Michael Imperioli - Apple Podcasts

Selected Shorts

Selected Shorts

Symphony Space
Talking Sopranos

Talking Sopranos

talkingsopranos@gmail.com (podjams)

Sep 10

A Full Plate

Meg Wolitzer presents two favorite Selected Shorts works in which food and nourishment figure both literally and symbolically. The narrator of Haruki Murakami’s “The Year of Spaghetti” seems to be just sharing pasta recipes, but it’s the recipe for assuaging loneliness that may elude him. The reader is Sopranos alum Michael Imperioli. And unusual family dynamics shape Amy Bloom’s “Love is Not a Pie,” performed by Hope Davis. We also share a discussion of this work by the mother and daughter book club organized by our frequent reader Rita Wolf and her daughter Anjeli. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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
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
04/06/2020

Episode 1 "Pilot"

Welcome to the premiere episode of Talking Sopranos! Michael and Steve go back to the beginning and talk about how they got involved in this ground-breaking series. They discuss their initial thoughts about the show and their first auditions with David Chase. They'll share some of their favorite stories about the cast and give us an inside look at what was going on behind the scenes. Then Michael and Steve break down the Pilot episode of this iconic series scene by scene. They discuss the little details, their favorite moments and give us a unique POV on what it all means. Plus our first Ask Anything Me Segment and more than a few surprising moments. Don't forget to submit your questions at TalkingSopranos.com. Enjoy Sopranos Fans, this is only the beginning! Sopranos co-stars Michael Imperioli and Steve Schirripa host the definitive Sopranos re-watch podcast. Michael and Steve follow the Sopranos series episode by episode giving fans all the inside info, behind the scenes stories and little-known facts that could only come from someone on the inside. Talking Sopranos also features interviews with additional cast members, producers, writers, production crew and special guests. Along with talking about the Sopranos, Michael and Steve will also share candid conversations about the entertainment business, their friendship and all the folks they've met along the way. This is a must listen for all Sopranos fans.
09/21/2020

Episode #26 "Funhouse"

In our amazing Season 2 finale Michael and Steve welcome the one, and only "Big P***y", Vinny Pastore. He was a killer, a rat, a gangster and audiences absolutely loved him. Definitely one of the best episodes of the season. Vinny talks about what it was like to be on the best show of all time, and then get whacked at the end of season two. He was devastated at the time but ended up being the first Soprano to take on Hollywood. Vinny is a fantastic guest! Then after months in the shop the Wing-O-Meter finally makes its historic debut. After that Michael and Steve break down one of the most iconic Soprano's episodes of all time. Never before had TV audiences seen a main character go out like this. Was it really the vindaloo or was Tony just sick about having to take out his best friend. It's all in Talking Sopranos Episode #26 (Sopranos S-2 Ep #13) "Funhouse". Make sure to subscribe to the Talking Sopranos podcast wherever you get your podcasts and visit talkingsopranos.com to ask questions and buy official merchandise.
04/08/2020

Episode 2 "46 Long"

Michael and Steve open the books and discuss the intricacies of how this incredible show was made. What it was like on set, read throughs, tone meetings and David Chase's incredible attention to detail. Michael talks about the moment he realized the show was going to be a hit and what it was like working with the amazing cast. Then, Michael and Steve break down the episode scene by scene giving us some backstory on the main characters and their thoughts about the script. There's another Ask Me Anything segment and lots of history about the cast. Don't forget to submit your questions to talkingsopranos.com. Enjoy!
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.
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
10/12/2020

Episode #29 "Fortunate Son"

Aida Turturro (Janice Soprano) joins Michael and Steve for this week's hilarious episode of Talking Sopranos. Aida chats about her early days with James Gandolfini and how he had to put his clothes in garbage bags when he moved from place to place. But even back then Aida always said he was destined for greatness. When the role of Janice came up it was Jim, or James as she calls him, who put her up for the part. She said fate would determine if she got the role or not but either way Jim had to lend her rent money. Then Michael, Steve and Aida share a bunch of really funny behind the scenes stories you just have to hear. How Jim and Aida fought like brother and sister on set, the infamous chicken salad incident and a great story about Nancy Marchand. Then Michael and Steve break down this week's episode which is a big one for both their characters. They also talk about how the real life underground gambling business works and what it's like to be a "Made Man". It's all this week on Talking Sopranos Ep #29 "Fortunate Son" S3 Ep3. Remember to subscribe to the Talking Sopranos podcast wherever you get your podcasts and go to talkingsopranos.com to submit questions and hear Michael's original music.
04/05/2021

Episode #54 "Two Tonys"

Will is a great guest and shares some hilarious stories about his life, the business and of course the Sopranos. He tells us about how his mother prepared him for his Sopranos audition, and how nervous he was the first day on set. He also shares a really funny story about smoking pot right before one of his scenes, and how he got through it….totally baked. He also talks about how shocked he was he first read the script where Finn catches Vito in the parking lot. He thought his character would get killed or worse and was totally up for it. Before breaking down this week's episode Michael and Steve recap the body count through the first 52 episodes. There were 48 deaths so far and the bodies will continue to pile up as some big names are about to join the cast…. Steve Buscemi (Tony Blundetto), Frank Vincent (Phil Leotardo) and Robert Loggia (Feech La Manna) all make their first appearance in the season 5 premiere. It's a great episode and a fantastic way to kick off season 5. Talking Sopranos S5 – Ep1 "Two Tonys". Make sure to subscribe to the Talking Sopranos podcast wherever you get your podcasts and go to the Talking Sopranos website to ask questions and buy official Talking Sopranos merchandise. https://www.talkingsopranos.com
12/14/2020

Episode #38 "Amour Fou"

This week Michael and Steve are joined by the incredible and talented Annabella Sciorra (Gloria Trillo). Annabella's role of Gloria was one of the most memorable characters on the series and she was nominated for an Emmy for her performance. Annabella talks about how she got her start in the business, how she landed her first big role in True Love and her early days with Aida Turturro. Then she talks about her incredible time on the Sopranos. Originally she read for another role but she fell in love with the character of Gloria. At first David wanted Gloria to look more like Melfi but Annabella said No No No…She went with a much more alluring look and it worked. Tony was drawn in like a moth to a flame. She shares a great story about how she may have gone a little too far in a fight scene with James Gandolfini. Then Michael and Steve get onto this week's episode which is absolutely fantastic. It's like a masterclass in acting as Annabella and Jim deliver some of the best performances of the series. Gloria is pushing Tony to the limit. Jackie Jr makes the worst decision of his life and Carmella is questioning everything. David Chase always liked to make the 12th episode of a season a big one and this does not disappoint. Talking Sopranos #38 "Amour Fou" S3 Ep-12. Make sure to subscribe to the Talking Sopranos podcast wherever you get your podcasts and go to the Talking Sopranos web site to ask questions and buy merchandise http://www.talkingsopranos.com Also make sure to check out the Friends of Firefighters Virtual event, Friday December 18th at 7pm ET. This special two-hour event will feature members of the original Sopranos cast who will answer questions and perform a live script reading written by Terrence Winter and David Chase. It's an important organization that supports active and retired FDNY firefighters and their families who have been impacted by the trauma these heroes face daily. For more information go to https://tiltify.com/+sopranos/reunion.
04/20/2020

Episode 4 "Meadowlands"

Sopranos S1 Ep4 - Guest Michael Rispoli (Jackie Aprile) talks to Steve and Michael about how he almost landed the role of Tony Soprano and his on-going friendship with James Gandolfini. Then Michael and Steve breakdown Episode 4 and tell stories of the cast's infamous Eckle awards. What does the dream sequence actually mean, how is Tony putting Melfi's advise to work and what was it really like to work with Dominic Chianese? It's all in this episode of Talking Sopranos #4 "Meadowlands". Remember to subscribe and keep those questions coming at Talkingsporanos.com.
09/28/2020

Episode #27 "Mr. Ruggerio's Neighborhood"

Kathrine Narducci (Charmaine Bucco) joins Michael and Steve for the Talking Sopranos Season 3 premiere. Robert DeNiro, Joe Pesci, Martin Scorsese, Kathrine talks about working with them all. But her most amazing story might be how she took her son on an open casting call, and ended up walking away with her first role playing opposite Robert DeNiro in A Bronx Tale. Kathrine is a great guest and certainly had a lot of fun working on the Sopranos. Then the feds are listening as Michael and Steve break down this week's program. Lots to talk about as David Chase tried something a little different in this episode. The feds are front and center and Tony better watch what he says because the basement is now wired for sound. Don't miss Mr. Ruggerio's Neighborhood, Talking Sopranos Episode #27 (S3-Ep1). Make sure to subscribe to the Talking Sopranos podcast wherever you get your podcasts. Send your questions to Michael and Steve and buy official Talking Sopranos merchandise at talkingsopranos.com.
10/05/2020

Episode #28 "Proshai, Livushka"

This week Michael and Steve are joined by Jason Cerbone (Jackie Aprile Jr). Jason talks about what it was like to join the cast of this incredible show and how he was absolutely in awe of the amazing talent on set. He also talks about how he got the news his character would get killed off and how his relationship with the cast grew after he got whacked. Michael and Steve also talk about the concept of fame, how it affected them, and how people began to treat them differently after the Sopranos. Then they get into this week's episode which is a big one. This was the last episode with Nancy Marchand and with her passing the show took a monumental shift. Janice is back in the picture, Ralph is filling the void left by Richie and Tony and Meadow are completely at odds. So how come the entire cast couldn't stop laughing? It's all on this week's episode of Talking Sopranos, Proshai, Livushka S-3 Ep-2. Make sure to subscribe to the Talking Sopranos podcast wherever you get your podcasts and go to talkingsopranos.com to ask Michael and Steve 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.
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
11/22/2021

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
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
08/24/2020

Episode #22 "From Where to Eternity"

This week on Talking Sopranos Michael and Steve take on one of the most memorable episodes of the Sopranos ever. This one is extra special for Michael because wrote it! Originally it was a spec script he created in between season one and two where Christopher OD's. David read it, loved it, and thought it would work perfect in an episode where Christopher gets shot. The story is fantastic and there's lots of inside info as Paulie Walnuts is haunted by ghosts from his past, and a vision of life after death. Didn't his donations to the church cover all this? In one of the most powerful scenes of the entire series Tony confronts Melfi about his Italian heritage, honor, family and loyalty. As Christopher says to Carmela when she asks about the hospital drugs…It's pretty f**cking good. S2 E9 of the Sopranos "From Where to Eternity" takes us to some crazy places. Make sure to check it out and please subscribe to the Talking Sopranos podcast where ever you get your podcasts. Also post questions for Michael and Steve and get your official Talking Sopranos merchandise at talking sopranos.com
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

Michael Imperioli on Apple