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•46 min•Season 3Ep. 12
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 underco...
Jan 10, 2023•53 min•Season 3Ep. 11
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 T...
Jan 03, 2023•38 min•Season 3Ep. 10
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 endeavor...
Dec 13, 2022•48 min•Season 3Ep. 9
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. ...
Dec 06, 2022•44 min•Season 3Ep. 8
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•40 min•Season 3Ep. 7
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 Le...
Nov 22, 2022•53 min•Season 3Ep. 6
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 family and...
Nov 15, 2022•40 min•Season 3Ep. 5
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 foun...
Nov 08, 2022•47 min•Season 3Ep. 4
In this conclusion to our two-part episode on the Lefty Tape, you will hear how Joe Pistone, as Donnie Brasco, talks his way out of a life-or-death situation with Left Ruggerio. Listen to find out how Joe managed to not only save his skin but also kept his business running with the mob as the FBI built their case. It all ends with a sit down to find out if Joe lives or dies. Numerous Mafia characters are mentioned and talked about in this episode including, The Bonannos and Trafficante families,...
Nov 01, 2022•48 min•Season 3Ep. 3
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•46 min•Season 3Ep. 2
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•40 min•Season 3Ep. 1
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 Twitter...
Sep 30, 2022•3 min
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 min•Season 2Ep. 13
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/Deepcover...
Jul 21, 2021•38 min•Season 2Ep. 12
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•54 min•Season 2Ep. 11
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•37 min•Season 2Ep. 10
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 ...
Jun 23, 2021•44 min•Season 2Ep. 9
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•34 min•Season 2Ep. 8
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 09, 2021•34 min•Ep. 7
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) (@facebook) Ja...
Jun 02, 2021•38 min•Season 2Ep. 6
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 an additio...
May 26, 2021•57 min•Season 2Ep. 5
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 00...
May 19, 2021•36 min•Season 2Ep. 4
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 - Art of Dee...
May 12, 2021•40 min•Season 2Ep. 3
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 end of t...
May 05, 2021•37 min•Season 2Ep. 2
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 - Mindset...
Apr 28, 2021•35 min•Season 2Ep. 1
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 min
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 Me...
Dec 21, 2020•26 min
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 W...
Dec 16, 2020•21 min
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•53 min
