Michael Imperioli

Shows

Episodes

  1. Episode #91 "Made in America"

    12/20/2021

    Episode #91 "Made in America"

    This is it folks the final episode of Talking Sopranos….and what better guest than David Chase to wrap it all up. Michael Imperioli and Steve Schirripa ask David a whole list of questions that have come up during the podcast….Is there really anything to the Rhiannon theory? Did Ralphie kill Pie-O-My? Is Tony alive or dead. It's all in this final episode. Talking Sopranos #91 "Made in America" S7-E9.  We would also like to thank all the fans who have followed us over the course of this podcast. It's been incredible to take this journey with you and we love you all. We would also like to thank all our fantastic guests, the show just wouldn't have been the same without you. We would like to thank all our amazing sponsors for supporting us and keeping the podcast going through a very difficult time for everyone. In closing a big thank you to everyone who has ever worked on the Sopranos and whose effort made this The Greatest Show in TV history! Cheers. Make sure to pick up Michael and Steve's New York Times Best Seller WOKE UP THIS MORNING: The Definitive Oral History of the Sopranos. Click the link below or get your book wherever books are sold.  https://www.harpercollins.com/products/woke-up-this-morning-michael-imperiolisteve-schirripa?variant=33092398710818 Check out Michael and Steve's live show Comedy and Conversations with the Sopranos. Saturday February 12th at the St. George Theatre, Staten Island, N.Y. Check the link below for dates in your area. https://www.talkingsopranos.com/comedy-and-conversations-with-the-sopranos https://www.talkingsopranos.com https://www.betterhelp.com/talking https://honehealth.com/talkingsopranos

    2h 12m
  2. Episode #50 "The Strong, Silent Type"

    03/08/2021

    Episode #50 "The Strong, Silent Type"

    This week Michael and Steve welcome both Alla Kliouka (Svetlana Kirilenko) and Robert Funaro (Eugene Pontecorvo) to the Talking Sopranos podcast.      First up it's Alla Kliouka who played Svetlana, one of the most memorable characters of the series. She talks about what it was like to be a successful actress in the Soviet Union and how the Sopranos was her first real US gig. When she auditioned for David Chase she walked into the room as Svetlana and completely blew everybody away. She also shares how she found out she was going to have sex with Tony Soprano at the table read, and how props made that famous leg disappear.      Then Robert Funaro joins the podcast and reveals how he was originally hired to play Ralphie. That didn't go as planned so the writers switched gears and created Eugene just for him. He also tells Michael and Steve that just when he thought everything was going so well, he got the "Good News Bad News" call from David Chase. Robert also shares how the stunt coordinator pulled off his final scene, and what equipment was used to make it look so real.      After that Michael and Steve share some crazy stories about Milton Berle's huge….. and Michael's weird thoughts on the Bermuda Triangle. Plus the episode breakdown of "The Strong, Silent Type" S4 – Ep10. Make sure to subscribe to the Talking Sopranos podcast wherever you get your podcasts and go to the Talking Sopranos website for new merchandise.  https://talkingsopranos.com https://www.betterhelp.com/talking https://www.Privateinternetaccess.com/talkingsopranos

    2h 27m
  3. Episode #61 "Marco Polo"

    05/24/2021

    Episode #61 "Marco Polo"

    It all begins with a big THANK YOU to all our fans for voting Talking Sopranos the best podcast in Television and Film at the Webbys!      Then Michael and Steve take on one of the best episodes of the entire Sopranos series. They also welcome guests Leslie Rae Bega (Valentina La Paz) and Joe Lisi (Dick Barone). Leslie is a fascinating woman who not only is an incredible actress, but an extremely successful real estate agent and accomplished chef. She tells us the story of her life, her career and how she ended up on the Sopranos. She also talks about how she got the role of Valentina, and what it took for her to give that character real personality. When Leslie was hired she knew there would be some nudity involved but things did get a bit more graphic then she expected. Over all it was an amazing experience and she has many fantastic stories to tell.       After that Michael and Steve welcome Joe Lisi to the podcast. Joe tells us how he went from real NYPD captain to TV and film actor. He said he made more money in one day playing a police captain on TV than he did in a whole week as a real captain. He also tells us the real story of a celeb who went to buy coke, signed autographs for the undercover cops and ended up in cuffs. Joe is the real deal.        Finally Michael and Steve break down S5 – Ep8 "Marco Polo". This is one that Michael wrote so he has lots of really interesting inside info. He tells great stories about the script, the production and what went on behind the scenes. It's another fantastic episode of Talking Sopranos! Don't forget to subscribe to the Talking Sopranos podcast wherever you get your podcasts and visit the Talking Sopranos website to ask Michael and Steve questions and buy official TSP merchandise. https://www.talkingsopranos.com https://www.betterhelp.com/talking https://www.joinhoney.com/talking https://www.untuckit.com https://www.cbdmd.com

    2h 11m
  4. Episode #49 "Whoever Did This"

    03/01/2021

    Episode #49 "Whoever Did This"

    This week Michael and Steve welcome two exciting guests. Al Sapienza who played Mikey Palmice, and Dan Grimaldi who played both Philly and Patsy Parisi.       First up Al talks about how he got his start in the business. Did you know he played Ringo in Beatlemania on Broadway? Then he shares how a relationship with Jason Alexander got him the audition for the Sopranos. For Al, Mikey Palmice was the role of a lifetime and he was devastated when he heard he was getting whacked. He tried to talk David out of it, but in the end kept a positive attitude and went on to build a brilliant career after the Sopranos.      Then professor Grimaldi joins the podcast. Dan actually has a PhD in data processing and still teaches at Kingsborough Community College. When Dan originally got out of grad school he went to work for Bell Labs and absolutely hated it. After only a week on the job he decided to quit and realized acting was the life for him. When Michael was young he used to love a horror movie called "Don't Go In the House" which starred Dan Grimaldi. Then years later when Michael landed his first role in a professional play it was Dan who ended up playing his father. Strange…      Then Michael and Steve get into the episode which was a big one for Joe Pantoliano. Joe won an Emmy for this season and sent this episode to the academy for consideration. Michael was also nominated that year and talks about what it's like to win, and lose at the Emmys. There's a lot in Talking Sopranos episode #49 "Whoever Did This" S4 - Ep9. Make sure to subscribe the Talking Sopranos podcast wherever you get your podcasts, and go to the Talking Sopranos web site to ask questions and get official merchandise.  https://www.talkingsopranos.com

    2h 18m
  5. Episode #87 "Kennedy and Heidi"

    11/22/2021

    Episode #87 "Kennedy and Heidi"

    This week Michael and Steve welcome Lorraine Bracco (Dr Melfi) back to the Talking Sopranos podcast. Lorraine was a huge part of the show and returns to discuss her thoughts about the ending. Michael and Steve were a bit surprised to hear how Lorraine found out about the final "cut to black", and how she was not happy about the way Melfi ended the show. She also shares stories about David Chase and of course her thoughts on Tony's fate.  Then Michael and Steve get into this week's episode which is a big one. This is the last episode for Michael and one of the most shocking of the entire series. Lots to get into on Talking Sopranos #87 "Kennedy and Heidi" S7-Ep6. Make sure to visit the Talking Sopranos website for more information about the podcast and to buy official merchandise.    Make sure to pick up Michael and Steve's New York Times Best Seller WOKE UP THIS MORNING: The Definitive Oral History of the Sopranos. Click the link below or get your book wherever books are sold.  https://www.harpercollins.com/products/woke-up-this-morning-michael-imperiolisteve-schirripa?variant=33092398710818   Check out Michael and Steve's live show Comedy and Conversations with the Sopranos. Saturday February 12th at the St. George Theatre, Staten Island, N.Y. Check the link below for dates in your area. https://www.talkingsopranos.com/comedy-and-conversations-with-the-sopranos   https://www.talkingsopranos.com https://www.betterhelp.com/talking https://www.xchairtalking.com https://www.wineenthusiast.com https://www.indochino.com

    2h 7m
  6. Episode #67 "Members Only"

    07/05/2021

    Episode #67 "Members Only"

    This week Michael and Steve welcome Dania Ramirez (Blanca Selgado) to the podcast. Dania has appeared in Heroes, Entourage, Justice League, Sweet Tooth as well as 5 episodes of the Sopranos. Originally her manager passed on the Sopranos audition but Dania thought he was crazy. It was always one of her favorite shows.       Dania was born in the Dominican Republic and never thought she would end up with such a successful career in show business. She talks about how she got her start, and what her family thought about her pursuing a career as an actress. She was really nervous her first day on the Sopranos set and it was James Gandolfini who calmed her down and told her to just relax. Dania has definitely had a very successful acting career but is also a busy entrepreneur involved in a number of projects from making wine to legal cannabis. Currently she is starring in her latest hit Sweet Tooth on Netflix.       After Dania's interview Michael and Steve get into this week's episode. It's called "Members Only" and Steve kicks things off by showing some pics of him and Frank Sinatra who is wearing a Members Only jacket…This is the beginning of season six and this episode does not disappoint. It's one of the best in the series with a lot to understand. Michael really focuses on the nuances in this one. Talking Sopranos Episode #67 "Members Only" S6-Ep1. Don't forget to subscribe to the Talking Sopranos podcast wherever you get your podcasts and go to the Talking Sopranos website to ask Michael and Steve questions and buy official merchandise. https://www.talkingsopranos.com https://www.betterhelp.com/talking https://bluechew.com https://www.mercuryeastpresents.com/mercurylounge https://www.dryfarmwines.com/dania

    2h 39m
  7. Episode #83 "Remember When"

    10/25/2021

    Episode #83 "Remember When"

    Michael and Steve welcome the one and only Vincent Pastore back to the podcast. Vinny has a blast sharing his favorite memories from the show, and how he thought he got whacked for smoking weed at a concert. He also shares a really funny story about how he screwed up introducing Bruce Springsteen at a concert, and of course whether he thinks Tony is alive or dead.      Then Michael and Steve take on the third episode of the final season. Tony is questioning Paulie's loyalty, Phil is making big moves and the series is starting to build to that final ending.  Check out Talking Sopranos #83 "Remember When" S7-Ep3. Make sure to subscribe to the Talking Sopranos podcast wherever you get your podcasts and go to the Talking Sopranos website to buy official merchandise.       Now's your chance to enter the Talking Sopranos Superfan Contest and join Michael and Steve on the podcast. Just go to talkingsopranos.com or click the link below and tell us in 150 words or less why you are a Talking Sopranos Superfan and what you think happened at the end of the series. Entries are due by November 1st at midnight. https://www.talkingsopranos.com/fancontest        WOKE UP THIS MORNING: The Definitive Oral History of the Sopranos is available on November 2nd wherever books are sold. Get yours before they sell out.  Also Michael and Steve are signing copies on November 2nd at the Bookends Bookstore in Ridgewood, New Jersey  http://www.book-ends.com Barnes and Noble will be holding a virtual event on Monday November 8th at 7pm. https://www.eventbrite.com/o/barnes-amp-noble-17337409237   Check out Comedy and Conversations with the Sopranos Live. Get your tickets today! https://www.ticketmaster.com/in-conversation-with-the-sopranos-tickets/artist/2683319   See Zopa live Saturday November 6th at Baby's Alright in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, N.Y. http://babysallright.com   Get official Sopranos merchandise and more at http://www.proplayerstars.com Need a ride call Broadway Elite and tell them Michael and Steve sent you.  https://broadway-elite.com or call 973-515-8808 https://www.talkingsopranos.com https://www.betterhelp.com/talking https://simplisafe.com/talking https://www.indochino.com

    2h 42m
  8. Episode #82 "Stage 5"

    10/18/2021

    Episode #82 "Stage 5"

    John talks about what it was like going into that final season and how he didn't want it to end. He reminisces about his time on the show and whether he thinks Tony got whacked in the end. Then, we're down to the final eight...This one has the hilarious Cleaver premiere, The end of Johnny Sac and somebody getting smacked with a Humanitas award. Every one of these last episodes are absolutely brilliant. Don't miss Talking Sopranos #82 "Stage 5" S7 – E2. Remember to subscribe to the Talking Sopranos podcast wherever you get your podcasts and visit the Talking Sopranos website to buy official merchandise.  You have until Monday November 1st to enter the Talking Sopranos Superfan Contest. Tell us why YOU are a Talking Sopranos Superfan, and what you think happened to Tony after that infamous cut to black. We'll pick a few lucky winners to join the podcast and get a signed copy of WOKE UP THIS MORNING: The Definitive Oral History of the Sopranos. Just click the link below or go to https://www.talkingsopranos.com  to enter.  https://www.talkingsopranos.com/fancontest   Check out Comedy and Conversations with the Sopranos Live. Get your tickets today! https://www.ticketmaster.com/in-conversation-with-the-sopranos-tickets/artist/2683319 Pick up your copy WOKE UP THIS MORNING: The Definitive Oral History of the Sopranos on November 2nd wherever books are sold…..And get a signed copy on November 2 at the Bookends Bookstore in Ridgewood, New Jersey  http://www.book-ends.com And on November 4 at the Landmark Theatre in Port Washington, N.Y. https://www.landmarkonmainstreet.org   https://www.betterhelp.com/talking https://rothys.com/talking

    2h 12m
  9. Episode #66 "All Due Respect"

    06/28/2021

    Episode #66 "All Due Respect"

    This week on Talking Sopranos Michael Imperioli and Steve Schirripa finish off season five with special guest Toni Kalem (Angie Bonpensiero).       During the interview Michael and Steve are really surprised to find out that Toni was a finalist to play the role of Carmela! She was the one who went to LA for the screen test with Jim and the folks from HBO. Toni also talks about her early days as an actress in NYC. How she had to deal with the old casting couch mentality and how her bosses literally chased her around the desk. Luckily she was able to make the right connections and it was her talent that rose above. David Chase saw Toni in a film called The Wanderers and asked her to audition for the Sopranos. She didn't get the role of Carmela but did land the part of Angie Bonpensiero, and wrote one episode herself. In the early days HBO wouldn't fly her from LA so she lived with her parents while acting in one of the biggest TV shows in history.       Then Michael and Steve get another letter from A S. This time he really rips into Michael, and Steve has had it!. This may be the end of AS…After that Michael and Steve finish off season 5. This is another incredible episode and one that David Chase originally thought could be the series finale. Don't miss Talking Sopranos #66 S5-Ep13 "All Due Respect". Make sure to subscribe to the Talking Sopranos podcast wherever you get your podcasts and go to talkingsopranos.com to buy merchandise and ask Michael and Steve questions.   See Zopa live at the Mercury Lounge in NYC. Click the link below for more details.  http://www.mercuryeastpresents.com/mercurylounge   https://www.talkingsopranos.com https://www.betterhelp.com/talking https://www.scoremaster.com/talking https://www.cbdmd.com

    2h 19m
  10. Episode #65 "Long Term Parking"

    06/21/2021

    Episode #65 "Long Term Parking"

    It's another fantastic episode with two amazing guests.       First up, the legendary Peter Bogdanovich talks about how he started out as an actor in NYC and what gave him the bug to start directing. He shares stories about his friendship with Orson Wells, how he cast Tatum O'Neil in the Last Picture Show and of course how he ended up on the Sopranos. Peter became friends with David Chase who asked him to play the role of Melfi's psychiatrist. He also directed Michael and Steve in Sentimental Education S5-Ep6 of the Sopranos.       Next Marianne Leone joins the podcast. Michael worked with Marianne on Goodfellas and the two remained friends ever since. She is a lot of fun and shares some great stories about her days on the Sopranos and how Federico Castelluccio restored a painting of her grandparents.       Then Michael and Steve get into one of the most surprising and dramatic episodes of the entire series. Michael and Drea both won Emmys for their performances as well as Terry Winter for the screenplay.  Tim Van Patten was nominated for directing. This is a great one…Talking Sopranos S5-E12 "Long Term Parking". Make sure to subscribe to the Talking Sopranos podcast wherever you get your podcasts and go to talkingsopranos.com for official merchandise and to ask Michael and Steve questions. https://www.talkingsopranos.com https://www.betterhelp.com/talking https://www.scoremaster.com/talking https://www.stamps.com

    2h 43m