Mafia

To the casual observer, organized crime is viewed as a singular entity, spearheaded by a powerful mafioso or crime family. In reality, it’s a multi-faceted network built on generations of blind loyalty, spawning corruption and ruthless violence. In this episode, we’ll follow the path from Charles “Lucky” Luciano and his merciless plot to end a brutal power struggle in New York to Joseph Valachi, whose testimony opened the vault to a world previously hidden in the shadows. This episode is sponsored by: Burrow Babbel - Promo code: MAFIA BetterHelp Mafia's theme is "Spellbound Hell" by Damiano Baldoni. Music featured in this episode: “Smoke” by Rafael Archangel; “Fog” and “Gates” by Sergey Cheremisinov; “Difference,” “Imminence,” “Snowfall,” and “Universe in Hands” by Kai Engel; “Walking Along” and “Waltz (Tchaikovsky Op. 40)” by Kevin MacLeod. Sound Effects from freesound.org | Additional sound effects from freesfx.co.uk. Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License.

Following the retirement of Filippo Buccola in 1952, Raymond Patriarca was promoted to boss of the New England crime family. He became a dominant force in all illicit, political, and labor union activities. After years of trying to infiltrate the New England crime family, the FBI finally succeeded when Joe Barboza, a hitman for Patriarca, became an informant. Raymond Patriarca would be imprisoned in 1969, but his greatest heist was yet to come. Special thanks to Gary Jenkins of the true crime podcast Gangland Wire; Joe Broadmeadow, Author and Founder of JEBWizard Publishing; Tim White, Investigative Reporter and Co-Author of “The Last Good Heist,” and former Rhode Island State Police Superintendent, Brendan P. Doherty. Mafia's theme is "Spellbound Hell" by Damiano Baldoni. Music featured in this episode: “Deep Space” by Almusic34; “Misery” by Damiano Baldoni; “Computations” by Scott Buckley; “Gates” and “Old All” by Sergey Cheremisinov; “January” and “Snowfall” by Kai Engel; “Bankrupt” by Jahzzar; “How the Night Came" by Showdown; “Angst” by Xenojam. Sound Effects from freesound.org | Additional sound effects from freesfx.co.uk. Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License.

Prior to Prohibition, two separate Mafia families emerged in New England, one based in Boston, Massachusetts and the other based in Providence, Rhode Island. By 1932, both families combined and became a force to be reckoned with. Over time, the New England crime family would soon become synonymous with one cunning and ruthless leader, Raymond Patriarca. But one concealed microphone by the FBI would reveal all of Patriarca’s secrets. Special thanks to Gary Jenkins of the true crime podcast Gangland Wire; Joe Broadmeadow, Author and Founder of JEBWizard Publishing; and Tim White, Investigative Reporter and Co-Author of “The Last Good Heist.” Mafia's theme is "Spellbound Hell" by Damiano Baldoni. Music featured in this episode: “Gray” and “Smoke” by Rafael Archangel; “Misery” by Damiano Baldoni; “Lucerna,” and “She Wolf In My Heart” by Sergey Cheremisinov; “Dark Alleys” and “Snowfall” by Kai Engel; “Bankrupt” by Jahzzar; “On the Ground,” “Rollin’ at 5,” and “Waltz (Tchaikovsky Op. 40)” by Kevin MacLeod. Sound Effects from freesound.org | Additional sound effects from freesfx.co.uk. Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License.

1920's Chicago – the beginnings of the infamous Chicago Outfit. Frank Nitti, friend of notorious gangster Al Capone, went from struggling breadwinner to leading one of the country's most powerful organized crime groups. Diversifying the Outfit's portfolio by branching out into new and lucrative forms of crime, and even inventing a new way to kill someone that would be widely adopted by the mob. This episode is sponsored by: Best Fiends BetterHelp Babbel - Promo code: MAFIA Special thanks to Geoff Schumacher and the Mob Museum. Music by Damiano Baldoni, Sergey Cheremisinov, and Kai Engel. Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License.

It’s the early 1970's in Biloxi, Mississippi. Kirksey Nix, one of the leading members of the Dixie Mafia, had been convicted of murder and began a life sentence without the possibility of parole. Despite this, Nix would continue heading up his gang from prison, orchestrate a hit on a local judge and his wife, and even target and scam gay men out of their money over the phone. This episode is sponsored by: Babbel - Promo code: MAFIA ManScaped IPVanish Special thanks to Synova Cantrell. Music by Damiano Baldoni, Sergey Cheremisinov, and Kai Engel. Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License.

Jimmy Fratianno had gained notoriety within the LA crime family as someone who was trustworthy, and willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done. But as the landscape of the LA crime family changed, so did Fratianno's status. When LA crime boss Dominic Brooklier was sent to prison, Fratianno was approached about returning to LA and serving as co-acting boss. Acceptancing this offer would lead to a fallout resulting in Fratianno cutting ties with the LA crime family and putting his life at risk. This episode is sponsored by: BetterHelp Burrow Chameleon: High Rollers Special thanks to Gary Jenkins, Dennis McDonald, and Ray Tracy. Mafia's theme is "Spellbound Hell" by Damiano Baldoni. Music featured in this episode: "Misery" and "Life" by Damiano Baldoni; "Scenery," "Visum," "Difference," "Snowfall," "January," and "Dark Alley" by Kai Engel; "Go Down Moses Reprise" by Dee Yan-Key; "Smoke" by Rafael Archangel; "Fog" and “Lucerna” by Sergey Cheremisinov; "Covert Affair" and "Unanswered Questions" by Kevin MacLeod. Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License.

In 1946, a young man by the name of Jimmy Fratianno moved from Cleveland, Ohio to Los Angeles, California. Fratianno had spent most of his life immersed in crime, crossing paths with several well known mobsters. Fratianno would soon become a made man in the Los Angeles crime family, gaining a reputation as someone who was willing to do "whatever it takes" to get the job done. But as the landscape of the LA crime family changed, so did Fratianno’s status. Disagreements with high ranking members would put his life in danger, leading Fratianno to make a life-changing decision. This episode is sponsored by: CD Universe BlueChew [code: MAFIA] Best Fiends Special thanks to Gary Jenkins, Dennis McDonald, and Ray Tracy. Mafia's theme is "Spellbound Hell" by Damiano Baldoni. Music featured in this episode: "Misery" by Damiano Baldoni; "Scenery," "Imminence," and "Dark Alley" by Kai Engel; "Battalion" by krackatoa; "Smoke" by Rafael Archangel; "Fog" and “She Wolf In My Heart” by Sergey Cheremisinov; "Covert Affair," "Deadly Roulette," "Unanswered Questions," and "Night of Chaos" by Kevin MacLeod. Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License.

During the 1920s, The Big Easy was home to some of the most notorious members of the New Orleans Underworld, including Silvestro “Silver Dollar Sam” Carollo. A mafioso whose life is shrouded in legend and mystery. As a member of Charles Matranga’s Black Hand gang, Carollo was quickly becoming a force to be reckoned with. Eventually surpassing Matranga as New Orleans “top dog.” But Carollo’s luck would soon run out. This episode is sponsored by: CD Universe IPVanish BetterHelp Special thanks to Ronald Rawson and Dexter Babin. Mafia's theme is "Spellbound Hell" by Damiano Baldoni. Music featured in this episode: “So Cold” by Rafael Archangel; “Life” and “Misery” by Damiano Baldoni; “Fog,” "Old All," and “Wastelands” by Sergey Cheremisinov; “Snowfall” by Kai Engel; “Bankrupt” by Jahzzar; “Backed Vibes Clean,” “Hard Boiled,” “On the Cool Side,” “On the Ground,” and “Unanswered Questions” by Kevin MacLeod. Sound Effects from freesound.org | Additional sound effects from freesfx.co.uk. Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License.

In the mid-1990s, renowned Irish mobster Whitey Bulger was in hiding from local Massachusetts police, the FBI, and US Marshals. In this episode, we'll hear what was going on behind the scenes with those he trusted most, how Bulger got around undetected, the unexpected way he was finally caught, and the aftermath. This episode is sponsored by: IPVanish Babbel (promo code: MAFIA) Special thanks to Phyllis Karas, Geoff Schumacher and the Mob Museum. Music by Damiano Baldoni, Sergey Cheremisinov, and Kai Engel. Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License.

In the mid-90s, South Boston based Irish mobster, James "Whitey" Bulger would go on the run after being tipped off about an indictment coming his way. After transforming the local criminal scene in the place he grew up through gambling, drugs, and murder, his run from law enforcement would last for the next 16 years, with Bulger eventually earning himself a spot at #1 of the FBI's Most Wanted Fugitives list. This episode is sponsored by: Best Fiends Green Chef (promo code: 90mafia) BetterHelp Special thanks to Phyllis Karas, Geoff Schumacher and the Mob Museum. Music by Damiano Baldoni, Sergey Cheremisinov, and Kai Engel. Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License.

Stephanie St. Clair had become one of the most successful policy bankers in 1920’s New York City. She made a fortune running a Harlem based numbers racket, gaining notoriety along the way. Using her power, wealth, and influence, Stephanie St. Clair built an empire. But change was creeping in from outside Harlem. As outside crime families turned their attention to Harlem, The Queen of the Policy Racket would have to defend her organization against all those looking to take over. Our Sponsors for this episode are: Blue Chew [code: MAFIA] Burrow IPVanish Special thanks to Lashawn Harris, Geoff Schumacher, and Elwood Watson Mafia's theme is "Spellbound Hell" by Damiano Baldoni. Music in this episode is ”Misery" by Damiano Baldoni; "Dark Alleys" and "January" by Kai Engel; "Go Down Moses," "Go Down Moses Reprise," and "Longed For Destination" by Dee Yan-Key; "Covert Affair," "Echoes Of Time V2," "Backed Vibes Clean," "In Your Arms," and "Unanswered Questions" by Kevin MacLeod; "Smoke" by Rafael Archangel; “Battalion” by krackatoa. Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License.

In the 1920's, Stephanie St. Clair was known as "The Queen of the Policy Racket." She made a fortune running her Harlem numbers racket, gaining notoriety along the way. Known for her sharp wit and quick temper, St. Clair was a force to be reckoned with. However, as she used her power to aid the people of Harlem, a target on her back began to grow. Our Sponsors for this episode are: BetterHelp Manscaped [code: MAFIA] IPVanish Special thanks to Lashawn Harris, Geoff Schumacher, and Elwood Watson Mafia's theme is "Spellbound Hell" by Damiano Baldoni. Music in this episode is ”Misery" by Damiano Baldoni; "Old All" by Sergey Cheremisinov; "Dark Alleys," "River," and "Scenery" by Kai Engel; "Go Down Moses Reprise" by Dee Yan-Key; "Backed Vibes Clean," "In Your Arms," “Rollin at 5," "On The Ground," and "Unanswered Questions" by Kevin MacLeod. Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License.

Mafia returns Wednesday, May 12th! This Audioboom Original delves into the criminal underworld, exploring the lives and careers of America’s most infamous gangsters. This season, we’ll cover mafiosos from around the US; including New York City’s “Queen of the Policy Rackets," the leader of the Winter Hill Gang in Boston, and the inner-workings of the Dixie Mafia. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, follow Mafia on Spotify, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows!

In Upstate New York, 200 miles from the bustling gang-run city, something new was born. As the rich headed upstate for summer vacations, a gangster had a vision of a gambling paradise, and turned Saratoga Springs into the casino hotspot of the late 1800s. Our Sponsors for this episode are: Purple (text MAFIA to 84-888) Best Fiends Sony Pictures' The Traitor Mafia's theme is "Spellbound Hell" by Damiano Baldoni. Music in this episode is ”Misery" by Damiano Baldoni; “River Meditation” by Jason Shaw; “Backed Vibes Clean,” “Night on the Docks,” “On the Cool Side,” “I Knew a Guy,” “Rollin at 5,” and “Hard Boiled,”  by Kevin MacLeod;  “Bankrupt” by Jahzzar;  "Gates" and “Old All” by Sergey Cheremisinov; “Thoughts About Future” by Parvus Decree.; and “Gray” by  Rafael Archangel. Sound Effects from freesound.org by RTB45,  eliasheuninck, klankbeeld , craftcrest , unfa, Ramston, arnaud coutancier,and bmccoy2. Additional sound effects from freesfx.co.uk. Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License.

Gangsters Walter Scheib and Frank Hoffman owned one of the most successful speakeasies during the prohibition. But Hoffman disappeared in the 1940s, leaving behind 2 iron safes . . . and what was inside would pull a local family into a murder mystery. Our Sponsor for this episode is: Purple (text MAFIA to 84-888) Mafia's theme is "Spellbound Hell" by Damiano Baldoni. Music in this episode is ”Misery" by Damiano Baldoni; “Rollin at 5,” “Heart of the Beast,” “On the Ground,” and “I Knew a Guy,” by Kevin MacLeod; “Oxygen Garden” by Chris Zabriskie; “Imminence” and “Dark Alleys” by Kai Engel; and “Angst” by Xenojam. Sound Effects from freesound.org by carloscarty,  kfosse13 , InspectorJ, tim.kahn, stereostereo, onteca,  jorickhoofd,  PeteBarry, constructabeat, Sandermotions, Suncord_Audiolab, and sound_ims. Additional sound effects from freesfx.co.uk. Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License.

Colombo was flooded with cash from his numerous rackets and enjoying the good life. Distress grew in the highest circles of the Mafia that law enforcement scrutiny would intensify because of Colombo’s actions. And he gained even more attention when he used the growing civil rights movement as retaliation against the FBI. Our Sponsors for this episode are: Light Stream Mafia's theme is "Spellbound Hell" by Damiano Baldoni. Music in this episode is ”Misery" by Damiano Baldoni; "Fog," "Lucerna," and "She-Wolf In My Heart" by Sergey Cheremisinov; "Dark Alleys," "Difference," "Imminence," "January," "Snowfall (Intro)," and "Universe In Hands" by Kai Engel; "How the Night Came" by Showdown; "Unanswered Questions" by Kevin MacLeod. Sound Effects from freesound.org | Additional sound effects from freesfx.co.uk. Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License.

Joseph Colombo was a mid-ranking Mafioso in one of New York’s Five Families. But when Colombo decided to break one of the mob’s most important rules, his career began to skyrocket. The FBI took notice and Colombo, once again, made a daring move. Our Sponsors for this episode are: Best Fiends Mafia's theme is "Spellbound Hell" by Damiano Baldoni. Music in this episode is ”Misery" by Damiano Baldoni; "Fog" and "Lucerna" by Sergey Cheremisinov; "Dark Alleys" and "Scenery" by Kai Engel; "Bankrupt" by Jahzzar; "Battalion" by krackatoa; “Waltz (Tchaikovsky Op. 40),” "On The Ground," "Deadly Roulette," and "Impact Moderato" by Kevin MacLeod. Sound Effects from freesound.org | Additional sound effects from freesfx.co.uk. Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License.

Valachi took the stand and revealed some of the strangest Cosa Nostra secrets - but the Mafia wouldn't stand idly by while their rules were broken. And when he had served his purpose, even the FBI couldn't keep him safe forever.  Our Sponsors this episode are:  Upstart Manscaped (code: MAFIA) Mafia's theme is "Spellbound Hell" by Damiano Baldoni. Music in this episode is ”Misery" by Damiano Baldoni; “Gagool,” “Acid Jazz,” “Heart of the Beast,” “Dances and Dames,” and “Mourning Song,”  by Kevin MacLeod; “The One Great Step” by the Victor Dance Orchestra; “Angst” by Xenojam; “Golden Eye” by Daniel Birch and Ben Pegley; and “Thoughts About Future” by Parvus Decree. Sound Effects from freesound.org by Kyster, Incarnadine, and lawnjelly. Additional sound effects from freesfx.co.uk. Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License.

Joe Valachi had been in the Mafia for years, but hadn't risen much in the ranks. But when he was facing a life sentence, there was one group of people who thought he was high enough  - for information. The FBI saw in Valachi a chance to learn the mob's structure; and Valachi saw a chance to get out of jail. Our Sponsors for this episode are: LightStream Best Fiends Mafia's theme is "Spellbound Hell" by Damiano Baldoni. Music in this episode is “Life” and ”Misery" by Damiano Baldoni; “Thoughts About Future” by Parvus Decree; “Gagool,” “Night on the Docks,” “Mourning Song,” “Walking Along,” “I Knew a Guy,” and “Heart of the Beast” by Kevin MacLeod. Sound Effects from freesound.org by tim.kahn, Pedaling-Prince, edwar64896, cemagar, pauliep83, and Omar-Alvarado. Additional sound effects from freesfx.co.uk. Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License.

While Costello made his mafia money through gambling, Vito Genovese found something more lucrative: drugs. The brash and homicidal Don Vito was put in and out of exile from the United States - but when he returned at last, he went after Costello's mafia seat. And Costello, though unwilling to fight back, soon found himself on Don Vito's short hit list. Our Sponsors for this episode are: Parcast's Natural Disasters Audible (Text MAFIA to 500-500) Mafia's theme is "Spellbound Hell" by Damiano Baldoni. Music in this episode is “Soldraconis” and ”Misery" by Damiano Baldoni; “Dark Alleys,” and “Imminence” by  Kai Engel; “Angst” by Xenojam; “Fading” and “Computations Altmix” by Scott Buckley; “Night on the Dock,” and “Covert Affairs”  by Kevin MacLeod; “Wastelands” by Sergey Cheremisinov; and “Like an Empty Sky” by Daniel Birch & Ben Pegley. Sound Effects from freesound.org by Soundholder, miastodzwiekow, iainmccurdy, manychefsbroth, ramston, CarlosCarty, shall555, Leoctiurs, JakLocke, Robinhood76, CastleofSamples, davidmenke, and timb12957. Additional sound effects from freesfx.co.uk. Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License.