PRETEND

Creative Babble

PRETEND is a podcast: Interviews with cult leaders, con artists, undercover agents, and anyone else who lived a life of deception.

  • 37 minutes 2 seconds
    1808: Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey part 8

    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.

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    23 July 2024, 7:00 am
  • 7 minutes 35 seconds
    Listen Now: Hysterical

    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 seemingly inexplicable events of the last few years – CIA officers being crippled with nausea and vertigo; cops OD'ing from exposure to fentanyl – and discovers they’re far more connected than we realize.


    From Wondery and Pineapple Street Studios, this 7-part series forces us to grapple with the mysteries of our own minds, and reckon with a contagion that we thought was long dead, but may be the defining disorder of our time.


    Follow Hysterical on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can binge all episodes of Hysterical early and ad-free right now by joining Wondery+ at Wondery.fm/Hysterical_Pretend

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    22 July 2024, 4:00 am
  • 41 minutes 5 seconds
    1807: Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey part 7

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    16 July 2024, 7:30 am
  • 33 minutes 23 seconds
    1806: Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey part 6

    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 interview request

       - Confronting LaDonna about accusations related to Melissa Witt's case files and the River Valley Killer.

       - Hearing from LaDonna's supporters and their perspectives on the situation.

       - Discussing LaDonna's admissions about sending spoof messages and other allegations.

       - A deep dive into LaDonna's legal battles and contempt charges.

       - Addressing the evidence and LaDonna's strategy against the accusations.


    Written and produced by: Javier Leiva

    Producer: Alison Byrne

    Editor: Puneeth Shenoy with the Podcast Pundits

    Theme Music by: Joe Basile with The Chicken (thechicken.net)

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    9 July 2024, 7:30 am
  • 43 minutes 59 seconds
    1805: Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey part 5

    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 driven by personal and financial motives.

    Later in the episode, Julie Murray, whose sister Maura Murray disappeared in 2004, also had a contentious experience with Humphrey. Despite initial cooperation, Murray's family became wary of Humphrey's motives, leading to accusations of fabricated evidence and misrepresentation.

    Follow Us:

        Twitter: @pretendpod

        Instagram: @pretendpodcast

        Facebook: Pretend Podcast

    For more information and updates on Maura Murray's case, visit mauramurraymissing.org.


    Today's episode was written and produced by Javier Leiva.

    Producer: Alison Byrne

    Editor: Puneeth Shenoy with the Podcast Pundits https://podcastpundits.com/

    Theme Music: The Chicken https://www.thechicken.net/

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    2 July 2024, 7:00 am
  • 29 minutes 10 seconds
    1804: Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey part 4

    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 mean for the longstanding accusations against her? This episode revisits one of her earliest cases of alleged deceit and retribution.

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    25 June 2024, 7:30 am
  • 48 minutes 26 seconds
    1803: Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey part 3

    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] Anthony Christopher introduces his experience of feeling isolated as LaDonna's victim and discovering other victims.

        [00:02:00] Patti Rush speaks about finding empowerment after realizing she wasn't alone in being deceived by LaDonna.

        [00:03:00] Anthony details the start of his professional relationship with LaDonna and her swift dismissal from Absolute Pediatrics.

        [00:07:00] Nae Heintz discusses LaDonna's unauthorized background checks on colleagues.

        [00:15:00] Anthony recounts the beginning of the harassment and the steps he took to address it, including filing a lawsuit.

        [00:25:00] LaDonna admits to forwarding intimidating text messages under police questioning.

        [00:30:00] The judge finds LaDonna in contempt of court for evidence spoliation and orders her to serve jail time.

        [00:32:00] Anthony's attorney uncovers key phone records that contradict LaDonna's claims about her phone being stolen.

        [00:36:00] LaDonna's damaging actions lead to a $3.5 million judgment in Anthony's favor.

        [00:38:00] The broader impact of LaDonna's actions on other victims and the ongoing legal repercussions.

    Part 4 is in the works. Please be patient as my team and I work through these next few episodes.

    Follow Us:

        Twitter: @pretendpod

        Instagram: @pretendpodcast

        Facebook: Pretend Podcast

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    18 June 2024, 7:30 am
  • 36 minutes 37 seconds
    1802: Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey part 2

    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 ally, may have been orchestrating years of harassment and deceit. We'll discuss stolen evidence, questionable motives, and the broader implications for the true crime community.

    Highlights:

    • [00:01:00] Alicia Lockhart's story of being tormented by "Fetish Master" and the shocking discovery that it might have been LaDonna Humphrey.
    • [00:04:00] Introduction of Patti Rush, her work with REVAMP, and her connection to the Melissa Witt case.
    • [00:08:00] Patti’s account of LaDonna's unusual access to the Melissa Witt case files and evidence.
    • [00:13:00] The story of the mishandling evidence and crime scene video posted online.
    • [00:16:00] Details of the harassment Patti faced after reporting the video to the police.
    • [00:20:00] Allegations of LaDonna’s desire for fame and how it influenced her actions.
    • [00:26:00] Discussion of Charles Ray Vines, a possible suspect in the Melissa Witt case, and why LaDonna ruled him out.
    • [00:31:00] Insights into LaDonna’s new suspect and ongoing investigations.

    Call to Action: The story is far from over. Don’t miss out on the next part of this series. Listen to part three now on Patreon or PRETEND+ on Apple Podcast.

    Links:

    Follow Us:

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    11 June 2024, 7:30 am
  • 42 minutes 29 seconds
    1801: Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey part 1

    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 to hear some far-fetched allegations from many different people—strangers who share one common thread: they've all crossed paths with LaDonna Humphrey.

    There's a lot of he said, she said in this story, and I'll do my best to prove or disprove each claim. This series is going to be a long one, unfolding in real-time as you listen. By the end, I hope I've done enough for you to make up your own mind and understand why so many people are afraid of LaDonna Humphrey.

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    4 June 2024, 7:30 am
  • 11 minutes 4 seconds
    TRAILER: Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey

    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?

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    31 May 2024, 9:00 pm
  • 11 minutes
    Introducing: White Devil from Campire Media

    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 investigating, the craggy depths of Belize are brought to the surface: Its quirks, its corruption, and the all pervasive influence of several generations of one family in particular. You can binge the rest of White Devil at:

     

    https://link.chtbl.com/pretendwhitedevilhttps://link.chtbl.com/pretendwhitedevil

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    20 May 2024, 2:10 pm
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