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 #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
  3. Episode #88 "The Second Coming"

    11/29/2021

    Episode #88 "The Second Coming"

    Aida joins Michael and Steve for this exciting episode of Talking Sopranos. She shares her best and worst memories about being on the show, as well as some intimate stories about working with James Gandolfini. She also talks about what it was like going into that final season and her thoughts about the finale.  Then Michael and Steve breakdown this incredible episode. In this one AJ is going off the deep end…literally…and Robert Iler's performance is absolutely spectacular. Tony and Phil have reached a breaking point and Melfi is questioning her ability to help Tony. Don't miss Talking Sopranos #88 "The Second Coming". 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://honehealth.com/talkingsopranos

    2h 6m
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. Episode #53 "Whitecaps"

    03/29/2021

    Episode #53 "Whitecaps"

    This week on Talking Sopranos Michael Imperioli and Steve Schirripa welcome a real legend. Frankie Valli (Rusty Millio), singer, songwriter and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee joins the podcast. In an extremely revealing interview, Frankie talks about growing up on the mean streets of New Jersey, and how without music, many of his friends may have ended up dead, in the mob or in jail. He also shares how he developed a close relationship with Frank Sinatra and why it all went south. He also talks about how much he loved being on the Sopranos, and was actually willing to put his entire singing career on hold for a regular part. This is absolutely a fantastic interview.      Then Michael and Steve get into one of the best episodes from the entire Sopranos series….Whitecaps. This is one of Michael's favorite episodes and at 72 minutes long, like a mini movie. James Gandolfini and Edie Falco are simply spectacular as we watch their marriage fall apart right before our eyes. World class acting, an Emmy award winning script and award winning directing. Possibly one of the best episodes of TV ever! Don't miss Talking Sopranos S4-Ep13 "Whitecaps". Make sure to subscribe to the Talking Sopranos podcast wherever you get your podcasts and visit the talking sopranos website to ask Michael and Steve questions or buy merchandise. https://www.talkingsopranos.com https://www.Betterhelp.com/talking https://www.brightcellars.com/talking https://www.getsunday.com/talking

    2h 25m
  7. Episode #38 "Amour Fou"

    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.

    2h 21m
  8. 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
  9. 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
  10. Episode #68 "Join the Club"

    07/12/2021

    Episode #68 "Join the Club"

    Ricky Gervais joins Michael Imperioli and Steve Schirripa this week on Talking Sopranos. Ricky is a huge fan of the Sopranos, a show which he calls "A Masterpiece". He talks about why he believes the show was so successful, and of course his take on the ending. He also talks about his career, The Office, and his latest show After Life. Ricky also talks about hosting the Golden Globes and what people thought about his performance afterwards.       Then Michael and Steve break down what could be one of the most complicated episodes of the entire series. In this one Tony is Kevin Finnerty and the entire episode is one long dream…or is it. There's a lot of hidden meanings and Michael tries to lay it all out for us. Is he reading to much into it…. or is he absolutely on point….Check it out and make your own decision. Talking Sopranos #68 "Join the Club" S6-Ep2. Don't forget 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 merchandise. 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://nordvpn.com/sopranos https://www.untuckit.com Get Tickets for Conversations with Sopranos October 2nd at the Packard Music Hall. Warren OH.  https://packardmusichall.com https://www.ticketmaster.com

    2h 12m