PRETEND

PRETEND+
  • 4.7 (2.1K)
  • TRUE CRIME
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY
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From cult leaders to con artists and undercover FBI agents, PRETEND exposes those pretending to be someone they're not.

  1. Let’s Talk About The Telepathy Tapes

    4 DAYS AGO · BONUS • SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

    Let’s Talk About The Telepathy Tapes

    Hey everyone, I’m working on an episode taking a critical look at The Telepathy Tapes, a podcast making some pretty wild claims—like non-verbal autistic people having telepathic abilities. The podcast even features experiments to back up these claims, and I have to admit, as someone who leans hard into skepticism, I was genuinely shocked by what I heard. Whether you’re a believer or a skeptic, this conversation is worth having. Here’s where you come in: I want you to listen to the first episode of The Telepathy Tapes and then let me know what you think. Are you convinced? Skeptical? Somewhere in the middle? Send me a voice memo at javier@pretendradio.org, and I might include your response in my episode. Think of it like a podcast book club—we’re all digging into this story together and unpacking what’s really going on. I can’t wait to hear your thoughts. Let’s see where this takes us. Talk soon, Javier

    2 min

  2. 6 DAYS AGO · BONUS

    Nobody Should Believe Me: Sophie Saves Zambia

    Today on PRETEND, we’re featuring the season 5 premiere of Nobody Should Believe Me, a compelling podcast hosted by author Andrea Dunlop that explores Munchausen by proxy abuse. Dunlop’s investigative storytelling sheds light on a complex and deeply troubling form of abuse, offering listeners both empathy and insight. Season 5 kicks off with an in-depth look at Sophie Hartman’s 2016 memoir, Crowns of Beauty, where Hartman recounts her experiences in Zambia and her journey to becoming the adoptive mother of two Zambian girls. This episode unravels the layers of Hartman’s narrative, revealing her evangelical Christian roots and the persona she crafted as both a martyr and savior. Andrea Dunlop is joined by Chad Goller-Sojourner, a performance artist and transracial adoption coach, who provides nuanced perspectives on the challenges and intricacies of transracial adoption. Together, they explore themes of identity, privilege, and the ways in which personal narratives can obscure uncomfortable truths. Whether you’re a fan of Nobody Should Believe Me or new to the series, this episode promises a gripping and thought-provoking listen. Tune in to hear Andrea Dunlop and her team continue their important work of exposing the hidden dynamics of Munchausen by proxy abuse. Where to Listen: Nobody Should Believe Me is available wherever you get your podcasts. Don’t miss the season 5 premiere, streaming now! Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0tU5rLsNkx7LeI2GhLlQ4X?si=1e02ca94e6ac4066 Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nobody-should-believe-me/id1615637188 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    48 min
  3. DNA Deception

    JAN 7

    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 megaphone.fm/adchoices

    38 min
  4. Drone Hysteria

    12/31/2024

    Drone Hysteria

    People panicked when a swarm of mysterious drones appeared in New Jersey’s night skies. Were they military? Foreign spies? Aliens? But buried under all the hysteria was one theory that refused to die: Birds Aren't Real. Yeah, that old internet conspiracy claiming birds are actually government surveillance drones. But here’s the thing—what if the joke isn’t as silly as it seems? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    25 min
  5. BONUS: Grapes, Grifts, and Gavel

    12/26/2024 · BONUS

    BONUS: Grapes, Grifts, and Gavel

    As a holiday treat, Amanda of Wine & Crime, Javier of PRETEND, and Whitney of Navigating Advocacy sit down to chat true crime, being in the podcasting industry, cases that haunt us, dream collaborations, and more! Enjoy this bonus conversation and check out all of these amazing shows wherever you get your podcasts!  Javier Leiva - PRETEND, Criminal Conduct, Ponzi Playbook Amanda Jacobson - Wine & Crime  https://open.spotify.com/show/5OeKXVPomhbejM9v7CDqxJ?si=4451247ce3704a0a Whitney - Navigating Advocacy https://open.spotify.com/show/6I09OWnoDtibLjE7rfQqrH?si=9265b522586d4727 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 8m
  6. The Christmas Con Revisited

    12/24/2024

    The Christmas Con Revisited

    In today's Christmas episode, we delve into the story of David Ellisor, a man whose grand Christmas scheme left the city of Miami in disbelief. Ellisor, a real-life Grinch, planned to host "Christmas From Around the World," a supposed once-in-a-lifetime event promising the presence of ambassadors, live reindeer, and a spectacle of global traditions. But the event never happened. He collected the cash and made a run for it. This is a Christmas caper for the ages. Plus, listeners tell their own Christmas con stories. Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays! And I wish all of you a Happy New Year! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    41 min
  7. BONUS: Affirmative Pretend Bullsh**

    12/23/2024 · BONUS

    BONUS: Affirmative Pretend Bullsh**

    The true crime podcasting community has come together for the holiday season to discuss all things true crime podcasting. Over the next two weeks, ten shows will be dropping bonus episodes sharing these conversations. In this episode, I'm joined by Alvin Williams (Affirmative Murder) and Josh Hallmark (True Crime Bullsh**) to discuss how we started our shows, true crime as an industry, how we've grown and lessons we've learned, cases we've covered, monetizing true crime, television, the future of our shows, and more. Check out Josh's and Alvin's shows: Affirmative Murder True Crime Bullsh** Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 10m
  8. Love and Taxes Revisited

    12/18/2024

    Love and Taxes Revisited

    When the IRS knocked on John Coutu's door, demanding $80,000, his girlfriend, Jennifer Mitchell, offered to help with his taxes. It seemed like a simple gesture of support. But John would soon find himself caught in a troubling situation. Unbeknownst to him, his taxes were never filed, and a series of lies began to unravel. As John speaks out, his story reveals a strange and complicated web that extends beyond his own experience. Today, we explore what happens when trust, love, and taxes collide. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    40 min
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Trailers

Shows with Subscription Benefits

  • 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 (1041)
    • 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.

    • 4.7 (77)
    • BUSINESS
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Hosts & Guests

4.7
out of 5
2,121 Ratings

About

From cult leaders to con artists and undercover FBI agents, PRETEND exposes those pretending to be someone they're not.

Information

  • Channel
    PRETEND+
  • Creator
    Creative Babble
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2025
  • Episodes
    273
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved 2024
  • Show Website
    PRETEND
  • Provider
    Javier Leiva

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