In "The High School Hoax," the latest episode of "PRETEND," we explore the true story of Shelby Hewitt, a 32-year-old woman who enrolled as a high school student in Boston.

What compels an adult to return to high school? How did this go unnoticed? Janelle, a 16-year-old classmate and friend of Shelby's, offers a unique window into this bizarre ruse.

See video of Shelby Hewitt:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/C02ngXjsUh1/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pretendpod/video/7312640020207242538
YouTube: https://youtube.com/shorts/xG-y0td3MkI?feature=share
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

1601: The High School Hoax (Shelby Hewitt)

PRETEND exposes the masterminds behind some of the most notorious scams and cons. From cult leaders to con artists and undercover FBI agents, this podcast pulls back the curtain on those who've pretended to be someone they're not.

Society & Culture

Personal Journals

History

Philosophy

Places & Travel

Documentary

True crime

ABOUT MURDER HOMES PODCAST

The real estate market has never been hotter. Houses sell as soon as 
they’re listed. Bidding wars lead to all cash deals far above the asking
 price. But there is one kind of property that often sits on the market 
for years, no matter how much of a bargain it seems to be. Potential 
buyers come and go, the price keeps going down, and still the house 
stands empty. 

In real estate jargon, it’s called a “stigmatized property” because 
the home comes with a history. An unfortunate one – a horrible death 
occurred here. But what few people know is exactly what happened.... or 
why. 

Each week, Murder Homes tells the story of a single 
property. Who lived there? What secrets did they keep, and what did they
 leave behind? Part history, part murder mystery, this podcast mixes 
expert interviews, witness accounts, and court records to pull back the 
curtain on the hidden stories each property has to tell. 

Would you be able to live somewhere that seems perfect, if it weren’t for the ghosts of its past?

Listen to Murder Homes:
iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-murder-homes-127163602/
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/murder-homes/id1714612556
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3ZR5QWSlqXBafFkJGyzfof?si=3437778dc31c4cbc
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Introducing: MURDER HOMES

In the second installment of "The Doula" series, we uncover new dimensions of Kaitlyn Braun’s elaborate pregnancy scams. This episode features a new doula speaking out about her experiences, the story of how Kaitlyn was finally caught, and a revealing interview with a former friend whom Kaitlyn also deceived.

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

1702: The Doula part 2

Warning: This episode contains graphic discussions of pregnancy loss, sexual violence, and emotional abuse. Listener discretion is advised.
In this episode of "Pretend,"  listen to the chilling tale of Kaitlyn Braun, a woman who orchestrated an elaborate pregnancy hoax, affecting nearly 60 doulas across Ontario. Seanna Hayes, a doula from London, Ontario, provides a firsthand account of her experience with Kaitlyn Braun. The story begins on a stormy night when Seanna is called to assist Kaitlyn, allegedly in labor, only to discover a web of lies, manipulation, and betrayal that spans across multiple doulas and involves a series of fake medical emergencies and hospital visits. 
This episode explores the psychological and emotional impact of Kaitlyn's actions on the doulas, the potential motives behind her behavior, and the aftermath of this bizarre case. 
Stay tuned for Part Two, exclusively on Patreon and Pretend+ on Apple Podcasts, where we continue the conversation with another doula who shares a very different experience with Kaitlyn Braun.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

1701: The Doula part 1

This episode offers an unprecedented look into the life of the 'Timepiece Gentleman' Ponzi schemer, Anthony Farrar, whose love for luxury watches spiraled into a deceitful web of lies, culminating in a rare and candid confession.

If you want to hear more wild Ponzi stories, subscribe to The Ponzi Playbook hosted by me, Javier Leiva, and my buddy Neal McTighe. 

SUBSCRIBE: https://t.co/M02YhRa5Iq

_______
Also, listen to Javier's interview on The Film Nuts podcast. 
Subscribe to Film Nuts Podcast on Apple Podcast or Spotify.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Confessions of a Ponzi Schemer

In today's episode, we revisit the captivating story of Seafarer Exploration and its quest to unearth a 300-year-old treasure buried beneath the ocean waves off Florida's coast. Join us as we delve into the tale of Kyle Kennedy, CEO of Seafarer Exploration, and his fateful encounter with Dr. Michael Torres, a man whose promises and credentials were as deep as the ocean itself. What begins as a hopeful journey into the past, seeking lost treasures of a Spanish galleon quickly spirals into a lawsuit and allegations of fraud. This rebroadcast from our previous series shines a light on the treasure hunters, the technology they dream of, and the deception that lurks beneath the surface.

Guest Speakers:

Kyle Kennedy, CEO of Seafarer Exploration

Experts in maritime archaeology and treasure hunting

Legal analysts breaking down the lawsuit against Michael Torres



Listen to the Entire Series:
Don't miss out on the full adventure of treachery, technology, and sunken treasures. Click on the links below to listen to the entire series and explore the mystery surrounding Florida's Treasure Coast.
Part 2: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6S0XjD4QyyXvuFBh1dOyVY?si=c55b75b8eff4478e
Part 3: https://open.spotify.com/episode/19xvUTQQDILhRLrrtiB7Dk?si=df330a9fd2a54c3a
Part 4: https://open.spotify.com/episode/69e2SjjyDLJ3CmbU8mfpvn?si=06e9742270b749d4
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

1601: The High School Hoax (Shelby Hewitt)

Download our free app to listen on your phone