Former Mafia Boss Breaks Down Cartels In Mexico, US Corruption & Shifts In Power

Mar 5, 2026

Michael Franzese, former New York mob boss turned author and speaker, reflects on cartels, geopolitics, the Epstein saga, and his turn to faith. He contrasts cartel power with the U.S. mafia. He discusses government corruption, global strategy around Iran and China, and why elites stayed close to Epstein. He also shares how faith reshaped his life and business priorities.

Ask episode

AI Snips

Chapters

Transcript

Episode notes

INSIGHT

Fentanyl Factories Made Cartels Stronger

Synthetic drug production (fentanyl) has strengthened cartels by enabling 24/7 chemical factories.
Franzese notes cartels no longer rely on poppy harvests and primarily traffic synthetic opioids into the U.S.

INSIGHT

Government Corruption Outweighs Street Crime

Franzese frames government as the largest crime organization due to systemic corruption and insider enrichment.
He cites politicians becoming multimillionaires on modest salaries and accuses insider trading and misuse of office.

ANECDOTE

Epstein Hearings Aren't A Distraction Say Openers

Franzese rejects the idea Iran strikes are mere distractions for the Epstein files and argues Trump opened the Epstein investigation.
He emphasizes hearings and the release of files under Republican inquiry, calling distraction claims 'ridiculous'.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Get the app

Send a text

Ryan Pineda and co-host Brian Davila interview former mob boss Michael Franzese as he shares his perspective on cartels, global politics, the Epstein files, and faith after leaving the mafia.⁣
⁣
Connect with Michael - ⁣
I Made $8,000,000 A Week In The Mob | Michael Franzese - https://youtu.be/siOsknie7m0⁣
https://www.youtube.com/@UC4xuh0pSLRLhzWGUnpOlvXw ⁣
https://www.instagram.com/michaelfranzese_⁣
https://linktr.ee/michaelfranzese⁣
__________⁣
If you want to start your real estate investing business, we'll give you 1:1 coaching, seller leads, software, & everything you need. https://www.wealthyinvestor.com⁣
⁣
If you're a business owner who wants to get in peak physical shape, we can help! https://www.boardroom-athlete.com/apply⁣
⁣
Join our private mastermind for elite business leaders who golf. https://www.mastermind19.com⁣
⁣
Join free Bible studies and workshops for Christian business leaders. https://www.tentmakers.us⁣
__________⁣
CHAPTERS:⁣
1:55 - Cartels vs The Mafia⁣
7:40 - Government, Taxes, and “The Biggest Crime Organization.”⁣
12:20 - Iran, Global Conflict, and Trump⁣
19:40 - The Epstein Files⁣
47:25 - Why Politics Is More Divided Than Ever in America.⁣
1:05:40 - From Mob Life to Faith

Learn how to invest in real estate with the Cashflow 2.0 System! Your business in a box with 1:1 coaching, motivated seller leads, & softwares. https://www.wealthyinvestor.com/

Want to work 1:1 with Ryan Pineda? Apply at ryanpineda.com

Join our FREE community, weekly calls, and bible studies for Christian entrepreneurs and business people. https://tentmakers.us/

Want to grow your business and network with elite entrepreneurs on world-class golf courses? Apply now to join Mastermind19 – Ryan Pineda’s private golf mastermind for high-level founders and dealmakers. www.mastermind19.com
---

About Ryan Pineda:

Ryan Pineda has been in the real estate industry since 2010 and has invested in over $100,000,000 of real estate. He has completed over 700 flips and wholesales, and he owns over 650 rental units. As an entrepreneur, he has founded seven different businesses that have generated 7-8 figures of revenue.

Ryan has amassed over 2 million followers on social media and has generated over 1 billion views online. Starting as a minor league baseball player making less than $2,000 a month, Ryan is now worth over $100 million. He shares his experiences in building wealth and believes that anyone can change their life with real estate investing.

...