Season 2
Introducing Season 2: The NRA
S2: The NRA | EP1: Let Loose the Dogs of War
S2: The NRA | EP2: A Clear Crisis
S2: The NRA | EP3: Man on the White Horse
S2: The NRA | EP4: The Big Game
S2: The NRA | EP5: A Hostile Takeover
S2: The NRA | EP6: Family Business
S2: The NRA | EP7: Enough is Enough
S2: The NRA | EP8: Down to the Studs
S2: The NRA | Bonus Episode: Rigging The Election
the nra
Gangster Capitalism is back. This season, the NRA is in the crosshairs. This past year has rocked the country’s most powerful special interest organization like none other. Internal power struggles have exposed the group’s questionable, and possibly illegal practices which now threaten the nearly 150 year old nonprofit like never before. We’re pulling back the curtain to reveal that this has little to do with guns. It’s about money.
the players
wayne lapierre
A former lobbyist with a taste for fine Italian suits, Wayne LaPierre joined the NRA in 1978 and took over as Executive Vice President and Chief Executive in 1991. He has been criticized for knowing his way around Capitol Hill better than he knows his way around a gun. A staunch hard-liner, he is credited with revitalizing the NRA and shaping it into the formidable powerhouse that it is today. Last April, he was unanimously re-elected as the group’s CEO.
William Brewer III
An audacious Dallas lawyer, William Brewer III represents the NRA as outside counsel. He is a close ally of Wayne LaPierre. Brewer had no prior experience in Second Amendment litigation prior to being hired by the NRA. Leaked documents show that over a thirteen month period, between 2018 and 2019, Brewer’s firm billed the NRA $24 million in fees. That is, $97,000 a day, seven days a week. He has been sanctioned for ethics violations in Texas.
Tony Makris
Once a close friend of Wayne LaPierre, Makris serves as the president of the Mercury group, a wholly owned subsidiary of Ackerman McQueen, the NRA’s longtime PR and advertising firm, as well as president of a corporate entity called Under Wild Skies, which received more than $18 million from the NRA over a period beginning in 2010. The two are currently embroiled in a legal battle over unpaid fees, with Under Wild Skies alleging the nonprofit owes them millions. Makris hosts a show called Under Wild Skies on the Outdoor Channel. It previously aired on NBC Sports, but was pulled by the network after Makris likened his detractors to Hitler.
Angus McQueen
A powerful Oklahoma ad executive, Angus McQueen is credited with shaping all aspects of the NRA’s image. His firm, Ackerman McQueen, worked closely with the NRA for close to 40 years until their unceremonious separation in 2019, with both parties filing suit against the other. Amid the legal battle, McQueen passed away after a fight with lung cancer.
Letitia James
New York's first African-American attorney general, Letitia James is leading an investigation into financial misconduct within the NRA's ranks and the organization's tax-exempt status.
Aaron Davis
"A lifelong gun enthusiast, Aaron Davis spent ten years fundraising for the NRA, courting high value donors. He saw first-hand where funds were being allocated and became disillusioned with the organization he once revered. Hailed as a whistleblower by some, Davis has accused the NRA's executives of enriching themselves at the expense of their members.
Other Seasons
More Shows You'll Love
extras
season 2 episode 1
season 2 episode 2
North and Childress Letter about Brewer Finances
viewNorth Crisis Committee Letter
viewLaPierre’s response to North’s Crisis Committee Letter
viewMillie Hallow Resume
viewMillie Hallow Article
viewseason 2 episode 3
Blue Sky Productions M1 Rifle
viewThe Cincinnati Revolt
viewWayne LaPierre in College
1996 Mercury Group Corporate Filing
viewseason 2 episode 4
Under Wild Skies' NRA Lawsuit
viewUnder Wild Skies Registration Document
viewUnder Wild Skies (Full Episode)
viewseason 2 episode 5
Wayne LaPierre's Expensed Private Jet Travel
viewNRA Ad Featuring Obama's Daughters
viewAckerman McQueen Executive Tony Makris in Josh Powell's J.L. Powell Catalog
Josh Powell Photoshoot Budget Summary
viewseason 2 episode 6
Receipts for Wayne LaPierre's Expensed Clothing Purchases
viewReceipts for Wayne LaPierre's Expensed Private Jet Travel
viewNRA Payment to Facilitate the Purchase of a Mansion for Wayne LaPierre
viewBill Brewer's Failure to Disclose Ethics Violations
viewLuxury Mansion that the NRA Tried to Purchase for Wayne LaPierre
viewseason 2 episode 7
season 2 episode 8
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About C13Originals
C13Originals is the division of Cadence13 focused on original storytelling and developing a slate of IP through a new premium level in-house production studio, and creators of top podcast series Root of Evil: The True Story of the Hodel Family and the Black Dahlia and the white-collar crime docuseries Gangster Capitalism.
Credits
Written and Directed By: Zak Levitt and Andrew Jenks
Executive Producers: Chris Corcoran, Zak Levitt and Andrew Jenks
Producers: Lloyd Lockridge and Perry Crowell
Edited By: Perry Crowell
Sound Mixing and Mastering: Bill Schultz
Research and Production Support: Ian Mandt
Production Management: Terence Malangone
Studio Coordination: Sean Cherry
Artwork and Design: Curt Courtenay
Marketing and PR: Josefina Francis and Hillary Schupf
Original Score: Joel Goodman
Theme Song: “Your Sins Will Find You Out,” by Eli “Paperboy” Reed
Web Development: Ben Messer and Ken Lenga
Gangster Capitalism is a production of C13Originals, a division of Cadence13.
About C13Originals
C13Originals is the division of Cadence13 focused on original storytelling and developing a slate of IP through a new premium level in-house production studio, and creators of top podcast series Root of Evil: The True Story of the Hodel Family and the Black Dahlia and the white-collar crime docuseries Gangster Capitalism.
Credits
Written and Directed By: Zak Levitt and Andrew Jenks
Executive Producers: Chris Corcoran, Zak Levitt and Andrew Jenks
Producers: Lloyd Lockridge and Perry Crowell
Edited By: Perry Crowell
Sound Mixing and Mastering: Bill Schultz
Research and Production Support: Ian Mandt
Production Management: Terence Malangone
Studio Coordination: Sean Cherry
Artwork and Design: Curt Courtenay
Marketing and PR: Josefina Francis and Hillary Schupf
Original Score: Joel Goodman
Theme Song: “Your Sins Will Find You Out,” by Eli “Paperboy” Reed
Web Development: Ben Messer and Ken Lenga
Gangster Capitalism is a production of C13Originals, a division of Cadence13.