Underbelly
True Crime
Underbelly is a podcast series exploring the wild and true stories behind investigations into the underbelly of society. From enigmatic spies, to seedy criminals and crooked officials, to the upper echelons of government intelligence, we shine light on the underworld through never before heard revelations about crimes you never dared to imagine. Season one of Underbelly—Brokers, Bagmen, & Moles—takes a fresh look at the FBI's most expensive undercover operation in history. Told through archival audio as well as new and exclusive interviews with the people who were there, this financial thriller features host Anjay Nagpal investigating whether the Feds' 1987 attempt at exposing widespread corruption at Chicago's future exchanges was a huge success... or a massive failure. It all depends who you ask. Season two of Underbelly, premiering March 13—The Rebel Kind—is the unreal, real-life story of Dave Rupert, a six-foot-seven Chicago trucker who infiltrated the heart of a dangerous faction of the Irish Republican Army. Veteran journalists Bob Herguth and Abdon Pallasch tell you the story of how this unlikely man with entrepreneurial dreams and a willingness to do whatever it takes ends up being the most famous/infamous spy during The Troubles through tape recordings they made of Rupert in secret locations 20 years ago.
Location:
United States
Genres:
True Crime
Description:
Underbelly is a podcast series exploring the wild and true stories behind investigations into the underbelly of society. From enigmatic spies, to seedy criminals and crooked officials, to the upper echelons of government intelligence, we shine light on the underworld through never before heard revelations about crimes you never dared to imagine. Season one of Underbelly—Brokers, Bagmen, & Moles—takes a fresh look at the FBI's most expensive undercover operation in history. Told through archival audio as well as new and exclusive interviews with the people who were there, this financial thriller features host Anjay Nagpal investigating whether the Feds' 1987 attempt at exposing widespread corruption at Chicago's future exchanges was a huge success... or a massive failure. It all depends who you ask. Season two of Underbelly, premiering March 13—The Rebel Kind—is the unreal, real-life story of Dave Rupert, a six-foot-seven Chicago trucker who infiltrated the heart of a dangerous faction of the Irish Republican Army. Veteran journalists Bob Herguth and Abdon Pallasch tell you the story of how this unlikely man with entrepreneurial dreams and a willingness to do whatever it takes ends up being the most famous/infamous spy during The Troubles through tape recordings they made of Rupert in secret locations 20 years ago.
Language:
English
Website:
https://www.entropymedia.art/
Episodes
S2 E08: Omagh
5/1/2024
A car bomb explosion kills 31 people -- including unborn twins -- in the town center of Omagh in Northern Ireland. The Real IRA takes public responsibility for the bombing, but the story that trickles out maintains it was a horrible mistake. In this episode, we explore the aftermath of the bombing that infuriated Irish from coast to coast, north and south. Meanwhile, Dave Rupert is suddenly in real danger as any IRA associates become public enemies and a central target of security services. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Duration:00:44:19
S2 E07: Good Friday
4/24/2024
On Good Friday in 1998, a treaty that will come to be called the Good Friday Agreement is signed by several nations. At its core, it's an a plan for peace that will involve a decommissioning process for paramilitary groups and a plan for a future vote on a united Ireland. For some, it's about forgiveness, hope and peace. For others, it's the same old story: another surrender to British Authority. Dave Rupert has a front row seat for the final significant fracturing of militant Republicans of the 20th century. Where does he go from here? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Duration:00:40:07
S2 E06: The City That Dyes its River Green
4/17/2024
Dave Rupert has spent years earning the trust of his IRA friends in Ireland and they've finally given him a military task. Dave heads back to Chicago with a name: Frank O'Neill. He's about to discover why an FBI agent like Ed Buckley was tasked with rooting out any connections between Chicago and militant Republicans. Dave's next moves will be in a city that goes as far as dyeing a whole river green on St. Patrick's Day. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Duration:00:46:08
S2 E05: Coin Operated
4/10/2024
A visit to Dave's family in upstate New York gets Bob and Abdon a history lesson on Joe Beef, Joby for short. That was Dave's nickname growing up in rural Madrid and it stuck with his family through his litany of careers. Even through late 1997 when Dave inks his first official contract to become a spy -- affording him the opportunity to finally focus on the danger in militant republican circles. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Duration:00:47:52
S2 E04: It's a Funny Place, Tullaghan
4/3/2024
Dave's plot to run a bar for profit while spying on vacationing republicans along the banks of the Drowes River is a rocky as the road to Dublin. The former owner of his pub wasn't paying the bills and that makes Dave's life even more difficult. But a diligent barkeep certainly doesn't look like a spy and his plan kind of begins to work. Knowing the history of the British occupation in Ireland is just the tip of the iceberg for Dave's education on republican ideals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Duration:00:46:10
S2 E03: The FBI Walks Into a Bar
3/27/2024
Dave Rupert experiences a little indigestion as he mulls over an offer from the FBI. He'll learn the agent who approached him has a background in investigating international terrorism back in Chicago. In fact, Ed Buckley is well known to Irish Republican supporters in the city. When Dave sees an opportunity to make some money, he goes for it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Duration:00:46:33
S2 E02: A Little Bit Off Base
3/20/2024
When an FBI agent walks into Dave Rupert's truck stop, his mind starts racing. There's so many things law enforcement might want to address. A few friends he made though a dalliance is the last thing on his mind. Dave Rupert's unusual background in upstate New York led from a family doing what they had to do to survive to becoming a trucking entrepreneur. But a night out at a bar in Florida will eventually change Dave's life. Additional Music by Guinness the Duo. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Duration:00:45:30
S2 E01: There Once Was A Trucker From Chicago
3/13/2024
Meet Dave Rupert. A guy born in a part of Upstate New York so rural it's practically Canada, with a past nearly as untamed: trucker, one-time professional wrestler, pilot, a bit of a serial entrepreneur. Meet Mickey McKevitt. An ocean away, he leads the Irish Republican Army's militant splinter cell, the Real IRA. The two men had seemingly nothing in common, but by the time they met, Dave had earned the trust of the group as though he was an Irishman himself. Meet Bob Herguth and Abdon Pallasch, reporters who interviewed Rupert in secret locations over twenty years ago to find out about their first meeting. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Duration:00:44:06
Underbelly: The Rebel Kind Trailer - Out March 13
2/29/2024
The Rebel Kind is the unreal, real-life story of Dave Rupert—a six-foot-seven Chicago trucker who infiltrated the heart of a dangerous faction of the Irish Republican Army. From Entropy Media, the second season of the Underbelly series focuses on the unlikely man with entrepreneurial dreams and a willingness to do whatever it takes to get the job done. Veteran journalists Bob Herguth and Abdon Pallasch tell the story through tape recordings they made of Rupert in secret locations 20 years ago. Premieres everywhere podcasts are found Wednesday, March 13. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Duration:00:03:44
Underbelly S1 Brokers, Bagmen, & Moles: Live Q&A in Chicago
10/26/2023
Underbelly creator & host Anjay Nagpal, showrunner Danielle Elliot, "Brokers, Bagmen, & Moles" book co-author David Greising, and traders/fan favorites Tim, Stretch, & T-Bun got together at the Texas Taco Bar in Chicago to have a live panel discussion and Q&A. If you missed it, you can still enjoy hearing about the origins of the investigation, the struggles & successes bringing it to life in audio, a few more stories from the floor—and some strong opinions about what happened on that floor (and no, not just from T-Bun). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Duration:01:09:37
Join Us LIVE in Chicago, Tuesday October 3!
9/27/2023
Join host Anjay Nagpal and special guests from Brokers, Bagmen, & Moles for a live panel discussion and Q&A! We'll share stories from behind-the-scenes of the production, answer your burning questions about the wild stuff that went down on the trading floor, and share some laughs (and tacos). This FREE event will be at the Texan Taco Bar in Chicago's West Loop (942 W Randolph St), next Tuesday, October 3, from 5-6:30pm. Space is limited, and we'll be prioritizing RSVPs that come with a question. Share yours by DMing us @entropymediaco or emailing us social@entropymedia.art. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Duration:00:01:57
S1 12: The Durkin Document
7/19/2023
Trying to find more concrete evidence that the FBI was actually on the floor to investigate the ties between organized crime and Chicago’s exchanges, Anjay searches through thousands of pages of court transcripts. What he finds isn’t quite what he was looking for—instead, he discovers a legal brief that leads him down a completely unforeseen and even more shocking path. What happened to this smoking gun, and why was nothing ever done about these disturbing allegations? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Duration:00:55:46
S1 11: A Humble Accountant
7/12/2023
More stories of mob ties among traders come to the surface, so Anjay decides to call one more agent—the one with a background in organized crime, and who seems most willing to speak with him: Dietrich Volk. Anjay arrives in a remote part of Colorado to interview the former agent, and at long last, we learn the truth of this investigation. By the end of their conversation, Anjay thinks he might be able to prove what the agents never could. Notes: Head to DRINKAG1 dot com slash BROKERS to get a FREE one-year supply of AG Vitamin D3+K2, plus five AG1 Travel Packs with your first purchase of AG1! You can find episode transcripts and more on our website at https://www.entropymedia.art/brokers-bagmen-moles. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Duration:00:46:08
S1 10: How to Buy An Industry
6/28/2023
As the trials wrapped up, Congress held a series of hearings that questioned how these markets should be regulated. In echoes of those trials, Congressmen displayed varying levels of comprehension of how the Merc & CBOT worked, and it turns out that those who did understand might be a little too familiar with the heads of those exchanges. As the inquiry winds down, clear winners and losers emerge. Meanwhile, Anjay has a phone call that sets us up for brand-new conclusions about the origins of the investigation. *We will be off next week for the Fourth of July and returning Wednesday, July 12th with the next episode.* Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Duration:00:44:17
S1 09: It Was All Chaos
6/21/2023
Defense attorneys come out swinging, in an attempt to whip up a furor over the dozens of charges against Merc traders. But they have a tough time getting jurors to understand how the buying and selling of future contracts work—not to mention keeping them awake—and the trials descend into chaos. In the end, how many traders were found guilty? And how do the agents who worked the case view its legacy now? Anjay has the surprising answers, and some new questions. Notes: Head to DRINKAG1 dot com slash BROKERS to get a FREE one-year supply of AG Vitamin D3+K2, plus five AG1 Travel Packs with your first purchase of AG1! You can find episode transcripts and more on our website at https://www.entropymedia.art/brokers-bagmen-moles. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Duration:00:50:04
S1 08: Just Be Yourself
6/14/2023
After nearly eight months of off-the-record conversations, two FBI agents agree to speak with Anjay on the record. Randy Janett and Mike Bassett tell Anjay their side of the story. They're open about why this investigation ended when it did, but when it comes to what inspired the FBI to send agents to the floor in the first place, will they stick with the public narrative, or will they reveal some cracks in it? Notes: Head to DRINKAG1 dot com slash BROKERS to get a FREE one-year supply of AG Vitamin D3+K2, plus five AG1 Travel Packs with your first purchase of AG1! You can find episode transcripts and more on our website at https://www.entropymedia.art/brokers-bagmen-moles. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Duration:00:55:42
S1 07: Big Fish
6/7/2023
The man, the myth, the target of this investigation? That’s Lewis Borsellino… at least, according to Lewis Borsellino. The son of a mafia hitman, Borsellino made a name for himself as one of the most successful traders in the S&P 500 futures pit. That got the Feds interested in him, or so the story goes. Borsellino tells Anjay he suspects there's more to it than that, and Anjay decides there is only one way to get answers: speaking with the FBI agents themselves. Notes: You can find episode transcripts and more on our website at https://www.entropymedia.art/brokers-bagmen-moles. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Duration:00:47:26
S1 06: Traders and Traitors
5/31/2023
Someone was bound to talk eventually, and it ended up being one of the white-collar kids at the Chicago Board of Trade. Anjay speaks with trader Dave Skrodzki about his decision to cooperate, what it meant for his livelihood, and why Skrodzki thinks the government found exactly what it was looking for in Chicago. While Skrodzki and a few other cooperators helped the FBI solidify a few cases, the Feds ultimately didn't produce nearly as many indictments as they'd promised. If their plan was to work their way up the ladder, it wasn’t working. So where can they look to next? Notes: You can find episode transcripts and more on our website at https://www.entropymedia.art/brokers-bagmen-moles. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Duration:00:41:47
S1 05: The Informant?
5/17/2023
Within a week of breaking the story, the press learned that the FBI came to Chicago’s exchanges partly in response to a complaint from a powerful agricultural company called Archer Daniels Midland. While that remains the popular narrative, Anjay’s sources convince him that the government has managed for decades to keep something about this case secret—but what, exactly? In this episode, we learn about the government’s attempts to get T-Bun and Ray Pace to cooperate with the investigation, and Anjay gets in touch with the guy who did. Notes: You can find episode transcripts and more on our website at https://www.entropymedia.art/brokers-bagmen-moles. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Duration:00:38:24
S1 04: Scapegoats and Fat Cats
5/10/2023
Pulitzer prize-winning journalist Bill Crawford broke the news of the undercover investigation in January 1989, when an unnamed source in Washington, D.C. tipped off the Chicago Tribune. The Trib’s initial stories billed the case as a tremendous win for the government, but right away, Crawford questioned if the government had missed its mark—could they perhaps have been gunning for the men in charge of the exchanges? Anjay then speaks with a former trader who worked closely with the longtime Merc boss, Leo Melamed, to learn about the underhanded political dealings that enabled the stunning transformation of this sleepy agricultural exchange—and the systemic corruption that followed. Notes: You can find episode transcripts and more on our website at https://www.entropymedia.art/brokers-bagmen-moles. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Duration:00:45:36