About This Episode
A Fresh Approach to True Crime in the Podcast Market
Journalist Javier Leiva has launched PRETEND, an investigative true crime podcast that explores the world of con artists and people who lie to survive. The series is presented through its own network, PRETEND+, marking a significant expansion of the true crime podcast universe.
The podcast distinguishes itself from traditional true crime productions by combining in-depth journalistic research with cinematic storytelling. Rather than focusing solely on criminal acts or investigations, PRETEND examines the psychology behind deception—what drives people to lie on a large scale, and how does this manipulation affect victims?
Fraud as a Psychological Phenomenon
The themes in PRETEND span broadly: from classic financial scams to modern Ponzi schemes and digital hoaxes. This wide-ranging approach gives listeners a comprehensive perspective on how fraud operates across both time and technology. The podcast's focus on the human stories behind deception—both perpetrators and victims—offers deeper understanding than mere legal facts.