Stephanie Wood was new to online dating when she met a sweet man named Joe. But within weeks, she realised 'farmer' Joe was not who he claimed to be (R).

Stephanie was a successful and well-travelled journalist when she met a sweet man named Joe online.

They spent many romantic weekends away and discussed a future where they would live together in the country.

But after months of his last minute cancellations and no shows, Stephanie finally ended the relationship.

What she discovered next was a shocking tale of deceit and manipulation.

Once she began telling her story, Stephanie realised there were hundreds of other women, and a few men just like her.

Fake is published by Penguin

Since Sarah first spoke with Stephanie in 2019, her story has been turned into an acclaimed TV series starring Asher Keddie.

Stephanie's newsletter Vamp is available on Substack.

This episode of Conversations was produced by Nicola Harrison. Executive Producer was Carmel Rooney.

It explores online dating, dating apps, catfishing, the Tinder Swindler, betrayal, deceit, love, relationships, modern dating, grief, dating for women, manipulation, narcissism, is my partner a narcissist, gaslighting, is my partner gaslighting me, ripped off, lies.

To binge even more great episodes of the Conversations podcast with Richard Fidler and Sarah Kanowski go the ABC listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. There you’ll find hundreds of the best thought-provoking interviews with authors, writers, artists, politicians, psychologists, musicians, and celebrities.