2207: State of Corruption: Ohio part 1
PRETEND
09/02/25
•36m
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Tyler Fehrman went undercover to bring down the Speaker of the Ohio House. He wore a wire. He met with mentors who turned into suspects. He risked everything.
This is the story of how one political insider helped expose a billion-dollar corruption scheme at the heart of Ohio politics.
Part two will be available on Patreon and PRETEND+ this weekend. Stay tuned
Credits: Portions of this episode reference material from the HBO documentary Dark Money Games.
Written and Produced by: Javier Leiva & Mackenzie Ames
Editor: Puneeth Shenoy with https://podcastpundits.com/
Theme Music: by Thechicken.net
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Previous Episode
The Real Donnie Brasco - FBI Case File Review
August 28, 2025
•71m
If you’re a longtime listener, you probably remember my interview with Joe Pistone, the real Donnie Brasco. But I forgot to ask one important question: Where did the name Donnie Brasco even come from?
Turns out, it wasn’t made up. Donnie Brasco is a real person. He’s Joe Pistone’s nephew. And not just any nephew — an undercover FBI agent who followed in his uncle’s footsteps.
This story blew my mind, and I wouldn’t have known about it if it weren’t for my friend and fellow podcaster Jerri Williams, host of FBI Case File Review. Jerri interviewed both Joe Pistone and the real Donnie Brasco. Yes, both of them.
This might be the FBI’s worst-kept secret, and it’s finally out. This is history being rewritten, and I had to share it with you. So here it is... Part 1 of JerrI’s episode, re-shared with her blessing.
Subscribe to FBI Case File Review: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2PG0LHyYjKH7hWTtql3Lfo?si=c55ae6e3d47a4142
Learn more: https://jerriwilliams.com/367-donnie-brasco-following-in-the-footsteps-of-uncle-joe-pistone-part-1/
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Next Episode
2208: State of Corruption: Ohio part 2
September 9, 2025
•40m
Tyler Fehrman went undercover for the FBI after his mentor, Ohio GOP chair Matt Borges, offered him a $15,000 check. His recordings helped uncover a $63 million bribery scheme that brought down House Speaker Larry Householder.
This is Part Two of State of Corruption from Pretend.
Credits: Portions of this episode reference material from the HBO documentary Dark Money Games.
Written and Produced by: Javier Leiva & Mackenzie Ames
Editor: Puneeth Shenoy with Podcast Pundits
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