221 episodes

PRETEND exposes the masterminds behind some of the most notorious scams and cons. From cult leaders to con artists and undercover FBI agents, this podcast pulls back the curtain on those who've pretended to be someone they're not.

Pretend - a true crime podcast about con artists PRETEND+

    • True Crime
    • 4.7 • 169 Ratings

Listen on Apple Podcasts
Requires subscription and macOS 11.4 or higher

PRETEND exposes the masterminds behind some of the most notorious scams and cons. From cult leaders to con artists and undercover FBI agents, this podcast pulls back the curtain on those who've pretended to be someone they're not.

Listen on Apple Podcasts
Requires subscription and macOS 11.4 or higher

    The Doula part 1

    The Doula part 1

    Warning: This episode contains graphic discussions of pregnancy loss, sexual violence, and emotional abuse. Listener discretion is advised.
    In this episode of "Pretend," listen to the chilling tale of Kaitlyn Braun, a woman who orchestrated an elaborate pregnancy hoax, affecting nearly 60 doulas across Ontario. Seanna Hayes, a doula from London, Ontario, provides a firsthand account of her experience with Kaitlyn Braun. The story begins on a stormy night when Seanna is called to assist Kaitlyn, 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.
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    • 28 min
    The Doula part 2

    The Doula part 2

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

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    • 38 min
    The Doula BREAKING NEWS

    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 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.
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    • 7 min
    Hockey Dad Poses as Delta Force Agent to Scam Parents part 1

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

    Saint Jovite Youngblood posed as a Delta Force agent to swindle the families of his son’s hockey team.

    Today's episode revolves around two victims: Eric Perardi, an Austin-based real estate developer, and Rebecca Kumar, a hockey mom, whose lives were turned upside down by Youngblood’s elaborate scams. Their experiences may sound like something out of a crime thriller, but they show the danger of falling prey to a master manipulator.

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

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

    In a recent courtroom hearing, the strange and intricate hoax crafted by Kota Youngblood, a hockey dad who posed as a Delta Force agent, was methodically detailed by an FBI agent. As each layer of Youngblood's elaborate scheme was exposed, the story became increasingly bizarre, unraveling a complex web of deception that duped dozens of families.

    The High School Hoax (Shelby Hewitt)

    The High School Hoax (Shelby Hewitt)

    In "The High School Hoax," the latest episode of "PRETEND," we explore the true story of Shelby Hewitt, a 32-year-old woman who enrolled as a high school student in Boston.

    What compels an adult to return to high school? How did this go unnoticed? Janelle, a 16-year-old classmate and friend of Shelby's, offers a unique window into this bizarre ruse.

    See video of Shelby Hewitt:
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/C02ngXjsUh1/
    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pretendpod/video/7312640020207242538
    YouTube: https://youtube.com/shorts/xG-y0td3MkI?feature=share
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    • 22 min

Customer Reviews

4.7 out of 5
169 Ratings

169 Ratings

moxin123 ,

One of the best podcasts out there right now..

The stalker episodes got me hooked, but J kept me listening! Love your take and pointed interest in all things scam related… fantastic content!
Keep em coming! x
-h

Leechi1111 ,

Bingeworthy Interesting Stories

I’ve just binged The Stalker season and couldn’t stop listening. Javier is a great host and is really thorough with his investigation. I am about to subscribe to listen to the bonus episodes about this story and go back and listen to previous seasons. Excellent podcast all round! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Joelle1985 ,

Can’t stop listening

Excellent quality. Excellent narrator. Excellent stories. Makes you think about the nature of the things called humans. Can’t stop listening.

In the newest season, I am on the edge of my seat waiting for the next episodes release.

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