12: American Gangster, Part 2

Dave and Joanna talk about this fast-paced but very long film with so many cameos but maybe too many characters. Denzel gives a stellar performance as real-life gangster Frank Louis, but how much is real is up for debate . . . after all, gangsters aren’t known for being entirely ... Show More

In the second part of the Munich discussion, Dave and Joanna talk about the strange arc this story takes and the theme of going home after changing. Plus we’ll hear what really happened in the assassination attempts of Ali Hassan Salameh, and yes, we’ll talk about that weird scen ... Show More

Wondery’s Even the Rich gives you a behind-the-scenes look at the stories of some of the greatest family dynasties in history. This season, three siblings — Gianni, Donatella, and Santo Versace — built one of the greatest fashion labels the world has ever seen. But when Gianni is ... Show More

A sequel that's also a prequel, telling two stories at once and somehow surpassing a masterpiece. John, Westy, and Matt begin the story of Coppola's towering follow-up.In Part 1 we cover the film's opening, director Francis Ford Coppola, the cast, and the second act — including R ... Show More

For years, the mob was able to rule New York, Chicago, and many other cities, free to run gambling rackets, flood the street with drugs, and corrupt officials to their liking. Until the law enforcement got wise and turned up the heat. How Thomas Dewey, RICO, and undercover operat ... Show More

Crimewave summer continues with Sofia Coppola's film about celebrity thieves! We discuss the movie in the context of Coppola's filmography, her artistic motivations and the creative aspirations of the criminals the movie is about, criminal deniability, and, of course, Leslie Mann ... Show More

There is a long list of people and organizations who were in one way or another in the Mafia’s pockets. In this bonus episode, we’ll look at the connection between the Mafia and the American establishment. From politicians, law enforcement, the CIA and the unions the mob collabor ... Show More

A film about people sitting at computers shouldn't be this gripping. David Fincher and Aaron Sorkin made sure it was. John, Westy, and Matt begin the story.In Part 1 we cover the film's opening, director David Fincher, the cast, and the second act — including Jesse Eisenberg's Ma ... Show More

<p>In this episode we discuss the unbelievable history of N.W.A., the origins and insanity of Death Row Records, and plenty more awesome stuff. </p> <p>Sponsors: Go to <a href= "https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbmJCeG9LSE4xQ1RnVXFxUVlJR ... Show More

After gaining fortune and notoriety, Rothstein moved from bootlegging to drug smuggling to labor racketeering. With his connections and friendly demeanor, Rothstein was able to get out of any situation, and taught the likes of Charles Luciano, Meyer Lanksy, and Dutch Schultz to d ... Show More

With his rivals wiped out, Capone had taken over the prohibition scene in Chicago. His love of the spotlight would soon get him in trouble with the law - and a new legal loophole.Our sponsors for this episode are:Best FiendsAudible (text MAFIA to 500-500)Zip RecruiterMafia's them ... Show More

'Gang Initiations' is the topic of our upcoming series, and this episode will provide extra context using excerpts from three previous episodes—Urban Legends, Drugs, and Dangerous Teens. Become a Patron to support our show and get early ad-free episodes and bonus content Or subs ... Show More