PRETEND

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 [email protected]. 💡 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 [email protected], 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

The Telepathy Tapes podcast shot to the top of the charts, making bold claims about telepathic abilities in non-verbal autistic children. But are the claims rooted in science—or something else entirely? In this episode of PRETEND, we take a closer look at the phenomenon, the controversies, and the skepticism surrounding these extraordinary claims. We’ll discuss: ➜ The premise of The Telepathy Tapes and the experiments it presents. ➜ Scientific skepticism surrounding telepathy claims. ➜ Ethical concerns, including the history of Facilitated Communication and its controversies. ➜ Voices from parents, experts, and critics, including Zaid Jilani and Amy Lutz. 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 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 [email protected], and your message might be featured in an upcoming episode. 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

Hello PRETENDERS! I'm excited to announce that the new season of my other podcast, Criminal Conduct Season, is here! To listen to the rest of the story, search for Criminal Conduct and subscribe. ____________________ Buffalo Jim Barrier was a wrestling promoter, mechanic, and Las Vegas icon. He faced off against Rick Rizzolo, a powerful strip club owner with alleged mob ties. Their feud lasted decades. Days after Rizzolo’s release from house release, Buffalo Jim was found dead under mysterious circumstances in a motel room. Evidence is missing, and there are anonymous threats. Questions remain unanswered. Criminal Conduct Season 5 unravels a story of corruption, crime, and one man’s fight for justice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

DNA evidence is often seen as the gold standard in criminal investigations—a scientific fingerprint that can definitively prove guilt or innocence. But what happens when the science behind it is mishandled or manipulated? In this episode of PRETEND, we explore two shocking cases: the Garrett Coughlin triple homicide and the wrongful conviction of Josiah Sutton. Both cases reveal how sloppy forensic work and unethical practices can set guilty criminals free and, worse, imprison innocent people. Through interviews with victims' families, experts, and journalists, we unravel the myth of DNA as infallible evidence and expose the devastating consequences of a broken system. Featuring insights from Kathy Eppler and a special contribution from Celisia Stanton of the Truer Crime Podcast, this episode serves as a sobering reminder: DNA is only as reliable as the people interpreting it. Credits: Special thanks to Celisia Stanton from Truer Crime Podcast for her contributions to the Josiah Sutton case segment. Additional reporting and analysis from Hidden Killers Podcast and forensic scientist Dan Krane. Pitch to Truer Crime Podcast: If you're intrigued by the case of Josiah Sutton and want to dive deeper, check out Truer Crime Podcast hosted by Celisia Stanton, where she explores the complexities of DNA evidence, justice, and wrongful convictions with a sharp and compassionate lens. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

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

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

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

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

So, I've got to tell you about this crazy rabbit hole I slipped into. It's about that bizarre olive lady from the Maury show. Remember her? Olives freaked out Sally because they reminded her of, get this, dead people's eyes. Wild, right? I always wondered... Was Sally for real or just putting on a show for the cameras? This question led me to Anthony Freire, a guy who used to produce for Maury Povich. Man, the stuff I learned while putting together this episode! It’s like peeling back the curtain on daytime TV and finding a whole other world. Turns out, there are many mind games and behind-the-scenes tricks that go into making these shows. Anthony spilled the beans on how they get people to react a certain way or amp up their emotions for the audience. It's not just about Sally and her olive phobia. This episode digs into the bigger picture of how these TV shows mess with people's heads, both the guests and us viewers. If you're into the psychology used in reality TV shows or love a good behind-the-scenes story, you must check this out. It's not your average episode of PRETEND. I can't wait to hear what you all think. Tune in, and let's get our minds blown together! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Lisa Findley tried to steal Elvis Presley’s home. She almost got away with it. A con artist with a long history of scams almost pulled off her biggest scheme yet—stealing Elvis Presley’s iconic home, Graceland. Using fake documents and fabricated identities, Lisa Findley tried to claim ownership of the historic estate. In this episode, NBC News reporter Brandy Zadrozny takes us down a rabbit hole and shows us how she unraveled Findley’s web of lies, linking her to years of fraud and harassment. This is one of the boldest property scams in recent history, and Findley came dangerously close to succeeding/ We'll also talk about the loopholes that make these crimes possible. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, Dr. Jan Canty, a psychologist, author, and podcast host, shares essential advice on recognizing and avoiding con artists in modern relationships. Dr. Canty, who experienced betrayal and tragedy in her life, offers insights into the red flags of deceptive individuals and provides practical tips for safeguarding against potential scams. Through her 'Don't Con Yourself' TikTok series, Dr. Canty breaks down each stage of interactions with con artists and how to protect oneself. She also discusses her life’s work in grief counseling, her compelling past, and the importance of trusting your gut feeling in relationships. Tune in to learn more about navigating the complexities of dating and protecting your personal boundaries. 00:20 Jan Canty's Tragic Past 01:05 Recognizing Con Artists 04:34 Understanding Psychopaths and Sociopaths 05:21 First Date Red Flags 14:24 Trusting Your Gut Instinct 16:09 CIA Techniques for Identifying Lies 21:34 Gaslighting 23:29 Dramatic and Unusual Histories 25:10 Understanding the Significance of Tattoos 28:26 The Importance of Personal Boundaries 29:26 Dealing with Missed Warning Signs 32:03 The Dangers of Sharing Personal Information Prematurely 35:14 Early Attempts at Control in Relationships 38:26 Preparing to Exit a Toxic Relationship 46:08 Finding True Love After Hardships PRETEND podcast featuring Jan Canty's life story The Sugar Daddy parts 1 & 2: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1jXDdZvO197GVomFLseUiq?si=35087f142efd41bd A Life Divided: A psychologist's memoir about the double life and murder of her husband - and her road to recovery https://www.amazon.com/Life-Divided-psychologists-husband-recovery/dp/0578685922 Domino Effect of Murder Podcast https://jancantyphd.com/podcast/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Rise and Fall of LaDonna’s Loudest Surrogate: David McClam LaDonna Humphrey’s most vocal supporter, David McClam, launched the We Are Not Afraid podcast to defend her against mounting accusations. Episode after episode, McClam promised to deliver proof that LaDonna’s critics were lying. But instead of delivering proof, McClam brought Alecia Lockhart’s alleged sexual abuser on air to dismiss her claims, issued personal threats to show up at my doorstep and attack me, and even threatened to send the anti-gay hate group Westboro Baptist Church to Anthony Christopher’s gay club for a "blood bath." This erratic behavior ultimately led to his podcast being pulled down from his hosting provider. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

LaDonna Humphrey groomed Lexi Kakis to be her next close ally—a “surrogate in training,” if you will. Drawn in by their shared passion for cold cases, Kakis found herself getting deeper into Humphrey’s world. Surprisingly, Kakis says she never experienced the harassment others have claimed, but during our interview, she learned how LaDonna truly felt about her. Kakis was with LaDonna the weekend the Pretend podcast series came out, and in a fit of desperation, LaDonna asked her to retaliate against her enemies. Now, Kakis looks back on how she narrowly avoided becoming more entangled in LaDonna's web. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 tabloid blog, has some skeletons in his closet. Listen to part 3 of LaDonna's Surrogates: https://www.patreon.com/posts/ladonnas-part-3-114712491 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

LaDonna Humphrey uses her surrogates to do her dirty work; in part one, we discuss how she weaponized Dennis McCaslin, a Fort Smith, Arkansas tabloid blogger, to go after her enemies. Listen to LaDonna's Surrogates Part 2: https://www.patreon.com/posts/ladonnas-part-2-114024374 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s hard to imagine former executives, investment fraudsters, and insider traders gathering for weekly support meetings. When I first heard about a support group for white-collar criminals, I was skeptical. It sounded like an SNL sketch: former hedge fund managers, insider traders, and embezzlers sitting in a circle, sharing their woes. However, Jeff Grant, the founder of the White Collar Support Group, doesn’t see it that way. After serving time for his crimes, Grant emerged with a mission—to help others like him rebuild their lives, one meeting at a time. “I was lost,” he admits. After his release from prison, Grant realized there was no blueprint for people like him to re-enter society. That’s why he founded the White Collar Support Group, a space for those prosecuted for financial crimes to navigate life after prison. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Where do sovereign citizens go when they need medical attention? Some of them seek help from homeopathic quacks like Rick Van Thiel. Rick Van Thiel is not a surgeon. He's a porn star operating on people with dirty scalpels, reused needles, surrounded by filth. And the worst part is that he performs his surgeries in the nude. This episode is part of my sovereign citizens series. I first learned about this story from Jerri William's podcast called FBI retired Case File Review. Disclaimer It's safe to assume that most PRETEND episodes are unsuitable for young children. Unfortunately, this is one of those episodes. In fact, trigger warning: today, we're going to talk about sexual assault and suicide. This episode is pretty disgusting. So, if you have the stomach for it, please proceed. You've been warned. Check out my Spotify Radar Billboard in New York City: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DA8vNvnOSTF/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of PRETEND, we uncover the unbelievable story of Carlos Henrique Raposo, better known as "Kaiser," the man who lived the life of a soccer legend without ever kicking a ball. He partied like a star, signed with major teams, and tricked the entire football world for nearly three decades. I sit down with the producer of Kaiser: The Greatest Footballer Never to Play Football, Louis Myles, to unravel how Kaiser pulled off this audacious stunt and the real story behind the myth. Keep the conversation going. Join the official PRETEND Facebook Group: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of PRETEND, I’m taking you back to the case of Tanya and Rick Fernandez—the Arizona couple behind one of the most bizarre harassment campaigns I’ve ever covered. For those of you who followed The Stalker series, you might think this story ended when they struck a plea deal, but not so fast. Despite completing court-ordered counseling and walking away without convictions, it looks like the Fernandezes are back at it. I'll fill you in on everything that's happened since our last episode, including an anonymous email, a bizarre self-published book, and their children's involvement in keeping the harassment alive. If you thought this story was over, you’ll want to hear what’s happened since. ______ Support our Patreon members and their small businesses: Rebel Dogs Detroit - is committed to saving dogs’ lives - not just cleaning up the streets. https://rebeldogsdetroit.com Guatemala Trading Company - Delicious chocolates, coffee, and spices from Guatemala https://guatemalatradingcompany.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Can you believe this is the 16th episode of our investigation into LaDonna Humphrey—a story that, honestly, I didn’t think would last this long. But here we are. Now, if you’ve followed along, you know this has been a wild ride. LaDonna, once a respected figure in the true crime community, has become the center of some truly shocking accusations. Stealing evidence from the Fort Smith Police Department? Allegations of harassment? Manipulating people for her own gain? It’s been hard to keep up, even for me. In this episode, we’ll get a little help trying to make sense of it all. I brought in retired FBI profiler Julia Cowley—yes, the Julia Cowley, the one who worked on the Golden State Killer case. She will help us break down LaDonna’s behavior and explain why someone might go to such extreme lengths to control others. You might be surprised by some of the parallels she draws between white-collar criminals and more violent offenders. We’re also going to revisit some of the disturbing messages that LaDonna has allegedly sent to her victims. And I’ll share some new evidence we’ve uncovered—evidence that links multiple harassing messages to a phone number connected to LaDonna herself. It’s the kind of proof that, quite frankly, is hard to ignore. But here’s what makes this episode different: today, we’re not just looking at the past. We’re asking what’s next for LaDonna Humphrey. With court cases, potential criminal investigations, and a growing list of accusers, is the end finally near for her? Or is this just another chapter in a never-ending saga? Guest: Julia Cowley, Retired FBI Profiler https://www.truecrimeconsult.com/ Watch LIVE Q&A: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJr5bDWJ2nY Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices