The Art of Manliness

#551: Inside the Gangsters' Code

Oct 14, 2019

Lou Ferrante, a former member of the Gambino crime family, shares his incredible journey from mobster to author and documentary host. He discusses his transformation in prison, emphasizing the profound impact of literature on his life. Ferrante delves into the gangsters' code and the concept of omertà, exploring how these codes shape loyalty and honor. He addresses the reasons young men are drawn to gangs, highlighting the community and security they offer, revealing the complex ties between gangs and the neighborhoods they inhabit.

57:35

Creator website

Episode guests

Louis Ferrante

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Intro

2min

From Crime to Clarity

24min

Reflecting on Early Reading Choices and Their Influence

4min

From Isolation to Inspiration

9min

Inside the World's Most Dangerous Gangs

11min

Gangs and Community: A Complex Bond

10min

Concluding Insights and Promotions

2min

Lou Ferrantewas a mobster who worked for the Gambino crime family and made a trade out of hijacking trucks loaded with expensive goods. Eventually, the law caught up with him and he ended up in prison. There, he discovered a love for reading and writing which set off a personal transformation that led to him leaving the mafia. After his stint in jail, Lou went on to become an author and the host of a Discovery Channel documentary series called Inside the Gangsters' Code.

Today on the show, I first talk to Lou about his early life of crime and the autodidactic education he gave himself in prison. Lou shares the books that had the biggest impact on him, including works of history, philosophy, and fiction. We then shift gears to discuss Lou's work on Inside the Gangsters' Code, the idea of honor that the mafia and other gangs share, and what it means to practice omertà. We end our conversation discussing why young men join gangs and the human needs they fill.

Get the show notes at aom.is/gangsterscode.

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts

Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.