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PRETEND

PRETEND+

PRETEND is an investigative true crime podcast about real people who lie for a living — con artists, scammers, and the victims caught in their web. Hosted by journalist Javier Leiva, PRETEND exposes the human psychology behind deception and fraud. Each episode follows a real case of manipulation — from financial scams and Ponzi schemes to digital hoaxes and emotional cons. PRETEND explains how and why deception works without shaming victims, combining ethical journalism with cinematic storytelling. Featured in lists of the best podcasts about con artists and scams, PRETEND investigates crimes of persuasion, trust, and betrayal. New episodes drop regularly with stories that reveal how manipulation shapes modern life, both online and off. PRETEND is produced by Creative Babble, LLC. © 2025 Creative Babble LLC [CLAIM:B6BT3XC4]

  1. PRETEND Live AMA

    1 DAY AGO

    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 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

    1h 6m
  2. Licensed to Kill Revisited

    30/12/2025

    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 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

    1h 17m
  3. The Real Life Grinch

    23/12/2025

    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 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

    37 min
  4. Bonus Episode: Listener Reaction - Matthew Fenner vs. Ted Bell

    20/12/2025 · BONUS

    Bonus Episode: Listener Reaction - Matthew Fenner vs. Ted Bell

    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

    29 min
  5. Bonus Episode: Listener Reaction - Matthew Fenner vs. Ted Bell

    19/12/2025 · BONUS • SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

    Bonus Episode: Listener Reaction - Matthew Fenner vs. Ted Bell

    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.

    27 min
  6. The Prophet: Matthew Fenner vs Ted Bell

    17/12/2025

    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 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

    59 min
  7. Off Script: Pretend, Murder She Told & Sins and Survivors Spill the Tea (BONUS)

    16/12/2025 · BONUS

    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 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

    37 min
  8. Open Enrollment, Open Season for Scammers

    09/12/2025

    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 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

    28 min
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About

PRETEND is an investigative true crime podcast about real people who lie for a living — con artists, scammers, and the victims caught in their web. Hosted by journalist Javier Leiva, PRETEND exposes the human psychology behind deception and fraud. Each episode follows a real case of manipulation — from financial scams and Ponzi schemes to digital hoaxes and emotional cons. PRETEND explains how and why deception works without shaming victims, combining ethical journalism with cinematic storytelling. Featured in lists of the best podcasts about con artists and scams, PRETEND investigates crimes of persuasion, trust, and betrayal. New episodes drop regularly with stories that reveal how manipulation shapes modern life, both online and off. PRETEND is produced by Creative Babble, LLC. © 2025 Creative Babble LLC [CLAIM:B6BT3XC4]

Information

  • Channel
    PRETEND+
  • Creator
    Creative Babble, LLC
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2026
  • Episodes
    336
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Creative Babble, LLC. All rights reserved 2025
  • Show Website
    PRETEND
  • Provider
    Javier Leiva

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