Michael Franzese - Realities of the Mob and Life

Michael Franzese - Realities of the Mob and Life

Author: Jam Street Media December 13, 2022 Duration: 45:19
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

You know the movie, but you haven't heard the story. Deep Cover: The Real Donnie Brasco pulls back the curtain on the legendary undercover operation that inspired the classic film, moving beyond Hollywood to the raw, unfiltered truth. This isn't a narrated documentary; it's an intimate series of conversations where Joe Pistone-the actual FBI agent who lived as "Donnie Brasco" for six perilous years-finally tells his own story. He sits down with his friend, actor and host Leo Rossi, offering a level of detail and personal reflection that only a trusted confidant could draw out. Each episode delves into the daily realities of infiltration, the constant psychological tightrope walk, and the harrowing moments inside the Bonanno and Colombo families that the movie could only hint at. Produced by Jam Street Media, this podcast strips away the myth to reveal the cunning, the fear, and the calculated risks of a man who blurred the line between his own identity and his fabricated one. You'll hear firsthand accounts of trust forged in bad faith, the moral complexities of deep cover work, and the personal cost of a life lived in the shadows. For anyone fascinated by true crime, the inner workings of organized crime, or the profound human stories behind iconic cinema, this series is the definitive, ground-level account.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 47

Deep Cover: The Real Donnie Brasco
Podcast Episodes
Donnie's Tapes [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:43
Leo Rossi and Joe Pistone are back with the third season! This season is called “Donnie’s Tapes." All season, Joe and Leo will be going over the actual tapes that Joe carried while undercover for six years with the mafia…
Season 3 Trailer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:13
Season 3 of Deep Cover will focus on the tapes Joseph D. Pistone recorded undercover as Donnie Brasco. Hear the voices of notorious mobsters, learn how "wiseguys" throw the English language around, and find out the stori…
Season 2 Finale: More Listener Questions! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:21
In the season 2 finale, producer Matty joins Joe and Leo to ask another round of questions submitted by you, the listeners! Thank you for listening to Deep Cover: The Real Donnie Brasco and be sure to follow us on social…
The French (Canadian) Connection ft. Eric from Canada [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:58
This week we’re getting a visit from Joe’s friend from the north, Eric from Montreal Canada. As a former detective with the Montreal Police Department, Eric has a resume as long as the rap sheets of some of the criminals…
Examining The Criminal Mind with Dr. Frank [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:52
Go inside the mind of a criminal. This week Joe and Leo are joined by criminal psychiatrist and Joe’s old colleague, Dr. Frank, to take a deep dive into how the mind of a killer works. Listen as they talk about the diffe…
Joe Pistone Returns to the FBI [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:42
Just when we thought Joe was done with the FBI he decides to give it another shot. But before he can be reinstated he must go through what all rookies go through- training at the FBI Academy. He talks with Leo about his…
Breaking Down a Lost ‘Lefty’ Tape [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:45
Never before heard tapes! The year is 1978 as we listen to original recorded conversations between Joe “Donnie Brasco” Pistone, infamous Lefty “Two Guns” Ruggiero and another undercover agent known on the street as “Tony…
Joe Pistone Quits the FBI - Part 2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:48
After years of unwarranted harassment from his superior, Joe finally had enough. He tells Leo about the incident that finally pushed him over the edge. In one final confrontation with his special agent in charge, Joe qui…
Joe Pistone Quits the FBI Part 1 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:24
This week Joe begins to shut the door on his career with the FBI. He walks Leo through the years of harassment and unnecessary heat he faced at his assigned field office from his Special Agent in Charge. From calling his…
Joe and Leo Go to the Movies [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:58
This week Leo and Joe dive into the Hollywood scene. The two give behind the scenes insight on the set of Leo’s new hit show, Graves End. We also hear stories from Joe’s time with some of the “Hollywood Elite,” including…