PRETEND

According to police, Shelbey Fernandez ran a stalking campaign for years. She used burner numbers, fake accounts and fake 911 calls. She asked Google how detectives trace a texting app, how long a burner number lasts, and whether police can tell when you’ve hidden a phone during a search warrant. Prosecutors charged her with 29 counts. Her parents describe someone else. For years, Tanya and Rick have told me their daughter has the mentality of a 12-year-old. She watches blooper videos and Dancing with the Stars. She couldn’t possibly be behind any of this. Now a judge has to decide which Shelbey is standing in his courtroom. Four days after her arrest, her lawyer asked the court whether she’s even competent to stand trial. Two experts examined her. Their reports are sealed. And if she isn’t competent, Arizona doesn’t simply drop the case. It tries to teach her how to stand trial, one lesson at a time. On October 1, the judge made his decision, and I have the audio. I also share what the latest on Rick’s court file. Plus, a conversation with Susan and Brittni, recorded in the weeks after the arrest. Shelbey has pleaded not guilty, and none of the allegations have been proven in court. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A 19-year-old says members of his church held him down, choked him, and beat him for two hours, trying to cast out what they called his “homosexual demons.” That was in 2013. Thirteen years, a mistrial, and countless delays later, the minister accused of leading it is finally back in court. I drove to Asheville, North Carolina, to be there. Inside the courtroom, members of Word of Faith Fellowship filled three rows, and some of the kids the minister once raised sat with her accuser. You’ll hear from Matthew Fenner, the district attorney, and former members who say they were there that night, along with my own 2018 conversation with the minister, Brooke Covington, and church leader Jane Whaley. The church denies any abuse. Word of Faith Fellowship was the very first story I told on PRETEND. This is how it ends, at least for now. New to the story? Go back to the beginning with Season 3 of PRETEND, “The Prophet,” where I first went inside Word of Faith Fellowship, met Jane Whaley, and heard from the former members who walked away. Find every episode at thisispretend.com or wherever you’re listening now. Binge All 12 Episodes: https://thisispretend.com/seasons/word-of-faith-fellowship/#episodes Credits Hosted, reported, and produced by Javier Leiva Edited and mixed by Puneeth, Podcast Pundits Music by Joe Basile, thechicken.net Special thanks to Matthew Fenner, Sarah Anderson, Rachael Bryant, Danielle Cordes, Nancy Burnette, and Josh Farmer PRETEND is a production of Creative Babble LLC. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When Gypsy Rose Blanchard was a little girl, the thing that comforted her most was her mother's touch. In the final episode of The Gypsy Rose Obsession, I ask Gypsy when that changed. I also track down the attorney who drew up a power of attorney for Gypsy in 2013, and she tells me Dee Dee came into her office claiming her 22-year-old daughter was mentally disabled and asking for guardianship. Then I follow the money in the Gypsy Rose economy. Sir Morbid X, the YouTuber who helped build the anti-Gypsy corner of the internet, tells me he now wants to tear it down. I also talk with Audacious Audrey, Fancy Macelli, Brande from the Dragon's Den, and Nancy Simpson from The Toll. Longtime listener Rebecca Catalfu tells me how her opinion of Gypsy swung back and forth over ten episodes, and my friend Andrew Barbari asks the question many people have wondered about: why such a violent death? I close the series with what I think is the most truthful thing Gypsy ever told me. Go to thisispretend.com to contact me, find every episode, and find the latest news on the cases we've covered. For more, get early episodes and bonus content on PRETEND+ on Apple Podcasts, or join the PRETEND Patreon and become part of our Discord community. You can also watch the video version of my Gypsy interview on YouTube at @pretendpod. Everything is linked at thisispretend.com. PRETEND is written and produced by Javier Leiva. This episode was edited by Puneeth Shenoy with Podcast Pundits, and our theme music is by Joe Basile with thechicken.net. Credits were read by Lexi, a PRETEND Patreon supporter. PRETEND is a Creative Babble production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week I'm handing the feed over to Andrea Dunlop and her show, Nobody Should Believe Me. Andrea has spent years covering medical child abuse, and she came to the subject through her own family. In 2019, Dr. John Cox, an ER physician at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, brought his adoptive infant daughter to her pediatrician with an injured arm. Within months, he was charged with abusing her. NBC News covered his case as a wrongful accusation. Andrea went back to the records, talked to the prosecutor who filed the charges, and found a much more complicated story than the one that made headlines. This is part one of a four-part special report. Follow Nobody Should Believe Me wherever you get your podcasts to hear the rest, or subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Patreon to binge the full series ad free. nobodyshouldbelieveme.com Content warning: this episode discusses the abuse of an infant. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When Gypsy Rose Blanchard announced she was pregnant, the internet opened an investigation. The woman who spent her childhood trapped inside her mother's medical lies was now raising a daughter of her own. In this episode, I look at what the research actually says about the cycle of abuse, and at what happens when a mother is watched as closely as Gypsy is. Strangers called CPS over a livestream and a baby with colic. Someone pulled her daughter's shot records from a state database and put them on TikTok. I talk to one of the women who made a CPS report, I go looking for whoever put a baby's medical records on the internet, and I ask Gypsy where she thinks the line is between protecting a child and isolating one. Content note: This episode discusses child abuse and contains strong language. Sources and further reading Cathy Spatz Widom, Sally J. Czaja and Kimberly A. DuMont, "Intergenerational transmission of child abuse and neglect: Real or detection bias?" Science (2015): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25814584/ Cathy Spatz Widom, "The Cycle of Violence," Science (1989): https://doi.org/10.1126/science.2704995 Fleming S. Pedroso et al., "The Diving Reflex in Healthy Infants in the First Year of Life," Journal of Child Neurology (2012): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21881008/ Louisiana Children's Code, Article 609, Mandatory and permitted reporting: https://www.legis.la.gov/LEGIS/Law.aspx?d=73201 Written and hosted by Javier LeivaEdited by Puneeth Shenoy with The Podcast PunditsTheme music by Joe Basile, thechicken.net ©2026 Creative Babble, LLC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How does a doctor actually decide that a parent is making their child sick? Dr. John Melville is a child abuse pediatrician, president of the Ray E. Helfer Society, and one of the people who helped write the board exam that certifies child abuse pediatricians. In this bonus episode, he walks me through how medical child abuse is diagnosed. He explains the difference between Munchausen by proxy, factitious disorder imposed on another, and medical child abuse. And he answers the criticism that child abuse pediatricians are self-appointed experts who took a short course and now override the specialists who know the patient best. He also talks about what happens when he's wrong, in either direction, and about the myth that a child who's been abused is broken forever. Dr. Melville has cerebral palsy, which affects his speech. He asked me to mention it up front. Note: I didn't ask Dr. Melville about Gypsy Rose Blanchard, and he hasn't studied her case. He speaks here only about his own work, and for himself, not for any organization. Written and hosted by Javier LeivaTheme music by Joe Basile, thechicken.net © 2026 Creative Babble Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ken Urker, Gypsy Rose Blanchard's partner and the father of their daughter, Aurora, died on October 1, 2026, his 34th birthday. The sheriff is still investigating, and no official cause of death has been released. Gypsy has said publicly that she believes it was an overdose, and that she doesn't know whether it was intentional or accidental. Throughout The Gypsy Rose Obsession, Gypsy told me that Ken was struggling with relentless online harassment. The night he died, she texted me three words: "They killed him." In this bonus episode, I talk about what we know so far, who Ken was to Gypsy, what the research says about online harassment, and why I'm worried about Aurora and Gypsy. Whatever you think about Gypsy, a little girl lost her dad this week. Before you post about a real person, remember that a real person is reading it. If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Learn more: https://thisispretend.com/blog/gypsy-rose-ken-urker-death/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Gypsy Rose Blanchard thought no one was listening. For years, everything she said from inside Chillicothe was being recorded. Now it's public. More than five hundred hours of it. Some of those recordings broke through on social media, because on them Gypsy and her now ex-husband Ryan can be heard using racial slurs. She eventually apologized publicly for it. But that's not the part that got me. It's what she says about her mother, when there's no camera on and no reason to give a polished answer. Fair warning. This one is rough. Content warning: racist language and racial slurs, child abuse, sexual content involving a child, murder, and self-harm. Written and Produced by Javier Leiva Edited by Puneeth Shenoy | Podcast Pundits https://www.podcastpundits.com/ Music by Joe Basile | thechicken.net Get early access and bonus content PRETEND+ on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/channel/pretend/id6443456985 Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/pretendradio Learn More: thisispretend.com © 2026 Creative Babble LLC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

"I didn't f---ing get my own f---ing mother murdered just so I could live for everybody else." That is Gypsy Rose Blanchard on a recorded prison line, saying the quiet part out loud. She had taken the plea and could never be tried again, so she let her guard down. Then a content creator asked Missouri for the whole archive, and four days later the state sent it to her. So what does Gypsy actually sound like when she thinks nobody is listening? In this episode you will hear: Gypsy doing the math on her own fame. She is going to be rich when she gets out. It seems like everybody in her orbit is trying to figure out how to cash in on the story. Gypsy has a new mom. She tells her stepmother Kristy that Mother's Day is a good holiday and a sad holiday at the same time. You can hear the two of them becoming family in real time. Gypsy threatens Fancy Macelli. Gypsy talks about what she plans to do to Fancy when she gets out of prison. Gypsy at her loneliest. Man after man writes to her after watching her on TV. Gypsy talks about going to a cancer dental clinic. In a call about a broken denture, she mentions the oncology dental clinic that made it and lets slip that they will not take her now that she is not a cancer patient. The internet calls that the smoking gun. Attorney calls leaked. Some of these recordings are conversations with her attorney, Mike Stanfield. I have listened to a lot of these calls and I am sure I missed some. Now, the State of Missouri released the Nick Godejohn's calls too, so there are even more coming. If there is a call you think belongs in this series, tag me on social media and I will get to it. Stick around to the end of the episode, because I want you to meet the other Javier Leiva. He owns javierleiva.com, which is the address most people assume belongs to me. Listener tips and story leads land in his inbox by mistake, including some of the biggest breaks I have ever gotten, and he forwards every one of them my way. We have been talking for years and it turned into a real friendship. His site is javierleiva.com. Mine is thisispretend.com. Our Patreon community has grown into something I am really proud of. Supporters get bonus episodes, early access to new content, and now a private Discord server where we talk in real time about case theories and episodes, plus live video calls with me. Tiers start at $3 a month, and you can find the link at thisispretend.com. Today's episode was written and produced by Javier Leiva. Edited by Puneeth Shenoy with the Podcast Pundits. Theme music by Joe Basile with thechicken.net. Credits read by Beau Hale, PRETEND Patreon supporter. More at https://thisispretend.com 2026 © Creative Babble LLC. All rights reserved. Think I missed a call?Guest shout outJoin us on PatreonCredits Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There are people online right now who don't believe Dee Dee Blanchard had Munchausen by proxy. Some of them don't believe Munchausen by proxy is a real thing at all. So if the abuse wasn't real, how do you explain the feeding tube, the shaved head, the free trips to Disney? We also discuss the violence in the house leading up to the murder. If Gypsy is the monster, what does that make Dee Dee? For Gypsy critics, the pendulum swings the other way. Justice for Dee Dee, the movement that says the real victim here is the woman who died. Was Dee Dee a sick woman, or was she a con artist with a kid? In this episode: Alaura Flowers and Amber Dietz of Into the Weeds Content creator Audacious Audrey Fancy Macelli of the Good Wives Network Nancy Simpson, host of The Toll podcast Gypsy Rose Blanchard Want more? Ad-free episodes, early releases, and the latest on the stalker case are on Patreon and PRETEND+ on Apple Podcasts. More at thisispretend.com. Written and hosted by Javier LeivaEdited by Puneeth Shenoy with The Podcast PunditsTheme music by Joe Basile, thechicken.net © Creative Babble 2026 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

According to the anti-Gypsy camp, they've found it. The smoking gun. Gypsy Rose Blanchard has a rare genetic disorder, a microdeletion on chromosome 1, and depending on who you ask online, that one word explains the feeding tube, the leukemia, the paralysis. All of it. Which means, according to them, Dee Dee Blanchard wasn't abusing her daughter at all. She was just a mom trying to help a sick kid. So I brought in a genetic counselor and made her explain this thing to me like I'm five, because I am not a geneticist and neither is anyone else arguing about this on TikTok. Kira Dineen, a genetic counselor, walks through what a microdeletion on chromosome 1q21.1 actually is and what it can and can't explain. Featuring Kira Dineen, genetic counselor and host of DNA TodayAndrea Dunlop, host of Nobody Should Believe MeGypsy Rose BlanchardBree, Fancy Macelli, Audacious Audrey, and Amber & Alaura of Into the Weeds Credits Written and hosted by Javier LeivaEdited by Puneeth Shenoy with The Podcast PunditsTheme music by Joe Basile, thechicken.net Listen and support New episodes drop weekly. Early and ad-free episodes are available now on Patreon and Pretend Plus on Apple Podcasts. Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/channel/pretend/id6443456985Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/pretendradio Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

According to the anti-Gypsy camp, they've got the receipts. Gypsy really had leukemia. She really needed that bone marrow treatment, and the feeding tube and the surgeries were all real and documented, not fabricated. Case closed, they say. Munchausen by proxy, debunked. That's the claim, anyway. Three hundred pages of Gypsy's private medical records ended up online, and I got my hands on them. So do the documents validate the claims? We're going to dig in. Want more? Ad-free episodes, early releases, and the latest on the stalker case are on Patreon and PRETEND+ on Apple Podcasts. More at thisispretend.com. Written and hosted by Javier Leiva Edited by Puneeth Shenoy with The Podcast Pundits Theme music by Joe Basile, thechicken.net 2026 © Creative Babble Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's like getting to the end of a movie and discovering the twist, then going back to the beginning because every scene means something else. That's what I've been doing all week with the Rick and Tanya Fernandez interviews. This time we're looking at Shelbey Fernandez's surgeries, what the doctor told police in 2019, and new audio from Shelbey Fernandez herself, recorded before her arrest. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Long before Gypsy Rose Blanchard's mother was murdered, the tension inside that house was already at a breaking point. The private videos between Gypsy and Nick Godejohn that nobody was supposed to see. The evidence of violence that the HBO documentary never showed you. And the text messages from the night of June 9th, 2015, read out loud, minute by minute. They are not what you expect. Gypsy's critics say she was the violent one all along. That it was Dee Dee who had reason to be afraid. Chapters 00:00 Everyone Has A Hot Take02:26 The BB Gun04:09 Chained To The Bed05:11 Why Not Just Run Away?07:23 Nancy Simpson: She Was Shopping For A Man09:22 That Bitch Is Dead10:40 Victim Doesn't Mean Innocent11:19 The Plea Deal13:17 When Nick Became The Victim16:16 Functions Like A 10-Year-Old17:52 I Still Love Her18:43 Activating The Dark Side20:34 The Texts From June 9, 201523:58 What Gypsy Makes Of It25:15 Andrea Dunlop On The Autism Argument26:56 Grace And Accountability28:01 Why Don't They Show You The Same Grace?29:35 On The Plea Deal30:15 Is It In All Of Us? Binge more episodes ad-free on Patreon at patreon.com/pretendpodcast or PRETEND+ on Apple Podcasts. Written and produced by Javier Leiva. Edited by Puneet Shenoy with The Podcast Pundits. Theme music by Joe Basile, thechicken.net. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Her critics say Gypsy Rose Blanchard can't keep her story straight. So I sat down with her for almost three hours and asked about all of it. The pills through the feeding tube. The video where she tells Nick Godejohn she'd been hiding that she could walk since she was seven. And the Demona videos she has never addressed in front of a reporter. You'll also meet the mother-daughter team behind Into the Weeds (youtube.com/@into-the-weeds-podcast), whose records requests produced what the internet calls the Gypstein Files. Binge the first three episodes now, ad-free, on Patreon (patreon.com/pretendpodcast) or PRETEND+ on Apple Podcasts. Chapters: (00:00) Beignets And A Drive Into The Bayou (01:50) The Questions Her Critics Say She Dodges (02:36) No Mansion, Just A Fourplex (04:48) The Breaking Point Was A Throat Surgery (06:47) This Is My Voice (08:19) Vicodin Through The Feeding Tube (09:53) Did She Ever Go To School? (11:46) Into The Weeds Files The Records Request (12:59) What's Actually In The Gypstein Files (15:59) The Video Where She Walks (17:46) What Her Medical Records Say (20:43) I Ask Gypsy To Settle It (23:04) Videos Never Meant To Be Public (25:56) Slave, Master, And An Old Facebook Account (28:23) Dan Glidewell Testifies Under Oath (29:46) The Demona Video (34:25) Those Videos Were Disgusting (35:14) Isolation And The Price Of Freedom (36:10) Next Time On Pretend Written by Javier Leiva. Edited by Puneet Shenoy with The Podcast Pundits. Theme music by Joe Basile, thechicken.net. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For almost five years, the Fernandez family told me their doctor's husband was terrorizing them. Threatening messages, unpaid pizza deliveries, police at the door for crimes that never happened. Three weeks ago, Peoria police surrounded their house with a search warrant and seized every device inside. Nobody was arrested that day. Then this week, Shelbey Fernandez children was booked into a Maricopa County jail on more than thirty counts, including stalking, making a terrorist threat, and sexual exploitation of a minor. All charges are allegations. No one has been convicted, and the case is ongoing. Catch up on the full series here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/41KG24W8b5Lz0dzHsU3LoP?si=3aaeef5a367d4c2d Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Gypsy Rose Blanchard is the most beloved convicted murderer in America. Half the country sees a victim. The other half thinks she conned everyone, including her mother. I spent months trying to figure out which side is telling the truth. Then I emailed Gypsy. A few hours later, we were on a call. Chapters (00:00) The Most Beloved Convicted Murderer In America (01:35) The Short Version (02:53) It's All A Lie (03:41) Inside Her Medical Records (05:26) Allergic To Sugar (06:10) The Community That Flipped The Narrative (07:48) Andrea Dunlop Interviews Gypsy (09:41) Then I Read The Comments (11:20) Straight To The Source (11:52) Welcome To The Gypsyverse (13:04) The Internet Does What The Internet Does (15:35) Is Gypsy Rich? (17:22) What Are They A Fan Of? (19:22) Famous vs. Well-Known (20:12) Billboards, Flyers, And A Minor Child (23:14) Nick Godejohn Is Still In Prison (24:18) The Demona Clips (25:54) Would You Answer Uncomfortable Questions? (27:47) Next Time On Pretend (28:24) Update: The Prison Calls (30:28) What I Will And Won't Play Binge the first three episodes now, ad-free, on Patreon (patreon.com/pretendpodcast) or PRETEND+ on Apple Podcasts. Leave a comment. I want to know what you think. Written by Javier Leiva. Edited by Puneeth Shenoy with the Podcast Pundits. Theme music by Joe Basile, thechicken.net. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Gypsy Rose Blanchard is America's most beloved convicted murderer. The media told us she spent 23 years in a wheelchair, with a feeding tube, a breathing machine, and a diagnosis list that never ended. None of it was real. Her mother made it all up. And then Gypsy had her mother stabbed to death. When she walked out of prison in December 2023, not everyone was celebrating. A community formed online working together to dismantle her new life. So yeah. America's sweetheart is also a convicted murderer. And depending on who you ask, she's either the most sympathetic person alive, or the most dangerous woman on the internet. This is The Gypsy Rose Obsession. Coming August 11th on PRETEND podcast. Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2vaCjR7UvlN9aTIzW6kNCo?si=b3549d886084412a Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

William Ruzich's father stole his identity while he was deployed in Afghanistan. He came home from war at 21 to find bills, liens, and creditors in his own name. He turned his own dad in for fraud. Then he went to work catching people just like him. William is a private intelligence operative now, tracking down scammers, fraudsters, and people who vanish with other people's money. Coming August 11th: The Gypsy Rose Obsession, a new free series from PRETEND. Watch the trailer and subscribe: https://youtu.be/9fcD0os3aG8 Kingdom Forge, a book by Anders Edwards that teaches kids about online safety, Diary of a Wimpy Kid meets Ready Player One. Check it out: https://a.co/d/0hpgdcYx Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

My friend Joe sells real estate. He called me about one of his clients, a retired nurse who was selling her house, because something about her story wasn't sitting right with him. She'd lost her savings to a man named Edward Smog. Found her online, quoted her scripture, told her he was her way out of debt. By the time I got involved, she was out a hundred and fifty grand. Now a new scammer is coming after her. She believes he's an offshore oil rig worker, and they're going to get married. I'm trying to stop him before he takes any more of her money. If you or someone you love is being targeted, here's where to go. To report it, the FBI runs the Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov, and the FTC takes reports at reportfraud.ftc.gov. If you want to talk to a real person for free, call the National Elder Fraud Hotline run by the Department of Justice at 833-372-8311, seven days a week, 6am to 11pm Eastern. You can also reach the AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline at 877-908-3360. Tips for your elderly parents: No real grant, agency, or lottery ever asks you to pay a fee to get money. Gift cards, wire transfers to strangers, and crypto are how scammers get paid. Full stop. If you've never met someone in person on a live video call, assume you don't know who they are. Ask for that video call right now, not later. Take a screenshot of their photos and run a reverse image search. The excuses will tell you everything. And before any money moves, tell one person who loves you. Out loud. The scam only survives in the quiet. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Darnell Emanuel spent years inside Rony Denis's inner circle at the House of Prayer Christian Church. His name is on documents. His credit was used to buy houses he never lived in. But when the fraud finally caught up with the church, Darnell wasn't indicted. In this bonus, Darnell walks us through the burner phones, the code names, and how the whole scheme worked. Plus, an update on Marjorie Denis. And what's happening at NTCC since the series aired. The next two episodes are available right now on Patreon and PRETEND+ on Apple Podcasts. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/pretendradio Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/channel/pretend/id6443456985 Follow @pretendpod: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@pretendpod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pretendpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pretendpod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We've covered a lot of PRETENDers on this show. But the guy in this one might take the prize. Carlos Henrique Raposo, better known as Kaiser, fooled the entire professional soccer world in Brazil for 26 years. He signed with more than 30 clubs. He partied with George Michael. He got protected by Rio's most dangerous crime boss. He once punched a fan in the face rather than actually step on the field. And through all of it, he barely played a single real game. This week we're revisiting one of our favorite conversations: an interview with Louis Myles, director of the 2015 documentary "Kaiser! The Greatest Footballer Never to Play Football." Myles and his team spent 18 months in Rio chasing down the truth, or something close to it, behind Brazil's greatest football legend who never actually played football. Watch the documentary: "Kaiser! The Greatest Footballer Never to Play Football" (2015) is streaming on Amazon Prime. Also from Louis Myles: "Mighty Penguins," following the Brentford Penguins, a football team made up of players with Down syndrome, as they prepare to serve as guard of honour at a Premier League match. It premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in 2023 and is currently on the festival circuit. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, Javier stops by the Hot Mess Happy Hour Podcast and it didn't disappoint. It was a hot mess! About Hot Mess Happy Hour: Are you always running late? Do you leave things on top of your car and drive off? You might be a hot mess too so this podcast is for you! Laugh along as we share crazy hot mess stories during our weekly happy hour with yours truly. We'll also share tips and tricks for those affected by ADHD like your host, Susan Cokas! So grab a cocktail and get ready to laugh! It's Hot Mess Happy Hour! Check out the Hot Mess Happy Hour: https://hotmesshappyhour.buzzsprout.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Federal prosecutors say the man known as Rony Denis isn't Rony Denis at all. The arrest finally came in the fall of 2025. Three years after the FBI raids. But the church is still operating. So my friend Jared Smith from the Heliocentric YouTube channel and I drove down to Fayetteville to attend a Sunday service and see what's left of the House of Prayer Christian Church. And the whole sermon, it turned out, felt aimed at two specific people in the pews. This is the final chapter of the Chain of Command series. But it ain't over yet. Watch Jared's Atheist Church Audits on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HeliocentricOfficial Written and Produced by Javier Leiva Edited by Puneeth Shenoy | Podcast Pundits https://www.podcastpundits.com/ Music by Joe Basile | thechicken.net Get early access and bonus content PRETEND+ on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/channel/pretend/id6443456985 Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/pretendradio © 2026 Creative Babble LLC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In Part 6, the FBI comes knocking. Rony Denis and his top associates allegedly defrauded the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and military veterans out of more than $23.5 million. The House of Prayer Bible Seminary looked like a school. Veterans used their GI Bill benefits to enroll, paying the church hundreds of dollars a month for classes that led nowhere and credits worth nothing outside these walls. Rony Denis is still a free man. But not for long. Written and Produced by Javier Leiva Edited by Puneeth Shenoy | Podcast Pundits https://www.podcastpundits.com/ Music by Joe Basile | thechicken.net Get early access and bonus content PRETEND+ on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/channel/pretend/id6443456985 Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/pretendradio © 2026 Creative Babble LLC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rony Denis wasn't just the spiritual leader at the House of Prayer Christian Church... He was their god. In Part 5, former members start connecting the dots on how Rony Denis consolidated control, and it's worse than you think. He ordered members to smash their own phones in front of the congregation. He commanded public confessions. And when he set his eyes on something he wanted, whether that was another man's wife or a ten-year-old boy, he found a way to take it. Written and Produced by Javier Leiva Edited by Puneeth Shenoy | Podcast Pundits https://www.podcastpundits.com/ Music by Joe Basile | thechicken.net Get early access and bonus content — join on Patreon or try PRETEND+ free on Apple Podcasts. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/pretendradio Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/channel/pretend/id6443456985 © 2026 Creative Babble LLC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

I teamed up with Carter Roy for a special guest collaboration on Murder: True Crime Stories and this one is something else. For the full episode, follow Murder: True Crime Stories on your favorite podcast app: https://pod.link/1745145932In November 2006, Abraham Shakespeare won $30 million in the Florida Lottery. He couldn't read or write, and within two years he'd given most of it away to anyone who asked. Then Dee Dee Moore showed up promising to protect what was left — and within months, she had his house, his insurance, and his power of attorney. Not long after, Abe vanished. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Note: This episode contains graphic descriptions of sexual abuse and psychological manipulation. It started with a revolt. Thirty ministers walked out of NTCC mid-service and never looked back. They thought they were done with high-control leadership, mandatory tithing, and pastors who ruled by fear. They were wrong. In this episode, former pastor Arlen Bradeen and Greg Shepard tell us what happened when they followed Rony Denis to Georgia — and what it cost them to finally get out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In part three of Chain of Command, we hear from those who grew up in the New Testament Christian Churches of America. From Victor Johanson, a former Army soldier who confirms on tape that NTCC ministers got vasectomies because children would interfere with their ministry. From a woman we're calling Kaylee, who was raised inside the church and was groomed and assaulted by a family member who was also an NTCC minister. And we look at how the church's CEO, Michael Kekel, has publicly stated at one point that no church is under a legal obligation to report child abuse. This episode discusses sexual assault and the grooming of minors. Please take care while listening. Want to keep going? Bonus episodes featuring the full unedited conversations with Victor Johanson and Kaylee are available right now on PRETEND+ on Apple Podcasts and on Patreon. You'll get bonus episodes and full access to the PRETEND archive. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/channel/pretend/id6443456985 Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/pretendradio Resources mentioned in this episode: Stay Away From NTCC (former member YouTube channel run by Tracy Pelfrey) The Mountain News (Bruce Smith's reporting on NTCC) Washington State Senate Bill 5375 (clergy mandatory reporting law, May 2025) Support and resources: If you or someone you know is currently serving in the military and feels pressured by a religious group, you have options. Military OneSource is available 24/7 at 1-800-342-9647. Your installation chaplain can also provide confidential support across all faiths. If you're a former member of NTCC or another high-control group and looking for support, the International Cultic Studies Association at icsahome.com offers resources, recovery workshops, and a directory of professionals familiar with high-control group recovery. If you've experienced sexual assault, RAINN's National Sexual Assault Hotline is available 24/7 at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673), or online at rainn.org. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Part one was about control. Part two is about the money. Behind the soul-winning and the sermons and the bylaws, the New Testament Christian Churches of America runs a very well-funded business. Tithing is tracked, enforced, and tied to your military paycheck. Fall behind and you go before the general board. Fall further behind and you lose your credentials. So where does the tithing money go? Church CEO Michael Kekel told his congregation they owed $25,000 a year in property taxes on the fellowship hall. But tax records tell a different story. The fellowship hall paid $9.65. The $25,000? That's the bill on a personal house in the name of Kekel's wife. In this episode: -Tracy Pelfrey, former NTCC member of 17 years -Bruce Smith, reporter, The Mountain News, who has covered NTCC for nearly two decades -Sarah DeJonghe, former Navy Seabee and NTCC ex-member -Archival recordings of R.W. Davis, founder of NTCC -Archival recordings of Michael Kekel, CEO of NTCC Next time on Pretend: Former members say that NTCC fosters a culture where adult men courting teenage girls isn't just tolerated — it's encouraged. That's next time. Listen to Part 3 now: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/pretendradio Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/channel/pretend/id6443456985 If you or someone you know is currently serving in the military and feels pressured by a religious group or organization, you have options. The Military OneSource confidential helpline is available 24/7 at 1-800-342-9647. You can also reach out to your installation chaplain, who can provide confidential support across all faiths and no faith at all. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In 1996, Sarah DeJonghe was a 20-year-old Navy Seabee stationed in Okinawa, Japan. Two guys in uniform approached her on base and invited her to church. She said no. They came back anyway. Four months later, Sarah was out of the Navy and on her way to a Bible seminary in Washington State. She didn't see it coming. Neither did the dozens of other military members who found themselves drawn into the New Testament Christian Churches of America, a church that has spent decades planting itself outside US military bases around the world, marketing itself as a home away from home for single, lonely soldiers. Former members say it's a cult. Want to keep going? Part Two is available right now on PRETEND+ on Apple Podcasts and on Patreon. You'll get every episode of this series ad-free and a week early, plus bonus episodes and full access to the PRETEND archive. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/channel/pretend/id6443456985 Patreon: www.patreon.com/cw/pretendradio Resources mentioned in this episode: NTCC bylaws (publicly available): https://myntcc.org/bylaws/ Stay Away From NTCC (former member YouTube channel run by Tracy Pelfrey) - https://www.youtube.com/@StayAwayFromNTCC Bruce Smith's reporting at The Mountain News Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A Colorado businessman with a criminal record, no credit, and a gift for charm somehow convinced dozens of women to finance his cars, his home, and his lifestyle. When they finally compared notes, they didn't get mad. They got organized. This is the story of Bill Sullivan, and the self-appointed militia of scorned women who banded together to take him down: Operation Cockblock. Before you go: Stick around for a sneak peek at Chain of Command, PRETEND's new investigative series about a secretive church that brands itself a "ministry to the military" and has been operating near U.S. military bases around the world. 🎧 Listen now on PRETEND+ on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/channel/pretend/id6443456985 💙 Or on Patreon: https://patreon.com/pretendradio?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Somebody went through hundreds of Reddit comments asking what the greatest podcast episode of all time is, then actually listened to all of them. That somebody is Ivy, the creator behind @watchandlisten.ivy on TikTok, and she has been going viral ever since. In this episode we go through the ones that kept coming up: Reply All: "The Case of the Missing Hit" https://open.spotify.com/episode/0CaOGo6xSN51B2aLAQa1kU Heavyweight: "Gregor" https://open.spotify.com/episode/6LKrLVEAY3tsqHPURec6ke Mystery Show: "Belt Buckle" https://open.spotify.com/episode/7niwu8ksl85o2GP2IUEJdA Radiolab: "Colors" https://open.spotify.com/episode/7ugEsqx79eit9kFVw5xN7a You're Wrong About: "Andes Flight 571" https://open.spotify.com/episode/2Tqgu60WVXQWYMqiwWy5F7 Love and Radio: "The Living Room" https://open.spotify.com/episode/1HQSZAsQ78AanIb68NChHC Follow Ivy: @watchandlisten.ivy https://www.tiktok.com/@watchandlisten.ivy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On January 6th, 2021, Pam Hemphill followed the Proud Boys to the Capitol, got trampled by the mob, was carried out by a police officer named Joe, and recorded every minute of it. The internet called her the MAGA Granny. She did 60 days in federal prison. And then, slowly, she woke up. When Trump issued sweeping pardons for more than 1,500 January 6th defendants, Pam did something almost no one else did. She said no. She filed a formal letter of rejection, returned to the Capitol to apologize to officers in person, received death threats, lost a 12-year relationship, and kept talking anyway. In a series about people who got pardons they didn’t deserve, Pam Hemphill is the one who deserved consideration and walked away from it anyway. You’ve heard about January 6th. You think you know the story. You don’t know it like this. Quick Links •  FBI Affidavit (Case 1:21-cr-00555-RCL): Read the original charging document https://jan6attack.com/DoJ/hemphill-pamela/1469486.pdf •  Pam Hemphill’s Wikipedia Page: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pamela_Hemphill •  Pam’s January 6th Testimony (PBS, January 6, 2026): Watch on PBS NewsHour •  Trump’s Truth Social Post (via HuffPost): Read the coverage •  Pam’s Pardon Rejection (NPR): Listen and read on NPR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

My cousin spent 23 years in an Illinois prison for a crime she says she didn't know she was committing. She was 33 when a judge handed down a 60-year sentence. She would have been 93 before she saw the outside again. This episode is personal. In "Only God Pardons," we follow my cousin Iris (not her real name) through the Illinois clemency system: what it takes to apply, what the odds actually look like, and what it means to finally get out, only to discover that freedom comes with its own kind of sentence. Along the way, we hear from Margaret Byrne, a Chicago attorney who has spent 45 years fighting for people inside Illinois prisons who shouldn't be there, including the women she represented through the Illinois Clemency Project for Battered Women. And we talk to Jeff Grant, attorney, minister, and co-founder of the White Collar Support Group, who argues that the pardon system doesn't go nearly far enough and who is pushing Congress to add federal expungement as a tool alongside clemency. We also look at what's happening at the federal level, where a booming paid-pardon industry has taken root around the White House. According to federal lobbying disclosures, clients paid firms more than five million dollars in 2025 just to get their clemency cases in front of the president, eight times what was spent seeking pardons from the Biden administration. And then there's Rod Blagojevich, the former Illinois governor convicted of corruption, commuted by Trump in 2020 and fully pardoned in his second term, a man who turned the governor's office into a shakedown operation, pardoned by a president who turned clemency into currency for whoever could afford the cover charge. Meanwhile, my cousin filed her petition the right way. Through the right channels. And waited. In this episode: Margaret Byrne, founder of the Illinois Clemency Project for Battered Women and veteran clemency attorney Jeff Grant, attorney, minister, and co-founder of the White Collar Support Group and the Federal Expungement Initiative Learn more: White Collar Support Group: whitecollaradvice.org Federal Expungement Initiative: contact Jeff Grant through the White Collar Support Group Illinois Prisoner Review Board: illinois.gov/agencies/prisoner-review-board Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Content Warning: This episode contains detailed descriptions of nursing home neglect, including accounts of residents found in unsanitary conditions. Listener discretion is advised. You're about to hear the story of a man who built a nursing home empire from a tiny office above a pizza parlor in New Jersey. His name is Joseph Schwartz. At its peak, his company Skyline Healthcare owned or operated more than 100 facilities across eleven states. What happened inside those facilities (the rationed diapers, the unpaid bills, the maggots, the residents left without food or clean water) is one of the cruelest stories of corporate neglect you will hear this year. When Schwartz finally got convicted of defrauding the government out of $38 million, he started making calls. In this episode, we'll follow the money from a nursing home empire to a presidential pardon, and then to a violent extortion plot that ended with an FBI arrest in Midtown Manhattan. EPISODE RESOURCES & SHOW NOTES ARTICLES & INVESTIGATIONS Brookings Register: Wave of SD nursing home closures hitting hardest in rural small towns URL: https://www.brookingsregister.com/article/wave-of-sd-nursing-home-closures-hitting-hardest-in-rural-small-towns Arkansas Advocate: Nursing home owner pardoned by Trump ordered to serve state sentence URL: https://arkansasadvocate.com Arkansas Democrat-Gazette (2019): Firm's fall risked care in homes for frail URL: https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2019/apr/28/firm-s-fall-risked-care-homes-frail-201/ Arkansas Democrat-Gazette (2025): Judge orders former nursing home magnate to prison URL: https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2025/dec/18/arkansas-judge-orders-former-nursing-home-magnate/ The Washington Post: Joseph Schwartz Trump Pardon Fraud (Coverage of the $960k lobbying effort) URL: https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/11/23/joseph-schwartz-trump-pardon-fraud/ The New York Times: Pardon Industry Offers Rich Offenders a Path to Trump The New York Times: Trump Pardons: Lobbyist Charged in Extortion Attempt Philadelphia Coverage: Skyline Healthcare: Scenes from the collapse of a nursing-home operator by Harold Brubaker BROADCAST COVERAGE NBC Nightly News: Nursing Home Chain Collapses Amid Allegation Of Unpaid Bills, Poor Care KELOLAND News: Skyline Healthcare owner facing federal charges PRIMARY SOURCE DOCUMENTS State Petition: Attorney General Tim Griffin's Petition to force Schwartz to serve his state sentence URL: https://arkansasadvocate.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Arkansas-v-Schwartz-12022025-Motion.pdf State Civil Lawsuit: State of South Dakota ex rel. Jason Ravnsborg v. Joseph Schwartz, et al. (Case No. 32CIV22-000010) Federal Criminal Complaint: U.S. v. Joshua Nass (Attempted extortion affidavit, Case No. 26-MJ-54) Lobbying Disclosures: Federal filings for Joshua Nass (Merkava Strategies Corporation) and Jack Burkman (J.M. Burkman & Associates) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

You know that little bottle of 5-Hour Energy sitting on the counter of almost every gas station in America? Someone was faking it. Millions of bottles, mixed by hand in a filthy warehouse by day laborers with no training, no sanitation licenses, and no recipe. Just plastic barrels, canoe paddles, and industrial chemicals that may not have been approved for human consumption. In this episode, you meet Geoffrey Potter, an anti-counterfeiting attorney at Patterson, Belknap, Webb and Tyler who only takes cases where the fake product can kill you. Think of him as a private prosecutor with powers most people don't even know a private attorney can have. He helped bring down one of the most sophisticated food counterfeiting operations in US history. You'll also learn what happened after the convictions. How a woman with no obvious connection to the President of the United States managed to secure not one, but two acts of presidential clemency. And how, just 42 days after walking out of prison, she was already running a $59 million scheme in the background. This is the story of Adriana Camberos — a woman who was convicted twice, freed twice, and is still out there. This series is called I Beg Your Pardon for a reason. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Twelve days. That’s how long David Gentile spent in federal prison for a $1.8 billion fraud that wiped out the retirement savings of 17,000 people. On Thanksgiving 2025, President Trump signed a one-page clemency grant, commuting Gentile’s seven-year sentence to time served and erasing a $15 million restitution order in the process. In this episode, we talk to one of those 17,000 victims, CarolAnn Tutera, a 70-year-old still working because she can’t afford not to. We also talk to securities fraud attorney Adam Gana and Ponzi Playbook co-host Neal McTighe about how the scheme worked, what the pardon means, and what it says about the current climate for white collar crime. CarolAnn Tutera GPB Capital investor and CEO of Tutera Medical tuteramedical.com Adam Gana Securities fraud attorney, Gana LLP ganalawfirm.com/adam-gana Neal McTighe Co-host, Ponzi Playbook podcast Ponzi Playbook on Spotify The Conviction and Sentencing DOJ Press Release justice.gov The Blueprint of the Fraud SEC Civil Complaint sec.gov The White House Response Forbes Breaking News — search: “Karoline Leavitt Asked About Trump’s Commutation Of Private Equity CEO’s Fraud Sentence” 00:00  CarolAnn’s Story 04:06  David Gentile’s Promise 04:38  I Beg Your Pardon 07:02  How a Ponzi Scheme Works 14:21  The Smoking Gun Emails 15:47  CarolAnn’s $400K 16:42  The Takedown 18:38  The Verdict 19:22  The Pardon 20:06  The White House Response 23:12  Restitution Wiped Out 29:51  The Pay-to-Play Pattern 33:41  The Perfect Storm GuestsResourcesChapters36:44  Ponzi Playbook Returns Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jerry Bush was a plumber from Virginia with fourteen employees, a wife battling cancer, and a business his father built from nothing. When a big construction job left him waiting on $350,000 he'd already earned, he did what you'd probably do. He looked for a loan. The man who picked up the phone was named Jonathan Braun. Before Braun found Jerry, he was running a half-billion dollar international drug smuggling operation. After he found Jerry, he froze his bank account, drained his father's retirement, took money from his 16-year-old son, and told Jerry his only way out was to win the lottery or die. And then things got worse. By the time it was over, Jerry Bush had lost his business, his savings, and nearly his life. Jonathan Braun had a Ferrari, a Lamborghini, a personal butler, and a very powerful friend. What happens next will make you question everything you think you know about who the justice system is actually designed to protect and who it leaves behind. I Beg Your Pardon is a new investigative series from PRETEND. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

CONTENT WARNING: Graphic content. Listener discretion is advised.   Who’s Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey — Revisited A lot of people ask: where should I start if I just discovered PRETEND? The answer is always LaDonna. It’s been almost two years since the first episode of Who’s Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey dropped — and this one is still mind-blowing. Whether you’re a first-time listener or coming back to revisit, this is the place to start. In this episode, we’re replaying Part One. It’s a hell of an introduction. 🎧 Want the full series? We’ve put together a Spotify playlist with all the episodes and updates, tidied up in one place. Check it out below. ➡️ Listen to the full LaDonna Humphrey playlist on Spotify   https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2LOnqAGe8D4JQ4bAwjGn9P?si=54f21cbedfb640f8 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

I want to share a quick update about the "Hand That Held Me" series. Due to some recent developments, I’ve made the decision to postpone the release. I know many of you were expecting it, and I’m sorry for the change. These situations can be complex, and I want to make sure I handle the story the right way. This also leaves an unexpected three-week gap in the schedule while I prepare the next series. I appreciate your patience as I work to queue up what’s coming next. Thank you, as always, for listening and for trusting the work. — Javier Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We conclude one of the most disturbing series ever covered on this podcast. Here are parts 3 and 4 of the Pests. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, we're revisiting one of the most terrifying series ever produced for PRETEND. It's about a gang-stalking internet group known as The Pests. Content Advisory: This episode is disturbing and includes language and topics not suitable for all audiences. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Look, I'm not anti-private school. You want your kid to learn in an environment that matches your beliefs? Cool. To each their own. But should your neighbors be paying for it? North Carolina is funneling half a billion dollars into private schools with almost zero oversight. 87% of new voucher money is going to families who were already paying for private school. Meanwhile, public schools are losing funding and teachers are getting paid near the bottom in the country. In this episode, I talk to a former student, a policy researcher, and a reporter who couldn't find a school that was cashing state checks. Spoiler: it took her seven addresses to track it down. Stephen Cordes — Former student at the Word of Faith Christian School in Spindale, NC Kris Nordstrom — Senior Policy Analyst, NC Justice Center Education & Law Project https://www.ncjustice.org/author/kris-nordstrom/ Blair Reeves — Executive Director, Carolina Forward https://carolinaforward.org/about/ Ann Doss Helms — Former Education Reporter, WFAE (Charlotte's NPR station). 22 years covering education in Charlotte. https://www.wfae.org/people/ann-doss-helms Kris Nordstrom's voucher discrepancy analysis (NC Justice Center) https://www.ncjustice.org/analysis-nc-private-school-voucher-program/ Ann Doss Helms' reporting on TAS Academy (WFAE): Charlotte private school had more vouchers than students: https://www.wfae.org/education/2023-06-27/charlotte-private-school-had-more-vouchers-than-students-and-wheres-the-building The elusive voucher school — some answers and lingering questions: https://www.wfae.org/education/2023-08-01/charlottes-elusive-voucher-school-some-answers-and-lingering-questions Elusive voucher school has a new address in Harrisburg: https://www.wfae.org/education/2024-03-07/elusive-voucher-school-has-a-new-address-in-harrisburg-and-students-are-there Carolina Forward https://carolinaforward.org NC Justice Center — Education & Law Project https://www.ncjustice.org PRETEND Season 3 — Word of Faith Fellowship https://www.pretendradio.org If you live in North Carolina and you have an opinion about how your tax dollars are being spent on private school vouchers, let your legislators know. They work for you. Find your NC state representative and senator: https://www.ncleg.gov/findyourlegislators Call the NC General Assembly directly: 919-733-4111 (ask to speak to your representative or senator) Public Schools First NC also has a full contact list with emails for every member of the General Assembly, including education committee members: https://publicschoolsfirstnc.org/engage/contact-elected-officials/ You don't have to live in North Carolina to care about this. If your state has a voucher program, find out where the money's going. Ask the questions nobody else is asking. Got a story idea? Hit me up: javier@pretendradio.org GuestsResources & Further ReadingMake Your Voice HeardContact Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hey guys, it's Javier here with a new recommendation! I've come across a true crime podcast that I just had to share with you all. It's called 'Everything They Missed' and it's hosted by Stephanie Tinsley. This podcast dives deep into the possible wrongful conviction and police mishandling of the Danny Harris case, a particularly gruesome murder that was mishandled from the get-go. What sets this podcast apart is Stephanie's dedication to uncovering the truth, including hiring her own private investigator https://www.everythingtheymissed.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Criminals have been impersonating ICE agents, using fake badges to rape, rob, kidnap, and terrorize communities across America. These imposters have conducted workplace raids, street stops, and home invasions. They wear tactical gear, drive unmarked vehicles, and ask "Are you a U.S. citizen?" Our investigation documented 13 cases spanning from 2016 to last week. We also talk with Laura Jadeed, a reporter who received a job offer from ICE despite skipping most of the application process. Content Warning: This episode contains descriptions of sexual assault, police violence, and the deaths of U.S. citizens. Listener discretion is advised. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Patreon supporter Kenito Wills joins Javier to break down the finale of the "Didn't See It Coming" series. They talk through Susanne Wilson calling off the reading at the last minute. Did she know it was a sting? Did she just have a bad feeling? Javier shares a detail that got cut from the episode: Suzanne actually arranged for the fake family to get a reading with another medium in Europe, which suggests she wasn't 100% sure it was a setup. Plus: Kenito and Javier swap palm reading stories from college. Kenito was told he'd have five kids (he didn't). Javier was told he'd meet the love of his life right after a bad breakup (he did). The takeaway isn't that psychics aren't real or that you can't grieve however you want. It's that if someone mentions Reynolds Wrap and your maiden name is Reynolds, maybe ask some questions. Susan Gerbic's YouTube channel "Psychics Explained" has dozens of videos documenting Operation Banana Cream Pie and other investigations. Link in the show notes. Watch the full videos of Operation Banana Cream Pie on Susan Gerbic's YouTube page: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcSfdioxwHQGkyFZ68maphdIJuYcb8xln Want to see more psychic stings? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The sting is set. The bait is in place. Six skeptics are logged into a Zoom call, pretending to be grieving siblings. They've paid $1,400 for a private reading with a medium Susan Gerbic believes is a hot reader. Months of planning have led to this moment. And then... the medium does something no one expected. In the finale of this three-part series, we find out what happened to Operation Banana Cream Pie. Then, Susan shares recordings from other readings she's analyzed, walking us through what she believes is evidence of hot reading in action. We break down the techniques, examine the receipts, and let you decide what it all means. Watch the full videos of Operation Banana Cream Pie on Susan Gerbic's YouTube page: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcSfdioxwHQGkyFZ68maphdIJuYcb8xln Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Patreon supporter Christine Harnos (not the Star Trek actress, the other one) joins Javier to break down Part 2 of the "Didn't See It Coming" series before listening to the finale. They get into the weeds on Susan Gerbic's sting setup: the Facebook accounts she's been maintaining for years, the fake obituary, the hog farm detail. If a psychic mentions pigs, you know something's up. They also discuss the difference between hot reading and cold reading, why "scientifically tested" doesn't mean what mediums want you to think it means, and the troubling relationship between psychic mediums and grief support organizations like Helping Parents Heal. Christine also shares a strange, unexplainable moment from her own life involving her daughter and a daycare power outage. Want more? Susan Gerbic documented the entire Operation Banana Cream Pie sting on her YouTube channel "Psychics Explained"—20+ videos of behind-the-scenes footage. Link in the show notes. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcSfdioxwHQGkyFZ68maphdIJuYcb8xln Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In Part 1, we watched skeptic Susan Gerbic dissect a celebrity psychic's cold reading techniques. But cold reading is the little leagues of the psychic industry. In Part 2, Susan sets her sights on something harder to catch... a hot reader. Hot reading is when a psychic does their homework, researching their clients before the reading even starts. So Susan devises an elaborate sting: fake Facebook accounts, fake obituaries, fake family members, and $1,400 worth of bait designed to catch a medium in the act. Six skeptics go undercover as grieving siblings. They don't know each other. They don't know the backstory. And they have no idea what's about to happen. This episode takes you inside "Operation Banana Cream Pie." Let's just say, the moment the medium logs onto the Zoom call, no one saw it coming. ABOUT SUSAN GERBIC: Susan Gerbic is a Fellow of the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry and founder of Guerrilla Skepticism on Wikipedia, a group that has written over 2,000 Wikipedia articles on science and pseudoscience — viewed more than 200 million times. Her most famous investigation, "Operation Pizza Roll," was featured in The New York Times Magazine and exposed medium Thomas John's hot reading techniques. Susan runs the nonprofit About Time, which funds her ongoing psychic investigations. Want more? Susan Gerbic documented the entire Operation Banana Cream Pie sting on her YouTube channel "Psychics Explained"—20+ videos of behind-the-scenes footage. Link in the show notes. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcSfdioxwHQGkyFZ68maphdIJuYcb8xln LINKS & RESOURCES: Susan Gerbic's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PsychicsExplained About Time Project: https://www.abouttimeproject.org/ NYT Magazine feature on Operation Pizza Roll: https://archive.ph/20190226135004/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/26/magazine/psychics-skeptics-facebook.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Longtime Patreon supporter Rebecca Catalfu joins Javier to unpack her firsthand experience going undercover at Matt Fraser's psychic readings. Rebecca went into this investigation as a believer and came out the other side with a very different perspective. In this conversation, she and Javier break down the patterns they observed across multiple readings: the decision tree (grandparent, parent, or mystery), the "who is that to you?" fishing technique, the stop statements psychics use when they're not getting hits, and the emotional bell curve that takes grievers to rock bottom before lifting them back up with platitudes. Rebecca also shares what it was like to make it into the virtual "panelist waiting room," the inconsistencies she noticed while analyzing readings for Susan's YouTube channel, and why she's most concerned about the predatory potential these readings pose to vulnerable people. Plus: Javier attempts his own cold reading. It does not go well. LINKS: Susan Gerbic's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PsychicsExplained Matt Fraser Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcSfdioxwHQGkyFZ68maphdIJuYcb8xln Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Skeptic Susan Gerbic invited PRETEND inside one of her psychic sting operations. In Part 1 of this three-part series, we go inside "Operation Gobble Gotcha," a Thanksgiving sting targeting celebrity psychic Matt Fraser. Susan and her team of volunteers infiltrate one of Matt's online group readings to observe his techniques in real time. What they witness isn't a connection to the other side. It's a technique called cold reading. And once you see it, you can't unsee it. BINGE ALL THREE EPISODES: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/posts/didnt-see-it-2-147839354?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link PRETEND+ on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/channel/pretend/id6443456985 ABOUT SUSAN GERBIC: Susan Gerbic is a Fellow of the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry and founder of Guerrilla Skepticism on Wikipedia, a group that has written over 2,000 Wikipedia articles on science and pseudoscience — viewed more than 200 million times. Her most famous investigation, "Operation Pizza Roll," was featured in The New York Times Magazine and exposed medium Thomas John's hot reading techniques. Susan runs the nonprofit About Time, which funds her ongoing psychic investigations. LINKS & RESOURCES: Susan Gerbic's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PsychicsExplained About Time Project: https://www.abouttimeproject.org/ NYT Magazine feature on Operation Pizza Roll: https://archive.ph/20190226135004/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/26/magazine/psychics-skeptics-facebook.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

PRETEND's first live YouTube AMA, co-hosted by Patreon supporter Katie Watson. The conversation covers listener questions about the making of PRETEND, behind-the-scenes stories, and what's coming next. Highlights include: how Javier knows when a story is worth pursuing (hint: it's like fishing) and his techniques for getting interview subjects to let their guard down. He shares updates on past subjects including LaDonna and Frank Abagnale. Looking ahead to 2026: Season 25 kicks off next week with psychic stings featuring undercover Patreon supporters. Also coming: State of Corruption (North Carolina), a caught-on-camera confessional, and a Word of Faith Fellowship update—the DA supposed to try the case is now on trial himself. 00:00 Intro 02:53 Katie's Podcast Journey 04:08 The Art of Storytelling 06:09 Balancing Bias in Journalism 07:49 Building Trust with Interviewees 13:33 Balancing Podcasting and Life 14:55 Ponzi Playbook & Criminal Conduct 17:22 Scariest Interview Subjects 20:08 LaDonna Updates 26:15 Red Flags and Trust 27:37 Telepathy Tapes 30:58 The Truth in Storytelling 34:36 Interview Techniques 37:20 Biggest Challenges in Podcasting 39:14 Balancing Truth and Twists 42:37 Family Reactions 44:11 Maintaining Neutrality 45:19 Dream Project: Speed Dial 46:56 What's Coming in 2026 50:06 Proudest Series 58:35 Word of Faith Update 01:03:33 Season 25 Announcement Blind Dave (Katie's YouTube show "Only in the UK"): https://youtube.com/@blinddave88 Decoding the Unknown: https://youtube.com/@decodingtheunknown2373 The Greatest Hoax on Earth by Alan Logan: https://a.co/d/gIHDef2 ChaptersLinks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A Montana oncologist allegedly treated patients for cancer they never had and made millions doing it. We're re-releasing our two-part investigation into Dr. Thomas Weiner, plus a brand new interview with whistleblower Dr. Randy Sasich on what's happened since. The medical board finally revoked Weiner's license, but criminal charges still loom, a wrongful death lawsuit is underway, and the broken system that enabled this hasn't changed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

'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

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

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

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

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

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

In this bonus episode, Ali, one of my longtime Patreon supporters, reached out after listening to the Cancer Sympathy Machine series. Ali talks openly about her past with addiction, stigma, Hep C treatment and why some people hide the truth about what they’re really going through. I’m also sharing two listener stories about friends, classmates, and loved ones who faked cancer. Thanks to everyone who’s reached out, shared stories, and supported the show. And if you’ve got something you want to talk about, send it my way: javier@pretendradio.org Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

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

Smallville's Allison Mack is out of prison, and she's finally talking. What was NXIVM, and how did Allison Mack become a high-ranking member?NXIVM was a self-help organization that sold leadership training and personal development courses. Beneath the surface, it operated as a coercive group led by Keith Raniere, using control tactics like starvation diets, sleep deprivation, emotional manipulation, and eventually a secret “master-slave” subgroup called DOS. Who is Allison Mack?Allison Mack, best known from Smallville, joined NXIVM in the mid-2000s. She rose quickly inside the group and later played a major role in recruiting and controlling women within DOS. Mack pled guilty to racketeering and served three years in federal prison for her crimes. She was released in 2023. What is this episode about?In this conversation, journalist Natalie Robehmed — host of the new CBC podcast Allison After NXIVM — explains how Allison Mack describes her journey from devoted follower to active perpetrator. We break down the psychological mechanics that made NXIVM work: obedience training, emotional conditioning, sexual manipulation, and why even smart people get pulled into systems like this. We also revisit Allison’s early life as a child actor, her abusive relationship before NXIVM, and how these patterns help explain the control she eventually exerted over others. After you listen, check out:👉 Allison After NXIVM from Uncover (CBC + Campsite Media) — Episode 1 is out now. https://open.spotify.com/show/5asD2sDYXsiUCtYi7VUO49?si=0325705c159b4f54 👉 Comic Book Central’s 2016 interview with Allison Mack — recorded before NXIVM collapsed, offering an eerie look at who she was then. https://open.spotify.com/episode/1VXZyFrQGrzwHzgU1D1Cih?si=dd94dae2332a493e 20% off all NordStellar Plans (valid until December 10th, 2025)  Link: nordstellar.com/pretend  Coupon code is: blackfriday20  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A 32-year-old woman enrolled herself in three Boston high schools and passed as a teenager. She sat in classrooms, made friends with freshmen, and even joined the girls basketball team. She wore number 32 on her jersey, which also happened to be her real age. This is the story of Shelby Hewitt, a state social worker who lived a double life. For two years, she convinced students, teachers, and administrators that she was a foster kid with nowhere else to go. She built fake social workers and false backstories to make her cover believable. When PRETEND first aired this episode, there were more questions than answers. Was Shelby trying to relive her youth? Was she gathering information on the kids she worked with? Or was she doing this just for kicks? In this replay, you will hear the original story and then get the latest updates. Since the episode first aired, new details have emerged about the extent of her lies and who got caught up in them. We will also examine the criminal charges she is currently facing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Breaking news in the stalker case: Rick Fernandez has pleaded guilty to harassment. Instead of facing trial, he admitted responsibility for a new wave of harassment tied to the book he published while awaiting trial on felony charges. His sentence? 180 days in jail (suspended) along with three years of probation. If Rick contacts the victims directly or indirectly, he risks going to jail and facing new charges. In this episode, I dig into what this guilty plea really means, and you’ll also hear from Rick’s sister, Olivia Fernandez, who shares her complicated reaction to the news. The big question is: will Rick finally stop the harassment, or is this just another chapter in a story that refuses to end? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Listener discretion is advised. This episode contains discussions of sexual abuse and may not be suitable for all audiences. In 1964, Winston Moseley stalked and murdered Kitty Genovese. The case became infamous not only for its brutality but also for the silence of neighbors who heard her cries and did nothing. During his trial, Moseley confessed to other killings, including the murder of 15-year-old Barbara Kralik. But another man, Alvin Mitchell, had already confessed to that crime. Two men. Two confessions. One murder. This episode is not just about Barbara Kralik’s death. It is about Alvin Mitchell, who later reinvented himself as a minister and claimed he was a wrongfully convicted man saved by God. Behind that testimony, his children say Alvin was hiding decades of abuse. You will hear from Naomi, one of Alvin’s daughters, and Pastor Pete, a prison minister who once worked alongside Alvin. And for the first time, you will hear Alvin himself as I confront him directly. This is a story about the cost of looking away. 👉 Support independent investigative storytelling. Join PRETEND on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pretendradio Fraud Uncovered by Trade Winds October 01, 2025 11:30 am - 1:30 pm Register here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/rvcxhpf/lp/3e23dfff-59f6-4be9-82b2-821afd2293b1?mode=preview&source_id=34206647-f2bd-4bc3-9c6a-4f3882a86833&source_type=em&c= To book Javier Leiva for keynotes, workshops, or speaking events, visit pretendradio.org Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tyler Fehrman went undercover for the FBI after his mentor, Ohio GOP chair Matt Borges, offered him a $15,000 check. His recordings helped uncover a $63 million bribery scheme that brought down House Speaker Larry Householder. This is Part Two of State of Corruption from Pretend. Credits: Portions of this episode reference material from the HBO documentary Dark Money Games.Written and Produced by: Javier Leiva & Mackenzie AmesEditor: Puneeth Shenoy with Podcast Pundits Listening on Spotify? Scroll down and leave a comment on this episode. Tell me what corruption stories are happening in your state. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tyler Fehrman went undercover to bring down the Speaker of the Ohio House. He wore a wire. He met with mentors who turned into suspects. He risked everything. This is the story of how one political insider helped expose a billion-dollar corruption scheme at the heart of Ohio politics. Part two will be available on Patreon and PRETEND+ this weekend. Stay tuned Credits: Portions of this episode reference material from the HBO documentary Dark Money Games. Written and Produced by: Javier Leiva & Mackenzie AmesEditor: Puneeth Shenoy with https://podcastpundits.com/Theme Music: by Thechicken.net Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

If you’re a longtime listener, you probably remember my interview with Joe Pistone, the real Donnie Brasco. But I forgot to ask one important question: Where did the name Donnie Brasco even come from? Turns out, it wasn’t made up. Donnie Brasco is a real person. He’s Joe Pistone’s nephew. And not just any nephew — an undercover FBI agent who followed in his uncle’s footsteps. This story blew my mind, and I wouldn’t have known about it if it weren’t for my friend and fellow podcaster Jerri Williams, host of FBI Case File Review. Jerri interviewed both Joe Pistone and the real Donnie Brasco. Yes, both of them. This might be the FBI’s worst-kept secret, and it’s finally out. This is history being rewritten, and I had to share it with you. So here it is... Part 1 of JerrI’s episode, re-shared with her blessing. Subscribe to FBI Case File Review: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2PG0LHyYjKH7hWTtql3Lfo?si=c55ae6e3d47a4142 Learn more: https://jerriwilliams.com/367-donnie-brasco-following-in-the-footsteps-of-uncle-joe-pistone-part-1/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A 911 call in Madison County, Arkansas reported what sounded like a violent attack. It should have remained confidential. But when LaDonna Humphrey got involved, that caller’s life was turned upside down. Now she is caught in a web of harassment, conspiracy theories, and public exposure that puts her safety at risk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

LaDonna Humphrey has spent years trying to overturn a $3.57 million judgment. But in a rare legal move, her right to appeal was sold in bankruptcy court — to the very person she was fighting, Anthony Christopher. In this episode, you'll hear directly from Anthony Christopher as he reacts to the latest court decision. I also spoke with law professor Joshua M. Silverstein from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and Mark Friedman from Arkansas Business, who explained how this type of sale is even possible. If you want to hear my full bonus conversation with Professor Silverstein, you can find it here:👉 https://www.patreon.com/posts/yes-person-who-135873336 And if you’re just now joining the story, binge the entire series:🎧 Who’s Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey on Spotify👉 https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2LOnqAGe8D4JQ4bAwjGn9P?si=2a376d2f740443ee Stick around — next week in Part 18, we dig into new allegations of harassment. This time, the alleged victim is a 911 caller and a key witness to a murder case. You don’t want to miss it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on PRETEND, we’re bringing you something special: a feed drop from Nobody Should Believe Me, an award-winning investigative true crime podcast created by author Andrea Dunlop. With over 15 million downloads and a spot on The New York Times' radar as “a rich and harrowing chronicle of the condition,” this show dives deep into one of the most disturbing forms of abuse—Munchausen by Proxy. Told through the voices of survivors and leading experts, Nobody Should Believe Me pulls back the curtain on cases that are as heartbreaking as they are eye-opening. Season Six unpacks the devastating saga of the McDaniel family—a true Southern Gothic story of generational trauma and medical child abuse that has haunted those involved for decades. And here’s some exciting news: PRETEND is now part of Andrea Dunlop’s new true crime podcast network, True Story Media. We're proud to be joining forces with storytellers who aren’t afraid to dig into the darkest corners of human behavior. Listen to Season 6 of Nobody Should Believe Me now: 🎧 https://open.spotify.com/episode/4OBmfOH5umqm6AHKtBNprg?si=963e00595cd740c0 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Melanie dies. Jayson takes control of her estate. Then he moves in with her mother. Her children are stunned. They suspect something isn’t right, especially as questions about Melanie’s will and health begin to surface. Jayson was the last person caring for her before she passed. Just when we think the story is over, another woman comes forward. We’re calling her Julie. She says she was seeing Jayson during this same time. In this episode, we unravel what really happened after Melanie’s death and why her family is still looking for answers. Written and Produced by: Javier Leiva & Mackenzie AmesEditor: Puneeth Shenoy with https://podcastpundits.com/Theme Music: by Thechicken.net Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In Part 2 of The Playwright, we shift focus to the show at the center of it all: The History of Now. Written and directed by Jason Bartlett, the play was billed as a bold, political drama. It was a plan meant to honor a woman he claimed to love. But former cast members and collaborators started noticing red flags. Was this play ever really meant to open? Or was it all just a front? Was The History of Now a sincere artistic project...or just another performance? Written and Produced by: Javier Leiva & Mackenzie AmesEditor: Puneeth ShenoyTheme Music: by Thechicken.net Episode Credits: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, we investigate the mysterious Jayson Bartlett and the many women whose lives he upended. Emma was a single mother in England who fell for Bartlett’s charm and artistic persona. At first, everything seemed perfect. But soon, she realized she was being gaslit, lied to, and emotionally manipulated. Then there’s Melanie. She lived in North Carolina and had been diagnosed with a terminal illness. She thought she had found love and a creative partner. Instead, Jayson took control of her finances and disappeared. Episode Credits: Written and Produced by: Javier Leiva & Mackenzie AmesEditor: Puneeth ShenoyTheme Music: by Thechicken.net 🔓 Get Early Access: Hear the next episode early and unlock bonus content by subscribing to:Pretend Plus on Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/channel/pretend/id6443456985 Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/c/pretendradio Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What if your phone could place you at the scene of a crime—years later? In this bonus episode of PRETEND, we uncover how nearly 200 mobile devices that visited Jeffrey Epstein’s private island left behind invisible data trails. Using just a free trial from a location data broker, an outsider was able to map those devices back to homes, offices, and even gated communities across the U.S. This episode dives into how mobile advertising IDs—those “anonymous” trackers buried inside your apps—are being used to surveil people without their knowledge. It’s not just Epstein’s guests. Similar tactics were used to target abortion clinic visitors in Wisconsin… and the law hasn’t kept up. Sources and Further Reading: WIRED: Location Data From Phones Used to Track Epstein Island Visitors https://www.wired.com/video/watch/we-tracked-every-visitor-to-epstein-island Motherboard (VICE): A Data Broker Was Selling Location Data on People Who Visited Abortion Clinics https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2022/02/meet-abortion-bans-new-best-friend-your-phone/ EPIC.org: Data Broker Helped Anti-Abortion Group Target Planned Parenthood Visitors https://epic.org/data-broker-helped-anti-abortion-group-target-planned-parenthood-visitors-wyden-letter-reveals/ U.S. Congress: American Data Privacy and Protection Act (ADPPA) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Data_Privacy_and_Protection_Act Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David Crow says he was his father's criminal accomplice. In today's episode, we delve into the extraordinary story of David Crow, author of the book titled "The Pale-Faced Lie." It's the story of a father and son entangled in a life of crime. David recounts his experiences as his father's criminal accomplice, always by his side. And what it was like growing up with a violent and convicted felon who used the Native American reservation as a refuge to evade his enemies. This episode is the story of a young boy grappling with his place in the world, torn between his father's influence and his desire for a different path. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rick Fernandez—yes, the same Rick who thought he’d escaped six felonies—just got slapped with brand-new criminal charges in Phoenix Municipal Court. I flew in a court-runner to watch the hearing, dug through fresh police files, and pieced together how a self-published book and two midnight phone calls may blow up Rick & Tanya’s “clean-slate” diversion deal. 🎧 New to this saga? Binge the entire 20-part series first: The Stalker — Season 12 playlist on Spotify. Start there, then come right back. 🗂️ Docs & extras PDF of the new criminal complaint Snippet from Layers of Attack All available for Pretend + supporters 🤝 Support the Show Patreon / Apple Pretend + for early drops, bonus tapes, and deep-dive documents. Rate & review PRETEND on your favorite app—helps new listeners find the show! Host / Reporting: Javier LeivaCourt-runner: Tore LynnTheme: TheChicken.net © 2025 Creative Babble Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on PRETEND, we're doing something different. I’m bringing on my friend Johnathan Walton, the mastermind behind Queen of the Con, to share the premiere episode of his brand-new podcast series: Cocaine Air. Jonathan isn’t just a victim of a con artist—he’s turned his trauma into a storytelling empire. And in Cocaine Air, he tells the true story of TJ Dominguez, a Cuban-American businessman who got scammed out of $100,000 and decided to take matters into his own hands... by becoming one of the world’s biggest cocaine smugglers for Pablo Escobar. This story is wild, raw, and straight out of the Miami Vice era—but it's all true. If you're into PRETEND, you’re going to love Cocaine Air. 🎙️ Guest: Johnathan Walton🔗 Listen to the full series: CocaineAir.com📚 Preorder Johnathan’s book: Anatomy of a Con Artist: The 14 Red Flags of Scammers, Grifters, and Thieves (Out August 19). Also, listen to Johnathan share his personal scam story for the first time on PRETEND: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3ixMjLTNaxf4ONIuktqq7s?si=e80842100f984067If. If you liked this episode, text it to a friend who loves true crime. And don’t forget to leave a review for both PRETEND and Cocaine Air. Indie creators like us rely on your support. —Created and hosted by Javier LeivaFor more episodes, visit pretendradio.org Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In part 4 of 'The Internet Saves the Bachelor,' we examine the growing cracks in Laura Owens’ story as her pregnancy timeline collapses under scrutiny. At one hearing, she claims to be 24 weeks pregnant. In another, she says she miscarried months earlier. The dates keep shifting — July, August, October — and still, no medical provider can confirm that she was ever pregnant. Clayton Echard’s legal team seizes on the inconsistencies. They ask the court to dismiss the case, arguing it was filed in bad faith. Sanctions, attorney’s fees, and even questions of criminal liability begin to surface. Sources: SchnitzelNinja69 on YouTube Dave Neal Just Jen & Hay Bales – All the Best Research Justice for Clayton Wiki Megan Fox on YouTube Credits: Written by: Javier Leiva & Mackenzie Ames Hosted by: Javier Leiva Music: thechicken.net Produced by: Creative Babble Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In Part 3 of The Internet Saves the Bachelor, the truth—or at least, what remains of it—is put on trial. Laura Owens takes the stand. Under oath, she admits to altering the ultrasound she submitted as evidence. Her pregnancy timeline, once shaky, now completely collapses under cross-examination. The judge wants answers. The internet sleuths want accountability. And Clayton Echard? He just wants this nightmare to end. Part 4 is available right now on Patreon and PRETEND+ on Apple Podcast Sources: SchnitzelNinja69 on YouTube Dave Neal - https://www.youtube.com/@DaveNealComedian Just Jen & Hay Bales with https://allthebestresearch.com/ Justice for Clayton - https://justiceforclayton.com/wiki/index.php/Main_Page Megan Fox - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9XP_Ax4_vTi1IqSSRD9ORQ Credits Written by: Javier Leiva & Mackenzie Ames Hosted by: Javier Leiva Music by thechicken.net Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The story isn’t over. In Part 2, we dig deeper into the chaos that followed Laura Owens’ accusations against Bachelor star Clayton Echard. Internet sleuths start pulling court records, police reports, and medical documents. Their findings are wild — fake identities, stolen ultrasounds, and a pregnancy that might never have happened. Laura pushes back. She sues YouTuber Dave Neal and threatens to sue other podcasters for even discussing the case. In court, she testifies under oath. But her story keeps falling apart. This episode exposes the internet’s role in fighting back, not with conspiracy theories, but with receipts. Credits: Hosted, Produced: Javier Leiva Written by: Mackenzie Ames References: ⁠https://allthebestresearch.com⁠  Dave Neal's YouTube: ⁠https://youtube.com/@davenealcomedian?si=buUz1EGyODwQ6aGv⁠ https://justiceforclayton.com/wiki/index.php/Laura_Michelle_Owens_-_Court_Case_History https://www.reddit.com/r/JusticeForClayton/ https://victimsoflauraowens.com/coverage/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After a one-night hookup with a fan-turned-client, former Bachelor star Clayton Echard faced an unexpected legal battle — and public accusations that threatened to ruin his life. In this episode, we unpack the early timeline of Clayton’s explosive case with Laura Michelle Owens, who claimed she was pregnant with his twins… despite his insistence they never had sex. But Clayton wasn’t her first target. When no one else believed him, the internet showed up and started pulling Laura’s story apart. Stayed tuned for part 2 and 3 of the "Internet Saves the Bachelor." Be the first to listen on Patreon and PRETEND+ on Apple Podcast. Credits: Hosted, Produced: Javier Leiva Written by: Mackenzie Ames Additional Reporting: The Dating Detectives Podcast References: https://allthebestresearch.com  Dave Neal's YouTube: https://youtube.com/@davenealcomedian?si=buUz1EGyODwQ6aGv https://justiceforclayton.com/wiki/index.php/Laura_Michelle_Owens_-_Court_Case_History https://www.reddit.com/r/JusticeForClayton/ https://victimsoflauraowens.com/coverage/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of PRETEND, recorded live at the GISEC cybersecurity conference in Dubai, I spoke with Hieu Minh Ngo, once one of the most prolific identity thieves in the world. Operating out of Vietnam, Hieu stole and sold personal data on over 200 million Americans. We're talking names, birth dates, Social Security numbers—everything you’d need to become someone else. But he didn’t hack his way in. Instead, he used open-source intelligence and even impersonated a private investigator to gain legal access to massive data broker networks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

While speaking at a hacker conference in Dubai, Javier revisits a conversation with professional pickpocket and entertainer James Freedman. James reveals how a childhood scuffle led to a lifelong obsession with the art of pickpocketing, evolving from swiping coins to mastering social engineering and even digital fraud. 🔗 Listen to Part 2Click here for The Digital Pickpocket, Part 2 → 💬 Connect with Javier on social Instagram/Twitter/TikTok: @pretendpod 🛡 Stay safe: Learn how to defend yourself against modern pickpockets — both analog and digital. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How LaDonna Humphrey Used a Children's Event to Funnel Money Through Oasis of Northwest Arkansas. What happens when a glow-in-the-dark Easter egg hunt turns into a glowing red flag? In this bonus episode of PRETEND, host Javier Leiva exposes a so-called family event that promised “magic,” but delivered mayhem — all tied to LaDonna Humphrey and her questionable nonprofit, Oasis of Northwest Arkansas. Held at Mt. Hebron Park on April 12, 2025, the event was marketed as an unforgettable glow-in-the-dark Easter experience. According to the Facebook ad, attendees were told to: “Embark on an egg-citing adventure under the starry sky..." “Search high and low for luminescent treasures..." “Watch the park come alive with a kaleidoscope of vibrant colors..." “A plethora of prizes and surprises await..." But in reality, it was more like the FYRE Festival of Easter egg hunts. One parent described the event as “no different than any free egg hunt at a church”—except this one cost $50 per family. Instead of a kaleidoscope of vibrant colors, this event featured crying kids, confused parents, and a nonprofit operating in the dark, literally and figuratively. 👀 New LaDonna episodes are in the works — featuring new fake accounts, missing persons cases, and a sheriff caught in the crossfire. Stay tuned. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

Interview with a man convicted of a Ponzi scheme. Bill Livolsi says he was just trying to help his wife, Linda—the ringleader of a multi-million dollar investment scam. In this episode of PRETEND, Bill opens up about how he got roped into the scheme, ignored every red flag, and ultimately landed in prison. He describes fake hedge funds, imaginary employees, and a key investor who also happened to be a self-proclaimed witch and lottery winner. But here’s the twist: Linda isn’t just any con artist. She’s the sister of the woman who tried to steal Elvis Presley’s Graceland—something we covered in a previous episode of PRETEND. Yeah, this story just got a whole lot weirder. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Trigger warning: This episode contains graphic discussions of emotional, financial, sexual, and physical abuse. Listener discretion is strongly advised. When Lindsay first met him, he was charming, successful, and convincing—a financial advisor with all the right answers. What started as a storybook marriage quickly spiraled into a nightmare of manipulation, gaslighting, and escalating violence. In this episode of PRETEND, Lindsay opens up for the first time in a raw, unfiltered conversation. She walks us through the early warning signs she missed, the love bombing tactics used to win her over, and the slow, calculated process of control that followed. 💬 If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, help is available. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or visit thehotline.org. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After publishing the story of a woman trapped in a marriage with a narcissist, I wasn't sure how it would land. It wasn’t flashy. It didn’t end in violence or arrest. But the response was overwhelming. Listeners wrote in to say, “That was me.” Some still carry the trauma years later. Others are just now realizing what they went through was abuse. In this episode, we hear from listeners who saw their own relationships reflected in Ashley’s story. We also speak with criminal behavior analyst Laura Richards to understand how abuse often hides in plain sight—through gaslighting, coercive control, and emotional manipulation. And we ask: what happens when the narcissist isn’t a partner—but a parent? Or when the survivor is a man? This bonus episode is about the quiet kind of abuse—the kind people are afraid to talk about but desperately need to hear. 🔊 Featuring: Laura Richards and listeners who bravely shared their experiences ⚠️ Trigger warning: discussions of abuse, addiction, and coercive control 🛑 Warning Signs of Narcissistic Abuse: Love-bombing followed by emotional withdrawal or cruelty Gaslighting: making you doubt your memory, emotions, or reality Blaming you for their self-harm threats or emotional instability Constant criticism or belittling over mundane issues Financial control or sabotage Isolating you from family or friends Guilt-tripping, triangulation, or passive-aggressive threats Refusing accountability or twisting facts during arguments 📌 If you’re in a similar situation, here are resources that can help: National Domestic Violence Hotline (U.S.): 800-799-7233 or thehotline.org — 24/7, free, confidential Psychology Today Therapist Finder: psychologytoday.com SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) – for substance abuse and mental health support Domestic Shelters: domesticshelters.org – helps identify resources near you One Mom’s Battle: onemomsbattle.com – for navigating high-conflict custody and divorce Love is Respect: loveisrespect.org – support for young people in abusive relationships Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of PRETEND, we meet “Ashley”—not her real name—who recorded hours of arguments with her husband in an effort to understand what was happening inside her marriage. From the outside, it looked like petty spats over groceries or laundry. But when you hear the audio, you realize this was something darker. Ashley’s husband was emotionally abusive, manipulative, and battling addiction. It wasn’t until COVID lockdowns that his mask slipped and she could see who he really was. He used suicide threats to control her, drained her financially, and isolated her from support. And yet, as is often the case with narcissists, everyone else thought he was the victim. This is not one of the most outrageous stories we’ve told on PRETEND—but it’s one of the most common. It’s a story many people quietly live through and struggle to name. This is what emotional abuse sounds like. 🛑 Warning Signs of Narcissistic Abuse: Constant criticism or belittling (often about “small” things like chores or tone of voice) Love-bombing followed by extreme withdrawal or cruelty Gaslighting: making you question your memory, reality, or emotions Isolation from friends, family, or support systems Walking on eggshells to avoid setting them off Financial control or sabotage Using guilt, blame, or self-harm threats to manipulate behavior Alternating between praise and punishment Jealousy of your attention—especially toward children 📌 If you’re in a similar situation, here are resources that can help: National Domestic Violence Hotline (U.S.): 800-799-7233 or thehotline.org — Free, confidential, 24/7 Psychology Today Therapist Finder: psychologytoday.com Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services (SAMHSA) Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) Narcissist Abuse Recovery Support: DomesticShelters.org – Includes emotional abuse filters One Mom’s Battle: onemomsbattle.com – Focused on divorcing narcissists and protecting children Love is Respect (for younger listeners): loveisrespect.org Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It started with a missing breast milk keepsake. But when Cheyna Lee joined an online group of frustrated customers, she uncovered something much bigger—hundreds of victims, stolen mementos, and a scam artist hiding in plain sight. This is the story of Destiny Magoon, a small business owner who promised sentimental jewelry made from ashes, hair, and even breast milk—but left heartbreak in her wake. What followed was an online investigation that played out like a true crime documentary, exposing fraud, deception, and a woman willing to do anything to cover her tracks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Episode Summary: While working on the new season of Pretend, I wanted to bring back an episode from 2018 that’s worth another listen. It’s the story of Art Schlichter, a former Ohio State football star whose gambling addiction wrecked his life—and the lives of others. One of those people was Anita Barney, the widow of a Wendy’s CEO, who lost everything after trusting the wrong person. This isn’t just a story about gambling. It’s about how someone can slowly gain control over another person’s life and bank account, one small ask at a time. Topics Covered: ✔ How Art Schlichter went from an NFL draft pick to a convicted con artist ✔ The way he pulled Anita Barney into his schemes ✔ How quickly financial fraud can spiral out of control Resources & Links: 📖 Quarterback Sneak – Anita Barney’s book about what happened 📌 Follow Pretend on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pretendpod/ 📌 Join our Facebook group Have a Story to Share? If someone you trusted took advantage of you, I’d like to hear your story. Send a voice memo to Javier@pretendradio.org. 💡 Rate & Review! If you liked this episode, leave a review and share Pretend with a friend. 🎧 Subscribe & Stay Tuned – More episodes coming soon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

n part two of Licensed to Kill, we continue the shocking investigation into doctors who exploit their patients for profit. This episode follows Patty Hester, a fitness instructor who was misdiagnosed with a rare blood cancer and nearly subjected to years of unnecessary chemotherapy—all at the hands of Dr. Farid Fata, a Michigan oncologist who built his fortune by treating healthy patients for diseases they never had. But Fata isn’t alone. Across the country, doctors like Thomas Weiner, Ian Paterson, and Javaid Perwaiz have betrayed their patients, mutilated bodies, and destroyed lives—all under the guise of medical care. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What if your doctor wasn’t trying to save you, but trying to cash in on you? In this episode of Pretend, we uncover the shocking case of Dr. Thomas Weiner, an oncologist accused of prescribing years of brutal chemotherapy treatments to patients who may not have even had cancer. We follow the story of Scott Warwick, a man who was told he had stage 4 lung cancer and endured 11 years of toxic treatments—only to later learn there was no biopsy confirming his diagnosis. When Dr. Randy Sasich, a pulmonary critical care specialist, began questioning Weiner’s practices, he faced pushback, intimidation, and threats. But Weiner’s case isn’t unique. Across the country, doctors like Farid Fata, Jorge Zamora-Quezada, and Michael Swango have been caught exploiting patients for profit, exposing just how broken the U.S. healthcare system truly is. In this episode, we dive into: ✔️ How financial incentives reward doctors for prescribing unnecessary treatments ✔️ The loopholes in insurance billing that allow fraud to go undetected for years ✔️ The whistleblower who risked everything to expose the truth ✔️ The cult-like following that still defends Dr. Weiner 🔍 Sources & Additional Reading: ProPublica’s Investigative Report: "Eat What You Kill" : https://www.propublica.org/article/thomas-weiner-montana-st-peters-hospital-oncology 🎧 Next Time on Pretend: Meet a patient who underwent three years of cancer treatments—for cancer she never had. 🔔 Subscribe on Patreon or Pretend Plus for early access to Part 2: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pretendradio PRETEND+ on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/channel/pretend/id6443456985 📢 Follow us: @PretendPod on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook 💬 Have thoughts on this episode? Leave a review or send us a message—we’d love to hear from you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A group of women, all with eerily similar stories, say they were deceived—emotionally and financially—by the same man: William Sullivan. But instead of staying silent, they took matters into their own hands. They formed Operation Cock Block, a coordinated effort to expose what they claim were Sullivan’s deceptive tactics and warn others before they fell victim. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Facilitated Communication is marketed as a miraculous tool for non-speaking autistic children. But what happens when this controversial method leads to devastating consequences? In this episode, we hear from Kevin Plantin, a father who was falsely accused of assault based solely on messages typed with the help of a facilitator. Despite the evidence, some courts and institutions still give FC credibility—with tragic consequences. In this episode, Kevin Plantan recounts how a letter typed via FC led to his wrongful imprisonment for 10 months on charges of sexual assault. We also revisit the story of Janyce Boynton, a former FC facilitator who now warns against the practice after witnessing its harmful effects firsthand. Featured guests in this episode: Kevin Plantin: Sharing his personal story of wrongful imprisonment. Janyce Boynton: Former FC facilitator and advocate against the practice. Additional Resources: Learn more about Facilitated Communication: https://www.facilitatedcommunication.org/ Read about Syracuse University's involvement with FC: https://dailyorange.com/2024/02/mixed-messages-how-facilitated-communication-persists-at-su/ Prisoners of Silence documentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMn_sDCFAuI Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A mother kills her autistic son. Why? Because he asked her to. The mother claims he used facilitated communication to ask her to help him die. This case is just one of many tied to the controversial method that claims to give a voice to non-speaking autistic individuals. But what if the voice wasn’t theirs at all? Share Your Thoughts: Have you listened to The Telepathy Tapes? What do you think about the claims it makes? We want to hear from you! Send a voice memo with your thoughts to javier@pretendradio.org, and your message might be featured in an upcoming episode. Resources Mentioned: ➜    Learn more about Amy Lutz’s work and her book Chasing the Intact Mind. https://amzn.to/4gg9Mbe ➜    Read Zaid Jilani’s articles on Facilitated Communication and The Telepathy Tapes on his Substack, The American Saga. https://www.theamericansaga.com/  ➜   Explore the history of Facilitated Communication in the documentary Tell Them You Love Me (available on U.S. Netflix). https://www.netflix.com/title/81783064 Stay Connected: Follow PRETEND on social media and subscribe to the podcast for more stories exploring deception and the human condition. ➜ BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/pretendpod.bsky.social ➜ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pretendpod/ ➜ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pretendpod ➜ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@pretendpod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices