Michael Imperioli - Apple Podcasts

Talking Sopranos

Talking Sopranos

talkingsopranos@gmail.com (podjams)

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

1h 7m
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
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.

1h 16m
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.

2h 8m
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!

1h 5m
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.

2h 19m
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

2h 17m
01/04/2021

Episode #41 "For All Debts Public And Private"w/

Michael and Steve kick off season four by welcoming Federico Castelluccio (Furio Giunta). Federico talks about his incredible career as both an actor and a painter. How he got the role on the Sopranos, and how he originally read for the part of Johnny Sack. When he walked into the audition with an Italian accent, and said he was born in Naples but grew up in Patterson NJ, he was destined to play Furio. Federico shares a great story about his first day on set and the infamous brothel scene. The pressure was on and he knocked it out of the park…literately. Then Michael and Steve talk about travel, places they've been and places they would love to go. Why is it no surprise that Steve is a terrible traveler…and Tony Sirico is even worse. After that the guys break down the Soprano's season four premiere. This is a crazy one and when it first aired the folks at Icelandair complained about the horrible way their stewardesses were being depicted…..but Quasimoto predicted all of this…. Don't miss Talking Sopranos #41 "For All Debts Public and Private" S4 – Ep1. Make sure to subscribe to the Talking Sopranos podcast wherever you get your podcasts. Ask Michael and Steve questions or get official merchandise at http://www.talkingsopranos.com.

2h 32m
10/11/2021

Episode #81 "Soprano Home Movies"

We're headed into the final season of the Sopranos and Michael Imperioli and Steve Schirripa are kicking things off with a bang! Talking Sopranos welcomes Jamie-Lynn Sigler, aka Meadow Soprano, back to the podcast. She tells us what it was like going into that last season, shooting the final episodes and once and for all if she thinks Tony Soprano is alive or dead. Then Michael and Steve begin to breakdown the final season of the Sopranos. This was a huge episode for Steve and he has some fantastic behind the scenes stories to tell. Lots to discuss about how that big fight between Bobby and Tony went down and how Steve and Jim may have taken things a bit too far. It's all in Talking Sopranos S7-Ep1 "Soprano Home Movies". Don't forget to subscribe to the Talking Sopranos podcast wherever you get your podcasts and go to talkingsopranos.com to ask Michael and Steve questions and buy official Talking Sopranos merchandise. 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 Pre-order your copy of WOKE UP THIS MORNING: The Definitive Oral history of the Sopranoseverywhere books are sold, or go to hc.com/sopranosoralhistory See Zopa Live at Crossroads in Garwood NJ https://www.xxroads.com https://www.talkingsopranos.com https://www.betterhelp.com/talking https://nuts.com https://pendulumlife.com https://www.shopify.com/sopranos

2h 5m
06/29/2020

Episode #14 "Guy Walks Into a Psychiatrist's Office"

Michael and Steve take on the Season 2 Premiere ….and this episode does not disappoint. The Sopranos series is getting bigger, there are more characters, more plot twists and more downright evil for Tony Soprano to deal with. His best friend might be a rat, indictments are coming down, his uncle and mother tried to have him killed, his crazy insane sister is coming, his goomah, his wife wants him back in therapy….It's insanity! All this plus Michael and Steve share stories about how it all started, their first jobs and how they originally got into show business. Make sure to check out Talking Sopranos episode #14 "Guy Walks Into a Psychiatrist's Office". Remember to subscribe to the Talking Sopranos podcast wherever you get you podcasts and keep those questions coming at talkingsopranos.com.

1h 29m
08/03/2020

Episode #19 "The Happy Wanderer"

This is a great one! Lorraine Bracco (Dr Melfi) joins Michael and Steve for a very special Talking Sopranos podcast. She reveals how David Chase originally wanted her to play Carmela, but she said it was Melfi or nothing. She talks about how she was absolutely blown away when she first saw The Sopranos pilot, and shares some crazy stories about what James Gandolfini used to do to her off camera. This week the Pundit returns and Steve goes absolutely ballistic. Is there really anything to the theory that Tony actually dies in season one? It's Steve vs the Pundit round 2. Then Michael and Steve break down this week's episode. Tony is now running the executive card game but when an old friend loses big, things are definitely headed down a bad road. Talking Sopranos Episode #19 "The Happy Wanderer", Sopranos S2 E6. Don't forget to subscribe to the Talking Sopranos podcast wherever you get your podcasts and post questions for Michael and Steve at talkingsopranos.com

2 hr
11/30/2020

Episode #36 "To Save Us All From Satan's Power"

Michael and Steve are joined by guest Max Casella (Benny Fazio). Max is a show business veteran who has appeared in a number of hit movies and TV shows including; The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Inside Llewyn Davis, Blue Jasmine, Doogie Howser and of course the Sopranos. He talks about how he got his start in the business and what it was like to work with Woody Allen, The Coen Brothers and to perform the Lion King on Broadway. He also shares his story of auditioning for David Chase and how he thought it was the worst audition of his life. Imagine how shocked he was when he landed the re-occurring role of Benny Fazio. Then the guys turn their focus to food. Mexican, Italian, Chinese, Pizza, whatever. They trade stories of amazing meals they've had and their top restaurants in NY, LA, Sidney and around the world. Plus get the scoop on all the cool little places the Sopranos cast used to go during and after shooting the show. After that Michael and Steve get into this week's show which sort of a Christmas episode…Sopranos style. Bobby wants nothing to do with Kris Kringle, Sil is having nightmares about P***y, and the kids tell Santa to go f**k himself. Paulie talks about the real story of Christmas where the elves give good kids toys and the bad ones a beating. Ho F**king Ho, Taking Sopranos is taking on S3 E10 "To Save Us All From Satan's Power". Don't forget to subscribe to the Talking Sopranos podcast wherever you get your podcasts and go to the talking sopranos web site to post questions, buy merchandise and listen to Michael's original music. http://www.talkingsopranos.com

2h 5m
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.

1h 36m
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

2h 29m
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.

2h 9m
10/26/2020

Episode #31 "Another Toothpick"

This week on Talking Sopranos Michael and Steve take on another dramatic and exciting Sopranos episode. This is one of Michael's favorites, and a big one for Steve because it's the first time Bobby Bacala was featured as a main character. Michael and Steve kick things off by talking about their favorite books, what they've read and what they're reading now. It's no surprise their tastes are completely different but it's a great reading list so definitely take some notes. After that they get into some of their most embarrassing moments. Steve shares a few stories from the club and the church, while Michael remembers how he ruined a wedding when he worked at a catering hall. Then they get into this week's episode which is a great one. Steve talks about working with the incredible Bert Young and what he was like on set. They share an incredible story about an actor who had "One Line on the Sopranos" and turned it into a viral video and a part on Boardwalk Empire. Michael and Steve also talk about their superstitions, Bigfoot and why you should never pour wine overhand. Lots to take in on Talking Sopranos Episode #31 "Another Toothpick" S3 E5. 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.

1h 57m
06/14/2021

Episode #64 "The Test Dream"

This week Michael and Steve welcome Sopranos writer and producer Matt Weiner to the podcast. Matt was an award-winning writer on the Sopranos but also created the incredible TV series Mad Men. He is a fascinating person and in 2011 he was named one of Time Magazine's 100 most influential people in the world. This is a candid and emotional interview where Matt talks about his difficult early days, working with David Chase and Jim's passing. Then Michael and Steve break down this week's episode which Matt wrote. It's a crazy one that definitely needs some explaining. Along the way Steve reads his living obituary which includes an intro to the Steve Motherf**ks the world video. He also busts Michael's chops about where he shops and the fact he has never been to Cosco. Michael also tells a great story about how he and Steve went to Jamaica and tried to get into Hedonism but were denied. Check out Talking Sopranos Ep #64 "The Test Dream" S5-Ep11. 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 merchandise. https://www.talkingsopranos.com https://www.betterhelp.com/talking https://www.untuckit.com https://www.cbdmd.com

2h 25m
02/15/2021

Episode #47 "Watching Too Much Television"

In this episode Michael Imperioli and Steve Schirripa try something new. They invite Sopranos Celebrity Super Fan Pete Davidson, star of SNL and The King of Staten Island to the podcast. Steve always said he wouldn't have anyone on the podcast who wasn't part of the show but Pete is a huge Sopranos fan. He has seen the entire series 10-15 times, knows everything about the show and even has an awesome Bada Bing tattoo to prove it. Pete is a fantastic guy and absolutely loves talking about the Sopranos. He tells us about his favorite episode, favorite villain and after all his extensive research what he thinks happened in the end. Michael and Steve also talk to Pete about how he got his start in comedy, SNL and his hit movie The King of Staten Island. Then Michael pulls out some old casting notes from Marco Polo, a show he wrote. When he was pre-producing the episode, casting was looking for someone to play Dr. Russ Fegoli. They started by going through the original casting notes for Bobby Bacala Sr. and Uncle Junior. Michael kept the actual documents and tells us who's on the list and all the comments associated with each actor. It's fascinating! After that Michael and Steve get into this week's episode. Paulie is out of jail and complaining, Adrianna thinks she has a way out from under the Feds and Tony's old goomah ends up in a very unlikely place. It's all this week on Talking Sopranos #47, "Watching Too Much Television" S4-Ep7. 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 and get official merchandise. htttp://www.talkingsopranos.com

1h 58m
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.

1h 28m
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

2h 31m

Michael Imperioli on Apple