The Real Catch Me If You Can: Javier Leiva on Debunking Frank Abagnale episode artwork

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 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

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The Real Catch Me If You Can: Javier Leiva on Debunking Frank Abagnale

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of Dakota Spotlight: True Crime & Cold Case Investigations?

This episode is 53 minutes long.

When was this Dakota Spotlight: True Crime & Cold Case Investigations episode published?

This episode was published on August 28, 2025.

What is this episode about?

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...

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