About this episode
Scott Lechner is the king of Christmas trees in Manhattan, nicknamed the “Pontiff of Soho.” But when his business runs afoul of the mob, he gets an offer that he can’t refuse. And a covert operative is assigned to extract a high-level target from Russia, and it’s about to ruin his holiday plans.
STORIES
The Christmas Tree Mafia
Scott Lechner is the king of Christmas trees in Manhattan, nicknamed the “Pontiff of Soho.” But when his business runs afoul of the mob, he gets an offer that he can’t refuse. The crazy true story of the New York Christmas tree industry, full of turf wars, karate fights, and the mafia.
This story contains explicit language, sensitive listeners please be advised.
This story is dedicated to the memory of Scott Lechner, the pontiff of Soho and the emperor of New York city treemen. Thanks as well to Russ and Little Scott.
Produced by Ilana Strauss, John Fecile & Annie Nguyen. Original score by Renzo Gorrio.
Secrets in Siberia
Mike Ramsdell is a covert operative for the federal government. He’s assigned to capture and extract a high-level target from Russia, but the mission goes horribly wrong.
Find Mike’s book here.
Produced by Anna Sussman, original score by Renzo Gorrio.
Artwork by Teo Ducot
Season 13 – Episode 41
Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choicesGet every episode summarized
Each time Snap Judgment publishes, we email you a written briefing from the transcript — the topics, who appeared, and any specific claims, with the ad reads skipped.
Email me new episodesFree for 3 shows. No card needed.
Hosts & guests
No transcript yet
This episode has not been transcribed. Request it and it moves to the front of the queue.
More episodes
