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Original Gangsters Podcast

Hosted by veteran crime reporter, documentarian, and award-winning author Scott Burnstein, Original Gangsters Podcast tells the current and past stories of La Cosa Nostra, one percent biker clubs, drug cartels, Canadian crime, urban crime, and more, with insightful analysis and educated commentary. Each week, Scott sits down with former gangsters, journalists, authors, law enforcement members, and lawyers to deep dive a specific topic, figure, or group in organized crime. Simply put, Original Gangsters Podcast is the ultimate place for organized crime news and history.

  1. 209

    Five Families 2026: The Top Guys in the NYC Mafia Today

    Scott breaks down the current administration and up-and-comers in all five New York City crime families as of March 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  2. 208

    The Story of Las Vegas Tycoon Benny Binion and the Murder of "Russian Louie" Strauss

    Benny Binion was one of the most successful businessmen in the history of Las Vegas. He also was not a man to trifle with. In this episode, Scott talks about the life and legacy of Binion and how he took out one of the most feared men in Vegas at the time, "Russian Louie" Strauss. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  3. 207

    Excerpts From Whitey Bulger's Memoir Revealed and an Unsolved Boston Mob Murder

    Scott is joined by recurring guest Nove Tocco to go over recently released writings of the late legendary Boston Mobster James "Whitey" Bulger. Scott also tells the story of an unsolved Boston murder of a mob associate that occurred in 1976. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  4. 206

    The Crimes of Detroit Mob Associate Ronnie Morelli with Former Detroit Mobster Nove Tocco

    Scott goes over several case files he recently received involving former Detroit La Cosa Nostra Associate Ronnie Morelli, who was a significant figure in the Detroit Mob from the 1970s through the 1980s. Former Detroit Mobster Nove Tocco, who knew Ronnie Morelli personally, joins to provide insight and context. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  5. 205

    1980s Detroit: Dirty Politics, Drugs, and Organized Crime with former Detroit Mobster Nove Tocco

    Scott is joined by his Patreon partner and former Detroit Mobster Nove Tocco to discuss former longtime Detroit Mayor Coleman Young and his connection to some of the city's most notorious street gang figures in the 1980s. Scott also discusses the infamous "Best Friends" gang, a collection of Detroit's most feared hitmen and drug kingpins during the crack cocaine boom. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  6. 204

    The Life of Legendary Boston Mobster Joe McDonald | Interview with Author/Expert Springs Toledo

    True Crime Author and Boston Mob Historian Springs Toledo joins Scott to talk about the life and crimes of Joe McDonald, the founder of Boston's Winter Hill Gang, a prolific killer, and a major figure in the city's underworld from the 1950s to the 1970s. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  7. 203

    The Gardner Museum Heist: How the Philly Mob Got Their Hands on Priceless Painings with Former Agent Geoff Kelly

    Former FBI Agent and Author of "Thirteen Perfect Fugitives" Geoffrey Kelly joins Scott to tell the story of how thirteen priceless art pieces were stolen from a Boston museum in 1990, never to be recovered again. A former agent on the case, Kelly describes his long, arduous mission to track down these works and how they eventually landed in the hands of the Philadelphia mob. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  8. 202

    The Unknown Charles Manson Murders - What You Don't Know About the Manson Family

    Scott takes a break from organized crime to discuss some unknown facts, tidbits, and tales about Charles Manson and the Manson Family, including some unknown and unsolved murders likely carried out by the Manson Family between 1968 and 1976.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  9. 201

    The Lufthansa Heist and Busting the Lucchese Mob with Former FBI Agent Neil Moran

    Former FBI Special Agent Neil Moran joins Scott to tell several fascinating stories from his career in the 70s and 80s working organized crime in NYC regarding the famous Lufthansa Heist, members in the Lucchese Crime Family, and more.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  10. 200

    The Rise of "Nurget" Stadnick and the Ontario Hells Angels

    Scott tells the story of how Hells Angels' Walter "Nurget" Stadnick became one of the most powerful biker bosses in history. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  11. 199

    Montreal Mafia Don Leo Rizzuto Remains In Command From Behind Bars

    Scott and Canadian Whistleblower Ken Pereira discuss the latest news on the Montreal Mafia following the June arrests of eleven members in the Rizzuto Crime Family, including Boss Leo Rizzuto. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  12. 198

    How the Feds Busted Outlaws MC Legend Harry "Taco" Bowman with Rick Convertino

    In this episode, Former Detroit Federal Prosecutor Rick Convertino joins to discuss how he and the organized crime task force in Detroit took down Outlaws Motorcycle Club Legend Harry "Taco" Bowman after years of investigation. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  13. 197

    The 1979 Mafia Commission Meeting That Almost Happened with Retired FBI Agent Dennis Buckley

    In this episode, Senior Reporter Daniel Edward Rosen and Retired FBI Agent Dennis Buckley join to tell the fascinating story of how the FBI was tipped off about a commission meeting comprising several powerful Mafia bosses that was supposed to take place at Gurney's Inn in Montauk, New York, in September 1979. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  14. 196

    Mob Ties: How Current NBA Point Shaving Scandal is Connected to the Pittsburgh Mafia

    In this episode, Scott explains how the current NBA and College Basketball point-shaving scandal involving dozens of players and teams is connected back to "Sugar" Shane Hennen, an eccentric lawbreaking gambler who grew up in Pittsburgh and has strong ties to members and associates of the Pittsburgh Mafia. Pittsburgh Mob Expert Paul Hodos (Author of "Steel City Mafia") joins to provide background on Hennen's Pittsburgh wiseguy associates and explain the city's history and influence with the gambling industry. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  15. 195

    White Devil John: A White Man's Rise to Power in Boston's Chinatown Mob

    In this episode, Scott is joined by long-time partner and former co-host, Dr. James Buccellato, to tell the fascinating story of John Willis aka "White Devil John", who went from being a homeless orphan to one of the most powerful players in Boston's Chinese Mafia. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  16. 194

    Operation Gametax: The Case That Crippled The Detroit Crime Family

    In this episode, former Detroit Mobster Nove Tocco sits down with the man who prosecuted against him, retired Federal Prosecutor Rick Convertino, in the Operation Gametax trial. Operation Gametax was a large-scale federal operation targeting the Detroit mafia, specifically the local chapter of La Cosa Nostra, and included indictments against 17 made members and associates of the Tocco-Zerilli crime family, including then-Boss Jack Tocco, powerful capo Anthony "Tony Jack" Giacalone, and then-Underboss Tony Zerilli. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  17. 193

    Latest News on the Canadian Underworld - Is a Prison War on the Horizon? Ken Pereira Joins

    In this episode, Scott and Canadian union whistleblower Ken Pereira discuss the latest developments in Canadian organized crime, including the actions of Hells Angels boss Marty Robert and David "Ice Pick" Turmel, leader of the rapidly growing Blood Family Mafia. Scott also examines how the ongoing conflict between these groups could shift from the streets to the Canadian prison system. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  18. 192

    Former Boston Mob Soldier Vincent "Gigi" Marino Talks Patriarca Mob War, Being Screwed by Justice System

    After 28 years behind bars, former Boston Mob Soldier Vincent "Gigi" Marino joins Scott to discuss the details of the 1989 Patriarca Crime Family war and explain how corrupt FBI agents and federal prosecutors tilt the scales of justice against him. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  19. 191

    Genovese Mob Deep Dive - Interview with Retired NYC FBI Agent Mike Campi

    Former NYC FBI Agent Mike Campi and author of "Mafia Takedown: The Incredible True Story of the FBI Agent Who Devastated the New York Mob", joins Scott to tell his detailed, first-hand account of going after the Genovese crime family in the late '90s. Mr. Campi gives a comprehensive deep dive involving some of the most powerful men in Italian organized crime at the time, including Barney Bellomo, Vincente "The Chin" Gigante, and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  20. 190

    Wise Guys in the White House - Gangsters, Presidents, and the Deals They Made with Author Eric Dezenhall

    Eric Dezenhall, author of "Wise Guys in the White House - Gangsters, Presidents, and the Deals They Made", joins Scott to tell the tales of organized crime members making deals with, and sometimes even robbing, powerful presidents. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  21. 189

    Analyzing The Road to Montreal Mob - Hells Angels Peace Summit with Ken Pereira

    Scott and Canadian union whistleblower Ken Pereira analyze and discuss the brutal war between the Montreal Mob and Hells Angels that finally came to an end in December of 2024 after a peace summit between Mob Boss Leo Rizzuto and Hells Angels Leader Marty Robert. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  22. 188

    The Life and Crimes of Luigi "Baby Shacks" Manocchio with Former State Police Col. Steve O'Donnell

    Scott sits down with Former Rhode Island Police Col. Steve O'Donnell to talk about the life and crimes of Former Patriarcha Crime Family Boss Luigi "Baby Shacks" Manocchio, who passed away on Dec. 8, 2024. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  23. 187

    The Westies: Inside the New York Irish Mob with Author and Expert T.J. English

    New York Times Bestselling Author T.J. English joins Scott to do a deep dive on Jimmy Coonan and the infamous Irish American gang in New York City known as the "Westies." Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  24. 186

    Going After LCN in New Haven and Detroit with Former FBI Agent Donald Brutnell

    Former FBI Agent Donald Brutnell joins Scott to lay out his career as a field agent in Detroit and New Haven, Connecticut in the 1970s and 80s. In the episode, Brutnell gives details on some of the biggest LCN figures in New Haven and Bridgeport at the time, including Billy Grasso, Midge Renault, the Cursio brothers, and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  25. 185

    Kansas City Underworld Deep Dive with Expert Gary Jenkins

    Gary Jenkins is a former police officer and Kansas City mafia historian. He joins Scott to discuss notorious figures in the Kansas City Underworld and Civella Crime Family, including former K.C. Black Mafia Leader Eddie Cox, Mark Sorrentino, and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  26. 184

    Kansas City Street Legend Eddie Cox on His Former Life and Story of Redemption

    Eddie Cox is the former leader of the Kansas City Black Mafia and a notorious jailhouse attorney who served 32 years in prison. He, his paralegal partner Rusty Marks, and Attorney Tom Norrid join Scott to discuss Cox's past on the street and their mission at the Law Offices of Tom Norrid in Springfield, Missouri, to help prisoners who were wrongly convicted and reduce sentences for those with non-violent offenses. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  27. 183

    Current State of Canadian Hells Angels and Rizzuto Crime Family with Ken Pereira

    Former union leader and whistleblower Ken Pereira joins Scott Burnstein to discuss the current landscape of Canadian organized crime and battle for control between the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club and the Rizzuto 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.

  28. 182

    Deep Undercover in the New Jersey Mob with Giovanni Rocco

    Former FBI Agent Giovanni Rocco sits down with Scott to tell his story of being undercover in the DeCavalcante Crime Family for several years, his close relationships with capo's and made men within the family, and how he was almost made. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  29. 181

    Black Brothers Inc Bust: Philadelphia Black Mafia Expert Talks 50 Years of Crime In North Philly

    Sean Patrick Griffin, author of "Black Brothers, Inc. : The Violent Rise and Fall of Philadelphia's Black Mafia", joins Scott to discuss Philly street legend Eugene "Bo" Baynes, the Black Mafia's influence in music, its close ties to celebrities, and how the government busted the powerful organization in September 1974. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  30. 180

    Was Whitey Bulger Set Up By The Government? Interview with Bulger Trial Juror Janet Uhlar

    Janet Uhlar was a juror in the 2013 Whitey Bulger racketeering trial and communicated with the famous Boston mobster through letters while he was in prison. She joins Scott to explain in detail why she believes Bulger was set up by members of the U.S. government to be murdered in prison. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  31. 179

    Undercover in Canada: Infiltrating the Mob and Police Corruption with former Hamilton Police Officer Paul Manning

    Paul Manning, a former Hamilton (Ontario, Canada) Police Service officer, sits down with Scott to detail his life as an undercover cop and explain how he successfully infiltrated the Musitano Crime Family and Hamilton chapter of the Hells Angels. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  32. 178

    The Capture of El Mayo and Joaquin Guzman Lopez with Deborah Bonello

    We sat down with Deborah Bonello to discuss the capture of Sinaloa cartel leaders Joaquin Guzman Lopez and El Mayo Zambada. Deborah is the author of "Narcas: The Secret Rise of Women in Latin American's Cartels." Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  33. 177

    Hells Angels and Rizzuto Crime Family with Montreal Insider Ken Pereira

    We sat down with Montreal underworld insider Ken Pereira. Ken was a whistleblower regarding Canadian labor racketeering and corruption in the construction industry. During his time as a labor organizer he interacted with Montreal underworld heavyweights like Raymond Desjardins and members of the Hells Angels and Rizzuto 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.

  34. 176

    The Life and Crimes of Mickey Cohen

    We're discussing the life and crimes of iconic Los Angles crime boss Mickey Cohen. We discuss his connections to Bugsy Siegal, his war with the Italian Mafia, and his prison sentence at Alcatraz, among other details of his fascinating life. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  35. 175

    The Hoffa Mystery with FBI Agent Greg Stejskal

    Scott sits down with retired FBI agent Greg Stejskal to discuss the disappearance of Jimmy Hoffa. Greg also shares his experiences investigated the Tocco-Zerilli crime family in Detroit. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  36. 174

    Was Gotti involved in the Giovanni Falcone Assassination?

    We evaluate and discuss the claims of former Sicilian hitman Maurizo Avola. He claims John Gotti sent a bomb maker to Sicily to help with the assassination of Judge Giovanni Falcone. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  37. 173

    The El Chapo of Asia: Chinese Drug Lord Tse Chi Lop

    We discussed Chinese drug lord Tse Chi Lop with author and journalist Stephen Marche. Tse Chi Lop is known as the "El Chapo of Asia." He was networked in with the Rizzuto crime family in Montreal, the 'Ndrangheta in Italy, the Yakuza in Japan, the Triads in Hong Kong, and Hells Angels in Australia. *We apologize for audio difficulties on this episode. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  38. 172

    The Life and Crimes of Eddie Nash

    We examine the life and crimes of Hollywood crime boss Eddie Nash. Nash was connected to the infamous Wonderland Murders. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  39. 171

    Current State of the American Mafia

    We examine the current state of today's American Mafia families. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  40. 170

    The Philly Black Mafia and Pro Boxing with author Sean Nam

    Scott sat down with author Sean Nam to discuss the Philadelphia Black Mafia and its connection to pro boxing. Sean is the author of "Murder on Federal Street: Tyrone Everett, the Black Mafia, Fixed Fights, and the Last Golden Age of Philadelphia Boxing." Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  41. 169

    Bronx Organized Crime with former prosecutor Robert Silbering

    Scott sits down with former prosecutor Robert Silbering. Robert is the author of "Law and Disorder: How a Kid from the Bronx Became America's Top Drug Prosecutor." Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  42. 168

    Connecticut Mafia with FBI Agent James Lawton

    Scott sits down with retired FBI special agent James Lawton to discuss organized crime in Connecticut. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  43. 167

    Canadian Organized Crime with Former Undercover Agent Stephen Metelsky

    Scott sits down with author, professor, and former undercover detective Stephen Metelsky. Stephen investigated the Canadian underworld in Ontario, Canada. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  44. 166

    Greek Mobsters with Author Nick Christophers

    Scott sits down with author and Greek mob expert Nick Christopher. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  45. 165

    Philly Black Mafia with Author Sean Patrick Griffin

    Scott sits down with author and scholar Sean Patrick Griffin to discuss his outstanding book "Black Brothers Inc." His book documents the violent history of Philadelphia's violent black mafia. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  46. 164

    Point Shaving Scandals and the Mob

    Scott and Benny discuss point shaving scandals and the mob. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  47. 163

    Mooch is Back!!! Former Mongols MC Leader and the Ride of his Life

    Mooch is Back!! Justin "Mooch" Deloretto joins us again to discuss his life as an outlaw biker. Specifically, we talked with Mooch about his new memoir "The Ride of My Life." The Doctor Jimmy B even joined the conversation. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  48. 162

    Buffalo Organized Crime with Reporter Dan Herbeck

    Scott sits down with investigative reporter Dan Herbeck to discuss organized crime in Buffalo. For example, they explain and analyze the state's case against members of the Outlaws MC and alleged members of the Italian Mafia. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  49. 161

    Former Gambino Mobster Louis Ferrante

    Scott sits down with former heist man and Gambino Family associate Lou Ferrante. After serving time in prison, Lou is now an author and television producer. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  50. 160

    Mafia Undercover with DEA agent Frank Panessa

    Scott sits down with our friend and former DEA agent Frank Panessa to discuss his undercover work. Frank worked multiple undercover cases against Italian and Sicilian Cosa Nostra families. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Hosted by veteran crime reporter, documentarian, and award-winning author Scott Burnstein, Original Gangsters Podcast tells the current and past stories of La Cosa Nostra, one percent biker clubs, drug cartels, Canadian crime, urban crime, and more, with insightful analysis and educated commentary. Each week, Scott sits down with former gangsters, journalists, authors, law enforcement members, and lawyers to deep dive a specific topic, figure, or group in organized crime. Simply put, Original Gangsters Podcast is the ultimate place for organized crime news and history.

HOSTED BY

Original Gangsters, a True Crime Talk Podcast

Produced by James Buccellato and Scott Burnstein

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Original Gangsters Podcast have?

Original Gangsters Podcast currently has 50 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Original Gangsters Podcast about?

Hosted by veteran crime reporter, documentarian, and award-winning author Scott Burnstein, Original Gangsters Podcast tells the current and past stories of La Cosa Nostra, one percent biker clubs, drug cartels, Canadian crime, urban crime, and more, with insightful analysis and educated commentary....

How often does Original Gangsters Podcast release new episodes?

Original Gangsters Podcast has 50 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to Original Gangsters Podcast?

You can listen to Original Gangsters Podcast on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Original Gangsters Podcast?

Original Gangsters Podcast is created and hosted by Original Gangsters, a True Crime Talk Podcast.
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