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Channel • 3 Shows

True Crime

True Crime

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True Crime

True Crime

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Business

Every two weeks

07/01/2025

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 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

07/01/2025

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37 min
22/04/2025

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 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

22/04/2025

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40 min
02/05/2023

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, 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

02/05/2023

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31 min
14/02/2023

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 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

14/02/2023

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28 min
02/02/2021

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 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

02/02/2021

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43 min
28/09/2018

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. 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

28/09/2018

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1h 3m
30/01/2019 · BONUS

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 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

30/01/2019 · Bonus

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31 min
25/10/2023

Matthew Piercey: Ponzi Schemer Evades FBI Capture with Underwater Scooter

Ponzi Schemer Evades FBI Capture with Underwater Scooter 44-year-old Matthew Piercey, accused of orchestrating a $35 million Ponzi scheme, led FBI agents on a wild chase through the streets of Redding, California. After evading capture on the roads and highways, Piercey made a desperate bid for escape by plunging into the icy waters of Lake Shasta, using a Yamaha 350LI underwater submersible device. Despite the treacherous temperatures and his mere street clothes, Piercey remained submerged for an astonishing 25 minutes before finally emerging, only to be apprehended by waiting law enforcement. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

25/10/2023

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26 min
16/05/2023 · BONUS

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 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

16/05/2023 · Bonus

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18 min
06/10/2023

Your Own Worst Enemy

Gaege Bethune finally goes to trial for the death 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

06/10/2023

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22 min

PRETEND+ is a collection of true-crime podcasts created by Javier Leiva. Get exclusive content and bonus interviews from PRETEND, CRIMINAL CONDUCT, and THE PONZI PLAYBOOK.

Website

PRETEND+

Top Shows

DNA Deception

Faking Insanity

The Cuban Spy part 1

The Stalker part 7

The Pharmacist

The Prophet - Word of Faith Fellowship Cult Revisited

The Commander

Matthew Piercey: Ponzi Schemer Evades FBI Capture with Underwater Scooter

The Stalker - In Time You'll Get the Truth (part 14)

Your Own Worst Enemy

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