Deep Cover: The Real Donnie Brasco

Deep Cover: The Real Donnie Brasco

Jam Street Media

Johnny Depp might have played Donnie Brasco in the Academy Award-nominated film, but the real-life hero is Joe Pistone. Pistone came up on the mean streets of Patterson, New Jersey before going deep undercover and spending six years inside the Bonanno and Columbo crime families. In the new podcast “Deep Cover-The Real Donnie Brasco,” Joe Pistone shares the true stories of his time with The Mob to his friend, and our host, actor Leo Rossi. If you loved the Sopranos--“Fuhggedaboutit”--this is The Real Donnie Brasco. Learn more at deepcoverpodcast.com 

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

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 forthcomi

Jan 17, 2023 • 45:52

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

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 underc

Jan 10, 2023 • 53:19

Reality vs. Fiction, Part 3

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

Jan 3, 2023 • 38:22

Michael Franzese - Realities of the Mob and Life

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 endeavo

Dec 13, 2022 • 48:19

Reality vs. Fiction Part 2, Behind the Scenes of Donnie Brasco

Reality vs. Fiction Part 2, Behind the Scenes of Donnie Brasco

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 Co

Dec 6, 2022 • 44:12

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

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 fr

Nov 28, 2022 • 39:36

Tony Conti Exit Tapes - Lefty's Goose Chase

Tony Conti Exit Tapes - Lefty's Goose Chase

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

Nov 22, 2022 • 53:04

The Milwaukee Tapes

The Milwaukee Tapes

Following last week’s focus on the casino deal between Traficante, Sonny Black, and the Bonnano family– in this episode, stakes are raised even higher as Donnie Brasco finds himself in a bit of a pickle between in Milwaukee with Tony Conti and Lefty Ruggiero.Joe takes us through several FBI tapes detailing the ins and outs of their biggest target on the Milwaukee crime scene: Frank Balistrieri, boss of the Milwaukee, Wisconsin family.As Joe begins to fight an internal battle between fam

Nov 15, 2022 • 40:13

Sonny Tapes, Traficante, and the Casino

Sonny Tapes, Traficante, and the Casino

Leo Rossi and Joe Pistone deep dive into the relationship between Donnie and Sonny Black Napolitano. At a time when Sonny was attempting to push Lefty out of the conversation, we learn about the infamous club deal Donnie helped orchestrate between Traficante, Sonny, and the Bonanno Crime Family. Plus, get the full scope of just how far and wide this FBI investigation spread across the states.All of season three we will be listening to the tapes that Joe carried undercover and were recently found

Nov 8, 2022 • 46:59

Conclusion - Life and Death Phone Call with Lefty and Donnie, Part 2

Conclusion - Life and Death Phone Call with Lefty and Donnie, Part 2

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 familie

Nov 1, 2022 • 47:51

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

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 hig

Oct 25, 2022 • 45:59

Donnie's Tapes

Donnie's Tapes

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 as Donnie Brasco.  The tapes were recently found by Joe and then remastered by Jam Street Media. In this episode, Joe talks about how he did the actual recordings, the technology then versus today, and how others were not as lucky as him with their undercover recordings over the

Oct 18, 2022 • 39:43

Season 3 Trailer

Season 3 Trailer

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 stories behind the tapes that led to over 100 convictions of some of New Yorks most notorious families of crime.  Season three airs on October 18th, 2022. Follow to never miss an episode. Want more? Connect with us on social: Instagram: @deepcoverpod  Facebook: @deepcoverpodcast  Twit

Sep 30, 2022 • 3:13

Season 2 Finale: More Listener Questions!

Season 2 Finale: More Listener Questions!

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 media for updates on season 3! Thank you to our sponsor Sunday! Get 20% off at checkout when you visit GetSunday.com/Deepcover20. Thank you to our sponsor Hunt a Killer! Visit huntakiller.com/deep for $10 off. 00:00:00 - Intro 00:06:52 - Fan Questions Follow us on social media:

Jul 28, 2021 • 42:21

The French (Canadian) Connection ft. Eric from Canada

The French (Canadian) Connection ft. Eric from Canada

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 he put away. The two former colleagues share with Leo about the cases they worked together, and about the connection the mafia had between the states and our neighbors from the north. Thank you to our sponsor Sunday! Get 20% off at checkout when you visit GetSunday.com/

Jul 21, 2021 • 37:58

Examining The Criminal Mind with Dr. Frank

Examining The Criminal Mind with Dr. Frank

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 differences between the mentality of a mafioso and a serial killer, as well as Dr. Frank’s history working with Joe in the FBI.  Thank you to our sponsor Hunt a Killer! Visit huntakiller.com/deep for $10 off. 00:00:00 - Intro 00:02:54 - Dr. Frank  Follow us on social media: Deep Cover

Jul 14, 2021 • 53:52

Joe Pistone Returns to the FBI

Joe Pistone Returns to the FBI

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 decision to go back to the bureau and the training process that he had to go through to once again become Special Agent Joe Pistone. Thank you to our sponsor Hunt a Killer! Visit huntakiller.com/deep for $10 off. 00:00:00 - Intro 00:09:32 - Joe is reinstated Follow us on social m

Jun 30, 2021 • 36:42

Breaking Down a Lost ‘Lefty’ Tape

Breaking Down a Lost ‘Lefty’ Tape

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 Conte”. Leo and Joe break down what they hear and analyze what is really being said all those years ago.00:00:00 - Intro 00:01:16 - ‘Lefty’ Tape Follow us on social media: Deep Cover (@twitter) (@instagram) (@facebook) Jam Street Media (@twitter) (@instagram) (@facebook) Learn m

Jun 23, 2021 • 43:45

Joe Pistone Quits the FBI - Part 2

Joe Pistone Quits the FBI - Part 2

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 quit the FBI just a few years short of his 20-year mark. 00:00:00 - Intro 00:06:48 - Joe Quits the FBI 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

Jun 16, 2021 • 33:48

Joe Pistone Quits the FBI Part 1

Joe Pistone Quits the FBI Part 1

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 wife to check on his whereabouts to attempting to interrupt his time to testify in the Commission trial, the constant, insufferable behavior that Joe faced finally pushed him over the edge. We also get a look at some of his undercover work with never-before-heard tapes of a conv

Jun 9, 2021 • 34:24

Joe and Leo Go to the Movies

Joe and Leo Go to the Movies

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 the times he met Dice Clay and Sid Rosenberg. Plus, Joe drops a bombshell change of heart regarding the notorious gangster Sammy “The Bull” Gravano. 00:00:00 - Intro 00:30:22 - A Million Dollar Question Follow us on social media: Deep Cover (@twitter) (@instagram) (@fac

Jun 2, 2021 • 37:58

Joe and Leo sit down with Michael Franzese

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 a

May 26, 2021 • 56:53

The Italian Mafia’s Ruthless Ways

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 0

May 19, 2021 • 35:42

Never Cross a Mob Boss

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 - A

May 12, 2021 • 40:04

The Fall of the Mafia

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

May 5, 2021 • 37:21

Donnie Brasco is Back

Donnie Brasco is Back

Leo Rossi and Joe Pistone are back and diving even further into the Donnie Brasco story. This week is all about mafia business and the cash-raking hustle of hijacking. From Sonny Black to John Gotti, these wise guys worked some of the most successful (and dangerous) car-jacking rings in the country. So much so it worked them up the family hierarchy. But what happens when the mighty inevitably fall? Do they fall back into a life of crime or try and go straight?  00:00:00 - Intro 00:02:56 - Mindse

Apr 28, 2021 • 34:55

Deep Cover: The Real Donnie Brasco Season 2

Deep Cover: The Real Donnie Brasco Season 2

Leo and Joe are back with even more jaw-dropping stories that will have you inching toward the edge of your seat. After spending six years undercover, it was time for Joe to take the stand against the mafia men that he spent nearly every day with. You’ll hear stories about The Pizza Connection Trial, The Commission Trial and about some of the other operations that took him around the globe. Throughout this season, you’ll hear secret recordings of conversations Joe had with the members of the Bon

Apr 22, 2021 • 2:20

A Donnie Brasco Christmas, Part 2

A Donnie Brasco Christmas, Part 2

Happy Holidays! We have a gift for all of the listeners that have made this year special. It’s a two part holiday special with Leo Rossi and Joe Pistone, the real Donnie Brasco. Joe tells us what it was like spending so many holiday seasons with the mafia. From stolen Christmas gifts to Charlie Brown Christmas trees, they discuss it all. Follow us on social media Facebook Instagram Twitter  Watch on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKeT_Ic27g59iGfh23QoP0xG-6aLodMWg  A Jam Street

Dec 21, 2020 • 25:44

A Donnie Brasco Christmas, Part 1

A Donnie Brasco Christmas, Part 1

Happy Holidays! We have a gift for all of the listeners that have made this year special. It’s a two part holiday special with Leo Rossi and Joe Pistone, the real Donnie Brasco. Joe tells us what it was like spending so many holiday seasons with the mafia. From stolen Christmas gifts to Charlie Brown Christmas trees, they discuss it all. Thank you to our sponsor Manscaped! Get 20% Off + Free Shipping, with the code DEEPCOVER at Manscaped.com  Follow us on social media Facebook Instagram Twitter

Dec 16, 2020 • 21:00

Life as a Prison Warden with Joseph Woodring

Life as a Prison Warden with Joseph Woodring

We're back with another bonus episode! This time, with Joe and Leo's first interview where THEY ask the questions. Their guest, the interviewee, is Joseph Woodring, a retired prison warden and associate warden who oversaw murderers, high level drug dealers, maximum security facilities, worked for the department of justice, and the state department. He shares his experiences, and even discusses what it was like working closely with some of the world's most dangerous inmates, including ones who we

Nov 18, 2020 • 52:40

Joe Pistone and Leo Rossi Interviewed by Matty Staudt

Joe Pistone and Leo Rossi Interviewed by Matty Staudt

While we're waiting for Season 2... the president and founder of our favorite show's production company, Matty Staudt, is taking this opportunity to get to know Leo and Joe's story better. From Leo's days in radio to Joe's peccadillos, we get to be flies on the wall to this humorous and revealing discussion between three Italians who have more in common than they realized.Follow us on social mediaFacebookInstagramTwitterWatch on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKeT_Ic27

Oct 28, 2020 • 51:35

Donnie Brasco Goes To Hollywood

Donnie Brasco Goes To Hollywood

In this Season 1 finale of Deep Cover, Leo Rossi and Joe Pistone reminisce on tales of Hollywood related to the production of the movie, Donnie Brasco, and more. They’ve known each other for years and have many stories to share to prove it. Joe may have been deep undercover with the mafia, but according to him, Hollywood executives are the ones not to be trusted. Coming soon, Deep Cover Season 2, will continue where Joe left off, sharing more stories of his time deep undercover in not j

Sep 16, 2020 • 37:36

Johnny Depp is Donnie Brasco

Johnny Depp is Donnie Brasco

Leo Rossi and Joe Pistone get into the showbiz of Donnie Brasco, the movie. Revealing stories of what it was like to work with an A-list actor like Johnny Depp, especially the relationship of respect established between Depp and Joe. Joe Pistone also reveals what parts of the movie were true to his actual experience undercover, and which were fictionalized for the big screen.Follow us on social mediaFacebookInstagramTwitterWatch on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKeT_I

Sep 9, 2020 • 31:09

Close Calls and Untold Stories, Part 2

Close Calls and Untold Stories, Part 2

In this two-part episode, Leo and Joe continue to 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 really like working with Lefty Ruggiero? Joe Pistone, aka Donnie Brasco, will tell you. Follow us on social media · Facebook · Instagram · Twitte

Sep 2, 2020 • 31:54

Close Calls and Untold Stories, Part 1

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 med

Aug 26, 2020 • 35:57

Three Capos Murder

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 mediaFacebookInstagramTwitte

Aug 19, 2020 • 29:07

Q&A with Leo and Joe, Part 2

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 –

Aug 12, 2020 • 30:14

Q & A with Leo and Joe, Part 1

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 culture0

Aug 5, 2020 • 28:39

The End of Donnie Brasco?

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 jur

Jul 29, 2020 • 25:39

Donnie Brasco vs. Tony Mirra

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 – Telepho

Jul 22, 2020 • 25:29

Joe Meets Santo Trafficante

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

Jul 15, 2020 • 27:49

Meeting with the Balistrieri Family

Meeting with the Balistrieri Family

Now that Joe Pistone (aka Donnie Brasco) has been helping Lefty Ruggerio do the bookkeeping and movement of stolen property for Nicholas Marangello, the underboss of the Bonanno crime family, for some time, he’s got a favor to ask. The FBI needs Joe’s help with a new operation in Milwaukee to try and get the Balistrieri family for extortion. But one family cannot conduct illegal business in the territory of another’s. Joe has to ask Michael Sabella, a caporegime in the Bonanno crime fam

Jul 8, 2020 • 33:45

Joe Meets the Bonanno Family

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 ki

Jul 1, 2020 • 25:32

A Fight With a Colombo

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

Jun 24, 2020 • 19:01

Joe Becomes Donnie Brasco

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 th

Jun 17, 2020 • 31:40

Who is the real Donnie Brasco?

Who is the real Donnie Brasco?

Rather than be attracted to the lifestyle of a gangster, Joe Pistone found himself drawn to a career in law enforcement. So how did a freshly recruited FBI agent go from routine undercover cases, to going deep undercover as a jewel thief, for the Italian mafia? In this first episode with the help of our host, Leo Rossi, we find out how the most decorated undercover agent in the FBI, Joe Pistone, aka Donnie Brasco, got his start. From crimes against the government to making back alley de

Jun 9, 2020 • 31:40

Deep Cover: The Real Donnie Brasco

Deep Cover: The Real Donnie Brasco

Did you see the movie “Donnie Brasco” starring Johny Depp and Al Pacino and wonder if all of that really happened? The true story is even more interesting than the movie. The real Donnie Brasco is Joe Pistone, and he spent 5 years undercover with Bonano and Columbo crime families and 17 years as an FBI agent. In the new podcast “Deep Cover-The Real Donnie Brasco” he tells his true stories of his time with The Mob to his friend, and our host, actor Leo Rossi. Real stories from the real D

May 27, 2020 • 3:51

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