Why are we enthralled with the mob? From the Sopranos, to Goodfellas, to the Godfather, pop culture representations of the mafia have become classics. Psychologist Maria Konnikova studies the widespread public fascination with mafia figures and the enduring allure of anti-heroes. She and Elie discuss the glamorization of the mafia, how mobsters juggle a life on the streets and a life at home, and Elie’s experience of these phenomena in his own work prosecuting the mob.

In the bonus episode for CAFE Insiders, Elie Honig and Safeena Mecklai take listeners behind the scenes of the fifth episode of Up Against the Mob. Become an Insider at cafe.com/Insider and enter code MOB for 50% off the annual membership price. 

Up Against the Mob is produced by CAFE Studios and the Vox Media Podcast Network. New episodes drop every Wednesday. Subscribe wherever you listen. 

Executive Producer: Tamara Sepper; Senior Editorial Producer: Adam Waller; Technical Director: David Tatasciore; Audio Producers: Matthew Billy; Composer: Nat Weiner; Editorial Producers: Noa Azulai, David Kurlander, Sam Ozer-Staton, Jake Kaplan.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices