Best Lara Chicofsky Podcasts (2025)

1
No Happy Endings - From Maine to Massage Parlors 16:04

4d ago16:04

16:04

Lara and Nina delve answer questions about Sonny Mercurio and Little Joe Napolitano. They introduce Joe Puzzangara, discuss informants, connections between various Mafia figures., their counterfeiting operations and the massage parlor case that was the first RICO case in Massachusetts. Joseph Puzzangara family tree Russell Nicholson episodes 13 and…

1
The Mafia in Maine 24:52

11d ago24:52

24:52

This episode was inspired by a listener's email. Nina and Lara discuss Big Joe, Mickey and Little Joe Napolitano and their adventures in Maine including morphine, a still and a counterfeiting ring. 00:00Introduction to Organized Crime in Maine 01:55Intel Laundering: The Dark Side of Information 04:40The Napolitano Family 07:30Mickey Napolitano's Cr…

1
Nicky Bianco - The Taxman Cometh 13:16

20d ago13:16

13:16

In this episode, Lara and Nina revisit Nicky Bianco's early years including his time as a member of the Colombo Family and his return to Rhode Island, early legal troubles including income tax evasion, and his post prison career as a paralegal. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Question of the Week 02:02 Nicky D'Anco's Background and Rise 06:49 Nicky…

1
The Hit Parade of 1976 36:16

27d ago36:16

36:16

Nina and Lara delve into the mob slayings of 1976 in Massachusetts and RI. The hosts explore key figures, events, and the implications of these crimes, including the tragic story of Richie Castucci. They highlight the intertwining lives of mobsters, law enforcement, and the consequences of greed and betrayal. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Episode…

1
Bonded Vault - Part 4 - The After Party 18:45

1M ago18:45

18:45

In this episode, Lara and Nina wrap up the Bonded Vault series, discussing the fates of various characters involved in the heist and subsequent events. They delve into the lives of Jacob Tarzian, Robert Dussault, Joe Danese, John Ouimette, Ralph Byrnes, and Charles Flynn, highlighting their criminal activities, legal troubles, and the impact of the…

1
Bonded Vault - Part 3 - Love, Lies & Alibis 30:29

1M ago30:29

30:29

In this episode, the hosts delve into the Bonded Vault heist trial, exploring more details of the robbery, the various players involved, and the courtroom dynamics that unfolded over the course of the trial. They discuss witness testimonies, the role of organized crime, and the eventual verdicts that led to life sentences for the convicted individu…

1
Bonded Vault - Part 2 - Revenge by Robbery 2.0 27:22

2M ago27:22

27:22

The Bonded Vault Heist: Revenge by Robbery 2.0 In this episode, the hosts discuss unresolved technical and logistical issues before diving into a listener comment about notorious criminals Anthony "Ponytail" Parillo and Dennis Roach. They explore the 1975 Bonded Vault heist in Providence, including key players like Robert 'the Deuce' Dussault, Chuc…

1
Bonded Vault - Part 1 - Meet the Suspects 28:19

2M ago28:19

28:19

Unraveling the Bonded Vault Heist: Background Stories and Intriguing Connections In this episode, the hosts discuss their nonstop technical difficulties before diving into listener questions about the Medford Mafia Induction Ceremony. The episode focuses on the backstories and criminal backgrounds of the heist participants, including Robert 'The De…

1
The Hit Parade of 1975: Mob Activity, Conspiracies, and Murders of 1975 48:28

2M ago48:28

48:28

In their first full episode in two years, the hosts dive into a detailed recount of mob-related events and murders from 1975. The episode covers various crimes, including the deaths of Ben Tilley, Carmen "Gags" Gagliardi, Dickie Callei, Buffy Baccari, Eddie "Bulldog" Connors, and Tommy King. It also touches on notable incidents like the release of …

1
The Return: Reconnecting After Two Years 9:23

3M ago9:23

9:23

In this episode, the hosts return after a two-year hiatus and discuss the evolution of their podcast from its inception. They reminisce about their history, including how they met through Twitter in 2010, and the events that led them to start the podcast. The episode outlines their plans for the new season, including shorter, more relaxed episodes …

1
The Hit Parade of 1974 22:13

2y ago22:13

22:13

Over 130 murders were committed in Boston in 1974 with one day in mid January seeing three slayings in less than 16 hours. The year didn’t end much differently with two men being shot five minutes apart. We're highlighting many of those hits and a few others outside of the state, including Joe Schiavone in Rhode Island. Next week's episode will be …

1
A Tale of Two Thieves, Well Many Thieves 28:52

2+ y ago28:52

28:52

We're back this with our favorite topic: bank robberies, armored truck heists and colorful characters! There are a few familiar names from last season, some new ones, and we journey a little bit outside of Massachusetts. Linked episodes: Prison Break! Joe Meet Joe The Gang That Couldn't Shoot Straight Hit Parade: 1970-1973 For a transcript of this …

1
Frank Salemme - A Tribute 17:58

2+ y ago17:58

17:58

Frank Salemme passed away on December 13, 2022. This week's episode is a short tribute to his life along with a few perhaps lesser known stories. There will be much more to come about Frankie and his activities later this season. Next week, we’ll be looking at the bank robberies of the 1970s. Linked Episodes: Dottie Barchard Bonus, The Boys of Wint…

1
Not Your Average Joe: Joseph JR Russo & Some North End Tales 26:11

2+ y ago26:11

26:11

Mafia hitman JR Russo makes his debut as Jerry Angiulo returns for hijinks on the high seas. The Nite Lite They're After Me Like a F***ing Animal The Hit Parade of 1966 The Hit Parade; 1970-1973 The Defense Never Rests Joe Meet Joe For a transcript of this episode visit our website. Follow us on Twitter for sneak peeks of upcoming episodes. You can…

1
Joe Meet Joe: Joseph Barboza - Part 3 - The Final Act 40:44

2+ y ago40:44

40:44

"Here he was, with all kinds of evidence against him in a death penalty case, and he acted like he was in small claims court. He wasn't concerned at all." Joe Barboza goes on trial for the murder of Clay Wilson. But his three favorite Feds -- Harrington, Rico and Condon -- come to Barboza's rescue once again, saving him from death row. Dying to be …

1
California Dreaming - Joseph Barboza - Part 2 34:47

2+ y ago34:47

34:47

"Tell Denny [Condon] I still love him.... if Rico was here, he'd help me." --August 1970 letter from Joe Barboza to Walter Barnes. Joe Barboza is back. After perjuring himself at the FBI's behest, Barboza is shipped off to California. But he just can't stay away from Massachusetts and makes multiple trips back home until he's finally arrested in Ne…

1
The Hit Parade: 1970 to 1973 42:26

2+ y ago42:26

42:26

The first part of the 1970s saw the beginnings of a new gang war in Boston as Winter Hill began to cement their position in the underworld hierarchy. This week we take you from the 1970 murder of Tommy Ballou to the demise of Spike O'Toole and ending with the execution of Indian Al Notarangeli in February of 1974. For a transcript of this episode v…

1
Finding Frankie Salemme - The 1972 Arrest 34:32

2+ y ago34:32

34:32

Frank Salemme, Stephen Flemmi and Peter Poulos take off on SA Rico's instructions. Back home in Boston, Detective Billy Stuart & Hugh Shields go on trial for the 1967 murder of Billy Bennett. Three years later, Salemme is apprehended in NYC, goes on trial for the 1968 Fitzgerald car bombing and is convicted. But Flemmi is free to go. For a transcri…

1
Piranha: Vinnie Teresa's Tales 32:11

2+ y ago32:11

32:11

Vinnie Teresa followed Jack Kelley into the Witness Protection Program. But Vinnie had a secret: he'd already been an FBI informant for over a decade. For a transcript of this episode visit our website. Follow us on Twitter for sneak peeks of upcoming episodes. You can also find us on Instagram and Facebook. Questions or comments, email lara@double…

1
Jack's Justice - Part 3: The Trials Continue 37:01

2+ y ago37:01

37:01

Jack Kelley’s justice didn’t end with the first Marfeo Melei murder trial. This week Jack testifies for the government at the VA Robbery trial, and the 1968 Brinks trial. Richie takes the stand and helps to save Jerry Angiulo from a prison sentence. And Raymond Patriarca’s defense introduces a new witness who dishes out some revenge of his own. Jac…

1
The Gaslight - Part 2: The Marfeo/Melei Murder Trial 32:33

2+ y ago32:33

32:33

The Marfeo-Melei murder trial finally begins, and Jack Kelley takes the stand. Raymond Patriarca has his chance to confront Jack! We finally reveal what happened to SA Gerard Comen. And Nina has a big announcement! Disorganized Crime - Raymond Patriarca the Early Days Jack's Justice - Part 1 Jack's Justice - Part 2 For a transcript of this episode …

1
Jack's Justice - Part 2: Richie's Disinformation Campaign 26:28

2+ y ago26:28

26:28

With Jack Kelley tucked away under Federal protection, Richie's disinformation campaign begins in earnest. Former FBI Agent turned defense attorney, John B. Green interviews the FBI's informants about Jack, as the defense tries to build their case in the Marfeo/Melei double homicide case with the trial date set to start in January 1970. Disorganize…

1
Where in the world is Louis Manocchio? 27:16

2+ y ago27:16

27:16

Where in the world is Louis Manocchio? We travel from Rhode Island to Martha's Vineyard to Venezuela to the ski slopes of Idaho and France along with the FBI searching for Louis. Jack's Justice - Part 1 New York State of Mind - Part 2 As the Coin-O-Matic Turns For a transcript of this episode visit our website. Follow us on Twitter for sneak peeks …

1
Taking it on the Lam 20:05

2+ y ago20:05

20:05

Mello Merlino, Stevie Flemmi, Peter Poulos, Frankie Salemme and Frank Vendi all go on the lam. A new FBI Top Echelon Informant is placed on the books. And SA Rico recruits Robert Daddieco to further his case to Hoover and Tolson for a job transfer to the sunny beaches of Miami. Jack Goes Bad - Part 1 The Bennett Brothers Murders Family Feud the Hil…

1
Jack's Justice - Part 1 - The First Round of Arrests 29:13

2+ y ago29:13

29:13

Welcome back to the first episode of Season Two. Pro Lerner, Bobby Fairbrothers, John E Rossi and Rudy Sciarra are all arrested on charges stemming from the 1968 double homicide of Rudy Marfeo and Anthony Melei. Richie and SA Rico implement their plan to get Rico transferred to the sunny beaches of Florida. We need more YouTube subscribers! Subscri…

1
Jack Goes Bad - Part 2 - Words are Weapons 34:40

3y ago34:40

34:40

After his first arrest & conviction in 1954, Jack Kelley vowed he'd never go back to prison. When the walls started closing in a little over a decade later, he implemented his escape plan. In our final episode of the season, Jack uses Richie's FBI connection to H. Paul Rico to begin exacting his revenge on the men who burned him. Episode 43 Episode…

1
Jack Goes Bad - Part 1 - Revenge by Robbery 30:21

3y ago30:21

30:21

Jack Kelley's criminal career begins to fall apart and he's forced to make a decision that will change his life, and those of his companions, forever. But Jack wasn't a victim. If he was being forced into retirement, he'd go out on his own terms and exact his own justice on the way. Episode 39 Episode 12 For a transcript of this episode visit our w…

1
It's A Fugazi! The Bond Scheme 17:56

3y ago17:56

17:56

fugazi · 1. Artificial, fake. Something that has no substance. · 2. A really bad knockoff, a copy. Mafia fiction writer extraordinaire Vinnie Teresa's testimony exposed the Boston mafia's participation in stolen and fake bond schemes up and down the Eastern seaboard. Episode 10 Episode 28 Episode 37 Episode 38 For a transcript of this episode visit…

1
New York State of Mind - Part 2- Nicky Bianco & Butchie Miceli 31:51

3y ago31:51

31:51

Butchie Miceli and Nicky Bianco were both originally from New England, but ended up members of two New York families, the Colombos and the Gambinos. Bianco maintained his close relationship with Raymond Patriarca for decades, eventually taking over in the 1970s when Raymond was sent to prison. Butchie Miceli moved to New Jersey in the early 1960s a…

1
Gaslit - The Gangland Slayings of Rudy Marfeo & Anthony Melei 24:15

3y ago24:15

24:15

Was it all really over a dice game? On April 20, 1968, Rudy Marfeo and Anthony Melei where gunned down by two masked men while grocery shopping. A well-known story in the New England area, but many don’t remember that there was more than one murder trial and more than one set of convictions. Episode 42 Wikitree Gangsters For a transcript of this ep…

1
As the Coin-O-Matic Turns - Federal Hill 1966 - Willie Marfeo & Angelo Di Palma Hits - Plus a Little Louis Manocchio 26:54

3y ago26:54

26:54

On July 13, 1966, Willie Marfeo was murdered in a telephone booth in the Federal Hill section of Providence. His murder has never been solved. We discuss the events leading up to his murder and its aftermath. Happy Birthday to Louis Manocchio who turns 95 this week! For a transcript of this episode visit our website. Follow us on Twitter for sneak …

1
The Gang That Couldn't Shoot Straight 27:22

3y ago27:22

27:22

The 1960s were wild times in Boston. With a gang war playing out in the background, there must have been a bit of a wild west feel in the air between the amazing bank and armored car heists pulled off by Jack Kelley and his crew and the equally amazing failures that others attempted to pull off. 1968 was especially busy and many of the suspects fro…

1
The Bennett Brothers Murders - Edward, Walter & William 27:43

3y ago27:43

27:43

In 1967 all three Bennett brothers were murdered. Only Billy Bennett's body was ever found. Frank Salemme and Stevie Flemmi claim responsibility for the slayings of all three, but have never been able to provide the location of Wimpy and Walter's bodies. They are still missing to this day. Episode 3 Episode 7 Follow us on Twitter for sneak peeks of…

1
The Plymouth Mail Robbery Trial 32:30

3y ago32:30

32:30

Jack Kelley returns to court for only the second time in his three decade criminal career. But this time he's determined not to return to prison. Episode 2 Episode 17 Episode 26 Episode 35 Episode 36 Episode 37 Follow us on Twitter for sneak peeks of upcoming episodes. You can also find us on Instagram and Facebook. Questions or comments, email lar…

1
The Nite Lite 27:14

3y ago27:14

27:14

The 1966 slayings of Tash Bratsos and Tommy dePrisco were the catalyst for Joe Barboza becoming the FBI's star witness in multiple cases against the Boston Mafia. This week we're profiling some of the men who frequented Ralphie "Chong" Lamattina's Nite Lite, including those who were allegedly responsible for the murders: Phil Waggenheim, Larry Baio…

1
The Hit Parade of 1966 37:18

3y ago37:18

37:18

There was a total of 15 gangland slayings in the Boston area and Providence, RI between April and December 1966. We profile the Boston murder victims, share our own theories and, as usual, our snarky remarks. *Note: Willie Marfeo's murder and Billie Aggie's disappearance will each have their own episodes. Episode – Hit Parade 1965 Episode – Frank S…

1
Mutual Harassment - The Plymouth Mail Robbery Investigation Continues 31:33

3y ago31:33

31:33

After the Plymouth Mail Truck Robbery, Jack and his crew were under constant surveillance by the Postal Inspectors, Feds, Staties and local Police. But it was mainly the Postals who were breathing down their necks. Not one to be a victim, Jack gave it back to them. Lara's dad, Richie, the ultimate ball breaker, was probably the most creative agitat…

1
Back in the Saddle Again - Jack "Red" Kelley's Armored Truck Heists 30:23

3y ago30:23

30:23

Jack “Red” Kelley loved taking armored trucks more than any other type of heist. We highlight the larger and more spectacular ones from 1965 to 1967. Plus, one of the men in Jack's crew calls FBI Director J Edgar Hoover from a payphone! Episode 1 Episode 5 Episode 10 Episode 15 Episode 16 For a transcript of this episode visit our website. Follow u…

1
On The Waterfront - Part 2 - Punchy McLaughlin & Buddy McLean 58:48

3y ago58:48

58:48

The two leaders in Boston's 1960s Gang War were murdered within ten days of one another. We're taking you through the events that led up to their assassinations, the role played by Raymond Patriarca and the mafia, and why Edward "Punchy" McLaughlin and James "Buddy" McLean were ultimately eliminated. Episode 7 Episode 13 Episode 25 For a transcript…

1
The Hit Parade of 1965 - The Slain & The Suspects 55:38

3y ago55:38

55:38

The gangland slayings continued in 1965. We're profiling the victims, and sharing own our theories, opinions (and snarky comments) about the FBI's investigations. Episode 25 Episode 17 For a transcript of this episode visit our website. Follow us on Twitter for sneak peeks of upcoming episodes. You can also find us on Instagram and Facebook. Questi…

1
Frank Smith - Thief, Bomber, Pastor & Nazi Sympathizer 37:12

3y ago37:12

37:12

Frank Smith was more than just a thief. An associate of Raymond Patriarca who was labeled by the press as a "big wheel" and one of the best "dynamite men" in the business, Frank would later be famous for his Nazis in Maine saga and the church he founded there. For a transcript of this episode visit our website. Follow us on Twitter for sneak peeks …

1
Edward "Teddy" Deegan - Part 3 - The Trial & The Aftermath 48:20

3y ago48:20

48:20

The final episode in our three-part series on the 1965 murder of Edward "Teddy" Deegan. If you haven't listened to the previous episodes, you can listen here: Episode 28 Episode 29 Episode 30 For a transcript of this episode visit our website. Follow us on Twitter for sneak peeks of upcoming episodes. You can also find us on Instagram and Facebook.…

1
Edward "Teddy" Deegan - Part 2 - The Murder Investigation 45:26

3y ago45:26

45:26

Edward "Teddy" Deegan was murdered in Chelsea, Massachusetts on the evening of March 12, 1965. His murderers were never prosecuted. Instead, the FBI launched a decades-long coverup to protect his murderers, using one of them, Joe Barboza, as their primary witness to send 6 innocent men to prison for life. Episode 19 Episode 24 Episode 25 Episode 27…

1
Edward "Teddy" Deegan - Part 1 31:22

3y ago31:22

31:22

Edward "Teddy" Deegan was murdered in Chelsea, Massachusetts on the evening of March 12, 1965. His murderers were never prosecuted. Instead, the FBI launched a decades-long coverup to protect his murderers, using one of them, Joe Barboza, as their primary witness to send 6 innocent men to prison for life. Episode 19 Episode 24 Episode 25 Episode 27…

1
New York State of Mind - Raymond Patriarca 20:21

3y ago20:21

20:21

New England mafia boss Raymond Patriarca returns as he attempts to play power games with the New York mafia families, and closer to home in Massachusetts. Spoiler: it ends badly! Episode 21 Episode 22 For a transcript of this episode visit our website. Follow us on Twitter for sneak peeks of upcoming episodes. You can also find us on Instagram and …

1
The Boys of Winter Hill 48:11

3y ago48:11

48:11

The Winter Hill gang was home to many of Boston's more infamous criminals, and serial killers, including the Flemmi brothers: Jimmy "The Bear" and his brother Stevie "The Rifleman", Howie Winter, "Cadillac" Frank Salemme, and Johnny Martorano. The FBI had a personal interest in all of these men and used them as informants and hitmen in their wars a…

1
The Defense Never Rests - Meet the Lawyers 41:02

3+ y ago41:02

41:02

Jack Kelley returns with his attorneys, John Fitzgerald and F Lee Bailey. Richie inserts himself into the Plymouth Mail Robbery investigation. The Feds wanted Richie to kidnap one of his fellow crew members OSS-style: using a cigar tube, a mouse, and a lighter. Meet more of Boston's famous mafia defense attorneys: Al Farese, Ronnie Chisholm, and Jo…

1
The Hit Parade 1964 1:03:41

3+ y ago1:03:41

1:03:41

18 men were murdered gangland-style in 1964 in mafia boss Raymond Patriarca's jurisdiction. Only one of those murders was ever prosecuted. The FBI had chosen a side in the McLean-McLaughlin feud, and used first murder of 1964 to bring the McLaughlins to their knees. Dorothy Barchard - Bonus Episode Jimmy Flemmi - Episode 19 McLaughlin/McLean Feud -…

1
Dying To Be Made - Joe Barboza - The Early Days 38:32

3+ y ago38:32

38:32

Self-proclaimed contract killer for the New England Mafia in the 1960s, Joe "The Animal" Barboza would go on to become the FBI's star witness in multiple murder cases. His perjury put numerous innocent people in prison for life. Barboza was placed in Witness Protection and continued to murder with impunity, until his own demise. Episode 23 - Jerry …

1
"They're After Me Like a F*ing Animal" - Jerry Angiulo - The Early Days 27:57

3+ y ago27:57

27:57

Boston crime czar Jerry Angiulo kept a tight inner circle and only worked with his brothers when he started out. Initially confining their activities to bookmaking, the Angiulo enterprise expanded into money lending, restaurants, a country club, radio jingles, and greeting cards, among other things. But as Jerry and his brothers' business grew, so …

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