The Rise and Fall of LaDonna’s Loudest Surrogate: David McClam LaDonna Humphrey’s most vocal supporter, David McClam, launched the We Are... more

LaDonna Humphrey groomed Lexi Kakis to be her next close ally—a “surrogate in training,” if you will. Drawn in by... more

What's the old saying? People who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones. Well, it turns out that Dennis McCaslin, editor of LaDonna's... more

LaDonna Humphrey uses her surrogates to do her dirty work; in part one, we discuss how she weaponized Dennis McCaslin,... more

It’s hard to imagine former executives, investment fraudsters, and insider traders gathering for weekly support meetings. When I first heard about... more

Where do sovereign citizens go when they need medical attention? Some of them seek help from homeopathic quacks like Rick... more

In this episode of PRETEND, we uncover the unbelievable story of Carlos Henrique Raposo, better known as "Kaiser," the man... more

In this episode of PRETEND, I’m taking you back to the case of Tanya and Rick Fernandez—the Arizona couple behind... more

Can you believe this is the 16th episode of our investigation into LaDonna Humphrey—a story that, honestly, I didn’t think... more

We continue our investigation into Charles Ray Vines and his potential involvement in the Melissa Witt murder. In this episode,... more

I’ve been investigating the Melissa Witt case for a while now, and just when I thought I had a handle... more

"Javier, aren't you worried that LaDonna might target you next?" That's the question I get asked most frequently. The answer... more

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Every charity organization LaDonna Humphrey has led seems to collapse under the weight of controversy and financial mismanagement. Today, we're... more

Every charity organization LaDonna Humphrey has led seems to collapse under the weight of controversy and financial mismanagement. Today, we scrutinize... more

Content Disclaimer: This episode contains discussions of sexual assault. Today, we're going to talk about the enigma that is LaDonna Humphrey.... more

To truly understand LaDonna Humphrey, we need to delve into her childhood. In an exclusive interview, a family member describes... more

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STOP WHAT YOU'RE DOING! The LaDonna Humphrey interview episodes are in. In this first part of my exclusive interview with... more

True Crime Author LaDonna Humphrey Targets Ex-Boyfriend in Melissa Witt Killing, According to Recordings LaDonna Humphrey is accused of relentlessly pursuing... more

Old Flames Reignited: The Mysterious Return of LaDonna Humphrey in Allen Arson Case LaDonna Humphrey, with a history marked by harassment... more

In part 3 of Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey, we explore the intense battle between Anthony Christopher and LaDonna. Anthony,... more

In this episode, we explore the troubling allegations against LaDonna Humphrey surrounding the Melissa Witt case. Crime victim advocate Patti... more

LaDonna Humphrey. Remember that name because she is central to this story. I've tried to sum up this tale quickly,... more

LaDonna Humphrey, a respected true crime author and podcaster, has built a strong reputation through her detailed investigations. However, beneath... more

The strange and intricate hoax crafted by Saint Jovite "Kota" Youngblood, a hockey dad who posed as a Delta Force... more

Saint Jovite Youngblood posed as a Delta Force agent to swindle the families of his son’s hockey team. Today's episode revolves... more

BREAKING NEWS - Kaitlyn Braun is Arrested Again for Duping Doulas in Phony Pregnancy Scam 25-year-old Kaitlyn Braun, who is currently... more

In the second installment of "The Doula" series, we uncover new dimensions of Kaitlyn Braun’s elaborate pregnancy scams. This episode... more

Warning: This episode contains graphic discussions of pregnancy loss, sexual violence, and emotional abuse. Listener discretion is advised. In this episode of... more

This episode offers an unprecedented look into the life of the 'Timepiece Gentleman' Ponzi schemer, Anthony Farrar, whose love for... more

In today's episode, we revisit the captivating story of Seafarer Exploration and its quest to unearth a 300-year-old treasure buried... more

I recently spoke at the Triangle Content Creators Meetup in Raleigh, NC, about using OSINT techniques to locate and research... more

Previously on Pretend, we dived deep into the murky waters of academic fraud. Celebrity behavioral scientist Dan Ariely of Duke... more

Everything we believe about what drives us to be honest might be a lie. A scandal rocks the behavioral science world,... more

I discovered a little-known realm of con artists within the legal system. I found story after story of people impersonating... more

Think all forensic evidence is foolproof? You'd be surprised. In our latest bonus episode of PRETEND, we're taking a deep... more

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Dr. Arpad Vass touts his Quantum Oscillator, a contraption made of plywood and PVC pipe, as a revolutionary tool capable... more

In today’s episode of Pretend, we're zeroing in on Dr. Arpad Vass's invention called the Quantum Oscillator—a device straight out... more

In "The Grave Detector," we delve into the enigmatic practice of using dowsing rods with a focus on the work... more

In "The High School Hoax," the latest episode of "PRETEND," we explore the true story of Shelby Hewitt, a 32-year-old... more

Dartanyon A. Williams (DAW) stole his parents’ identities at the age of 15. Unfortunately, they weren’t his last victims. Dartanyon,... more

Peter Pan syndrome is when someone refuses to grow up. It’s neither a disease nor a recognized mental disorder—it’s just... more

In today's Christmas episode, we delve into the story of David Ellisor, a man whose grand Christmas scheme left the... more

The Stalker Saga Continues: Trial Back On for Tanya and Rick Fernandez Hey there, avid followers of the "Stalker" series! You... more

So, I've got to tell you about this crazy rabbit hole I slipped into. It's about that bizarre olive lady... more

Today on "PRETEND," we explore the unsettling world of red-collar criminals, as defined by Frank Perri. These are white-collar offenders... more

Red Collar Killers: The Hidden Violence of White Collar Crimes Can white-collar criminals be driven to murder?  In this episode of PRETEND,... more

I checked the Arizona court website and it looks like Tanya and Rick Fernandez accepted a plea deal. So is... more

"PRETEND: The Stalker" is back with a bombshell that you've all been waiting for: new court audio from The Fernandez... more

Get ready, folks! I've just wrapped up listening to the Settlement Conference audio, and let me tell you, it's nothing short... more

Learn how to cheat a polygraph test. Ex-cop, Doug Williams, says it’s a lot easier than you think.  Doug Williams is... more

In today's episode titled "The Babalawo," we delve deep into the world of Santería - the religion, not the song.... more

This week, we journey into the heart of dark tourism, exploring iconic haunted locations like the Winchester House, The Myrtle... more

Former Lieutenant Governor's Ex-Staffer Arrested for Elaborate Deception in Divorce; Husband Speaks Out Beth Green, a former member of Georgia Lieutenant... more

On the next episode of Pretend, we investigate the perplexing case of 17-year-old Rudy Farias. While he was presumed missing... more

Missing teen is found. From Heartwarming Reunion to 'Wait, What?' Hoax Claims So, here's a plot twist for you: Rudy Farias,... more

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James Freedman: Unmasking the Modern-Day Pickpocket In a world where the hustle and bustle of everyday life increasingly revolves around smartphones... more

Pickpockets in the Digital Age: The Evolution of a Timeless Crime In a world where technology reigns supreme, the art of... more

In this bonus episode, we pick up where we left off, diving into the events leading up to the much-anticipated... more

A mother's anguish resurfaces as her son's convicted killer is set free due to a jury verdict reversal by a... more

There are always two sides to every story. In part 4, listen to my interview with the online forum administrator.... more

WARNING: This episode contains language and disturbing content. Listener discretion is advised. Sci-Fi Writer Patrick Tomlinson Loses Harassment Lawsuit Against Online... more

WARNING: This episode contains language and disturbing content. Listener discretion is advised. Police Storm Sci-fi Writer's Home 42 Times in... more

WARNING: This episode contains language and disturbing content. Listener discretion is advised. Wisconsin Author Faces Cyberstalking Nightmare After Tweeting that... more

This is the episode you've been waiting for! While we've primarily heard from Tanya and Rick Fernandez's perspective, it's time to... more

The IRS knocked on John Coutu's door, demanding $80,000. Jennifer Mitchell, his girlfriend, offered to handle John's taxes. At first glance,... more

Previously on PRETEND, we heard the story of David Crow and his criminal father, Thurston. In today's episode, we delve... more

David Crow says he was his father's criminal accomplice. In today's episode, we delve into the extraordinary story of David Crow,... more

Imagine being a fly on the wall at the Fernandez house. What are they like? What do they talk about?... more

The Ponzi Playbook: Welcome to The Ponzi Playbook, the podcast that exposes the dark underbelly of the financial world. Join... more

This podcast series on the stalker case has captured the attention of many listeners, making it one of the most... more

How Ana Montes' Family Ties Unraveled the Cuban Spy Plot Against the U.S. When the lights of the Pentagon dimmed and... more

You've probably never heard the name Ana Montes because the FBI arrested her just ten days after 9/11. "Ana Montes,... more

Virginia Morris, a retired real estate agent from Houston, Texas, doesn't want me to use her real name. She claims... more

Frank is Back! This update episode is loaded with new allegations and never-before-told capers. Like the time Frank Abagnale: Impersonated a cop... more

In today's episode, we will talk about how to treat perpetrators of Munchausen by Proxy—if that's even possible. And also,... more

In today's episode, we'll discuss Munchausen by Proxy and how to identify it. And I'm not talking about scandalous stories... more

Just when you thought this case couldn't get any crazier. The night before the arraignment, Dr. Gressman's former patient, "Chelsea," starts... more

Note: Tune in to the end of the episode for some breaking news on this case. This series started as a... more

In this week's episode, we investigate who may be responsible for the harassing messages sent to the Rodriguez family. The... more

Examining the Evidence: Is Someone in the Rodriguez House Responsible for the Stalking? As the investigation into the cyberstalking of the Rodriguez... more

Munchausen by Proxy Accusations: Is the Rodriguez Family Stalking Themselves? This series started out as a story of cyberstalking, but it has... more

Dr. Grace Gressman speaks out about the Rodriguez family stalking case In today's episode, we finally hear from Dr. Grace Gressman,... more

Doctor and Husband Cleared as Suspects in Rodriguez Stalking Case The Rodriguez family has been the target of a cyberstalker for... more

Cyberstalker Resumes Harassment of Rodriguez Family, Targets Infant Daughter After months of peace, the cyberstalker who has been tormenting Claudia and... more

The Stalker part 5 Claudia and David Rodriguez have five children, four of whom are adults, and most have severe medical... more

Rodriguez Family Fights to Prove Daughter's Innocence in the face of Stalking Accusations For over three years, Claudia and David Rodriguez... more

From Victims to Suspects: The Bizarre Turn of Events in the Rodriguez Family's Cyber Stalking Case In the world of cyberstalking,... more

Harassed by a Cyber Stalker Claiming to be the Doctor's Husband: The Strange Story of Claudia and David Rodriguez Claudia and... more

Couple terrorized by a sadistic cyber stalker for years For more than three years, Claudia and David Rodriguez (not their real... more

This is the story about a Christmas con artist pretending to be Santa Claus. Brian Earl, the host of the Christmas... more

The Prank series inspired the new Netflix documentary series "Don't Pick Up the Phone." This docuseries follows the investigation into... more

Larry Douglas Jones is not your typical fugitive. He had a wife and three kids. And to be honest, he's... more

When I started this podcast, I reported on a secretive church in the foothills of western North Carolina called the... more

John Browning investigates real blood-sucking vampires—people who need human blood to survive.  In today's episode, we will talk about real people... more

On September 12, 2022, Frank Abagnale was honored with a Heroes in Ethics award at Xavier University. An ethics award... more

What if I told you that Frank Abagnale wasn't the only con artist in his family? His older brother used... more

This series is not just a story about a con man who lied about his past experiences. No, it's much... more

I confronted Frank Abagnale in Las Vegas, NV. He claims he posed as a pilot, a lawyer, a doctor, and... more

We've spent the last three episodes debunking the infamous Frank Abagnale myth. If he wasn't posing as a doctor, a... more

Two reporters destroy Frank Abagnale's story. Yet nobody cared.  _______ Listen to part 4 right now on Patreon: https://pretendradio.org/donate/ Special Thanks to: Fact-checking for this... more

Frank Abagnale claims he never stole money from the little guy—it was all victimless crimes. But that's not what I... more

This might be my favorite PRETEND series of all time.  Remember the movie Catch Me If You Can? Most people believe... more

What if I told you that 90% of Frank Abagnale's claims are totally made up? Yeah, that's right. The most... more

Fred Brito posed as a priest in order to hide from law enforcement. Find out how he ALMOST got away... more

Fred Brito worked as a psychiatrist, priest, and a Red Cross fundraiser—but it was all based on lies. ______________ Follow PRETEND on... more

David Berry took an at-home DNA test and discovered dozens of half-siblings. Was this a coincidence or the scheme of... more

Does death start when your heart stops beating? What if technology can extend our lives and gives us immortality? Today's... more

Today, we're talking about deepfakes. Deepfakes are video or audio of a person in which their face, body, and/or voice has... more

Luxxury rips apart your favorite songs.  Check out his TikTok feed for more videos on interpolation. https://www.tiktok.com/@luxxuryxx/ Learn more about your ad choices.... more

Lauren Passell, the founder of Tink Media, interviews Javier in celebration of PRETEND's 100th episode. Subscribe to Lauren's incredible podcast newsletter: https://podcastthenewsletter.substack.com/ Learn... more

In Season 2 of PRETEND, I covered the story of a serial killer who murdered at least five American ex-pats.... more

Rebekah Sebastian and Javier Leiva visit businesses run by cults. Also, what happens when a cult leader dies or goes... more

Cults are businesses too. Like any company, cults recruit, have middle management, and some even have succession plans.  Many of these... more

Cults are businesses too. Like any company, cults recruit, have middle management, and some even have succession plans.  Many of these... more

I'm working on a new series on cults that's really exciting. While you wait, here's a fun little bonus episode... more