PRETEND

By: Creative Babble
Listen for free

  • Summary

  • From cult leaders to con artists and undercover FBI agents, PRETEND exposes those pretending to be someone they're not.
    All rights reserved 2024
    Show more Show less
Social Sciences True Crime
Show more Show less
Episodes
  • 2102: Faking Insanity

    2102: Faking Insanity
    Apr 22 2025
    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 megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Show more Show less
    41 mins
  • 2101: My Wife, the Ponzi Schemer

    2101: My Wife, the Ponzi Schemer
    Apr 15 2025
    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 megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Show more Show less
    36 mins
  • 2013: I Married a Narcissist part 3

    2013: I Married a Narcissist part 3
    Apr 8 2025
    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 megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Show more Show less
    52 mins
adbl_web_global_use_to_activate_webcro768_stickypopup

What listeners say about PRETEND

Average customer ratings
Overall
  • 4 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    4
  • 4 Stars
    0
  • 3 Stars
    0
  • 2 Stars
    0
  • 1 Stars
    1
Performance
  • 4 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    4
  • 4 Stars
    0
  • 3 Stars
    0
  • 2 Stars
    0
  • 1 Stars
    1
Story
  • 4 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    4
  • 4 Stars
    0
  • 3 Stars
    0
  • 2 Stars
    0
  • 1 Stars
    1

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

Audible.com reviews

Amazon reviews
Sort by:
Filter by:
  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Audrey Bjork

Love this

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!!

Report this

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Todd

well worth the time

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

Report this

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Claudia Guerra

Riveting

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

Report this

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    1 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for rachelee

All about clicks and views

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.

Report this

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!