Inside the Life

For the first time on Inside the Life, Giovanni and Dutch speak with a member of the news media, investigative journalist Jake Adelstein. Living and working in Japan for more than 30 years, including on the crime beat for Japanese newspaper Yomiuri Shimbun, Adelstein details the unique relationship he fostered with law enforcement and the many yakuza syndicates he covered as a journalist. Depicted in HBO’s 2022 “Tokyo Vice” series, Adelstein also shares the real story of his groundbreaking Washington Post exposé on the FBI’s role in a yakuza boss Tadamasa Goto’s life-saving liver transplant at UCLA. About Jake Adelstein: Jake Adelstein is an American expat and investigative journalist who specialized in organized crime and corruption during his 12 years as the first foreign journalist at Japan’s Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper. Known for his fearless exposés, he famously revealed yakuza boss Tadamasa Goto's FBI-assisted liver transplant, resulting in threats against his life. Adelstein's groundbreaking memoir, "Tokyo Vice," chronicling his gripping experiences amidst the Japanese underworld, has been adapted into an HBO series. His reporting continues to offer rare insights into the shadowy ties between crime, law enforcement and politics in Japan.   To purchase a copy of Jake’s newest book, “Tokyo Noir,” visit https://a.co/d/c3a2dzG Produced by The Mob Museum. To watch episodes of this podcast, visit YouTube For behind-the-scenes photos, merchandise and exclusive content, visit insidethelife.org For more on the Museum visit themobmuseum.org This program is presented by The Mob Museum and includes views and opinions of independent panelists and/or interviewees that do not necessarily reflect or represent the stance of The Mob Museum. Factual statements made by panelists/interviewees have also not been vetted by the Museum, and the Museum does not assert that such statements are truthful. All statements should be understood as the individual’s perspective rather than a view expressed by The Mob Museum. This program has been made available by The Mob Museum for the private, non-commercial use of its audience. Such private use is intended for informational and educational purposes only. This program is subject to copyright protection, and those seeking to utilize the program or portions thereof, for anything other than private use should contact The Mob Museum at PR@themobmuseum.org.

This week on Inside the Life, Anthony Arillotta, former boss of the Genovese crime family’s Springfield, Massachusetts crew, reveals how he rose through the ranks of one of America’s most powerful Mob organizations. Surrounded by Mob figures from an early age, Arillotta’s path to illicit power began after a prison stint led to key underworld connections and a profitable marijuana business. His underworld success caught the attention of the Genovese family leadership and soon, he was inducted as a made man. Facing the death penalty for two murders, including that of his former boss Adolfo “Big Al” Bruno, Arillotta made a life-altering decision to cooperate with federal authorities, breaking his silence and beginning a new life chapter.  About Anthony Arillotta: Anthony Arillotta served as the Genovese family’s Springfield crew boss from 2003 to 2010, overseeing operations that tied the Massachusetts faction to New York’s powerful crime syndicate. After becoming a witness and serving his time, Arillotta rebuilt his life as a real estate agent and owner of Pazzo Wine, sharing his story as a rare glimpse into the brutal, secretive world of organized crime and the cost of leaving it behind.  To purchase a copy of Anthony’s book, “South End Syndicate: How I Took Over the Genovese Springfield Crew,” visit https://a.co/d/2GyWJXI   Produced by The Mob Museum. To watch episodes of this podcast, visit YouTube For behind-the-scenes photos, merchandise and exclusive content, visit insidethelife.org For more on the Museum visit themobmuseum.org This program is presented by The Mob Museum and includes views and opinions of independent panelists and/or interviewees that do not necessarily reflect or represent the stance of The Mob Museum. Factual statements made by panelists/interviewees have also not been vetted by the Museum, and the Museum does not assert that such statements are truthful. All statements should be understood as the individual’s perspective rather than a view expressed by The Mob Museum. This program has been made available by The Mob Museum for the private, non-commercial use of its audience. Such private use is intended for informational and educational purposes only. This program is subject to copyright protection, and those seeking to utilize the program or portions thereof, for anything other than private use should contact The Mob Museum at PR@themobmuseum.org.

This week on Inside the Life, Tonesa Welch, known as the First Lady of the Black Mafia Family, shares her journey and opens up about her pivotal role in Detroit’s illegal drug trade and the lasting legacy of BMF. As a key figure who helped connect Terry “Southwest Tee” and Demetrius “Big Meech” Flenory with major suppliers, Tonesa served 30 months in prison for her involvement. Today, she has transformed her life, becoming a passionate advocate for victims of domestic violence and prison reform.  About Tonesa Welch: Tonesa “Toni” Welch, known as the First Lady of BMF, stood at the heart of a drug trafficking empire that spanned 11 states and had ties to Mexican drug cartels. The Black Mafia Family grew from humble beginnings in Detroit in the late 1980s to controlling nearly half the nation’s cocaine market. After serving 30 months in prison for her involvement, Tonesa is now a producer, advocate and author of “Black Mafia Queen: The Woman Behind the BMF.”  To purchase a copy of Tonesa’s book, visit https://a.co/d/2joSkDI If you or someone you know are impacted by relationship abuse, you can reach the National Domestic Violence hotline at 1.800.799.SAFE or https://www.thehotline.org/  Produced by The Mob Museum. To watch episodes of this podcast, visit YouTube For behind-the-scenes photos, merchandise and exclusive content, visit insidethelife.org For more on the Museum visit themobmuseum.org This program is presented by The Mob Museum and includes views and opinions of independent panelists and/or interviewees that do not necessarily reflect or represent the stance of The Mob Museum. Factual statements made by panelists/interviewees have also not been vetted by the Museum, and the Museum does not assert that such statements are truthful. All statements should be understood as the individual’s perspective rather than a view expressed by The Mob Museum. This program has been made available by The Mob Museum for the private, non-commercial use of its audience. Such private use is intended for informational and educational purposes only. This program is subject to copyright protection, and those seeking to utilize the program or portions thereof, for anything other than private use should contact The Mob Museum at PR@themobmuseum.org.

Welcoming their former colleague to the show, Giovanni and Dutch sit down with ex-FBI undercover agent Scott “Big Country” Payne on this episode of Inside the Life. After publishing his 2025 book “Code Name: Pale Horse,” Scott joins the podcast to share more about his most prolific case, the 2019 investigation and infiltration of a Georgia-based cell of The Base, a white nationalist accelerationist paramilitary group. Describing the case as a seven month “roller coaster,” Scott details key markers of various white supremacist groups, while sharing the dangers he faced going undercover with such radical extremists. A conversation between three friends, something unique to this episode of Inside the Life which you won’t get anywhere else, Scott, Giovanni and Dutch share more about their high-level training and the undercover school where they all first met.   About Scott Payne: Scott Payne is a former FBI agent who went undercover in Outlaw motorcycle gangs, an opioid trafficking ring and white supremacist groups. In 2005, Scott infiltrated an Outlaws chapter in Massachusetts that was involved in vehicle theft and drug trafficking. Later in his career, Scott embedded himself in white supremacist groups, including the Ku Klux Klan and The Base, a group determined to collapse society by starting a race war. Scott has also taught at the FBI’s undercover school and exposed infiltrated opioid rings and murder-for-hire plots. Scott is the author of “Code Name: Pale Horse: How I Went Undercover to Expose America’s Nazis.”   To purchase a copy of Scott’s book, visit https://a.co/d/aQlsprQ  Produced by The Mob Museum. To watch episodes of this podcast, visit YouTube For behind-the-scenes photos, merchandise and exclusive content, visit insidethelife.org For more on the Museum visit themobmuseum.org This program is presented by The Mob Museum and includes views and opinions of independent panelists and/or interviewees that do not necessarily reflect or represent the stance of The Mob Museum. Factual statements made by panelists/interviewees have also not been vetted by the Museum, and the Museum does not assert that such statements are truthful. All statements should be understood as the individual’s perspective rather than a view expressed by The Mob Museum. This program has been made available by The Mob Museum for the private, non-commercial use of its audience. Such private use is intended for informational and educational purposes only. This program is subject to copyright protection, and those seeking to utilize the program or portions thereof, for anything other than private use should contact The Mob Museum at PR@themobmuseum.org.

In the first episode of Inside the Life’s third season, Giovanni and Dutch welcome former Mongols Motorcycle Club Oregon and Missouri chapter president Justin “Mooch” DeLoretto. As the first patched outlaw motorcycle club member on Inside the Life, Justin shares how he went from a teen in the hardcore music scene to chapter president of for one of the most well-known one-percenter clubs in motorcycle history, while simultaneously getting his Master of Social Work. Sitting down in The Mob Museum’s studio, Justin gives insight into his time with the MC, sharing why he was drawn to the life and also why he eventually decided to leave. About Justin DeLoretto: Justin “Mooch” DeLoretto is a social worker and former president of the Oregon and Missouri chapters of the Mongols Motorcycle Club, identified by law enforcement as an outlaw motorcycle gang. After growing up as a youth in the anti-racist skinhead hardcore music scene, Justin eventually gravitated toward motorcycle club culture, joining the Vagos MC and later finding himself in leadership for the Mongols MC. After earning his Master of Social Work in 2017, he decided to retire from the club in 2021. He now works as a social worker, is the host of the Patched podcast and author of “The Ride of My Life.”  To purchase a copy of Justin DeLoretto’s book “The Ride of My Life” visit https://a.co/d/hlvPnOM  Produced by The Mob Museum. To watch episodes of this podcast, visit YouTube For behind-the-scenes photos, merchandise and exclusive content, visit insidethelife.org For more on the Museum visit themobmuseum.org This program is presented by The Mob Museum and includes views and opinions of independent panelists and/or interviewees that do not necessarily reflect or represent the stance of The Mob Museum. Factual statements made by panelists/interviewees have also not been vetted by the Museum, and the Museum does not assert that such statements are truthful. All statements should be understood as the individual’s perspective rather than a view expressed by The Mob Museum. This program has been made available by The Mob Museum for the private, non-commercial use of its audience. Such private use is intended for informational and educational purposes only. This program is subject to copyright protection, and those seeking to utilize the program or portions thereof, for anything other than private use should contact The Mob Museum at PR@themobmuseum.org.

Terry Rankhorn is a legend in the world of undercover work. In his over 20-year career with the FBI, Rankhorn was one of the first FBI undercover operatives to infiltrate major computer hacking groups, including organizations such as Global Hell and The Keebler Elves. The pioneering work he did investigating cybercrime established precedent that is still used today. In this episode of Inside the Life, he speaks with Giovanni and Dutch about his career with the FBI and the vital role he played in their undercover training. About Terry Rankhorn: Terry Rankhorn spent over 20 years working for the FBI in cybercrime and counterterrorism operations. He operated undercover in more than 20 operations. In addition to his fieldwork, Terry was a certified FBI instructor, having trained many of the next generation of covert operatives. Produced by The Mob Museum. To watch episodes of this podcast, visit YouTube For behind-the-scenes photos, merchandise and exclusive content, visit insidethelife.org For more on the Museum visit themobmuseum.org This program is presented by The Mob Museum and includes views and opinions of independent panelists and/or interviewees that do not necessarily reflect or represent the stance of The Mob Museum. Factual statements made by panelists/interviewees have also not been vetted by the Museum, and the Museum does not assert that such statements are truthful. All statements should be understood as the individual’s perspective rather than a view expressed by The Mob Museum. This program has been made available by The Mob Museum for the private, non-commercial use of its audience. Such private use is intended for informational and educational purposes only. This program is subject to copyright protection, and those seeking to utilize the program or portions thereof, for anything other than private use should contact The Mob Museum at PR@themobmuseum.org.

On a pioneering task force, Bob Delaney went from New Jersey State Trooper to undercover in some of the biggest east coast Mob families. In this episode, Delaney spoke to Giovanni and Dutch about how he was recruited to work undercover, the innerworkings of how he infiltrated the Genovese and Bruno Crime Families and his transition to high-profile NBA referee. Tune in for an incredibly insightful and inspirational episode.   About Bob Delaney: Robert “Bob” Delaney rose to the top of two elite organizations — in law enforcement as a highly decorated Trooper with the New Jersey State Police and in the National Basketball Association as one of the most respected referees, having most recently served as NBA Vice President Director of Officials. In 1981 Delaney testified before the United States Senate on Organized Crime, detailing his perilous 3-year undercover operation infiltrating the Genovese and Bruno Crime Families. His NBA referee career began in 1987 (more than 1,700 regular season games, 200 playoff contests and nine Finals). Delaney worked the ‘98 and ‘11 All-Star Games, the ‘94 Opening NBA Games in Yokohama, Japan and the ‘10 NBA China games. Today, Delaney presents Leadership, Resilience, Self-Care and Teamwork seminars.    To purchase a copy of Bob Delaney’s book “Covert: My Years Infiltrating the Mob” visit https://a.co/d/idN2FEq   Produced by The Mob Museum. To watch episodes of this podcast, visit YouTube For behind-the-scenes photos, merchandise and exclusive content, visit insidethelife.org For more on the Museum visit themobmuseum.org This program is presented by The Mob Museum and includes views and opinions of independent panelists and/or interviewees that do not necessarily reflect or represent the stance of The Mob Museum. Factual statements made by panelists/interviewees have also not been vetted by the Museum, and the Museum does not assert that such statements are truthful. All statements should be understood as the individual’s perspective rather than a view expressed by The Mob Museum. This program has been made available by The Mob Museum for the private, non-commercial use of its audience. Such private use is intended for informational and educational purposes only. This program is subject to copyright protection, and those seeking to utilize the program or portions thereof, for anything other than private use should contact The Mob Museum at PR@themobmuseum.org.

Myron Sugerman’s 60-year career as an international mobster in the business of slot machines and casinos took him all over the world, learning from notorious Mob figures such as Abner “Longie” Zwillman and Meyer Lansky. In this episode of Inside the Life, Sugerman takes us through his journey from following in his father’s footsteps to carving his own path in the illegal gaming business and gives insights into the inner workings of the Jewish Mob.   About Myron Sugerman: Myron Sugerman was born in Newark, New Jersey, in 1938. His father was New Jersey Jewish Mob member Barney “Sugie” Sugerman. At the age of 21, Myron followed his father into the family business — coin-operated amusements. He is the author of “The Last Jewish Gangster: From Meyer to Myron.”   To order Myron Sugerman’s book “The Last Jewish Gangster” or to learn about his documentary “Last Man Standing” visit sugerman.tv   Produced by The Mob Museum. To watch episodes of this podcast, visit YouTube For behind-the-scenes photos, merchandise and exclusive content, visit insidethelife.org For more on the Museum visit themobmuseum.org This program is presented by The Mob Museum and includes views and opinions of independent panelists and/or interviewees that do not necessarily reflect or represent the stance of The Mob Museum. Factual statements made by panelists/interviewees have also not been vetted by the Museum, and the Museum does not assert that such statements are truthful. All statements should be understood as the individual’s perspective rather than a view expressed by The Mob Museum. This program has been made available by The Mob Museum for the private, non-commercial use of its audience. Such private use is intended for informational and educational purposes only. This program is subject to copyright protection, and those seeking to utilize the program or portions thereof, for anything other than private use should contact The Mob Museum at PR@themobmuseum.org.

Mike Moy was only 16 years old when he joined the Brooklyn faction of the Fuk Ching gang. In this episode of Inside the Life, Moy shares stories of his upbringing and the events that led him to change his trajectory and join the NYPD. Having had the unique experience of operating on both sides of the law, Moy gives us a first-hand look into the secretive underworld of New York’s Chinatown. About Mike Moy: Mike Moy is a former NYPD detective and a former member of the Fuk Ching gang in Chinatown. He spent nine years in the gang before a turning point in the early 1990s, when many of his friends were either killed or sent to prison. In 1995, Moy enrolled in the policy academy. He was a patrol officer in Chinatown for nine years before being promoted to detective. After retiring, he now runs a YouTube channel, Chinatown Gang Stories, where he interviews former gang members to tell the history of organized crime in New York’s Chinatown.    Buy Mike Moy’s book “Bad to Blue: The True Story of a Chinatown Gangster Turned NYPD Detective” Produced by The Mob Museum. To watch episodes of this podcast, visit YouTube For behind-the-scenes photos, merchandise and exclusive content, visit insidethelife.org For more on the Museum visit themobmuseum.org This program is presented by The Mob Museum and includes views and opinions of independent panelists and/or interviewees that do not necessarily reflect or represent the stance of The Mob Museum. Factual statements made by panelists/interviewees have also not been vetted by the Museum, and the Museum does not assert that such statements are truthful. All statements should be understood as the individual’s perspective rather than a view expressed by The Mob Museum. This program has been made available by The Mob Museum for the private, non-commercial use of its audience. Such private use is intended for informational and educational purposes only. This program is subject to copyright protection, and those seeking to utilize the program or portions thereof, for anything other than private use should contact The Mob Museum at PR@themobmuseum.org.

A native of Quebec, Canada, Pete Charette tells his story of becoming the Drug Enforcement Administration’s go-to French speaking agent, traveling across the globe for DEA undercover operations. In this episode, Pete, often known as “Frenchy,” unfolds how he posed as a Corsican mobster and infiltrated the international narcotics trafficking network now known as “the French Connection.” About Pete Charette: Pierre "Pete" Charette’s adventures spanned a heart-pounding 33 years as a police officer, undercover detective and DEA Special Agent throughout the United States and around the world. His investigative ability and imagination in numerous undercover roles took him from the United States into the French criminal underworld, the Iron Curtain and across the planet to untangle some of the world’s largest criminal organizations. Risking his life on numerous occasions, he was instrumental in the takedown of Harold Rosenthal, head of the largest cocaine conspiracy organization in the United States. Throughout his career, he received numerous awards for his bravery and accomplishments in the war on drugs against the United States. Buy Pete Charette’s books "One Hell of a Ride." Produced by The Mob Museum. To watch episodes of this podcast, visit YouTube For behind-the-scenes photos, merchandise and exclusive content, visit insidethelife.org For more on the Museum visit themobmuseum.org This program is presented by The Mob Museum and includes views and opinions of independent panelists and/or interviewees that do not necessarily reflect or represent the stance of The Mob Museum. Factual statements made by panelists/interviewees have also not been vetted by the Museum, and the Museum does not assert that such statements are truthful. All statements should be understood as the individual’s perspective rather than a view expressed by The Mob Museum. This program has been made available by The Mob Museum for the private, non-commercial use of its audience. Such private use is intended for informational and educational purposes only. This program is subject to copyright protection, and those seeking to utilize the program or portions thereof, for anything other than private use should contact The Mob Museum at PR@themobmuseum.org.

Michael Corleone Blanco didn’t have a typical childhood. As the youngest son of “Cocaine Godmother” Griselda Blanco, his earliest memories of his life include stories of family love and loyalty, opulence and violence. In this gripping episode, Corleone Blanco tells his story of growing up amongst the Medellín Cartel and the operations of his mother’s own cocaine distribution business and reflects on how his experiences have shaped who he is today.   About Michael Corleone Blanco: Born August 5, 1978, in Medellín – Michael Corleone Blanco is an author and entrepreneur with an incredible past. His mother, Griselda Blanco, and three brothers led one of the biggest Colombian drug cartel operations in history. After years of trying to follow in his family’s footsteps, he finally began living the legitimate life that his mother and brothers always wanted him to have.   Buy Michael Corleone Blanco’s book, “My Mother, the Godmother.”  Produced by The Mob Museum. To watch episodes of this podcast, visit YouTube For behind-the-scenes photos, merchandise and exclusive content, visit insidethelife.org For more on the Museum visit themobmuseum.org This program is presented by The Mob Museum and includes views and opinions of independent panelists and/or interviewees that do not necessarily reflect or represent the stance of The Mob Museum. Factual statements made by panelists/interviewees have also not been vetted by the Museum, and the Museum does not assert that such statements are truthful. All statements should be understood as the individual’s perspective rather than a view expressed by The Mob Museum. This program has been made available by The Mob Museum for the private, non-commercial use of its audience. Such private use is intended for informational and educational purposes only. This program is subject to copyright protection, and those seeking to utilize the program or portions thereof, for anything other than private use should contact The Mob Museum at PR@themobmuseum.org.  

In this rare appearance from a former Central Intelligence Agency operative, Michele Rigby Assad details how she, as a young woman from small town America, went on to work in one of the world’s most misunderstood and dangerous geopolitical climates — the Middle East. Working across a handful of undisclosed locations throughout the Arab world, Rigby Assad shares the difficulties she faced while successfully infiltrating and gathering intelligence from terrorist cells known for their stern anti-Western beliefs.   About Michele Rigby Assad: Michele Rigby Assad began her career in the government relations department of an international relief and development organization in Washington, DC, in 1995. After obtaining a master's degree in contemporary Arab studies from Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service she joined the CIA in 2002 to work as an intelligence officer in the Directorate of Operations, the covert arm of the agency. Specializing in counterterrorism and counterintelligence issues, Rigby Assad worked in Iraq and other secret Middle Eastern locations. To date, Rigby Assad has lived in six countries in the Near East region and traveled to more than 45 others.   Buy Michele Rigby Assad’s book Get off the X  Produced by The Mob Museum. To watch episodes of this podcast, visit YouTube For behind-the-scenes photos, merchandise and exclusive content, visit insidethelife.org For more on the Museum visit themobmuseum.org This program is presented by The Mob Museum and includes views and opinions of independent panelists and/or interviewees that do not necessarily reflect or represent the stance of The Mob Museum. Factual statements made by panelists/interviewees have also not been vetted by the Museum, and the Museum does not assert that such statements are truthful. All statements should be understood as the individual’s perspective rather than a view expressed by The Mob Museum. This program has been made available by The Mob Museum for the private, non-commercial use of its audience. Such private use is intended for informational and educational purposes only. This program is subject to copyright protection, and those seeking to utilize the program or portions thereof, for anything other than private use should contact The Mob Museum at PR@themobmuseum.org.  

In this episode, Anthony Ruggiano Jr. details his life as son of Gambino enforcer and hitman Anthony “Fat Andy” Ruggiano. From a teen partying at the Copacabana, to his severe struggle with drug addiction and years in witness protection, this episode is an honest look at Ruggiano Jr.’s journey through a life of money, power, greed and redemption. Now decades out of the Mob life, he has found purpose through reform and sobriety.   About Anthony Ruggiano Jr.: Anthony Ruggiano Jr., once a proposed member of the Gambino crime family, was born into a world where violence and power were currency. Having served under Mob bosses Paul Castellano and John Gotti, Ruggiano Jr.’s descent into crime was as inevitable as his eventual reckoning. After turning his back on that life, Ruggiano Jr. has long maintained his sobriety and commitment to personal transformation. Now, 36 years clean, he shares his journey of addiction, redemption and reform.  Produced by The Mob Museum. To watch episodes of this podcast, visit YouTube For behind-the-scenes photos, merchandise and exclusive content, visit insidethelife.org For more on the Museum visit themobmuseum.org This program is presented by The Mob Museum and includes views and opinions of independent panelists and/or interviewees that do not necessarily reflect or represent the stance of The Mob Museum. Factual statements made by panelists/interviewees have also not been vetted by the Museum, and the Museum does not assert that such statements are truthful. All statements should be understood as the individual’s perspective rather than a view expressed by The Mob Museum. This program has been made available by The Mob Museum for the private, non-commercial use, of its audience. Such private use is intended for informational and educational purposes only. This program is subject to copyright protection, and those seeking to utilize the program, or portions thereof, for anything other than private use should contact The Mob Museum at PR@themobmuseum.org.

Sitting down with Giovanni and Dutch, Steve Murphy shares his journey from being a police officer in a town of fewer than 20,000 people to becoming one of the DEA agents most synonymous with the takedown of narco-terrorist and Medellín Cartel kingpin Pablo Escobar. A story best known for its depiction in Netflix’s hit series Narcos, Murphy provides intimate insights into life in Colombia during its most violent years, as he and partner Javier Peña pursued Escobar alongside the Colombian National Police.  About Steve Murphy: Retired DEA Special Agents Steve Murphy and partner Javier Peña were at the center of the largest, most complex, multi-national, high-profile investigation of its time. Because of their efforts, Escobar offered a $300,000 bounty for the death of each of them. After Escobar’s capture, Murphy returned to the American south first landing in Greensboro, NC where he ran an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force before moving to Washington D.C. to serve as Senior Executive Service where he oversaw the DEA’s office of Special Intelligence. Now retired, he and Peña often make guest appearances to tell their heroic story. Murphy and Peña also act as the lead investigators searching for the remains of The Lost Clipper, a Hawaiian airplane that vanished with 15 Americans on board in 1938.   Produced by The Mob Museum. To watch episodes of this podcast, visit YouTube For behind-the-scenes photos, merchandise and exclusive content, visit insidethelife.org For more on the Museum visit themobmuseum.org This program is presented by The Mob Museum and includes views and opinions of independent panelists and/or interviewees that do not necessarily reflect or represent the stance of The Mob Museum. Factual statements made by panelists/interviewees have also not been vetted by the Museum, and the Museum does not assert that such statements are truthful. All statements should be understood as the individual’s perspective rather than a view expressed by The Mob Museum. This program has been made available by The Mob Museum for the private, non-commercial use, of its audience. Such private use is intended for informational and educational purposes only. This program is subject to copyright protection, and those seeking to utilize the program, or portions thereof, for anything other than private use should contact The Mob Museum at PR@themobmuseum.org.

In this episode, retired Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) agent Jay Dobyns sits down with Giovanni and Dutch to share how he went from getting shot on his fourth day on the job to successfully infiltrating the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club under the alias Jaybird Davis, the gunrunner. Having previously worked on outlaw motorcycle club cases themselves, Giovanni and Dutch share their own insights into just how violent and dangerous these organizations can be. Dobyns also talks about his other cases, including a Las Vegas bombing that was stopped by law enforcement before it could unfold, exemplifying the importance of undercover work in keeping the public safe.   About Jay Dobyns: Born and raised in Tucson, Arizona, Jay Dobyns was a standout PAC 10, D-1 wide receiver turned Special Agent for the ATF in 1987 at 26 years old. He is best known for successfully infiltrating the Hells Angels. The investigation, known as Operation Black Biscuit, resulted in 52 defendants being arrested, 16 of whom were indicted on racketeering and murder charges. However, most of the serious violations were eventually dismissed and Dobyns’ personal information became public, exposing him and his family to intimidation, threats and bounties on his life.   Produced by The Mob Museum. Season One of Inside the Life is presented by Levy Online and Levy Production Group. To watch episodes of this podcast, visit YouTube For behind-the-scenes photos, merchandise and exclusive content, visit insidethelife.org For more on the Museum visit themobmuseum.org This program is presented by The Mob Museum and includes views and opinions of independent panelists and/or interviewees that do not necessarily reflect or represent the stance of The Mob Museum. Factual statements made by panelists/interviewees have also not been vetted by the Museum, and the Museum does not assert that such statements are truthful. All statements should be understood as the individual’s perspective rather than a view expressed by The Mob Museum. This program has been made available by The Mob Museum for the private, non-commercial use, of its audience. Such private use is intended for informational and educational purposes only. This program is subject to copyright protection, and those seeking to utilize the program, or portions thereof, for anything other than private use should contact The Mob Museum at PR@themobmuseum.org.

Long inspired by his father, a Harlem NYPD detective, and confronted by the 1970s heroin epidemic in New York City which affected many of his young-adult peers returning from the Vietnam War, Lew Rice found his calling with the Drug Enforcement Administration in 1974. In this episode, Rice describes his journey with the DEA, highlighting his undercover experiences and how he worked his way through the ranks to supervisory roles, all while sharing the best advice he received along the way. He also explains to Dutch and Giovanni how he came to sit down with “American Gangster” drug kingpin Frank Lucas and what he learned during that pivotal time.   About Lew Rice: A native of New York City, Lew Rice earned his bachelor's in criminal justice from St. John’s University, Queens, New York. Shortly after graduation, he began his 26-year career with the DEA in 1974 and served in a variety of investigative assignments in the state of New York and in Kingston, Jamaica. In 1984, he was promoted to the position of Supervisory Special Agent in Miami, Florida, where he coordinated numerous international drug investigations against violent drug cartels resulting in the seizure of millions in cash, thousands of kilograms of cocaine and heroin and the arrests and convictions of major drug traffickers. During his career with the DEA, he held additional supervisory assignments in Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, Detroit and New York. In 1996, he was promoted to Special Agent-in-Charge (SAC), Detroit Division covering the states of Michigan, Ohio and Kentucky and in 1997, he was again promoted to the position of SAC of the DEA office in New York, the flagship office of the DEA. In 1998, Rice was selected by President Bill Clinton to be awarded the rank of Meritorious Executive in the Senior Executive Service of the DEA. At the time of this appointment, he was the youngest SAC in the DEA.   Produced by The Mob Museum. Season One of Inside the Life is presented by Levy Online and Levy Production Group. To watch episodes of this podcast, visit YouTube For behind-the-scenes photos, merchandise and exclusive content, visit insidethelife.org For more on the Museum visit themobmuseum.org This program is presented by The Mob Museum and includes views and opinions of independent panelists and/or interviewees that do not necessarily reflect or represent the stance of The Mob Museum. Factual statements made by panelists/interviewees have also not been vetted by the Museum, and the Museum does not assert that such statements are truthful. All statements should be understood as the individual’s perspective rather than a view expressed by The Mob Museum. This program has been made available by The Mob Museum for the private, non-commercial use, of its audience. Such private use is intended for informational and educational purposes only. This program is subject to copyright protection, and those seeking to utilize the program, or portions thereof, for anything other than private use should contact The Mob Museum at PR@themobmuseum.org.

Best known for his role as Salvatore “Big Pussy” Bonpensiero on HBO’s hit series “The Sopranos,” Giovanni and Dutch welcome actor Vincent Pastore to Inside the Life. In this episode, Vincent, Giovanni and Dutch chop it up, discussing everything from Pastore’s career in the music and nightlife industry, his experience living and working around New York Mob-types, how he landed his role on “The Sopranos” to Giovanni’s infiltration of the “real Sopranos,” New Jersey’s DeCavalcante crime family. After discussing how being an informant on the series affected him, Pastore shares the bittersweet behind-the-scenes story of the season two finale “Funhouse.” About Vincent Pastore: Born in the Bronx and raised in New Rochelle, NY, Pastore didn’t get involved with acting until his 40s, aside from a small part in a 1968 soap opera. After meeting actors and brothers Kevin and Matt Dillon while running a nightclub in New York, they encouraged him to pursue acting. He is most famous for playing Salvatore “Big Pussy” Bonpensiero in the first two seasons of “The Sopranos.”  When his character faces 30 years in prison for heroin trafficking, he becomes an FBI informant, forcing his character to “exit” the show.  Since “The Sopranos,” Pastore has played a wide variety of roles, including an appearance on “The Celebrity Apprentice” and a voice in the movie “Shark Tale.”  Pastore currently enjoys teaching acting workshops in New York City and regularly appears alongside his friends and fellow Sopranos stars Michael Imperioli and Steve Schirripa in the “In Conversations with The Sopranos” live shows.  Produced by The Mob Museum. Season One of Inside the Life is presented by Levy Online and Levy Production Group. To watch episodes of this podcast, visit YouTube For behind-the-scenes photos, merchandise and exclusive content, visit insidethelife.org For more on the Museum visit themobmuseum.org This program is presented by The Mob Museum and includes views and opinions of independent panelists and/or interviewees that do not necessarily reflect or represent the stance of The Mob Museum. Factual statements made by panelists/interviewees have also not been vetted by the Museum, and the Museum does not assert that such statements are truthful. All statements should be understood as the individual’s perspective rather than a view expressed by The Mob Museum. This program has been made available by The Mob Museum for the private, non-commercial use, of its audience. Such private use is intended for informational and educational purposes only. This program is subject to copyright protection, and those seeking to utilize the program, or portions thereof, for anything other than private use should contact The Mob Museum at PR@themobmuseum.org.

One of the DEA’s first female undercover agents, Patricia Naughton sits down with Giovanni and Dutch to talk about her experience inside the life. While bonding over the risks they were all willing to take, Naughton describes how she went from small narcotics buys as a city police officer to infiltrating outlaw motorcycle clubs and the Detroit Mafia as a woman in the 1980s. During an incredibly violent era in Detroit's history, Naughton had the unique experience of crossing paths and fostering relationships with some of the city’s most influential and powerful criminals.  About Patricia Naughton: Beginning her career in law enforcement as a police officer in the 1970s, Patricia Naughton graduated as Indiana's first female class president and worked undercover narcotics for both her own agency and other jurisdictions throughout the state. In 1978, she joined the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) as part of the one percent of female agents. She began working clandestine labs and went on to become the DEA’s first female weapons instructor, training her own division as well as a guest instructor for the FBI and DEA agents at the FBI Academy at Quantico, while also acting as her own hazardous response team's weapons trainer. She later assisted in the creation of DEA's National Trauma Team, serving as one of its first members, responding to all critical incidents in the field.   Produced by The Mob Museum. Season One of Inside the Life is presented by Levy Online and Levy Production Group. To watch episodes of this podcast, visit YouTube For behind-the-scenes photos, merchandise and exclusive content, visit insidethelife.org For more on the Museum visit themobmuseum.org This program is presented by The Mob Museum and includes views and opinions of independent panelists and/or interviewees that do not necessarily reflect or represent the stance of The Mob Museum. Factual statements made by panelists/interviewees have also not been vetted by the Museum, and the Museum does not assert that such statements are truthful. All statements should be understood as the individual’s perspective rather than a view expressed by The Mob Museum. This program has been made available by The Mob Museum for the private, non-commercial use, of its audience. Such private use is intended for informational and educational purposes only. This program is subject to copyright protection, and those seeking to utilize the program, or portions thereof, for anything other than private use should contact The Mob Museum at PR@themobmuseum.org.

In a rare interview, John Gleeson, the former Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, shares his experiences as a prosecutor in the government’s 1986 and 1992 cases against Gambino crime family boss John Gotti. Sitting down with co-hosts Dutch and Giovanni, Gleeson gives listeners a behind-the-scenes look into how he and the government crafted the case against Gotti and his co-defendants, why they risked indicting him after losing the first trial and how Gleeson secured his star witness, Salvatore “Sammy the Bull” Gravano.   About John Gleeson: John Gleeson is a practicing American attorney and former federal judge of 22 years. Prior to his judgeship, he was an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York where he tried infamous Mafia boss John Gotti. In August of 2022, Gleeson was appointed to the United States Sentencing Commission by President Joseph R. Biden. Today, Gleeson continues to practice law in New York State.   Buy John Gleeson’s book “The Gotti Wars”  Produced by The Mob Museum. Season One of Inside the Life is presented by Levy Online and Levy Production Group. To watch episodes of this podcast, visit YouTube For behind-the-scenes photos, merchandise and exclusive content, visit insidethelife.org For more on the Museum visit themobmuseum.org This program is presented by The Mob Museum and includes views and opinions of independent panelists and/or interviewees that do not necessarily reflect or represent the stance of The Mob Museum. Factual statements made by panelists/interviewees have also not been vetted by the Museum, and the Museum does not assert that such statements are truthful. All statements should be understood as the individual’s perspective rather than a view expressed by The Mob Museum. This program has been made available by The Mob Museum for the private, non-commercial use, of its audience. Such private use is intended for informational and educational purposes only. This program is subject to copyright protection, and those seeking to utilize the program, or portions thereof, for anything other than private use should contact The Mob Museum at PR@themobmuseum.org.  

Power, money, greed and image – Sal Polisi’s firsthand experience as a Colombo associate during the Mafia’s height in 1970s New York City is a testament to the Mob’s violence and disregard for public safety. In this episode, Polisi tells host Giovanni Rocco how after years of committing crimes with the Colombo and Gambino crime families, he became disillusioned during a stint in the Lewisburg Penitentiary. Though he was never a made man, he also describes how he became one of the government's strongest prosecutorial assets as an organized crime expert witness.   About Sal Polisi: Salvatore “Sally Ubatz” Polisi is a former associate of the Colombo crime family. In his Mob heyday, he ran “The Sinatra Club,” a hangout spot that encouraged mobsters from different families to gather and cooperate. Among the notable people who patronized the Sinatra Club were John Gotti of the Gambino family, and Tommy DeSimone and Jimmy Burke of the Lucchese family. After flipping, Polisi provided testimony against John Gotti and other key family members. Produced by The Mob Museum. Season One of Inside the Life is presented by Levy Online and Levy Production Group. To watch episodes of this podcast, visit YouTube For behind-the-scenes photos, merchandise and exclusive content, visit insidethelife.org For more on the Museum visit themobmuseum.org This program is presented by The Mob Museum and includes views and opinions of independent panelists and/or interviewees that do not necessarily reflect or represent the stance of The Mob Museum. Factual statements made by panelists/interviewees have also not been vetted by the Museum, and the Museum does not assert that such statements are truthful. All statements should be understood as the individual’s perspective rather than a view expressed by The Mob Museum. This program has been made available by The Mob Museum for the private, non-commercial use, of its audience. Such private use is intended for informational and educational purposes only. This program is subject to copyright protection, and those seeking to utilize the program, or portions thereof, for anything other than private use should contact The Mob Museum at PR@themobmuseum.org.