Steven R. Schirripa - Apple Podcasts

Talking Sopranos

Talking Sopranos

talkingsopranos@gmail.com (podjams)

JUN 18

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
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
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
06/22/2020

Episode #13 "I Dream of Jeannie Cusamano"

Emmy award winner Edie Falco (Carmela) joins Michael and Steve for the exciting Talking Sopranos season one finale. Edie talks about how she got her start in the business, her first thoughts about the Sopranos script, and how she thought she had absolutely no chance at the role of Carmela. She also reminisces about all the fun she had on the set, the show's amazing success and what it was like to work with James Gandolfini. Then Michael and Steve breakdown the incredible finale of season one. Make sure to check out Talking Sopranos S1 Ep13 "I Dream of Jeannie Cusamano". Remember to keep your questions coming for Michael and Steve at Talkingsopranos.com.

2h 10m
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
01/11/2021

Episode #42 "No Show"

In this special episode Michael and Steve are joined by two amazing guests. The first is the infamous Jerry Adler (Hesh). Jerry talks about his illustrious acting career and what is was like to grow up as part of the renowned Adler family. Jerry shares stories about how he got involved in the Sopranos, and that he may be the only actor who never auditioned for his role. He also tells Michael and Steve about how David told him the original idea for the Sopranos was centered around the music business, and the relationship between Hesh and Tony. Then Michael and Steve welcome their second guest Mathew Price. Mathew was the Production Sound Mixer on the series and worked on all 86 episodes. Matt has more than a few stories because over the years he saw the good the bad and the ugly. He shares a funny story about Lorraine Bracco, a braid of hair, James Gandolfini and, well, you have to hear it….Currently Matt is working on the Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and was recently honored with an Emmy for his work. After that Michael and Steve get into this week's episode and there's a lot going on. The stakes are getting higher and the show is getting darker. Christopher's drug use, Adrianna new relationship, Jackie's murder and of course Ralphie. Talking Sopranos #42 "No Show" Sopranos S2 Ep2. 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

2h 14m
03/08/2021

Episode #50 "The Strong, Silent Type"

This week Michael and Steve welcome both Alla Kliouka (Svetlana Kirilenko) and Robert Funaro (Eugene Pontecorvo) to the Talking Sopranos podcast. First up it's Alla Kliouka who played Svetlana, one of the most memorable characters of the series. She talks about what it was like to be a successful actress in the Soviet Union and how the Sopranos was her first real US gig. When she auditioned for David Chase she walked into the room as Svetlana and completely blew everybody away. She also shares how she found out she was going to have sex with Tony Soprano at the table read, and how props made that famous leg disappear. Then Robert Funaro joins the podcast and reveals how he was originally hired to play Ralphie. That didn't go as planned so the writers switched gears and created Eugene just for him. He also tells Michael and Steve that just when he thought everything was going so well, he got the "Good News Bad News" call from David Chase. Robert also shares how the stunt coordinator pulled off his final scene, and what equipment was used to make it look so real. After that Michael and Steve share some crazy stories about Milton Berle's huge….. and Michael's weird thoughts on the Bermuda Triangle. Plus the episode breakdown of "The Strong, Silent Type" S4 – Ep10. Make sure to subscribe to the Talking Sopranos podcast wherever you get your podcasts and go to the Talking Sopranos website for new merchandise. https://talkingsopranos.com https://www.betterhelp.com/talking https://www.Privateinternetaccess.com/talkingsopranos

2h 27m
04/19/2021

Episode #56 "Where's Johnny?"

Matt kicks things off with a really interesting story about how a girl and a trip to Italy changed him from a D1 lacrosse player at BC to an actor in NYC. How Georgianne Walken caused him to lose one job, but then got him the gig of a lifetime on the Sopranos. He also shares stories about his first day on set and his audition where he got a rare pat on the back from David Chase. Then Chris Caldovino joins the podcast. Chris followed Terry Winter from NY to LA and was the only other client of Terry's fake agency. When Chris was hired for the Sopranos he got the role of Billy Saragusa…But after one day the writers changed his name to Billy Leaotardo and that's the way it stayed. Chris may be the only person killed by Steve Buscemi in two different shows! BTW ever since the Milton Berle huge cock episode we've been getting a lot of e-mails and Steve is finally going to set the record straight about who's packing in Hollywood. The Golden Poddy awards have been released and you'll be surprised at what Talking Sopranos has been nominated for. It's all this week plus the episode breakdown of "Where's Johnny?" on Talking Sopranos Ep #56 S5-E6. 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.

2h 27m
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
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
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
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
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
02/08/2021

Episode #46 "Everybody Hurts"

Emmy award winning director Jack Bender joins Michael and Steve for this week's exciting episode of Talking Sopranos. Jack talks about his incredible journey which began as a young actor appearing on such famous TV shows as All in the Family, The Mod Squad and Mary Tyler Moore. In the 80's Jack moved behind the camera and since then has enjoyed an illustrious career being nominated for 9 Emmy awards and winning one. Over the years Jack has produced and directed episodes for 73 different TV series including Lost, Games of Thrones, The Last Ship and Mr. Mercedes. He also directed 4 Sopranos episodes including "Another Toothpick" which features some of Steve's most difficult and demanding scenes. Jack also talks about how he got his start in Hollywood and his father who was the furrier to the stars. He became friends with David Chase on I'll Fly Away and jumped at the chance to work with him again on the Sopranos. He shares lots of behind the scenes stories including his first day on set and how everyone was worried because he was "one of David's friends" but over time they all saw his amazing talent. Then Michael and Steve get into this week's episode which is one that Michael wrote. Once again, another episode that Michael created which does not feature Bobby Bacala at all. Steve will definitely have something to say about this. This is a big episode for Artie Bucco, and John Ventimiglia absolutely knocks it out of the park. Michael also shares lots of inside info about what his was thinking while writing the script and what the entire episode really means. Get ready for Talking Sopranos S4-Ep6 "Everybody Hurts". Don't forget to subscribe to the Talking Sopranos podcast wherever you get your podcasts. Post questions for Michael and Steve and buy official talking sopranos merchandise at http://www.talkingsopranos.com

2h 10m
02/01/2021

Episode #45 "Pie-o-My"

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

2h 37m
01/18/2021

Episode #43 Christopher"

Michael and Steve are joined by their good friend Ray Abruzzo (Little Carmine). They have a blast talking about old times and all the laughs they've had on the Sopranos set. Ray explains about how a nice Italian American boy from Queens ended up in show business, and about his days on LA Law and Dynasty. He also shares his Sopranos audition story. Originally Little Carmine was supposed to be a 300 lb sweaty gangster but when Ray made a little movement with his neck, and mis-pronounced a word David was convinced he was the guy. Ray also tells Michael and Steve about his first day on set and how his worst nightmare actually came true. Then Michael and Steve get into the episode which is one that Michael wrote. This was a bit of an F U to all the Italian American anti-deformation people who were against the Sopranos but probably never watched it. It also aired in 2002 two weeks before Columbus day. That year Dominic Chianese and Lorraine Bracco were asked to march in the NYC Columbus Day parade but were banned after this episode aired. Mayor Bloomberg was so upset, he walked off the parade as well and took Lorraine and Dominic to lunch instead. This is also a huge episode for Steve and Bobby Bacala. Steve talks about how he was able to prepare for the difficult scenes and how director Tim Van Patten guided him through it. The guys also talk about how they get ready for this podcast plus Steve asks Michael a very very personal question. Don't miss Talking Sopranos Episode #43 "Christopher" S4-Ep3. Make sure to subscribe to the Talking Sopranos podcast wherever you get your podcasts and ask Michael and Steve questions at http://www.talkingsopranos.com

2h 27m
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
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
12/28/2020

Episode #40 "Army of One"

In this episode of Talking Sopranos Michael and Steve wrap up season three. Can you believe we're already through 40 episodes! They kick things off by talking about some of their friends and colleagues in the business. What it took for them to achieve success, what they have to do to stay on top. Then they break down the Sopranos season three finale. In this one everybody is out for themselves and Jackie Jr. is gonna pay big time. Paulie and Ralphie are at each other's throats and Adrianna meets a new friend. Along the way Michael and Steve touch on stories about Howard Stern's wedding, Dominic Chianese's bachelor party, UFO's and of course the latest update on the "Steve Mother**cks the World video". It's a great ride and an awesome way to finish off season three. Talking Sopranos #40 "Army of One" Sopranos S3 Ep-13. Don't forget to subscribe to the Talking Sopranos podcast wherever you get your podcasts. Ask questions and buy merchandise at http:///www.talkingsopranos.com

2h 6m
04/26/2021

Episode #57 "All Happy Families"

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

2h 20m

Steven Schirripa on Apple