PRETEND+

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Channel • 5 Shows

True Crime

True Crime

Updated Biweekly
True Crime

True Crime

Biweekly Series
True Crime

True Crime

Updated Jun 23
Business

Business

Updated Biweekly
True Crime

True Crime

Series

DEC 17

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

Dec 17

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59 min
1D AGO

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

1d ago

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37 min
4D AGO · 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

4d ago · Bonus

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29 min
DEC 16 · 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

Dec 16 · Bonus

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37 min
DEC 9

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

Dec 9

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28 min
DEC 2

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 episode, Harry walks us through the emotional fantasy Rachel built. Want the full story? 🎧 Listen to The Rachel Cancer Scam Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6Hn5De466DmCIN8Sppw5Ik?si=6ba6b8cee95e4697 Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-rachel-cancer-scam/id1772955263 Protect your business before hackers even make a move. NordStellar centralizes breach, dark web, and attack surface intelligence into one powerful threat-intelligence platform—helping you spot risks early and take action fast. Get 20% off all NordStellar plans with the Black Friday code: BLACKFRIDAY20 (valid until December 10, 2025). Use the link nordstellar.com/pretend Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 2

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42 min
NOV 18

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 tactics, behaviors, and mindsets of some of the most convincing cancer fakers out there. From Madison Russo’s botched medical props to Elizabeth Teckenbrock’s alleged search history...“Is it illegal to fake cancer?” Um, yeah. Bill Petrich, a real cancer survivor who now investigates fake cases, helps us understand the psychology behind the deception. We also take a look at the biggest cancer cons in recent history: Scamanda, Belle Gibson, Jennifer Flynn Cataldo and how these scams went from emotional manipulation to full-on fraud. To learn more about Bill Petrich’s work documenting these cases, check out his TikTok: @faking.cancer.expert: https://www.tiktok.com/@faking.cancer.expert Listen to eLIESabeth podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/2nlxXhewsTRAyJhvyvaQbb?si=5de4d34489f549e9 Protect your business before hackers even make a move. NordStellar centralizes breach, dark web, and attack surface intelligence into one powerful threat-intelligence platform—helping you spot risks early and take action fast. Get 20% off all NordStellar plans with the Black Friday code: BLACKFRIDAY20 (valid until December 10, 2025). Use the link ⁠nordstellar.com/pretend Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 18

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38 min
NOV 25

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. In Part 2 of The Cancer Sympathy Machine, we go beyond the headline-grabbing scams and into the emotional machinery behind these lies. With the help of cancer-survivor-turned-researcher Bill Petrich, we break down the categories of cancer fakers — from those seeking sympathy to those hiding crimes, escaping abuse, or covering up addictions. We revisit the infamous cases you’ve heard about: Belle Gibson, Scamanda, and Jennifer Cataldo. To learn more about Bill Petrich’s work documenting these cases, check out his TikTok: @faking.cancer.expert: https://www.tiktok.com/@faking.cancer.expert Listen to eLIESabeth podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/2nlxXhewsTRAyJhvyvaQbb?si=5de4d34489f549e9 Protect your business before hackers even make a move. NordStellar centralizes breach, dark web, and attack surface intelligence into one powerful threat-intelligence platform—helping you spot risks early and take action fast. Get 20% off all NordStellar plans with the Black Friday code: BLACKFRIDAY20 (valid until December 10, 2025). Use the link ⁠nordstellar.com/pretend Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 25

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31 min
OCT 6

Cracks in the Fandom part 1

🎧 NEW SERIES: “Cracks in the Fandom” What would you do if you thought your favorite celebrity was stalking you? That’s exactly what Meghan Walsh claims. She says she’s being harassed by not one, not two—but three stalkers. And one of them? Is Mariska Hargitay, best known as Detective Olivia Benson from Law & Order: SVU. Yeah. I know how that sounds. But here’s the thing: the more I looked into it, the more the story started to twist. This new series, Cracks in the Fandom, is not about whether Mariska is actually stalking someone (spoiler: come on). It’s about why someone might believe that. What happens when online relationships go sideways. And what’s really going on underneath the noise. I’m releasing the first three extended cuts that are ~10 minutes longer than what you'll eventually hear on the public feed. There are 5 episodes total. And trust me, this story goes places I did not expect. Your feedback means a lot. Let me know what you think of the pacing, the structure, or anything that feels confusing. This is your sneak preview—and your chance to help shape how the story is told. First 3 episodes available now on Patreon and PRETEND+: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pretendradio PRETEND+ Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/channel/pretend/id6443456985 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 6

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39 min
OCT 14

Cracks in the Fandom part 2

Meghan Walsh says she is being stalked by three people. One of them is Law & Order: SVU star Mariska Hargitay. Sounds impossible, right? But she’s not the only one saying it. In this episode, we meet Lauren. She claims to be the biological mother of Mariska’s adopted daughter. Her story begins with a supposed secret adoption, and spirals into accusations of betrayal and abandonment. Lauren says the actress is not just stalking her, but working behind the scenes to silence anyone who challenges her. Meghan believes her. To her, Lauren is the missing piece that proves her own story is real. But the more we dig, the harder it becomes to separate truth from delusion. Is this the beginning of a deeper conspiracy? Or just another internet rabbit hole? This extended version includes additional narration and soundbites not available in the public edit. Let me know what you think of the series so far. Your feedback will help shape the final episodes before they go live in the main feed. All 4 Episodes Available now on Pretend+ and Patreon PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/pretendradio PRETEND+ on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/channel/pretend/id6443456985 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 14

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42 min

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]

4.7 (2362)

TRUE CRIME
Criminal Conduct is an investigative true-crime podcast series hosted by John Taylor and Javier Leiva. Season 1: The hosts look into the death of Michelle O'Connell, picking up the investigation where the murdered sleuth, Eli Washtock, left off. Season 2: The investigation of a rogue constable in Kentucky who is accused of planting drugs, stealing money, and shaking people down. Season 3: An American Serial Killer in Paradise: The story of serial killer William Holbert, aka "Wild Bill," and his victims. Season 4: Getting Away with Murder: The Death Investigation of Pravin Varughese Season 5: The Life and Death of Buffalo Jim Barrier

4.6 (1062)

TRUE CRIME
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 on a journey through the seedy world of financial fraud, exploring the twisted minds of the people behind some of the most audacious Ponzi schemes in history.

4.6 (88)

BUSINESS

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.

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Top Shows

The Prophet: Matthew Fenner vs Ted Bell

The Real Life Grinch

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

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

Open Enrollment, Open Season for Scammers

The Cancer Sympathy Machine part 3

The Cancer Sympathy Machine part 1

The Cancer Sympathy Machine part 2

Cracks in the Fandom part 1

Cracks in the Fandom part 2

Get exclusive episodes, early access, and more

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

BONUS: Inside the eLIESabeth Podcast

The Stalker part 9

The Stalker part 7

Bonus: The Psychology Behind Parasocial Relationships (Cracks in the Fandom)

The Stalker part 8

The Stalker part 12

The Stalker part 11

Return of the Stalker (part 20)

LADONNA BONUS: Why Did Tina Snarr Join LaDonna Humphrey’s Attack on a 911 Caller?

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