Joe Pistone Brings "Donnie Brasco" Alive to Takedown the Mafia - EP 149

For episode 149, we welcomed legendary FBI undercover agent, Joe Pistone, to the show! Joe worked undercover as "Donnie Brasco" between September 1976 and July 1981, as part of an infiltration primarily into the Bonanno crime family, and to a lesser extent the Colombo crime family, two of the Five Families of the Mafia in New York City. The evidence collected by Pistone led to over 200 indictments and over 100 convictions of Mafia members-and some responsible for his infiltration were also killed by other mobsters.
Pistone was a pioneer in long-term undercover work. Pistone's work later helped convince the FBI that using undercover agents in lieu of relying exclusively on informants was a crucial tool in law enforcement. Pistone detailed his undercover experience in his 1988 book Donnie Brasco: My Undercover Life in the Mafia, the basis of the 1997 film about his life.
In our discussion, we covered how he got involved in law enforcement and why he wanted to work undercover, how he was able to separate his dual life at home and as "Donnie", the importance of teamwork, his actual creation of "Donnie Brasco", if he lives in fear of retribution, dealing with a $500,000 bounty on his head, his reaction to his work becoming a Hollywood blockbuster film with Johnny Depp portraying him, and so much more!
#donniebrasco #joepistone #mafia
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[@cheyenneasiafoxe292]

Joe Pistone is the real deal bad ass. Love this heroic 👮‍♂️cop! He's a legend !

[@speartalk]

Yes he is! Thanks for checking it out!

[@MsAnne1701]

Absolute gangster episode!! Being undercover would be the hardest job on the planet, hearing the story told from the best in the business, on one of the most dangerous cases ever, was absolutely epic. Thanks Joe and John for doing this episode ❣️

[@speartalk]

So much yes! Thank you for the support!

[@rmas1088]

One incredible guest, I love the comparison to movies, as well as his perspective in the undercover life. Thank you for this episode!

[@speartalk]

Thank you for giving it a watch! Joe is awesome…. Check out his podcast too!

[@rmb743]

Great interview, Joe Pistone is my hero, he did the ultimate. Alot of this generation can learn alot. This generation has no common sense

[@speartalk]

Right on! Thank you for checking it out!

[@kimsutherland5061]

This one was 🔥as expected. Thanks for bringing Joe on!!! Wow what a talk!!

[@speartalk]

We love Joe! ❤

[@ankevandooren6637]

This man is so badass! ❤️🔥 thanks for bringing him on.

[@speartalk]

Thank you for checking it out! Joe is one of a kind!

[@ankevandooren6637]

@@speartalk he sure is

[@cheyenneasiafoxe292]

Your so right. Wish I could meet a guy like him but today's men omg such sissies.

[@jamax118]

Been looking forward to this episode since you announced you were recording it. It didn’t disappoint! I’m a true nerd for biographies and biographical movies…this was a treat. Great questions in bridging the gap between today vs the “old days” of undercover work! Thank you John and Mr. Pistone! And truly…thank you for the sacrifices for law abiding citizens. 💯🙏🏻😇

[@speartalk]

Thank you for the kind words! Joe was a guest I’ve always wanted!

[@jamax118]

I’d have loved to hear you grill Henry Hill (I’m a poet and didn’t know it” @speartalkpodcast!!

[@erindupree527]

Great show. ❤

[@speartalk]

Thank you! Joe was a great guest!

[@thammytaynah3730]

❤ simplesmente perfeito 🔥💯

[@speartalk]

Thank you! ❤

[@jaed2630]

Man. The way i drink. Hes says i can only drink a half a bottle of beer! Wow

[@nola504a]

Nice!!!!!

[@speartalk]

I appreciate the support! Thank you!

[@mytmt1613]

The film was good, but the book is better with a lot more detail.

[@speartalk]

The book is pure awesomeness! 🔥🔥🔥

[@MrOctober44]

Never takes off the shades.

[@speartalk]

Ever!