Listener Reaction: The Cancer Sympathy Machine
PRETEND
11/28/25
•20m
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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 loved ones who faked cancer.
Thanks to everyone who’s reached out, shared stories, and supported the show. And if you’ve got something you want to talk about, send it my way: javier@pretendradio.org
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Previous Episode
2402: The Cancer Sympathy Machine part 2
November 25, 2025
•30m
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-turned-researcher Bill Petrich, we break down the categories of cancer fakers — from those seeking sympathy to those hiding crimes, escaping abuse, or covering up addictions.
We revisit the infamous cases you’ve heard about: Belle Gibson, Scamanda, and Jennifer Cataldo.
To learn more about Bill Petrich’s work documenting these cases, check out his TikTok: @faking.cancer.expert:
https://www.tiktok.com/@faking.cancer.expert
Listen to eLIESabeth podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/show/2nlxXhewsTRAyJhvyvaQbb?si=5de4d34489f549e9
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Get 20% off all NordStellar plans with the Black Friday code: BLACKFRIDAY20 (valid until December 10, 2025). Use the link nordstellar.com/pretend
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Next Episode
2403: The Cancer Sympathy Machine part 3
December 2, 2025
•41m
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?si=6ba6b8cee95e4697
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-rachel-cancer-scam/id1772955263
Protect your business before hackers even make a move.
NordStellar centralizes breach, dark web, and attack surface intelligence into one powerful threat-intelligence platform—helping you spot risks early and take action fast.
Get 20% off all NordStellar plans with the Black Friday code: BLACKFRIDAY20 (valid until December 10, 2025).
Use the link nordstellar.com/pretend
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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