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PRETEND

PRETEND

By: Creative Babble LLC
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PRETEND is an investigative true crime podcast about real people who lie for a living — con artists, scammers, and the victims caught in their web. Hosted by journalist Javier Leiva, PRETEND exposes the human psychology behind deception and fraud. Each episode follows a real case of manipulation — from financial scams and Ponzi schemes to digital hoaxes and emotional cons PRETEND explains how and why deception works without shaming victims, combining ethical journalism with cinematic storytelling. Featured in lists of the best podcasts about con artists and scams, PRETEND investigates crimes of persuasion, trust, and betrayal. New episodes drop regularly with stories that reveal how manipulation shapes modern life, both online and off. PRETEND is produced by Creative Babble, LLC. © 2026 Creative Babble LLC [CLAIM:B6BT3XC4]Creative Babble, LLC. All rights reserved 2026 Biographies & Memoirs Social Sciences True Crime
Episodes
  • PRETEND Podcast Trailer

    PRETEND Podcast Trailer
    Jun 4 2017
    PRETEND is a documentary-style podcast about con artists and real people pretending to be someone else. Javier Leiva interviews real con artists, snake oil salesmen, and former cult members–anyone living a lie. PRETEND is consistently in the top True Crime Podcasts in U.S., UK, Canada, and Australia. It has been featured in the New York Times, the BBC, and New York Magazine. In 2018, Vulture named PRETEND one of the top 52 True Crime podcasts in the U.S. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    2 mins
  • S101: The Prophet Part 1 - Word of Faith Fellowship

    S101: The Prophet Part 1 - Word of Faith Fellowship
    Jun 6 2017
    ///UPDATE/// Start with Season 3, episode 1. After covering this cult, I was personally invited by the cult leader to spend the day with her. You won't want to miss it. ///UPDATE/// The Prophet part 1 explores The Word of Faith Fellowship. You will hear about the accused cult leader, Pastor Jane Whaley, who many inside the sect believe is a prophet with direct communication with God. John Cooper describes the day 20 to 30 sect members surrounded and attacked him. He also shares secret recordings of Pastor Jane Whaley commanding someone to throw someone down to the ground. Plus, you’ll hear “blasting prayers” — ear-piercing crying sessions meant to cast out demons. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    25 mins
  • S102: The Prophet Part 2 - Word of Faith Fellowship

    S102: The Prophet Part 2 - Word of Faith Fellowship
    Jun 20 2017
    John Cooper remembers one of the Word of Faith Fellowship ministers commanding him to beat his wife. He also describes his family’s attempt to what he describes as a cult. Then it finally happened. John escaped. We’ll listen to secret recordings of pastor Jane Whaley trying to lure him back. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    23 mins
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Very good podcast. If you like casual crime without the gory stuff this is the one to listen too!! Javier does a very good job!!

Love this

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One of the best podcasts with interesting content each time there is a new release. All are worth listening to.

Great

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I am about 2/3 way through the catalog and have enjoyed most episodes. there's a casual yet familiar feel but the episodes are clearly well researched

well worth the time

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Saw the Stalker suggested online, and decided to give it a listen as I like to listen to podcasts on my long commute home from work. Binged it as I couldn't wait for my commute to listen to more episodes! Been trying to get friends to listen so I have someone to talk to about the craziness that is that season.

I listened to the LaDonna season next, which was also really good. Then I saw the episodes on The Internet Saves the Bachelor and was excited to listen because I've been following that case since LO made her first post on reddit. I'm now trying to decide which season of the podcast to start next!

Came for The Stalker and stayed for more!

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The story telling is well paced, keeps you listening to the end, and waiting for more!

Riveting

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