Volsteadland

Collected Sounds Media

Volsteadland is your passport to the dark, boozy, bullet-riddled backstreets of 1920s–1940s Minneapolis—a city teeming with secrets, speakeasies, and the sinister charm of one of its most infamous figures: Isadore “Kid Cann” Blumenfeld. Join hosts Amy and Heather as they peel back the curtain on the era when mobsters called the shots, politicians looked the other way, and the Twin Cities were anything but squeaky clean. From prohibition-fueled mayhem to brazen bank robberies, Volsteadland dives deep into the true crime tales and hidden histories that defined a city’s shadowy past. With painstaking research, vintage newspaper clippings, forgotten books, and even first-hand accounts, this independent Minneapolis-made podcast resurrects the real stories buried beneath decades of dust (and corruption). Pour yourself a stiff drink and step into Volsteadland—where the gangsters wore fedoras, the cops took bribes, and the truth is always stranger than fiction.

  1. Volsteadland Live at the CC Club

    05/11/2025

    Volsteadland Live at the CC Club

    Volsteadland Live at the CC Club In this special Volsteadland Live episode, Amy and Heather take the stage at the legendary CC Club in Minneapolis for a raucous, revealing, and sometimes emotional journey into the life and myth of Isadore “Kid Cann” Blumenfeld. Joined by authors, filmmakers, musicians, and descendants of the men who ran the town, we dive into the bullet-riddled underworld of Prohibition-era Minneapolis—and the family lore that still surrounds it. Chapter Markers 00:03:53 Ron de Beaulieu 00:15:36 Michael Greenberg 00:30:13 Paul Maccabee  00:43:49 Marc Percansky 01:02:50 Sherwin Linton and Pam Linton Hear firsthand stories from: Ron de Beaulieu, author of Minnesota's Most Notorious Mobster, who tried to separate the man from the myth (and ended up in the ghost files).Michael Greenberg, filmmaker behind the short film The Combination, who aims to bring Minneapolis' Jewish mob history to the big screen.Paul Maccabee, author of John Dillinger Slept Here, who shares what finally brought Kid Cann down (spoiler: it wasn’t bullets).Marc Percansky and the extended Percansky family, who tell unforgettable stories about The Flame nightclub, pool cues, gangster funerals, and a glimpse into their grandfather, Abe Percansky.Sherwin and Pam Linton. Sherwin brings country music charm and jaw-dropping memorabilia from his days at The Flame (including bar counters and contracts!).Special guests from the audience, including Rita (with tales of blood oaths and milk bottle bootlegging) and David LaBonne (whose dad managed a prized liquor store), Percansky Cousin Michael, and one of the owners of the CC Club, Steve.Plus: haunted soundboards, backroom politics, a mystery tunnel, and the Italian musician who wrote a haunting tribute to Kid Cann...from Italy. 🎧 Featured Song: The Last Prayer for Isadore Blumenfeld by Paolo For Lee (used with permission) 📺 Related Links: 🎞️ Watch The Combination on YouTube: https://youtu.be/jtY82Ma5A18?si=L0k5uM9CqpIEdYkj  📖 Buy Minnesota's Most Notorious Mobster by Ron de Beaulieu: https://amzn.to/4jQKzGz  📖 Read John Dillinger Slept Here by Paul Maccabee: https://amzn.to/4jQKzGz 🎵 Learn more about Paolo For Lee’s Minneapolis project: https://www.youtube.com/@paoloforlee 🎤 Find Sherwin & Pam Linton’s tour dates: sherwinlinton.com | pamlinton.com 📚 Explore Twin Cities Music Highlights: twincitiesmusichighlights.net  Magic Marc Productions: https://www.magicmarcproductions.com/ Got to Be Something Here: The Rise of the Minneapolis Sound by Andrea Swensson: https://amzn.to/434j0mt Amazon links are affiliate links and may result in a tiny commission to the podcast at no extra cost to you. This episode was recorded May 3, 2025 at the CC Club in Minneapolis. This version was release May 11, 2025. Volsteadland is a podcast about the seedy underworld of the 1920s and 30s and even beyond, in Minneapolis, with a special interest in Isadore Blumenfield, aka Kid Cann. In each episode, we choose a story from that era to present to you. Credits: Hosts: Amy Lotsberg and Heather Cram Guests: Ron de Beaulieu, Michael Greenberg, Paul Maccabee, Marc Percansky, Lisa Percansky Goldwater Romy Percansky, Abe Percansky Segal, Sherwin Linton, Pam Linton, Percansky cousin Michael, David LaBonne, Rita, and Steve Shapiro. Theme Music: "The Last Prayer (to Isadore Blumenfeld)" by Paolo For Lee Background Music: "The Velvets" (instrumental version) by Cannelle Production, Artwork, and Editing: Amy Lotsberg at Collected Sounds Media, LLC. Contact If you or your parents, grandparents, etc. have any stories, folklore, or anything really, on the gangster mobster life in Minneapolis in the 1920s through 1960s, please let me know. We’d love to get in touch and chat about it or use your story in the podcast. Anonymous of course, unless you want credit! You can leave a message (voice or text) on the website, https://www.podpage.com/volsteadland Just click on the little microphone at the bottom right of the page.  You can also call the Hotline at 612-424-1684 (leave voicemail or text), or Email: Volsteadland@gmail.com We'd love to hear from you for any reason! Just send us a note to tell us how we're doing!   Engage! Our website: http://www.volsteadland.com/ or https://www.podpage.com/volsteadland Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/volsteadland  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/volstead_land/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Volsteadland FB Discussion Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/volsteadland/ Get your own Volsteadland T-shirt: https://www.zazzle.com/s/volsteadland Watch the video versions of these episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@volsteadland Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/volsteadland/donations

    1h 58m
  2. Volsteadland Live: Thank You

    05/06/2025 · BONUS

    Volsteadland Live: Thank You

    Here's just a little bonus thank you episode. I'm still working on editing the actual show, and will release it just as soon as it's ready! Volsteadland is a podcast about the seedy underworld of the 1920s and 30s and even beyond, in Minneapolis, with a special interest in Isadore Blumenfield, aka Kid Cann. In each episode, we choose a story from that era to present to you.  Credits: Hosts: Amy Lotsberg and Heather Cram Theme Music: "The Last Prayer (to Isadore Blumenfeld)" by Paolo For Lee Background Music: "The Velvets" (instrumental version) by Cannelle Production, Artwork, and Editing: Amy Lotsberg at Collected Sounds Media, LLC. If you or your parents, grandparents, etc. have any stories, folklore, or anything really, on the gangster mobster life in Minneapolis in the 1920s through 1960s, please let me know. We’d love to get in touch and chat about it or use your story in the podcast. Anonymous of course, unless you want credit! You can leave a message (voice or text) on the website, https://www.podpage.com/volsteadland Just click on the little microphone at the bottom right of the page.  You can also call the Hotline at 612-424-1684 (leave voicemail or text), or Email: Volsteadland@gmail.com We'd love to hear from you for any reason! Just send us a note to tell us how we're doing!   Engage! Our website: http://www.volsteadland.com/ or https://www.podpage.com/volsteadland Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/volsteadland  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/volstead_land/ Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Volsteadland FB Discussion Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/volsteadland/ Get your own Volsteadland T-shirt: https://www.zazzle.com/s/volsteadland Watch the video versions of these episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@volsteadland Contact: Send your stories to Volsteadland@gmail.com Hotline: 612-424-1684 (you can text too) Volsteadland is produced by Amy Lotsberg at Collected Sounds Media and is part of the Collected Sounds Indie Podcast Network.  Thanks for listening!   Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/volsteadland/donations

    5 min
  3. Volsteadland LIVE announcement

    03/30/2025

    Volsteadland LIVE announcement

    Hello!!! It’s great to see you again! We’ve been on hiatus, but wanted to come back and tell you about our LIVE show coming up in May 2025. So we’re dusting off our mics and getting back in the game! Then hopefully you can join us at our live show on May 3rd 2025. Our guests will be Ron de Beaulieu, Author of Minnesota's Most Notorious Mobster: The Making and Breaking of Kid Cann, Filmmaker, Michael Greenberg director of, “The Combination” which is included in this year’s Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival, and Paul Maccabee, historian / author and basically the Kid Cann expert. We hope to also have time to bring audience members up on ‘stage’ to tell their own stories. So if you have any family lore or history stories about Kid Cann or his cronies, come prepared to tell them. If you want to reach out to me beforehand, please email at volsteadland@gmail.com Prepare for engaging interviews, lively discussions, and maybe even a few surprising revelations! This is your chance to hear firsthand from the experts and get your burning questions answered. We hope to see you at the CC Club on May 3rd 2025! Volsteadland is a podcast about the seedy underworld of the 1920s and 30s and even beyond, in Minneapolis. In each episode, we chose a story from that era to present to you.    Credits: Hosts: Amy and Heather Theme Music: "The Last Prayer (to Isadore Blumenfeld)" by Paolo For Lee Background Music: "The Velvets" (instrumental version) by Cannelle Production, Artwork, and Editing: Amy Lotsberg at Collected Sounds Media, LLC.   If you or your parents, grandparents, etc. have any stories, folklore, or anything really, on the gangster mobster life in Minneapolis in the 1920s through 1960s, please let me know. We’d love to get in touch and chat about it or use your story in the podcast. Anonymous of course, unless you want credit! You can leave a message (voice or text) on the website, https://www.podpage.com/volsteadland Just click on the little microphone at the bottom right of the page.  You can also call 612-424-1684 (leave voicemail or text), or Email: Volsteadland@gmail.com We'd love to hear from you for any reason! Just send us a note to tell us how we're doing!   Engage! Our website: http://www.volsteadland.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/volstead_land/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Volsteadland FB Discussion Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/volsteadland/ Blog: http://www.volsteadland.com/blog   Get your own Volsteadland T-shirt: https://www.bonfire.com/store/volsteadland-merch/ Watch the video versions of these episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@volsteadland Volsteadland is produced by me, Amy, at Collected Sounds Media and is part of the Collected Sounds Indie Podcast Network.  Thanks for listening!   Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/volsteadland/donations

    3 min
  4. The Activity Continues Podcast (our sister show)

    07/06/2022

    The Activity Continues Podcast (our sister show)

    Our sister podcast, The Activity Continues is a podcast where a couple of dorks (Amy & Megan) chat about the TV show, The Dead Files and other creepy shit. Each week we each choose an episode to dissect and chat about. See our socials (links below) or our blog for extras.  So grab your hankies, hop in the Cadillac, and join us when… The Activity Continues. Season two starts in just a week!  MERCH! Our new T-shirt Store, Bonfire: https://www.bonfire.com/store/collected-sounds-merch/ Other stuff, Red Bubble:  https://www.redbubble.com/people/theactivitycont/explore?asc=u   Support your hosts Megan’s Etsy Shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/CraftJewelerybyMegan Amy’s Podcast Production page: http://www.collectedsounds.com/ Amy’s other show, Volsteadland: https://www.podpage.com/volsteadland/ Donate to the show: https://www.podpage.com/the-activity-continues/support/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theactivitycontinues   If you’d prefer to watch the video versions of our episodes, please see our YouTube Channel https://bit.ly/TAC_videos   Disclaimer: This podcast is in no way affiliated with the Travel Channel, Painless TV, or the TV show The Dead Files or any of its cast or crew. We’re just a couple of fans that love the show and want to build a community of like-minded people who would enjoy hanging out and discussing the episodes and similar content.   Content Warning: This is a general content warning, many of the episodes of the TV show talk about murders, some even involving children. So that may come up in our conversation as well. So please proceed with that in mind. But if you already watch The Dead Files you’ll be prepared.   Also, while Amy and Steve's swears are bleeped on TV, ours are not.   Credits: Hosted by: Amy and Megan Produced by Amy at Collected Sounds Media, LLC. Theme song. “Ghost Story” and segment music by Cannelle https://melissaoliveri.com/   Socials: Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/theactivitycontinues Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theactivitycontinues/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheActivityCont     Other: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theactivitycontinues Website: https://bit.ly/TACOfficial YouTube: https://bit.ly/TAC_videos Newsletter sign up: http://eepurl.com/hWnBLL Say hello at theactivitycontinues@gmail.com Send us cool stuff at: Collected Sounds Media, LLC 8014 Olson Memorial Hwy 55 No.240 Golden Valley, MN 55427-4712 Thank you for listening, take care of yourselves. We’ll see you next week!   #paranormal #thedeadfiles #truecrime #comedy #ghosts #physicalmedium #history Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/volsteadland/donations

    2 min
  5. Red Herrings and Scandal

    04/27/2022

    Red Herrings and Scandal

    This is our 17th episode, it's Season 2 Episode 4. “Red Herrings and Scandal”. We have a different format for you this time. We sat down with our friend Amoreena to chat about another famous person who was charged with the Mann Act, aka White Slavery Act. This is the charge that basically brought down Kid Cann in the 1960s. Amoreena is the friend who has done some wonderful artwork for us and when I asked her to do the artwork for the Marilyn Tollefson episode, she said, “Oh the Mann Act, that’s what they tried to get Charlie Chaplin for!” It sounded like an interesting story so I asked her to join us for an episode to tell us what she knows. What resulted was a fun discussion about old Hollywood and the gossip machine. By the way, the woman who was at the center of the charge was Joan Barry. Volsteadland is a podcast about the seedy underworld of the 1920s and 30s and even beyond, in Minneapolis (and also beyond…Hollywood, this time). In each episode, we chose a story from that era to present to you. : Episode Links: Movies: Trailer: The Cat’s Meow (2001) https://youtu.be/jy9SS59oQFQ The Great Dictator (1940) https://youtu.be/2vOacn2ZcOs Trailer: Scotty and the Secret History of Hollywood (2018) https://youtu.be/1qn6HxTJp0k Whole movie: Scotty and the Secret History of Hollywood (2018) https://amzn.to/3OpWlcb Chaplin (1992) https://amzn.to/3vz5IO6 Trailer: Chaplin (1992) https://youtu.be/8UAy9ynS-l4 The Kid (1921) https://youtu.be/LQE0c1Zugx8 Books: Full Service: My Adventures in Hollywood and the Secret Sex Lives of the Stars  https://amzn.to/3OqDcGZ Hollywood Babylon by Kenneth Anger https://amzn.to/3L6qJ9t My Autobiography by Charlie Chaplin https://amzn.to/3L6rvTV   Other: Joan Barry https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joan_Barry_(American_actress)  [Amazon links are affiliate links] Volsteadland is a podcast about the seedy underworld of the 1920s and 30s and even beyond, in Minneapolis, with a special interest in Isadore Blumenfield, aka Kid Cann. In each episode, we choose a story from that era to present to you.  Credits: Hosts: Amy Lotsberg and Heather Cram Theme Music: "The Last Prayer (to Isadore Blumenfeld)" by Paolo For Lee Background Music: "The Velvets" (instrumental version) by Cannelle Production, Artwork, and Editing: Amy Lotsberg at Collected Sounds Media, LLC. Artwork: Amoreena if you or your parents, grandparents, etc. have any stories, folklore, or anything really, on the gangster mobster life in Minneapolis in the 1920s through 1960s, please let me know. We’d love to get in touch and chat about it or use your story in the podcast. Anonymous of course, unless you want credit! You can leave a message (voice or text) on the website, https://www.podpage.com/volsteadland  Just click on the little microphone at the bottom right of the page.  You can also call 612-424-1684 (leave voicemail or text), or Email: Volsteadland@gmail.com We'd love to hear from you for any reason! Just send us a note to tell us how we're doing!   Engage! Our website: http://www.volsteadland.com/ or https://www.podpage.com/volsteadland Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/volsteadland  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/volstead_land/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Volsteadland FB Discussion Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/volsteadland/ Get your own Volsteadland T-shirt:  https://www.zazzle.com/s/volsteadland Watch the video versions of these episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@volsteadland Contact: Send your stories to Volsteadland@gmail.com Leave a text or VM: 612-424-1684 Volsteadland is produced by Amy Lotsberg at Collected Sounds Media and is part of the Collected Sounds Indie Podcast Network.  Thanks for listening!   Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/volsteadland/donations

    24 min
  6. The Gangster Mind

    03/16/2022

    The Gangster Mind

    This episode is called “The Gangster Mind” and it’s about the criminal mind, psychology and history of the gang and gangsters. It is episode three of season two: Single Barrel Edition. Heather is presenting.  Volsteadland is a podcast about the seedy underworld of the 1920s and 30s and even beyond, in Minneapolis, with a special interest in Isadore Blumenfield, aka Kid Cann. In each episode, we choose a story from that era to present to you.  Credits: Hosts: Amy Lotsberg and Heather Cram Theme Music: "The Last Prayer (to Isadore Blumenfeld)" by Paolo For Lee Background Music: "The Velvets" (instrumental version) by Cannelle Production, Artwork, and Editing: Amy Lotsberg at Collected Sounds Media, LLC. Voiceover Marilyn Ann Tollefson: Melissa Oliveri Artwork for this episode: David Gentner  if you or your parents, grandparents, etc. have any stories, folklore, or anything really, on the gangster mobster life in Minneapolis in the 1920s through 1960s, please let me know. We’d love to get in touch and chat about it or use your story in the podcast. Anonymous of course, unless you want credit! You can leave a message (voice or text) on the website, https://www.podpage.com/volsteadland  Just click on the little microphone at the bottom right of the page.  You can also call 612-424-1684 (leave voicemail or text), or Email: Volsteadland@gmail.com We'd love to hear from you for any reason! Just send us a note to tell us how we're doing!   Engage! Our website: http://www.volsteadland.com/ or https://www.podpage.com/volsteadland Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/volsteadland  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/volstead_land/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Volsteadland FB Discussion Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/volsteadland/ Get your own Volsteadland T-shirt:  https://www.zazzle.com/s/volsteadland Watch the video versions of these episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@volsteadland Contact: Send your stories to Volsteadland@gmail.com Leave a text or VM: 612-424-1684 Volsteadland is produced by Amy Lotsberg at Collected Sounds Media and is part of the Collected Sounds Indie Podcast Network.  Thanks for listening!   Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/volsteadland/donations

    37 min
  7. Izzy’s Funny Valentine

    02/09/2022

    Izzy’s Funny Valentine

    This episode is called “Izzy’s Funny Valentine” and it’s about Marilyn Ann Tollefson. It is episode one of season two: Single Barrel Edition. This time Amy is covering the life of Marilyn Ann Tollefson, the woman who at one time, loved Isadore Blumenfeld then ultimately took him down. Happy Valentine’s Day, we hope your Valentine is truer to you than either of these people were to each other. Content warning: story about dick pics. (PG13) and sex work.  Volsteadland is a podcast about the seedy underworld of the 1920s and 30s and even beyond, in Minneapolis, with a special interest in Isadore Blumenfield, aka Kid Cann. In each episode, we choose a story from that era to present to you.  Credits: Hosts: Amy Lotsberg and Heather Cram Theme Music: "The Last Prayer (to Isadore Blumenfeld)" by Paolo For Lee Background Music: "The Velvets" (instrumental version) by Cannelle Production, Artwork, and Editing: Amy Lotsberg at Collected Sounds Media, LLC. Voiceover Marilyn Ann Tollefson: Melissa Oliveri Artwork for this episode: Amoreena Farrell if you or your parents, grandparents, etc. have any stories, folklore, or anything really, on the gangster mobster life in Minneapolis in the 1920s through 1960s, please let me know. We’d love to get in touch and chat about it or use your story in the podcast. Anonymous of course, unless you want credit! You can leave a message (voice or text) on the website, https://www.podpage.com/volsteadland  Just click on the little microphone at the bottom right of the page.  You can also call 612-424-1684 (leave voicemail or text), or Email: Volsteadland@gmail.com We'd love to hear from you for any reason! Just send us a note to tell us how we're doing!   Engage! Our website: http://www.volsteadland.com/ or https://www.podpage.com/volsteadland Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/volsteadland  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/volstead_land/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Volsteadland FB Discussion Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/volsteadland/ Get your own Volsteadland T-shirt:  https://www.zazzle.com/s/volsteadland Watch the video versions of these episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@volsteadland Contact: Send your stories to Volsteadland@gmail.com Leave a text or VM: 612-424-1684 Volsteadland is produced by Amy Lotsberg at Collected Sounds Media and is part of the Collected Sounds Indie Podcast Network.  Thanks for listening!   Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/volsteadland/donations

    51 min
  8. A Match Made in Crime

    01/26/2022

    A Match Made in Crime

    This episode is about George “Machine Gun” Kelly and is episode one of season two: Single Barrel Edition.   Volsteadland is a podcast about the seedy underworld of the 1920s and 30s and even beyond, in Minneapolis, with a special interest in Isadore Blumenfield, aka Kid Cann. In each episode, we choose a story from that era to present to you.  Credits: Hosts: Amy Lotsberg and Heather Cram Theme Music: "The Last Prayer (to Isadore Blumenfeld)" by Paolo For Lee Background Music: "The Velvets" (instrumental version) by Cannelle Production, Artwork, and Editing: Amy Lotsberg at Collected Sounds Media, LLC. if you or your parents, grandparents, etc. have any stories, folklore, or anything really, on the gangster mobster life in Minneapolis in the 1920s through 1960s, please let me know. We’d love to get in touch and chat about it or use your story in the podcast. Anonymous of course, unless you want credit! You can leave a message (voice or text) on the website, https://www.podpage.com/volsteadland  Just click on the little microphone at the bottom right of the page.  You can also call 612-424-1684 (leave voicemail or text), or Email: Volsteadland@gmail.com We'd love to hear from you for any reason! Just send us a note to tell us how we're doing!   Engage! Our website: http://www.volsteadland.com/ or https://www.podpage.com/volsteadland Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/volsteadland  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/volstead_land/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Volsteadland FB Discussion Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/volsteadland/ Get your own Volsteadland T-shirt:  https://www.zazzle.com/s/volsteadland Watch the video versions of these episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@volsteadland Contact: Send your stories to Volsteadland@gmail.com Leave a text or VM: 612-424-1684 Volsteadland is produced by Amy Lotsberg at Collected Sounds Media and is part of the Collected Sounds Indie Podcast Network.  Thanks for listening!   Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/volsteadland/donations

    31 min

Trailer

4.8
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

Volsteadland is your passport to the dark, boozy, bullet-riddled backstreets of 1920s–1940s Minneapolis—a city teeming with secrets, speakeasies, and the sinister charm of one of its most infamous figures: Isadore “Kid Cann” Blumenfeld. Join hosts Amy and Heather as they peel back the curtain on the era when mobsters called the shots, politicians looked the other way, and the Twin Cities were anything but squeaky clean. From prohibition-fueled mayhem to brazen bank robberies, Volsteadland dives deep into the true crime tales and hidden histories that defined a city’s shadowy past. With painstaking research, vintage newspaper clippings, forgotten books, and even first-hand accounts, this independent Minneapolis-made podcast resurrects the real stories buried beneath decades of dust (and corruption). Pour yourself a stiff drink and step into Volsteadland—where the gangsters wore fedoras, the cops took bribes, and the truth is always stranger than fiction.