

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

Jun 4, 2024 • 42min
1801: Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey part 1
LaDonna Humphrey. Remember that name because she is central to this story. I've tried to sum up this tale quickly, but every time I attempt an elevator pitch, I fail. When friends ask me what this new series is about, I'm at a loss for words. It's impossible to explain in just a few minutes.I'm about to retell the story the way I learned it: completely out of order. By the end, you'll need a suspect board like the ones in the movies. I've conducted over 20 interviews and counting, and you're going to hear some far-fetched allegations from many different people—strangers who share one common thread: they've all crossed paths with LaDonna Humphrey.There's a lot of he said, she said in this story, and I'll do my best to prove or disprove each claim. This series is going to be a long one, unfolding in real-time as you listen. By the end, I hope I've done enough for you to make up your own mind and understand why so many people are afraid of LaDonna Humphrey. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 31, 2024 • 11min
TRAILER: Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey
LaDonna Humphrey, a respected true crime author and podcaster, has built a strong reputation through her detailed investigations. However, beneath her acclaimed public image lies a troubling undercurrent of allegations and dark secrets. As former associates, friends, and family come forward with disturbing claims. These people have never spoken out... until now. The question arises: Who's really afraid of LaDonna Humphrey? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 14, 2024 • 43min
1705: Hockey Dad Poses as Delta Force Agent to Scam Parents part 2
The strange and intricate hoax crafted by Saint Jovite "Kota" Youngblood, a hockey dad who posed as a Delta Force agent, unravels in court. An FBI agent peels back each layer of Youngblood's elaborate scheme that duped dozens of families.Get early and ad-free episodes:Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pretendradioPRETEND+ on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/channel/pretend/id6443456985 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 7, 2024 • 36min
1704: Hockey Dad Poses as Delta Force Agent to Scam Parents part 1
Guest Saint Jovite Youngblood posed as a Delta Force agent to scam families. Topics include victims' experiences, dangers of manipulation, and unraveling a con artist's identity in a hockey setting.

May 2, 2024 • 7min
1703: The Doula BREAKING NEWS
Guest Kaitlyn Braun, accused of duping doulas in a phony pregnancy scam, is arrested again for similar offenses. The podcast discusses the impact of the fraud on doulas and the justice system, highlighting the disappointment with the leniency of the legal system.

Apr 23, 2024 • 38min
1702: The Doula part 2
In the second installment of "The Doula" series, we uncover new dimensions of Kaitlyn Braun’s elaborate pregnancy scams. This episode features a new doula speaking out about her experiences, the story of how Kaitlyn was finally caught, and a revealing interview with a former friend whom Kaitlyn also deceived. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 22, 2024 • 28min
1701: The Doula part 1
Warning: This episode contains graphic discussions of pregnancy loss, sexual violence, and emotional abuse. Listener discretion is advised.In this episode of "Pretend," listen to the chilling tale of Kaitlyn Braun, a woman who orchestrated an elaborate pregnancy hoax, affecting nearly 60 doulas across Ontario. Seanna Hayes, a doula from London, Ontario, provides a firsthand account of her experience with Kaitlyn Braun. The story begins on a stormy night when Seanna is called to assist Kaitlyn, allegedly in labor, only to discover a web of lies, manipulation, and betrayal that spans across multiple doulas and involves a series of fake medical emergencies and hospital visits. This episode explores the psychological and emotional impact of Kaitlyn's actions on the doulas, the potential motives behind her behavior, and the aftermath of this bizarre case. Stay tuned for Part Two, exclusively on Patreon and Pretend+ on Apple Podcasts, where we continue the conversation with another doula who shares a very different experience with Kaitlyn Braun. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 9, 2024 • 50min
Confessions of a Ponzi Schemer
Ponzi schemer Anthony Farrar's lavish lifestyle funded by defrauding clients unravels in a rare confession video. Tales of deception, watch Ponzi schemes, and the aftermath of his actions within the watch community are explored in this gripping podcast episode.

Apr 2, 2024 • 40min
The Treasure Hunter Revisited
In today's episode, we revisit the captivating story of Seafarer Exploration and its quest to unearth a 300-year-old treasure buried beneath the ocean waves off Florida's coast. Join us as we delve into the tale of Kyle Kennedy, CEO of Seafarer Exploration, and his fateful encounter with Dr. Michael Torres, a man whose promises and credentials were as deep as the ocean itself. What begins as a hopeful journey into the past, seeking lost treasures of a Spanish galleon quickly spirals into a lawsuit and allegations of fraud. This rebroadcast from our previous series shines a light on the treasure hunters, the technology they dream of, and the deception that lurks beneath the surface.Guest Speakers:
Kyle Kennedy, CEO of Seafarer Exploration
Experts in maritime archaeology and treasure hunting
Legal analysts breaking down the lawsuit against Michael Torres
Listen to the Entire Series:Don't miss out on the full adventure of treachery, technology, and sunken treasures. Click on the links below to listen to the entire series and explore the mystery surrounding Florida's Treasure Coast.Part 2: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6S0XjD4QyyXvuFBh1dOyVY?si=c55b75b8eff4478ePart 3: https://open.spotify.com/episode/19xvUTQQDILhRLrrtiB7Dk?si=df330a9fd2a54c3aPart 4: https://open.spotify.com/episode/69e2SjjyDLJ3CmbU8mfpvn?si=06e9742270b749d4 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mar 26, 2024 • 33min
How to find people who don’t want to be found
I recently spoke at the Triangle Content Creators Meetup in Raleigh, NC, about using OSINT techniques to locate and research your next guest. OSINT stands for Open Source Intelligence. As a journalist, I've teamed up with brilliant hackers like Mishaal Khan and Michael Bazzell to uncover new information about my subjects. In this talk, I explain how Alan Logan and I exposed Frank Abagnale and how Mishaal Khan and I investigated the Stalker case. I thought you might find this interesting. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices