In today's Christmas episode, we delve into the story of David Ellisor, a man whose grand Christmas scheme left the city of Miami in disbelief. Ellisor, a real-life Grinch, planned to host "Christmas From Around the World," a supposed once-in-a-lifetime event promising the presence of ambassadors, live reindeer, and a spectacle of global traditions. But the event never happened. He collected the cash and made a run for it. This is a Christmas caper for the ages.

Plus, listeners tell their own Christmas con stories.

Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays! And I wish all of you a Happy New Year!

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Hey there, avid followers of the "Stalker" series! You might recall my last update, where I mentioned Tanya and Rick Fernandez may have taken a plea deal. Well.... There was a bit of a mix-up: while the State of Arizona court website had the trial marked as "vacated," a peek into the Maricopa Superior Court website told a different story. It turns out they have a new trial date set for February 27, 2024.

So, what does this mean? Initially, I speculated that the couple might have struck a plea deal. It seemed like a plausible explanation at the time, considering the how their settlement conference ended. But, as it often turns out, the reality was a bit different. I'm here to set the record straight: the trial is very much back on!

But wait, there's more. I had one more conversation with Tanya Fernandez and her oldest son. To say it was enlightening would be an understatement. The conversation added one more clue into revealing the identity of the stalker.

Stay tuned for more updates as we approach the trial date. This case has been a roller coaster of developments, and I'm committed to keeping you all in the loop with every twist and turn.

Until then, keep your eyes peeled for more updates. The "Stalker" saga is far from over.

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So, I've got to tell you about this crazy rabbit hole I slipped into. It's about that bizarre olive lady from the Maury show. Remember her? Sally was freaked out by olives because they reminded her of, get this, dead people's eyes. Wild, right?

I always wondered, was Sally for real or just putting on a show for the cameras? This question sent me down a path that ended with me chatting with Anthony Freire, a guy who used to produce for Maury.

Man, the stuff I learned while putting together this episode! It’s like peeling back the curtain on daytime TV and finding a whole other world. Turns out, there's a ton of mind games and behind-the-scenes tricks that go into making these shows. Anthony spilled the beans on how they get people to react a certain way or amp up their emotions for the audience.

It's not just about Sally and her olive phobia. This episode digs into the bigger picture of how these TV shows mess with people's heads, both the guests and us viewers.

If you're into the psychology of TV shows or just love a good behind-the-scenes story, you've gotta check this out. It's not your average episode of PRETEND.

Can't wait to hear what you all think. Tune in, and let's get our minds blown together!

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Today on "PRETEND," we explore the unsettling world of red-collar criminals, as defined by Frank Perri. These are white-collar offenders who commit murder to hide their frauds. This episode takes a closer look at the motivations and warning signs of these dangerous individuals. They could be closer than you think: a friend, family member, or coworker.

We also investigate how male and female red-collar criminals differ in their methods and motivations. Understanding these distinctions is crucial in recognizing and possibly preventing future red-collar crimes.

Red Collar White Collar Crime: Corporate, Predatory and Violent Fraud Offenders by Frank Perri:

https://www.amazon.com/Red-Collar-White-Crime-Corporate/dp/B09BGLZ7XL

PRETEND Facebook Group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/pretendradio/

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In this episode of PRETEND, we explore 'Red Collar Criminals,' a term coined by attorney, CPA, and Certified Fraud Examiner Frank Perri. Perri defines red-collar criminals as white-collar offenders who turn to violence to hide their frauds. 

We investigate the psychology and patterns common among these criminals, revealing how ordinary financial crimes can escalate into brutal acts of violence. By examining various cases, this episode paints a vivid picture of the dangerous and often unnoticed overlap between deceit and murder.

Red Collar White Collar Crime: Corporate, Predatory and Violent Fraud Offenders by Frank Perri:

https://www.amazon.com/Red-Collar-White-Crime-Corporate/dp/B09BGLZ7XL

PRETEND Facebook Group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/pretendradio/

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I checked the Arizona court website and it looks like Tanya and Rick Fernandez accepted a plea deal. So is this the end?

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"PRETEND: The Stalker" is back with a bombshell that you've all been waiting for: new court audio from The Fernandez Settlement Conference.

It's been a while since we've delved into the world of Tanya and Rick Fernandez, the subjects of one of The Stalker series. In the nine months since their indictment on January 25, 2023, where they faced a barrage of six felony charges, the Fernandez case has been marked by a relentless procession of delays.

The defense attorneys? They've been hitting the pause button time and time again, clamoring for more time to prepare their strategy. Meanwhile, the State of Arizona? They've remained steadfast, offering no plea deals whatsoever. The result? It was an agonizing year filled with 'hurry up and wait.'

But here's where it gets riveting – this past summer, the Fernandezes made an interesting move. They willingly relinquished their right to a speedy trial. Why? Their legal team argues that this case is anything but ordinary. It's complex, requiring more time for expert witness interviews, akin to a high-stakes murder trial. It's a bold move; let's see if it works.

We're inching closer to the December 6th, 2023 trial date. Will the State of Arizona finally extend a plea deal? And more critically, will the Fernandezes accept it, or are they unshakable in their belief that their narrative will captivate a jury?

In this episode of "PRETEND: The Stalker," you'll hear directly from the judge and prosecutor and finally get answers to our most burning questions. Will the Fernandezes cut a deal, or are they destined to take their chances in the unforgiving courtroom?

Let me know what you think on social!

Follow the conversation on Instagram @pretendpod:

https://www.instagram.com/pretendpod/?hl=en

or on the PRETEND Facebook Group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/pretendradio

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Get ready, folks!

I've just wrapped up listening to the Settlement Conference audio, and let me tell you, it's nothing short of mind-blowing. Right now, "WOW" is all I can muster. It's jam-packed with the answers we've all been itching to find.

Ever wondered what might happen if this case goes to trial? Will the Fernandez's stand firm in their refusal to accept a plea deal? What does the judge think of all this madness? Well, get ready to find out as the judge describes Tanya and Rick's possible fate.

I've even got a sneak peek for you, a short clip of the judge painting a vivid picture of their chances in front of a jury. Trust me; you won't want to miss this.

I'm hard at work on the new episode, and my hope is to get it out to you as soon as humanly possible. Bracing myself for a busy weekend ahead.

Stay tuned – there's much more to come!

Cheers, Javier

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Doug Williams is looking over his shoulder because, since 1979, he’s been on a crusade to defeat the polygraph machine. In 1996, he started a website called polygraph.com, offering a handbook and one-on-one training teaching people how to pass the test. 

“There is no Pinocchio response. Your nose does not grow when you lie.” Doug Williams, polygraph critic

According to Doug Williams, a lie detector test is about as accurate as a coin toss. He claims the machine doesn’t work, and as a result, innocent people are paying the price. Many innocent people have pleaded guilty and skipped trial because they failed a polygraph during an interrogation. And employers routinely administered polygraph tests as part of their hiring process. If you fail a lie detector test in the US federal government, you’re potentially placed on a blacklist and never allowed to apply for that government agency job again. 

Doug Willams says that the polygraph is just a stage prop used to scare people. How does he know this? Because he spent most of his law enforcement career using it as what he calls a psychological billy club. To him, it was just a tool to beat a confession out of a bad guy. But over the years, he realized that a polygraph test is just that… a test. It can be cheated. And he would devote the rest of his life to destroying it. 

Doug Williams made a career giving people polygraph exams. Now, he’s going to prison for teaching people how to cheat the test.   

https://www.youtube.com/@PretendPod

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In today's episode titled "The Babalawo," we delve deep into the world of Santería - the religion, not the song. While many might recognize the song, few are familiar with this mysterious Afro-Cuban faith, also known as Regla de Ochá, La Regla de Ifá, or Lucumí, which translates to the worship of saints.

You might wonder, "Where's the twist in this tale?" I've always felt an unsettling vibe around this religion. My fellow Cubans often consult Santería priests as if seeking divination. But is this genuine spiritual guidance, or am I unfairly biased against it? Spoiler: I might be letting my biases cloud my judgment.

To truly understand, I need to immerse myself in the heart of Santería, right in my hometown of Miami. But first, what exactly is a Babalawo?

A Babalawo is a revered figure in Santería, a priest who communicates prophecies from the Orishas, spirits representing aspects of the divine God Olodumare. In this episode, we'll uncover the history and roots of Santería, engaging in enlightening conversations with both a Santería priest and priestess, shedding light on their clandestine ceremonies.

—–MUSIC—–

Our theme music is crafted by the talented Joe Basile from The Chicken Music and Sound Design. Discover more about Joe and The Chicken at www.thechicken.net.

We also feature tunes by Podington Bear.

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