PRETEND

By: Creative Babble
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  • Summary

  • From cult leaders to con artists and undercover FBI agents, PRETEND exposes those pretending to be someone they're not.
    All rights reserved 2024
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Social Sciences True Crime
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Episodes
  • 2101: So I Married a Ponzi Schemer

    2101: So I Married a Ponzi Schemer
    Apr 15 2025
    Interview with a man convicted of a Ponzi scheme. Bill Livolsi says he was just trying to help his wife, Linda—the ringleader of a multi-million dollar investment scam. In this episode of PRETEND, Bill opens up about how he got roped into the scheme, ignored every red flag, and ultimately landed in prison. He describes fake hedge funds, imaginary employees, and a key investor who also happened to be a self-proclaimed witch and lottery winner. But here’s the twist: Linda isn’t just any con artist. She’s the sister of the woman who tried to steal Elvis Presley’s Graceland—something we covered in a previous episode of PRETEND. Yeah, this story just got a whole lot weirder. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    36 mins
  • 2013: I Married a Narcissist part 3

    2013: I Married a Narcissist part 3
    Apr 8 2025
    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 manipulation, gaslighting, and escalating violence. In this episode of PRETEND, Lindsay opens up for the first time in a raw, unfiltered conversation. She walks us through the early warning signs she missed, the love bombing tactics used to win her over, and the slow, calculated process of control that followed. 💬 If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, help is available. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or visit thehotline.org. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    52 mins
  • 2012: BONUS: Listener Reactions to ‘I Married a Narcissist’

    2012: BONUS: Listener Reactions to ‘I Married a Narcissist’
    Apr 1 2025
    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. In this episode, we hear from listeners who saw their own relationships reflected in Ashley’s story. We also speak with criminal behavior analyst Laura Richards to understand how abuse often hides in plain sight—through gaslighting, coercive control, and emotional manipulation. And we ask: what happens when the narcissist isn’t a partner—but a parent? Or when the survivor is a man? This bonus episode is about the quiet kind of abuse—the kind people are afraid to talk about but desperately need to hear. 🔊 Featuring: Laura Richards and listeners who bravely shared their experiences ⚠️ Trigger warning: discussions of abuse, addiction, and coercive control 🛑 Warning Signs of Narcissistic Abuse: Love-bombing followed by emotional withdrawal or cruelty Gaslighting: making you doubt your memory, emotions, or reality Blaming you for their self-harm threats or emotional instability Constant criticism or belittling over mundane issues Financial control or sabotage Isolating you from family or friends Guilt-tripping, triangulation, or passive-aggressive threats Refusing accountability or twisting facts during arguments 📌 If you’re in a similar situation, here are resources that can help: National Domestic Violence Hotline (U.S.): 800-799-7233 or thehotline.org — 24/7, free, confidential Psychology Today Therapist Finder: psychologytoday.com SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) – for substance abuse and mental health support Domestic Shelters: domesticshelters.org – helps identify resources near you One Mom’s Battle: onemomsbattle.com – for navigating high-conflict custody and divorce Love is Respect: loveisrespect.org – support for young people in abusive relationships Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    16 mins
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Profile Image for Audrey Bjork

Love this

Very good podcast. If you like casual crime without the gory stuff this is the one to listen too!! Javier does a very good job!!

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Profile Image for Todd

well worth the time

I am about 2/3 way through the catalog and have enjoyed most episodes. there's a casual yet familiar feel but the episodes are clearly well researched

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Profile Image for Claudia Guerra

Riveting

The story telling is well paced, keeps you listening to the end, and waiting for more!

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Profile Image for rachelee

All about clicks and views

The guy who hosts this podcast is just interested in exploiting sensational topics. He tries to pretend he's sincere but he is fundamentally unethical.

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