Michael Imperioli - Apple Podcasts

Talking Sopranos

Talking Sopranos

talkingsopranos@gmail.com (podjams)

03/15/2021

Episode #51 "Calling All Cars"

Peter Riegert (Assemblyman Zellman) joins Michael and Steve for this week's episode of Talking Sopranos. Peter is both an Oscar and Emmy nominee known for his work on Animal House, The Mask, Oscar, Barbarians at the Gate, Crossing Delancey and so much more. He talks about how he got into the business and his first TV job on M*A*S*H. He also shares what it was like to work with John Belushi and the entire cast on Animal House. Peter originally auditioned for the role of Elliot Kupferberg on the Sopranos but completely blew the audition. He didn't get the part but David called him a year later to play Assemblyman Zellman. Peter shares some incredible stories about working with James Gandolfini and how he supported him in a way most actors would not. Then Michael and Steve get into the episode but keep getting sidetracked with stories of ghosts, aliens, squid and UFO's. They definitely don't see eye to eye on the world beyond but do agree this is an incredible episode. Lots of fantastic inside info is revealed in Talking Sopranos "Calling All Cars" S4-Ep11. Remember to subscribe to the Talking Sopranos podcast wherever you get your podcasts and go to our website to buy merchandise and ask Michael and Steve questions. https://talkingsopranos.com https://www.betterhelp.com/talking
07/13/2020

Episode #16 "Toodle-F**king-Oo"

Evil has arrived and its name is Richie Aprile! In this episode Michael and Steve get into the dramatic appearance of this season's villain and Meadow's insane house party. They discuss how Tony is now getting it from all sides. Janice is conniving her way through the family, Meadow is playing the Mob boss like a fiddle and Melfi is now using Tony as her therapy. Watch out Beansie the car is in high gear it's headed for you. Plus Michael and Steve talk about what it's like to audition for a gig and some of their funniest hits and misses. It's all on this week's episode of Talking Sopranos #16 S2 Ep3 Toodle-F**king-Oo. Make sure to subscribe to the Talking Sopranos podcast wherever you get your podcasts and check out some of Michael's music at TalkingSopranos.com.
11/19/2022 · Subscribers Only

Best Of: Misty Copeland / Michael Imperioli

Misty Copeland was the first Black principal ballerina for the American Ballet Theatre. We talk about the pressure of being first, touring with Prince, and experiencing homelessness as a child. Her memoir is The Wind at My Back.Michael Imperioli plays a sex-addicted Hollywood producer on vacation in Sicily in HBO's The White Lotus. He's best known for his role as Tony Soprano's hot-headed protégé, Christopher Moltisanti. He talks about both roles with us.
11/23/2020

Episode #35 "The Telltale Moozadell"

Michael provides some amazing insight into the story as this was the second of five episodes he wrote. He tells us where the title came from, the story behind the Lollipop Lounge and how he came up with many of the ideas. This one also includes a short scene with an actress who at the time was a complete unknown but went on to become none other than Lady Gaga. She's one of the girls by the pool watching AJ and friends trash the place. Adriana's dream might come true, Jackie Jr is headed down a bad road and Tony and Gloria are really heating up the snake house. Michael and Steve are gonna get into it all. Bobby Bacala does not appear in this episode and Steve's still pissed about it. You would think Michael would have written him in somewhere…this might get ugly. Then the guys also take on Hollywood and talk about which actors and directors they love, and which ones are real jerkoffs. Watch out because a few of these folks are gonna make it into the video that will be revealed after Steve's death…now entitled "Steve MotherF**ks the World" Check out the Telltale Moozadell. Sopranos S3-E9. Don't forget to subscribe to the Talking Sopranos podcast wherever you get your podcasts and take advantage of the Talking Sopranos Black Friday sale at talkingsopranos.com.
09/14/2020

Episode #25 "The Knight In White Satin Armor"

The evil Richie Aprile (David Proval) joins Michael and Steve for this week's episode of Talking Sopranos. David is an emotional guest who talks about his incredible career, his big break with Martin Scorsese on Mean Streets, and how he got the gig on the Sopranos. He also shares an amazing story about his first audition with James Gandolfini, and how he used his anger and rage at the entertainment industry to create Richie's Aprile's character. Michael and Steve also talk about actors and entertainers who worked their whole lives to become what seemed like an overnight success….It ain't easy folks! Then Michael and Steve break down this week's episode which is definitely a shocker! Audiences were stunned when Janice pulled the trigger and lots to unpack 20 years later. Both David Proval and Aida Turturro deserved Emmys for this one. Don't miss Talking Sopranos Ep #25 "The Knight in White Satin Armor". Remember to subscribe to the Talking Sopranos podcast wherever you get your podcasts, and go to talkingsopranos.com to ask questions, get official merchandise and hear Michael's original music.
05/11/2020

Episode 7 "Down Neck"

Guest Robert Iler (AJ Soprano) joins Michael and Steve to talk about working with James Gandofini, his incredible time on the Sopranos, and being a professional poker player. Did he really shave his eyebrows in season 5? Then Michael and Steve break down the Sopranos S1 Ep 7. They discuss the flashback to 1967 and some of the David Chase's interesting music choices. Tony tells Melfi he was always proud to be Johnny Soprano's son but was it Livia who was the real gangster? It's all in this this week's episode of Talking Sopranos #7 "Down Neck". Go to talkingsopranos.com to ask questions and more.
10/19/2020

Episode #30 "Employee of the Month"

Emmy award winning writers Robin Green and Mitchell Burgess join Michael and Steve for a special episode of Talking Sopranos. They share stories about how they first met David Chase and their work together on Northern Exposure. Then they talk about how they got the gig on the Sopranos and what is was like in the writer's room early on. How Tony Sirico freaked out when a character referred to him as a bully and made Robin and Mitchell change the script to call Paulie a psycho. There are more crazy stories about setting a bar on fire and some wild times with James Gandolfini. Then Steve breaks out Bobby Bacala's infamous train hat as he and Michael take on this week's episode. It's a dramatic, brutal and emotional show that got a lot of blowback when it first aired. Many people cancelled their subscription to HBO after seeing it. Michael and Steve also share some thoughts about their approach to acting and how they're able to remember all those lines. There's stories of how Tony Sirico actually went on an expedition to find the Dutchman's lost gold and a crazy Sopranos open casting call that drew over 15,000 people. It's a jam-packed episode! Talking Sopranos #30 "Employee of the Month" S3 Ep4. Remember to subscribe to the Talking Sopranos podcast wherever you get your podcasts and go to talkingsopranos.com to post questions and buy official merchandise.
05/10/2021

Episode #59 "Sentimental Education"

Paul was a member of the SUNY Purchase Mafia and talks about his college days with Edie Falco, Hal Hartley and Wesley Snipes. He originally auditioned for the role of Mikey Palmice, but after his audition David Chase asked him to read for Father Phil. Strangely, Paul's real life dad was a bit of a flawed priest himself so Paul knew exactly how to play that part. Then Jason Minter joins the podcast. Jason started out as the locations manager for the Sopranos but David Chase quickly took him on as his own personal assistant. Jason saw the entire Sopranos operation from the inside out. He knew what was going on before the actors, producers or directors did. When someone on staff leaked secrets about the show, Jason was the one who did some digging to figure out who it was. Turns out the guilty party was making hundreds of thousands of dollars selling story lines to the tabloids. After that Michael and Steve break down this week's episode. It was directed by Peter Bogdanovich and a big one for both Steve Buscemi and Edie Falco. Check out Talking Sopranos #59 "Sentimental Education" S5 -Ep6. Make sure to subscribe to the Talking Sopranos YouTube channel and go to the Talking Sopranos website to ask Michael and Steve questions and buy official merchandise. https://www.talkingsopranos.com
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
08/31/2020

Episode #23 "Bust-Out"

Michael and Steve are joined by John Ventimiglia (Artie Bucco) one of the Soprano's most lovable characters. John talks about the early days with Michael and how he got his start in the business. Then he shares some stories about how he originally read for the role of Tony Soprano, his inspiration for the character of Artie and how he once sent an actor to the hospital sort of by accident. Then Michael and Steve dig into this week episode which has some of the best acting of the series. Tony wrestles with the thought of spending life behind bars, Carmela almost makes a huge mistake with the wall paper guy and Richie attempts to make his big move with Junior. It's all on Talking Sopranos Episode #23 "Bust-Out". Remember to subscribe to the Talking Sopranos podcast wherever you get your podcasts and don't forget to get your official Talking Sopranos merchandise at talkingsopranos.com
06/18/2025

Talking Sopranos Ep #92 "Catching Up" and a Big Announcement!

What do the Little Rascals, King Kong and the Sopranos have in common? Find out as Michael Imperioli and Steve Schirripa talk about some of their favorite clips, their latest projects and the BIG UK TOUR. A hilarious conversation as usual. Don't miss this episode of Talking Sopranos, and find out how you can see the guys live in the US and UK. Here's links to upcoming shows. Tickets for 2026 UK Tour https://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/ Aug 16th Sony Hall - NYC https://sonyhall.com/shows/?eid=13705414 September 6th Athenaeum Center - Chicago IL https://athenaeumcenter.org/events/2025/talking-sopranos/ October 11th Shubert Theatre - Boston MA https://www.bochcenter.org/events/detail/talkingsopranos November 8th Rivers Casino - Philladelphia PA https://www.riverscasino.com/philadelphia/entertainment/the-event-center/InConversationwiththeSopranos November 29th Wellmont Theatre - Montclair NJ https://wellmonttheater.com/shows/talking-sopranos/ January 10th Warner Theatre -Washington DC https://www.warnertheatredc.com/shows
05/03/2021

Episode #58 "Irregular Around the Margins"

VOTE TALKING SOPRANOS THE BEST PODCAST IN FILM AND TV AT THE WEBBY AWARDS! Click the link below or go to https://www.talkingsopranos.com to Vote. Voting is open until May 6th. http://bit.ly/3goJBEf This week on Talking Sopranos Michael and Steve welcome Maureen Van Zandt (Gabriella Dante)to the podcast. Maureen shares stories about her days with Jimi Hendrix, Tony Sirico, the Beatles and growing up in a Mafia family. She also talks about how Georgianne Walken asked her to audition for the part of Gabriella. She thought it would be weird if she got it, or didn't get it but in the end was the perfect choice for the role. Then Michael and Steve go through some of the weird phone numbers they have plugged in their phones. Steve has lots of priests, celebs and an old hooker named Grandma Gums….maybe Great Grandma Gums by now. After that the guys get into this week's episode which was a big one for Michael. It's one of the two episodes that HBO submitted to the Academy for his Emmy win. Michael and Drea are absolutely fantastic in this episode and Michael talks about all their scenes in detail. Check out Talking Sopranos Ep #58 S5 – Ep 5 "Irregular Around the Margins". Don't forget to subscribe to the Taking Sopranos podcast wherever you get podcasts and go to the Talking Sopranos website to ask Michael and Steve questions and get official Talking Sopranos merchandise. https://www.talkingsopranos.com
04/26/2021

Episode #57 "All Happy Families"

**VOTE TALKING SOPRANOS THE BEST PODCAST IN FILM AND TV AT THE WEBBY AWARDS! Go to https://www.talkingsopranos.com to Vote. Direct Link to Film and TV category at http://bit.ly/3goJBEf Voting is open until May 6th so VOTE NOW! This week Michael and Steve welcome Todd A. Kessler (writer/producer) to the podcast. Todd is a really interesting guy who wrote 4 episodes of the Sopranos and produced 20 more. He's a Harvard grad who met David Chase when he was 24 and started writing for the show at 25. He had a great run on the Sopranos until David decided the show would be better off without him. It was a huge blow for Todd and he tells us what James Gandolfini told him the night he left the show. After the Sopranos, Todd went on to become the co-creator and show runner for the very successful series Damages. Then Michael and Steve breakdown this week's episode. In this one AJ talks Carmela and Tony into letting him spend the night in NYC. He ends up with his face glued to the floor and his eyebrows shaved off. Michael and Steve have a few things to say about this debacle, raising kids and our beloved school system. It's another fantastic episode of Talking Sopranos #57 "All Happy Families" S5-E4. Don't forget to subscribe to the Talking Sopranos podcast wherever you get your podcasts and go to the Talking Sopranos website to buy official merchandise and ask Michael and Steve questions. https://www.betterhelp.com/talking https://www.hellofresh.com/talkingsopranos12
05/18/2020

Episode 8 "The Legend of Tennessee Moltisanti"

Jamie Lynn-Sigler tells Michael & Steve how she got the role of Meadow Soprano, what it was like to work with James Gandolfini and her amazing time on the groundbreaking HBO series. She talks about how she originally thought the Sopranos was a musical and asked David Chase if he needed her to sing at the audition? Then Michael and Steve breakdown the Sopranos S1 Ep 8 "The Legend of Tennessee Moltisanti". Michael talks about how this episode was a turning point for his character and his first thoughts on the script. All this and much more in this episode of Talking Sopranos. Make sure to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and send questions to Michael and Steve at talkingsopranos.com
11/09/2020

Episode #33 "Second Opinion"

Emmy award winning Cinematographer Phil Abraham joins Michael and Steve for another exciting episode of Talking Sopranos. Phil worked on all six seasons of the Sopranos and shares some great stories from behind the camera. He talks about how James Gandolfini was once leery about a director so he tanked the scene just to see if the director would notice. He also talks about directing his first episode, and what it was like being part of crazy Soprano's family. Then Michael and Steve get into this week's episode which is one of Edie Falco's best. Carmela tries therapy on her own but is shaken by what Dr Krakower tells her. Did you know that Mike Nichols originally agreed to play the role of the doctor but bailed after the table read? Junior undergoes an operation for cancer and places his life in the hands of a man named Kennedy. Unfortunately doctors in real life aren't what they're like on TV….wait what? Michael and Steve dig into the whole Kennedy mystique and Michael tells us what he really thinks of Ronald Regan. It's all this week on Talking Sopranos Ep #33 "Second Opinion" S3 Ep7. Make sure to subscribe to the Talking Sopranos podcast wherever you get your podcasts and go to talkingsopranos.com to ask question and get official talking sopranos merchandise.
06/07/2021

Episode #63 "Cold Cuts"

It's another exciting double barrel episode with two fantastic guests. First up Richard Portnow talks about his life as an actor and an amateur boxer. He also talks about the days he used to run into Tony "Junior" Sirico in the clubs of New York City. Over the years Richard has worked with some of the biggest names in the business and shares who he likes and who he doesn't. Originally the character of Melvoin was only cast in one episode, but Richard brought so much to the role the writers kept him on as a reoccurring character. Then Suzanne Shepherd joins the podcast. Suzanne played Carmela's mother in the Sopranos, Lorraine Bracco's mother in Goodfellas and Steve's mother in Bluebloods. She was also a finalist to play Livia on the Sopranos but was happy to see Nancy Marchand own that role. After that Michael and Steve get into this week's episode which is all about anger and revenge. Check out Talking Sopranos #63 "Cold Cuts" S5 – EP10. Make sure 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 Talking Sopranos merchandise. Plus check out Michael's Band Zopa live August 14th at the Mercury Lounge in NYC. https://www.talkingsopranos.com http://www.mercuryeastpresents.com/mercurylounge https://bluechew.com https://www.betterhelp.com/talking https://www.boxofawesome.com https://www.scoremaster.com/talking
04/27/2020

Episode 5 "College"

Sopranos S1 Ep 5 – Michael and Steve breakdown one of the most incredible Soprano's episodes ever. This was the one HBO was worried about and David Chase had to fight for what he felt had to be done. Plus what the heck is the deal with Father Phil. Talking Sopranos #5 "College". Remember to subscribe and send your Ask Me Anything" questions to Michael and Steve at talkingsopranos.com.
02/01/2021

Episode #45 "Pie-o-My"

This special episode features two of the most memorable and law-abiding characters from the series. First up Lola Glaudini. She actually played two parts on the show, Agent Deborah Ciccerone and Danielle from Whippany. Lola tells Michael and Steve about her unconventional childhood and what it was like growing up surrounded by actors, artists, and lots of parties. She also talks about how she got the gig on the Sopranos and how excited she was to land a role on her favorite TV show. She tells us about her first day on set and how she thought Michael was a bit stand off-ish…Hummm Steve's definitely gonna have something to say about that. Then in part two of this law enforcement special Matt Servitto (Agent Dwight Harris) joins the show. He talks about his early days at Julliard and what it was like attending such a prestigious and respected school. He originally auditioned for the roles of Father Phil and Agent Grasso. He didn't get either but ended up with something even better, the role of Agent Harris. David Chase actually sent him to FBI school to learn the tricks of the trade and often had real agents on the set who said they "liked what he was doing". After that Michael and Steve get onto this week's episode which is a great one. Michael also tells an exciting story about going to Saratoga to watch Tony Sirico's race horse, Carmineuch, win his first race. It's a packed episode you won't want to miss. Talking Sopranos S4-E5 "Pie-o-My". Make sure to subscribe to the Talking Sopranos podcast wherever you get your podcasts. You can also ask Michael and Steve questions or buy merchandise at htttp://www.talkingsopranos.com
01/25/2021

Episode #44 "The Weight"

This week on Talking Sopranos Michael and Steve welcome everybody's favorite Soprano's character, Dominic Chianese (Uncle Junior). In this rare and revealing interview Dominic talks about his start in musical theater and his long and impressive singing career. He shares how he learned the craft of acting and how discipline and process played such a huge role in his success. He also talks about working with Al Pacino, Francis Ford Coppola and how he got the part in the Godfather. Dominic talks about getting the role on the Sopranos and how it completely changed his life. At age 62 he literally went from a one-bedroom apartment to living the high life. How working with Nancy Marchand was such a pleasure and how James Gandolfini was the brother he never had. It's also no surprise that Dominic's favorite lines were the throw aways like "Pass the Peppers" and "Get your number 2 pencils and get out of here!" Then Michael and Steve break down this week's episode. Things are heating up between Furio and Carmela and the 90 lb mole on Ginny Sack's ass is going to be a huge problem. Michael and Steve also talk about diets, superstitions and the evil eye. It's all this week on Talking Sopranos S4-Ep4 "The Weight". Make sure to subscribe to the Talking Sopranos podcast wherever you get your podcasts and ask Michael and Steve questions at https://www.talkingsopranos.com
11/02/2020

Episode #32 "University"

Michael and Steve are joined by Ariel Kiley (Tracee) the Bada Bing dancer who was featured in this episode. In this extremely compelling interview Ariel talks about how working on the Sopranos was actually her first acting job. How she was able to play such a difficult role and the incredible advice she got from James Gandolfini that changed her life. After Ariel's interview Michael and Steve break down one of the Sopranos most controversial episodes. At this point in the series David Chase thought fans were starting to glorify the characters and needed to be reminded that these were brutal gangsters. The mother, the daughter, the goomah, the sister, the hooker and the dancer. They all play an important role in this dramatic story of power, privilege, violence and misfortune. When this episode originally aired it got a huge amount of pushback and many fans dropped their HBO subscriptions and boycotted the series. This one gets a bit heavy. Then Michael and Steve lighten things up with some hilarious stories of insane parties that last for days. Michael also talks about his favorite cars on the show including the beautiful Maserati. It's all on this episode of Talking Sopranos #32 "University" S3 Ep 6. Remember to subscribe to the Talking Sopranos podcast wherever you get your podcasts and remember to go to talkingsopranos.com to ask Michael and Steve questions and order official Talking Sopranos merchandise.

Michael Imperioli on Apple