Really speaks volumes when a former mob captain and an FBI agent who played a crucial role in bringing down the mob sit down together and have a calm discussion when we can’t even get two people on opposite sides of the political spectrum to have a conversation without spewing hate.
that's because both of them were from worlds where you had be professional, had to have respect, and had to earn your way up in the ranks. Politics is whomever can pander the loudest
This wasn't an interview. It's more like I just had the privilege of listening to two really good friends on a phone call catching up on old times. Much respect to you guys...God bless.
There was a line from Michael; I can’t remember exactly *I love talking with you because it feels like I’m talking to an old friend*. Realize most people don’t make it out of that life. So just to shoot the shit with someone that knows it has to be refreshing
Great interview. I'm so hooked on these stories now I cant get enough. Real life. Not fake Hollywood agenda bs. Just real life. Thank you Michael for this gift. I could sit and listen to these guys all day.
@@alicecrystalpalace I used to look up to the mob movie characters and stuff, but now that I'm older after a misspent youth, I love hearing Michael openly admit how awful that life was and how grateful he is to be saved and with his real family. His story is very inspiring.
You can’t call joe pistone a rat. A rat is someone in that life. That turns on their friends. Joe was the opposition that beat them at their own game. Can’t fault him
yeah alot of them were simply born into the life but really good people, joe recognized that and worked accordingly you just gotta respect the man for that.
@@dameanic11 “really good people” lol. OK, that’s definitely a stretch. Nothing wrong with bookmaking and providing services that people desire and in which they voluntarily participate, but most Mob guys are also thieves. A thief is not a good person. Stealing from another person is a violation of natural law.
I'm a Marine and a veteran of Vietnam. What this sit down reminded me of is two war veterans who fought against each other sitting down many years later and finding they have experience in common that others wouldn't understand... and great respect for each other as warriors. You two have bonded because as former adversaries you have so much in common. You both played your roles with honor and are down to earth stand up guys. Thank you, Michael, for this wonderful video!
@G Wulf @Pinku Style TV Thank you for your service. Navy Corpsman Vet here. Appreciate you guys fightin for this country and I'm proud to have supported people like you.
Really cracking sit down with Joe and Michael. Great to see the 2 sides of that battle come together and show respect. Fantastic UC work by Joe. High risk for high gain. Excellent sit down Michael
I wonder if you would have told them that then they would have believed it. Maybe with those two specifically cause both seem to see everything as business and not taken a lot personal but some who are friendly now would never believe it.
@Johnny Caruthers do you understand the concept of a hypothetical question? And I didn't even say it had to be on TH-cam. They had TV programs back then.
@@michaelfranzese Hello Sir. Mr. Joe mentioned a little about the mob in Canada. If you ever find the time I would like to hear more. Thanks God bless🙏
If you listen to the real audio recordings of the phone calls between he & Lefty, it's crazy how much Johnny Depp's voice even sounded like his. It's hard to even tell the difference.
He'll always be Donnie. We need to know details about the type of work Donnie did as an associate. The jobs and scores he did with the families. Actual robberies, safes, what did he do exactly?
As a 31 year veteran of federal law enforcement, the testimony of both gentlemen rings so true. The mutual respect between law enforcement and those on the other side was indeed there. We all knew our roles and as long as we each stayed there, the respect was there also. Great interview!
It like watching two old WW2 pilots who fought against each other meet up years later. Just the upmost respect for each other. Like saying “You fought honourably” 🤝
Funny.. The whole interview Micheal addressed him as “Joe” but in the end when he thanked him for the interview, around 25:09, he suddenly addresses him as “Donnie”.
Dude, it wasn't an 'interview' - it was a sit down :) Joe Pistone's got no qualms about putting down who he put down or what flowed from it, but he's very human about it. He's never trying to big himself up by trying to make who he put down sound blacker than they were. I was a teenage pillock and did nearly 2 years in the UK in the 80s for a political offence. I took the view that crime was 90% weakness, 10% wickedness. Most couldn't resist the temptation of easy money. Some, the most they got out of crime was the misery they caused people's lives. Scripture tells us it is the Lord's will that all be saved, and even the 10% can find salvation. Joe Pistone did God's work.
I don’t consider this an interview but I know what you’re saying. With that said, I think one of the best interviews I’ve heard is with Larry Mazza on VladTV which is why I think Larry should be Mikes next guest. They were in the same family, two different eras.
This was awesome. I love how at first it's an interview then turns into watching two respectable friends sharing stories. The love and respect you both have is admirable.
Sorry but Sammy is 99.9% unlistenable. I try to hang in there, but let's face it he lacks the intellect to keep one as riveted as Michael does. When I hear him speak it's like nails on a chalkboard. The long pauses, the repetitiveness, the uber slow delivery. I feel like I'm listening to an invalid.
@@dr.vinnyboombatz22 awwwe im sorry he doesn't meet your legendary intellect standards he was a blue collarstreet mobster thats way they speak Jesus christ boy
Much respect to both protagonists. Letting each other talk without interruption and the stories, resulted in a fantastic interview. Utterly compelling.
Very compelling. Joe is a great man who gave a huge personal sacrifice to get a lot of horrible men off the streets. The fact that Michael is genuinely saved and able to admit his past sins is very inspiring.
Mr. Franzese, Thank you so much for this content. It’s unbelievable that we get to witness these interviews and hear your stories from the comfort of our own homes. All the best, Casey W
I can't go Sammy to be honest, Michael is genuinely reformed and a great story teller, Sammy is still in the thug life and I don't think he will ever let it go, he loses it often even on podcasts 🤷
One of my favorite interviews yet… Donnie Brasco was just beautifully done. Al Pacino played one of his best roles ever. I love seeing the growth in these two, but their stories are worth gold. Two stand up guys. I’ve watched and read so much about this in particular, and this interview gave me info from the people that lived it. Perfecto!
You can see Joe start to get emotional when he talks about Sonny’s parting message for him. That struck a chord with me because you could tell that even though it was his job to be an informant, Joe never lost his humanity. Absolutely amazing chat, Michael. I’ve been waiting for this one for a long time. Cheers!
I think its the opposite. Sonny was able to see that it was just a matter of professional conflict with no personal involvement and accepted it. That old excuse of "nothing personal" was actually true in that case.
I've only recently gotten into Michael & I still can't wrap my head around it all. I get to sit & listen (for free) to a ex mob guy telling amazing life stories & referencing some real guys from some of my favorite movies..... throw in the real Donnie B, forget about it.
Michael, I have followed Joe's career for many years, and I am grateful that you two can sit down and have such illuminating conversations on the life from your different persperctives.
" We know that in that life, in order to get straightened out, you have to make your bones" is the closest Michael ever came to answering one of his most requested questions
True hahah! The thing is, Michael was a great earner and a smart guy from the start. Do you really think he needed to do it for them to open the books?
@Darth Pepe I believe it's a thing of taboo, and people love that. He left the life, I only have to thank him for these excelent videos and sitdowns. I heard of guys that didn't kill nobody and got made, I only thought that could be his case.
It's really quite special to see two men on completely opposite sides get along so beautifully. I just hope that our generation can be this way one day
When I went through the FBI Academy in 1988, we had a new agent who looked just like Joe Pistone looked in one of picture in the book Donnie Brasco. Even some of the instructors commented on how much he looked like Joe (and Joe Pistone may have even heard this about this agent through friends). But, the funny thing was, at graduation, a couple of the agents had put together a funny parody yearbook with everyone's pictures in it, and a little funny saying under everyone's photo. Under the agent who looked like Pistone, they wrote, "Voted most likely to be whacked by mistake." Anyway, as a former agent, I really enjoyed listening to you two guys on these two podcasts. I never worked the mafia much when I was in, but I always enjoyed hearing the stories from agents who had.
I went thru in '96-'97. In spring '01, I volunteered as NAC "field counselor" duty. I'm in reception room waiting for class to file in on Sat or Sun afternoon and, reviewing the roster of people due in, I see there's a guy listed in the class as "Donnie Brasco." Kid you not. I point it out to my co-counselor and Staff Counselor and we all laughed. Then we look closer and see he's the only guy with no roommate or suitemate...has two rooms to himself: only guy. So, finally Donnie Brasco shows up. Nice guy, shakes our hands, and, when asked, stated he was Joe's cousin ...and pretty close cousin, at that. Donny(ie?) completes the training and shows up for graduation with his class. Just before he goes into auditorium, I come up to him in hallway and see he's talking to Italian - looking guy in a nice sport coat and smokey glasses. It was Joe. Donny introduced us and he was most gracious and told me thx "for helping Donny out." Turns out he was getting ready to address class as the speaker before awards and creds given! After that and reception were done, a bunch of us went out to local eateries and I went to one where Joe, Donny and a SIZEABLE family were at and was invited to join, which I did. Joe was quiet but gracious. Michael and Joe don't mention it here but the rumor was that there has been a contract out for Joe. But I get the feeling that either didn't happen or it was quashed pretty soon. I asked Donny one day why in the world would Joe take a close cousin's name when mob sure to look into "Donny Brasco." He told me that the name isn't that unusual up that way and that Joe needed a name he'd react to quickly. Wow.
@@teller1290 From what I understand the contract for Joe is gone because everyone he affected is long dead at this point and no sane mobster is going to try an murder an 80 former FBI Agent to prestige because any family associated with him would suffer severe repercussions. Joe is aware that the contract is officially off, but I think he says he doesn't like being around mob areas because while it's unlikely, he still has that worry in the back of his mind that some idiot might try and actually kill him.
@@servebotfrank4082 I just wonder if it was ever on, given warnings govt must've leveled at LCN when rumor first started swirling 35-40 years ago? And if so, how many yrs was it taken seriously. Point is, if Joe loved under such a thing for, say 25 years, that's even more of his life that he, in a way, lost to LCN.
That took me back to the golden era of the 70s/80s when Life was just different and arguably better. Michael is a great interviewer and Donnie is a great guest. Really enjoyed.
A scene I loved was when Lefty asked Donnie to appraise a "Fugaze" diamond and Donnie blew off Lefty and told him it was fake and that Lefty was a "Dumbskie" for buying it. The look on Lefty's face and his reaction for being called a "Dumbskie" was classic.
In all the five boroughs, I'm known, forget about it, I'm known all over the fucking world, anybody asks about Lefty from Mulberry Street, you're pissing up the world fucking street, my friend.
There was a moment in Joe's book where he had to take Lefty up to Chicago. Lefty thought the great lake there was the ocean. He was freaking out like "Theres no way this is a lake! Its the f*ing ocean!" I dont know why but that part made me crack up so hard
@@peteroconnor6394 NYC is complicated for sure. All Lefty needed to know was the street life in NYC. Joe said it was one of the hardest things about being around Lefty all the time. All he talked about was mob life. He couldn't have a conversation about anything not crime related. He wasn't very bright though.
@@peteroconnor6394 That's not true at all. Indiana is 30 miles from downtown. Wisconsin is about 75 miles. You can see both clearly from the Sears Tower. Plus you can easily see Indiana from the South Side on a clear day.
Enjoyed it a lot!! It was an incredible interview/ sit down. Thanks again Michael, I truly appreciate you sharing this freely, it amazing to hear these stories of living legends all people who in one way or another left and indelible Mark on our country and will be part of its history forever, I mean to me it’s an honor that I get to have access to you channel I very much appreciate the time and hard work it takes to put these things together and you do an incredible job, only recently subscribed and I love the channel, I just told my son about it as well and he’s going to check it out and start watching. Thanks again, take care and stay safe and healthy.
I enjoyed this episode with the two of you. Hearing some funny moments from each side. When you asked Joe if he ever got anxiety from living a duel life , his answer amazed me. Can only say Joe Pistone is one smooth operator. Said with all due respect.
So freaking awesome hearing these older guys that at the time couldn’t stand each other, but now have no hard feelings over their old lives 🥰. We’re all getting so much out of this
Michael, I really love your content. My grandfather was a soldier in the Colombo family. He passed when I was only a few months old. Does Salvatore Peritore "Sammy the Assassin" or "The Silent Mafioso" ring a bell to you? I really hope you see this because it would be awesome to know if you knew him at all. My mother and brothers told me stories about him, but who else would know better than you? God bless, Michael!
@@generalstiffy2219 In all honesty, it's hard to sense sarcasm from text. In the mob, a nickname "Pete the perv" wouldn't be completely out of the realm of possibility lol
@@DeplorableLegend perv I don't know now.... I couldn't see any mafioso accepting that moniker.... Its just to disrespectful.... And have people judging you without even knowing you... Whys he called a perv you know.... Deftinley not for me in anyway....
Can't wait to watch this. Loved the first sit down. Love your channel Michael, you seem so happy and content with your life now and I love you're so comfortable talking about your past life
Am I the only one thats amazed at how surreal these two guys talking to each other on you tube with no animosity, both with podcasts after the lives they lived? Amazing. They almost seem like regular people. Then I have to remind myself, these guys were some real tough guys.
Top class conversation. All about mutual respect, albeit on the opposite sides of the law (then). Please do one with Sammy Gravano, that show will definitely cross a million views. All the best Michael!
I kinda feel sorry for lefty course he kinda replaced the void he had with his drug addicted son with Donnie and then he lost Donnie and had no sons And a huge problem
@@TheBaBaTV as if you know who he killed amd did not kill. If you think your safe when crossing a mob guy because your "innocent" and not a made man you're dreaming. What the hell do you think extortion is? Why do you think people pay protection fees? Do you really think mom and pop stores were all owned by made men? Get real kid...
Man. That message from Sonny to his girlfriend for Joe was heavy and brought a tear to my eye. The moment where the structure and principles of everything that made you who you are in life comes into conflict with your survival as a human being...most men will be left wanting for courage in the face of that. The mob was built on that absolute acceptance of the stakes and the rules...without the power of life death, how can the mob truly be the mob? It's like night and day now. But we also live in totalitarian times that we didn't before.
Probably a contrarian view but there was no reason for him (Sonny Black) to feel compelled to honor the dogma. The organisation was clearly very hypocritical with how it implemented rules. Pistone himself was almost whacked because of the jealousy of a captain who made up a story about him (Donnie) robbing the family of $250k. Clearly BS from that guy but he was never taken out. I doubt making up random stories to get innocent guys whacked is part of the rules or accepted dogma. Also, if the henchmen made enough money from drugs and kicked up enough, the higher ups would turn a blind eye. Sonny Black died because of pride and allegiance to an organisation whose internal mechanics were often at odds with itself. There was no honor in taking that "high road" - not when it means leaving a wife and kids behind for an organisation that would easily sideline their code if doing so meant gaining a significant $ Don't romanticize it lol
I have a sign pinned to a corkboard in my office at work: "Rules of the workplace: 1. The boss is always right. 2. When the boss is wrong, see rule #1" I just own a convenience store, but it's all in good fun lol.
I love the genuine respect these two men show one another. I watched other interviews with Joe, this is the first time I heard him admit that he shed tears hearing what Sonny said before he was whacked.
The way Sonny Black knew he wasn’t coming back from the sit down reminds me of the story Sammy the Bull told about Johnny Keys before Sammy took him out! A real mans man....true Cosa Nostra!!
It's so refreshing to witness a couple true gentlemen who, although they were on different sides, can sit down and have a respectful conversation. I admire them both. Having a little bit of similar experience, I know their prior personal experiences were the individual choices they made. I also know that if one had gotten jammed up by the other, they both would have understood it wasn't personal, it was just business. I wish nothing but the best for them both.
As I commented in part 1. This has to be the best interview with Joe ever. It’s the fact there’s more depth to the stories he’s told many many times. And I a way more natural. It’s kinda like he telling these stories in pub than an interview. Awesome
This is just beautiful, two guys that were in the same game on opposite teams and now retired and coming together to share those past experiences. Just beautiful. Hopefully one day I can meet you and shake your hand Michael! God bless you and your family my brother!
I just realized that at the end of the interview Michael called him “Donnie” and not “Joe”. @ 25:10 Michael says “Donnie, it’s been great”. Part 1 & 2-GREAT STUFF!!!
It is not an understatement that this is an awesome sit down/interview. Very compelling. What is so amazing and understated is that Joe did his job so well that he was on track to be a made man.
Really great interview/conversation. You're one of the few interviewers who respects his guests and lets them answer questions. I really enjoyed the mutual respect and admiration.
I absolutely loved the interview! I've read Donnie Brasco, and saw the movie as well as read just about everything on the life. This conversation between you two was great from the perspective of respect for each other, and nostalgia. I first read Donnie Braso right after the book came out back in the 90's, so this was really special to watch. Thank you Michael!
So much respect and admiration between these guys. Seeing Joe get emotional remembering those guys just shows how deeply he was committed and how those 6 years must have affected him. Great interview, love this 😎
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Really speaks volumes when a former mob captain and an FBI agent who played a crucial role in bringing down the mob sit down together and have a calm discussion when we can’t even get two people on opposite sides of the political spectrum to have a conversation without spewing hate.
Very true
Exactly...much to learn from both.
that's because both of them were from worlds where you had be professional, had to have respect, and had to earn your way up in the ranks. Politics is whomever can pander the loudest
Reminds me of the movie Heat
Exactly what I was thinking! What an awesome sit down...SO so good. I loved every minute
Sonnie Black was a G to the end. To go to a meeting knowing you’re not gonna walk out takes a lot of heart.
True to the rules. Also coz he prolly made the same for others who broke it
Heart???? I say GUTS
@@nosolar2023 guts would make him run. Hearts coz he seemed depressed and wanted to b loyal to the mob.
@@nosolar2023 both
That's not heart. That's fucking BRAVE.
This wasn't an interview. It's more like I just had the privilege of listening to two really good friends on a phone call catching up on old times. Much respect to you guys...God bless.
There was a line from Michael; I can’t remember exactly *I love talking with you because it feels like I’m talking to an old friend*. Realize most people don’t make it out of that life. So just to shoot the shit with someone that knows it has to be refreshing
I was just thinking the same thing , two old friends talking about the old days … it’s good to have friends like this
Great interview!!! Michael you're doing great.
That’s what we’re looking for, a look into the life. As little commercial as possible.
I agree. The reason I love Michael is because he talks about being saved and how a life of crime always ends bad.
It speaks volumes to Mr. Pistone’s character that the guys he brought down respected him
That's because an honest cop is as rare as an honest criminal. One in a million.
@@edmann1820 Well said, don't forget lawyers.
@@edmann1820 is in I is uh
The reason he made it in that life so long without them ever knowing shit was the straight fact he was a stand up guy.
@@JoeyMetcalf80 of course he wasn't. he was just street smart.
You know these guys are true Italians when it takes 30 minutes to say goodbye 😂😂
Hahhahahha say no more 😂😂
I think it's a Mediterranean thing.
@@karimabdelaziz5287 Yeah! I am greek and it got me laughing so hard cause greeks and italians have very similare cultures
@@gwyn4534 Hahaha yeah! We do the same thing in Egypt! Your neighbors on the other side of the Mediterranean.
@@karimabdelaziz5287 Mediterranean people be like that i guess xD
Great interview. I'm so hooked on these stories now I cant get enough. Real life. Not fake Hollywood agenda bs. Just real life. Thank you Michael for this gift. I could sit and listen to these guys all day.
Me too.
Only found Michael today & very happy I did. Watched not even a handful of videos & I think I might already be an addict. ❤
@@alicecrystalpalace I used to look up to the mob movie characters and stuff, but now that I'm older after a misspent youth, I love hearing Michael openly admit how awful that life was and how grateful he is to be saved and with his real family. His story is very inspiring.
You can’t call joe pistone a rat. A rat is someone in that life. That turns on their friends. Joe was the opposition that beat them at their own game. Can’t fault him
Obviously.
It was his job people forget
That’s considered a mole
yeah alot of them were simply born into the life but really good people, joe recognized that and worked accordingly you just gotta respect the man for that.
@@dameanic11 “really good people” lol. OK, that’s definitely a stretch. Nothing wrong with bookmaking and providing services that people desire and in which they voluntarily participate, but most Mob guys are also thieves. A thief is not a good person. Stealing from another person is a violation of natural law.
I'm a Marine and a veteran of Vietnam. What this sit down reminded me of is two war veterans who fought against each other sitting down many years later and finding they have experience in common that others wouldn't understand... and great respect for each other as warriors. You two have bonded because as former adversaries you have so much in common. You both played your roles with honor and are down to earth stand up guys. Thank you, Michael, for this wonderful video!
Major respect sir! OIF/OEF vet. when times got a little hairy in Iraq, keeping your guys in my mind made it easy to get through!!
Well said
@G Wulf @Pinku Style TV Thank you for your service. Navy Corpsman Vet here. Appreciate you guys fightin for this country and I'm proud to have supported people like you.
What total BS.
Respect of where others come from in life as well.
Really cracking sit down with Joe and Michael. Great to see the 2 sides of that battle come together and show respect. Fantastic UC work by Joe. High risk for high gain. Excellent sit down Michael
@@michaelfranzese Michael what did you think of Ritchie the boot ?
Who would have thought 40 years later Michael Franzese and Donnie Brasco would be just cracking jokes together
they were probably cracking jokes 40 years before
Fkn great isnt it? Lol
I know right? Nuts. Crazy times.
I wonder if you would have told them that then they would have believed it. Maybe with those two specifically cause both seem to see everything as business and not taken a lot personal but some who are friendly now would never believe it.
@Johnny Caruthers do you understand the concept of a hypothetical question? And I didn't even say it had to be on TH-cam. They had TV programs back then.
Finally! The first one really ended on a cliff hanger...
@@michaelfranzese Your comment at the end Michael. So genuine. Speaks volume. Nice editing.
Yeah, but wasn't it worth every minute of the wait?
@@audiophileman7047 like a sitcom cliff
@@michaelfranzese Hello Sir. Mr. Joe mentioned a little about the mob in Canada. If you ever find the time I would like to hear more. Thanks God bless🙏
Your editor's decision to keep that last part was really smart
Donnie still sounds like a mob guy. Love seeing these two sides talk
He does!!!💯‼
He is a new Jersey italian , that's his real accent
@@benjaminzeev3272 I love it!!!🥰
Yeah he does. He uses phrases like "in the can" etc. If I didn't know who either of these guys were I'd guess Pistone was the mob guy.
If you listen to the real audio recordings of the phone calls between he & Lefty, it's crazy how much Johnny Depp's voice even sounded like his. It's hard to even tell the difference.
You know he's a great undercover when Michael calls him Donny at the end.
He'll always be Donnie. We need to know details about the type of work Donnie did as an associate. The jobs and scores he did with the families. Actual robberies, safes, what did he do exactly?
Read the book its absolutely fantastic
@@ianburton2058 Which one? There is 3
Like Sonny said in the movie.. Donny ain’t no Fed
🤣🤣 Facts
As a 31 year veteran of federal law enforcement, the testimony of both gentlemen rings so true. The mutual respect between law enforcement and those on the other side was indeed there. We all knew our roles and as long as we each stayed there, the respect was there also. Great interview!
It like watching two old WW2 pilots who fought against each other meet up years later. Just the upmost respect for each other. Like saying “You fought honourably” 🤝
Nice analogy!!!! 🥰
@@CodyRae11 I’m secretly hoping he opens Slices pizza in Toronto so I can run the place. 😂
Happen with war vets indeed I seen in with my own eyes with American and Vietnamese vets.
@@MrTouguy If you make a mistake, you get whacked.
@@MrTouguy
I've got his back in Colorado!! 😁🙏🙏🙏
I like how Michael and Joe sound like old high school friends reminiscing. They know all the same characters, events, etc.
2 war veterans that were on opposite sides
Funny.. The whole interview Micheal addressed him as “Joe” but in the end when he thanked him for the interview, around 25:09, he suddenly addresses him as “Donnie”.
I noticed that too.
Wow from listening to Joe you would never think he is 81 years old now. He looks and sounds much younger than his actual age.
It’s an Italian thing, they age really well
@@RikelWirkkunen, True 👍
It's also life long abstinence from smoking.
@@RikelWirkkunen its coz hes a man, who did manly things and put himself at risk and in danger. He's not gonna get soft ever
no stress
The best interview in TH-cam history
Michael could interview a rock and people would want to listen to it.
Dude, it wasn't an 'interview' - it was a sit down :) Joe Pistone's got no qualms about putting down who he put down or what flowed from it, but he's very human about it. He's never trying to big himself up by trying to make who he put down sound blacker than they were. I was a teenage pillock and did nearly 2 years in the UK in the 80s for a political offence. I took the view that crime was 90% weakness, 10% wickedness. Most couldn't resist the temptation of easy money. Some, the most they got out of crime was the misery they caused people's lives. Scripture tells us it is the Lord's will that all be saved, and even the 10% can find salvation. Joe Pistone did God's work.
I don’t consider this an interview but I know what you’re saying. With that said, I think one of the best interviews I’ve heard is with Larry Mazza on VladTV which is why I think Larry should be Mikes next guest. They were in the same family, two different eras.
This was awesome. I love how at first it's an interview then turns into watching two respectable friends sharing stories. The love and respect you both have is admirable.
Everyone I've shown this channel to loves it. I will never get tired of hearing these stories.
th-cam.com/video/u89gd49PDNU/w-d-xo.html
Check out Sammy the bull weekly podcast i think you'd like that too
@@jaysontimothy1573 yeah I've been doing this too, friend. Looking forward to the big sit down.
Sorry but Sammy is 99.9% unlistenable. I try to hang in there, but let's face it he lacks the intellect to keep one as riveted as Michael does. When I hear him speak it's like nails on a chalkboard. The long pauses, the repetitiveness, the uber slow delivery. I feel like I'm listening to an invalid.
@@dr.vinnyboombatz22 awwwe im sorry he doesn't meet your legendary intellect standards he was a blue collarstreet mobster thats way they speak Jesus christ boy
AAAAAY.....MIKEY.....I've been anxiously waiting for part 2 !!
@@michaelfranzese it was great 👍 thank you , I'm glad I didn't have to wait for part 3 . Honestly I was expecting it
Much respect to both protagonists. Letting each other talk without interruption and the stories, resulted in a fantastic interview. Utterly compelling.
Mike you should do a episode on the jonny depp and amber heard trial
Very compelling. Joe is a great man who gave a huge personal sacrifice to get a lot of horrible men off the streets. The fact that Michael is genuinely saved and able to admit his past sins is very inspiring.
Mr. Franzese,
Thank you so much for this content. It’s unbelievable that we get to witness these interviews and hear your stories from the comfort of our own homes.
All the best,
Casey W
Just got done with Sammy's podcast now another great one with Michael ....this day is great indeed !😊GOD bless Michael and his family 🙏🙏
th-cam.com/video/u89gd49PDNU/w-d-xo.html
Me too, one of sammy's best stories to date, right, and now this, awesome
May God bless us all sir...
Yes indeed 2.in one
I can't go Sammy to be honest, Michael is genuinely reformed and a great story teller, Sammy is still in the thug life and I don't think he will ever let it go, he loses it often even on podcasts 🤷
One of my favorite interviews yet… Donnie Brasco was just beautifully done. Al Pacino played one of his best roles ever. I love seeing the growth in these two, but their stories are worth gold. Two stand up guys. I’ve watched and read so much about this in particular, and this interview gave me info from the people that lived it. Perfecto!
You can see Joe start to get emotional when he talks about Sonny’s parting message for him. That struck a chord with me because you could tell that even though it was his job to be an informant, Joe never lost his humanity.
Absolutely amazing chat, Michael. I’ve been waiting for this one for a long time. Cheers!
I think its the opposite. Sonny was able to see that it was just a matter of professional conflict with no personal involvement and accepted it. That old excuse of "nothing personal" was actually true in that case.
What a nice surprise and a great way to start the weekend. Thank you Mr Franzese and Mr Pistone.
I sometimes overuse the word "surreal", but I really think there was a surreal quality to these two men conversing as they did.
don't forget the "Slices" commercial at the end. unbelievable.
@@barflytom3273 i couldn't think of a better way to end it
I've only recently gotten into Michael & I still can't wrap my head around it all. I get to sit & listen (for free) to a ex mob guy telling amazing life stories & referencing some real guys from some of my favorite movies..... throw in the real Donnie B, forget about it.
@@mackychloe you should listen to Sammy The Bull Gravano's stories. He is a master story teller.
By the end of 2021, your channel deserves to reach over 800 000 subscribers. Your content is so genuine and awesome.
“A wise guy's always right; even when he's wrong, he's right.”
I always tell the truth. Even when I lie
Farghett abouut it
Yeah he is right about being wrong
lol, Al Pacino was great in that movie
"You wanna check in with me tomorrah?"
Michael, I have followed Joe's career for many years, and I am grateful that you two can sit down and have such illuminating conversations on the life from your different persperctives.
" We know that in that life, in order to get straightened out, you have to make your bones" is the closest Michael ever came to answering one of his most requested questions
Like Richie Aprile whacking Rocco DiMeo
True hahah! The thing is, Michael was a great earner and a smart guy from the start. Do you really think he needed to do it for them to open the books?
@@theportugueselegend rules are rules....to get made you have to make your bones!
Michael will never say it but he lived the rules.
Naw bruh wheres jimmy hoffa?
@Darth Pepe I believe it's a thing of taboo, and people love that. He left the life, I only have to thank him for these excelent videos and sitdowns. I heard of guys that didn't kill nobody and got made, I only thought that could be his case.
Joe pistone has all the makings of a varsity athlete
Again with the Varsity Athlete as I threw my fork down
And small hands
I’m not going to tell you again!
It was business nothing personal
Dafaq?
Joe seems quite emotional at times in this ...It's very moving .
Thank you to Michael and Joe for making this happen! Incredible content!
One of the greatest examples of mutual respect you’ll ever see, forget about it.
It's really quite special to see two men on completely opposite sides get along so beautifully. I just hope that our generation can be this way one day
When I went through the FBI Academy in 1988, we had a new agent who looked just like Joe Pistone looked in one of picture in the book Donnie Brasco. Even some of the instructors commented on how much he looked like Joe (and Joe Pistone may have even heard this about this agent through friends). But, the funny thing was, at graduation, a couple of the agents had put together a funny parody yearbook with everyone's pictures in it, and a little funny saying under everyone's photo. Under the agent who looked like Pistone, they wrote, "Voted most likely to be whacked by mistake." Anyway, as a former agent, I really enjoyed listening to you two guys on these two podcasts. I never worked the mafia much when I was in, but I always enjoyed hearing the stories from agents who had.
I went thru in '96-'97. In spring '01, I volunteered as NAC "field counselor" duty. I'm in reception room waiting for class to file in on Sat or Sun afternoon and, reviewing the roster of people due in, I see there's a guy listed in the class as "Donnie Brasco." Kid you not. I point it out to my co-counselor and Staff Counselor and we all laughed. Then we look closer and see he's the only guy with no roommate or suitemate...has two rooms to himself: only guy.
So, finally Donnie Brasco shows up. Nice guy, shakes our hands, and, when asked, stated he was Joe's cousin ...and pretty close cousin, at that.
Donny(ie?) completes the training and shows up for graduation with his class. Just before he goes into auditorium, I come up to him in hallway and see he's talking to Italian - looking guy in a nice sport coat and smokey glasses. It was Joe. Donny introduced us and he was most gracious and told me thx "for helping Donny out." Turns out he was getting ready to address class as the speaker before awards and creds given!
After that and reception were done, a bunch of us went out to local eateries and I went to one where Joe, Donny and a SIZEABLE family were at and was invited to join, which I did. Joe was quiet but gracious.
Michael and Joe don't mention it here but the rumor was that there has been a contract out for Joe. But I get the feeling that either didn't happen or it was quashed pretty soon.
I asked Donny one day why in the world would Joe take a close cousin's name when mob sure to look into "Donny Brasco." He told me that the name isn't that unusual up that way and that Joe needed a name he'd react to quickly. Wow.
@@teller1290 , cool story.
@@teller1290 From what I understand the contract for Joe is gone because everyone he affected is long dead at this point and no sane mobster is going to try an murder an 80 former FBI Agent to prestige because any family associated with him would suffer severe repercussions.
Joe is aware that the contract is officially off, but I think he says he doesn't like being around mob areas because while it's unlikely, he still has that worry in the back of his mind that some idiot might try and actually kill him.
@@servebotfrank4082 I just wonder if it was ever on, given warnings govt must've leveled at LCN when rumor first started swirling 35-40 years ago? And if so, how many yrs was it taken seriously. Point is, if Joe loved under such a thing for, say 25 years, that's even more of his life that he, in a way, lost to LCN.
Just when Donnie thinks he’s out Michael pulls him back in haha
Underrated comment :)
Love the reference
That took me back to the golden era of the 70s/80s when Life was just different and arguably better. Michael is a great interviewer and Donnie is a great guest. Really enjoyed.
Arguably?
Wish this was longer! Please bring him back!
@lmd 55 he's not in witness protection you looper
A scene I loved was when Lefty asked Donnie to appraise a "Fugaze" diamond and Donnie blew off Lefty and told him it was fake and that Lefty was a "Dumbskie" for buying it. The look on Lefty's face and his reaction for being called a "Dumbskie" was classic.
In all the five boroughs, I'm known, forget about it, I'm known all over the fucking world, anybody asks about Lefty from Mulberry Street, you're pissing up the world fucking street, my friend.
Al pacino deserved an Oscar
Ya wanna check in wit me tomorrow?
@@edwardjulius4029 Yeah and the way he recanted, it's the kind of remark and apology that someone like Donnie would have made if he wasn't an agent.
Thank you Michael and Joe for this "sit down"! This was very enjoyable and very impressive to watch and listen to you both.
Pistone and Franzese have a brilliant chemistry; just like watching two mates having a chinwag about old times. Awesome stuff.
Like two war veterans
Life's too short
There was a moment in Joe's book where he had to take Lefty up to Chicago. Lefty thought the great lake there was the ocean. He was freaking out like "Theres no way this is a lake! Its the f*ing ocean!" I dont know why but that part made me crack up so hard
@@peteroconnor6394 I know. Lol my whole state of NJ can fit in those lakes. They are HUGE. I just thought Lefty's shock at their size was really funny
Lefty wasn't that smart. All he knew was NY and street life.
@@peteroconnor6394 I know how big the Lakes are. I've seen them. I've been to the Gulf and East Coast as well.
@@peteroconnor6394 NYC is complicated for sure. All Lefty needed to know was the street life in NYC. Joe said it was one of the hardest things about being around Lefty all the time. All he talked about was mob life. He couldn't have a conversation about anything not crime related. He wasn't very bright though.
@@peteroconnor6394 That's not true at all. Indiana is 30 miles from downtown. Wisconsin is about 75 miles. You can see both clearly from the Sears Tower. Plus you can easily see Indiana from the South Side on a clear day.
"in order to get straightened out, you gotta make your bones."
... wasn't Michael a Capo? Holy shit.
Michael has killed and has ordered killings, period.
he will never admit it because he wont incriminate himself.... but its common sense. if he admits it. the FBI will probably immediately arrest him
The Yuppie Don😂
He wouldn't know what your talking about.
Gotta kill to earn your stripes….especially knowing who his dad was….
Part 2 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 Great stuff boss
Those two sit downs are better than all the mob movies put together.
Hi mr
Been 10+ years since I've been able to indulge in those gamez
Loot from 10 hours of mob hits?
Great, very interesting!!
You’ve made my weekend. Can’t wait for this. God bless Michael
Enjoyed it a lot!! It was an incredible interview/ sit down. Thanks again Michael, I truly appreciate you sharing this freely, it amazing to hear these stories of living legends all people who in one way or another left and indelible Mark on our country and will be part of its history forever, I mean to me it’s an honor that I get to have access to you channel I very much appreciate the time and hard work it takes to put these things together and you do an incredible job, only recently subscribed and I love the channel, I just told my son about it as well and he’s going to check it out and start watching. Thanks again, take care and stay safe and healthy.
It’s honestly dope AF to see 2 guys from different sides connect so well and share there stories with no BS just down to earth true legends
Michael: I was the only one laughing they didn't get it
*Bruh you're the only mafia capo in the building*
I enjoyed this episode with the two of you. Hearing some funny moments from each side. When you asked Joe if he ever got anxiety from living a duel life , his answer amazed me. Can only say Joe Pistone is one smooth operator. Said with all due respect.
Sounds like he got emotional talking about Sonny, might be what was cut out
So freaking awesome hearing these older guys that at the time couldn’t stand each other, but now have no hard feelings over their old lives 🥰. We’re all getting so much out of this
Thanks for the interviews (chats)!
These chats are much more interesting than anything on TV nowadays!!
All the best!
I’m going to make a sit down drinking game where every time “I’ll tell you this” is said you must take a shot
th-cam.com/video/u89gd49PDNU/w-d-xo.html
So... last man sitting wins? Have a seat grape lol
thats suicidal lol
Try the "in that life " game. You'll be wasted.
What exactly do you mean by "a shot"?
Finally Friday once again! Have a blessed weekend Mr. Franzese!
Great Interview. If you want to learn about the history of the American Italian mafia these are the type of videos you need to watch.
Michael, I really love your content. My grandfather was a soldier in the Colombo family. He passed when I was only a few months old. Does Salvatore Peritore "Sammy the Assassin" or "The Silent Mafioso" ring a bell to you? I really hope you see this because it would be awesome to know if you knew him at all. My mother and brothers told me stories about him, but who else would know better than you? God bless, Michael!
@J Mula Our grandfathers sure had some interesting nicknames didnt they? Lol
@J Mula 😂😂
@@DeplorableLegend he's trolling bro
@@generalstiffy2219 In all honesty, it's hard to sense sarcasm from text. In the mob, a nickname "Pete the perv" wouldn't be completely out of the realm of possibility lol
@@DeplorableLegend perv I don't know now.... I couldn't see any mafioso accepting that moniker.... Its just to disrespectful.... And have people judging you without even knowing you... Whys he called a perv you know.... Deftinley not for me in anyway....
I love how Francese's accent changes back to the old mob days when he's reliving the stories 😅
What a great conversation. Fascinating to listen these two guys. Amazing ! Thank you !
Can't wait to watch this. Loved the first sit down. Love your channel Michael, you seem so happy and content with your life now and I love you're so comfortable talking about your past life
@@michaelfranzese I'm sure I will. keep up the good work
Am I the only one thats amazed at how surreal these two guys talking to each other on you tube with no animosity, both with podcasts after the lives they lived? Amazing. They almost seem like regular people. Then I have to remind myself, these guys were some real tough guys.
You can see that Donnie really loved the Life🙏🇮🇪💯
Top class conversation. All about mutual respect, albeit on the opposite sides of the law (then). Please do one with Sammy Gravano, that show will definitely cross a million views. All the best Michael!
He did tell us that is in the talks right now, just keep your fingers crossed that it happens.
I kinda feel sorry for lefty course he kinda replaced the void he had with his drug addicted son with Donnie and then he lost Donnie and had no sons And a huge problem
yea but he also killed tons of people so...theres that
@@AroundSun meh it’s the life
@@AroundSun didn’t kill innocent people... only gangsters who chose that life..: your judgmental and close minded ..
@@TheBaBaTV as if you know who he killed amd did not kill. If you think your safe when crossing a mob guy because your "innocent" and not a made man you're dreaming. What the hell do you think extortion is? Why do you think people pay protection fees? Do you really think mom and pop stores were all owned by made men? Get real kid...
@@cohenfromdiscord2551 yes, it's the life for those who chose it. Not so much for those who didn't and got jammed up anyway.
Man. That message from Sonny to his girlfriend for Joe was heavy and brought a tear to my eye. The moment where the structure and principles of everything that made you who you are in life comes into conflict with your survival as a human being...most men will be left wanting for courage in the face of that. The mob was built on that absolute acceptance of the stakes and the rules...without the power of life death, how can the mob truly be the mob? It's like night and day now. But we also live in totalitarian times that we didn't before.
Probably a contrarian view but there was no reason for him (Sonny Black) to feel compelled to honor the dogma.
The organisation was clearly very hypocritical with how it implemented rules. Pistone himself was almost whacked because of the jealousy of a captain who made up a story about him (Donnie) robbing the family of $250k.
Clearly BS from that guy but he was never taken out.
I doubt making up random stories to get innocent guys whacked is part of the rules or accepted dogma.
Also, if the henchmen made enough money from drugs and kicked up enough, the higher ups would turn a blind eye.
Sonny Black died because of pride and allegiance to an organisation whose internal mechanics were often at odds with itself.
There was no honor in taking that "high road" - not when it means leaving a wife and kids behind for an organisation that would easily sideline their code if doing so meant gaining a significant $
Don't romanticize it lol
@@mannylocatelli8977Who are you ?
SPOT ON 💯💯💯💯
In all the five boroughs, I'm known, forget about it, I'm known all over the world, anybody asks about Lefty from Mulberry Street.🚬
under rated comment next to these fugazis
Only a draft could kill him. The man did not broke the Omerta.
So how do I call you, friend of mine, friend of ours?
@@optimistiks You just keep your mouth shut. And just stand there and look tough next to the flag of Antarctica and Nicky’s popsticle.
U pissing up the wrong fucking tree
“A wise guy's always right; even when he's wrong, he's right.”
LoL. For some reason this makes sense 😆
Lol I mean it applies to the people below the rank of the wise guy
I have a sign pinned to a corkboard in my office at work:
"Rules of the workplace:
1. The boss is always right.
2. When the boss is wrong, see rule #1"
I just own a convenience store, but it's all in good fun lol.
“Might makes right”
Thank you Michael for allowing us to have the pleasure of sitting in for this Beautiful sit down. You 2 gentlemen are the real good fellas.👊💃
God bless you Michael, greetings from Portugal 🇵🇹
I love the genuine respect these two men show one another. I watched other interviews with Joe, this is the first time I heard him admit that he shed tears hearing what Sonny said before he was whacked.
That was amazing to watch people from different sides of the street just have a sit down. Much respect for both of them.
The respect they have for each other is huge , crazy lifes they lived
Fucken pleaser watching two tuff guys and the respect they have for each other true men of mens great stuff thanks
The way Sonny Black knew he wasn’t coming back from the sit down reminds me of the story Sammy the Bull told about Johnny Keys before Sammy took him out! A real mans man....true Cosa Nostra!!
You guys are great. Great to be in on your catchup, what a joy! Good luck to you both.
Part 2!! Let’s gooo!
Thanks for the "Sit Down", Love the Videos Michael!
It's so refreshing to witness a couple true gentlemen who, although they were on different sides, can sit down and have a respectful conversation. I admire them both. Having a little bit of similar experience, I know their prior personal experiences were the individual choices they made. I also know that if one had gotten jammed up by the other, they both would have understood it wasn't personal, it was just business. I wish nothing but the best for them both.
The draft conversation was hilarious. Great content !
Keep up the great content. A lot of people pretend to have lived that life for street credibility but you sir are for real.
@@michaelfranzese what is the best way to get in contact with you?
As I commented in part 1. This has to be the best interview with Joe ever. It’s the fact there’s more depth to the stories he’s told many many times. And I a way more natural. It’s kinda like he telling these stories in pub than an interview. Awesome
“HEY Donny! Haven’t you done enough f’n damage down here”!? “Obviously not. because I didn’t put you in jail”! 😂
What a line
And they both laughed. Man.
Larry Gallo?!
Hilarious for sure! 🤣🤣🤣
🤦🏽♂️😂😂😂
Been here since the beginning, and it was always great, but Mr Franzese is always improving, and getting better!! This was amazing!
Been waiting on that sit down. Doesn’t get any better than that. Thanks so much, Michael.
Michael really interviewed Donnie Brasco two legends for different reasons
This is just beautiful, two guys that were in the same game on opposite teams and now retired and coming together to share those past experiences. Just beautiful. Hopefully one day I can meet you and shake your hand Michael! God bless you and your family my brother!
This was like watching a Mob museum come to life. Amazing!
This is mafia lore gold.
I just realized that at the end of the interview Michael called him “Donnie” and not “Joe”. @ 25:10 Michael says “Donnie, it’s been great”. Part 1 & 2-GREAT STUFF!!!
It is not an understatement that this is an awesome sit down/interview. Very compelling. What is so amazing and understated is that Joe did his job so well that he was on track to be a made man.
Really great interview/conversation. You're one of the few interviewers who respects his guests and lets them answer questions. I really enjoyed the mutual respect and admiration.
I absolutely loved the interview! I've read Donnie Brasco, and saw the movie as well as read just about everything on the life. This conversation between you two was great from the perspective of respect for each other, and nostalgia. I first read Donnie Braso right after the book came out back in the 90's, so this was really special to watch. Thank you Michael!
Great job by both of you! Enjoyed the interview very much.
Been waiting for this cant wait to see the full sit-down
@@michaelfranzese loved it keep up the good work man hope your pizza gonna make it to Europe aswell in the future
"Didn't you do enough dammage?" That's frigging hilarious 🤣
So much respect and admiration between these guys. Seeing Joe get emotional remembering those guys just shows how deeply he was committed and how those 6 years must have affected him. Great interview, love this 😎
He needs to be a regular guest for sure. You guys have a good relationship that makes for a great listening podcast.
Two Legends from different worlds coming together, Beautiful thing❤️