Original Gangsters, a True Crime Talk Podcast

Former Kingpin and Professional Boxer Darrell Chambers May 05, 2022

Former Kingpin and professional boxer Darrell Chambers joined us in studio!! We talk about his life as a Detroit kingpin and his experiences with street legends like Maserati Rick and Demetrius Holloway. Darrell ended up serving over 25 yrs in federal prison. Darrell was also a professional boxer and affiliated with the legendary Kronk Gym. As a result, he shares great stories about Mohammad Ali, Tommy "the Hitman" Hearns, and other boxing legends.

Deep Cover with Jake Halpern Apr 29, 2022

Epic crossover episode! We're talking to Jake Halpern from the critically acclaimed podcast "Deep Cover." We're discussing public corruption and the Chicago Mob, which is the focus of Deep Cover's season two.

Detroit Underworld Special Apr 21, 2022

Scott Burnstein begins the episode by addressing a controversy surrounding author Gunner Lindblom and his alleged ties to the Tocco-Zerilli crime family. We then discuss the latest theories about Jimmy Hoffa's murder. We finish the episode by examining OG African American crime lords in Detroit like Henry Marzette.

Former Detroit Kingpin: Doc Davis Apr 13, 2022

Underworld legend Doc Davis joined the Original Gangsters Podcast in studio! Davis was one of Detroit's largest drug kingpins in the 70s and 80s. During the height of his power, Davis was an international drug smuggler, supplying Detroit heavyweights like Young Boys Incorporated. Eventually Doc became a fugitive and was on the top 10 most wanted list. In this episode Doc also describes how the Davis Gang worked with the Giacalone brothers and the Italian Mafia.

Former Chicago Mob Associate Chuckie Miceli Mar 30, 2022

Former Outfit Chuckie Miceli talks about his experiences in the Chicago underworld. Notably, he claims Joey Lombardo was not responsible of the murder of Danny Seifert. Miceli also claims to have thwarted a murder attempt on John Gotti's daughter!!!

The Sicilian Connection with undercover DEA agent Frank Panessa Mar 16, 2022

Former undercover DEA agent Frank Panessa explains how he infiltrated Sicilian drug trafficking networks on the east coast.

Former Chicago Racketeer Discusses the Outfit Mar 09, 2022

Scott Burnstein sits down with former Chicago Mob associate Red Wemette. They discuss Red's associations with Chicago gangland legends like Joey "the Clown" Lombardo, as well as the Outfit's involvement in the pornography industry. Red also explains his decision to cooperate with the federal government.

Mafia Wars: Montreal, Hamilton and Beyond Mar 02, 2022

In this episode we discuss the rise and fall of the Rizzuto crime family in Montreal, Canada. We also analyze the Mafia violence that has spread from Quebec to Ontario.

New England Mafia: Past, Present, and Future Feb 21, 2022

We're examining the past, present, and future of the Patriarca crime family in New England with Providence, RI investigative reporter Tim White. We discuss Raymond Patriarca, the Angiulo Brothers, Whitey Bulger, Steve Flemmi, Frank Salemme, Luigi Manocchio, Carmen DiNunzio and more!!

Buffalo Mafia: Past, Present, and Future Feb 09, 2022

We examine the past, present, and future of the Magaddino crime family in upstate New York. Other crime families like the Chicago Outfit, Bonanno crime family, Rizzuto crime family, Cleveland mob, and Los Angeles Mafia are also part of the conversation.

The life and crimes of former Mafia boss Ralph Natale Feb 02, 2022

Scott Burnstein sits down with Philadelphia reporter David Schratweiser to discuss the legacy of former Philly Mafia boss and mob turncoat Ralph Natale.

Outlaw Bikers and the Mafia Jan 24, 2022

We begin the episode by covering the latest news on the Pagans MC. Next, we examine how outlaw biker clubs and the Italian Mafia intersect in the underworld---specifically the Pagans MC relationship with the Bruno-Scarfo crime family in Philadelphia. We finish the episode by looking at outlaw bikers and the Tocco-Zerilli crime family in Detroit.

Barry Slotnick and Defending Colombo and Gotti Jan 12, 2022

For this episode we sit down with prominent NY defense attorney Stuart Slotnick. We discuss his father Barry Slotnick's new book with legendary crime author James Patterson. Barry Slotnick defended some of New York's most iconic gangsters, including Joe Colombo and the Dapper Don John Gotti. Among other stories, we discuss how Slotnick and Joe Colombo influenced the Godfather.

Where is the Hoffa Kill House? Jan 05, 2022

The Original Gangsters Podcast is back with new episode for the new year!! We're focusing on the Giacalone crew in Detroit and their alleged involvement in the disappearance of labor leader Jimmy Hoffa. Overall, we debate and discuss the location of Hoffa's murder.

The Mob and the Music Industry with CM Kushins Dec 15, 2021

This episode is pop culture extravaganza with author CM Kushins! We start by discussing the legacy of crime writer and Detroit native Elmore Leonard. This discussion includes an examination of Quentin Tarantino's related films. We then focus on the mob and the music industry. The Brute Music Festival of 1977 is at the heart of this story. Behind the scenes you had Vincente "the Chin" Gigante, the Genovese crime family, and five unsolved murders!!

Layton "the Beast" Simon: Detroit OG Dec 08, 2021

An Original Gangsters Podcast exclusive!! The fellas interviewed former Detroit kingpin and street legend Layton "the Beast" Simon. Layton is the inspiration for the BMF tv show character "Lamar Silas." Simon talks about his life in the game and his interactions with other Detroit street legends like Chester Campbell, Butch Jones (YBI), White Boy Rick, and the Flenory Brothers. Layton even describes the time he beefed with Big Meech.

Ricardo "Monkey" Morales and the CIA/Cocaine Connection Dec 01, 2021

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!

The Giacalone Crew with FBI Agent Mike Carone Nov 23, 2021

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.

Alpo Martinez and the Drug Lords of Harlem Nov 17, 2021

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.

John "No Nose" DiFronzo and the Chicago Outfit Nov 11, 2021

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.

The Purple Gang with author Daniel Waugh Nov 03, 2021

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.

OJ Simpson and the Mob Oct 20, 2021

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.

The Many Saints of Newark: Our Reviews are In Oct 13, 2021

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.

FBI Undercover and the North Jersey Mafia Oct 06, 2021

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.

Colombo Crime Family and NY Underworld Sep 22, 2021

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.

El Chapo with reporter Noah Hurowitz Sep 15, 2021

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.

The Sopranos Universe Sep 08, 2021

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.

Former Mafioso John Pennisi (Part II) Sep 01, 2021

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.

Taking Down the Mob in Las Vegas Aug 25, 2021

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.

Today's American Mafia Families Aug 19, 2021

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.

Talking Bonanno and Genovese Mafia Families with NY Author Tony Destefano Aug 11, 2021

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.

Former DEA Agent Leo Silva Discusses the Cartels Aug 03, 2021

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.

Big Legal Cases: Philadelphia Mafia, White Boy Rick, Larry Hoover Jul 28, 2021

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.

The History of West Coast Gangsta Rap with Best Selling Author Ben Westhoff Jul 21, 2021

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."

Hollywood Producers: Johnny Fratto Jr. and David Uslan Jul 15, 2021

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.

Former Bonanno Capo Richie Cantarella Jun 29, 2021

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.

Former NY Mafioso John Pennisi Jun 23, 2021

Former NY Mafioso John Pennisi sits down with the Original Gangsters Podcast and discusses his life in the Lucchese Crime Family.

The Hoffa Case: Chicago vs Detroit Jun 17, 2021

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.

Street Legend Seth Ferranti (part II) Jun 08, 2021

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.

Black Mafia Family, new Sopranos movie, and Godfather Coda Jun 02, 2021

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.

Former Chicago Outlaws Boss "Big Pete" May 25, 2021

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.

Street Legend Seth Ferranti (Part I) May 19, 2021

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.

White Boy Rick May 11, 2021

OG podcast co-hosts Scott Burnstein and James Buccellato discuss the underworld legend surrounding White Boy Rick.

Undercover DEA Agent Patty Naughton May 03, 2021

The DEA's first undercover female agent Patty Naughton describes how she infiltrated the Detroit Mafia.

Roben Farzad Discusses Hotel Scarface Apr 26, 2021

NPR and Businessweek reporter Roben Farzard talks Colombian drug lords and his book "Hotel Scarface."

Anjali Presad and Criminal Justice Reform Apr 20, 2021

Criminal defense attorney and former prosecutor Anjali Presad discusses criminal justice reform, compassionate release for gangsters, and the war on drugs.

Wade Fink Discusses Big Meech Apr 19, 2021

Criminal defense attorney Wade Fink examines the prospects of his client "Big Meech" Flenory securing early release from prison.

Kerrie Droban Discusses Outlaw Motorcycle Clubs Apr 15, 2021

Author and attorney Kerrie Droban talks about outlaw motorcycle clubs and her books "Running with Devil" and "The Last Chicago Boss."

Made Man, Bobby Luisi Apr 15, 2021

Former Made Man, Bobby Luisi talks about his life in the Italian Mafia and how he found faith in prison.

Ioan Grillo Discusses the Mexican Cartels Apr 13, 2021

Mexico City based journalist Ioan Grillo talks about drug cartels, outlaw motorcycle gangs, and his latest book "Blood Gun Money."

Dan Moldea on the Disappearance of Jimmy Hoffa Apr 09, 2021

Renowned Jimmy Hoffa expert discusses the latest theory Hoffa is buried in New Jersey!

Jam Master Jay, Black Mafia Family, City Of Fear Aug 23, 2020

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.