Show Notes
The Tony Conti saga comes to an end. In this episode, Leo Rossi and Joe Pistone take us through several different tapes that meticulously details the quick, but life-threatening, downfall of Tony Conti (undercover FBI agent) following an incident with the Balistrieri family. In Joe’s attempt to cover for his partner’s disappearance after being pulled from the investigation, Joe as Donnie Brasco takes a necessary and calculated trip to Milwaukee in search of the supposed wannabe wise guy. With Lefty Ruggiero hot on his trail, Donnie fabricates his findings. Then, the sobering event ends with an impromptu late-night meeting between the two and mob boss, Mike Sabella. 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:
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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] Intro with Leo Rossi and Joe Pistone [01:08] TAPE: Where is Tony Conti? Joe dictates letter about Lefty Ruggiero and Tony’s meeting for Jules Bonavolonta of the FBI (10/10/1978 at 9:30pm) [05:37] How was Conti in real life? Did he really have a relationship with three women? [07:42] Everybody’s Joe [08:37] Frank Balistrieri’s girlfriend was disrespected and Mike Sabella vouches for everyone [12:42] At the heart of it all is greed: Balistrieri to Trafficante [13:45] Conti beats the scam; disappears in Milwaukee [15:32] Donnie offers Lefty $500 from a “score” or bet [18:25] Lefty calls Donnie for a mysterious late night meet [20:24] TAPE: Donnie and Lefty discuss the search for Tony Conti’s car in Milwaukee [24:52] Lefty talks about a $7,000 contractor for a fast food restaurant [27:17] TAPE: Donnie tells Lefty that Conti’s car is impounded by the cops [30:44] Lefty Ruggiero does not play about his money [33:26] TAPE: Donnie plants the idea that Tony Conti was whacked; Lefty pushes back [38:44] TAPE: Lefty gives Donnie final search locations for Tony; tells him to make a restaurant reservation at 12am at night [42:11] Joe Pistone says that dinner would later become a vital part of the investigation [43:17] TAPE: Donnie presents Lefty with the potential car tag belonging to Tony Conti [45:45] Lefty’s never asleep [46:23] Joe Pistone explains how answering difficult questions can be life or death; sign off until next time 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: