John Pennisi, former Lucchese crime family member and co-host of "The MBA and the Button Man" podcast, provides insights into Mafia life.
John Pennisi’s life took a sharp turn at the age of 20 when a dispute over a girlfriend led to a fatal shooting. Reflecting on this period, Pennisi, now 51, admits the gravity of his actions was completely lost on him. This event marked the beginning of a long and complex journey that would take him through the ranks of the infamous Lucchese crime family and eventually lead him to become a public voice shedding light on the Mafia underworld. Today, Pennisi is not just recounting his past; he’s actively dissecting it, aiming to expose what he describes as the dishonor and betrayal within the Mafia’s code.
A newspaper clipping detailing John Pennisi's murder conviction at age 20, which led to a 17-year prison sentence.
Pennisi’s commitment to a reformed life is evident even in small details. He recounts how, in his mob days, even pilfering juice from a grocery store felt like a victory. Now, he’s hyper-aware of doing the right thing, a stark contrast to his former mindset of always trying to “get over” on the system. This transformation is a core part of his narrative as he navigates his new role as a commentator on organized crime.
As a former “made man” in New York’s Lucchese crime family, John Pennisi brings unparalleled insider perspective to his podcast, “The MBA and the Button Man.” Co-hosted with Tom La Vecchia, a New Jersey media marketer holding an MBA, the podcast delves into the intricate workings of the Mafia. Pennisi, the “button man” – Mafia slang for a soldier – provides firsthand accounts and analysis, making the podcast a compelling listen for those intrigued by the realities of organized crime.
“The MBA and the Button Man” is gaining significant traction for its candid exposure of the Mafia’s inner operations. It stands alongside other podcasts, notably that of former Gambino underboss Salvatore “Sammy the Bull” Gravano, in offering listeners unprecedented access to a clandestine world. This surge in media featuring former mob insiders indicates a growing public fascination with authentic Mafia narratives.
Pennisi’s journey into the Mafia life began in Howard Beach, Queens. His 1990s prison sentence for the shooting, which lasted 17 years, left his young son behind. Emerging from prison at 37, Pennisi transitioned into construction management, becoming a single father to two daughters and a son. Despite attempts at a legitimate life, the allure of the Mafia proved strong.
Eventually, John Pennisi was inducted into the Lucchese crime family, one of New York’s notorious Five Families. He describes the induction ceremony as a solemn event, a binding oath of allegiance. As a made member, Pennisi engaged in typical Mafia activities, including bookmaking, extortion, and loansharking, primarily operating in Queens and Staten Island. He notes loansharking as the most lucrative venture. Standing at 6-foot-1, his reputation as a made man was often enough to ensure compliance, negating the need for physical intimidation.
While involved in organized crime, Pennisi maintained a legitimate job in construction, a tactic to evade law enforcement scrutiny. However, internal threats within the Lucchese family proved more perilous. Pennisi recounts growing suspicions that he was being falsely labeled a “rat,” leading him to believe his life was in danger. This fear ultimately drove him to become a government witness in 2017, testifying against his former associates.
Ranking the Five Families and Exposing Mafia Secrets
John Pennisi openly discusses these experiences and more on his podcast and his blog, Sitdown News, and his YouTube channel, Sitdownnews. A notable podcast episode on April 19th featured a ranking of the Five Families’ current power. Pennisi positioned the Genovese family at the top, emphasizing their discreet operations as a key to their enduring influence. He placed the Gambino family second, and his former Lucchese family third. The Bonanno and Colombo families followed, with the Colombos described as being “at the bottom of the food chain” due to internal conflicts.
Pennisi’s public disclosures have not been without controversy. Veteran crime journalist Jerry Capeci reported on Gang Land News that federal law enforcement officials were allegedly displeased with Pennisi’s blog, fearing it could compromise his credibility as a potential witness. However, Pennisi clarifies that no law enforcement agency has ever instructed him to shut down his blog or podcast.
Navigating the “Rat” Label and Mafia Realities
John Pennisi and Tom La Vecchia, co-hosts of "The MBA and the Button Man" podcast, exploring the business aspects of organized crime.
Despite being labeled a “rat” by some, including a New York Post article that claimed he was “busting chops” instead of legs, Pennisi remains unfazed. He understands the public’s fascination with negativity, acknowledging that a headline branding him a snitch is inherently more attention-grabbing than one highlighting his reform.
Pennisi argues that exposing the treachery and bullying within the Mafia, often masked by a facade of honor, is a commendable act. He draws a parallel to drug addiction recovery, questioning why someone who confronts and exposes wrongdoing should be mocked rather than supported. He asserts that the romanticized “honorable life” of the Mafia is a myth, as rule-breaking is rampant within its ranks.
Pennisi believes that global sentiment is turning against the Mafia’s strong-arm tactics. He points to mass Mafia trials in Italy, specifically targeting the ‘Ndrangheta, as evidence of growing public resistance. “No one wants to be bullied,” Pennisi states, underscoring the Mafia’s core modus operandi.
Dismissing concerns about potential retaliation, Pennisi cites the ubiquity of security cameras as a deterrent to violence. He highlights the overwhelmingly positive reception to his podcast and blog, with 90 percent of comments being supportive. Importantly, he recounts instances of steering young individuals away from Mafia involvement, offering guidance based on his own life experiences. Remarkably, Pennisi has even received acknowledgements of inspiration, a stark contrast to his criminal past. “I never got that in the life,” he reflects, “I was a criminal.”
Through his podcast and public commentary, John Pennisi has carved out a unique space, transitioning from a Lucchese crime family member to a commentator offering unprecedented insights into the Mafia’s realities, betrayals, and evolving dynamics in the 21st century.
