Matthew Cox | Inside True Crime Podcast The Untold Truth Behind Goodfellas
Jan 9, 2026
Discover the untold truths behind iconic films like Goodfellas and Catch Me If You Can! Delve into the reality of Frank Abagnale's check fraud schemes and how filmmakers dramatize events. Explore the infamous Lufthansa heist's real significance and what really happened to mobsters like Tony Spilotro. The discussion on characters like Lefty and their fates sheds light on the dangers faced by informants. Plus, hear fascinating prison anecdotes that highlight the mob's influence and modern cartel politics. A thrilling ride through crime and cinema!
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Badge Flashing And Motel Escape Tales
- Abagnale invented tactics like flashing a fake FBI badge to walk past officers and later claimed implausible escapes.
- Matthew Cox recounts bank- and motel-based episodes that Abagnale described but investigators couldn't verify.
Catch Me If You Can Is Largely Fiction
- Frank Abagnale's most cinematic claims are heavily embellished and many scenes in Catch Me If You Can never happened.
- Matthew Cox and Wade cite investigators who found roughly 80–90% fabrication in Abagnale's stories.
Wheel‑Well Escape Is Mechanically Impossible
- The film shows Abagnale hiding in a plane wheel well, but aviation experts say that wheel assemblies are sealed and impossible to access.
- Matthew Cox says engineers told him the movie scene couldn't happen without heavy tools or welding.
