2001: Drone Hysteria
PRETEND
12/31/24
•22m
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People panicked when a swarm of mysterious drones appeared in New Jersey’s night skies. Were they military? Foreign spies? Aliens? But buried under all the hysteria was one theory that refused to die: Birds Aren't Real. Yeah, that old internet conspiracy claiming birds are actually government surveillance drones. But here’s the thing—what if the joke isn’t as silly as it seems?
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Previous Episode
1914: BONUS: Grapes, Grifts, and Gavel
December 26, 2024
•65m
As a holiday treat, Amanda of Wine & Crime, Javier of PRETEND, and Whitney of Navigating Advocacy sit down to chat true crime, being in the podcasting industry, cases that haunt us, dream collaborations, and more! Enjoy this bonus conversation and check out all of these amazing shows wherever you get your podcasts!
Javier Leiva - PRETEND, Criminal Conduct, Ponzi Playbook
Amanda Jacobson - Wine & Crime
https://open.spotify.com/show/5OeKXVPomhbejM9v7CDqxJ?si=4451247ce3704a0a
Whitney - Navigating Advocacy
https://open.spotify.com/show/6I09OWnoDtibLjE7rfQqrH?si=9265b522586d4727
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Next Episode
2002: DNA Deception
January 7, 2025
•37m
DNA evidence is often seen as the gold standard in criminal investigations—a scientific fingerprint that can definitively prove guilt or innocence. But what happens when the science behind it is mishandled or manipulated? In this episode of PRETEND, we explore two shocking cases: the Garrett Coughlin triple homicide and the wrongful conviction of Josiah Sutton. Both cases reveal how sloppy forensic work and unethical practices can set guilty criminals free and, worse, imprison innocent people. Through interviews with victims' families, experts, and journalists, we unravel the myth of DNA as infallible evidence and expose the devastating consequences of a broken system.
Featuring insights from Kathy Eppler and a special contribution from Celisia Stanton of the Truer Crime Podcast, this episode serves as a sobering reminder: DNA is only as reliable as the people interpreting it.
Credits:
- Special thanks to Celisia Stanton from Truer Crime Podcast for her contributions to the Josiah Sutton case segment.
- Additional reporting and analysis from Hidden Killers Podcast and forensic scientist Dan Krane.
Pitch to Truer Crime Podcast:
If you're intrigued by the case of Josiah Sutton and want to dive deeper, check out Truer Crime Podcast hosted by Celisia Stanton, where she explores the complexities of DNA evidence, justice, and wrongful convictions with a sharp and compassionate lens.
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