John Cooper remembers one of the Word of Faith Fellowship ministers commanding him to beat his wife. He also describes his family’s attempt to what he describes as a cult. Then it finally happened. John escaped. We’ll listen to secret recordings of pastor Jane Whaley trying to lure him back.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

///UPDATE///

///UPDATE///

The Prophet part 1 explores The Word of Faith Fellowship. You will hear about the accused cult leader, Pastor Jane Whaley, who many inside the sect believe is a prophet with direct communication with God. John Cooper describes the day 20 to 30 sect members surrounded and attacked him. He also shares secret recordings of Pastor Jane Whaley commanding someone to throw someone down to the ground. Plus, you’ll hear “blasting prayers” — ear-piercing crying sessions meant to cast out demons.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Javier Leiva interviews real con artists, snake oil salesmen, and former cult members–anyone living a lie.

PRETEND is consistently in the top True Crime Podcasts in U.S., UK, Canada, and Australia. 

It has been featured in the New York Times, the BBC, and New York Magazine. In 2018, Vulture named PRETEND one of the top 52 True Crime podcasts in the U.S.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices