly, I didn’t think would last this long. But here we are. Now, if…
Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey part 15
We continue our investigation into Charles Ray Vines and his potential involvement in the Melissa Witt murder. In this episode, we track down Vines’ former neighbor and friend, Thomas Seymour.…
Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey part 14
I’ve been investigating the Melissa Witt case for a while now, and just when I thought I had a handle on it, a new lead dropped into my lap. In…
LADONNA BONUS: A Swing and a Miss
"Javier, aren't you worried that LaDonna might target you next?" That's the question I get asked most frequently. The answer is too late. Even before this series dropped, LaDonna began…
Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey part 13
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Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey part 12
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Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey part 11
Every charity organization LaDonna Humphrey has led seems to collapse under the weight of controversy and financial mismanagement. Today, we're closely examining Oasis of Northwest Arkansas, a sober living facility…
Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey part 10
Every charity organization LaDonna Humphrey has led seems to collapse under the weight of controversy and financial mismanagement. Today, we scrutinize LaDonna Humphrey's non-profit world, focusing on her troubled history…
Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey part 9
Content Disclaimer: This episode contains discussions of sexual assault. Today, we're going to talk about the enigma that is LaDonna Humphrey. Like the fact that she was logged in under…
Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey part 8
To truly understand LaDonna Humphrey, we need to delve into her childhood. In an exclusive interview, a family member describes the years of harassing messages and relentless vendettas that have…
Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey part 7
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Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey part 6
STOP WHAT YOU'RE DOING! The LaDonna Humphrey interview episodes are in. In this first part of my exclusive interview with LaDonna Humphrey, we dive deep into the accusations and controversies…
Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey part 5
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…
Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey part 4
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…
Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey part 3
In part 3 of Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey, we explore the intense battle between Anthony Christopher and LaDonna. Anthony, LaDonna's former boss, shares his story of harassment, alleging LaDonna's…
Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey part 2
In this episode, we explore the troubling allegations against LaDonna Humphrey surrounding the Melissa Witt case. Crime victim advocate Patti Rush shares her story, claiming that Humphrey, once seen as…
Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey part 1
LaDonna Humphrey. Remember that name because she is central to this story. I've tried to sum up this tale quickly, but every time I attempt an elevator pitch, I fail.…
1705: Hockey Dad Poses as Delta Force Agent to Scam Parents part 2
The strange and intricate hoax crafted by Saint Jovite "Kota" Youngblood, a hockey dad who posed as a Delta Force agent, unravels in court. An FBI agent peels back each…
1704: Hockey Dad Poses as Delta Force Agent to Scam Parents part 1
Saint Jovite Youngblood posed as a Delta Force agent to swindle the families of his son’s hockey team. Today's episode revolves around two victims: Eric Perardi, an Austin-based real estate…
1703: The Doula BREAKING NEWS
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…
1702: The Doula part 2
In the second installment of "The Doula" series, we uncover new dimensions of Kaitlyn Braun’s elaborate pregnancy scams. This episode features a new doula speaking out about her experiences, the…
1701: The Doula part 1
Warning: This episode contains graphic discussions of pregnancy loss, sexual violence, and emotional abuse. Listener discretion is advised. In this episode of "Pretend," listen to the chilling tale of Kaitlyn…
Confessions of a Ponzi Schemer
This episode offers an unprecedented look into the life of the 'Timepiece Gentleman' Ponzi schemer, Anthony Farrar, whose love for luxury watches spiraled into a deceitful web of lies, culminating…
The Treasure Hunter Revisited
In today's episode, we revisit the captivating story of Seafarer Exploration and its quest to unearth a 300-year-old treasure buried beneath the ocean waves off Florida's coast. Join us as…
How to find people who don’t want to be found
I recently spoke at the Triangle Content Creators Meetup in Raleigh, NC, about using OSINT techniques to locate and research your next guest. OSINT stands for Open Source Intelligence. As…
1609: The Truth Experts part 2
Previously on Pretend, we dived deep into the murky waters of academic fraud. Celebrity behavioral scientist Dan Ariely of Duke University, alongside Francesca Gino from Harvard and other distinguished behavioral…
1608: The Truth Experts part 1
Everything we believe about what drives us to be honest might be a lie. A scandal rocks the behavioral science world, casting shadows over renowned researcher Dan Ariely and the…
1607: The Fake Lawyer
I discovered a little-known realm of con artists within the legal system. I found story after story of people impersonating attorneys, prosecutors, and even judges. One woman hacked into the…
1606: The Grave Detector (Junk Science Bonus)
Think all forensic evidence is foolproof? You'd be surprised. In our latest bonus episode of PRETEND, we're taking a deep dive into the murky world of forensic science with M.…
The Stalker - Case Closed? part 19
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1604: The Grave Detector part 3
Dr. Arpad Vass touts his Quantum Oscillator, a contraption made of plywood and PVC pipe, as a revolutionary tool capable of locating missing persons' remains with 92% accuracy from up…
1603: The Grave Detector part 2
In today’s episode of Pretend, we're zeroing in on Dr. Arpad Vass's invention called the Quantum Oscillator—a device straight out of a sci-fi plot with the audacious promise of finding…
1602: The Grave Detector part 1
In "The Grave Detector," we delve into the enigmatic practice of using dowsing rods with a focus on the work of Dr. Arpard Vass, a forensic anthropologist renowned for his…
1601: The High School Hoax (Shelby Hewitt)
In "The High School Hoax," the latest episode of "PRETEND," we explore the true story of Shelby Hewitt, a 32-year-old woman who enrolled as a high school student in Boston.…
1510: How to Disappear Revisited
Dartanyon A. Williams (DAW) stole his parents’ identities at the age of 15. Unfortunately, they weren’t his last victims. Dartanyon, who also goes by DAW, claims he has stolen thousands…
1509: The One Who Got Away - Revisited
Peter Pan syndrome is when someone refuses to grow up. It’s neither a disease nor a recognized mental disorder—it’s just a state of mind. Today, you’ll meet a man who…
1508: The Christmas Con
In today's Christmas episode, we delve into the story of David Ellisor, a man whose grand Christmas scheme left the city of Miami in disbelief. Ellisor, a real-life Grinch, planned…
The Stalker - It Will Never End part 18
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…
1506: The Maury Povich Olive Lady
So, I've got to tell you about this crazy rabbit hole I slipped into. It's about that bizarre olive lady from the Maury show. Remember her? Sally was freaked out…
1504: The Red Collar Killer part 2
Today on "PRETEND," we explore the unsettling world of red-collar criminals, as defined by Frank Perri. These are white-collar offenders who commit murder to hide their frauds. This episode takes…
1503: The Red Collar Killer part 1
Red Collar Killers: The Hidden Violence of White Collar Crimes Can white-collar criminals be driven to murder? In this episode of PRETEND, we explore 'Red Collar Criminals,' a term coined…
The Stalker - Is this the end?
I checked the Arizona court website and it looks like Tanya and Rick Fernandez accepted a plea deal. So is this the end? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit…
The Stalker - Beyond a Reasonable Doubt part 17
"PRETEND: The Stalker" is back with a bombshell that you've all been waiting for: new court audio from The Fernandez Settlement Conference. It's been a while since we've delved into…
PREVIEW: The Stalker Settlement Conference
Get ready, folks! I've just wrapped up listening to the Settlement Conference audio, and let me tell you, it's nothing short of mind-blowing. Right now, "WOW" is all I can…
The Lie Detector Revisited
Learn how to cheat a polygraph test. Ex-cop, Doug Williams, says it’s a lot easier than you think. Doug Williams is looking over his shoulder because, since 1979, he’s been…
The Babalawo Revisited
In today's episode titled "The Babalawo," we delve deep into the world of Santería - the religion, not the song. While many might recognize the song, few are familiar with…
1413: The Haunted Tourist
This week, we journey into the heart of dark tourism, exploring iconic haunted locations like the Winchester House, The Myrtle Plantation, and the eerie Lost City of Frenier. But how…
1412: The Puppet Master
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…
1411: The Lost and Found part 2 (Rudy Farias)
On the next episode of Pretend, we investigate the perplexing case of 17-year-old Rudy Farias. While he was presumed missing for eight years, an unexpected twist raised suspicions of a…
1410: The Lost and Found part 1 (Rudy Farias)
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,…
1409: The Shit Show (plus Stalker update)
Subscribe to the Ponzi Playbook podcast: https://linktr.ee/ponziplaybook Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
1408: The Digital Pickpocket part 2
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…
1407: The Digital Pickpocket part 1
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…
1405: The Pests part 5
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…
Criminal Conduct Season 4 - Getting Away with Murder
A mother's anguish resurfaces as her son's convicted killer is set free due to a jury verdict reversal by a judge. This is the story of Pravin Varughese. Binge all…
1404: The Pests part 4
There are always two sides to every story. In part 4, listen to my interview with the online forum administrator. We discuss the ongoing legal battle with Patrick Tomlinson and…
1403: The Pests part 3
WARNING: This episode contains language and disturbing content. Listener discretion is advised. Sci-Fi Writer Patrick Tomlinson Loses Harassment Lawsuit Against Online Forum, Faces Hefty Legal Fees Patrick Tomlinson, known for…
1402: The Pests part 2
WARNING: This episode contains language and disturbing content. Listener discretion is advised. Police Storm Sci-fi Writer's Home 42 Times in "Swatting" Campaign Wisconsin science fiction author Patrick Tomlinson and his…
1401: The Pests part 1 (Gang stalking)
WARNING: This episode contains language and disturbing content. Listener discretion is advised. Wisconsin Author Faces Cyberstalking Nightmare After Tweeting that Norm MacDonald Isn't Funny. Wisconsin science fiction author Patrick Tomlinson…
The Stalker - Interview with the Doctor part 16
This is the episode you've been waiting for! While we've primarily heard from Tanya and Rick Fernandez's perspective, it's time to introduce you to a key figure in this fascinating…
1310: Love and Taxes (plus Stalker update)
The IRS knocked on John Coutu's door, demanding $80,000. Jennifer Mitchell, his girlfriend, offered to handle John's taxes. At first glance, it seemed like a simple act of love. Little…
1309: The Pale-Faced Lie part 2
Previously on PRETEND, we heard the story of David Crow and his criminal father, Thurston. In today's episode, we delve deeper into "The Pale-Faced Lie," a memoir about growing up…
1308: The Pale-Faced Lie part 1
David Crow says he was his father's criminal accomplice. In today's episode, we delve into the extraordinary story of David Crow, author of the book titled "The Pale-Faced Lie." It's…
The Stalker - Fly on the Wall part 15
Imagine being a fly on the wall at the Fernandez house. What are they like? What do they talk about? Who in that house is capable of sending such disgusting…
George Santos & The Harbor City Capital Ponzi Scheme (THE PONZI PLAYBOOK)
The Ponzi Playbook: Welcome to The Ponzi Playbook, the podcast that exposes the dark underbelly of the financial world. Join hosts Neal McTighe and Javier Leiva as they take you…
The Stalker - In Time You'll Get the Truth Part 14
This podcast series on the stalker case has captured the attention of many listeners, making it one of the most talked-about series on PRETEND. Some listeners have even listened to…
1304: The Cuban Spy part 2
How Ana Montes' Family Ties Unraveled the Cuban Spy Plot Against the U.S. When the lights of the Pentagon dimmed and the rest of D.C. settled into the night, Ana…
1303: The Cuban Spy part 1
You've probably never heard the name Ana Montes because the FBI arrested her just ten days after 9/11. "Ana Montes, I believe, was one of the most dangerous American spies,…
The Real Catch Me If You Can - The Promissory Note
Virginia Morris, a retired real estate agent from Houston, Texas, doesn't want me to use her real name. She claims Frank Abagnale scammed her out of $20,000 through a bogus…
The Real Catch Me If You Can part 9 (update)
Frank is Back! This update episode is loaded with new allegations and never-before-told capers. Like the time Frank Abagnale: Impersonated a cop with a paper badge and a toy gun.…
1215- The Proxy part 2
In today's episode, we will talk about how to treat perpetrators of Munchausen by Proxy—if that's even possible. And also, what happens when you suspect a mother of abuse? Should…
1214- The Proxy part 1
In today's episode, we'll discuss Munchausen by Proxy and how to identify it. And I'm not talking about scandalous stories like the ones you've seen on TV. In fact, we…
The Stalker part 13 (The Arraignment)
Just when you thought this case couldn't get any crazier. The night before the arraignment, Dr. Gressman's former patient, "Chelsea," starts badgering my followers on Instagram. The tone of her…
The Stalker part 12
Note: Tune in to the end of the episode for some breaking news on this case. This series started as a whodunit about a menacing cyberstalker. But in reality, it…
The Stalker part 11
In this week's episode, we investigate who may be responsible for the harassing messages sent to the Rodriguez family. The postal inspector and the detectives assigned to the case have…
The Stalker part 10
Examining the Evidence: Is Someone in the Rodriguez House Responsible for the Stalking? As the investigation into the cyberstalking of the Rodriguez family continues, new information has come to light…
The Stalker part 9
Munchausen by Proxy Accusations: Is the Rodriguez Family Stalking Themselves? This series started out as a story of cyberstalking, but it has taken an unexpected turn. In the latest episode,…
The Stalker part 8
Dr. Grace Gressman speaks out about the Rodriguez family stalking case In today's episode, we finally hear from Dr. Grace Gressman, the woman at the center of the Rodriguez family's…
The Stalker part 7
Doctor and Husband Cleared as Suspects in Rodriguez Stalking Case The Rodriguez family has been the target of a cyberstalker for over three years. Despite their efforts to involve the…
The Stalker part 6
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…
The Stalker part 5
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…
The Stalker part 4
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.…
The Stalker part 3
From Victims to Suspects: The Bizarre Turn of Events in the Rodriguez Family's Cyber Stalking Case In the world of cyberstalking, it's not uncommon for victims to have an idea…
The Stalker part 2
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…
The Stalker part 1
Couple terrorized by a sadistic cyber stalker for years For more than three years, Claudia and David Rodriguez (not their real names) have been the targets of a sadistic cyber…
S509: The Santa Claus Man Revisited
This is the story about a Christmas con artist pretending to be Santa Claus. Brian Earl, the host of the Christmas Past podcast , joins me to tell a little-known…
S505: The Prank Revisited (featured on Netflix Don’t Pick Up the Phone)
The Prank series inspired the new Netflix documentary series "Don't Pick Up the Phone." This docuseries follows the investigation into a hoax caller who talked managers into strip-searching employees at…
S401: The One Who Got Away Revisited
Larry Douglas Jones is not your typical fugitive. He had a wife and three kids. And to be honest, he's not a dangerous man. He became overwhelmed with life and…
S101: The Prophet Revisited - Word of Faith Fellowship Cult
When I started this podcast, I reported on a secretive church in the foothills of western North Carolina called the Word of Faith Fellowship. The church, accused of being a…
S806: The Real Vampires Revisited
John Browning investigates real blood-sucking vampires—people who need human blood to survive. In today's episode, we will talk about real people who claim to be real vampires. Self-harm You know,…
The Real Catch Me If You Can part 8
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…
The Real Catch Me If You Can part 7
What if I told you that Frank Abagnale wasn't the only con artist in his family? His older brother used multiple aliases, faked his career as a therapist, and was…
The Real Catch Me If You Can part 6
This series is not just a story about a con man who lied about his past experiences. No, it's much bigger than that. This series is about correcting history. For…
The Real Catch Me If You Can part 5
I confronted Frank Abagnale in Las Vegas, NV. He claims he posed as a pilot, a lawyer, a doctor, and a professor from the age of sixteen to twenty-one years…
The Real Catch Me If You Can part 4
We've spent the last three episodes debunking the infamous Frank Abagnale myth. If he wasn't posing as a doctor, a lawyer, or a professor, then what the heck was Frank…
The Real Catch Me If You Can part 3
Two reporters destroy Frank Abagnale's story. Yet nobody cared. _______ Listen to part 4 right now on Patreon: https://pretendradio.org/donate/ Special Thanks to: Fact-checking for this episode by Kate Gallagher. Special…
The Real Catch Me If You Can part 2
Frank Abagnale claims he never stole money from the little guy—it was all victimless crimes. But that's not what I found. Hear the story of one family who says they…
The Real Catch Me If You Can part 1
This might be my favorite PRETEND series of all time. Remember the movie Catch Me If You Can? Most people believe the film is based on a true story. But,…
S1004: The Man Who Wears Many Hats part 2
Fred Brito posed as a priest in order to hide from law enforcement. Find out how he ALMOST got away with it. __________ Follow PRETEND on TikTok , Instagram ,…
S1003: The Man Who Wears Many Hats part 1
Fred Brito worked as a psychiatrist, priest, and a Red Cross fundraiser—but it was all based on lies. ______________ Follow PRETEND on TikTok , Instagram , Facebook , and Twitter…
S1002: The Sperm Donor
David Berry took an at-home DNA test and discovered dozens of half-siblings. Was this a coincidence or the scheme of one sperm donor? ______________ True Crime Podcast Festival 2022 in…
S1001: The Dadbot
Does death start when your heart stops beating? What if technology can extend our lives and gives us immortality? Today's episode is about one son who turned his dying father…
S908: The Deepfake
Today, we're talking about deepfakes. Deepfakes are video or audio of a person in which their face, body, and/or voice has been digitally altered so that they appear to be…
S907: The Forensic Musicologist
Luxxury rips apart your favorite songs. Check out his TikTok feed for more videos on interpolation. https://www.tiktok.com/@luxxuryxx/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
PRETEND's 100th Episode
Lauren Passell, the founder of Tink Media , interviews Javier in celebration of PRETEND's 100th episode. Subscribe to Lauren's incredible podcast newsletter: https://podcastthenewsletter.substack.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit…
Javier Interviews a Serial Killer — Criminal Conduct Season 3
In Season 2 of PRETEND, I covered the story of a serial killer who murdered at least five American ex-pats. Three years after the story aired, I received a message…
S905: The Business of Cults part 3
Rebekah Sebastian and Javier Leiva visit businesses run by cults. Also, what happens when a cult leader dies or goes to prison? Can the cult go on without its leader?…
S904: The Business of Cults part 2
Cults are businesses too. Like any company, cults recruit, have middle management, and some even have succession plans. Many of these religious sects are tax-exempt. Like Scientology, even some fringe…
S903: The Business of Cults part 1
Cults are businesses too. Like any company, cults recruit, have middle management, and some even have succession plans. Many of these religious sects are tax-exempt. Like Scientology, even some fringe…
S902: Cons, Scams, and Flim-flams
I'm working on a new series on cults that's really exciting. While you wait, here's a fun little bonus episode for you. Moxie LaBouche, host of the Your Brain on…
S901: The KGB Agent
In this podcast episode A conversation with Jack Barsky, a former KGB spy. For 10 years, Jack Barsky was a sleeper agent spying for the Soviet Union. His job was…
S811: The Truth About Santa
WARNING: This episode contains details about Santa Claus that younger listeners will not appreciate. If you have little ones around, plugin your headphones. Happy Holidays, everyone! Javier Check out the…
S810: The Hypnotist part 4 - Alien Abductions and Hypnosis
John Mack, a respected Harvard psychologist, uses hypnosis to recover memories of alien abductions. Alien abductions and hypnosis Like they say on the X-files, "the truth is out there." Throughout…
S809: The Hypnotist part 3 - Is hypnosis admissible in court?
Is hypnosis used in criminal investigations? Believe it or not, law enforcement and intelligence agencies in the US routinely use hypnosis as a form of forensic evidence. And in some…
S808: The Hypnotist part 2
I got hypnotized to recall a childhood trauma. In part one of The Hypnotist, I interviewed several hypnotherapists to answer the question: what is hypnosis? The short answer is a…
S807: The Hypnotist part 1
I want to undergo hypnotic regression, experience it for myself, and try to unlock memories from my childhood that should probably never resurface. Can hypnosis help me recover that memory?…
S806: The Real Vampires
John Browning investigates real blood-sucking vampires—people who need human blood to survive. In today's episode, we will talk about real people who claim to be real vampires. Self-harm You know,…
Bonus: Michael plays air guitar
Michael shreds a mean "pretend" guitar. He's also a PRETEND podcast supporter on Patreon. If you want to co-host an episode with me, consider supporting the podcast on Patreon/ Patreon…
S805: The King of Lies
Lee King spilled the beans on his family's secret—leading to his father’s arrest. Hannah’s boyfriend, Lee King, is hiding a big secret; and it’s not just about his multiple fiances.…
S804: The Ransomware Negotiator
Ransomware. Does that term ring a bell? Even if you've never heard those words before, trust me, most of us have experienced Ransomware one way or another. If you live…
S803: The Sovereign Man
Sean David Morton was arrested in 2016 after being charged with more than 50 counts related to filing phony tax documents and bogus government bonds. He was also accused of…
S802: The Naked Sovereign Surgeon
Where do sovereign citizens go when they need medical attention? Some of them seek help from homeopathic quacks like Rick Van Thiel. Rick Van Thiel is not a surgeon. In…
S801: The Sovereign Citizen
What is a sovereign citizen? American Sovereign citizens believe that the laws of the United States do not apply to them. Therefore, no authority should tell them what to do:…
Birth of a Con Man (Revisited)
This is the very first episode I recorded for PRETEND. Hear how a small-time crook went from breaking into houses to running a phony medical clinic. ------- FEATURING: Follow the…
The Hijacker (Revisited)
This week, we revisit one of PRETEND's most popular episodes. It's called the Hijacker and it's a collaboration with my friend Chris Knittel. Hear Martin McNally describe the day he…
PRETEND turns 4
Jules Hannaford from the Fool Me Twice podcast joins me to talk about 4 years of PRETEND. ________ Story idea? If you have a story to share, email Javier at…
S710: The Sham vol. 1
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…
S709: The Liquor Guy
There are two sides to Billy. There's Billy, who just wants to do the right thing. And then there's the criminal lurking from within. So which way did he go?…
S708: The Constable (Criminal Conduct)
This week's episode is actually the first episode of my other podcast CRIMINAL CONDUCT. I wanted you, PRETEND listeners to get a sneak peek before it's debut on April 16th.…
S707: The Lie Detector part 2
Doug Williams, the former Oklahoma City police officer who is best known for his crusade against the polygraph industry, teaches an undercover federal agent how to beat the lie detector…
S706: The Lie Detector part 1
Learn how to cheat a polygraph test. Ex-cop, Doug Williams, says it's a lot easier than you think. Doug Williams is looking over his shoulder because, since 1979, he's been…
S705: The Word of Faith Fellowship Update
If you haven't listened to The Prophet series, start here: http://pretendradio.org/the-prophet-word-of-faith-fellowship-revisited/ When I first started this podcast, I reported on a secretive church located in the foothills in western North…
S704: The Confident Woman
Tori Telfer, author of Confident Women: Swindlers, Grifters, and Shapeshifters of the Feminine Persuasion joins us to talk about female con artists. Today, we're focusing on one of the women…
S703: The Pharmacist
In today's episode, we're going to take another look at the opioid crisis, but this time from a pharmacist's perspective. But this is not just any pharmacist. Dan Schneider is…
S702: The Pill Mill
A doctor caught trading prescriptions for cash leaves a trail of bodies behind. A respected anesthesiologist ran a pain-management clinic on the weekends out of a basement in Flushing Queens,…
S701: The Real Donnie Brasco
Johnny Depp played Donnie Brasco in the Academy Award-nominated film. But the real-life story of Donnie Brasco is even more fascinating. Joe Pistone, an FBI agent, went deep undercover as…
S611: The Santa Claus Man (Rebroadcast)
Brian Earl with the Christmas Past podcast shares a Christmas story you’ve probably never heard before. In the early 1900s, children’s letters to Santa Claus never made it to the…
S610: The Party Crasher
Remember when we used to go out to parties? Well, since you can't really go out these days, today we're going to celebrate together. In this episode we're talking about…
S609: The Treasure Hunter part 4
A real-life Indiana Jones? The word on the street is that Michael Torres is Ph.D. by day and a treasure hunter by night. Torres claims he has an aeronautical engineering…
S608: The Treasure Hunter part 3
In this episode, Michael Torres discovers "a mass Jewish grave." But is it what he thinks it is? And I talk to the CEO of Seafarer Exploration to figure out…
S607: The Treasure Hunter part 2
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…
S606: The Treasure Hunter part 1
A Florida treasure-hunting CEO says he was tricked by a conman. Seafarer Exploration, a treasure salvage company, has spent the last 13 years trying to find a 300-year-old Spanish galleon…
S605: The Inheritance
A man says his best friend scammed him out of almost $100,000. Now, he's getting revenge. Jonathan Walton fell for the oldest trick in the book. He said, “It wasn't…
S604: How to disappear part 4
Confessions of a former identity thief Dartanyon A. Williams stole his parents' identities at the age of 15. Unfortunately, they weren’t his last victims. Dartanyon, who also goes by DAW,…
S603: How to disappear part 3
In the last two episodes, you heard from Michael Bazzell a privacy expert whose job is to make people disappear. But who is he? Why is he so passionate about…
S602: How to disappear part 2
In the last episode , we talked about the wrong way to disappear. Faking your own death rarely works. But did you know that there are real people out there…
S601: How to disappear part 1
Did Olivia Newton-John’s Former Boyfriend Fake His Own Death?Faking your own death is almost always a bad idea. Hear the story of Patrick McDermott, Olivia Newton John’s boyfriend, who many…
S512: COVID-19 Scams: The Rattlesnake King
The COVID-19 pandemic is a conman’s Super Bowl. In times like these, when there's so much uncertainty, snake oil salesmen are ready to promise you a cure. In this episode,…
S511: COVID-19 Scams: How to Steal a Stimulus Check
COVID-19 Scams I wasn’t expecting to be back with a new PRETEND episode so soon. In fact, I’m still wrapping up the final episodes for my new show called CRIMINAL…
Inside Criminal Conduct
//Criminal Conduct debuts on March 23rd.// Get an inside look into the making of the new podcast. Thank you to Jerri Williams from FBI Retired Case File Review for helping…
BIG ANNOUNCEMENT: Criminal Conduct
On September 2nd, 2010, 24 year-old Michelle O’Connell broke up with her boyfriend, St. Johns County Sheriff’s Deputy, Jeremy Banks. Minutes later, she was dead. The St. Johns Sheriff’s Office…
S510: The Joe Schmo Show
The Joe Schmo Show is a real-life Truman Show—where everyone is an actor except one unsuspecting guy. It’s a reality show within a reality show. The series everyone watched on…
S509: The Santa Claus Man
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…
S508: The Prank Call part 4
PrankNet is a network of online terrorists who performed crank calls which caused thousands of dollars worth in damages. These cruel prank phone calls created anxiety and fear for anyone…
S507: The Prank Call part 3
When does a prank call go too far? When it leads to sexual abuse and thousands of dollars worth of destruction. PrankNet The punks at Pranknet are believed to be…
S506: The Prank Call part 2
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…
S505: The Prank Call part 1
Disclaimer: We will be talking about sexual abuse and other disturbing topics. Listener discretion is advised. Strip-search hoax A prank caller pretending to be a police officer instructed fast-food managers…
S504: The Cousins part 2
The most bizarre cyberstalking story you’ll ever hear Susan Fensten is a victim of cyberstalking. Distant family members and ex-cons bombarded her with harassing emails. She felt cornered and there…
S503: The Cousins part 1
This is not your typical internet stalker story. Susan Fensten's tale is one of torture, rape, bondage, cannibalism, and murder. It’s just plain cruel. It all started when Susan began…
S502: The Sugar Daddy part 2
Alan Canty spent most of his lunch breaks rendezvousing with an 18-year-old sex worker named Dawn Spens in the seedy streets of downtown Detroit. His wife Jan Canty had no…
S501: The Sugar Daddy part 1
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…
S411: The Norco Bank Heist part 2
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.…
S410: The Norco Bank Heist part 1
This is the story of the 1980 Norco bank robbery—one of the most violent bank heists in U.S. history. Remarkably, only three people died. However, 30 police cars and one…
S409: The Psychic Vampires
Susan Gerbic says that psychics are grief vampires—taking advantage of our broken hearts. She asks, “Why isn’t anybody doing something about this?” Susan Gerbic is just like you and me.…
S408: The Psychic Kids (James Randi and Project Alpha)
In 1979, two high school kids claiming to be psychic managed to fool parapsychology researchers at Washington University using simple magic tricks and sleight of hand. Little did the scientists…
S407: The Psychic Spy (featuring Uri Geller)
In 2017, The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) released more than 12 million pages of declassified documents online . Some of these documents pertained to the self-proclaimed psychic spy Uri Geller.…
S406: The Bounty Hunter Part 2
Jack Saltarelli is a bounty hunter who also happens to be a former fugitive. In part one of the Bounty Hunter , a judge sentenced Jack to 20 years in…
S405: The Bounty Hunter Part 1
Jack Saltarelli is a bounty hunter. His job is to hunt down fugitives. Any given day, he’s going after rapist, murderers, and people who skip court. Most bounty hunters carry…
S404: The Soccer Mom
Every night, Marie Walsh had the same nightmare.If only she could roll over and tell her husband the truth. But she can’t. Tonight, she’s going to have to suffer alone.…
S403: The One Who Got Away
Peter Pan syndrome is when someone refuses to grow up. It’s neither a disease nor a recognized mental disorder—it’s just a state of mind. Today, you're going to meet a…
S402: The Shawcross Letters
Arthur Shawcross is one of America's most notorious serial killers. This is the story about one of his closest friends. Who do you turn to when your deepest fantasies involve…
S401: The Commander
Abby Ellin didn't know it yet, but the man she was about to marry was a compulsive liar living a double life. She was duped—hard. In this bonus episode, we…
S311: The Prophet – Matthew Fenner vs. the Word of Faith Fellowship Cult Part 2
Let’s say a man speaks to another man. Perhaps he looks at him for too long or laughs at his joke. That’s gay. Maybe you’re standing too close. It doesn’t…
S310: The Prophet – Matthew Fenner vs. the Word of Faith Fellowship Cult Part 1
Jane Whaley recently turned 80-years-old. Obviously, the Word of Faith Fellowship can’t go on forever. At least not the way we know of it today. So, who’s taking over? Can…
S309: The Prophet – Inside the Mind of Cult Leader Jane Whaley
Christina Bryant is about to go face-to-face with the real Jane Whaley. In my previous episode , I got to see the political side of Jane—the Jane she wanted the…
S308: The Prophet - Meet Cult Leader Jane Whaley Part 3
The world first learned about the Word of Faith Fellowship after an Inside Edition exposé in 1995. The investigation, led by the Trinity Foundation , revealed accusations of abuse within…
S307: The Prophet - Meet Jane Whaley Part 2
Previously on Pretend Radio , I came face-to-face with pastor Jane Whaley of the Word of Faith Fellowship. When I arrived, we met in her office for a few minutes…
S306: The Prophet - Meet Cult Leader Jane Whaley Part 1
As far as I know, I'm the first journalist who has ever interviewed pastor Jane Whaley. Heck, I might be the only member of the media to have attended church…
S305: The Prophet - Brazil and the Word of Faith Cult
Did you know that the Word of Faith Fellowship has nearly 2,000 members internationally? They have affiliate churches all over the world including Brazil, Sweden, Scotland, and other countries. Brazil…
S304: The Prophet - Allegations of Cult Abuse and Corruption
When Nancy Burnette was appointed by the courts to be a guardian ad litem, she knew her job wasn’t going to be easy. A guardian ad litem is someone who…
S303: The Prophet - Former Cult Members Speak Out
On April 7th, 2018, more than a dozen former Word of Faith Fellowship members reunited at the Spindale House in Rutherford County, North Carolina. It was an opportunity for former…
S302: The Prophet - Who is cult leader Jane Whaley?
Who is Jane Whaley? Jane Whaley is the pastor at the Word of Faith Fellowship—a conservative, charismatic Christian church. Those who have left the church describe her as a ruthless…
S301: The Prophet - Word of Faith Fellowship Cult Revisited
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.…
S213: The Hijacker, Part 2 - Martin McNally
Martin McNally needed some cash, so what did he do? He hijacked an American Airlines flight with 90 passengers on board. If you haven’t listened to part one, check that…
S212: The Hijacker, Part 1 - Martin McNally
Martin McNally is going to hijack this plane and nobody, not even the FBI, is going to stop him. In today’s episode, Martin McNally recounts his 1972 hijacking of an…
S211: The Jolly Roger Social Club
You may remember Sharon McConnell-Dickerson from episode 8 titled “The Sculptor.” You know, the blind artist who casts the faces of dying blues musicians. When we first recorded that episode,…
Pretend Radio Anniversary Bonus Episode
Guess what? Pretend Radio turns one year old this month. So I thought it would be cool to replay some old guest interviews I've done on other shows. (01:00) Generation…
S210: The Babalawo - Secrets of Santeria
Today's episode "The Babalawo" is about Santeria… the faith, not the song. Unlike the pop tune, not a lot of people know about this mysterious religion. Santería, also known as…
S209: The Good Cop, Bad Cop
How does a good cop turn bad? For Ruben Palomares, a former corrupt LAPD Rampart division officer, the process was slow. He went from receiving LAPD’s highest honor to becoming…
S208: The Stranger
A lie is only powerful if you choose to believe it. So why do we fall for it every time? In this episode, we’ll hear four different stories. Each describes…
S207: The Gambler Part 2 - Art Schlichter
Previously on Pretend Radio, we learned how Art Schlichter’s gambling habits destroyed Anita Barney life. She went from being the wealthy widow of a Wendy’s CEO to becoming broke and…
S206: The Gambler Part 1 - Art Schlichter
This is the story of disgraced Ohio State quarterback Art Schlichter. In order to understand Art Schlichter ’s crimes, you first have to understand how his story ends. Anita Barney,…
S205: The Reporter - Vester Flanagan
Warning, this episode may be disturbing for some listeners. It describes a shooting that resulted in the death of two people. While this story is not technically about a mass…
S204: The Taker
Karl comes from a long line of con men. He says both his grandfather and father were swindlers. It's only natural that Karl slipped into the family business. In today's…
S203: The Boy and the Girl
Candis Cox and her husband Adam live in North Carolina. This is their love story. Their story is unremarkable in many ways. They met at a bar, went on a…
S202: The Snake Oil Salesman Part 2 - Curing Autism
Last time, I spoke with a group of women who drink a bleach-type chemical that they claim cures everything from cancer to depression. I soon discovered that parents are forcefully…
S201: The Snake Oil Salesman Part 1 - Curing cancer & depression
I stumbled upon a group of people who self-medicate with chlorine dioxide, a bleach like substance. They claim it cures everything from headaches, malaria, HIV, & cancer. In this episode,…
S111: The Bigamist
Mary Turner Thomas says she married a bigamist. She claims her husband, William Allen Jordan, was involved with 8 different women and fathered 13 kids. At one point, he had…
S110: The Pretender Part 2 - Undercover FBI Agent Marc Ruskin
The Pretender - Marc Ruskin FBI undercover agent Remember the name Marc Ruskin: because if you run into him, chances are he will introduce himself as Alex Perez, H. Marc…
S109: The Pretender Part 1 - Undercover FBI Agent Marc Ruskin
Before Marc Ruskin was an undercover FBI agent, he was an assistant DA in Brooklyn. Why did he give up his career as a powerful attorney to join the FBI…
S108: The Sculptor
Sharon McConnell-Dickerson is preserving the Mississippi Delta blues with her own two hands. She's doing it by creating molds of some of the most influential blues musicians of our time.…
S107: The Real Estate Agent - Part 2 - Todd Kohlhepp
South Carolina serial killer Todd Kohlhepp confesses to the Superbike Motorsports mass murder. This is part 2 of "The Real Estate Agent." I suggest starting with part 1. It was…
S106: The Real Estate Agent Part 1 - Todd Kohlhepp
This week’s story is about self-professed serial killer Todd Kohlhepp. What’s terrifying about Todd Kohlhepp? He’s not the type of serial killer you see in the movies. He doesn’t collect…
S105: Birth of a Con Man Part 2 - Opioid epidemic
Previously on Pretend Radio we witnessed the birth of a con man. A man started his criminal career as a street thug and worked his way up to car insurance…
S104: Birth of a Con Man Part 1
In part one of the Birth of a Con Man, hear how man became a career criminal—a con-man. First, he started scamming auto insurance companies. Then the con got bigger…
S103: The Prophet Part 3 - Word of Faith Fellowship
In the Prophet part 3, we’ll look at the Word of Faith Fellowship from a completely different lens. We’ll hear from current sect members and get their version of the…
S102: The Prophet Part 2 - Word of Faith Fellowship
John Cooper remembers one of the Word of Faith Fellowship ministers commanding him to beat his wife. He also describes his family’s attempt to what he describes as a cult.…
S101: The Prophet Part 1 - Word of Faith Fellowship
///UPDATE/// Start with Season 3, episode 1 . After covering this cult, I was personally invited by the cult leader to spend the day with her. You won't want to…