Conclusion - Life and Death Phone Call with Lefty and Donnie, Part 2
Deep Cover: The Real Donnie BrascoShow Notes
In this conclusion to our two-part episode on the Lefty Tape, you will hear how Joe Pistone, as Donnie Brasco, talks his way out of a life-or-death situation with Left Ruggerio. Listen to find out how Joe managed to not only save his skin but also kept his business running with the mob as the FBI built their case. It all ends with a sit down to find out if Joe lives or dies. Numerous Mafia characters are mentioned and talked about in this episode including, The Bonannos and Trafficante families, Sonny Black, Tony Mira, Ceaser Bonventre, Frank Castellano, The Zips, and Mike Sabella. All of season three we will be listening to the tapes that Joe carried undercover and were recently found and remastered. Joe Pistone, Leo Rossi, and you are hearing some of these for the first time. If you want more tapes and video of the show, you can sign up to become a member of the The Motion Lounge HERE. Thank you to our sponsor Killer Psyche Podcast! Not ready to become a friend of ours? Stay connected via social using the links below: Instagram: @deepcoverpod Facebook: @deepcoverpodcast Twitter: @deepcoverpodcast Key Moments: [00:00:00] - Intro with Leo Rossi [00:00:48] - Show recap [00:01:28] - Joe Pistone and Leo Rossi recap the backstory between Lefty Ruggiero and Sonny Black [00:02:49] - Lefty interrogates Donnie (Joe) about Rocky: “think like me” [00:04:57] - Joe explains why he’s trying to save Rocky’s life [00:07:50] - The battle for Miami with Sonny, the Bonannos and Trafficante [00:09:46] - Lefty pressures Donnie (Joe) about letting Rocky in on the deal; and there’s another Tony [00:13:23] - “America’s Guest” Lefty talks money and being ambushed in Brooklyn [00:16:43] - What happened to Mike Sabella? [00:17:40] - “Do you have anything hidden, Donnie?” [00:19:05] - Leo’s Resume [00:20:36] - Lefty’s Mysterious Man [00:22:18] - The Demise of Cesare Bonventre [00:25:07] - Frank DeCicco sets up Frank Castellano [00:25:41] - Sonny Black’s crew [00:27:24] - “I’m treating you like a friend.” Lefty blows up on Donnie Brasco [00:30:07] - Who is The Gimp (Moe The Gimp)? [00:31:31] - Tony Mirrar frustrates Lefty [00:33:17] - Lefty almost gets whacked [00:36:36] - Sonny’s Deal Gone Bad [00:38:20] - The Hole in Mirrar’s Case [00:40:10] - It Ends with a Sit-Down Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
More from Deep Cover: The Real 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:
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.
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:
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
Joe Pistone and Leo Rossi continue with more behind-the-scenes insight about the Blockbuster movie based on Joe’s time in the mob, “Donnie Brasco.” Accompanying clips featuring Johnny Depp, Al Pacino, and others, Pistone shares more deets about his undercover experience and offers some loving words in memory of Anne Heche, the actress who portrayed his wife Maggie Pistone on screen. He even clarifies facts from fiction regarding that infamous wife slap! More, when you tune in to Deep Cover now. 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: