#329 Justin DeLoretto - Ex-Mongols President Reveals What Really Happens Inside a 1% Club
Justin DeLoretto, a former president of the Mongols Motorcycle Club, shares his unique journey from street gangs to outlaw biker culture and ultimately becoming a therapist. He reflects on the complex dynamics of loyalty, brotherhood, and the challenges within the motorcycle club lifestyle, as well as the impact of violence and personal tragedies on his life.
Summary
In this episode, Justin DeLoretto discusses his life experiences, beginning with his upbringing in Salem, Oregon, in a close-knit Italian family. He recounts his early involvement in street gangs, leading to becoming a president of the Mongols Motorcycle Club, where he helped expand their presence across various regions. He emphasizes the importance of brotherhood, personal accountability, and community, sharing insights into how positive activities can steer youth away from gangs. He also delves into the complexities of club politics, the violence between rival clubs like the Hells Angels and the Mongols, and how those dynamics influenced his life choices. Justin highlights his transition to becoming a therapist, advocating for mental health, and helping at-risk youth, while also reflecting on his own challenges after leaving the motorcycle club scene. His current work is focused on building a more positive community and fostering personal growth, showing that change is possible despite a turbulent past.
About this episode
Justin "Mooch" DeLoretto is a former president of the Oregon and Missouri chapters of the Mongols Motorcycle Club and a founding member of its Portland charter. After years immersed in motorcycle club culture, he retired from the Mongols in 2021 and transitioned into a career as a social worker focused on youth violence prevention and at-risk children. He is the author of The Ride of My Life: From Street Gangs to Motorcycle Clubs to Social Worker, hosts multiple podcasts, and founded the Lift Train Ride community, where he shares lessons from his unconventional journey. Privacy isn't Paranoia. It's Protection. Download Glacier - https://srs.site/glacierapp Website - https://theglacierapp.com Shawn Ryan Show Sponsors: Head to https://factormeals.com/srs50off and use code SRS50OFF to get 50% off and 1 free breakfast item per box for 1 year, while supplies last until 10/31/2026. New customers can save 35% on your first month of Dose for Cholesterol by going to https://dosedaily.co/SRS or entering SRS at checkout. Upgrade your eyewear for summer at https://roka.com and use code SRS for 20% off sitewide at checkout. Live better longer with BUBS Naturals. Get 20% OFF on collagen, MCT creamers, and more with code SHAWN at https://bubsnaturals.com/srs Get firearm security redesigned and save 10% off @StopBoxUSA with code SRS at https://stopboxusa.com/SRS #stopboxpod Justin "Mooch" DeLoretto Links: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/og__mooch Patched Podcast - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCDTEGIccZCWqJgZd1MBwwg Mondays with Mooch Podcast - https://www.youtube.com/@mondayswithmooch Book: The Ride of My Life - https://a.co/d/01IKZ4hD Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Key Insights
- Justin DeLoretto advocates that positive peer involvement in activities can help youth steer away from gang culture.
- He argues that many youth are unaware of the impact of their upbringing on their identity formation.
- DeLoretto highlights the importance of finding community, especially for young men searching for identity.
- He acknowledges that coming from a tight-knit family provided him with a support system during turbulent times.
- The former Mongols president expresses that the biker culture often becomes overshadowed by violence and rivalry among clubs.
- His experience with gangs taught him that seeking validation through aggression leads to detrimental consequences.
- DeLoretto's transition from motorcycle club life to social work exemplifies the potential for personal reinvention.
- He points out that therapy for at-risk youth is more effective when addressing systemic factors rather than focusing solely on individual behavior.
- He believes that improving communication among members can mitigate conflicts before they escalate to violence.
- DeLoretto stresses that the culture within motorcycle clubs can vary greatly, and not all clubs operate under the same principles.
- He notes that many motorcycle club members come from military backgrounds and seek a sense of brotherhood after service.
- He observed that rules within the Mongols aimed at preventing violence and drug use led to a healthier club culture.
- DeLoretto mentions that the Mongols are known for having a no methamphetamine policy, which he implemented to promote responsibility.
- His experience with legal troubles and federal investigations illustrates the precarious nature of outlaw lifestyles.
- He reflects on the significance of storytelling and shared experiences in fostering understanding and connection among club members.
Topics
Transcript
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