Original Gangsters Podcast

Ric Morales joins us for this episode as we examine the extraordinary life of Ricardo "Monkey" Morales. Morales Sr. started off as an anti-Castro guerilla fighter and CIA intelligence asset based in Miami. During that time he also moonlighted as Lefty Rosenthal's enforcer. After fighting abroad in some of CIA's dirty wars of the 1960s and 1970s, Morales returned to Miami as a cocaine cowboy. We also explore allegations Monkey Morales was connected to the JFK assassination! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

FBI agent Mike Carone joins us to discuss the infamous Giacalone brothers crew in Detroit. We start off by examining the Capital Street Social Club, a multicultural subunit of the Giacalone gambling operations. From there we cover a lot of ground, including the Vegas skim and the unsolved disappearance of labor leader Jimmy Hoffa. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today's episode examines the recent assassination of street legend Alpo Martinez. To contextualize the Martinez case study, we look at other Harlem drug lords, such as Rich Porter, Azie Faison, Clarence "the Preacher" Heatley, Frank Lucas, and Nicky Barnes. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The week's episode examines the legacy of former Chicago Mafia boss John "No Nose" DiFronzo. For example, was he involved in the brutal murders of the Spilotro brothers (as depicted in the film Casino)? The episode also address rumors DiFronzo was a confidential informant. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

James Buccellato sits down with author Daniel Waugh to discuss Detroit's legendary Purple Gang. Did the Jewish Purple Gang get along with the Italian Mafia? Did the Purple Gang work with Al Capone? Were the Purples involved in the infamous St. Valentine's Day Massacre in Chicago? Daniel Waugh sets the record straight. Waugh is the author of several books about Prohibition era gangland. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Was OJ Simpson connected to the Mob? Did federal law enforcement investigate Simpson and Kardashian for involvement in organized crime? Did Nicole Simpson owe money to a mobbed up drug dealer? Was OJ driving around with a made member of the Mafia the night Nicole and Ron Goldman were murdered? The Original Gangsters Podcast explore these questions and other gangland rumors surrounding the Juice. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We watched the Many Saints of Newark and have a lot to say!!! We break down the film and speculate on what this means for the Sopranos Universe moving forward. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Original Gangsters Podcast brings you a special interview with former undercover FBI agent Giovanni Rocco. Giovanni first went undercover as an outlaw biker, who happened to be Italian. The Mafia in North Jersey was so impressed with him, they asked him to trade in his biker cut for a pinkie ring. As a result, Giovanni was dealing with higher ups in the DeCavalcante crime family, until the case ended in 2015. The DeCavalcante crime family was the inspiration for the Sopranos television show. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Scott Burnstein and James Buccellato focus on the NY underworld in this episode. They begin by discussing the recent wave of federal indictments aimed at the Colombo Crime Family. They also examine allegations Carmine "the Snake" Persico was a federal informant. The hosts also review the latest news regarding outlaw biker clubs in New York. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Original Gangsters Podcast sits down with crime reporter Noah Hurowitz to discuss his new book "El Chapo: The Untold Story of the World's Most Infamous Drug Lord." They examine America's War on Drugs, cartel violence in Mexico, political corruption, and the human tragedies connected to the rise and fall of El Chapo. Among the highlights, the author describes the covert relationship between El Chapo and DEA. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Original Gangsters podcast hosts James Buccellato and Scott Burnstein break down all things Sopranos! The episode starts off with an in-depth discussion regarding the forthcoming film "The Many Saints of Newark." It's only matter of time, however, before they start discussing the original Sopranos series as well. The hosts also speculate on the current state of the DiMeo/Soprano crime family. Scott finishes up with a big announcement regarding his involvement with the BMF television show on Starz. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Former Mafioso John Pennisi makes his second appearance on the Original Gangsters podcast. John shares his insight as we break down the feud between Lucchese crime boss Vic Amuso and alleged Philadelphia mob boss Joey Merlino. We also address the allegations Colombo family boss Carmine Persico was an informant. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In the episode we interview retired Kansas City Police Department Detective Gary Jenkins. Gary was a key investigator in the legendary "Strawman" case. He helped take down several mobsters from the Chicago and Kansas City crime families. The Strawman case ultimately helped put an end to the Vegas skim. The investigation also inspired Martin Scorsese's film "Casino." Gary is an author, documentary filmmaker, and hosts the Gangland Wire podcast. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Cohosts Scott Burnstein and James Buccellato examine the current state of the American Mafia. Specifically, they debate and discuss what's going on with smaller and medium size crime families outside of New York. For example, they look at Boston, Buffalo, Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia, among other territories. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

NY reporter Tony Destefano sits down with the Original Gangsters podcast to discuss his book "The Deadly Don: Vito Genovese, Mafia Boss." We also examine his books about the Bonanno crime family. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Former DEA agent Leo Silva discusses the Mexican drug cartels. Leo was a DEA supervisor in Monterrey, Mexico. While there he built cases against the Gulf Cartel and the infamous Los Zetas. In this episode, Leo also examines the current state of organized crime in Mexico. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Big crossover episode! Jeff Nadu from The Sitdown Podcast joins the Original Gangsters for this discussion. We examine some huge criminal justice news, including cases involving the Philly Mafia, former Detroit kingpin White Boy Rick, and Chicago underworld legend Larry Hoover, respectively. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We're talking about the history of West Coast gangsta rap with reporter Ben Westhoff. Ben is the best selling author of "Original Gangstas: Tupac Shakur, Dr. Dre, Eazy-E, Ice Cube, and the Birth of West Coast Rap," and "Fentanyl, Inc.: How Rogue Chemists Are Creating the Deadliest Wave of the Opioid Epidemic." Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Big time Hollywood producers Johnny Fratto Jr. (Drone Wars) and David Uslan (the Batman franchise) join the Original Gangsters podcast in studio! We cover a lot of ground including the history of the Fratto crime family and its connection to the Chicago Outfit. We also discuss Skinny Joey Merlino, the Batman franchise, and future of true crime content in television and film. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Original Gangsters co-host Scott Burnstein sits down with former Bonanno captain Richard Cantarella. The former NY mobster talks about his experiences in the Mafia and his interactions with legendary underworld figures such as Joey Massino, Donnie Brasco aka Joe Pistone, Sonny Black, and Sal Vitale. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Former NY Mafioso John Pennisi sits down with the Original Gangsters Podcast and discusses his life in the Lucchese Crime Family. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Co-hosts James Buccellato and Scott Burnstein explore the latest theories surrounding the disappearance of Jimmy Hoffa. They also debate who was more involved in the disappearance: the Chicago Outfit or the Detroit Mafia. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Part II of our epic conversation with former kingpin Seth Ferranti. We're discussing life behind bars, prison gangs, criminal justice reform, the war on drugs, and Seth's prolific career as a writer and documentary filmmaker. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Original Gangsters co-hosts discuss the latest news on Starz's upcoming Black Mafia Family television show. They also discuss the new Sopranos movie: The Many Saints of Newark, and review The Godfather: Coda. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Former Outlaws MC shot caller Big Pete sits down with the Original Gangsters Podcast. He talks about his life as an outlaw and boss of Chicago. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In the first part of our interview with former drug kingpin Seth Ferranti, the street legend talks about his life in the counterculture and his experiences as a fugitive. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

OG podcast co-hosts Scott Burnstein and James Buccellato discuss the underworld legend surrounding White Boy Rick. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The DEA's first undercover female agent Patty Naughton describes how she infiltrated the Detroit Mafia. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

NPR and Businessweek reporter Roben Farzard talks Colombian drug lords and his book "Hotel Scarface." Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Criminal defense attorney and former prosecutor Anjali Presad discusses criminal justice reform, compassionate release for gangsters, and the war on drugs. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Criminal defense attorney Wade Fink examines the prospects of his client "Big Meech" Flenory securing early release from prison. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Author and attorney Kerrie Droban talks about outlaw motorcycle clubs and her books "Running with Devil" and "The Last Chicago Boss." Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Former Made Man, Bobby Luisi talks about his life in the Italian Mafia and how he found faith in prison. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mexico City based journalist Ioan Grillo talks about drug cartels, outlaw motorcycle gangs, and his latest book "Blood Gun Money." Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Renowned Jimmy Hoffa expert discusses the latest theory Hoffa is buried in New Jersey! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Roundtable discussion of the solving of Jam Master Jay's murder, Updates on BMF and Canadian Organized Crime. We also review the Netflix series City Of Fear. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Elaine Smith, who went from school teacher to crime-buster. Smith’s story exposes her tough climb up the ladder of acceptance and ultimate success as she broke into the macho, male-dominated criminal justice system, and helped take down the Chicago Outfit. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Original Gangsters podcast discuss the latest on Big Meech and the Black Mafia Family. They also examine the Canadian underworld, and outlaw biker violence in NY. Plus, Scott Burnstein reviews the new "Capone" film. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this episode of Original Gangsters, the hosts talk to Frank Scartozzi, a federal agent and key investigator in the Operation Motor City Mafia case that brought down the Black Mafia Family in October of 2005. It was the biggest bust of a domestic drug organization in American history. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Since 2010, Barry’s reporting has focused on Springfield organized crime and white-collar crime including the Genovese crime family. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The mob connection to Tiger King revealed, plus now that you've seen the classics, what mob movies should you watch that are on the back burner? See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Channel rock club was founded by Harry Booras in the spring of 1980. The mob, through a series of intimidation and suspected bankruptcy fraud, managed to get control of the Channel in early 1992. There would be threats, car fires, and at least one man would lose his life. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Were pro football players fixing games for the mob? Did Owners cover it up? We talk to legendary investigative journalist Dan Moldea about the golden age of sports betting and the NFL. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The ban on booze went into effect on Jaunuary 17, 1920 and changed the underworld forever. The OG podcast talk bootleggers, speakeasies, and the Purple Gang. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On December 16, 1985, Gambino crime family boss Paul Castellano and his underboss, Thomas Bilotti, are killed outside a Manhattan steakhouse by an assassin led by John Gotti, who inherits leadership of the crime family. Scott Burnstein and James Buccellato take a look back at the most high profile assassination in mafia history. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Now that we have all watched the movie multiple times, the experts Scott Burnstein and Dr. James Buccellato break down what actually happened as opposed to what you see in the film. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Listen at your own risk. Spoiler alerts galore! Scott Burnstein caught a screening of the movie and gives us his honest review. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jack Goldsmith revered his stepfather, longtime Jimmy Hoffa associate Chuckie O’Brien. But as he grew older and pursued a career in law and government, he came to doubt and distance himself from the man long suspected by the FBI of perpetrating Hoffa’s disappearance on behalf of the mob. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Colombia had Pablo Escobar. America had George Jung. Few American drug dealers have ever had the connections, charisma, and influence that George Jung had. Over the course of his life, Jung made a living by smuggling drugs into the United States in mass quantities. Eventually, he joined the Medellin cartel and with them became responsible for 85 percent of the cocaine smuggled into the United States during the late 1970s and early 1980s. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Michael Franzese grew up as the son of the notorious Underboss of New York’s violent and feared Colombo crime family. At his most affluent, he generated an estimated $5 to $8 million per week from legal and illegal businesses. It was a life filled with power, luxury…and deadly violence. On this episode we talk John Gotti, Michael Jackson, Don King, Nick Saban, and more! See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.