PRETEND
Creative Babble, LLCPRETEND 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 ... more
| Publishes | Twice weekly | Episodes | 365 | Founded | 9 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | True CrimeTechnology | |||
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Latest Episodes
This week, Javier stops by the Hot Mess Happy Hour Podcast and it didn't disappoint. It was a hot mess!
About Hot Mess Happy Hour:
Are you always running late? Do you leave things on top of your car and
drive off? You might be a hot mess too so th... more
My friend Johnathan Walton just launched a new show called Hardcore Con, and I had to share it with you.
Each episode, he breaks down a con story and the specific psychological tactics scammers use to pull it off. And this episode gets at something ... more
Federal prosecutors say the man known as Rony Denis isn't Rony Denis at all.
The arrest finally came in the fall of 2025. Three years after the FBI raids. But the church is still operating. So my friend Jared Smith from the Heliocentric YouTube chan... more
In Part 6, the FBI comes knocking.
Rony Denis and his top associates allegedly defrauded the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and military veterans out of more than $23.5 million. The House of Prayer Bible Seminary looked like a school. Veterans ... more
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- Liberal propaganda
There’s nothing worse than leftist propaganda pushed as “journalism.” But when the pusher PRETENDS that’s not what he’s doing it’s lying and manipulation, a common tactic of far left radicals. He deceives with stories about maga grannies, ICE and Trump pardons while trying to say he’s just being a fair journalist. I’m sure others on the far left nod along, at home in their echo chamber. But the rest of the country living in reality is wondering where’s a story of Biden’s pardons? Corrupt people,... more
Apple Podcasts1MylissaR
United States20 days ago - Excellent journalism
Javier does incredible investigations and reports on them so thoughtfully. He is completely engaging and entertaining, while also being very mindful of sensitive subjects and respectful with his interview subjects. I love listening to the podcast!
Apple Podcasts5BobKat16United Statesa month ago - Outstanding journalism
Wonderful host brings intriguing stories for his listeners to discover. This is thoughtful thoroughly investigated journalism! I’m an OG fan of this podcast! Keep up the great Javier!
Apple Podcasts5Pookie WinesUnited Statesa month ago - Love this podcast
5 stars
Apple Podcasts5SherrieSDmomUnited Statesa month ago - Weekly go to
One of the few podcasts I look forward to each week. Interesting well researched stories. Just wish they were more than 30 minutes each.
Apple Podcasts5RaininindyUnited Statesa month ago
Listeners Say
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Chart Rankings
How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.
Apple Podcasts | #158 | United States/True Crime |
Apple Podcasts | #224 |  Canada/True Crime |
Apple Podcasts | #189 |  France/True Crime |
Apple Podcasts | #102 |  Colombia/True Crime |
Apple Podcasts | #115 |  Philippines/True Crime |
Apple Podcasts | #127 |  Russia/True Crime |
Talking Points
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Audience Metrics
Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.
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Frequently Asked Questions About PRETEND
What is PRETEND about and what kind of topics does it cover?
- PRETEND is a true crime investigative series focused on deception, scams, and manipulation, with cinematic storytelling and ethical journalism that centers victims. Across recent episodes, the show investigates coercive control in high‑control groups, romance scam networks, and white‑collar fraud, often blending survivor testimony, expert context, and procedural details to expose how manipulation operates in online and offline spaces. Notable throughlines include the psychology of con artists, the mechanics of recruitment and financial control, and the ongoing challenge of holding perpetrators accountable without shaming victims. The show frequently ties individual cases to broader themes around power, money, and accountability, and tends... more
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How many listeners does PRETEND get?
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What are the audience demographics for PRETEND?
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How many subscribers and views does PRETEND have?
To see how many followers or subscribers PRETEND has on Spotify and other platforms such as Castbox and Podcast Addict, simply upgrade your account. You'll also find viewership figures for their YouTube channel if they have one.
Which podcasts are similar to PRETEND?
These podcasts share a similar audience with PRETEND:
1. Nobody Should Believe Me
2. The Opportunist
3. Betrayal Weekly
4. Scamfluencers
5. Something Was Wrong
How many episodes of PRETEND are there?
PRETEND launched 9 years ago and published 365 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
How do I contact PRETEND?
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Where can I see ratings and reviews for PRETEND?
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What guests have appeared on PRETEND?
Recent guests on PRETEND include:
1. Jared Smith
2. Lynette Rosario
3. Gladys Jordan
4. Gregory Ward
5. Arlen Bredin
6. Javier Leiva
7. Victor Johanson
8. Marissa Giammanco
To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.