True Crime

Highway to Hell

Welcome to Highway to Hell, the unique crossroads where wanderlust meets mystery. Every episode, I take you on a journey to breathtaking destinations around the globe, unveiling not just the beauty of travel but the shadows that lurk behind the postcard-perfect views. From unsolved mysteries to infamous crimes, I explore the darker tales hidden within the world’s most enchanting locales. So pack your curiosity, keep your wits about you, and join us as we dive deep into the thrilling intersection of travel and true crime. Your adventure into the unknown starts now.

Latest Episodes:

EP3- New York City- American Mafia Apr 02, 2024

Show notes

Deep dive into the history of the American Mob, the crime syndicate, La Cosa Nostra. As always thanks for listening! Please like, subscribe and follow! Questions and Comments to: monteashleymader@gmail.com American Mafia: La Cosa Nostra ### Early 20th Century: The Foundations - **Origins:** The American Mafia, with roots in Sicilian and Italian organized crime, began to take shape in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Early mob activities were centered around protection rackets, gambling, and the labor and union movements. - **Prohibition Era (1920-1933):** The introduction of Prohibition provided the mob with a lucrative opportunity to engage in bootlegging, leading to a significant expansion in their operations and influence. This era saw the rise of prominent figures like Al Capone in Chicago, who became infamous for their control over illegal liquor distribution and the violence that accompanied their turf wars. ### Mid-20th Century: Expansion and Influence - **The Commission:** In 1931, to prevent internecine wars, the Mafia created The Commission, a governing body to resolve disputes and allocate territories. This helped stabilize and grow organized crime's influence in illegal and legitimate businesses. - **Post-Prohibition:** After Prohibition ended, the mob diversified into new ventures, including drug trafficking, loan sharking, gambling, and infiltration of legitimate businesses and labor unions. - **The Golden Age:** The 1950s and 1960s are often seen as the "Golden Age" of the Mafia, with its influence peaking in both illegal enterprises and legitimate businesses, including the entertainment industry and Las Vegas casinos. ### Late 20th Century: Decline and Adaptation - **Government Crackdowns:** In the 1970s and 1980s, federal and local law enforcement agencies intensified efforts to combat organized crime, utilizing new laws like the RICO Act to indict and convict high-ranking mob members. - **The Five Families:** Despite crackdowns, the Five Families of New York (Gambino, Lucchese, Genovese, Bonanno, and Colombo) remained powerful, though their visibility and control started to wane. ### 21st Century: Modern Era - **Adaptation:** The modern Mafia has adapted to changes in law enforcement and the economy. While traditional activities continue, there's a shift towards white-collar crimes, cybercrime, and involvement in global criminal networks. - **Reduced Influence:** Today, while still operational, the Mafia's influence is widely regarded as significantly diminished compared to its mid-20th-century peak. The rise of other organized crime groups and more effective law enforcement techniques have fragmented the traditional power of the Mafia. Travel Notes: Food: Little Italy https://www.nyctourism.com/new-york/manhattan/little-italy/ Sparks Steakhouse: place of assassination of Paul Castellano https://sparkssteakhouse.com/ Joes Pizza https://www.joespizzanyc.com/ Ivan Ramen: Best ramen in the world I'm not kidding https://www.ivanramen.com/location/clinton-st/ King of Falafel and Shawarma: https://thekingfalafel.com/ SPEAKEASY'S The Back Room: http://www.backroomnyc.com/ Please Don't Tell: https://www.pdtnyc.com/ Bathtub Gin: https://www.bathtubginnyc.com/ MUST DO: Broadway Show!: https://www.broadway.com/ The MET: https://www.metmuseum.org/ Museum of Natural History: https://www.amnh.org/?sourcenumber=50542&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwtqmwBhBVEiwAL-WAYWT2wfM9mXPd7sdEObuLc6pZ-CPW8HnctgxW6_Y8ag8-VU30jdYPYRoCn68QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds Harry Potter Exhibition: https://harrypotterexhibition.com/locations/new-york-city/ MUSIC The Bitter End: https://bitterend.com/ The Blue Note: NYC: https://www.bluenotejazz.com/nyc/ Mercury Lounge: https://mercuryeastpresents.com/mercurylounge/ SOURCES: https://www.history.com/topics/crime/origins-of-the-mafia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castellammarese_War Netflix: Fear City New York vs. The Mafia La Cosa Nostra: The History of the New York mafia https://www.britannica.com/topic/Black-Hand-American-criminal-organization https://www.congress.gov/bill/100th-congress/house-bill/3240?s=1&r=23

EP2- New Orleans- The Butchering of Addie Hall Mar 26, 2024

Show notes

Please follow and review! Thank you for listening! Questions and comments to: monteashleymader@gmail.com The Zack and Addie case is a tragic story that unfolded in New Orleans, Louisiana, with Hurricane Katrina serving as a backdrop to the events. In August 2005, Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast, devastating New Orleans and causing widespread destruction and displacement. Amidst the chaos and aftermath of the hurricane, the city saw a surge in crime and social upheaval. In October 2006, the bodies of Zackery Bowen and Adriane "Addie" Hall were discovered in their apartment in the French Quarter. Bowen, a bartender, had killed Hall, his girlfriend, dismembered her body, and then jumped to his death from a hotel rooftop. The details of the case shocked the community and garnered national attention. The murder-suicide of Zack and Addie became emblematic of the post-Katrina trauma experienced by many New Orleans residents. The couple's story highlighted the strain on mental health resources, the breakdown of social support systems, and the lingering effects of the disaster on the city's residents. Travel notes starting at 1:03 Music Jazz Fest: **Note about Bourbon and Frenchman Street** Preservation Hall: Vaughans Lounge: Bands to check out: Step aside Little Wayne! Tank and the Bangas: Big Freedia: Trombone Shorty: Visit: The Voodoo Temple: French Quarter: Jackson Square: **mind yo pockets** Best Bars: The Sazerac bar in the Roosevelt Hotel- The Sazerac is not only considered the official cocktail of New Orleans but is also credited as being the first American Cocktail. Originally a mix of Cognac and local bitters from druggist Antoine Amedie Peychaud. Also try the Ramos Gin Fizz Hotel Monteleone- The hotel Monteleone was purchased and expanded on by Sicilian immigrant Antonio Monteleone. Carousel bar 1949, Vieux Carre created in 1937 by Walter Bergeron (Cognac, Benedictine, Rye Whiskey, Sweet Vermouth, Angostura, and Peychaud’s Bitters.) He designed the cocktail as a tribute to the ethnic groups that made up the French Quarter. There’s sweet vermouth for the Italians, Cognac and Benedictine for the French, rye whiskey for the Americans and bitters for the Islanders of the Caribbean. Note this cocktail is 30% alcohol. Slow sip this one cause. WOW. Bar Tonique- **story about bar Tonique** Walks this amazing line between dive and cocktail bar. Super interesting clientele and amazing drinks. Restaurants:1. Cafe Du Monde: 2. Brennans: 3. Domilise: Things to do: Ghost Tours Tour St. Louis Cemetary No. 1 Sources: “Shake the Devil Off: A True Story of Murder that Rocked New Orleans”- Ethan Brown NBC news: https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna15338473 New York Times: https://www.nytimes.com/2005/09/09/us/nationalspecial/holdouts-on-dry-ground-say-why-leave-now.html https://www.ranker.com/list/zack-and-addie-new-orleans/patrick-thornton https://www.history.com/topics/natural-disasters-and-environment/hurricane-katrina The Butcher of New Orleans:https://youtu.be/lwIxCdL8RGM?si=deEJlGyRrEIFolzs Graveyard Love: https://vimeo.com/135476736 https://www.wdsu.com/article/woman-in-lockhart-case-interviewed-about-similar-2006-killing-1/3357764 https://wgno.com/news/local/margaret-sanchez-pleads-guilty-to-killing-jaren-lockhart/ https://www.theadvocate.com/gambit/new_orleans/news/the_latest/margaret-sanchez-pleads-guilty-in-2012-killing-of-jaren-lockhart/article_24c1bf83-b96d-533e-b6dc-040bf70877b7.html https://www.killerqueenspodcast.com/zack-bowen-and-addie-hall-part-1/ The Sazerac Bar https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/the-sazerac-bar-new-orleans-louisiana#:~:text=The%20famous%20art%20deco%20Sazerac,America's%20first%20cocktail%2C%20the%20Sazerac. The Hotel Monteleone https://ghostcitytours.com/new-orleans/haunted-places/haunted-hotels/hotel-monteleone/ https://www.explorelouisiana.com/culinary/recipes/vieux-carre-cocktail-recipe#:~:text=This%20eye%2Dopening%20libation%20was,French%20Quarter%20at%20the%20time.

EP1- Nashville- The Bell Witch Mar 12, 2024

Show notes

SHOW NOTES Please Like/comment and subscribe!!! Highway to Hell- Episode 1 Nashville, TN - The Legend of the Bell Witch **Introduction** - Welcome to Highway to Hell, the show where history meets adventure. In today’s episode, we're diving into the chilling legend of the Bell Witch, a tale that has haunted Nashville, Tennessee, for centuries. Plus, stick around as we share our top travel tips for exploring the vibrant city of Nashville, from its rich history to its modern attractions. **The Legend of the Bell Witch** - The Bell Witch is one of the most famous supernatural legends in American history, centered around the Bell family in the early 19th century. We’ll explore the origins of this haunting tale, where it is said that a malevolent entity tormented John Bell and his family, leading to mysterious events that remain unexplained to this day. Travel Recap: Bars: Fox bar Pearl Diver Attaboy Restaurants: Gannons Peg Leg Porker Iberian Pig Sites: Country Music Hall of Fame National African American Museum of Music Parthenon Bands: Hayden Helms- All Good things In the world @haydenhelms No Weak Links 80s/90s rock @noweaklinks @codybennet Sheyna Gee- Country @geeis4ganster Kyndle Wylde- Soul/R&B @kyndlewylde Others: Clever Alibis- Pop Punk @cleveralibismusic Off the Beaten path Music Bourbon Street Blues and Boogie Bar Rudy's Jazz Club The Flamingo Please send comments and new topics to monteashleymader@gmail.com Sources: “An authenticated history of the famous bell witch”- M.V. Ingram https://www.elizabethton.com/2020/06/05/east-tennessee-history-the-year-without-a-summer/#:~:text=People%20have%20referred%20to%201816,country%20cold%2C%20wet%20and%20miserable. https://sharetngov.tnsosfiles.com/tsla/exhibits/myth/bellwitch.htm https://www.history.com/news/african-american-slavery-marriage-family-separation https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/1816-the-year-without-summer.htm#:~:text=1816%2C%20also%20known%20as%20the,ground%20and%20the%20ocean's%20surface. https://thesouthernvoice.com/the-legend-of-the-bell-witch-and-andrew-jackson/ https://www.tennessean.com/story/life/2021/10/28/bell-witch-cave-haunted-sent-brave-tennessean-staffers-fleeing-1986/8544483002/

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