Serialized podcast about deception, con artists, and people pretending to be someone else.
PRETEND is a true crime podcast about con artists
Javier Leiva is no stranger to the dark corners of the human psyche. With his true crime podcasts “PRETEND,” “CRIMINAL CONDUCT,” and “THE PONZI PLAYBOOK.” Leiva has carved out a reputation as one of the genre’s most immersive storytellers. Drawing from two decades of TV and marketing experience, he’s mastered the art of pulling listeners into twisted tales of crime and deception that feel all too real.
Leiva has peeled back the layers on infamous fraudster Frank Abagnale and shared his own wild encounter with a cult. But his biggest splash might just be his investigative deep dives, which led to the arrest of two individuals who faked their own stalking, turning these bizarre cases into living, breathing dramas that play out in real time.
It’s not just the podcast world paying attention—his work has made waves in the upper reaches of the industry. His reporting has been woven into Netflix’s “Don’t Pick Up the Phone” and Discovery+’s “Citizen P.I.” with major outlets like The New York Times and the BBC taking notice of his sharp, relentless storytelling.
“PRETEND” has become a staple in the true crime world, holding steady at the top of the charts across multiple countries. And with four Midsouth Emmys under his belt for his work in commercial broadcasting, Leiva’s impact stretches far beyond the podcast studio.
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Frank Abagnale, once the dazzling protagonist of “Catch Me If You Can,” made up his entire life story. Is he
Javier Leiva is a podcast producer and host of PRETEND, a true-crime podcast about con artists and real people pretending to be someone they’re not.
His investigative podcast career has taken him to some wild places. For example, Javier Leiva reported from inside a cult. In addition, he’s also interviewed a woman who sells bleach as a cure for autism. Then, he exposed a prank ring responsible for thousands of dollars in damages.
Javier worked 15 years in television, producing documentaries, news, and commercials. Most recently, he’s worked as a creative director at various marketing agencies. But, regardless of the medium, his passion is storytelling.
