PRETEND

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**PRETEND**

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 storytelling.

Featured in lists of the best podcasts about con artists and scams, PRETEND investigates crimes of persuasion, trust, and betrayal. New episodes drop regularly with stories that reveal how manipulation shapes modern life, both online and off.

PRETEND is produced by Creative Babble, LLC.

© 2026 Creative Babble LLC

[CLAIM:B6BT3XC4]

Latest Episodes:

Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey part 13 Aug 27, 2024

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Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey part 12 Aug 20, 2024

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Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey part 11 Aug 13, 2024

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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 shower were allegedly kept by LaDonna, leaving her without the promised support. Residents describe living in cramped conditions, with up to 15 women and children in a house meant for nine. Basic amenities like smoke detectors, working washers, and air conditioning are often missing or broken.

We'll also examine the nonprofit's questionable accounting practices. Oasis's financial records show suspicious entries, such as LaDonna working 65 hours per week for only $15,600 annually and unexplained professional fees amounting to $58,000.

LaDonna is accused of using intimidation tactics, such as threatening to kick out residents over minor infractions and enforcing arbitrary fines for damages— creating a culture of fear and control.

Call to Action:

If you're as concerned as we are about the allegations against Oasis of Northwest Arkansas, we urge you to take action. Contact the Arkansas Attorney General's Office at tabitha.davis@arkansasag.gov or call 501-682-1306. You can also raise awareness by posting on social media with the hashtag #justiceforoasis.

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Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey part 10 Aug 06, 2024

Show notes

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 the Silver Linings Podcast: https://linktr.ee/silverliningshandbookpodcast

Also, referenced in this episode is the LaDonna Humphrey Talks Sub Reddit:

https://www.reddit.com/r/LadonnaHumphreyTalk/

NEW EPISODES are available now:

Part 11

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/posts/whos-afraid-of-108675318

PRETEND+ on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pretend/id1245307962?i=1000663349553

Part 12

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/posts/whos-afraid-of-108813124

PRETEND+ on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pretend/id1245307962?i=1000664222141

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Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey part 9 Jul 30, 2024

Show notes

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 produced by Javier Leiva.

Produced by Alison Byrne.

Edited by Puneeth Shenoy.

Theme music by Joel Basile with thechicken.net.

Referenced in this episode:

Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/LadonnaHumphreyTalk

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Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey part 8 Jul 23, 2024

Show notes

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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Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey part 7 Jul 16, 2024

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Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey part 6 Jul 09, 2024

Show notes

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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Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey part 5 Jul 02, 2024

Show notes

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.

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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Who's Afraid of LaDonna Humphrey part 4 Jun 25, 2024

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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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