From cult leaders to con artists and undercover FBI agents, PRETEND exposes those pretending to be someone they're not.
When the IRS knocked on John Coutu's door, demanding $80,000, his girlfriend, Jennifer Mitchell, offered to help with his taxes.... more
So, I've got to tell you about this crazy rabbit hole I slipped into. It's about that bizarre olive lady... more
Lisa Findley tried to steal Elvis Presley’s home. She almost got away with it. A con artist with a long history... more
In this episode, Dr. Jan Canty, a psychologist, author, and podcast host, shares essential advice on recognizing and avoiding con... more
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
Couple terrorized by a sadistic cyber stalker for years For more than three years, Claudia and David Rodriguez (not their real names) have... more