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 [email protected].

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 [email protected].

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 [email protected].

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 [email protected].

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 [email protected].

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 [email protected].

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 [email protected].

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 [email protected].

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 [email protected].

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 [email protected].