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PRETEND

Creative Babble, LLC

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PRETEND is an investigative true crime podcast about real people who lie for a living — con artists, scammers, and the victims caught in their web. Hosted by journalist Javier Leiva, PRETEND exposes the human psychology behind deception and fraud. Each episode follows a real case of manipulation — from financial scams and Ponzi schemes to digital hoaxes and emotional cons. PRETEND explains how and why deception works without shaming victims, combining ethical journalism with cinematic storyt ...
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Welcome to the ultimate Archer rewatch podcast, hosted by Amber Nash (the voice of Pam Poovey) and a rotating lineup of guests from the main cast of the show. Each episode dives deep into one iconic Archer episode—featuring memorable moments from the booth, hilarious behind-the-scenes anecdotes, and plenty of wild stories from the people who brought the show to life. Executive producer Casey Willis and editor Christian Danley join each episode as your go-to sources for behind-the-curtain int ...
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PolyAmateur Hour

The PolyAmateurs

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It’s a polyamory podcast with jokes or songs. Or is it a comedy podcast where the hosts just happen to be romantic partners? Whether you’re poly, ENM, a swinger, or a monogamous person who wants to live vicariously, PolyAmateur Hour can offer questionable relationship advice, endless pop-culture rabbit holes, and sex tips that are actually practical jokes. Nichole, Laurel, and Daniel are a real life polycule (don’t stare!) but they aren’t a throuple — and they are here to teach you the diffe ...
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A Jaded Gay

A Jaded Gay

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Living in a world of fuckboys, homophobes, and inequalities can leave a gay feeling, well, jaded, so tune in for your weekly dose of gay empowerment. We're talking pop culture, politics, and dating hardships, all through the lens of overcoming gay trauma and nurturing our emotional wellbeing.
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A Montana oncologist allegedly treated patients for cancer they never had and made millions doing it. We're re-releasing our two-part investigation into Dr. Thomas Weiner, plus a brand new interview with whistleblower Dr. Randy Sasich on what's happened since. The medical board finally revoked Weiner's license, but criminal charges still loom, a wr…
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It's the polyamory podcast with hot singles. In the musical sense. On this episode: Houston's best and gayest rapper, Estevan the God, drops in to talk classic H-Town hip hop in a chopped and screwed edition of "Is This Poly?!" He sticks around to establish an all-new segment (based on ancient wisdom!) with "Ass-trological Whore-oscope." You're wel…
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Merry Christmas, or Happy Hannukah, or like whatever you're into, folks. This time, we talk about Area 51's original raison d'etre, the notorious U2 spy plane. We learn how and why this odd-looking thing was built, how it played into one of the earliest crises of the Cold War, and how its weird shape and unbelievable maximum altitude essentially ma…
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'Tis the season for true crime chaos! Hosts Kristen Seavey from Murder, She Told, Javier Leiva from PRETEND, and Shaun from Sins & Survivors join forces to explore Christmas crimes gone horribly wrong. From a bath salts-fueled home decorator in suburban Ohio to a serial burglar stealing Robert De Niro's wrapped presents right from under his tree, t…
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It's not the polyamory podcast you ordered — but it's the polyamory podcast you deserve. On this episode: Adult content creator and sex worker Poly! offers to do us, and our taxes, in an all-nude edition of "Practical Poly." (How would you know? It's audio!) But first! The 'cule responds to the news — and the diss track — from the Vatican in a very…
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This bonus episode features Kim, a Patreon supporter who connected with the Matthew Fenner story...but not for the reasons you might expect. Kim's been through the criminal justice system herself. She was prosecuted, sentenced, and spent two years in jail. The conversation goes to some unexpected places. Kim discusses how small-town politics can im…
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What happens when the person responsible for prosecuting your case seems more interested in protecting your attackers? Matthew Fenner has been asking that question for eight years. After a 2017 mistrial in his assault case against Word of Faith Fellowship members, the judge ordered an immediate retrial. It never happened. Instead, DA Ted Bell grant…
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It's the only polyamory podcast that will confront the truth of Teddy Ruxpin's problematic turn to the right. On this episode: Comedian and rival variety show host Mack Lee drops in for a "Unicorn Hunter Hunters" featuring your surrogate swinger grandparents. But first! The 'cule try to get their needs met in a "Poly Pyramid Scheme." And before THA…
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Join hosts Javier from Pretend, Kristen Seavey from Murder She Told, and Shaun from Sins and Survivors for a special holiday crossover episode where three true crime podcasters let their guard down and talk shop. Featured Guests: Kristen Seavey, host of Murder She Told https://open.spotify.com/show/0n9q2IMjGQyrHMMByvnA2H?si=5975eb73d4714d07 Shaun, …
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For gay men, pop culture and reality TV often provide campy, glamorous spaces that echo queer experiences of self-expression and resilience. The Real Housewives franchise, in particular, captivates with its mix of drama, individuality, and over-the-top spectacle. In this previously released Patreon bonus episode, Eric Praniewicz dives into the worl…
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Amber Nash (Pam Poovey) is joined by former Archer animation director Mack Williams to revisit Dial M for Mother — Season 1, Episode 10 — and explore how Archer’s animation evolved across the first season. Mack shares stories about being a mover and shaker in Atlanta’s art scene, how he got into the business with Matt and Adam, and the massive amou…
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We put J Allen's story to bed, and begin our exploration of the most mysterious stretch of desert on earth, Area 51. This time, we learn what happened when show artist Willem UFO and I visited Rachel Nevada, the wide spot in the road nearest to the Groom Lake secret facility. More Area 51 in a couple of weeks! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy…
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This is the story of Simple Health Plans, a $150 million health insurance scam that preyed on desperate Americans and left thousands buried in medical debt. We'll meet Dawn, who nearly fell victim to their scheme, and Steven Dorfman, the mastermind who spent over a million dollars on jewelry while his customers discovered their "insurance" was wort…
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If you're close enough to be reading this, you're polyamorous — and you're on our podcast. On this episode: Jessica Daylover of Remodeled Love drops in for a "Practical Poly" that puts the Ohhhh in the Big Four Oh. She goes for another round, so to speak, in a synth-rich, 80s themed "Is This Poly?!" Witness our hairspray, smoke machines, and lasers…
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Harry spent nearly two years believing the woman he loved was dying of brain cancer. He stood by her for every surgery, organ failure...None of it was real. In this episode, Harry walks us through the emotional fantasy Rachel built. Want the full story? 🎧 Listen to The Rachel Cancer Scam Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6Hn5De466DmCIN8Sppw5Ik…
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Amber Nash (Pam Poovey) is joined by former Archer editor Andy Sipes to revisit Job Offer — Season 1, Episode 9 of Archer. They chat about working with John Cena (and discovering he’s an Archer fan), the sanctity of comedy writers’ rooms, and why editors are so important to animation. Andy reflects on how Adam Reed’s writing shaped his own sensibil…
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That unnerving moon-faced polyamory podcast that you never knew you needed — and that you probably didn't. On this episode: Author Alex Alberto returns for a extra-literary "Is This Poly?!" — with Sally Rooney's Intermezzo in for questioning. But first! Nichole shares a "Poly Mindf**k" with the whole polycule as the recipient. A lot a songs in this…
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As we close out 2025, it’s hard to ignore this year’s political turmoil, with uncertainty about our future looming over us. With the holidays upon us, it’s natural to feel bittersweet as we look back and dream of brighter days ahead. In this episode, we’re revisiting this year's most powerful conversations on politics, identity, and resilience, rem…
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In this bonus episode, Ali, one of my longtime Patreon supporters, reached out after listening to the Cancer Sympathy Machine series. Ali talks openly about her past with addiction, stigma, Hep C treatment and why some people hide the truth about what they’re really going through. I’m also sharing two listener stories about friends, classmates, and…
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Amber Nash (Pam Poovey) is joined by H. Jon Benjamin (Archer) and Chris Parnell (Cyril Figgis) to revisit The Rock — Season 1, Episode 8 of Archer. They talk Jon’s hair-transplant mishap, Archer tattoos, and his run-in with tattooed truck drivers. Chris shares thoughts on Cyril’s very complicated parents, and both Jon and Chris admit to moments of …
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Hynek was a good dude. But like Icarus, he chose repeatedly to fly too close to Carl Sagan's sun. We cover Hynek's turn from skeptic to believer, and then his repeated and largely embarrassing run-ins with the greatest science communicator of the 20th century, who repeatedly pantsed Hynek in public debates over the course of decades. Next time, we …
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The #1 polyamory podcast (by a metrics of puns per minute, inscrutable references, and loud pants). On this episode: Occasionally all-nude comic Joe John Sanchez III returns for a "Unicorn Hunter Hunters" that takes place mainly on a murder boat. But first! The 'cule extends an "Invitation to Love" to a couple for the very first time, asking, "Is t…
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Why would anyone fake cancer? Money? Sure. Attention? Definitely. But as I learned in this episode… the motives are a lot darker, messier, and more human than you might expect. In Part 2 of The Cancer Sympathy Machine, we go beyond the headline-grabbing scams and into the emotional machinery behind these lies. With the help of cancer-survivor-turne…
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Amber Nash (Pam Poovey) is joined by Archer’s Art Director Neal Holman to revisit Skytanic — Season 1, Episode 7 of Archer. They talk crisis vests, art school, and the great airship debate (in which Amber insists she was absolutely right). Neal digs into how Archer developed its signature look, the origins of the East Atlanta pubes, boob-jiggle phy…
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Some people fake cancer for sympathy. Others do it for money. But the truth is darker than most of us want to believe. In this episode, we break down the tactics, behaviors, and mindsets of some of the most convincing cancer fakers out there. From Madison Russo’s botched medical props to Elizabeth Teckenbrock’s alleged search history...“Is it illeg…
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OMG, everyone is polyamorous and everybody has a podcast. Sorry. On this episode: Our inaugural "Beef Up the Beef" segment produces a banger (and mash). Whatcha think about that, huh, Multiamory? Nichole puts the "poly" in "polycystic" on a special ER-themed "Crazy Sexy Poly." And the 'cule asks for MORE JAZZ in the dating profile on "Invitation to…
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In previous episodes, we’ve discussed how stereotypical gay culture has idolized youth, beauty, and sex. This fixation has led some gay men to equate midlife with “aging out” of the community, often resulting in internalized shame and a complicated relationship with aging. In this episode, Hunter Flournoy, a licensed therapist, coach, breathworker,…
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On PRETEND, we tell stories about people who build false identities and hide the truth in plain sight. This week, we are featuring a case that fits right into that world. It is the newest season of Dakota Spotlight, titled “Meanwhile in Mankato.” In 1965, an 18-year-old gas station attendant named Ray Dahm was murdered during an overnight shift at …
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Amber Nash (Pam Poovey) reunites with Lucky Yates (Dr. Krieger) to revisit Skorpio — Season 1, Episode 6 of Archer. They talk about how Lucky ended up in the show’s opening credits, his puppetry roots, and kissing Will Forte. They dive into the brilliance of their improv shows Very Special Episode and House Arrest, introduce the brand-new segment A…
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This time, we explore perhaps the biggest UFO case of Dr. Hynek's career, which involved some farmers, some college students, and what in Dana Unicorn's words we might refer to as "marsh farts". Enjoy. Sorry for the brief hiatus. We're happy to be back. Oh, and it's my fault we don't have show art. I waited until the last minute to ask, and by that…
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Smallville's Allison Mack is out of prison, and she's finally talking. What was NXIVM, and how did Allison Mack become a high-ranking member? NXIVM was a self-help organization that sold leadership training and personal development courses. Beneath the surface, it operated as a coercive group led by Keith Raniere, using control tactics like starvat…
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It's a turd! It's a brain! It's a polyamory podcast! Sort of! On this episode: Comedian Joe John Sanchez III — one of the few superior sequels — drops in to ask and answer, "Monogamy RUOK?" But first, the 'cule acts all smart and sh*t after a night at the theater, discussing Noël Coward's "Design for Living" for "Is This Poly?!" And that's it. No t…
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This bonus episode is a chance to step back and make sense of everything that just unfolded in Cracks in the Fandom. If you listened to the series, you saw how an Instagram unfollow spiraled into harassment, infighting, and full-on chaos inside the SVU fandom. This series was petty, confusing , and pretty revealing about how people form attachments…
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Amber Nash (Pam Poovey) reunites with Executive Producer Matt Thompson to revisit Honeypot — Season 1, Episode 5 of Archer. They talk about being surprised by just how good Season 1 still is, Chris Parnell’s almost-role as Major Jakov, and Archer’s string of questionable choices. Matt and Amber also dive into Woodhouse’s forced friendship, Floyd Co…
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You can learn a lot from polyamory podcasts. And you can forget it all, with ours. On this episode: Nichole and Laurel finally make it official: The "Shit Daniel Does" segment, that is. The 'cule risks litigation, and nausea, by suggesting that Dr. Phil lives a secret swinger life on "Poly in Public: Invasion of Privivacy." Finally, a Stubert provi…
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LGBTQ+ history has long been overlooked, ignored, or actively erased, leaving us with only fragments of a past that deserves to be preserved and celebrated. That absence makes historical fiction a meaningful platform for reclaiming space and allowing queer characters to exist in time periods that have traditionally denied their presence or humanity…
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Alien abductions. Hundreds of people say it’s happened to them. They’re not looking for fame or attention. Some keep it a secret...haunted by memories they can’t explain. In Day 3 of PRETEND’s Halloween Marathon, we meet Dr. John Mack, a Pulitzer Prize–winning Harvard psychiatrist who risked his reputation to study these so-called abductees. Using …
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It’s Day 2 of my Halloween Marathon, and today we’re diving into The Haunted Tourist. I’m joined by Brandon Schexnayder, host of Southern Gothic and Fear Daily—two shows that live and breathe ghost stories. Together, we pull back the curtain on haunted tourism: the ghost tours, the myths, and the money that fuels them. From fake cemeteries built fo…
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Hey, it’s Javier. Quick update: Meghan Walsh, the subject of my Cracks in the Fandom series, has filed copyright complaints on every major platform. As a result, Spotify and Patreon have temporarily taken down the series. My attorneys are already on it, and we expect everything to be restored soon. In the meantime, it’s Halloween weekend — so let’s…
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Amber Nash (Pam Poovey) is joined by the hilarious and endlessly talented Judy Greer (Cheryl/Carol/Carina) to revisit Killing Utne — Season 1, Episode 4 of Archer. They talk about celebrity fans of the show (including Jamie Lee Curtis!), Judy’s curiosity about Michelle Obama’s movie habits, and the art of understanding twisty plots. Judy also share…
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It's the polyamory podcast that doesn't know what's good for it. On this episode: the incredible Mx. Dahlia Belle returns to the pod to peak the microphones with pure chaos — first on "Ask the Amateurs," and then on a the inaugural edition of "Unicorn Hunter Hunters: Scattershot." But first! Faced with continued silence to the north, the 'cule send…
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Important Update on “Cracks in the Fandom” Meghan Walsh, the subject of my latest series, filed a copyright infringement claim with all major podcast platforms. As a result, Patreon and Spotify have temporarily removed the episodes pending review. The good news? You can still listen to the entire series on Apple Podcasts. https://itunes.apple.com/u…
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Amber Nash (Pam Poovey) welcomes Coby Bell, the voice of Conway Stern, to talk all things episode 3. Coby shares what it’s like being a dad to two sets of twins, how he auditioned for Conway, and why he used Michael Beach as vocal inspiration. They get into the differences between voice acting and live action, Conway Stern cosplay, and a taste of “…
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Psst. Looking for a polyamory podcast? Meet us in the alley. On this episode: Laurel starts off with a "Bone to Pick" and it NEVER ENDS. Seriously, this is just us talking mad sh*t for an hour, with some really fun songs. There's two, count 'em TWO, "Poly Mindf*cks," as well. But it's all part and parcel of the great big Bone to End All Bones. Open…
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Cracks in the Fandom — Part 3 (Edited Copyright Cut) PRETEND: Stories about real people pretending to be someone they’re not Michelle Ivey has been painted as the villain. Meghan Walsh calls her a stalker, a criminal, a threat to her life. She’s warned not to contact her. But in this episode, I do just that. I talk to Michelle. And what I find is s…
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Previously, we discussed how some queer men find solace and empowerment in spiritual practices like astrology, which offers a means of self-discovery and affirmation. Rooted in introspection and symbolism, queer astrology can help individuals reclaim their narratives and connect more deeply with their authentic selves. In this episode, Danny Santos…
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Amber Nash (Pam Poovey) is joined by Aisha Tyler (Lana Kane) to rewatch Training Day, the second episode of Archer. Together, they unpack Lana’s taste in men, Archer’s undeniable “rizz,” and why confidence and competence are the sexiest combo. They talk about how comedy is like being an athlete—you’ve got to train—and how Malory keeps control of St…
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Polyamory podcasts come and go — but this one does only the former. On this episode: Brett Chamberlin, founder of OPEN (Organization for Polyamory and Ethical Non-monogamy), agrees to guest on the pod, despite our strongly worded warnings of chaos muppetry. You might think it's the most practical "Practical Poly" of all time — until we start talkin…
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Meghan Walsh says she is being stalked by three people. One of them is Law & Order: SVU star Mariska Hargitay. Sounds impossible, right? But she’s not the only one saying it. In this episode, we meet Lauren. She claims to be the biological mother of Mariska’s adopted daughter. Her story begins with a supposed secret adoption, and spirals into accus…
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Don't let the episode title fool you--we're still covering J Allen Hynek. But we're considering the period of his career in which a number of important events transpired, including the launch of the Russians' bleeping ball of evil, as well as the construction of the mysterious, time-traveling sound bath, the Integratron. See you in a couple of week…
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