

PRETEND
Creative Babble
From cult leaders to con artists and undercover FBI agents, PRETEND exposes those pretending to be someone they're not.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 5, 2023 • 8min
1405: The Pests part 5
In this bonus episode, we pick up where we left off, diving into the events leading up to the much-anticipated August 24th contempt of court hearing involving Patrick Tomlinson.In our previous episode, we shared the suspenseful build-up to this critical date, where Patrick faced potential jail time for failing to pay the legal fees of the opposing party. In our last interview. Patrick had made it clear that he had no intention of making the required payment.So, what happened on August 24th contempt of court hearing? Patrick showed up with his attorney, and so did one of his relentless tormentors, Dan Mullen, who shared his account of a tense courtroom encounter.Intriguingly, Patrick filed a motion just days before the hearing, outlining his demands to the court. He requested a postponement and a closed, private hearing held over video conferencing due to safety concerns. This was in response to online chatter suggesting some of his foes planned to attend in person.But the drama didn't end there. Patrick made a bold claim in his motion, alleging the identity of his online nemesis, "quasi101," and hinting at a familial connection to a federal judge, all without providing any evidence.However, the outcome of the hearing surprised many. Both sides agreed on a payment, and Patrick paid the court-ordered debt, amounting to $32,709.80, satisfying this particular legal obligation.The big question now: Does this payment signify a truce in this long-standing online feud? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aug 29, 2023 • 29min
Criminal Conduct Season 4 - Getting Away with Murder
A mother's anguish resurfaces as her son's convicted killer is set free due to a jury verdict reversal by a judge. This is the story of Pravin Varughese.Binge all 9-episodes ad-free:Patreon: https://patreon.com/CriminalConductPodcast PRETEND+ Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/channel/pretend/id6443456985 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aug 22, 2023 • 53min
1404: The Pests part 4
There are always two sides to every story. In part 4, listen to my interview with the online forum administrator. We discuss the ongoing legal battle with Patrick Tomlinson and why Patrick may go to jail over this feud._____________Binge all 9-episodes of CRIMINAL CONDUCT ad-free:Patreon: https://patreon.com/CriminalConductPodcastPRETEND+ Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/channel/pretend/id6443456985 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aug 15, 2023 • 34min
1403: The Pests part 3
This podcast explores the challenges of online harassment and the legal obstacles faced by Patrick Tomlinson, a sci-fi writer. It delves into the disturbing experiences of swatting and bomb threats endured by Patrick and Nikki Tomlinson. The host also discusses a bomb threat at a music event involving Patty Lebel and their ongoing feud. The podcast touches on the gameplay of the detective game June's Journey and the battle against online harassment. It includes an exploration of identity confusion and payments, as well as a contempt of court hearing for Patrick Tomlinson. Stay tuned for part four where the pests share their side of the story.

Aug 8, 2023 • 31min
1402: The Pests part 2
WARNING: This episode contains language and disturbing content. Listener discretion is advised. Police Storm Sci-fi Writer's Home 42 Times in "Swatting" CampaignWisconsin science fiction author Patrick Tomlinson and his wife have been living a nightmare, enduring years of terror as cyber stalkers repeatedly sent police to their doorstep in a relentless "swatting" campaign. The couple, who claim to have experienced this terrifying ordeal 42 times, describes the chilling encounters with officers storming their home with guns drawn, handcuffing Tomlinson in his front yard, and even alleging that he had killed his wife. The reason for this campaign of terror, they say, stems from a trivial online criticism of the late comedian Norm Macdonald, leading to a series of threatening messages encouraging the author to take his own life.Listen to all 4 episodes early and ad-free:PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/pretendradioPRETEND+ (Apple Podcast): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/channel/pretend/id6443456985 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aug 1, 2023 • 33min
1401: The Pests part 1 (Gang stalking)
WARNING: This episode contains language and disturbing content. Listener discretion is advised. Wisconsin Author Faces Cyberstalking Nightmare After Tweeting that Norm MacDonald Isn't Funny.Wisconsin science fiction author Patrick Tomlinson and his wife have been living in fear for years, enduring a relentless campaign of terror orchestrated by cyberstalkers, all stemming from a seemingly innocuous tweet about the late comedian Norm Macdonald. Tomlinson's criticism of the "Saturday Night Live" comic as not funny ignited a firestorm of online harassment, including threatening emails, voice messages, and disturbing Reddit posts urging him to harm himself.Listen to all 4 episodes early and ad-free:PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/pretendradioPRETEND+ (Apple Podcast): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/channel/pretend/id6443456985 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 18, 2023 • 32min
1311: The Stalker - Interview with the Doctor (part 16)
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 introduce you to a key figure in this fascinating case: Dr. Grace Gressman (not her real name). As a central player, Dr. Gressman holds valuable insights into the stalker's actions. What is her connection to the Fernandez family? What does she have to say about the mysterious messages? In today's episode, we finally hear Dr. Gressman's story. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 4, 2023 • 42min
1310: Love and Taxes (plus Stalker update)
The IRS knocked on John Coutu's door, demanding $80,000.Jennifer Mitchell, his girlfriend, offered to handle John's taxes. At first glance, it seemed like a simple act of love. Little did he know that this act of goodwill would lead him down a treacherous path of deception and impersonation.Unbeknownst to John, Jennifer never actually filed his taxes and instead fabricated an elaborate web of lies. She even went as far as impersonating the IRS to fool John into believing everything was in order. But John's story doesn't end there. As he bravely speaks out, it becomes evident that Jennifer's peculiar scam has also ensnared others.Today, we explore the complexity between love and taxes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 13, 2023 • 20min
1309: The Pale-Faced Lie part 2
Previously on PRETEND, we heard the story of David Crow and his criminal father, Thurston. In today's episode, we delve deeper into "The Pale-Faced Lie," a memoir about growing up as his father's accomplice. David's father, Thurston Crow, lived a life of crime: stealing, lying, and killing anyone who stood in his way. And right beside him, the whole time, was his young son David. In this episode, hear David's story of overcoming a life of crime and trying to understand why the one person he trusted most in the world took advantage of him. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 6, 2023 • 29min
1308: The Pale-Faced Lie part 1
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.The Pale-Faced Lie part 2 is now available on PATREON and PRETEND+ on Apple Podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices