221 episodes
Pretend - a true crime podcast about con artists PRETEND+
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- True Crime
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4.7 • 1.7K Ratings
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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.
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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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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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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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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.
Listen to part 2 now:
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pretendradio
PRETEND+ on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/channel/pretend/id6443456985
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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.
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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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Customer Reviews
Great Podcast
Without a doubt my favorite podcast. Javier is a great interviewer, investigator and storyteller and finds some of the most unique and interesting stories in the podcast world. Highly recommended.
Weak Podcast, Avoid!
The stories covered are interesting & important but the host is horrible. Horrible interviewing skills and sometimes his follow up comment or question is so awkward. He should do more behind the screens effort and get a smarter host.
Independent Libertarian volunteers anarchist capitalist
Malia is American the power to protect the people for the people to resign in the people but you call us terrorist supporting communism makes you a traitor fascist Republicans destroying the country and communist Democrats the big lie that we have to vote for someone who is just going to rip us off the truth is we don’t have to vote to help you understand this quicker democracy is giving up your freedom for someone to then tell you what to do. No one knows what to do better than you and your own situation if you are hungry and your families hungry you hunt even if it’s on the Kings land with the government would have you starved to death if you don’t pay taxes on land, you’ve owned for generations. They will take it by force even if it’s just one dollar that is Tierney not freedom taxes are to be voluntarily given not forcibly taken, you have much research to do. I highly suggest Libertarian material. Dirty civilian YouTuber teaches codes of conduct when fighting a tyrannical government that is set on taking away all our guns moving the UN one world order into taking power overall the ultimate communist plan but that’s only one evil in the world there’s many people making many moves Joe Biden is just one puppet