Searching for Allan Rothbart

De: Barry Rothbart

Narrado por: Barry Rothbart

“The truth will set you free… but first it’ll suck.”

When comedian Barry Rothbart was growing up in Queens in the 90s, there were two things he knew for sure… his father, Allan, was his best friend and he was also Jon Bon Jovi’s manager. But then everything changed in 1997, when Barry’s dad got arrested and admitted that he actually worked for the Italian mafia, running the largest bookmaking operation in the United States. High school Barry jumped in to work alongside him–bringing envelopes from one place to another, disposing of evidence, meeting with strange men with huge hands in the back of pizzerias, and making more money than most teenagers had ever seen. It all seemed like a perfect buddy comedy…. until it wasn’t.

Years after Allan’s death from cancer in 2007, Barry discovered cassette tapes that his dad had recorded on his deathbed. These tapes contained confessions that shattered everything Barry thought he knew about his father. Serious crimes, stolen identities, relationships to serial killers, and the implication of another secret family that Allan had kept hidden from Barry and his mom.

In this gripping and darkly funny ten-part series, Barry embarks on a deeply personal and wildly absurd investigation into the true story of Allan Rothbart. Through revealing interviews with childhood friends, estranged family members, his father’s ex-girlfriends, and a mysterious woman named Iris who seems to hold the key to his father's biggest secrets, Barry uncovers a web of lies, crimes, and shocking revelations that force him to reconcile the loving father he knew with the stranger he discovers.

Searching for Allan Rothbart is part true-crime, part family memoir, and part late-in-life coming-of-age tale. It explores the lies between parents and their children, the stories we tell ourselves, and what happens when the truth undoes it all. A journey tied together by intimate family recordings and populated with colorful characters, this Audible Original is about growing up, getting wise, and learning that sometimes the most crucial mysteries are the ones closest to home.

©2025 Audible Originals, LLC. (P)2025 Audible Originals, LLC.

Great Book of Book Self Discovery

I liked how up beat the story teller was and the amazing journey into self discovery. It started out as a story of one’s father but ended up being a journey of self discovery, the good, the bad, and the ugly.

Research, reporting and honesty.

I liked the vulnerability and honesty Barry displayed throughout this journey. It was a fascinating story.

Cliffhanger!!! What’s next?!

I don’t like that there was a cliffhanger and no indication of a follow up sequel. Very fun little story, however.

What a wild ride!

This is one of my favorite audible listens, should be a movie. I even contacted my childhood friend with the Rothbart last name to see if she is possibly related to you, which I imagine she really isn’t if you know what I mean. I know people from my childhood step family and family of origin that remind me of this story, it helps me to understand what they may have come from is what molded them even if there is a lot of deception there still may be love mixed up in that. The beautiful thing is that this man who clearly had a tough life loved you in the best way he was able.

Great turns and twist.

I was totally excited for the next episode. Well done! Also I feel like there should be more! Or maybe just that it’s that good.

interesting history

It started out really suspenseful. The last episode with therapist was kind of unnecessary. Ending was cool.

Engaging Storytelling

Funny, Sad. Reflective. Lots of twists and turns. Makes you really think about the stories we tell ourselves about family and why they’re important.

Honest and genuine

A very intimate look into the life of Barry Rothbart. He is vulnerable and honest. I wonder how many people can relate!

when men laugh, follow that emotion

when i read about this project, i was immediately on board; now i’ve consumed it in just over a day. it was a dream read for me, really, because it has so many qualities i seek out: it’s a multimedia memoir with humor, accountability, scenes reminiscent of ekphrasis, a 360-view of a complex father-son relationship, an impassioned plea for the opportunity to know more of his family, and a bit of a freefall into the reveals as they came. barry’s curiosity held onto me; as did the way he rolled with the punches when it came to new or unexpected findings. there’s a beautiful protectiveness barry has for his father allan—instead of preserving a version of allan recognizable to others, he safeguards the space allan’s truths need in order to be revealed and accepted.

Enjoyed

I really enjoy it all the twists & terms .
I would highly recommend it.