

PRETEND
Creative Babble, LLC
PRETEND is an investigative true crime podcast about real people who lie for a living — con artists, scammers, and the victims caught in their web.
Hosted by journalist Javier Leiva, PRETEND exposes the human psychology behind deception and fraud. Each episode follows a real case of manipulation — from financial scams and Ponzi schemes to digital hoaxes and emotional cons.
PRETEND explains how and why deception works without shaming victims, combining ethical journalism with cinematic storytelling.
Featured in lists of the best podcasts about con artists and scams, PRETEND investigates crimes of persuasion, trust, and betrayal. New episodes drop regularly with stories that reveal how manipulation shapes modern life, both online and off.
PRETEND is produced by Creative Babble, LLC.
© 2025 Creative Babble LLC
[CLAIM:B6BT3XC4]
Hosted by journalist Javier Leiva, PRETEND exposes the human psychology behind deception and fraud. Each episode follows a real case of manipulation — from financial scams and Ponzi schemes to digital hoaxes and emotional cons.
PRETEND explains how and why deception works without shaming victims, combining ethical journalism with cinematic storytelling.
Featured in lists of the best podcasts about con artists and scams, PRETEND investigates crimes of persuasion, trust, and betrayal. New episodes drop regularly with stories that reveal how manipulation shapes modern life, both online and off.
PRETEND is produced by Creative Babble, LLC.
© 2025 Creative Babble LLC
[CLAIM:B6BT3XC4]
Episodes
Mentioned books

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

Mar 19, 2024 • 56min
1609: The Truth Experts part 2
Previously on Pretend, we dived deep into the murky waters of academic fraud. Celebrity behavioral scientist Dan Ariely of Duke University, alongside Francesca Gino from Harvard and other distinguished behavioral scientists, embarked on a series of experiments with a noble aim: to enhance honesty among individuals. Their investigation centered on whether positioning an honesty pledge at the top of a form, as opposed to the bottom, would discourage deceit. However, it emerged that two out of the three experiments underpinning the study were marred by fabricated data.I interviewed Dan Ariely about these troubling allegations, but our conversation was cut short. I assumed that was the last time I would hear from him. Surprisingly, Ariely reached out, proposing a second interview to directly address what he termed as "false accusations" on my podcast. He stipulated, "If you intend to add these false accusations to the podcast, maybe it's best to have another session and get my answers on the record, but I will ask you to promise me not to edit these. And to give my answers exactly as I present them. If you're up for this, let's schedule a sum If you're up for this, let's schedule something." And so, I agreed.You're going to listen to my follow-up interview with Dan Ariely. I will, however, interject here and there to add context. But rest assured, every moment of our 43-minute exchange will be presented. I'll upload the raw, unedited versions of both interviews on Patreon and Pretend Plus, accessible for free. You don't need a subscription to tune in. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mar 12, 2024 • 45min
1608: The Truth Experts part 1
A scandal in the world of behavioral science raises questions about honesty and integrity. Renowned researcher Dan Ariely is accused of manipulating data. The podcast delves into the complexities of misinformation and internet backlash. Personal turmoil and beliefs in irrational ideas are explored. The role of honesty pledges and consequences of falsified data in science are discussed.

Mar 5, 2024 • 35min
1607: The Fake Lawyer
I discovered a little-known realm of con artists within the legal system. I found story after story of people impersonating attorneys, prosecutors, and even judges. One woman hacked into the court system and dropped the charges against her. 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


