Leo Rossi - Apple Podcasts

Deep Cover: The Real Donnie Brasco

Deep Cover: The Real Donnie Brasco

Jam Street Media

01/17/2023

Reality vs. Fiction Part 4, B.T.S. of Donnie Brasco

On this season finale of Deep Cover, Joe and Leo deep dive into your final movie questions to reveal fiction from fact. Joe shares more of Donnie Brasco’s day-to-day life, particularly from the last impactful moments with Sonny Black and Lefty Ruggiero. From the Japanese Steakhouse fight to the thwarted hit by Donnie the made man– what was a true story and what was fabricated by the brilliant Paul Attanasio? Listen to learn more and stay tuned at the end to hear what’s in store for the forthcoming season! JOIN THE MOTION LOUNGE! For the first time, we are offering a subscription plan. For just $5.99 a month, you will join the Motion Lounge and get: Season Exclusives, such as the complete collection of tapes Joseph D. Pistone recorded while in deep cover with New York's most notorious crime families. AD Free Podcast Episodes (Two Days Early) Unedited Video Episodes & Behind-the-Scenes Content Member-only Bonus Episodes Member-only AMA's Family-first access and discounts to live events. Join now by clicking THIS LINK! Have a question about this episode, a tape, or a past episode? Ask it here. Not ready to join the mob? Connect with us on social using the links below: Connect with us on social using the links below: Instagram: @deepcoverpod Facebook: @deepcoverpodcast Twitter: @deepcoverpodcast Episode Notes: [00:00] Introduction with Joe and Leo [02:09] Movie clip: Don the Jeweler [03:20] Joe shares how he knew so much in real life about diamonds during his first meet with Lefty Ruggiero [06:40] Joe’s Cadillac and blending in as broke [10:32] Movie clip: He says it’s a fugazi. [12:00] Joe shares the seeds of the fake diamonds scene. [15:16] Movie clip: This is Lefty’s car [16:19] Movie clip: Donnie Brasco fights a DA at the airport to save his cover [17:45] Joe shares the truth about the shocking encounter [19:06] Movie clip: Lefty hates the cold [20:57] Joe details what really happened with the air conditioner debate [24:54] Movie clip: Donnie refuses to take off his shoes [26:11] Joe sets the record straight about the Japanese Steakhouse fight [28:09] Movie clip: “You think I’m a f******g rat?” [29:56] The federal boat and dramatic licensing byway of Paul Attanasio [33:33] Truth or false: the ending of the movie Deep Cover [35:15] True Story: FBI agents told Sonny Black and Lefty Ruggiero that Donnie Brasco was a cop [37:40] Next season guests: Former undercover cop and beauty agent, Lisa Lockwood, Retired NYPD Ralph Friedman, former U.S. Customs Bob Starkman [39:54] Happy New Year– until next time! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

44 min
06/17/2020

Joe Becomes Donnie Brasco

When the head writer of the Sopranos and creator of Boardwalk Empire, Terence Winter, sees death in your eyes, you know you’re convincing enough for the mafia. From the Lucchese to the Colombo family, Joe walks us through how he made first contact. Following the rules of the mafia to stay alive, Joe Pistone aka Donnie Brasco, shows the mafia that he’s a legitimate street guy with intentions to join their illegal dealings, as a jewel thief. How hard could it be? Well, in this episode, we learn the importance of knowing your enemy. Follow the show: Instagram - @deepcoverpodcast Twitter - @deepcovershow Facebook - @deepcoverpodcast YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKeT_Ic27g59iGfh23QoP0xG-6aLodMWg Or find us on the web https://www.deepcoverpodcast.com/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

29 min
08/26/2020

Close Calls and Untold Stories, Part 1

In this two-part episode, Leo and Joe reveal close calls and other untold stories from Joe’s time deep undercover, as Donnie Brasco. From the dangers of wearing a wire, to meeting a doctor that wanted to sell drugs to the mob, and other curious occurrences that will have you wondering how he did it all and made it out unscathed. What was it like to share an apartment with Sonny Black, a caporegime in the Bonanno crime family? Joe Pistone, aka Donnie Brasco, will tell you. Follow us on social media Facebook Instagram Twitter Watch on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKeT_Ic27g59iGfh23QoP0xG-6aLodMWg A Jam Street Media Production. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

33 min
07/01/2020

Joe Meets the Bonanno Family

So, Joe has left the Colombo family, he’s a free mobster… where to next? The Bonannno family. Utilizing his acquaintance with Anthony “Tony” Mirra, an American mobster, soldier and later caporegime for the Bonanno crime family, Joe gets introduced to various contacts in the Bonnano family. He’s even introduced to the likes of Carmine Persico, the long-time boss of the Colombo crime family. Throughout this episode, Joe and Leo discuss the cold-blooded and graphic nature of the mafia’s kills, the mental strength someone in Joe’s position needed to have, and how Joe came to meet the person who would be known as his mentor in the Bonnano family: Lefty Ruggerio. 01:08 – Anthony “Tony” Mirra 07:22 – Mafia Murders: are they serial killers? 11:34 – Joe Pistone’s Mental Strength 13.39 – More on Anthony “Tony” Mirra: getting introduced to the Bonanno Family 17:12 – Lefty Ruggerio Follow the show on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter! Watch on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKeT_Ic27g59iGfh23QoP0xG-6aLodMWg Or find us on the web https://www.deepcoverpodcast.com/ A Jam Street Media Production. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

23 min
07/22/2020

Donnie Brasco vs. Tony Mirra

Tensions are at an all-time high within the Bonanno family, as there’s a struggle for power amongst the caporegime. Anthony “Tony” Mirra returns from prison to reclaim Joe from Lefty Ruggiero, but with no leverage or right to it, he resorts to throwing baseless claims of theft and insubordination Joe’s (aka Donnie Brasco’s) way. This ultimately leads to a sit down with Sonny Black that could either go in Joe’s favor or cut his time deep undercover within the mafia, short. 00:55 – Telephone Conversation between Lefty and Joe 15:26 – The Outcome of the Sit Down with Sonny Black and Tony Mirra Follow the show on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter! Watch on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKeT_Ic27g59iGfh23QoP0xG-6aLodMWg Or find us on the web https://www.deepcoverpodcast.com/ A Jam Street Media Production. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

22 min
11/28/2022

Reality vs. Fiction Part 1, Behind the Scenes of Donnie Brasco

Joe Pistone and Leo Rossi review and discuss the most popular clips from the motion picture, “Donnie Brasco” based on Joe’s book about his time spent undercover in the mob.Joe clarifies a few of the most important contrasts between real life and dramatization and offers some new revelations about the infamous 1981 killing of 3 capos and a boss from the Bonanno Crime Family.We learn how Johnny Depp and others, mostly unknown actors at the time, got the role of a lifetime– including a childhood friend. And he answers a question from the Motion Lounge! Tune in. JOIN THE MOTION LOUNGE ! For the first time, we are offering a subscription plan. For just $5.99 a month you will join the Motion Lounge and get: Season Exclusives, such as the complete collection of tapes Joseph D. Pistone recorded while in deep cover with New York's most notorious crime families. AD Free Podcast Episodes (Two Days Early) Unedited Video Episodes & Behind the Scenes Content Member-only Bonus Episodes Member-only AMA's Family-first access and discounts to live events. Join now by clicking THIS LINK! Have a question about this episode, a tape, or a past episode? Ask it here. Not ready to join the mob? Connect with us on social using the links below: Connect with us on social using the links below: Instagram: @deepcoverpod Facebook: @deepcoverpodcast Twitter: @deepcoverpodcastEpisode Notes:[00:00:00] Intro with Joe Pistone and Leo Rossi [00:01:07] Behind the scenes: “Donnie Brasco” the movie [00:02:40] Fuhgeddaboudit aka “Forget about it!” [00:07:30] The killing of the 3 Capos in the Bonanno Crime Family ("Phil Lucky," "Sonny Red" and “Big Trin”), starting with the boss, Carmine Gallente [00:10:17] Dramatic license: Joe clarifies that he was not physically present during the whackings. [00:11:31] The truth about Dominick "Big Trin" Trinchera, the actor George Angelica [00:15:15] Sonny Red, Big Trin, and Phil Lucky discuss “Where is Bruno?” [00:17:45] The infamous murder scene in “Donnie Brasco” [00:20:06] On Jimmy Russo and Johnny Depp’s tense dialogue in the car [00:23:09] “The meek wanna inherit the Earth…” Joe and Leo discuss the scriptwriter, Paul Attanasio. [00:25:02] Unfortunately, it was just “family business.” Joe shares how the mob could effectively compartmentalize after a killing. [00:28:35] Next time: More movie clips, Joe and Lefty Ruggerio. [00:29:13] A question from The Motion Lounge [00:30:32] Why did the mob whack so many people in restaurants? [00:32:20] Join the Motion Lounge! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

37 min
06/24/2020

A Fight With a Colombo

What can you do when a pistol is placed in front of you, and you’re given an ultimatum to prove yourself, or be killed? Well, Joe chose to go on the offensive with a made man of the mafia to maintain his respect and credibility. In this episode, Joe walks us through his brief time with the Colombo’s at Jilly’s social club. He reveals how he avoided getting too involved in criminal activities with help from the FBI. And how he selectively picked a fight to avoid further suspicion. Episode Outline (17:46) Jilly’s Social Club – 01:55 Working with the Colombos – 04:59 How long Joe was affiliated with the Colombos – 07:07 Introduction of Franky and Patsy The line Joe couldn’t cross – 09:09 Joe’s legitimacy questioned – 11:00 Joe has made enemies in Colombo family – 14:21 Follow the show: Instagram - @deepcoverpodcast Twitter - @deepcovershow Facebook - @deepcoverpodcast YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKeT_Ic27g59iGfh23QoP0xG-6aLodMWg Or find us on the web https://www.deepcoverpodcast.com/ A Jam Street Media Production. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

19 min
07/15/2020

Joe Meets Santo Trafficante

If last time wasn’t risky enough, Joe finds himself assisting another fellow undercover FBI operation. Except this time, it’s a gambling scene based out of Florida. Joe has to find a way to get the caporegime of the Bonanno crime family, Dominick Napolitano aka Sonny Black, to agree to getting involved with the crime family controlling Florida, the Trafficante family. In this episode, Joe takes us behind the scenes of a rigged gambling operation, that runs into some trouble along the way. 01:35 – Joe goes to Florida, to help the FBI again 08:10 – Brining in Sonny Black and Santo Trafficante 10:50 – Big Casino Night in Florida 13:12 – Joe and the crew get arrested 17:17 – Internal war within the Bonanno family Follow the show on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter! Watch on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKeT_Ic27g59iGfh23QoP0xG-6aLodMWg Or find us on the web https://www.deepcoverpodcast.com/ A Jam Street Media Production. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

25 min
08/05/2020

Q & A with Leo and Joe, Part 1

Joe Pistone and Leo Rossi sit down to answer some of the listener’s questions. Now that we know the story of how Donnie Brasco came to be, we’re going to dive even deeper into the finer details of the operation. What happened after the operation? What did Lefty Ruggiero do when he got out? What was the most difficult part of being Donnie Brasco? All of these questions, and more, are answered in this two-part Q&A. 01:25 – What happened when the operation ended? 03:24 – Sonny’s culture 04:10 – No mercy for Sonny Black? 05:05 – How did Joe Pistone find out Sonny was dead? 06:50 – What did Lefty do when he got out? 07:55 – $500k contract on Joe 09:15 – Was it difficult jumping in and out of he Donnie Brasco persona? 12:23 – Did anyone try to contact Joe? 15:08 – Would Joe have regretted killing Bruno? 16:48 – How many people were killed? 18:10 – What was the most difficult part about working deep cover? 20:09 – Did anyone from the mob ever come over to Joe’s apartment? Follow Deep Cover on social media Facebook Instagram Twitter Watch on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKeT_Ic27g59iGfh23QoP0xG-6aLodMWg A Jam Street Media Production. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

26 min
05/05/2021

The Fall of the Mafia

The case is finally closed and it’s time for Joe Pistone, a.k.a the real Donnie Brasco to face The Mafia in court. For six years, he rubbed elbows with some of the scariest gangsters alive and now he’s working with the then U.S. Attorney Rudy Giuliani to bring them to justice. Joe’s testimony was crucial in The Pizza Connection Trial and The Commission Trial, which was the most expensive trial in New York City history. Usually, the mafia doesn’t deal in the business of drugs. But at the end of the day when the money’s rolling in, it’s easy to turn and look the other way. 00:00:00 - Intro 00:01:54 - The RICO Act 00:07:03 - The Lawyers 00:09:37 - The Pizza Connection Trial Follow us on social media: Deep Cover (@twitter) (@instagram) (@facebook) Jam Street Media (@twitter) (@instagram) (@facebook) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

34 min
01/10/2023

Jules Interview - Joe's Handler & Donnie's Rabbi

On this special episode of Deep Cover, Joe and Leo speak to former FBI boss, Jules Bonavolonta, who was Head of Organized Crime and Narcotics in New York during the Deep Cover investigation. Jules takes us down memory lane from the Vietnam War to his self-negotiations from the Army into the coveted federal agency. But it’s really his untold stories about life-or-death moments with Joe Pistone, Lefty, Santo Trafficante, and the bureaucracy that will make you understand the severity of the undercover operation. Just how much trust and friendship played a major role in their success? You don’t want to miss this one. JOIN THE MOTION LOUNGE! For the first time, we are offering a subscription plan. For just $5.99 a month you will join the Motion Lounge and get: Season Exclusives, such as the complete collection of tapes Joseph D. Pistone recorded while in deep cover with New York's most notorious crime families. AD Free Podcast Episodes (Two Days Early) Unedited Video Episodes & Behind-the-Scenes Content Member-only Bonus Episodes Member-only AMA's Family-first access and discounts to live events. Join now by clicking THIS LINK! Have a question about this episode, a tape, or a past episode? Ask it here. Not ready to join the mob? Connect with us on social using the links below: Connect with us on social using the links below: Instagram: @deepcoverpod Facebook: @deepcoverpodcast Twitter: @deepcoverpodcast Episode Notes: [00:00] Introducing guest, ex-FBI agent, Jules Bonavolonta [02:00] The Garden State Trio: Bonavolonta, Leo and Joe. [03:10] On Anthony Imperiale, former New Jersey state senator [05:20] On using “dramatic licensing” with the truth for movies and tv [06:50] On the reaction of family and friends after joining the FBI [09:00] Why Bonavolonta threatened to leave the military during the Vietnam War and made it in the FBI [19:20] How Bonavolonta met Joe Pisone while running the organized crime division [21:15] What’s a successful organized crime? Jules speaks on monitoring Joe in the mafia [24:52] Joe explains to Bonavolonta what he does all day with Sunny Black and Lefty [27:10] Jules details how much Lefty trusted Joe up until his trial testimony [29:09] Jules and Joe relive the moment the mafia gave Joe a contract to kill Bruno Indelicato [33:55] The infamous argument between Jules and Joe prior to his meeting with Santo Trafficante [41:55] When the mafia found out that Donnie Brasco is Joe Pistone– an open contract [44:04] Jules can kill you with his hands [47:00] Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

51 min
05/12/2021

Never Cross a Mob Boss

If there’s one thing you never want to do it’s cross a mob boss. Joe talks to us about what happened to the acting boss of the Bonanno Crime Family, Carmine Galante, when he decided to defy The Commission. Leo learns a lesson of his own when Joe let’s him in on what makes a good deep cover agent, and why he probably wouldn't make the cut. What happens when two FBI agents walk into a Russian dacha? The answer might surprise you. 00:00:00 - Intro 00:02:07 - Deep Cover Debrief 00:06:38 - Art of Deep Cover 00:07:51 - The Russian Dacha 00:17:02 - Don’t Cross a Boss Follow us on social media: Deep Cover (@twitter) (@instagram) (@facebook) Jam Street Media (@twitter) (@instagram) (@facebook) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

37 min
07/29/2020

The End of Donnie Brasco?

The FBI now knows there’s a lot of bad blood and enemies turning the mafia inside out and placing Joe Pistone’s life in danger. He’s set to become a made guy, but the FBI wants to close the operation and start convicting with the evidence they’ve collected thus far. The likes of Sonny Black and Lefty Ruggiero wrestle with the realization that Donnie Brasco has been an undercover agent the entire time, but the true is undeniable as Joe (aka Donnie Brasco) begins to testify before the jury in the coming years. 02:25 – Sonny Black resolves Bonanno internal conflict 03:21 – Joe Pistone aka Donnie Brasco is assigned a hit 07:47 – FBI wants to close operation 11:35 – Donnie Brasco is no more 14:43 – Sonny Black’s end https://www.deepcoverpodcast.com/ Deep Cover is on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter! Watch on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKeT_Ic27g59iGfh23QoP0xG-6aLodMWg A Jam Street Media Production. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

23 min
08/19/2020

Three Capos Murder

Leo Rossi and Joe Pistone dive deeper into the three capos murder that took place towards the end of the Donnie Brasco operation. A big war was going on in the Bonanno family that led to the ultimate murder of Philip Giaccone, Al Indelicato and Dominick Trinchera. Joe has special insight into this event, because he was still undercover when Sonny Black placed the hit to prevent the further planning by the three capos, to overthrow the Bonanno boss. Follow us on social media Facebook Instagram Twitter Watch on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKeT_Ic27g59iGfh23QoP0xG-6aLodMWg A Jam Street Media Production. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

26 min
05/19/2021

The Italian Mafia’s Ruthless Ways

This week Joe and Leo discuss The Maxi Trial in Palermo, Sicily. The case was against the Sicilian Mafia, and, boy, were those some mean, cold-hearted gangsters. The Sicilians had their own murderous ways of doing things, and unlike their American counterparts, nobody’s life was off-limits. The New York Mafia was also no stranger to taking action against those that crossed them, actions like putting a contract out on Joe’s life. 00:00:00 - Intro 00:02:07 - How the Wise Guys Get Their Nickname 00:07:06 - The Maxi Trial 00:13:30 - The Contract Follow us on social media: Deep Cover (@twitter) (@instagram) (@facebook) Jam Street Media (@twitter) (@instagram) (@facebook) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

33 min
01/03/2023

Reality vs. Fiction, Part 3

On this episode of Deep Cover, Leo Rossi walks Joe Pistone through a few more scenes of his Hollywood blockbuster, “Donnie Brasco.” Joe shares intimate details about real-life challenges with his wife, Maggie, while undercover, reveals the subtle brilliance of a scene between Donnie and Lefty, and other insights. He also shares some unrelated stories about the Sicilian Mafioso turned informant, Luigi Ronsisvalle, and a drug deal gone bad in Pensacola, Florida. This one’s full of suspense! JOIN THE MOTION LOUNGE! For the first time, we are offering a subscription plan. For just $5.99 a month you will join the Motion Lounge and get: Season Exclusives, such as the complete collection of tapes Joseph D. Pistone recorded while in deep cover with New York's most notorious crime families. AD Free Podcast Episodes (Two Days Early) Unedited Video Episodes & Behind-the-Scenes Content Member-only Bonus Episodes Member-only AMA's Family-first access and discounts to live events. Join now by clicking THIS LINK! Have a question about this episode, a tape, or a past episode? Ask it here. Not ready to join the mob? Connect with us on social using the links below: Connect with us on social using the links below: Instagram: @deepcoverpod Facebook: @deepcoverpodcast Twitter: @deepcoverpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

36 min
08/12/2020

Q&A with Leo and Joe, Part 2

Joe Pistone and Leo Rossi sit down to answer more of the listener’s questions. This time, Joe talks about his family, the impact his work has had on the world of deep cover operations, and even Leo gets to answer a few questions! All of these questions, and more, are answered in this two-part Q&A. 00:45 – Was there anything Joe enjoyed about working for the mafia? 01:52 – Would Joe have done anything different? 02:45 – What other criminal profession would Joe have liked to have learned? 04:54 – Which crime family dealt in white collar crime? 05:30 – Does Joe feel proud of the impact his work as Donnie Brasco had? 07:04 – How did Joe’s family cope with his time deep undercover? 08:53 – What was Leo’s favorite part of Joe’s story? 09:50 – Does Leo think he would’ve been able to have done what Joe did? 11:00 – How did Leo and Joe meet? 12:15 – Was Joe satisfied with the results of the operation? 15:40 – What is Joe’s favorite mafia film besides Donnie Brasco? 19:50 - Does Joe still look over his shoulder? 24:00 – Bonus question. Follow Deep Cover on social media Facebook Instagram Twitter Watch on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKeT_Ic27g59iGfh23QoP0xG-6aLodMWg A Jam Street Media Production. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

27 min
05/26/2021

Joe and Leo sit down with Michael Franzese

This week Leo and Joe are joined by former member of the Colombo Crime Family, Michael Franzese. Being a gangster is one hell of a life to live. Michael, Joe and Leo discuss the ugly truth about what being a made guy can do to your life, and how for some getting out is a hard thing to do. Michael tells the guys some stories about life after prison, The Mafia and about his last couple sit-downs with Sammy “The Bull” Gravano. Ad - Get started with EveryPlate for just $1.99 per meal plus an additional 20% off another 2 weeks by going to EveryPlate.com and entering code DEEPCOVER199. 00:00:00 - Intro 00:03:48 - Interview with Michael Franzese Follow us on social media: Deep Cover (@twitter) (@instagram) (@facebook) Jam Street Media (@twitter) (@instagram) (@facebook) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

54 min
12/13/2022

Michael Franzese - Realities of the Mob and Life

On this special episode of Deep Cover, Leo Rossi and Joe Pistone are joined by ex-Colombo crime mobster turned motivational speaker Michael Franzese. He shares his personal testimony about the ways in which “the life” negatively impacted him and his family. Son to the notorious former underboss, Sonny Franzese, Michael was not only born into the life but contributed for nearly 20 years prior to incarceration which prompted his uncharacteristic exit. Michael and Joe met in their separate endeavors along the way and detailed the extent of their relationship then and now. Tune in for a true tale about the Mafia life from one of their very own. Have a question about this episode, a tape, or a past episode? Ask it here. Connect with us on social using the links below: Instagram: @deepcoverpodFacebook: @deepcoverpodcast Twitter: @deepcoverpodcast Episode Notes:[00:47] Intro with Leo Rossi and Joe Pistone [01:07] Introduction to Michael Franzese [03:09] Franzese speaks on his meeting with Salvatore "Sammy the Bull" Gravano [05:00] Joe remembers his first time meeting Michael Franzese in “the life” [06:32] Michael Franzese breaks down how he and his family were impacted by the mob life. [09:04] Franzese shares the story of his father, Sonny Franzese, who was imprisoned until 100 years old. [11:36] What defines a leader? [12:35] Franzese, Joe, and Leo discuss the relationship between crime mob and cops [15:03] Franzese shares his relationship with Bernard “Bernie” Welsh [16:47] Sonny Black’s girlfriend relays a message to Joe post-trial [18:14] Franzese gives Joe his flowers [20:09] How did Carmine “Junior” Persico run the family from prison? [23:22] Michael Franzese’s dad agreed with the mob's decision to put a contract on his son’s life [24:37] Nicky “Glasses” Marangello has a message for Donnie [26:52] Leo shares a story about Carlo Gambino and the new age of mobsters [29:47] The old neighborhoods just aren’t the same [31:26] Michael Franzese speaks on his recent book, “Mafia Democracy” [35:02] Franzese shares the similarities between the government and the mob [38:04] Franzese went into business with an Armenian vineyard [40:00] Outro [40:26] Questions from the motion lounge Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

45 min
10/25/2022

Life and Death Phone Call with Lefty Ruggerio and Donnie, Part 1

In this episode, you will hear the real life conversation between Lefty and Joe as Donnie faced a life-and-death situation as he dealt with accusations of theft from fellow mobster Tony Mirra. Join co-hosts Leo Rossi and Joe Pistone as they dive into the first tape from Joe’s collection of undercover conversations. Hear from Lefty Ruggiero’s wife, as she urgently tries to contact Joe for Lefty, and then from Lefty himself as he questions Joe to find out the truth behind the accusations. It’s high drama on this episode of Deep Cover: The Real Donnie Brasco! If you have questions about this episode or past episodes, you can ask them here by joining the Motion Lounge, where you can also listen to the full tape used in this episode. About the MOTION LOUNGE ! For the first time, we are offering a subscription plan. For just $5.99 a month you will join the Motion Lounge and get: Season Exclusives, such as the complete collection of tapes Joseph D. Pistone recorded while in deep cover with New York's most notorious crime families. AD Free Podcast Episodes (Two Days Early) Unedited Video Episodes & Behind the Scenes Content Member-only Bonus Episodes Member-only AMA's (ask me anything) Family-first access and discounts to live events. Join now by clicking THIS LINK! Not ready to become a friend of ours? Stay connected via social using the links below: Instagram: @deepcoverpod Facebook: @deepcoverpodcast Twitter: @deepcoverpodcast Episode notes: [00:01:30] - Introduction to Joe’s defense for his life [00:02:18] - Louise Ruggiero’s (Lefty’s wife) concerned call to Joe about Lefty’s meeting; quick brief on Tony Mirra [00:04:34] - Lefty’s call to Joe about Lefty’s meeting with Tony Mirra [00:05:37] - Who is Rocky? [00:06:52] - $250,000 accusation [00:07:46] - Lefty probing for information [00:09:36] - Joe explains the story he’s trying to sell [00:11:45] - Junk money, Zips [00:19:37] - Lefty continues to probe/explain, compares Tony Mirra’s and Donnie’s situation [00:24:59] - Sally - head of the Bonanno family [00:29:27] - Federal “Stool Pigeon” [00:35:29] - Lefty and Tony Mirra’s bad blood [00:39:00] - Lefty and Joe (Donnie) are in pinch, how will this play out in the next episode? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

43 min

Leo Rossi on Apple