Best Conartists Podcasts (2025)

1
2013: I Married a Narcissist part 3 52:17

8m ago52:17

52:17

Trigger warning: This episode contains graphic discussions of emotional, financial, sexual, and physical abuse. Listener discretion is strongly advised. When Lindsay first met him, he was charming, successful, and convincing—a financial advisor with all the right answers. What started as a storybook marriage quickly spiraled into a nightmare of man…

1
2012: I Married a Narcissist part 2 Listener Reactions 16:11

8d ago16:11

16:11

After publishing the story of a woman trapped in a marriage with a narcissist, I wasn't sure how it would land. It wasn’t flashy. It didn’t end in violence or arrest. But the response was overwhelming. Listeners wrote in to say, “That was me.” Some still carry the trauma years later. Others are just now realizing what they went through was abuse. I…

1
2011: I Married a Narcissist part 1 55:03

13d ago55:03

55:03

In this episode of PRETEND, we meet “Ashley”—not her real name—who recorded hours of arguments with her husband in an effort to understand what was happening inside her marriage. From the outside, it looked like petty spats over groceries or laundry. But when you hear the audio, you realize this was something darker. Ashley’s husband was emotionall…

1
2010: The Keepsake Scandal 35:05

19d ago35:05

35:05

It started with a missing breast milk keepsake. But when Cheyna Lee joined an online group of frustrated customers, she uncovered something much bigger—hundreds of victims, stolen mementos, and a scam artist hiding in plain sight. This is the story of Destiny Magoon, a small business owner who promised sentimental jewelry made from ashes, hair, and…

1
2009: The Gambler Revisited 43:28

27d ago43:28

43:28

Episode Summary: While working on the new season of Pretend, I wanted to bring back an episode from 2018 that’s worth another listen. It’s the story of Art Schlichter, a former Ohio State football star whose gambling addiction wrecked his life—and the lives of others. One of those people was Anita Barney, the widow of a Wendy’s CEO, who lost everyt…

1
2008: Licensed to Kill part 2 34:13

1M ago34:13

34:13

n part two of Licensed to Kill, we continue the shocking investigation into doctors who exploit their patients for profit. This episode follows Patty Hester, a fitness instructor who was misdiagnosed with a rare blood cancer and nearly subjected to years of unnecessary chemotherapy—all at the hands of Dr. Farid Fata, a Michigan oncologist who built…

1
2007: Licensed to Kill part 1 42:31

1M ago42:31

42:31

What if your doctor wasn’t trying to save you, but trying to cash in on you? In this episode of Pretend, we uncover the shocking case of Dr. Thomas Weiner, an oncologist accused of prescribing years of brutal chemotherapy treatments to patients who may not have even had cancer. We follow the story of Scott Warwick, a man who was told he had stage 4…

1
2006: Operation Cock Block 51:32

2M ago51:32

51:32

A group of women, all with eerily similar stories, say they were deceived—emotionally and financially—by the same man: William Sullivan. But instead of staying silent, they took matters into their own hands. They formed Operation Cock Block, a coordinated effort to expose what they claim were Sullivan’s deceptive tactics and warn others before they…

1
2005: The Telepathy Tapes B-side part 3 39:08

2M ago39:08

39:08

Facilitated Communication is marketed as a miraculous tool for non-speaking autistic children. But what happens when this controversial method leads to devastating consequences? In this episode, we hear from Kevin Plantin, a father who was falsely accused of assault based solely on messages typed with the help of a facilitator. Despite the evidence…

1
2004: The Telepathy Tapes B-Side part 2 50:15

2M ago50:15

50:15

A mother kills her autistic son. Why? Because he asked her to. The mother claims he used facilitated communication to ask her to help him die. This case is just one of many tied to the controversial method that claims to give a voice to non-speaking autistic individuals. But what if the voice wasn’t theirs at all? Share Your Thoughts: Have you list…

1
2003: The Telepathy Tapes B-Side part 1 46:57

2M ago46:57

46:57

The Telepathy Tapes podcast shot to the top of the charts, making bold claims about telepathic abilities in non-verbal autistic children. But are the claims rooted in science—or something else entirely? In this episode of PRETEND, we take a closer look at the phenomenon, the controversies, and the skepticism surrounding these extraordinary claims. …

1
Criminal Conduct S5: The Life and Death of Buffalo Jim 32:45

3M ago32:45

32:45

Hello PRETENDERS! I'm excited to announce that the new season of my other podcast, Criminal Conduct Season, is here! To listen to the rest of the story, search for Criminal Conduct and subscribe. ____________________ Buffalo Jim Barrier was a wrestling promoter, mechanic, and Las Vegas icon. He faced off against Rick Rizzolo, a powerful strip club …

1
Nobody Should Believe Me: Sophie Saves Zambia 47:50

3M ago47:50

47:50

Today on PRETEND, we’re featuring the season 5 premiere of Nobody Should Believe Me, a compelling podcast hosted by author Andrea Dunlop that explores Munchausen by proxy abuse. Dunlop’s investigative storytelling sheds light on a complex and deeply troubling form of abuse, offering listeners both empathy and insight. Season 5 kicks off with an in-…

1
2002: DNA Deception 38:26

3M ago38:26

38:26

DNA evidence is often seen as the gold standard in criminal investigations—a scientific fingerprint that can definitively prove guilt or innocence. But what happens when the science behind it is mishandled or manipulated? In this episode of PRETEND, we explore two shocking cases: the Garrett Coughlin triple homicide and the wrongful conviction of J…

1
2001: Drone Hysteria 24:33

3M ago24:33

24:33

People panicked when a swarm of mysterious drones appeared in New Jersey’s night skies. Were they military? Foreign spies? Aliens? But buried under all the hysteria was one theory that refused to die: Birds Aren't Real. Yeah, that old internet conspiracy claiming birds are actually government surveillance drones. But here’s the thing—what if the jo…

1
1914: BONUS: Grapes, Grifts, and Gavel 1:08:25

3M ago1:08:25

1:08:25

As a holiday treat, Amanda of Wine & Crime, Javier of PRETEND, and Whitney of Navigating Advocacy sit down to chat true crime, being in the podcasting industry, cases that haunt us, dream collaborations, and more! Enjoy this bonus conversation and check out all of these amazing shows wherever you get your podcasts! Javier Leiva - PRETEND, Criminal …

1
1913: The Christmas Con Revisited 40:31

4M ago40:31

40:31

In today's Christmas episode, we delve into the story of David Ellisor, a man whose grand Christmas scheme left the city of Miami in disbelief. Ellisor, a real-life Grinch, planned to host "Christmas From Around the World," a supposed once-in-a-lifetime event promising the presence of ambassadors, live reindeer, and a spectacle of global traditions…

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1912: BONUS: Affirmative Pretend Bullsh** 1:09:53

4M ago1:09:53

1:09:53

The true crime podcasting community has come together for the holiday season to discuss all things true crime podcasting. Over the next two weeks, ten shows will be dropping bonus episodes sharing these conversations. In this episode, I'm joined by Alvin Williams (Affirmative Murder) and Josh Hallmark (True Crime Bullsh**) to discuss how we started…

1
1911: Love and Taxes Revisited 40:18

4M ago40:18

40:18

When the IRS knocked on John Coutu's door, demanding $80,000, his girlfriend, Jennifer Mitchell, offered to help with his taxes. It seemed like a simple gesture of support. But John would soon find himself caught in a troubling situation. Unbeknownst to him, his taxes were never filed, and a series of lies began to unravel. As John speaks out, his …

1
1910: The Maury Povich Olive Lady - Revisited 37:04

4M ago37:04

37:04

So, I've got to tell you about this crazy rabbit hole I slipped into. It's about that bizarre olive lady from the Maury show. Remember her? Olives freaked out Sally because they reminded her of, get this, dead people's eyes. Wild, right? I always wondered... Was Sally for real or just putting on a show for the cameras? This question led me to Antho…

1
1909: The Woman Who Almost Stole Graceland 48:24

4M ago48:24

48:24

Lisa Findley tried to steal Elvis Presley’s home. She almost got away with it. A con artist with a long history of scams almost pulled off her biggest scheme yet—stealing Elvis Presley’s iconic home, Graceland. Using fake documents and fabricated identities, Lisa Findley tried to claim ownership of the historic estate. In this episode, NBC News rep…

1
BONUS: How to Spot a Con Artist on the First Date and When to Walk Away 51:09

4M ago51:09

51:09

In this episode, Dr. Jan Canty, a psychologist, author, and podcast host, shares essential advice on recognizing and avoiding con artists in modern relationships. Dr. Canty, who experienced betrayal and tragedy in her life, offers insights into the red flags of deceptive individuals and provides practical tips for safeguarding against potential sca…

1
1908: LaDonna's Surrogates part 4 37:30

5M ago37:30

37:30

The Rise and Fall of LaDonna’s Loudest Surrogate: David McClam LaDonna Humphrey’s most vocal supporter, David McClam, launched the We Are Not Afraid podcast to defend her against mounting accusations. Episode after episode, McClam promised to deliver proof that LaDonna’s critics were lying. But instead of delivering proof, McClam brought Alecia Loc…

1
1907: LaDonna's Surrogates part 3 34:35

5M ago34:35

34:35

LaDonna Humphrey groomed Lexi Kakis to be her next close ally—a “surrogate in training,” if you will. Drawn in by their shared passion for cold cases, Kakis found herself getting deeper into Humphrey’s world. Surprisingly, Kakis says she never experienced the harassment others have claimed, but during our interview, she learned how LaDonna truly fe…

1
1906: LaDonna's Surrogates part 2 32:22

5M ago32:22

32:22

What's the old saying? People who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones. Well, it turns out that Dennis McCaslin, editor of LaDonna's tabloid blog, has some skeletons in his closet. Listen to part 3 of LaDonna's Surrogates: https://www.patreon.com/posts/ladonnas-part-3-114712491 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
1905: LaDonna's Surrogates part 1 30:18

5M ago30:18

30:18

LaDonna Humphrey uses her surrogates to do her dirty work; in part one, we discuss how she weaponized Dennis McCaslin, a Fort Smith, Arkansas tabloid blogger, to go after her enemies. Listen to LaDonna's Surrogates Part 2: https://www.patreon.com/posts/ladonnas-part-2-114024374 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
1904: The White Collar Support Group 59:23

6M ago59:23

59:23

It’s hard to imagine former executives, investment fraudsters, and insider traders gathering for weekly support meetings. When I first heard about a support group for white-collar criminals, I was skeptical. It sounded like an SNL sketch: former hedge fund managers, insider traders, and embezzlers sitting in a circle, sharing their woes. However, J…

1
1903: The Naked Surgeon Revisited 55:06

6M ago55:06

55:06

Where do sovereign citizens go when they need medical attention? Some of them seek help from homeopathic quacks like Rick Van Thiel. Rick Van Thiel is not a surgeon. He's a porn star operating on people with dirty scalpels, reused needles, surrounded by filth. And the worst part is that he performs his surgeries in the nude. This episode is part of…

1
1902: The Greatest Footballer Who Never Played 35:01

6M ago35:01

35:01

In this episode of PRETEND, we uncover the unbelievable story of Carlos Henrique Raposo, better known as "Kaiser," the man who lived the life of a soccer legend without ever kicking a ball. He partied like a star, signed with major teams, and tricked the entire football world for nearly three decades. I sit down with the producer of Kaiser: The Gre…

1
1901: The Return of the Stalker 33:46

6M ago33:46

33:46

In this episode of PRETEND, I’m taking you back to the case of Tanya and Rick Fernandez—the Arizona couple behind one of the most bizarre harassment campaigns I’ve ever covered. For those of you who followed The Stalker series, you might think this story ended when they struck a plea deal, but not so fast. Despite completing court-ordered counselin…

1
1816: Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey part 16 54:36

7M ago54:36

54:36

Can you believe this is the 16th episode of our investigation into LaDonna Humphrey—a story that, honestly, I didn’t think would last this long. But here we are. Now, if you’ve followed along, you know this has been a wild ride. LaDonna, once a respected figure in the true crime community, has become the center of some truly shocking accusations. S…

1
1815: Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey part 15 42:33

7M ago42:33

42:33

We continue our investigation into Charles Ray Vines and his potential involvement in the Melissa Witt murder. In this episode, we track down Vines’ former neighbor and friend, Thomas Seymour. Seymour claims that he spoke with Vines just before Vines was heading to the bowling alley to meet a girl named Melissa. What other information does Seymour …

1
1814: Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey part 14 40:19

7M ago40:19

40:19

I’ve been investigating the Melissa Witt case for a while now, and just when I thought I had a handle on it, a new lead dropped into my lap. In this episode, I sit down with Patti Rush, a victim advocate who might have uncovered the most crucial evidence yet. We’re talking about a case so warped by misinformation that even those closest to it can’t…

1
LADONNA BONUS: A Swing and a Miss 22:33

7M ago22:33

22:33

"Javier, aren't you worried that LaDonna might target you next?" That's the question I get asked most frequently. The answer is too late. Even before this series dropped, LaDonna began sending me spoof emails. I've received various messages, including some from fake accounts, and even attempts to hack into my podcast platform. Additionally, LaDonna…

1
1813: Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey part 13 35:37

8M ago35:37

35:37

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Creative Babble

1
1812: Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey part 12 45:25

8M ago45:25

45:25

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Creative Babble

1
1811: Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey part 11 1:00:44

8M ago1:00:44

1:00:44

Every charity organization LaDonna Humphrey has led seems to collapse under the weight of controversy and financial mismanagement. Today, we're closely examining Oasis of Northwest Arkansas, a sober living facility under LaDonna's direction. Our investigation reveals alarming stories of harassment, financial mismanagement, and overcrowded, unsafe l…

1
1810: Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey part 10 29:57

8M ago29:57

29:57

Every charity organization LaDonna Humphrey has led seems to collapse under the weight of controversy and financial mismanagement. Today, we scrutinize LaDonna Humphrey's non-profit world, focusing on her troubled history with charities. Our investigation reveals a pattern of failed ventures, harassment accusations, and questionable financial pract…

1
1809: Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey part 9 49:40

8M ago49:40

49:40

Content Disclaimer: This episode contains discussions of sexual assault. Today, we're going to talk about the enigma that is LaDonna Humphrey. Like the fact that she was logged in under the same death fetish account, harassing her co-host, yet she denies creating the account. We'll also try to untangle how LaDonna went from attacking the death feti…

1
1808: Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey part 8 39:11

9M ago39:11

39:11

To truly understand LaDonna Humphrey, we need to delve into her childhood. In an exclusive interview, a family member describes the years of harassing messages and relentless vendettas that have torn their family apart. This episode sheds light on the deep-rooted conflicts that have shaped LaDonna's tumultuous life. Learn more about your ad choices…

1
1807: Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey part 7 43:05

9M ago43:05

43:05

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Creative Babble

1
1806: Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey part 6 34:23

9M ago34:23

34:23

STOP WHAT YOU'RE DOING! The LaDonna Humphrey interview episodes are in. In this first part of my exclusive interview with LaDonna Humphrey, we dive deep into the accusations and controversies surrounding her. I confront LaDonna with the tough questions to unravel the intricate details of her story. We also hear from her supporters. Don't miss out o…

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1805: Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey part 5 45:59

9M ago45:59

45:59

True Crime Author LaDonna Humphrey Targets Ex-Boyfriend in Melissa Witt Killing, According to Recordings LaDonna Humphrey is accused of relentlessly pursuing Daniel Watson as a suspect in the unsolved murder of Melissa Witt. Watson, who has consistently maintained his innocence, claims he is being unfairly targeted by Humphrey, who is alleged to be…

1
1804: Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey part 4 31:10

10M ago31:10

31:10

Old Flames Reignited: The Mysterious Return of LaDonna Humphrey in Allen Arson Case LaDonna Humphrey, with a history marked by harassment allegations, emerges from the shadows 13 years later to entangle herself in the arson investigation of her former boss and preacher, Jon Allen. As the flames of the past reignite, investigators uncover a convolut…

1
1803: Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey part 3 52:56

10M ago52:56

52:56

In part 3 of Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey, we explore the intense battle between Anthony Christopher and LaDonna. Anthony, LaDonna's former boss, shares his story of harassment, alleging LaDonna's relentless efforts to destroy his life and career. From sending spoof emails to unauthorized background checks, LaDonna's actions led to a legal show…

1
1802: Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey part 2 40:22

10M ago40:22

40:22

In this episode, we explore the troubling allegations against LaDonna Humphrey surrounding the Melissa Witt case. Crime victim advocate Patti Rush shares her story, claiming that Humphrey, once seen as an ally, was actually behind years of harassment and deceit. From stolen evidence to questionable motives, we peel back the layers on a complicated …

1
1801: Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey part 1 45:44

10M ago45:44

45:44

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: compl…

1
TRAILER: Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey 11:04

10M ago11:04

11:04

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…

1
1705: Hockey Dad Poses as Delta Force Agent to Scam Parents part 2 44:15

11M ago44:15

44:15

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/pretendradio PRETEND+ on Apple Podcast: https:…

1
1704: Hockey Dad Poses as Delta Force Agent to Scam Parents part 1 35:42

11M ago35:42

35:42

Saint Jovite Youngblood posed as a Delta Force agent to swindle the families of his son’s hockey team. Today's episode revolves around two victims: Eric Perardi, an Austin-based real estate developer, and Rebecca Kumar, a hockey mom, whose lives were turned upside down by Youngblood’s elaborate scams. Their experiences may sound like something out …

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