The Lie Detector Revisited

PRETEND

11/07/23

•

97m

About

Comments

Featured In

Learn how to cheat a polygraph test. Ex-cop, Doug Williams, says it’s a lot easier than you think.

Doug Williams is looking over his shoulder because, since 1979, he’s been on a crusade to defeat the polygraph machine. In 1996, he started a website called polygraph.com, offering a handbook and one-on-one training teaching people how to pass the test.

“There is no Pinocchio response. Your nose does not grow when you lie.” Doug Williams, polygraph critic

According to Doug Williams, a lie detector test is about as accurate as a coin toss. He claims the machine doesn’t work, and as a result, innocent people are paying the price. Many innocent people have pleaded guilty and skipped trial because they failed a polygraph during an interrogation. And employers routinely administered polygraph tests as part of their hiring process. If you fail a lie detector test in the US federal government, you’re potentially placed on a blacklist and never allowed to apply for that government agency job again.

Doug Willams says that the polygraph is just a stage prop used to scare people. How does he know this? Because he spent most of his law enforcement career using it as what he calls a psychological billy club. To him, it was just a tool to beat a confession out of a bad guy. But over the years, he realized that a polygraph test is just that... a test. It can be cheated. And he would devote the rest of his life to destroying it.

Doug Williams made a career giving people polygraph exams. Now, he’s going to prison for teaching people how to cheat the test.

FOLLOW PRETEND ON YOUTUBE:

https://www.youtube.com/@PretendPod

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

Previous Episode

The Babalawo Revisited

October 31, 2023

•

46m

In today's episode titled "The Babalawo," we delve deep into the world of Santería - the religion, not the song. While many might recognize the song, few are familiar with this mysterious Afro-Cuban faith, also known as Regla de Ochá, La Regla de Ifá, or Lucumí, which translates to the worship of saints.

You might wonder, "Where's the twist in this tale?" I've always felt an unsettling vibe around this religion. My fellow Cubans often consult Santería priests as if seeking divination. But is this genuine spiritual guidance, or am I unfairly biased against it? Spoiler: I might be letting my biases cloud my judgment.

To truly understand, I need to immerse myself in the heart of Santería, right in my hometown of Miami. But first, what exactly is a Babalawo?

A Babalawo is a revered figure in Santería, a priest who communicates prophecies from the Orishas, spirits representing aspects of the divine God Olodumare. In this episode, we'll uncover the history and roots of Santería, engaging in enlightening conversations with both a Santería priest and priestess, shedding light on their clandestine ceremonies.

—–MUSIC—–

Our theme music is crafted by the talented Joe Basile from The Chicken Music and Sound Design. Discover more about Joe and The Chicken at www.thechicken.net.

We also feature tunes by Podington Bear.

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

Next Episode

PREVIEW: The Stalker Settlement Conference

November 10, 2023

•

Get ready, folks!

I've just wrapped up listening to the Settlement Conference audio, and let me tell you, it's nothing short of mind-blowing. Right now, "WOW" is all I can muster. It's jam-packed with the answers we've all been itching to find.

Ever wondered what might happen if this case goes to trial? Will the Fernandez's stand firm in their refusal to accept a plea deal? What does the judge think of all this madness? Well, get ready to find out as the judge describes Tanya and Rick's possible fate.

I've even got a sneak peek for you, a short clip of the judge painting a vivid picture of their chances in front of a jury. Trust me; you won't want to miss this.

I'm hard at work on the new episode, and my hope is to get it out to you as soon as humanly possible. Bracing myself for a busy weekend ahead.

Stay tuned – there's much more to come!

Cheers, Javier

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pretendradio

Pretend+: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/channel/pretend/id6443456985

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