Kingpins
175 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 3 years ago - ★★★★★ - 2.9K ratingsUndeniable power. Unbelievable stories. Unlikely origins. Kingpins follows the rise and fall of rulers of the underworld. Every Friday, we examine the leaders of organized crime rings, and how money and power corrupted and changed their communities. What makes a kingpin or queenpin, and how can we stop them? Kingpins is a Spotify Original from Parcast.
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Episodes
Jeffrey Dahmer Special Pt. 1
December 23, 2019 08:01 - 38 minutesParcast Exclusive! DAHMER: A SERIAL KILLERS 3-PART SPECIAL You know the name, but do you know the whole story? Jeffrey Dahmer—one of history’s most notorious serial killers, and our most requested episode, is now the subject of an exclusive 3-part special event. You can now listen to all 3 episodes within SERIAL KILLERS, and all of Parcast’s true-crime related feeds. He was one of the most infamous serial killers of the 20th century, murdering 17 young men between 1978 and 1991 through a va...
LAPD Gangster Squad
December 20, 2019 08:01 - 52 minutesTo surveil the seedy underworld of organized crime in the 1940s and 50s, a special undercover unit of the LAPD was created to track the city's most notorious gangsters, including Mickey Cohen and Jack Dragna. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
“Boss of All Bosses” Pt. 2: Carlo Gambino
December 13, 2019 08:01 - 46 minutesHe ruled his family with an iron fist. But among his peers, Carlo Gambino was considered so fair that when he became head of the Commission, he earned the title “Boss of All Bosses.” Throughout the 1960s and ’70s, no criminal decision passed without his say. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Only on Spotify! FAMOUS FATES, A Parcast Limited Series!
December 11, 2019 08:01 - 9 minutesDiscover the stories of incredible people whose grandiose lives were matched only by their shocking demise in Parcast’s new limited series, FAMOUS FATES. With 5 episodes released every Wednesday, each group will center around a common theme, such as Hollywood Icons, Influential Women, Music Legends, and more. Check out this exclusive clip chronicling the impact of larger-than-life Hollywood icon, John Candy. To finish this episode, subscribe to FAMOUS FATES, free and only on Spotify.
“Boss of All Bosses” Pt. 1: Carlo Gambino
December 06, 2019 08:01 - 42 minutesAfter growing up surrounded by the Sicilian mafia in the early 1900s, Carlo Gambino immigrated to America and put the knowledge to use. In an endless hail of bullets, Gambino solidified his status and reputation in the underworld. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
“Crazy as a Bedbug” Pt. 2: Bugsy Siegel
November 29, 2019 08:01 - 50 minutesIn 1940, after the charges against Siegel were dismissed for the murder of Harry Greenberg, he reinvented himself in the deserts of Las Vegas and began his sordid affair with Virginia Hill. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Listen First! SPORTS CRIMINALS, A Parcast Original Series!
November 24, 2019 08:01 - 16 minutesThey’re sport’s greatest heroes… displaying superhuman-like abilities to overcome intense pressure. But when it comes to the downfalls of fame, money, and ego—they’re far more human than super. Every Thursday, Parcast’s original series SPORTS CRIMINALS keeps score on the darker side of sports. Each episode chronicles the meteoric rise and fall of some of sport’s biggest names. Enjoy this exclusive clip from the first of two captivating episodes on disgraced figure skater Tonya Harding. To fi...
“Crazy as a Bedbug” Pt.1: Bugsy Siegel
November 22, 2019 08:01 - 47 minutesNo man was feared in New York during the 20s and 30s more than Benjamin "Bugsy" Siegel. After teaming up with Meyer Lansky, Bugsy made his bones carrying out vicious murders for the mob.
“Crazy as a Bedbug” Pt. 1: Bugsy Siegel
November 22, 2019 08:01 - 47 minutesNo man was feared in New York during the 20s and 30s more than Benjamin "Bugsy" Siegel. After teaming up with Meyer Lansky, Bugsy made his bones carrying out vicious murders for the mob. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
“Billionaire Boss” Pt. 2: Dawood Ibrahim
November 15, 2019 08:01 - 36 minutesEven while he was on the run, Dawood Ibrahim continued to rule Mumbai's underworld with an iron fist. But as his riches increased, so did his appetite for violence. And in 1992, his operations expanded into terrorism. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Listen First! MYTHICAL MONSTERS, A Parcast Original Series!
November 13, 2019 08:01 - 15 minutesDragons, serpents, giants, and demons… they aren't merely foils to a hero. They are primal symbols reflecting ancient truths. The Parcast original series, MYTHICAL MONSTERS, tells the stories of these legendary beasts, and explores what they represent to mankind. New episodes released every Monday. And now you can hear a special clip from the episode on the demonically-menacing Gargoyle. To finish this episode, subscribe to MYTHICAL MONSTERS free on Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcast...
“Billionaire Boss” Pt. 1: Dawood Ibrahim
November 08, 2019 08:01 - 43 minutesIn the late 1970s and early 1980s, Dawood Ibrahim, a young Muslim-born Indian would rise from a small time street thief to gang leader, bringing a more businesss-like—and ruthless—approach. And in the process, he would become one of the richest kingpins in history. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Par for the Crime: POLITICAL SCANDALS, A Parcast Original Series!
November 03, 2019 07:01 - 13 minutesCheck out Kate's new show POLITICAL SCANDALS! Every Tuesday leading up to the 2020 election, it counts down the 52 most controversial events in American history—uncovering the crimes and deceptions by some of our most infamous elected officials. And now you can hear a special clip from the first episode on the cutthroat circumstances surrounding the election of 1800. To finish this episode, subscribe to POLITICAL SCANDALS free on Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts!
“The King of Cocaine” Pt. 4: Pablo Escobar
November 01, 2019 07:01 - 47 minutesAs the 90s approached, it was time for El Patron’s last stand. Many innocent Colombians would die in Pablo Escobar’s war against extradition before he finally reached a compromise with the government. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
“The King of Cocaine” Pt. 3: Pablo Escobar
October 25, 2019 07:01 - 49 minutesFrom multi-millionaire Colombian Congressman to political pariah—once Pablo Escobar’s criminal history was exposed, all bets were off. As his facade of legitimacy in the early 80s washed away, he vowed to take back control using the weapons he knew best: coercion, bribery and violence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Listen First! VILLAINS, A Parcast Original Series!
October 22, 2019 07:01 - 18 minutesBad guys. Black hats. Evildoers. They are the bane of every hero’s existence…and the subject of Parcast’s dastardly new original series, VILLAINS. Every Friday, VILLAINS dissects the greatest foils from history and fiction—uncovering origins, analyzing impacts, and exploring the complexity of character and motive. In this clip, we explore the creation of an iconic, modern-day psychopath of the silver screen—Anton Chigurh from No Country for Old Men. To finish this episode, subscribe to VILL...
“The King of Cocaine” Pt. 2: Pablo Escobar
October 18, 2019 07:01 - 53 minutesWith a violent childhood and mantra of “smuggling, bribery and murder,” witness the beginnings of Pablo Escobar’s cocaine empire in Medellín in the 1970s, and how he expanded it exponentially by joining forces with other Colombian drug traffickers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Bonus: Today In True Crime - Arlis Kay Perry
October 13, 2019 07:01 - 13 minutesOn this day in 1974, 19-year-old newlywed Arlis Kay Perry was murdered inside Stanford Memorial Church.
“The King of Cocaine” Pt. 1: Pablo Escobar
October 11, 2019 07:01 - 51 minutesBefore becoming “El Patron” and trafficking 80% of the world’s cocaine market, Pablo Escobar was nothing more than a petty criminal on the streets of Medellin. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
"Dread Pirate Roberts" Pt. 2: Ross William Ulbricht
October 04, 2019 07:01 - 55 minutesBy 2013, the DEA, FBI, DOJ, and Homeland Security were all after Ross Ulbricht, aka "The Dread Pirate Roberts." His drug website, The Silk Road, trafficked millions worth of drugs every week. So far, Ulbricht remained anonymous, thanks to Tor and the cloak of the Dark Web. Little did he know, the users he thought were his friends were federal agents in disguise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
"Dread Pirate Roberts" Pt. 1: Ross William Ulbricht
September 27, 2019 07:01 - 55 minutesIn 2011, Ross Ulbricht created The Silk Road, aka "The Amazon of Drugs." Hosted on the dark web and financed by Bitcoin, it was an anonymous marketplace where anyone could buy or sell anything without leaving a trace. Drugs, guns, hacking software, human organs -- the free market utopia quickly made Ulbricht a millionaire. And made him a top target for the DEA. Sponsors! Bombas - Get 20% off your first purchase at Bombas.com/KINGPINS. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com...
All Kingpins Episodes Now Available!
September 24, 2019 07:01 - 1 minuteThank you for being a loyal listener! We’re excited to announce all Parcast Network episodes older than 6 months are now available for free on Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
“Mr. Nice” Pt. 2: Howard Marks
September 20, 2019 07:01 - 51 minutesAfter being able to hide on the lam for years, Howard Marks was finally caught and forced to answer for his crimes. However, a convincing lie about his supposed involvement with MI6 ensured Marks’ release and allowed him to continue smuggling cannabis well into the 1980s. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Introducing: SPORTS CRIMINALS, a new Parcast Original!
September 17, 2019 07:01 - 21 minutesIn our new show SPORTS CRIMINALS, we break down the crimes and careers of the most controversial sports figures in history. From kidnapping and murder to widespread corruption scandals, we give you the play by play of what lurks in the shadows of the sports world. New episodes come out every Thursday! In this clip we introduce the incredible rise and precipitous fall of Oscar Pistorius, who captured the attention of the world by participating in the 2012 Olympic games as a double-leg amputee...
“Mr. Nice” Pt. 1: Howard Marks
September 13, 2019 07:01 - 52 minutesDuring the 1970s, Howard Marks became one of the biggest cannabis smugglers in Europe. Through a series of networks, which included contacts in the IRA and the Mafia, he was able to bring in upwards of 30 tons of cannabis into the UK and the United States. But after years of anonymity, a single bust in Las Vegas would put him on the DEA’s radar. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
“Gaspipe” Pt. 2: Anthony Salvatore Casso
September 06, 2019 07:01 - 44 minutesMafia life came with plenty of rules, and Anthony Casso loved that. He was a criminal, but an honorable criminal, and his dedication to the Mafia lifestyle took him to the top of the Lucchese family hierarchy. In the mid 1990s, as he faced threats from inside and outside the family, the pressure got to him, and he started to make mistakes. He was taking his violence too far. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
“Gaspipe” Pt. 1: Anthony Salvatore Casso
August 30, 2019 07:01 - 46 minutesAnthony Casso was born in Mafia territory in South Brooklyn, and the money-making, wily intelligence, and violence that the "the life" demanded came naturally to him. It was no surprise that he started to climb the ranks of the Lucchese Family as they hit the height of their power in the 1980s. Parcasters - Watergate forever changed the way Americans look at the presidency, but could there be more to the story? Find out today on Conspiracy Theories! Subscribe to Conspiracy Theories on Spotif...
“Bobby Tuna” Pt. 2: Robert Platshorn
August 23, 2019 07:01 - 54 minutesBy the 1970s, the Black Tuna Gang, led by Robert Platshorn, was running the marijuana game out of Miami. But, as internal strife grew out of control and the feds closed in around them, Platshorn's life was headed for a downfall. Sponsors! Bombas - Visit Bombas.com/KINGPINS and get 20% off your first purchase. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
“Bobby Tuna” Pt. 1: Robert Platshorn
August 16, 2019 07:01 - 49 minutesIn the late 1960s, Robert Platshorn was one of the most successful independent salespeople in the country. When a colleague offers to bring him into the marijuana business, Bobby just couldn't resist. Soon, he's off to Columbia to start his own smuggling outfit - which would become known to the FBI as "The Black Tuna gang." Parcasters - When Darwin published his thesis on human evolution, it was highly contentious. When John Scopes introduced the theory into his lesson plan, criminal charges ...
“Queen Pin” Pt. 2: Jemeker Thompson
August 09, 2019 07:01 - 50 minutesIn 1984, Queenpin Jemeker Thompson lost her husband Daff, when he was shot to death while playing dice. She would successfully run her empire without him, but it would all come crashing down, thanks in part, to her own son. Sponsors! Native - For $20 off a suitcase, visit AwayTravel.com/KING and use promo code KING during checkout! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
“Queen Pin” Pt. 1: Jemeker Thompson
August 02, 2019 07:01 - 51 minutesIn 1977, when she was only 15 years old, Jemeker Thompson entered the world of drug-dealing by dipping her toes into the weed business. And with the help of her boyfriend, Daff, she would expand into the cocaine business, and become one of the foremost narcotics distributors in Los Angeles at the time. Parcasters - This week on The Dark Side Of, we move on from Hollywood and start our exploration of the music industry. Our first episode details the myth of the 27 Club, you won't want to miss ...
“The Brotherhood of Eternal Love” Pt. 2: John Griggs
July 26, 2019 07:01 - 52 minutesThe Brotherhood of Eternal Love reached new heights after the proliferation of their potent LSD tablet "Orange Sunshine." They spread their psychedelic gospel far and wide, even attracting infamous drug advocate Timothy Leary to their ranks. But all of their success would bring on unwanted attention from none other than the federal government. Parcasters - Don’t miss all of our special Summer of ‘69 episodes by subscribing to Parcast Presents: Summer of ‘69, on Spotify, or anywhere you listen...
“The Brotherhood of Eternal Love” Pt. 1: John Griggs
July 23, 2019 07:01 - 55 minutesJust before the Summer of Love, 22-year-old John Griggs discovered LSD and had an epiphany – he would serve as the Hippie Messiah and guide the world to psychedelic revolution. John set out to the beaches of Southern California where he founded a psychedelic cult and international drug ring, while blazing the trail for the recreational use of psychedelics at the height of the hippie era. Parcasters - Don’t miss all of our special Summer of ‘69 episodes by subscribing to Parcast Presents: Summ...
“Scarface” Pt. 2: Al Capone
July 19, 2019 07:01 - 54 minutes1926, Al Capone has risen to become the sole leader of The Chicago Outfit, and one of the most feared men in the country. As his enemies fall one by one, finally the United States Government gets involved. Parcasters - This week on Conspiracy Theories, we wrap up our exploration of the mysterious Denver International Airport. You won’t want to miss these shocking episodes! Available now on Spotify or wherever you listen to Parcast Originals! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastcho...
“Scarface” Pt. 1: Al Capone
July 12, 2019 07:01 - 49 minutesAs Prohibition and unsustainable economic growth spread across America in the early 1920s, a new wave of organized crime rose to meet the growing demand for illegal liquor. Among the many young immigrants enticed by a life of crime was Alphonse Gabriel Capone, a smart and violent Italian-American who would soon become the most infamous gangster of all time. Sponsors! Pair of Thieves - Get 20% off your first order at PairOfThieves.com/KING. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoice...
“Black Caesar” Pt. 2: Frank Matthews
July 05, 2019 07:01 - 45 minutesIn the dawn of the 1970s, Frank Matthews was at the top of his game. But growing attention from the FBI causes Frank to consider whether he should quit while he's still ahead. Or maybe, he could just... vanish. Parcasters - When conservation advocate Joy Adamson turned up dead, the authorities initially suspected one of her lions. Little did they know one of her disgruntled employees would be much more dangerous! Listen to her story on Assassinations, available now on Spotify or wherever you...
“Black Caesar” Pt. 1: Frank Matthews
June 28, 2019 07:01 - 43 minutesThroughout the late 1960s, Frank Matthews rose from petty thievery in Durham, North Carolina to become one of the premier narcotics traffickers in New York City. But his mysterious life of luxury caught the attention of his neighbor - NYPD Detective Joe Kowalski. Parcasters - This week on The Dark Side Of we dig into the trial of Roscoe “Fatty” Arbuckle, and the media frenzy that followed. You might think you know the story, but the truth is much darker! Available now on Spotify or wherever y...
“Freeway” Pt. 2: Rick Ross
June 21, 2019 07:01 - 49 minutesBy 1983, Rick Ross had risen to become the reigning kingpin of South Central LA. But when made a deal with a new supplier named Danilo Blandon, he ended up getting into much more than he’d bargained for. Parcasters - Catch up on our most recent episode of Crimes of Passion, where we explore the Sutton-Taylor feud, a back and forth battle between former Confederate soldiers, and the lawmen tasked with bringing them to justice. Available now on Spotify, or wherever you listen to Parcast podcast...
“Freeway” Pt. 1: Rick Ross
June 14, 2019 07:01 - 45 minutesIn the 1970s, cocaine was seen as a “rich man’s drug” - reserved for the wealthy elites in the Hollywood Hills. That is, until 1979, when 19-year-old Rick Ross found a way to market it to the masses in South Central LA. Parcasters - For more information on this don't miss our Conspiracy Theories episode on the Crack Epidemic! Available now at parcast.com/conspiracy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
“El Azul” Pt. 2 Juan José Esparragoza Moreno
June 07, 2019 07:01 - 48 minutesAs an endless sequence of cartel leaders rose and fell, El Azul, miraculously managed to keep himself alive and free. After nearly five decades in the drug trade, a string of indictments in the 2000s threatened to end his streak of luck. Parcasters - Colleen Stan was locked away by her captor for 7 years, her perseverance to live is unmatched. How did she get through the ordeal? Find out today on Hostage at parcast.com/hostage Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
“El Azul” Pt. 1: Juan José Esparragoza Moreno
May 31, 2019 07:01 - 46 minutesFrom the late 1960s to the 2010s, the Mexican narcotics trade evolved from a Wild West of independent traffickers into a network of massive, highly-organized cartels. Only one man successfully weathered all five decades: Juan José Esparragoza Moreno. Sponsors! Pair of Thieves - Get 20% off your first order at PairOfThieves.com/KING. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
"The Wolf of Widnes” Pt. 2: Shaun Attwood
May 24, 2019 07:01 - 43 minutesAfter instigating a war with the Italian Mafia while high on a cocktail of psychedelic drugs in the early 2000s, former stockbroker Shaun Attwood realized he was in over his head. Shaun's resulting incarceration led him to a mission of education and advocacy. Parcasters - On Espionage this week we cover one of the longest embedded spies in U.S. history, Larry Wu-tai Chin, who sent documents to the Chinese government for over 30 years! Available now at parcast.com/espionage Learn more about yo...
"The Wolf of Widnes” Pt. 1: Shaun Attwood
May 17, 2019 07:01 - 46 minutesIn 1996, this British-born stockbroker quit his day job trading stocks and switched his focus to trading ecstasy. Within a year, Shaun Attwood controlled the majority of the ecstasy market in the American Southwest. But his business sense and English charm couldn't protect him after a run-in with his enterprising rival. Parcasters - Just like criminal masterminds, emperors hold tremendous power and control. In Ancient Rome, the only way to get the seat was to take it! Check out Assassination...
"The Lord of the Skies" Pt. 2: Amado Carrillo Fuentes
May 10, 2019 07:01 - 43 minutesUnder his leadership, the Juarez Cartel became one of the most powerful narcotics enterprises in Mexico - but it also caught unwanted attention from authorities on both sides of the border. In 1997, the caution and creativity that launched the "Lord of the Skies" to success would also prove to be Amado Carillo Fuentes’ downfall. Sponsors! Pair of Thieves - Get 20% off your first order when you go to PairOfThieves.com/KING. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
"The Lord of the Skies" Pt. 1: Amado Carrillo Fuentes
May 03, 2019 07:01 - 44 minutesThe nephew of one of Mexico's first major drug kingpins, Amado Carrillo Fuentes, learned the narcotics trade from the best and brightest. By the time he took control in Ciudad Juarez in the late '80s, he knew exactly what to do - and what not to do - to ensure his reign didn't come to a premature end. Parcasters - Criminal organizations are built on trust, but occasionally a mole will infiltrate the group. How do spies achieve this? Find out on Espionage! A new episode released today at parca...
“Mad Dog” Pt. 2: Vincent Coll
April 26, 2019 07:01 - 37 minutesAfter a hit job gone awry in 1932, 23-year-old Vincent Coll found himself in the crosshairs of the New York Police - as well as several of the most powerful organized crime outfits. Instead of accepting an early retirement, he kept pushing his luck and stirring up trouble, even as nearly every crime group in the city wanted him dead. Parcasters - Check out our new show today! We cover the most intriguing exoneration and acquittal cases in Not Guilty, now available at parcast.com/notguilty Le...
“Mad Dog” Pt. 1: Vincent Coll
April 19, 2019 07:01 - 40 minutesWhen mobsters wanted a particularly ruthless job done in the 1920s and 30s, their go-to man was Vincent "Mad Dog" Coll. Vincent would kidnap or kill anyone, from Hell's Angels leader "Big Frenchy" DeMange to Broadway singer Rudy Vallee. Parcasters - Did you catch Unexplained Mysteries yesterday? You won’t want to miss the case of the disappearing genius, Physicist Ettore Majorana, a supposed time traveler! Available now at parcast.com/unexplained Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podc...
“The Cocaine Godmother” Pt. 3: Griselda Blanco
April 12, 2019 07:01 - 45 minutesAs Griselda's closest ranks of family and associates turn into a list of enemies and rivals, she flees from Miami to California to escape the heat. But even as the law started to close in on Griselda's operation in the mid-'80s, she wasn't going to go down without a fight. Parcasters - You won’t want to miss our new show, Espionage! Subscribe today for the most incredible spy stories you have ever heard! Available now at parcast.com/espionage Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastcho...
“The Cocaine Godmother” Pt. 2: Griselda Blanco
April 05, 2019 07:01 - 44 minutesAfter a DEA investigation forced Griselda Blanco to flee New York City in 1975, she returned to her hometown of Medellin, Colombia to run her cocaine operation from the shadows. There, she met a protege who would soon become her deadliest rival: Pablo Escobar. Parcasters - The US government needed a way to turn public opinion in favor of conflict with Cuba during the Cold War. You know about the Bay of Pigs incident, but do you know about Operation Northwoods? Check it out now: parcast.com/co...
“The Cocaine Godmother” Pt. 1: Griselda Blanco
March 29, 2019 07:01 - 39 minutesThe woman who would become one of Colombia's first major cocaine traffickers in the 1970s got her start as a criminal at age 11, kidnapping neighborhood children for ransom. This brand of ruthlessness and violence would become Griselda Blanco’s signature whenever she was crossed, even by her own husbands. Parcasters - Check out our new show, Survival! In our first episode we covered Shin Dong-hyuk’s escape from a North Korean internment camp. Available now at parcast.com/survival Learn more a...