Podcast
PRETEND is an investigative true crime podcast that digs deep into the mindset and methods of people who have made lying their livelihood. Hosted by Javier Leiva, the show examines scammers, con artists, and grifters through documentary-style journalism and first-hand interviews, uncovering the psychology behind deception alongside the devastating consequences for the victims caught in their web.
Each season focuses on high-profile cases, including multi-part investigations into notorious figures like Frank Abagnale as well as in-depth portraits of cult leaders and sophisticated fraud networks. The podcast combines thorough journalism with intimate storytelling, revealing how ordinary people can be manipulated and what drives individuals to construct elaborate schemes.
With new episodes released every week, PRETEND is available on all major platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, YouTube, and Overcast — perfect for true crime enthusiasts interested in the intersection of psychology, crime, and human deception.
About the podcast
HostJavier Leiva
NetworkCreative Babble, LLC
FormatInvestigative true crime podcast
HostJavier Leiva
Release frequencyWeekly new episodes
Available onApple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, YouTube, Overcast
Episodes
9
The Babalawo - Secrets of Santeria Revisited
An episode of PRETEND in which host Javier Leiva returns to Miami to confront his childhood fears of Santeria through a babalawo and a scholar-priestess.
November 3, 2026
The Stalker: Fit to Stand Trial? Part 24
PRETEND's "The Stalker: Fit to Stand Trial? Part 24" covers the competency hearing for accused stalker Shelbey Fernandez.
October 27, 2026
The Prophet: A Word of Faith Fellowship Minister Back in Court, 13
PRETEND's finale returns to Word of Faith Fellowship, following a 19-year-old's 2013 abuse allegations into the courtroom 13 years later.
October 20, 2026
The Gypsy Rose Obsession, Part 10
The final episode of PRETEND's Gypsy Rose Obsession series asks Gypsy when her relationship with her mother turned, and tracks down the attorney behind her 2013 power of attorney.
October 13, 2026
Nobody Should Believe Me: The Case of Dr. John Cox
A crossover episode examining ER physician Dr. John Cox, charged with abusing his adoptive infant daughter, and the murkier story behind the headlines.
October 10, 2026
The Gypsy Rose Obsession, Part 9
This PRETEND episode covers the internet's reaction when Gypsy Rose Blanchard announced her pregnancy, years after her abusive childhood made headlines.
October 6, 2026
The Gypsy Rose Obsession, Part 8
The episode covers over five hundred hours of leaked recordings of Gypsy Rose Blanchard from inside Chillicothe, including slurs and comments about her mother.
September 29, 2026
The Gypsy Rose Obsession, Part 7
Episode 7 of PRETEND's Gypsy Rose series plays leaked prison calls Missouri released to a content creator, including threats and a dental clinic detail.
September 22, 2026
The Gypsy Rose Obsession, Part 6
Episode 6 of PRETEND's Gypsy Rose series looks at online skeptics who doubt Dee Dee Blanchard's Munchausen by proxy and the 'Justice for Dee Dee' movement.
September 15, 2026
Share this post:
Follow this podcast
Get an email when a new episode of PRETEND: True Crime Podcast Explores Con Artists and Scammers is released.