Did you know Milwaukee had a Mafia? Many people don't realize how powerful the Milwaukee Mafia was - especially during Frank Balistrieri's impressive 30-year reign! Gavin Schmitt has been researching and writing published works on the Milwaukee Mafia for over a decade, and is considered the top expert on the subject. Join Gavin Schmitt and Eric Wulterkens as Gavin takes you through stories of the Milwaukee Mafia, and related Wisconsin true crime. For more information, visit MilwaukeeMafia.com
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Sep 29, 2026 · 43:37
a bookstore he was associated with the Lib Bookstore -- Join the Milwaukee Mafia Newsletter and get updates about the Mafia and Gavin…
Sep 22, 2026 · 37:06
In this episode Gavin talks about the original full length book he wrote and what you learn during the process of writing your first full length book. -- Join the Milwaukee Mafia…
Sep 15, 2026 · 4:47
In this promo Gavin talks about the release of the first Milwaukee Mafia Mini which takes a deeper look into the Black Mafia, and is available from Amazon Now! Get a hold of your…
Sep 15, 2026 · 31:41
In this episode we heare about Frank fresh out of prison for his tax case goes back to court to fight the ruling one final time -- Join the Milwaukee Mafia Newsletter and get…
Sep 8, 2026 · 27:11
In this episode we revisit the Dirty Helen episode as Eric finished the book and has some things to discuss not mentioned in early podcasts. -- Join the Milwaukee Mafia…
Sep 1, 2026 · 43:47
In this episode we hear a side story about one of Frank's Daughters Benni and her concert promoting husband -- Join the Milwaukee Mafia Newsletter and get updates about the Mafia…
Aug 25, 2026 · 30:54
In this episode Gavin discusses some behind the scenes author stuff on how he goes about getting speaking events, what are some unexpected venues, what he likes about the…
Aug 18, 2026 · 44:54
In light of the impending release of the Chapter of the Outlaws motorcycle club being released from prison we take a look at some brief history of the gang -- Join the Milwaukee…
Aug 11, 2026 · 33:52
In this episode Gavin talks about some of the failures he has had over the course of writing his books -- Join the Milwaukee Mafia Newsletter and get updates about the Mafia and…
Aug 4, 2026 · 1:07:18
In this episode we have a special guest a former Milwaukee Police Officer joins us and tell us some stories of organized crime while serving on the police force for 25 years --…
Jul 28, 2026 · 15:26
We talk about the Book Oconomowac Barons and Bootleggers. A listener recommended book based on a previous Mafia Episode -- Join the Milwaukee Mafia Newsletter and get updates…
Jul 21, 2026 · 43:02
In this episode we discuss a time when Joe writes a will with a little bit of blowback and we learn what happens when a Balestrieri tries to get into Politics -- Join the…
Jul 14, 2026 · 16:59
In this episode we talk about connections between Herman Pastor from the Dirty Slots segment and Kid Cann a notorious mobster in the Minneapolis area -- Join the Milwaukee Mafia…
Jul 7, 2026 · 49:56
In this episode we here a story of a business man, who has some run in with the Mafia, as he is able to take out loans and lose 20 million dollars -- Join the Milwaukee Mafia…
Jun 30, 2026 · 24:43
In this episode we discuss a listener question about the Wikipedia page and whether some of the information could be inaccurate. -- Join the Milwaukee Mafia Newsletter and get…
Jun 25, 2026 · 6:29
A quick message about some changes coming to the podcast -- Join the Milwaukee Mafia Newsletter and get updates about the Mafia and Gavin…
Jun 23, 2026 · 57:35
In this episode we take a deeper look at who is Frank Ranney and what role did he play in the Teamsters Union and how he helped the Mafia -- Join the Milwaukee Mafia Newsletter…
Jun 16, 2026 · 22:38
In this episode a listener inquiries why Frank Balistrieri took over mob boss from Jon Alioto when there relationship was not very good and who Jon might have choosen instead of…
Jun 9, 2026 · 30:02
In this episode we discuss the end days of a classical Milwaukee Mafia Frank Lagalbo -- Join the Milwaukee Mafia Newsletter and get updates about the Mafia and Gavin…
Jun 2, 2026 · 22:57
In this episode Gavin answers a listener question about what led to the original Milwaukee mob boss losing control of the Mafia -- Join the Milwaukee Mafia Newsletter and get…
May 26, 2026 · 50:47
In this episode we conclude the stories from 1975 with the story of one of the most significant murders in Milwaukee Mafia history -- Join the Milwaukee Mafia Newsletter and get…
May 19, 2026 · 37:06
In this episode talks about some of the challenges of getting a book published, and the struggles he had when he tried writing a book for the first time. -- Join the Milwaukee…
May 12, 2026 · 47:46
In this episode we discuss a Vegas murder, we learn about a city corrupted running illegal casinos. -- Join the Milwaukee Mafia Newsletter and get updates about the Mafia and…
May 5, 2026 · 27:11
In this episode we revisit the Dirty Helen episode as Eric finished the book and has some things to discuss not mentioned in early podcasts. -- Join the Milwaukee Mafia…
Apr 28, 2026 · 57:37
In this episode we discuss another prosititution ring that was running and taken down in Milwaukee -- Join the Milwaukee Mafia Newsletter and get updates about the Mafia and…
Apr 21, 2026 · 14:49
We take a look at the 3 main mob bosses and discuss whether the one of the other bosses could have been more successful during Frank Balistrieri time as mob boss. -- Join the…
Apr 14, 2026 · 46:09
In this episode we hear the story of celebrity Sid Ceasar and his adventures in prostitution while doing a show in Milwaukee -- Join the Milwaukee Mafia Newsletter and get…
Apr 7, 2026 · 20:12
In this discussion, Gavin explains for anyone who has seen them the strange car bombing posts he has made on facebook and a new project he is involved with -- Join the Milwaukee…
Mar 31, 2026 · 59:04
Hear the sentencing results of last weeks episode -- Join the Milwaukee Mafia Newsletter and get updates about the Mafia and Gavin…
Mar 24, 2026 · 24:58
Gavin completes the story of Dirty Helen, as she works in a event in Appleton WI, then moves from Superior to Milwaukee, opens up a dive bar that she makes famous herself by…
Mar 17, 2026 · 52:53
When the head chef of sally's steakhouse leaves to start his own restaurant the North Brook Inn, it launches quite excessive and unexpected events. -- Join the Milwaukee Mafia…
Mar 10, 2026 · 34:19
a readers question about a famous call girl in Milwaukee known as Dirty Helen leads to the discovery of a biography written by her. In this 2 part series Gavin takes on on the…
Mar 3, 2026 · 49:00
Learn about the Mafia buying a casino using 500K of Tamara Rands money. Instead of paying her back she winds up dead. -- Join the Milwaukee Mafia Newsletter and get updates about…
Feb 24, 2026 · 23:38
A question from a listener about wether the Free Masons and the mafia ever worked together (spoiler: it appears they did not). But in Gavin research of the questions he discovers…
Feb 17, 2026 · 38:03
Learn the story of John Balistreri became a part of the Local Restaurant Bar Union and hear John reflect on his experiences -- Join the Milwaukee Mafia Newsletter and get updates…
Feb 10, 2026 · 15:15
In this short segment we discuss any connections between the Mafia and Biker gangs in Milwaukee. -- Join the Milwaukee Mafia Newsletter and get updates about the Mafia and Gavin…
Feb 3, 2026 · 54:35
Hear the conclusion of the Rocco Yous story -- Join the Milwaukee Mafia Newsletter and get updates about the Mafia and Gavin https://milwaukeemafia.com/join-the-mailing-list/ Got…
Jan 27, 2026 · 15:28
Upon a listeners request Gavin dives into how he is able to post all the files he has access to the internet archive and we both encourage you to it all as well :) -- Join the…
Jan 20, 2026 · 55:12
Hear the story of massive chemical company that has some shady business practices and some strong ties to the Mafia -- Join the Milwaukee Mafia Newsletter and get updates about…
Jan 13, 2026 · 17:10
A listeners questions takes Gavin down a rabbit hole to find any occult occurrences in Milwaukee. He is not able to find much but does find story of a prisoner at the Waupun…
Jan 6, 2026 · 51:18
In this episode we hear how the murder of a vending company owner leads to John Balistreri buying his company and getting into the vending business -- Join the Milwaukee Mafia…
Dec 30, 2025 · 33:26
As discussed in the previous Patreon episode Gavin reads the book Epitome of Courage and discusses the meeting that happened between the Milwaukee Mafia and a gang from Chicago…
Dec 23, 2025 · 37:24
In this episode Gavin discusses an article that was recently published by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinal about a high profile car bombing that the Mafia was most likely…
Dec 16, 2025 · 37:51
Recently Gavin was featured on another Podcast called Gangland Wire. Like the previous documentary episode, I interview Gavin on this interview and add context to some of the…
Dec 9, 2025 · 43:32
We have discussed how the Mafia found itself in the space of owning and operating gay bars in Milwaukee and today we are joined by Michail Takach who is very focused on the…
Dec 2, 2025 · 22:06
Since the unfortunate passing of actor James Caan some stories of his involvement with the mafia have surfaced, We discuss these stories, as well as his gambling problems and…
Nov 25, 2025 · 59:46
A story about a "battle" between to Motorcycle gangs, that the police receive a tip that the Mafia could be behind it -- Join the Milwaukee Mafia Newsletter and get updates about…
Nov 18, 2025 · 24:19
We discuss a listeners questions about a famous Gang Member from Chicago and the Milwaukee Mob boss himself. -- Join the Milwaukee Mafia Newsletter and get updates about the…
Nov 11, 2025 · 43:40
In this story we hear about corruption within the trash company that is being orchestrated by "organized crime' -- Join the Milwaukee Mafia Newsletter and get updates about the…
Nov 4, 2025 · 16:59
We dive into a Latin King side story and discuss the Lopez Gang. -- Join the Milwaukee Mafia Newsletter and get updates about the Mafia and Gavin…
Oct 28, 2025 · 52:11
In this episode hear the conclusion of the story of the theft of Fur Coats and Hershey's Kisses -- Join the Milwaukee Mafia Newsletter and get updates about the Mafia and Gavin…
Oct 21, 2025 · 25:22
In this episode we discuss the Kenosha Mafia and some of the ties they had to the Milwaukee Mafia -- Join the Milwaukee Mafia Newsletter and get updates about the Mafia and Gavin…
Oct 14, 2025 · 49:16
In this 2 part episode we hear the story of thefts of Hershey Kisses and Fur Coats -- Join the Milwaukee Mafia Newsletter and get updates about the Mafia and Gavin…
Oct 7, 2025 · 19:23
Gavin talks about the some of the links between the Milwaukee Mafia and Tampa and New Orleans Mafia -- Join the Milwaukee Mafia Newsletter and get updates about the Mafia and…
Sep 30, 2025 · 23:57
-- Join the Milwaukee Mafia Newsletter and get updates about the Mafia and Gavin https://milwaukeemafia.com/join-the-mailing-list/ Got a question about this episode? Email Gavin…
Sep 23, 2025 · 45:25
In this episode we learn about a fence, and his involvement in drug deals and bank robberies -- Join the Milwaukee Mafia Newsletter and get updates about the Mafia and Gavin…
Sep 12, 2025 · 33:44
Eric drills gavin about the Milwaukee Mafia documentary he was featured in. -- Join the Milwaukee Mafia Newsletter and get updates about the Mafia and Gavin…
Sep 9, 2025 · 55:36
In this episode we here about John education. In addition to the story we here first hand from John about stories of college life -- Join the Milwaukee Mafia Newsletter and get…
Aug 26, 2025 · 50:45
In this episode we look at very puzzling and unsolved murder of Louis Fazio who we discussed a little in a previous episode -- Join the Milwaukee Mafia Newsletter and get updates…
Aug 19, 2025 · 37:00
In this episode Gavin discusses any connection with Narcotics and Grande Cheese -- Join the Milwaukee Mafia Newsletter and get updates about the Mafia and Gavin…
Aug 12, 2025 · 56:28
In this episode we learn about an unknown informant known as X and things he said he witnessed about the Milwaukee Mafia -- Join the Milwaukee Mafia Newsletter and get updates…
Aug 5, 2025 · 21:23
Gavin discusses current rumors on Mob activity -- Join the Milwaukee Mafia Newsletter and get updates about the Mafia and Gavin https://milwaukeemafia.com/join-the-mailing-list/…
Jul 29, 2025 · 44:00
In this episode Gavin discusses the things he has learned going through a 1300 Page police file -- Join the Milwaukee Mafia Newsletter and get updates about the Mafia and Gavin…
Jul 24, 2025 · 43:27
Here an episode of one our sister shows, Fox Cities Murder and Mayhem -- Join the Milwaukee Mafia Newsletter and get updates about the Mafia and Gavin…
Jul 22, 2025 · 14:22
Gavin answers a listener's question related to researching criminals who may have the same name as their cousin or another family member due to traditional Sicilian naming…
Jul 15, 2025 · 52:57
In this episode we talk about a man who works with the mafia to get a 2 million dollar loan to build his dream of being a tuna fisherman -- Join the Milwaukee Mafia Newsletter…
Jul 8, 2025 · 20:20
Gavin answers a listener's question about his thoughts on mafia movies. In his response, Gavin names some of the best mafia-related movies as far as accuracy, and some that are…
Jul 1, 2025 · 29:04
In this episode Gavin talks about Hugh O'Connell and the great risk he takes on Joseph Balistrieri -- Join the Milwaukee Mafia Newsletter and get updates about the Mafia and…
Jun 24, 2025 · 20:45
Gavin and Eric discuss a listener's question related to mafia members changing their mafia membership. Mentioned in this episode: - Al Capone - Madison Mob Boss: Carlo Caputo -…
Jun 17, 2025 · 44:13
In this episode we hear about Franks time in prison and Robert Warren continues his battle by attacking another of Franks Businesses the KIngs IV -- Join the Milwaukee Mafia…
Jun 10, 2025 · 16:03
Patreon members, please enjoy this exclusive Patreon-only episode on Frank Buccieri. -------------------- Trigger warning: This episode does mention domestic violence. If you or…
Jun 3, 2025 · 51:53
Robert Warren begins his battle against the Mafia by taking down on of Frank's bars The Scene -- Join the Milwaukee Mafia Newsletter and get updates about the Mafia and Gavin…
May 27, 2025 · 22:21
In this EXCLUSIVE Patreon podcast episode, Gavin discusses his information sources beyond FBI files. As always, if you have a question you'd like answered, submit it to…
May 20, 2025 · 47:57
Hear the story of the Shorecrest hotel and how it plays into Mob History. Also a special guest makes a short appearance -- Join the Milwaukee Mafia Newsletter and get updates…
May 13, 2025 · 8:19
A listener wants to know what Gavin's favorite mafia nickname is. Gavin shares many mafia nicknames - many of which are hard to believe they're truly nicknames. Stevie Wonder? --…
May 6, 2025 · 45:49
In this episode we discuss another possible shady banker tied to the Mafia -- Join the Milwaukee Mafia Newsletter and get updates about the Mafia and Gavin…
Apr 29, 2025 · 15:49
In this Patreon exclusive, Gavin and Eric answer listener questions. Question one: A listener asks if Gavin is concerned about his safety. Question two: A listener asks why…
Apr 22, 2025 · 40:10
In this episode we discuss Franks string of lawsuits against the government for unlawful wiretapping -- Join the Milwaukee Mafia Newsletter and get updates about the Mafia and…
Apr 16, 2025 · 43:37
Traci and Eric talk the basics of reiki and Traci talks about her first experiences with reiki. -- Join the Milwaukee Mafia Newsletter and get updates about the Mafia and Gavin…
Apr 15, 2025 · 30:05
In this exclusive Patreon audio, Gavin discusses a listener-submitted question: Was Frank Balistrieri ever more powerful than Sam Giancana? For reference, Sam Giancana was the…
Apr 8, 2025 · 33:38
In this episode we discuss Robert Warrens first push to take down the Mafia in Milwaukee -- Join the Milwaukee Mafia Newsletter and get updates about the Mafia and Gavin…
Apr 1, 2025 · 11:12
Gavin gives his thoughts on the pros and cons of being an author who gives book talks vs. an author who hosts podcasts. Gavin's Books: https://amzn.to/3ssKOQH -- Join the…
Mar 25, 2025 · 52:30
In this episode we hear about the sentencing of the Milwaukee Mafia Mob Boss -- Join the Milwaukee Mafia Newsletter and get updates about the Mafia and Gavin…
Mar 18, 2025 · 22:21
In this EXCLUSIVE Patreon podcast episode, Gavin discusses his information sources beyond FBI files. As always, if you have a question you'd like answered, submit it to…
Mar 11, 2025 · 48:40
In this episode we hear about Robert Warren, a critical piece to taking down the Mafia in Milwaukees history -- Join the Milwaukee Mafia Newsletter and get updates about the…
Mar 4, 2025 · 8:19
A listener wants to know what Gavin's favorite mafia nickname is. Gavin shares many mafia nicknames - many of which are hard to believe they're truly nicknames. Stevie Wonder? A…
Feb 25, 2025 · 45:35
In this episode we discuss 2 mafia adjacent brothers. One good brother and one not so much -- Join the Milwaukee Mafia Newsletter and get updates about the Mafia and Gavin…
Feb 18, 2025 · 29:52
Gavin does a lot of records requests. In this episode, he answers questions about the process and his experience. - What is the process? - What agencies are the best to work…
Feb 11, 2025 · 56:44
In this episode we discuss another bookie who had a long history of talking to the FBI. -- Join the Milwaukee Mafia Newsletter and get updates about the Mafia and Gavin…
Feb 4, 2025 · 10:30
Exclusive audio content for Patreon members. It's a switch up! Eric answers some questions! -- Join the Milwaukee Mafia Newsletter and get updates about the Mafia and Gavin…
Jan 28, 2025 · 39:35
In this weeks episode we hear about a bar and some legal troubles they have regarding stripping. -- Join the Milwaukee Mafia Newsletter and get updates about the Mafia and Gavin…
Jan 21, 2025 · 34:35
Gavin talks about the niche network he's built up over the course of his research. Mentioned: - David Critchley:…
Jan 15, 2025 · 37:48
Check out one of the other podcasts on our network Stigmas and open wounds. -- Join the Milwaukee Mafia Newsletter and get updates about the Mafia and Gavin…
Jan 14, 2025 · 37:12
In this episode we hear the story of a couple that get a babysitter for the nigth and then proceed to drive to Michigan and rob and bank. They sucessfully complete this for a…
Jan 7, 2025 · 0:31
An Intro to a change in the patreon that will lead to more content as a new user -- Join the Milwaukee Mafia Newsletter and get updates about the Mafia and Gavin…
Dec 31, 2024 · 37:53
In this weeks episode we jump back into our normal timeline and are introduced to a new character: John Rizzo! Rizzo was the Milwaukee Mafia's primary contact for most of the…
Dec 17, 2024 · 37:29
In this episode, Gavin and Eric discuss a Sicilian gambler who is rumored connections with the Mob. The FBI spends extensive time investigating him to find that mob connection…
Dec 3, 2024 · 36:20
In this episode we explore the Mafias experiment with manufacturing and selling counterfeit toys. A failed experiment that could have pushed the Mafia to a new level had they…
Nov 26, 2024 · 1:44:00
As a bonus this month we are posting Me and Gavins first live show. The show features several podcasts including me and Gavin doing an episode of our other podcast Fox Cities…
Nov 19, 2024 · 51:24
In this episode we discuss "The office" and chain of apartments the mafia used to run the lines for there gambling operations and see how the government was able to take it down…
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