Original Gangsters Podcast

True Crime Author and Mafia Historian Scott Burnstein ranks the top ten bosses in the history of the United States La Cosa Nostra with detailed explanation, analysis, and history. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Scott is joined by retired New England FBI Agent James Lawton and former Detroit mobster and bookmaker Nove Tocco to analyse and discuss the massive mob-connected point shaving scandal that involves dozens of college and pro players. Lawton and Tocco provide valuable insight into how mobsters set up, operate, and execute a point-shaving operation. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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. 

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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. 

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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 ...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.