Terms of Service

These terms govern your use of https://thisispretend.com (the "site"), operated by Javier Leiva / PRETEND Podcast ("we," "us," "PRETEND"). By using the site, you agree to these terms. If you don't agree, please don't use the site.

What this site is

https://thisispretend.com is the companion website for PRETEND, an investigative true crime podcast hosted by Javier Leiva. The site provides episode information, transcripts, show notes, and ways to contact Javier Leiva, including submitting tips or story ideas and booking speaking engagements. The podcast audio itself is distributed through third-party platforms (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and others) and is subject to those platforms' own terms.

Content and editorial standards

PRETEND covers real people, real cases, and real allegations of fraud and deception. Episodes and show notes are researched and fact-checked before publication, with legal review as needed, to the standard we hold ourselves to as independent journalism. That said:

• Statements describing conduct that hasn't been proven in a court of law are allegations, not established fact, even when the site or an episode doesn't repeat "alleged" every time.
• People and entities named in our reporting are presumed innocent unless a conviction or judgment is specifically described.
• Transcripts are machine-assisted and lightly edited for readability; they may contain errors. The audio episode is the authoritative version of any statement made on the show.

Intellectual property

Episode audio, show notes, transcripts, artwork, and original written content on this site are owned by PRETEND Podcast or used under license, unless otherwise credited. You're welcome to quote, link to, and share our work with clear attribution and a link back to the original episode or page. Reproducing substantial portions of our reporting, transcripts, or audio for commercial use without permission isn't allowed. Contact javier@pretendradio.org if you want to license or reprint something.

Sending tips and story submissions

The site's tips form and other submission channels (email, Signal) let you send story ideas, information, or documents to Javier Leiva. Submitting a tip does not guarantee it will be investigated, covered, or featured on the podcast, and does not create any journalist-source agreement beyond what's explicitly discussed with you directly. Whether a tip is referenced on-air or in reporting is governed by the consent you give at the time of submission, and by any specific agreement Javier Leiva makes with you about source protection.

Speaking and booking inquiries

Submitting a speaking-engagement inquiry through this site is a request for information only. It does not book, reserve, or confirm an engagement — a booking is only confirmed once both parties agree to specific terms directly.

Third-party links and services

This site links to third-party services we don't control, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Patreon, our merchandise store, Signal, and the form-processing service that handles submissions from this site. Your use of those services is governed by their own terms and privacy policies, not this one. We aren't responsible for their content, availability, or practices.

No warranty

The site and its content are provided "as is." While we work to keep information accurate and up to date, we don't guarantee the site will be error-free, uninterrupted, or that every detail in older episodes or show notes reflects the current status of a case (charges get filed, dropped, appealed, or resolved after an episode publishes).

Limitation of liability

To the extent permitted by law, PRETEND Podcast and Javier Leiva aren't liable for damages arising from your use of the site or reliance on its content. Nothing here limits liability where the law doesn't allow it to be limited.

Changes to these terms

We may update these terms as the site changes. Continuing to use the site after an update means you accept the revised terms. Material changes will update the "Last updated" date above.

Governing law

These terms are governed by the laws of the State of North Carolina, USA, without regard to conflict-of-law principles.

Contact

Questions about these terms: javier@pretendradio.org.