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Artwork for The Chinatown Sting

The Chinatown Sting

Pushkin Industries
Chinatown
Heroin Smuggling
Johnny Eng
Mahjong
Flying Dragons
Federal Prosecution
Beryl Howell
1980s Drug Busts
Heroin
Gangs
Character Dynamics
Revisionist History
New York City
Friendship
Legal Proceedings
Addiction
Northeastern Blackout
The Alabama Murders
Tina Wong
Drug Bust

In the late 1980s, a group of women connected through the mahjong parlors in Manhattan’s Chinatown were caught in a massive undercover drug bust. This bust was just the beginning of an even bigger case. Host Lidia Jean Kott and co-reporter Shuyu Wang interview sources who’ve never spoken on record before, including witnesses, defendants, and federal prosecutors, to reconstruct a case that still ha... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes11Founded7 months ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Society & CultureDocumentaryTrue Crime

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Artwork for The Chinatown Sting

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Key Facts

Accepts Guests
Contact Information
Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

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Recent Guests

Kelly Holland
Veteran in the porn industry and former head of Penthouse
Episode: From The Kink Machine: The Secret Power Behind Porn
Curtis Potec
Former DJ and owner of Xtube, a major porn tube site
Episode: From The Kink Machine: The Secret Power Behind Porn
Sam Callahan
Caretaker of the Double Eagle firearms training facility and shooting instructor.
Episode: Episode 4: A Ghost Hand
Beryl Howell
Federal judge who previously served as a federal prosecutor
United States District Court
Episode: Episode 2: Onionhead
Tina Wong
Involved in the heroin smuggling case as a lower-level participant
Episode: Episode 2: Onionhead
Henry Chang
Author and native of Chinatown familiar with the local criminal landscape
Episode: Episode 2: Onionhead
Mike Moy
Former gang member and activist
Episode: Episode 2: Onionhead
Kid Jai
Former gang member who became a leader of a rival gang
Episode: Episode 2: Onionhead

Host

Lidia Jean Kott
Host and journalist focusing on Chinatown stories and true crime investigations.

Reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars from 161 ratings
  • Excellent

    Loved this podcast. The historical culture and individual lives affected by immigration and racism.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    6887elmt
    United States2 months ago
  • Wish I could listen to

    I am unable to get past the host’s voice

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    Suzi Mac
    United States3 months ago
  • Well…

    Such a good story. Unfortunately its political spin ruined it.

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    Jweezyyyy
    United States3 months ago
  • Really good…but

    Pushkin has bombarded this podcast with so many commercials.

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    Paul C.1
    United States4 months ago
  • Interesting story!

    I felt compelled to write a review not just because it’s good reporting, but people are making commentary on the hosts voice. It’s actually something i really like about it, her voice is really soothing to me and love she isn’t trying to sound like “a podcaster”, so if you’re reading this plz don’t change a thing! Great reporting

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    RSolway
    United States4 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Some listeners critique the narrator's voice or delivery contrast.
Feedback highlights strong interviews and historical context, with mixed views on pacing and production elements.
Listeners praise the in-depth reporting and human-focused storytelling.

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Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Life as a Flying Dragon
Q: Looking back, do you regret bringing drugs into the country and being in a gang?
CB suggests that there was a systemic way of doing business in Chinatown and emphasizes that it was a mutual understanding rather than pure extortion.
Life as a Flying Dragon
Q: How did the leadership style change under Onionhead compared to Michael Chen?
CB mentions that while Michael had strict rules, Onionhead was more casual and focused on making money rather than maintaining control.
Life as a Flying Dragon
Q: Why did you join the gang in the first place?
CB explains that he joined due to early bullying and the desire to belong, as well as the gang's moral foundation to protect the Chinese community.
Episode 3: What’s a Friend?
Q: Why do you like gambling?
It's my adrenaline rush. That's my excitement; when you bet, you place money, your heart beats.
Episode 3: What’s a Friend?
Q: What was your guys' reputation?
We were the cool girls for the poor girls because we all didn't really have money.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About The Chinatown Sting

What is The Chinatown Sting about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A deep, narrative-driven investigation into a historic undercover heroin bust tied to Manhattan's Chinatown, exploring how a community's mahjong circles intersected with organized crime and law enforcement. Episodes center on firsthand testimonies from witnesses, defendants, and prosecutors, weaving historical context with personal stories to illuminate the pressures, loyalties, and consequences of the case. The show blends investigative journalism with documentary storytelling, highlighting how community dynamics, immigration experiences, and the War on Drugs shaped a pivotal era. A standout aspect is the focused, long-form interviews that bring audiences close to participants who rarely speak on record, offering a rare, humanized lens on ... more

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Which podcasts are similar to The Chinatown Sting?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The Chinatown Sting:

1. Deep Cover
2. Revisionist History
3. Hell in Heaven: A Mysterious Death in Paradise
4. Lost Hills: Dark Canyon
5. Bone Valley

How many episodes of The Chinatown Sting are there?

The Chinatown Sting launched 7 months ago and published 11 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on The Chinatown Sting?

Recent guests on The Chinatown Sting include:

1. Kelly Holland
2. Curtis Potec
3. Sam Callahan
4. Beryl Howell
5. Tina Wong
6. Henry Chang
7. Mike Moy
8. Kid Jai

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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