#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.

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ANECDOTE

Rise in the Mafia

Ferrante rose within the Gambino family, working closely with Peter Gotti.
He was on track to become a made man before being arrested.

question_answer

ANECDOTE

Questioning the Code

While in prison for hijacking, Ferrante began to question the mafia's code of honor after observing fellow inmates' motivations for murder.
He realized many killings were driven by personal vendettas rather than the supposed greater good of the family.

question_answer

ANECDOTE

Turning Point

After being unjustly punished in solitary confinement, Ferrante had a pivotal moment of self-reflection.
He felt like an animal and decided to change his life.

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From Crime to Clarity

02:21 • 24min

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Reflecting on Early Reading Choices and Their Influence

26:41 • 4min

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From Isolation to Inspiration

30:44 • 9min

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Inside the World's Most Dangerous Gangs

39:59 • 11min

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Gangs and Community: A Complex Bond

51:12 • 10min

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Concluding Insights and Promotions

What the Mafia Can Teach the Legitimate Businessman

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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.

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