This week on PRETEND, we're doing something different. I’m bringing on my friend Johnathan Walton, the mastermind behind Queen of the Con, to share the premiere episode of his brand-new podcast series: Cocaine Air.
Jonathan isn’t just a victim of a con artist—he’s turned his trauma into a storytelling empire. And in Cocaine Air, he tells the true story of TJ Dominguez, a Cuban-American businessman who got scammed out of $100,000 and decided to take matters into his own hands... by becoming one of the world’s biggest cocaine smugglers for Pablo Escobar.
This story is wild, raw, and straight out of the Miami Vice era—but it's all true. If you're into PRETEND, you’re going to love Cocaine Air.
🎙️ Guest: Johnathan Walton🔗 Listen to the full series: CocaineAir.com📚 Preorder Johnathan’s book: Anatomy of a Con Artist: The 14 Red Flags of Scammers, Grifters, and Thieves (Out August 19).
Also, listen to Johnathan share his personal scam story for the first time on PRETEND: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3ixMjLTNaxf4ONIuktqq7s?si=e80842100f984067If.
If you liked this episode, text it to a friend who loves true crime. And don’t forget to leave a review for both PRETEND and Cocaine Air. Indie creators like us rely on your support.
—Created and hosted by Javier LeivaFor more episodes, visit pretendradio.org
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49:21
2109: The Internet Saves the Bachelor part 4
In part 4 of 'The Internet Saves the Bachelor,' we examine the growing cracks in Laura Owens’ story as her pregnancy timeline collapses under scrutiny.
At one hearing, she claims to be 24 weeks pregnant. In another, she says she miscarried months earlier. The dates keep shifting — July, August, October — and still, no medical provider can confirm that she was ever pregnant.
Clayton Echard’s legal team seizes on the inconsistencies. They ask the court to dismiss the case, arguing it was filed in bad faith. Sanctions, attorney’s fees, and even questions of criminal liability begin to surface.
Sources:
SchnitzelNinja69 on YouTube
Dave Neal
Just Jen & Hay Bales – All the Best Research
Justice for Clayton Wiki
Megan Fox on YouTube
Credits:
Written by: Javier Leiva & Mackenzie Ames
Hosted by: Javier Leiva
Music: thechicken.net
Produced by: Creative Babble
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40:04
2108: The Internet Saves the Bachelor part 3
In Part 3 of The Internet Saves the Bachelor, the truth—or at least, what remains of it—is put on trial.
Laura Owens takes the stand. Under oath, she admits to altering the ultrasound she submitted as evidence. Her pregnancy timeline, once shaky, now completely collapses under cross-examination. The judge wants answers. The internet sleuths want accountability. And Clayton Echard? He just wants this nightmare to end.
Part 4 is available right now on Patreon and PRETEND+ on Apple Podcast
Sources:
SchnitzelNinja69 on YouTube
Dave Neal - https://www.youtube.com/@DaveNealComedian
Just Jen & Hay Bales with https://allthebestresearch.com/
Justice for Clayton - https://justiceforclayton.com/wiki/index.php/Main_Page
Megan Fox - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9XP_Ax4_vTi1IqSSRD9ORQ
Credits
Written by: Javier Leiva & Mackenzie Ames
Hosted by: Javier Leiva
Music by thechicken.net
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37:19
2107: The Internet Saves the Bachelor part 2
The story isn’t over. In Part 2, we dig deeper into the chaos that followed Laura Owens’ accusations against Bachelor star Clayton Echard.
Internet sleuths start pulling court records, police reports, and medical documents. Their findings are wild — fake identities, stolen ultrasounds, and a pregnancy that might never have happened.
Laura pushes back. She sues YouTuber Dave Neal and threatens to sue other podcasters for even discussing the case. In court, she testifies under oath. But her story keeps falling apart.
This episode exposes the internet’s role in fighting back, not with conspiracy theories, but with receipts.
Credits:
Hosted, Produced: Javier Leiva
Written by: Mackenzie Ames
References:
https://allthebestresearch.com
Dave Neal's YouTube: https://youtube.com/@davenealcomedian?si=buUz1EGyODwQ6aGv
https://justiceforclayton.com/wiki/index.php/Laura_Michelle_Owens_-_Court_Case_History
https://www.reddit.com/r/JusticeForClayton/
https://victimsoflauraowens.com/coverage/
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42:00
2106: The Internet Saves the Bachelor part 1
After a one-night hookup with a fan-turned-client, former Bachelor star Clayton Echard faced an unexpected legal battle — and public accusations that threatened to ruin his life.
In this episode, we unpack the early timeline of Clayton’s explosive case with Laura Michelle Owens, who claimed she was pregnant with his twins… despite his insistence they never had sex.
But Clayton wasn’t her first target. When no one else believed him, the internet showed up and started pulling Laura’s story apart.
Stayed tuned for part 2 and 3 of the "Internet Saves the Bachelor." Be the first to listen on Patreon and PRETEND+ on Apple Podcast.
Credits:
Hosted, Produced: Javier Leiva
Written by: Mackenzie Ames
Additional Reporting: The Dating Detectives Podcast
References:
https://allthebestresearch.com
Dave Neal's YouTube: https://youtube.com/@davenealcomedian?si=buUz1EGyODwQ6aGv
https://justiceforclayton.com/wiki/index.php/Laura_Michelle_Owens_-_Court_Case_History
https://www.reddit.com/r/JusticeForClayton/
https://victimsoflauraowens.com/coverage/
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Brasil