
REAL ONES with Jon Bernthal
Real Ones is a weekly podcast with Jon Bernthal that gives the microphone to some of the most interesting, authentic people living on the front lines of the big issues of our time. From cops to gang members, soldiers and doctors, activists and first responders, you’re going to hear from people who aren’t pushing any agenda other than honest, open dialogue. What transpires is informative, funny, and at times heartbreaking – delivered by people you’ll feel an immediate connection to.
Produced by: Dennis Stratton, Gareth Schweitzer, Jon Bernthal
Directed & Edited by: Elan Sobel
Latest episodes

Nov 16, 2022 • 1h 16min
Legendary Baltimore kingpins Maurice "Peanut" King and Thomas "Joe Dancer" Ricks
Maurice "Peanut" King and Thomas "Joe Dancer" Ricks were two of the biggest kingpins in Baltimore history. Peanut was the strategist and brains of the operation; Joe Dancer was his trusted enforcer. The duo operated a massively successful, illegal, and violent business within Baltimore's storied heroin trade. In 1983 they were both both charged with an 848 - conducting a continual criminal enterprise - also known as the "Kingpin Charge" and reserved only for the most powerful and far-reaching perpetrators. Both men were found guilty by the US District Court of Maryland and sentenced to 30 years in prison. After serving the time they are back in their community trying to ignite change in a city plagued by crime and violence. They are joined by our friends from The Silverback Chronicles Podcast, Andres "Dre" Severino and Ralph "H" Horton.
The group compares the city's atmosphere between then and now, the ramifications of leading a violent life, and how the ways of supporting their community have changed since they got out.
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Peanut King Links:
Non-Profit Org: https://www.kingrenaissance.org/donate
IG: https://www.instagram.com/therealpeanutking/?hl=en
Contact: kingrenaissanceinc@gmail.com
Silverback Chronicles Links:
Website: https://www.silverbackchronicles.com
Audio: https://open.spotify.com/show/66kD3pl5vu2fMVjSk5GOYz
LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/silverbackchronicles

Nov 2, 2022 • 58min
Inside the mind of "the world's deadliest sniper": from the front lines in Ukraine with Sniper Wali
Wali is a retired decorated Canadian Soldier considered to be one of the world's best snipers. When the conflict between Russia and Ukraine began, Wali left his family and lucrative career as a computer programmer in Quebec to serve as a Volunteer Sniper for the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Sniper Wali's website.
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Oct 25, 2022 • 1h 18min
Richard Cabral is an actor, producer and writer from East LA
Richard Cabral is an actor, producer, and writer best known for playing Johnny 'Coco' Cruz on FX's MAYANS. He was also nominated for an Emmy for playing Hector Tontz on AMERICAN CRIME. Richard and Jon recently did a reading of DOG DAY AFTERNOON, written by Stephen Adly Guirgis, at the Ojai Playwright's Conference. Check out Richard's newest venture TEPITO COFFEE.
Watch the full episode on Patreon
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Oct 18, 2022 • 39min
Mikhail gives Jon an update on Russia/Ukraine from inside Russia
Mikhail discusses some of the latest and especially atrocious developments in Russia/Ukraine conflict.

Oct 13, 2022 • 59min
Author, soldier, scholar and future Governor Wes Moore
Wes Moore is a U.S. Army combat veteran who led soldiers in combat with the 82nd Airborne Division, a Rhodes Scholar, former small business owner, and former CEO of one of the nation’s largest anti-poverty organizations. He is the Democratic nominee for Maryland governor for the Nov. 8 election. Learn more at www.wesmoore.com
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Sep 29, 2022 • 1h 27min
Inmates at Calipatria Brett May & Alex Zapien discuss being an LWOP (life without the possibility of parole)
Brett May and Alex Zapien are serving Life Without Parole (LWOP) at Calipatria State Prison – a maximum security facility in the remote California Desert, 40 miles from the Mexican border.
We had a unique opportunity to go inside Calipatria to discuss their early lives, the horrible mistakes they made, and their search for redemption during 20 years of incarceration – including the leadership roles they have taken in driving peace inside the prison as well as new programs like Words Uncaged, which has brought art and media to inmates’ lives.
This is part 1 of a series inside of America's prisons.

Sep 21, 2022 • 1h 8min
Lena Dunham, artist
Lena Dunham is an American writer, director, actress, and producer. She is known as the creator, writer, and star of the HBO television series GIRLS. Lena and Jon worked together on her recently released film SHARP STICK.
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Sep 15, 2022 • 55min
Baratunde Thurston & Gareth Schweitzer
Baratunde Thurston is an author, activist, and comedian. Gareth Schweitzer is one of my oldest and closest friends who has been a successful journalist and entrepreneur. We get into our childhood experience in DC, policing, race and the workplace.
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90 snips
Aug 31, 2022 • 2h 3min
Shia LeBeouf
If you or anyone you know has been a victim of or have committed acts of domestic violence, please consider reaching out to the following organizations or consulting the following resources:
The National Domestic Violence Hotline: https://www.thehotline.org/
The National Coalition against Domestic Violence: https://ncadv.org/
The National Center on Domestic & Sexual Violence: http://www.ncdsv.org/
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Aug 26, 2022 • 1h 5min
Shreveport legend Sebastian "Bamm Bamm" Richardson & producer Sean Allen
Bamm is one of the most beloved, feared, and respected people in the history of Shreveport, Louisiana. He grew up in The Bottoms, a once legendary and vibrant neighborhood known for music, wild celebration, and tragic violence. The Bottoms was ultimately wiped off the face of the earth by the federal government. Bamm and the rest of the notorious Bottoms Boyz gang were sent to decades in prison. Bamm was recently released from the Super Max in Florence, Colorado where he spent over 30 years with prison mates such as El Chapo and Larry Hoover.
Sean Allen is an entrepreneur and in 2022 he partnered with Bamm Bamm to create a community organization entitled BXBZ to provide programs to promote change amongst the youth.
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