216 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
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 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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The Grave Detector part 1
In "The Grave Detector," we delve into the enigmatic practice of using dowsing rods with a focus on the work of Dr. Arpard Vass, a forensic anthropologist renowned for his innovative methods in locating unmarked graves and human remains. The episode explores the traditional and modern uses of dowsing rods, often associated with finding water, treasures, and possibly ghosts. But most alarming of all, dowsing rods play a controversial role in police investigations and legal proceedings.
M. Chris Fabricant, Junk Science - https://a.co/d/cu4tn9m
Michael Hadsell, Peace River K9 Search and Rescue (PRSAR) - https://www.prsar.org/
Dr. Arpad Vass- http://forensicrecoveryservices.org/
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The Grave Detector part 2
In today’s episode of Pretend, we're zeroing in on Dr. Arpad Vass's invention called the Quantum Oscillator—a device straight out of a sci-fi plot with the audacious promise of finding the lost with just a sliver of DNA. Imagine a gadget claiming to pinpoint your long-gone ancestors' graves or track down missing persons with a flicker of electromagnetic waves.
Dr. Vass claims that with a bit of your DNA, his Quantum Oscillator could lead him to grave sites with 92% accuracy from a distance as far as 60 miles. Sounds miraculous, right? But hold your horses—does this invention hold up under the scrutiny of science, or is it veering into the realm of pseudoscience?
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The Grave Detector part 3
Dr. Arpad Vass touts his Quantum Oscillator, a contraption made of plywood and PVC pipe, as a revolutionary tool capable of locating missing persons' remains with 92% accuracy from up to 60 miles away, using just DNA from fingernail clippings.
In a desperate attempt to solve the cold case of Brandy Hall, a Florida firefighter gone missing, Hall's family turned to Dr. Vass and his device. Guided by the oscillator's dubious promise, they believed Brandy could be buried in a specific wooded area. In a fit of hope and despair, Brandy's mother resorted to using a makeshift shovel to dig for her daughter, embodying the heart-wrenching grip of grief and the seductive, yet misleading, appeal of pseudoscience. Ultimately, the search yielded nothing but a painful journey back to square one.
In today's episode, we discuss the science behind the Quantum Oscillator.
Watch the video of Dr. Vass and the Quantum Oscillator:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C3DTrzYM-8N/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pretendpod/video/7332889990084578590?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7267660576023873067
YouTube: https://youtube.com/shorts/ub2kdJZ0JNQ?feature=share
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The Stalker - Case Closed
Breaking News on the Stalker case.
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Customer Reviews
Great Podcast
Overall a really great podcast. It starts off pretty raw but Javier quickly got into a rhythm. Love the subjects covered. The stalker season 12 is one of the best seasons of podcasting I’ve ever listened to no exaggeration.
A for Effort
Javier always goes the extra mile to tell his stories which I really love- interviewing as many sides as he can to tell a well rounded tale.
Relaxing
Listen to one every night before bed!