PRETEND

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

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

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

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

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

Imagine being a fly on the wall at the Fernandez house. What are they like? What do they talk about? Who in that house is capable of sending such disgusting messages?If only we could talk to someone who lived with them. Last week, out of the blue, Brittni Stone reached out to me because she lived with the Fernandez family for five years. She has a lot to say about the Stalker series. But maybe her insights can lead us closer to the truth. Plus, hear the latest on the trial. Has the state offered Tanya and Rick a plea deal? Listen to the latest bonus episode of The Stalker, then post your reaction on Patreon, Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ponzi Playbook: Welcome to The Ponzi Playbook, the podcast that exposes the dark underbelly of the financial world. Join hosts Neal McTighe and Javier Leiva as they take you on a journey through the seedy world of financial fraud, exploring the twisted minds of the people behind some of the most audacious Ponzi schemes in history.Episode 1 Description:We peel back the layers of the Harbor City Capital Ponzi scheme, exposing the deceptive tactics orchestrated by Jonathan Paul Maroney and shedding light on the involvement of George Santos. In this episode, we delve deep into the intricate workings of the scheme, where enticing promises of remarkable returns through internet advertising conceal a web of deceit.The first two episodes are available right now. Download wherever you get your podcastshttps://linktr.ee/ponziplaybook Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This podcast series on the stalker case has captured the attention of many listeners, making it one of the most talked-about series on PRETEND. Some listeners have even listened to it multiple times, hoping to find some clue or slip-up that could help them solve the mystery.Listeners are clamoring for more updates. But it's important to note that this type of investigation takes time, and it took me two years to report on this story. The series ended with Tanya and Rick Fernandez being indicted by a grand jury on computer tampering charges and aggravated harassment.Initially, I wasn't sure if the case would even make it to trial. I expected Tanya and Rick to plead guilty and accept a lighter sentence. However, that has yet to happen.In this episode, I will provide an update on where the trial stands and share some interviews I recorded with Tanya and Rick that were not included in the original series. While these interviews didn't align with the story's central plot at the time, they shed some light on the type of drama surrounding this case. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How Ana Montes' Family Ties Unraveled the Cuban Spy Plot Against the U.S.When the lights of the Pentagon dimmed and the rest of D.C. settled into the night, Ana Montes began her covert dance as a Cuban spy. But after 17 years in this dangerous tango, her own bloodline played an unexpected role in her downfall. Dive in as we delve deeper into the captivating world of espionage, loyalty, and unexpected betrayals. From Shadows to Spotlight: The Unraveling of Ana Montes, the Cuban SpyHidden within the Pentagon's vast maze, Ana Montes expertly spun her web of secrets for Cuba. Yet, as with all intricate schemes, the threads began to loosen. Over 17 covert years, her dance with deception went unnoticed, but even the best-laid plots have their breaking point. Venture with us into the moment it all came undone. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

You've probably never heard the name Ana Montes because the FBI arrested her just ten days after 9/11. "Ana Montes, I believe, was one of the most dangerous American spies, period. And I would argue, the most dangerous female spy." - Jim Popkin is a long-time journalist and author of "Codename Blue Wren," the story of Ana Montes, the Cuban Spy.Ana Belen Montes spied on the US for Cuba for 17 years. Find out what made her so dangerous and how she spied on the Cubans from within the US intelligence community. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices