Inside the Life

Bob Palombo – DEA Agent Who Captured Griselda Blanco

In the final episode of Season 3, Giovanni and Dutch sit down with former Drug Enforcement Administration Associate Special Agent in Charge Bob Palombo. In a rare media appearance, Palombo details his impressive four-decade-long career with the DEA. From New York City street cases to multi-agency investigations like Operation Banshee, Palombo explains how relentless surveillance helped piece together a sprawling Colombian cocaine conspiracy — until one name on the indictment stood out: Griselda Blanco. 
About Bob Palombo:
Bob Palombo was working as a substitute teacher in the early 1970s when he was hired and sworn in as a Bureau of Customs agent in New York City. In 1973, just as the Drug Enforcement Administration was created, Palombo was on the front lines. New York's Operation Banshee, was the start of Palombo’s decade-long hunt for the Cocaine Godmother Griselda Blanco. But just as quickly as Blanco had come onto his radar, she had escaped to Miami. Nine years later, as Palombo was reassigned to the Miami office, he caught his second chance at Blanco. He and his dedicated team tracked Blanco through her sons, who were living in California, and in 1985 successfully apprehended her. After the Blanco case, Palombo continued to serve his country, first as the special agent in charge of the Cleveland DEA office, then deputy special agent in charge of the New York DEA office and later as the DEA’s attaché in Australia.
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 PR@themobmuseum.org.
  

Pete Chin – Former Dai Lo of the Ghost Shadows

In this week’s episode of Inside the Life, Giovanni and Dutch are joined by Pete Chin, the former leader of the Ghost Shadows street gang. In this gripping conversation, Pete recounts his journey from a troubled childhood as a young Chinese immigrant in an abusive home to his violent rise as the leader of the most feared street gang in New York City’s Chinatown. Pete reflects on the brutal turf wars, the allure and cost of power, the RICO case that brought his world crashing down and the decades he spent in prison confronting the consequences of his past. Now seeking redemption, he offers an unflinching look at the forces that shaped him and the price of escaping the life he once led. 
About Pete Chin:
Pete Chin, aka “Kid Jai,” was the leader of the Ghost Shadows, a gang in New York City’s Chinatown, in the 1970s and ‘80s. For six years, he led the Ghost Shadows to become the most powerful gang in Chinatown, ordering beatdowns and hits, running gambling houses and starting an entertainment company. In 1985, he was indicted as part of a massive RICO case against the gang, the very first case of its kind against an Asian organized crime group. After spending 20 years in prison, he has now gone legit and authored “In the Ghost Shadows: The Untold Story of Chinatown’s Most Powerful Crime Boss.” 
To purchase a copy of Pete’s book visit, https://a.co/d/gmwam1Q 
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 PR@themobmuseum.org.

Terry Rankhorn Part 2 – Going Undercover in a Terrorist Cell

Undercover FBI agent Terry Rankhorn returns to Inside the Life to reveal the harrowing details of his three-year infiltration into one of the most dangerous al-Qaida cells operating after 9/11. In this episode, Terry recounts the moment a routine three-day assignment turned into a life-altering mission that demanded a new identity, a new religion and constant proximity to violent extremists. Terry, Giovanni and Dutch explore the training and mindset needed to survive deep undercover work.  
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 PR@themobmuseum.org.

Michael Dowd – Former NYPD Officer Known as ‘New York’s Dirtiest Cop’

This week on Inside the Life, Giovanni and Dutch face corruption in law enforcement head-on as they sit down with disgraced former NYPD officer Michael Dowd. An officer for the now notorious 75th precinct in Brooklyn, New York, Dowd owns up to his crimes and mistakes and shares how he went from a motivated young officer to a narcotics dealer during an era of scandal for the NYPD. Through a tense episode, Giovanni and Dutch express the dangers of working alongside corrupt officers, while Michael shares the pivotal moments that helped him take control of his life after his time in prison.
About Michael Dowd:
Michael Dowd was an NYPD police officer who was a “dirty cop” during the 1980s and early ‘90s. He and his partner, Kenny Eurell, began with extorting and robbing drug dealers and by the late ‘80s had escalated to being on a drug kingpin’s payroll and trafficking drugs themselves. After they were arrested in 1992, Eurell became an informant against Dowd, resulting in Dowd serving more than 12 years in prison. Out of prison and regaining control of his life, Dowd now hosts the Good Cop Bad Cop podcast and was the focus of the 2015 documentary “The Seven Five,” available on streaming networks like Netflix and Apple 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 PR@themobmuseum.org.

Jake Adelstein – Japanese Yakuza Expert and Author of 'Tokyo Vice'

For the first time on Inside the Life, Giovanni and Dutch speak with a member of the news media, investigative journalist Jake Adelstein. Living and working in Japan for more than 30 years, including on the crime beat for Japanese newspaper Yomiuri Shimbun, Adelstein details the unique relationship he fostered with law enforcement and the many yakuza syndicates he covered as a journalist. Depicted in HBO’s 2022 “Tokyo Vice” series, Adelstein also shares the real story of his groundbreaking Washington Post exposé on the FBI’s role in a yakuza boss Tadamasa Goto’s life-saving liver transplant at UCLA.
About Jake Adelstein:
Jake Adelstein is an American expat and investigative journalist who specialized in organized crime and corruption during his 12 years as the first foreign journalist at Japan’s Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper. Known for his fearless exposés, he famously revealed yakuza boss Tadamasa Goto's FBI-assisted liver transplant, resulting in threats against his life. Adelstein's groundbreaking memoir, "Tokyo Vice," chronicling his gripping experiences amidst the Japanese underworld, has been adapted into an HBO series. His reporting continues to offer rare insights into the shadowy ties between crime, law enforcement and politics in Japan.  
To purchase a copy of Jake’s newest book, “Tokyo Noir,” visit https://a.co/d/c3a2dzG
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 PR@themobmuseum.org.

Anthony Arillotta – Former Crime Boss of the Genovese Springfield Crime Family

This week on Inside the Life, Anthony Arillotta, former boss of the Genovese crime family’s Springfield, Massachusetts crew, reveals how he rose through the ranks of one of America’s most powerful Mob organizations. Surrounded by Mob figures from an early age, Arillotta’s path to illicit power began after a prison stint led to key underworld connections and a profitable marijuana business. His underworld success caught the attention of the Genovese family leadership and soon, he was inducted as a made man. Facing the death penalty for two murders, including that of his former boss Adolfo “Big Al” Bruno, Arillotta made a life-altering decision to cooperate with federal authorities, breaking his silence and beginning a new life chapter. 
About Anthony Arillotta:Anthony Arillotta served as the Genovese family’s Springfield crew boss from 2003 to 2010, overseeing operations that tied the Massachusetts faction to New York’s powerful crime syndicate. After becoming a witness and serving his time, Arillotta rebuilt his life as a real estate agent and owner of Pazzo Wine, sharing his story as a rare glimpse into the brutal, secretive world of organized crime and the cost of leaving it behind. 
To purchase a copy of Anthony’s book, “South End Syndicate: How I Took Over the Genovese Springfield Crew,” visit https://a.co/d/2GyWJXI  
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 PR@themobmuseum.org.

Tonesa Welch – Former First Lady of the Black Mafia Family

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 PR@themobmuseum.org.

Scott Payne – FBI Agent Who Went Undercover to Expose White Supremacists

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 PR@themobmuseum.org.

Justin “Mooch” DeLoretto – Ex-Mongols Chapter President Turned Social Worker and Author

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 PR@themobmuseum.org.

Terry Rankhorn – Pioneer in Cybercrime Undercover Operations

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 PR@themobmuseum.org.