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PODCAST

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

true crime

All Episodes

20:48

BONUS: A Swing and a Miss

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2024/09/03

"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 tried other creative ways to obstruct my investigation and stop the legitimate reporting of her abusive behavior toward others. Fun, fun

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35:37

1813: Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey part 13

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2024/08/27

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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45:25

1812: Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey part 12

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2024/08/20

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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60:44

1811: Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey part 11

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2024/08/13

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 living conditions.A former resident of Oasis shares her harrowing experience living at the facility. She recounts how donations intended for her baby

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29:57

1810: Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey part 10

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2024/08/06

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 practices. ______ I'd like to thank Jayson Blair with the Silver Linings Podcast for allowing me to use clips from his interview with LaDonna Humphrey. Listen

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49:40

1809: Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey part 9

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2024/07/30

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 fetishers to befriending them. Or perhaps her plan to pin Missy Witt's murder on Daniel Watson despite having zero evidence. Credits: Written and

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37:02

1808: Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey part 8

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2024/07/23

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. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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7:35

Listen Now: Hysterical

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2024/07/22

Hysterical investigates a mysterious illness that spreads among a group of high school girls in upstate New York. What is causing their sudden, often violent symptoms? Is there something in the water or inside the school? Or is it “all in their head?” The series examines the outbreak in LeRoy, NY, believed by some to be the most severe case of mass hysteria since the Salem Witch Trials. In his search for answers, Dan Taberski (9/12, Missing Richard Simmons, Running from Cops) explores other

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41:05

1807: Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey part 7

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2024/07/16

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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33:23

1806: Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey part 6

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2024/07/09

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 on Part 2 of this interview, available now on Patreon and Pretend+ on Apple Podcasts. Episode Highlights: -LaDonna's surprising reaction to my

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43:59

1805: Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey part 5

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2024/07/02

True Crime Author LaDonna Humphrey Targets Ex-Boyfriend in Melissa Witt Killing, According to RecordingsLaDonna 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 driven by personal and financial motives. Later in the episode, Julie Murray, whose sister Maura Murray disappeared in 2004, also had a contentious

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29:10

1804: Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey part 4

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2024/06/25

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 convoluted story of manipulation, embezzlement, and vindictiveness. Why has LaDonna returned after all these years to discredit the Allens, and what does this

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48:26

1803: Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey part 3

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2024/06/18

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 showdown that landed her in jail for destroying evidence and contempt of court and awarded Anthony a multimillion-dollar judgment. Highlights: [00:00:00]

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36:37

1802: Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey part 2

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2024/06/11

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 figure.Patti Rush, a dedicated crime victim advocate, shares her experiences and evidence, suggesting that Humphrey, who was once seen as a supportive

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42:29

1801: Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey part 1

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2024/06/04

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: completely out of order. By the end, you'll need a suspect board like the ones in the movies. I've conducted over 20 interviews and counting, and you're going

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11:04

TRAILER: Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey

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2024/05/31

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... until now. The question arises: Who's really afraid of LaDonna Humphrey? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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11:00

Introducing: White Devil from Campire Media

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2024/05/20

Sharing something special this week: A show from our friends at Campside Media, called White Devil. Late at night in May of 2021, a single gunshot shattered the silence along the beach at Belize’s luxurious Alaia resort. In White Devil, journalist Josh Dean dives into one of the biggest, splashiest, and most perplexing crime stories you’ve never heard of: The shooting death of renowned cop Henry Jemott, by a Canadian property developer, connected to the family of one very influential billionaire. In

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44:45

1705: Hockey Dad Poses as Delta Force Agent to Scam...

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2024/05/14

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://podcasts.apple.com/us/channel/pretend/id6443456985 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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35:42

1704: Hockey Dad Poses as Delta Force Agent to Scam...

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2024/05/07

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 of a crime thriller, but they show the danger of falling prey to a master manipulator. Listen to part 2 now: Patreon:

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7:55

1703: The Doula BREAKING NEWS

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2024/05/02

BREAKING NEWS - Kaitlyn Braun is Arrested Again for Duping Doulas in Phony Pregnancy Scam25-year-old Kaitlyn Braun, who is currently under house arrest for prior offenses involving fraud and harassment against doulas, faces new charges as of Tuesday. This week's charges come after new allegations of once again exploiting the trust of unsuspecting doulas by falsely soliciting support related to pregnancy and childbirth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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