Matthew Cox | Inside True Crime Podcast Why The 48 Laws of Power Is Banned in Prisons
Jan 23, 2026
Zack, a conversational partner and former con man, joins to unpack how The 48 Laws of Power plays out behind bars and in scams. They trace several laws to real prison tactics. Short, sharp stories and candid reflections explore secrecy, reputations, baiting, silence, and using rules to win.
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48 Laws' Prison Popularity And Ban
- Matthew Cox says The 48 Laws of Power was the most popular book ordered in prison until it was banned for its focus on manipulation.
- He and Zack discuss reading it multiple times and how inmates sought its “secret” for power and scams.
Don't Outshine The Boss
- Never upstaging your boss prevents jealousy that can end your job or cut you out of future opportunities.
- Matthew Cox explains subtle outshining (giving ideas publicly) can make you look like the leader and cost you your role.
Friends Failed In Prison Support
- Matthew Cox recounts friends failing to support him in prison despite past favors and explains buying loyalty rarely works.
- He describes bringing a former enemy into business expecting loyalty, which later backfired.
