EPISODE · Aug 28, 2025 · 53 MIN
The Real Catch Me If You Can: Javier Leiva on Debunking Frank Abagnale
from Dakota Spotlight: True Crime & Cold Case Investigations · host James Wolner | Investigative Journalist & Creator of Dakota Spotlight
What if 90% of Frank Abagnale’s claims are totally made up? In this special Dakota Spotlight episode, host James Wolner talks with Javier Leiva, creator of PRETEND, about his season The Real Catch Me If You Can. In this series, Javier debunks Abagnale’s extraordinary con-man story using court and prison records, while also bringing forward new victim testimonies. After the interview, hear the full Episode 1 as Leiva begins dismantling Abagnale’s legend and follows the trail all the way to Las Vegas, where he confronts Abagnale himself. This is the real-life Catch Me If You Can. Listen to the full series and explore everything from PRETEND wherever you find podcasts and at pretendradio.org. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What this episode covers
What if 90% of Frank Abagnale’s claims are totally made up? In this special Dakota Spotlight episode, host James Wolner talks with Javier Leiva, creator of PRETEND, about his season The Real Catch Me If You Can. In this series, Javier debunks Abagnale’s extraordinary con-man story using court and prison records, while also bringing forward new victim testimonies. After the interview, hear the full Episode 1 as Leiva begins dismantling Abagnale’s legend and follows the trail all the way to Las Vegas, where he confronts Abagnale himself. This is the real-life Catch Me If You Can. Listen to the full series and explore everything from PRETEND wherever you find podcasts and at pretendradio.org. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
NOW PLAYING
The Real Catch Me If You Can: Javier Leiva on Debunking Frank Abagnale
No transcript for this episode yet
Similar Episodes
Apr 29, 2026 ·48m
Apr 29, 2026 ·106m
Apr 29, 2026 ·55m
Apr 29, 2026 ·74m