Matthew Cox | Inside True Crime Podcast

Tyler Baumann, a fitness influencer and former steroid seller, shares his incredible journey from crime to redemption. He discusses his early foray into drug sales, his dramatic arrest, and time in prison, where he discovered bodybuilding. Tyler details how he built his Instagram persona, Musclehead320, and the subsequent rise and fall of his steroid operation, including the fraudulent practices that led to his arrest. Now, he focuses on rebuilding his life, emphasizing mental health and family, while committing to a clean lifestyle.

Angela Nicolazzi, a former inmate who served 15 years for armed robbery, reflects on her tumultuous journey from a chaotic childhood to becoming a teen mom and ultimately a prisoner. She reveals how toxic relationships and desperate circumstances led her into crime. Behind bars, Angela underwent profound self-transformation, finding mentors and focusing on education. Now, she has founded Finish Well Housing, which supports women reintegrating into society, sharing insights on the challenges and triumphs of rebuilding lives after incarceration.

DL Saint, a prominent YouTube creator and commentator, dives deep into the complexities of America's political landscape. He discusses the stark divides between MAGA supporters and mainstream Republicans, critiquing various candidates and their campaign blunders. The conversation touches on how automation and AI threaten jobs, while they explore the potential for economic collapse triggering social unrest. They also examine how media narratives impact public perception and the role of mentorship in addressing male disenfranchisement.

Arthur Williams Jr., a former most-wanted counterfeiter turned artist and author, delves into his tumultuous journey from a chaotic childhood to mastering the art of high-quality counterfeit currency. He shares fascinating insights on his criminal mentorship, innovative techniques for avoiding detection, and the risks of his operation. Arthur also discusses his spiritual transformation, challenges in prison, and eventual pivot to a legitimate art career, culminating in his success at high-profile events like Art Basel.

In this captivating discussion, Cyx reveals his journey into the world of fraud, starting with teenage carjackings. He shares the clever methods he used for check fraud, from crafting fake checks to organizing retail theft networks. The podcast explores his partnership with Zach, the tactics employed to keep scams running, and the rush of evading capture. Cyx's eventual introspection and shift to a legitimate lifestyle provide a thought-provoking conclusion on the allure of crime and the desire for redemption.

In this engaging conversation, former smuggler Steve Kocis shares his thrilling journey from cigar smuggling to running human trafficking operations. He recounts clever tactics to evade the Coast Guard, including normalizing suspicious boats. Steve reveals the grim realities of his illegal trade, political asylum routes for Georgians, and the intricate networks with the Russian mob. After his arrest, he talks about life in prison and the surprising strategies he used to secure a reduced sentence. Now a freelance captain, Steve reflects on risk, priorities, and life post-crime.

Logan Fullmer, a real estate investor with a knack for solving title and ownership issues, shares his journey from a troubled youth to uncovering real estate scams. He reveals how criminals exploit abandoned properties through fraudulent deeds and discusses cases involving straw buyers and forged documents. Logan also shares tips on navigating complex real estate transactions and how to protect vulnerable property owners from scams. His insights into the increasing risks of fraud in today’s market are both alarming and eye-opening!

Zack joins Matthew to delve into the world of modern scams, offering his expertise as a frequent commentator. They analyze shocking stories, including insider identity theft at HSA Bank and a risky million-dollar counterfeit check scheme. The duo explains how scammers exploit social engineering on seniors and recruit mules through clubs. With engaging anecdotes, they reveal how criminals manipulate victims and discuss the psychological traits of con artists in prison. Tune in for a captivating breakdown of scams and their consequences!

Anthony Amore, an art theft investigator and author of The Rembrandt Heist, dives into the notorious Gardner Museum heist, detailing how thieves tricked guards and absconded with priceless masterpieces. He discusses the mystery surrounding the stolen Vermeer and explores the unusual motives of art criminal Myles Connor, who prioritized collecting over profit. Amore also critiques media misrepresentations of the case and shares insights on the economics of high-profile art theft, revealing why many heists remain unsolved.

Pierre Rausini, a former cartel operative, shares his insights on the Jalisco New Generation cartel, highlighting its unique threats to both Mexico and the U.S. He explains how fentanyl has altered cartel economics and led to deadlier products in the U.S. market. Pierre also discusses the cartel's diverse operations, including extortion and smuggling innovations like drones and catapults. Additionally, he reveals the political power derived from cartel profits and underscores the challenges in U.S.-Mexico cooperation.