Ex-Wives Undercover: Liars, Cheaters & Love Cons

In this bonus episode, “Mission Abort,” we share a listener's story and their experience with a guy we’ll call Max. Max described himself on Bumble as a “6’3″ 235lb barrel-chested freedom fighter. Love my dog, love to laugh.” When Katie met Max in the summer of 2018, he seemed like the perfect catch….but there was one small detail – he was still married (going through a divorce), had three kids with three different women, and INSISTED on ‘letting the past be past.’ But, after a couple of months, things seemed a little off, and what she found out after doing a reverse photo search was that he had a pregnant wife back home in Louisiana! After 10 years together, Lexy (now pregnant with his child) receives a message and photos on Facebook from a woman who says, “Here’s your husband back. Didn’t know you were pregnant.” What ensues is a wild ride of pain pill addiction and alcohol issues, lying, cheating, ‘finding God’, and suicide threats. Support the Show. DO YOU HAVE YOUR OWN STORY TO SHARE? EMAIL US at ExWivesUndercover@gmail.comLIKE THE PODCAST? If so, please give us a 5-star rating and help us spread the word and protect other women from falling victim to these types of men. Or, help us make the show better by taking part in a short survey: https://s.surveyplanet.com/8ke0gk5lVISIT OUR WEBSITE: www.ExWivesUndercover.comAdvertising Inquiries: Nick Gryniewicz at nick@truenativemedia.com

When Melissa met Carl, a talented photographer with international recognition, she had no idea what she was getting into. While she packed up everything and moved to be with him in a different state, he was busy being anything but the perfect boyfriend - from faking he was gay to having multiple affairs with women all over the world, being stringent with his sexual demands and even leaving her stranded in foreign countries scared and alone.  How did she find the strength to finally leave this toxic narcissistic man? She explains everything to Athena and Amber in this riveting listener story in our second listener episode. Support the Show. DO YOU HAVE YOUR OWN STORY TO SHARE? EMAIL US at ExWivesUndercover@gmail.comLIKE THE PODCAST? If so, please give us a 5-star rating and help us spread the word and protect other women from falling victim to these types of men. Or, help us make the show better by taking part in a short survey: https://s.surveyplanet.com/8ke0gk5lVISIT OUR WEBSITE: www.ExWivesUndercover.comAdvertising Inquiries: Nick Gryniewicz at nick@truenativemedia.com

We had so much fun chatting with Melissa about her Dirty John, Carl, that we had to have her back. This time, her and Amber dive deeper into the psychological components of dating someone like Carl and advice for how to break free from toxic relationships. Support the Show. DO YOU HAVE YOUR OWN STORY TO SHARE? EMAIL US at ExWivesUndercover@gmail.comLIKE THE PODCAST? If so, please give us a 5-star rating and help us spread the word and protect other women from falling victim to these types of men. Or, help us make the show better by taking part in a short survey: https://s.surveyplanet.com/8ke0gk5lVISIT OUR WEBSITE: www.ExWivesUndercover.comAdvertising Inquiries: Nick Gryniewicz at nick@truenativemedia.com

In this jaw-dropping first season, hosts Amber Rasmussen and Athena Klingerman share the story of abuse by their mutual ex-husband. Ben wasn't your everyday, run-of-the-mill POS but a conniving and manipulative con man who shocked even his most loyal followers. But that's how a psychopath works, right? They make the victim out to be the crazy one.It turns out that his worst nightmare came true when two women [his ex-wives] whom he pitted against one another for years came together and brought to light his lies, scams, seedy tactics and so much more. In fact...by doing this podcast, they even saved one of his victims' lives!!!! Episode 1 of Ex-Wives Undercover is the 'preface' to the entire story. February 14, 2019, was a day that Amber (ex-wife #2) will never forget. After learning that her estranged husband, Ben, was a lying, cheating fraud...she finds herself entrapped in his home while he threatens to kill himself, his first wife Athena, and one of his many mistresses. Please Note: At the time of this recording, we used a faux name, 'Ben', for our ex-husband. Since then, we have come forward with his real name which is Brandon Johnson.   Seasons one and two of Ex-Wives Undercover are currently being made into a docuseries for TV! Stay tuned for more information.  Support the Show. DO YOU HAVE YOUR OWN STORY TO SHARE? EMAIL US at ExWivesUndercover@gmail.comLIKE THE PODCAST? If so, please give us a 5-star rating and help us spread the word and protect other women from falling victim to these types of men. Or, help us make the show better by taking part in a short survey: https://s.surveyplanet.com/8ke0gk5lVISIT OUR WEBSITE: www.ExWivesUndercover.comAdvertising Inquiries: Nick Gryniewicz at nick@truenativemedia.com

It's time to start at the very beginning with Athena, wife #1. Her story begins in 2007 when she first met Ben. Even though she was fresh out of a divorce, her life seemed to be on an upswing. That was until one fateful night when she was bitten by a poisonous spider and forced to stay home and recover for a full month.  What better way to pass the time than to do a little online dating? Will she see any red flags?  Only time will tell.Please Note: At the time of launching this podcast, we used a faux name 'Ben' for our ex-husband. Since then, we've revealed his real name 'Brandon Johnson' to protect other victims.   Support the Show. DO YOU HAVE YOUR OWN STORY TO SHARE? EMAIL US at ExWivesUndercover@gmail.comLIKE THE PODCAST? If so, please give us a 5-star rating and help us spread the word and protect other women from falling victim to these types of men. Or, help us make the show better by taking part in a short survey: https://s.surveyplanet.com/8ke0gk5lVISIT OUR WEBSITE: www.ExWivesUndercover.comAdvertising Inquiries: Nick Gryniewicz at nick@truenativemedia.com

Ben and Athena fall right into a relationship, as suspected, but unfortunately, Athena is not prepared for what will happen only a few months in. Will Ben be able to talk his way out of what he did to Athena and win her back, or is this where she says goodbye for good? Please Note: When launching this podcast, we used a faux name, 'Ben', for our ex-husband. Since then, we've revealed his real name 'Brandon Johnson' to protect other victims.     Support the Show. DO YOU HAVE YOUR OWN STORY TO SHARE? EMAIL US at ExWivesUndercover@gmail.comLIKE THE PODCAST? If so, please give us a 5-star rating and help us spread the word and protect other women from falling victim to these types of men. Or, help us make the show better by taking part in a short survey: https://s.surveyplanet.com/8ke0gk5lVISIT OUR WEBSITE: www.ExWivesUndercover.comAdvertising Inquiries: Nick Gryniewicz at nick@truenativemedia.com

In this episode, Ben moves back in with Athena after being caught in a lie about building a home in Fremont. But, just when things were back on track, Athena found out Ben had been stalking an ex-boyfriend of hers. Amber and Athena discuss a psychological manipulation tactic called FUTURE FAKING that was used by Ben - and other predatory men - to get Athena to take him back! Can it get any worse? It does. While Athena's daughter is cleaning out the fridge in preparation for Thanksgiving, she stumbles upon two glass vials that are hidden in the refrigerator light bulb compartment. This discovery sets Athena off on an adrenaline-fueled search throughout the entire house!Please Note: When launching this podcast, we used a faux name, 'Ben', for our ex-husband. Since then, we've revealed his real name 'Brandon Johnson' to protect other victims.   Support the Show. DO YOU HAVE YOUR OWN STORY TO SHARE? EMAIL US at ExWivesUndercover@gmail.comLIKE THE PODCAST? If so, please give us a 5-star rating and help us spread the word and protect other women from falling victim to these types of men. Or, help us make the show better by taking part in a short survey: https://s.surveyplanet.com/8ke0gk5lVISIT OUR WEBSITE: www.ExWivesUndercover.comAdvertising Inquiries: Nick Gryniewicz at nick@truenativemedia.com

In less than a year of dating Ben, Athena had picked up on some serious red flags, from lying about building a home in Fremont to stalking her ex-boyfriend and now steroid abuse. The cracks were beginning to show in the facade of the sweet and kindhearted man she met online. The red flags were there, her intuition was on high alert...she knew what she needed to do. It was time to end things with Ben...and the next day she found out she was pregnant!!! How did Ben react? Let's just say, Athena saw a side of him that she's NEVER seen before!!!Please Note: When launching this podcast, we used a faux name 'Ben' for our ex-husband. Since then, we've revealed his real name 'Brandon Johnson' to protect other victims.  Support the Show. DO YOU HAVE YOUR OWN STORY TO SHARE? EMAIL US at ExWivesUndercover@gmail.comLIKE THE PODCAST? If so, please give us a 5-star rating and help us spread the word and protect other women from falling victim to these types of men. Or, help us make the show better by taking part in a short survey: https://s.surveyplanet.com/8ke0gk5lVISIT OUR WEBSITE: www.ExWivesUndercover.comAdvertising Inquiries: Nick Gryniewicz at nick@truenativemedia.com

Athena had just received an anonymous email stating that Ben had fathered a baby girl. In case Ben was indeed lying and hiding from his responsibilities as a new father, Athena decides to find the mother of the child on Facebook and send her a message.  With Ben unaware of what Athena has done, he eventually answers a knock at the door and is served with paternity papers from the court. Is he or isn't Ben the father? Please Note: When launching this podcast, we used a faux name 'Ben' for our ex-husband. Since then, we've revealed his real name 'Brandon Johnson' to protect other victims.  Support the Show. DO YOU HAVE YOUR OWN STORY TO SHARE? EMAIL US at ExWivesUndercover@gmail.comLIKE THE PODCAST? If so, please give us a 5-star rating and help us spread the word and protect other women from falling victim to these types of men. Or, help us make the show better by taking part in a short survey: https://s.surveyplanet.com/8ke0gk5lVISIT OUR WEBSITE: www.ExWivesUndercover.comAdvertising Inquiries: Nick Gryniewicz at nick@truenativemedia.com

Athena begins seeing signs of jealously between Ben and Lexus, then she has a strange encounter with a woman from his past, and her dreams of owning a home are shattered. She's had enough...but is it over?Please Note: When launching this podcast, we used a faux name 'Ben' for our ex-husband. Since then, we've revealed his real name 'Brandon Johnson' to protect other victims. Support the Show. DO YOU HAVE YOUR OWN STORY TO SHARE? EMAIL US at ExWivesUndercover@gmail.comLIKE THE PODCAST? If so, please give us a 5-star rating and help us spread the word and protect other women from falling victim to these types of men. Or, help us make the show better by taking part in a short survey: https://s.surveyplanet.com/8ke0gk5lVISIT OUR WEBSITE: www.ExWivesUndercover.comAdvertising Inquiries: Nick Gryniewicz at nick@truenativemedia.com

After kicking Ben out of her home, Athena is set free to live it up during the summer of 2008. But, that was short lived when she began dating a new guy and the stalking began...but how far will Ben go? Will he kill for love?Please Note: When launching this podcast, we used a faux name 'Ben' for our ex-husband. Since then, we've revealed his real name 'Brandon Johnson' to protect other victims. Support the Show. DO YOU HAVE YOUR OWN STORY TO SHARE? EMAIL US at ExWivesUndercover@gmail.comLIKE THE PODCAST? If so, please give us a 5-star rating and help us spread the word and protect other women from falling victim to these types of men. Or, help us make the show better by taking part in a short survey: https://s.surveyplanet.com/8ke0gk5lVISIT OUR WEBSITE: www.ExWivesUndercover.comAdvertising Inquiries: Nick Gryniewicz at nick@truenativemedia.com

Athena struggles financially, but just when she's ready to be done with Ben forever she finds out she's pregnant....again! A butt dial from Vegas the night before her baby shower changes everything.Please Note: When launching this podcast, we used a faux name 'Ben' for our ex-husband. Since then, we've revealed his real name 'Brandon Johnson' to protect other victims. Support the Show. DO YOU HAVE YOUR OWN STORY TO SHARE? EMAIL US at ExWivesUndercover@gmail.comLIKE THE PODCAST? If so, please give us a 5-star rating and help us spread the word and protect other women from falling victim to these types of men. Or, help us make the show better by taking part in a short survey: https://s.surveyplanet.com/8ke0gk5lVISIT OUR WEBSITE: www.ExWivesUndercover.comAdvertising Inquiries: Nick Gryniewicz at nick@truenativemedia.com

After listening to Ben schmooze with another women in Vegas the night before her baby shower, Athena was DONE! But, desperate times call for desperate measures, so Ben threatened to throw himself off the balcony of his hotel room. Saying he feels 'a darkness within,' he promised to seek help, and over the next two years things were good - baby Sydney arrived and they were relishing in new parenthood, Athena's business was thriving and they even decided to pull the trigger and get married.  That was until Athena began seeing signs of the old Ben! Will she call off the wedding?Please Note: When launching this podcast, we used a faux name 'Ben' for our ex-husband. Since then, we've revealed his real name 'Brandon Johnson' to protect other victims. Support the Show. DO YOU HAVE YOUR OWN STORY TO SHARE? EMAIL US at ExWivesUndercover@gmail.comLIKE THE PODCAST? If so, please give us a 5-star rating and help us spread the word and protect other women from falling victim to these types of men. Or, help us make the show better by taking part in a short survey: https://s.surveyplanet.com/8ke0gk5lVISIT OUR WEBSITE: www.ExWivesUndercover.comAdvertising Inquiries: Nick Gryniewicz at nick@truenativemedia.com

The wedding was over, and Athena was hoping for the best until she came across a burner phone with messages between Ben and another woman! She couldn't believe this was happening right before their honeymoon.  Needless to say, their trip to Italy was less than ideal, and she had made up her mind that she would file for divorce. When it rains, it pours...and just when things couldn't get worse for Athena, she finds out her best friend has also betrayed her.Please Note: When launching this podcast, we used a faux name 'Ben' for our ex-husband. Since then, we've revealed his real name 'Brandon Johnson' to protect other victims. Support the Show. DO YOU HAVE YOUR OWN STORY TO SHARE? EMAIL US at ExWivesUndercover@gmail.comLIKE THE PODCAST? If so, please give us a 5-star rating and help us spread the word and protect other women from falling victim to these types of men. Or, help us make the show better by taking part in a short survey: https://s.surveyplanet.com/8ke0gk5lVISIT OUR WEBSITE: www.ExWivesUndercover.comAdvertising Inquiries: Nick Gryniewicz at nick@truenativemedia.com

When it rains it pours...Athena's marriage was crumbling before her and she finds out her best friend betrayed her. She lost her inner strength to fight, until a random phone call to Ben's boss lit a fire within her to take the initiative to file divorce. Enough was enough! But, when Ben didn't leave quietly, she was put to the ultimate test.Please Note: When launching this podcast, we used a faux name 'Ben' for our ex-husband. Since then, we've revealed his real name 'Brandon Johnson' to protect other victims. Support the Show. DO YOU HAVE YOUR OWN STORY TO SHARE? EMAIL US at ExWivesUndercover@gmail.comLIKE THE PODCAST? If so, please give us a 5-star rating and help us spread the word and protect other women from falling victim to these types of men. Or, help us make the show better by taking part in a short survey: https://s.surveyplanet.com/8ke0gk5lVISIT OUR WEBSITE: www.ExWivesUndercover.comAdvertising Inquiries: Nick Gryniewicz at nick@truenativemedia.com

Amber (ex-wife #2) meets Ben on a new matchmaking app called Tinder. While it wasn't love at first sight, things picked up fast and furious! By the second date, he dropped a major bomb about a child he fathered...or shall we say 'how she came about.'Please Note: When launching this podcast, we used a faux name 'Ben' for our ex-husband. Since then, we've revealed his real name 'Brandon Johnson' to protect other victims. Support the Show. DO YOU HAVE YOUR OWN STORY TO SHARE? EMAIL US at ExWivesUndercover@gmail.comLIKE THE PODCAST? If so, please give us a 5-star rating and help us spread the word and protect other women from falling victim to these types of men. Or, help us make the show better by taking part in a short survey: https://s.surveyplanet.com/8ke0gk5lVISIT OUR WEBSITE: www.ExWivesUndercover.comAdvertising Inquiries: Nick Gryniewicz at nick@truenativemedia.com

After that initial first meeting, Ben and Amber were on a love high as they enjoyed the holiday season - attending parties, meeting friends and family - and within just six weeks he put a 'ring on it!' Blindsided by love, she said yes...but the honeymoon period didn't last long when she received an email with some devastating news.Please Note: When launching this podcast, we used a faux name 'Ben' for our ex-husband. Since then, we've revealed his real name 'Brandon Johnson' to protect other victims. Support the Show. DO YOU HAVE YOUR OWN STORY TO SHARE? EMAIL US at ExWivesUndercover@gmail.comLIKE THE PODCAST? If so, please give us a 5-star rating and help us spread the word and protect other women from falling victim to these types of men. Or, help us make the show better by taking part in a short survey: https://s.surveyplanet.com/8ke0gk5lVISIT OUR WEBSITE: www.ExWivesUndercover.comAdvertising Inquiries: Nick Gryniewicz at nick@truenativemedia.com

After the engagement, Amber packed up and moved to Seattle. With a growing list of unanswered questions and an ex-wife that was proving to be a problem, reality hit her fast and furious when life wasn't as picture-perfect as she thought it would be.Please Note: When launching this podcast, we used a faux name 'Ben' for our ex-husband. Since then, we've revealed his real name 'Brandon Johnson' to protect other victims. Support the Show. DO YOU HAVE YOUR OWN STORY TO SHARE? EMAIL US at ExWivesUndercover@gmail.comLIKE THE PODCAST? If so, please give us a 5-star rating and help us spread the word and protect other women from falling victim to these types of men. Or, help us make the show better by taking part in a short survey: https://s.surveyplanet.com/8ke0gk5lVISIT OUR WEBSITE: www.ExWivesUndercover.comAdvertising Inquiries: Nick Gryniewicz at nick@truenativemedia.com

Amber finally gets to meet Athena and her and Ben try and establish healthy boundaries by proposing to communicate through a family app. But, when Athena claims Ben has stage 3 lung cancer, the gloves were off! Amber continues to question Ben from the boy’s nights out to a supposed ‘dream’ home in Woodinville. But, when she stumbles across an email, Amber is dumbfounded when she learns the REAL story of Ben’s divorce to Athena. Please Note: When launching this podcast, we used a faux name 'Ben' for our ex-husband. Since then, we've revealed his real name 'Brandon Johnson' to protect other victims. Support the Show. DO YOU HAVE YOUR OWN STORY TO SHARE? EMAIL US at ExWivesUndercover@gmail.comLIKE THE PODCAST? If so, please give us a 5-star rating and help us spread the word and protect other women from falling victim to these types of men. Or, help us make the show better by taking part in a short survey: https://s.surveyplanet.com/8ke0gk5lVISIT OUR WEBSITE: www.ExWivesUndercover.comAdvertising Inquiries: Nick Gryniewicz at nick@truenativemedia.com

Amber starts to doubt Ben's story about how baby Opal came to be. And, after looking online for rape documents, she couldn't find anything. After she threatens to leave, he coughs up some legal documents to prove his story is real.  She still can't shake the doubt she's feeling so she reaches out to her enemy, Athena, as a last resort in hopes of confirming the truth about baby Opal. Please Note: When launching this podcast, we used a faux name 'Ben' for our ex-husband. Since then, we've revealed his real name 'Brandon Johnson' to protect other victims. Support the Show. DO YOU HAVE YOUR OWN STORY TO SHARE? EMAIL US at ExWivesUndercover@gmail.comLIKE THE PODCAST? If so, please give us a 5-star rating and help us spread the word and protect other women from falling victim to these types of men. Or, help us make the show better by taking part in a short survey: https://s.surveyplanet.com/8ke0gk5lVISIT OUR WEBSITE: www.ExWivesUndercover.comAdvertising Inquiries: Nick Gryniewicz at nick@truenativemedia.com