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PRETEND

PRETEND

By: Creative Babble
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About this listen

 From cult leaders to con artists and undercover FBI agents, PRETEND exposes those pretending to be someone they're not.All rights reserved 2024 Social Sciences True Crime
Episodes
  • 2112: The Stalker - New Charges part 21

    2112: The Stalker - New Charges part 21
    Jun 24 2025
    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 megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    32 mins
  • Cocaine Air

    Cocaine Air
    Jun 10 2025
    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 megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    49 mins
  • 2109: The Internet Saves the Bachelor part 4

    2109: The Internet Saves the Bachelor part 4
    Jun 3 2025
    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 megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    40 mins
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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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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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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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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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The story telling is well paced, keeps you listening to the end, and waiting for more!

Riveting

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The guy who hosts this podcast is just interested in exploiting sensational topics. He tries to pretend he's sincere but he is fundamentally unethical.

All about clicks and views

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