306 Episodes

  1. S907: The Forensic Musicologist

    Published: 4/5/2022

  2. PRETEND's 100th Episode

    Published: 3/22/2022

  3. Javier Interviews a Serial Killer — Criminal Conduct Season 3

    Published: 3/8/2022

  4. S905: The Business of Cults part 3

    Published: 2/22/2022

  5. S904: The Business of Cults part 2

    Published: 2/14/2022

  6. S903: The Business of Cults part 1

    Published: 2/8/2022

  7. S902: Cons, Scams, and Flim-flams

    Published: 1/25/2022

  8. S901: The KGB Agent

    Published: 1/11/2022

  9. S811: The Truth About Santa

    Published: 12/24/2021

  10. S810: The Hypnotist part 4 - Alien Abductions and Hypnosis

    Published: 12/21/2021

  11. S809: The Hypnotist part 3 - Is hypnosis admissible in court?

    Published: 12/7/2021

  12. S808: The Hypnotist part 2

    Published: 11/23/2021

  13. S807: The Hypnotist part 1

    Published: 11/9/2021

  14. S806: The Real Vampires

    Published: 10/26/2021

  15. Bonus: Michael plays air guitar

    Published: 10/12/2021

  16. S805: The King of Lies

    Published: 9/28/2021

  17. S804: The Ransomware Negotiator

    Published: 9/14/2021

  18. S803: The Sovereign Man

    Published: 8/31/2021

  19. S802: The Naked Sovereign Surgeon

    Published: 8/17/2021

  20. S801: The Sovereign Citizen

    Published: 8/4/2021

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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]