Original Gangsters Podcast

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.

George Christie spent nearly four decades as one of the most influential and controversial leaders of the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club. Christie founded the Ventura, California chapter of the Hells Angels in the 1970s, and was president for nearly four decades, surviving gang wars, multiple prosecutions and attempts on his life. He left the Hells Angels in 2011 and is now a writer and consultant. 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.

Anthony Arillotta was the leader of the Springfield, Massachusetts crew of New York’s Genovese crime family. He was arrested in 2010 and decided to turn on his Mafia pals and become a cooperating witness for the feds. 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.

Greg Stejskal served as an FBI agent for 31 years and retired as resident agent in charge of the Ann Arbor office. Greg talks his role in the Hoffa case and other important surveillance of Detroit Organized Crime figures. 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.

Approaching the 44th anniversary of the disappearance of Jimmy Hoffa, we do a roundtable deep dive on the timeline of what really happened on that day. We are joined by former U.S. Prosecuting Attorney Keith Corbett, and retired Detroit FBI Agent Mike Carone. 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.

This week we are joined by film and television actor Robert Funaro, who played Eugene Pontecorvo on The Sopranos. We do a deep dive into his final episode on the show. We also talk about his role in the upcoming Martin Scorcese film The Irishman. 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.

This week we are joined by Detroit music luminaries DJ Godfather, DJ Salam Wreck (Dogg Pound, Warren G, D-12), and Detroit production and management insider Mikey Eckstein. 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 week's episode of the OG Podcast, we talk with retired FBI agent Jack Garcia, who went undercover as "Jack Falcone," a self-described Sicilian jewel thief and drug dealer from Miami, Florida, who penetrated the Gambino crime family of the American Mafia in New York City for nearly three years. 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.

In April of 1985, a brutal mob style execution of three took place in the quiet suburbs of Sterling Heights, Michigan. At the time the media ruled it was a drug deal gone bad, but now a new investigation reveals it was a Detroit Mafia associated book making operation that lead to the murders. Investigator Jim Sanderson joins us for a deep dive into the murders which involved hundreds of thousands of dollars, cocaine, threats, and notorious gangsters. 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 the debut episode of the Original Gangsters Podcast, we bring you an in depth interview with former Columbo crime family captain Larry Mazza. Larry tells us what it was like to be taken under the wing of one of the Mafia's most vicious gangsters, Greg "The Grim Reaper" Scarpa. Mazza also gives us a behind the scenes look of the making of the upcoming Martin Scorsese film 'The Irishman' starring Al Pacino and Robert Deniro. Scorsese asked Larry to be a consultant on 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.