Kingpins

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Undeniable 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 s…

Parcast Network


    • Jun 7, 2021 LATEST EPISODE
    • monthly NEW EPISODES
    • 36m AVG DURATION
    • 165 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Kingpins

    Introducing Devious Dads

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 7, 2021 1:36


    Revisit ten of the worst fathers in true crime history in this special collection from Parcast Network. From the father who turned his son into a spy, to the dad whose long business trips turned out to be mafia hits, these dads will definitely not be getting any Father's Day gifts this year. Devious Dads is a Spotify Original from Parcast. Listen free on Spotify! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Introducing: Impostors

    Play Episode Listen Later May 3, 2021 11:38


    Wayne Simmons had a dramatic 27-year career with the CIA taking down cartels and busting arms smugglers — or did he? The ex-CIA military analyst and cable news star stands accused of being a fraud. Hosted by the reporter who broke the story, Impostors follows the investigation into who Wayne Simmons really is… Hero, or conman? Impostors is a Spotify Original from Parcast. Produced by Topic Studios and Transmitter Media. Hosted by Alex French. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Welcome to Hollywood Scandals

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 19, 2021 38:51


    This awards season, pull back the curtain on Tinseltown’s most infamous controversies in the new Spotify Original from Parcast, Hollywood Scandals. You can hear the first episode on Hollywood’s sordid beginnings right here, then follow Hollywood Scandals for an episode every Monday. Listen free, only on Spotify! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    “The Watcher House,” from Internet Urban Legends

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 13, 2021 26:45


    Creepypastas, frightful TikToks, online horror stories… Loey Lane and Eleanor Barnes are taking you into the spookiest corners of the web in their new Spotify Original from Parcast, Internet Urban Legends. Meet the hosts and hear their debut episode on the Watcher House — a terrifying saga that unfolded in 2014 after the Broaddus family bought their dream home in New Jersey. Listen free on Spotify, and follow Internet Urban Legends for new episodes every Tuesday! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Alastair and Naomi’s Love Story - A Valentine’s Special

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 15, 2021 23:12


    Parcasters, your favorite hosts are getting personal in a heart-warming special from Our Love Story. Listen here to Alastair Murden tag-team with his wife Naomi as they tell their swoon-worthy tale of falling in love. Then search “Our Love Story” to hear real-life couples — including the hosts of your favorite Parcast series — prove that true love exists. Our Love Story is a Spotify Original from Parcast. New episodes every Tuesday. Listen free on Spotify.

    New Limited Series: Criminal Couples

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 1, 2021 1:08


    This season, “L” stands for love… and lawless… and lethal. Beginning February 1st, uncover history’s most infamous couples in this collection of episodes from across Parcast Network. Follow the misdeeds of married mafiosos. Enter the transgressions of casanova cult leaders. And demystify the lives of coupled kingpins, pirates, and spies… Because in this limited series, romance takes a sharp turn into the radical.  Get a preview of Criminal Couples right here, then search “Criminal Couples” to find and follow the series. Episodes air every Monday. Listen free, only on Spotify.

    Welcome to the Family: The Kennedys

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 19, 2021 1:23


    They’re a powerful political dynasty with no shortage of tragedies, scandals and controversies. Ahead of the 60th anniversary of John F. Kennedy’s inauguration, revisit the most shocking moments in the Kennedy family history — from conspiracies and cover-ups to assassinations and affairs — in this Parcast limited series.  All 12 episodes are available January 19th. Listen free, only on Spotify. 

    Superstitions Special: New Year’s Eve Festivities

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 31, 2020 35:09


    The clock’s winding down on the final moments of the year and people around the world are putting their charms and traditions to work, shoring up good fortune for the future. But it’s not always our own personal luck that’s on the line… In this story, a night of superstitions weaves together the fates of merrymakers eager for fresh starts.  This episode is presented by Superstitions, a Spotify Original from Parcast. Follow Superstitions free on Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

    LA County Sheriff’s Gangs Pt. 5: The East LA Banditos

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 24, 2020 42:55


    In East LA, a group of deputies named the Banditos stand accused of running the sheriff’s substation like a gang, institutionalizing a culture of fear and retaliation. And while they’re intimidating civilians and colleagues alike, they may be protected by the very top of the department. 

    LA County Sheriff’s Gangs Pt. 4: The Compton Executioners

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 17, 2020 43:48


    The Compton Executioners allegedly control every aspect of life at the LASD Compton substation. Gang members have been accused of assaulting fellow deputies and even killing civilians, claiming, often without evidence, that they were acting in self-defense. And although they’ve faced several lawsuits, somehow, the Executioners have evaded prosecution — and any accountability.

    LA County Sheriff’s Gangs Pt. 3: Wild West Roots/Jump Out Boys

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 10, 2020 40:51


    By the 1850s, Los Angeles was one of the most dangerous places to live in the West. Extrajudicial killings, unchecked racial violence, and vigilante groups like the Los Angeles Rangers prevailed. This “Wild West” culture seeped into and was propagated by the Sheriff’s Department — and it hasn't gone away.

    LA County Sheriff’s Gangs Pt. 2: The Lennox Grim Reapers

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 3, 2020 43:19


    The community of Lennox in Los Angeles is just one square mile, but it has an enormous problem. Alongside violent gang activity, there’s a secret organization adding terror to the neighborhood. Their symbol? The Grim Reaper. Their ranks? Los Angeles sheriff's deputies.

    LA County Sheriff’s Gangs Pt. 1: Little Devils & Lynwood Vikings

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 26, 2020 45:27


    Deputy gangs have been embedded in the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department since 1971. In the first of our five-part collaboration with Parcast series Secret Societies, we delve into the earliest of these violent gangs that shaped the current culture within the LASD.

    Unsolved Murders Crossover: Agents Dale Kearney & Ray Sutton Pt. 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 20, 2020 41:34


    Today we’re bringing you a special two-part episode from another Spotify Original from Parcast. If you enjoy it, check out Unsolved Murders on Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts!  In 1930, two prohibition agents were murdered in Colorado. Despite strong leads in both cases, a series of missteps and the end of Prohibition brought their investigations to ruin.

    Unsolved Murders Crossover: Agents Dale Kearney & Ray Sutton Pt. 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 20, 2020 38:45


    Today we’re bringing you a special two-part episode from another Spotify Original from Parcast. If you enjoy it, check out Unsolved Murders on Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts!  In 1930, two prohibition agents were murdered in Colorado. Despite strong leads in both cases, a series of missteps and the end of Prohibition brought their investigations to ruin.

    Dictators: The Rise & Fall of a Roman Emperor

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 16, 2020 13:37


    They’re natural-born leaders, hungry for absolute power. Every week on Dictators, delve into the minds and motives of history’s most infamous rulers — people who rose through the ranks toward radicalism, eliminating anyone who stood in their way. This week, track the rise and fall of Nero, an emperor who led Rome to destruction. Hear a clip from Part 1 here, then head to Dictators for the rest of the episode. Dictators is free to listen on Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

    “Granny Evil” Pt. 2: Kath Pettingill

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 13, 2020 49:04


    After two Melbourne constables were gunned down in 1988, police identified the Pettingills as prime suspects. The case against the notorious crime family grew, but changing testimonies, family betrayals, and the idea of a police vendetta complicated the trial.

    “Granny Evil” Pt. 1: Kath Pettingill

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 6, 2020 45:47


    She was a young barmaid who rose to be the ruthless matriarch of a Melbourne crime family in the 1980s. 

    “The Acid King” Pt. 2: William Pickard

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 30, 2020 45:32


    After the 1988 bust of his Mountain View LSD lab, William Pickard turned to academics and convinced his colleagues he was done cooking acid. In truth, he set up a new lab in a retrofitted Cold War silo and started making LSD by the kilo — becoming the drug’s largest producer in the history of the U.S.

    “The Acid King” Pt. 1: William Pickard

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 23, 2020 49:59


    What happens when a chemistry genius meets 1960s counterculture? After wunderkind William Pickard began taking psychedelics, he became convinced it was his duty to share his experience with the masses… and he started cooking acid. 

    True Horror: Top 10 Haunted Crime Scenes

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 21, 2020 41:20


    Parcast Network is spinning a web of new shows and special programming to celebrate our favorite season. Follow us into the darkest depths of history, mystery, and the human mind — starting with this episode of Crime Countdown! Hosts Ash and Alaina are ranking the top 10 haunted crime scenes, including an Irish castle with a deadly trap door and the home of a ghostly bride.  If you enjoy this episode, search Crime Countdown to find more passionate takes on top-ten rankings. Listen free on Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts! 

    “Whitey” Pt. 2: James Bulger

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 16, 2020 48:18


    Racketeering, gun running, contract killing… For two decades, “Whitey” Bulger was the crime king of Boston. But when the walls started to close in around him in the 1990s, he fled — leading to one of the longest manhunts in FBI history.

    “Whitey” Pt. 1: James Bulger

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 9, 2020 48:32


    On the brutal streets of South Boston, James "Whitey" Bulger knew that survival meant leaving nothing off the table. After doing time for bank robbery in 1956, Whitey didn't plan on rejoining the underworld. But a bloody Irish gang war put Whitey on the path to Boston gangland supremacy. And he would do anything to hold onto that power... even ratting to the FBI.

    “Merchant of Death” Pt. 2: Viktor Bout

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 2, 2020 37:05


    By the end of the 1990s, Bout’s fingerprints were on almost every conflict in Africa. After 9/11, he saw an opportunity to capitalize on the turmoil in the Middle East—and earned another nickname: The Lord of War.

    Solved Murders: The Story of Helen Potts

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 26, 2020 35:54


    Listeners, we’re excited to bring you an episode from one of our favorite podcasts, Solved Murders: True Crime Mysteries. Every Wednesday on Solved Murders, we explore the days, months, and even years leading up to the closure of a seemingly uncrackable case. This is part 1 of our episode on Helen Potts, a young girl who gets tangled up with a playboy medical student, with deadly consequences—but not for the reasons you might first suspect.  If you enjoy this episode, be sure to check out part 2, available now free and only on Spotify. Follow Solved Murders: True Crime Mysteries for more true-crime stories every week!

    “Merchant of Death” Pt. 1: Viktor Bout

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 25, 2020 43:42


    When the Soviet Union collapsed in the early 1990s, there was a surplus of weapons and cargo planes collecting dust. One Russian government worker, Viktor Bout, saw the potential of all that discarded equipment. Within a few short years, Bout became one of the most infamous arms dealers in the world.

    soviet union bout viktor bout
    “Lord High Executioner” Pt. 2: Albert Anastasia

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 18, 2020 45:04


    During the 1930s, Albert Anastasia was the leader of Murder Inc., the mafia’s crew of contract killers. But after World War II, he shot his way to the top to become the boss of one of New York’s Five Families. Unfortunately for him, the Feds were more determined than ever to keep the notorious killer in prison for good.

    New! Incredible Feats with Dan Cummins

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 14, 2020 5:12


    Humanity’s most daring achievements are coming together in the new Spotify Original from Parcast! Every weekday, Incredible Feats introduces you to a new story of jaw-dropping physical strength, mental focus, and bizarre behavior. Join comedian Dan Cummins as he profiles the people who turned the impossible into the incredible, breaking records and making history along the way.  Enjoy this exclusive clip from our first episode, and stay tuned for episodes on daredevils, ultramarathoners, performance artists and more! To find more Parcast Network originals, search “Parcast Network” on Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

    “Lord High Executioner” Pt. 1: Albert Anastasia

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 11, 2020 43:43


    By the time he immigrated to America just after World War I, Albert Anastasia knew that if he wanted to climb the ranks of New York's underworld, he would have to get his hands dirty.

    “Prince Prosperous” Pt. 3: Khun Sa

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 4, 2020 39:07


    Forced out of Thailand by his Thai benefactors and the Americans, Khun Sa retreated back to Burma. Once again, he wasted no time in rebuilding his empire and making deals with the Burmese military dictatorship. But in the early 1990s, the various Southeast Asian countries decided that they had had enough of Khun Sa, forcing him to make one final deal.

    “Prince Prosperous” Pt. 2: Khun Sa

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 28, 2020 36:34


    Suddenly under arrest, Khun Sa was forced to rebuild his empire from behind prison walls in Manderlay. He solidified his position as one of the leading drug lords in the Golden Triangle with a daring escape, rebranding himself in the process as a Shan nationalist fighting for separation from Burma.

    New Parcast Original: Medical Murders

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 26, 2020 14:51


    We all know that medical professionals are trained to give exceptional care. But in the new Parcast Original, Medical Murders, you’ll discover a disturbing diagnosis… that not every doctor wants to extend your life. Every Wednesday, meet the men and women who used their expertise to develop sinister specialties. Host Alastair Murden examines the formative years and motives of history’s most infamous killer doctors, dissecting their medical backgrounds with expert analysis provided by practicing M.D., Dr. David Kipper.  Enjoy this exclusive clip from our first episode of Medical Murders! Then search Medical Murders to find more episodes, free on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts! 

    “Prince Prosperous” Pt. 1: Khun Sa

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 21, 2020 39:45


    By the early 1950s, the teenaged Khun Sa was already a militia leader in war-torn northeast Burma (present-day Myanmar). Over the next decade, his power as a warlord only increased. When the Burmese government came to him with an offer of allyship, he set himself up to become the “Opium King” of the Golden Triangle.

    “The Cocky Watchman” Pt. 2: Curtis Warren

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 14, 2020 42:55


    In 1993, Warren handily beat a drug trafficking charge brought against him by British authorities. He spent the next three years rebuilding—and expanding—his empire, importing and exporting drugs all over the world, until Dutch authorities helped bring him down. 

    Introducing Very Presidential with Ashley Flowers!

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 11, 2020 14:17


    Uncover the dirty dealings of history’s most badly behaved presidents in the NEW Spotify Original from Parcast, Very Presidential with Ashley Flowers. Every Tuesday through the 2020 election, Ashley shines a light on the darker side of the American presidency… From secret love affairs and all-night ragers to blackmail schemes and excessive drug use, she’ll expose the personal and professional controversies you may never knew existed.  Enjoy this exclusive clip from our first episode of Very Presidential with Ashley Flowers!  Then search Very Presidential to find more episodes, free on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts! 

    “The Cocky Watchman” Pt. 1: Curtis Warren

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2020 42:48


    After a five-year stint in prison, Curtis Warren emerged stronger, sharper, and more connected. By 1989, he was selling cocaine and ecstasy in Liverpool, and building a network that included the biggest names in the Turkish mafia, Moroccan cartel, even the Triads… 

    “El Chapo” Pt. 3: Joaquín Guzmán

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 31, 2020 39:56


    With the Federation dissolved, his son murdered, and law enforcement closing in, El Chapo fled to where he knew he’d be protected: the mountains of Sinaloa. When he finally decided to re-enter society, a special forces unit was ready. 

    “El Chapo” Pt. 2: Joaquín Guzmán

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 24, 2020 39:34


    From inside prison, with his partners on the outside running logistics, El Chapo turned the Sinaloa Cartel into one of the most successful drug cartels of the 1990s and 2000s. And when he made a daring escape, he only added to his growing folklore. 

    “El Chapo” Pt. 1: Joaquín Guzmán

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2020 40:40


    Before he became the most powerful drug cartel leader in the world, building tunnels to evade authorities and growing his power even from inside prison, Joaquín Guzmán Loera was a small-town marijuana farmer in Sinaloa, Mexico.

    Introducing Crime Countdown, A Parcast Original Series!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 13, 2020 13:35


    True crime fans: There’s a new Parcast original on the roster, and it’s packed with passionate opinions on the worst serial killers, creepiest cults, coldest cold cases, and all things criminal… Every Monday, co-hosts Ash and Alaina from the hit podcast Morbid rank ten true crime stories centered around a common theme—debating each case and their rankings with a hint of humor to lighten the mood. Enjoy this exclusive clip from our first episode of Crime Countdown! Then search Crime Countdown to find more episodes, free on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts!

    “Sammy the Bull” Pt. 2: Salvatore Gravano

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2020 43:16


    Now a made man, Sammy "The Bull" Gravano believed he was destined for success. But as the 1980s rolled around, he became disenchanted with the leadership of the Gambino crime family. And after throwing his support toward the more media-happy John Gotti, he had a crisis of faith that led him to make the ultimate betrayal.

    “Sammy the Bull” Pt. 1: Salvatore Gravano

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 3, 2020 43:54


    A fierce fighter, Salvatore Gravano proved to members of the Colombo family and the Gambino family throughout the 1960s, ‘70s and ‘80s that if there was ever someone fully dedicated to La Cosa Nostra, it was him.

    “Chicago’s Finest?” Pt. 2: Richard Cain

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2020 39:49


    He saw himself as an enigmatic spy and went so far as to try to play both sides of the FBI and the CIA. Richard Cain’s later career in international espionage in the 1960s nearly crossed paths with Fidel Castro before once again returning to the mayhem of Chicago—and the mob. 

    “Chicago’s Finest?” Pt. 1: Richard Cain

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2020 41:19


    He was an infamous Chicago police officer and mobster in the 1950s and 60s. The mean streets of Chicago shaped a young Richard Cain during the Great Depression, and landed him on the radar of mob boss Sam Giancana. 

    “The Aryan Brotherhood” Pt. 2: Barry Mills

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2020 45:13


    At the start of the 1980s, Barry Mills wanted to turn the Aryan Brotherhood into more than just a prison gang; he envisioned a nation-wide criminal syndicate that trafficked in drugs. Little did he realize that as his empire was booming, the Federal government was monitoring his every move.

    Introducing SOLVED MURDERS: TRUE CRIME MYSTERIES, A Parcast Original Series!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2020 14:34


    To commemorate its fourth anniversary, Parcast and the team behind Unsolved Murders are taking a closer look at what it takes to catch a killer. In the new series Solved Murders: True Crime Mysteries, you'll follow the clues and uncover the missing pieces to some of history's most gripping cases. Every Wednesday, join hosts Carter and Wenndy as they explore the days, months, and even years leading up to a killer being caught. Each episode plays out like a classic murder mystery—where the final reveal is nearly as shocking as the murder itself. Solved Murders: True Crime Mysteries is only available on Spotify. Enjoy this exclusive clip from the first episode on the infamous “in cold blood” murders of the Clutter Family. If you want to listen to the full episode, follow Solved Murders: True Crime Mysteries, free and only on Spotify.

    “The Aryan Brotherhood” Pt. 1: Barry Mills

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2020 47:57


    In the mid-1960s, as prisons throughout Southern California were in the midst of desegregation, prison gangs began to form as means for protection across racial lines. One of the gangs was the white nationalist Aryan Brotherhood. And it would go on to be co-lead by a man who very few people knew named Barry Mills.

    Kingpins Daily: El Chapo

    Play Episode Listen Later May 31, 2020 7:14


    Today, we’re taking a look at a quote from Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán. The once-leader of the Sinaloa cartel in Mexico, Guzmán used his crime syndicate to sell billions of dollars worth of drugs.

    Kingpins Daily: Karen Gravano

    Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2020 7:12


    Today’s quote comes from Karen Gravano, daughter of gangster Sammy “The Bull” Gravano. Gravano was an underboss in the Gambino crime family, helping John Gotti consolidate power in mid-1980s New York City.

    “Before the Medellín Cartel” Pt. 4: Jung & Rivas

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2020 45:09


    Greed and ambition would end up getting the better of both George Jung and Carlos Lehder Rivas, turning them from brothers into enemies. Despite their perceived invincibility, it was this rivalry that would ultimately bring them down in 1987.

    Kingpins Daily: Joe Profaci

    Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2020 5:02


    Today’s quote comes from Salvatore Profaci, an influential captain in the famous Colombo crime family, based in New York City.

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