Episode 267: “The Girlfriend Who Didn’t Exist" with Special Guest Bob Ruff from Truth and Justice Podcast

In this special episode Esther and Lorena talk with Bob Ruff, host of the podcasts Truth and Justice and True Crime Binge. They discuss the Netflix documentary series "Untold: The Girlfriend Who Didn’t Exist" that details one of the most high-profile incidents of catfishing on record. Manti Te’o was a celebrated linebacker from Hawaii who played for Notre Dame and was on track to become a first round draft pick for the NFL when a scandal marred his future prospects. He’d been in a long-term relationship with a girl who, it turned out, didn’t exist. He’d been fooled into believing that his long-distance girlfriend, Lennay Kukua, had died from a chronic illness. But, instead, it was discovered that Te’o’s girlfriend was actually a man named Ronaiah Tuiasosopo. Esther and Lorena also talk about hanging with podcasters at the Generation Why 10- Year Anniversary Livestream, Bob’s latest investigation on Truth and Justice, and who he has coming up as special guests on True Crime Binge. And, once and for all, we get to the bottom of the mystery - did Bob attend Notre Dame University or did he not? All this and more shenanigans on this very fun episode! Links: Link to the Netflix docuseries Untold: The Girlfriend Who Didn’t Exist: https:// www.netflix.com/title/81580141 A link to an article about the Manti Te’o catfishing case: https://www.usmagazine.com/ celebrity-news/pictures/the-manti-teo-catfish-controversy-a-complete-timeline/ Esther was recently a guest on True Crime Binge. Listen here: https://audioboom.com/ posts/8169182-esther-ludlow-once-upon-a-crime Sponsors: MasterClass - This holiday, give one annual membership and get one free. www.masterclass.com/once. Rocket Money - Get rid of old subscriptions with Rocket Money now. www.rocketmoney.com/once. Wondery-Exhibit C - Join now by following Wondery-Exhibit-C on Facebook or on the web at www.WonderyExhibitC.com   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Om Podcasten

Step into the darker side of history with Once Upon A Crime, a true-crime podcast that delves deep into some of the world’s most gripping cases. Hosted by an expert storyteller, Esther Ludlow, each episode unravels the mysteries behind notorious crimes, exploring the lives of victims, perpetrators, and the intricate details of the investigations that followed. With carefully researched narratives, thematic series, and thoughtful insights, Once Upon A Crime offers listeners a captivating blend of suspense, history, and human psychology. Whether you're a seasoned true-crime fan or just curious about the stories that shaped headlines, Once Upon A Crime promises to keep you on the edge of your seat.