Kingpins

By Spotify StudiosSociety & Culture True Crime History

Kingpins episodes

May 08, 2020 “Before the Medellín Cartel” Pt. 1: Jung & Rivas
In the late 1970s, George Jung and Carlos Lehder Rivas would team up to become one of the most infamous trafficking duos in the history of American cocaine. Before they could become professionals though, both men would start from humble origins, padding their resumes out with marajuana trafficking and forays into organized crime.

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42 min
May 07, 2020 Kingpins Daily: Willie Sutton
Today’s quote is from bank robber Willie Sutton, known for his gentlemanly manner and for escaping jail multiple times. His crimes eventually earned him a spot on the FBI’s most wanted list.

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7 min
May 06, 2020 Kingpins Daily: Otto Berman
Today, we return to a saying you’ve likely heard once or twice before. What you might not know is who coined it: New York math whiz turned mafia accountant, Otto “Abbadabba” Berman.

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6 min
May 05, 2020 Kingpins Daily: Stephanie St. Clair
Today’s quote is from 1920s and 30s underworld boss, Stephanie St. Clair. During that time, she was engaged in a fierce rivalry with Arthur Simon Flegenheimer, more commonly known as mobster Dutch Schultz.

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7 min
May 04, 2020 Kingpins Daily: Pablo Escobar
Today, we’re recalling an odd moment in the life of Colombia’s “King of Cocaine,” Pablo Escobar. According to his son, when the family was once holed up in one of Escobar’s hideouts in the mountains of Medellin, his father resorted to drastic measures to keep the family warm.

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7 min
May 03, 2020 Kingpins Daily: Henry Hill
Today’s quote is from mafioso-turned-informant Henry Hill, an associate of the Lucchese crime “family,” as many Italian mafia outfits are called.

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7 min
May 02, 2020 Kingpins Daily: Niccolò Machiavelli
Our first quote is not actually by a criminal—it’s from The Prince by Niccolò Machiavelli, written in 1513. But the book’s principles lie at the heart of every mobster’s philosophy.

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7 min
May 01, 2020 “The Torture Gang” Pt. 2: Charlie Richardson
By the 1960s, Charlie Richardson had London's criminal underbelly in the palm of his hand. This was all thanks to his acumen as a shady businessman and his “Torture Court,” where he judged and punished his enemies. And just as he was ready to go straight, his enemies would have something to say.

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48 min
April 26, 2020 Sneak Peek: DAILY QUOTE, A Parcast Original Series!
Whether you’re jumpstarting the morning, searching for that midday pick-me-up, or trying to finish the evening off strong… Daily Quote offers some of history’s most inspirational quotes whenever you need them—365 days a year. In this 2-3 minute podcast, you’ll be given a quote that will motivate, uplift, and renew your outlook on life. You’ll also dive deeper into the context surrounding the quote—learning more about its origin and the meaning behind it.
Enjoy this sneak peek of Daily Quote ahead of its launch on Monday. April 27th! In this exclusive episode, we highlight the poignant words of American artist Georgia O’Keeffe. For more pathways to positivity, subscribe to Daily Quote free on Spotify!
4 min
April 24, 2020 NEW: “The Torture Gang” Pt. 1: Charlie Richardson
We are thrilled to bring you a brand new episode of Kingpins today and for the foreseeable future. We thank you for your patience during this unprecedented time.

As a child in post-World War II South London, Charlie Richardson learned quickly that the path out of working class life was crime. It wouldn't be long before Richardson was running a criminal empire—and instituted his infamous “Torture Court” to keep London's other criminals in line.

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43 min

About Kingpins

From the publisher's feed

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…