Best Lefty Ruggiero Podcasts (2024)

1
Reality vs. Fiction Part 4, B.T.S. of Donnie Brasco 45:52

1+ y ago45:52

45:52

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 s…

1
Jules Interview - Joe's Handler & Donnie's Rabbi 53:19

1+ y ago53:19

53:19

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…

1
Reality vs. Fiction, Part 3 38:22

1+ y ago38:22

38:22

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 stori…

1
Michael Franzese - Realities of the Mob and Life 48:19

1+ y ago48:19

48:19

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 li…

1
Reality vs. Fiction Part 2, Behind the Scenes of Donnie Brasco 44:12

1+ y ago44:12

44:12

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…

1
Reality vs. Fiction Part 1, Behind the Scenes of Donnie Brasco 39:36

1+ y ago39:36

39:36

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…

1
Tony Conti Exit Tapes - Lefty's Goose Chase 53:04

1+ y ago53:04

53:04

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 pull…

1
The Milwaukee Tapes 40:13

2y ago40:13

40:13

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 …

1
Sonny Tapes, Traficante, and the Casino 46:59

2y ago46:59

46:59

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 thi…

1
Conclusion - Life and Death Phone Call with Lefty and Donnie, Part 2 47:51

2y ago47:51

47:51

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 fin…

1
Life and Death Phone Call with Lefty Ruggerio and Donnie, Part 1 45:59

2y ago45:59

45:59

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, …

1
Donnie's Tapes 39:43

2y ago39:43

39:43

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 …

1
Season 3 Trailer 3:13

2y ago3:13

3:13

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 O…

1
Season 2 Finale: More Listener Questions! 42:21

3y ago42:21

42:21

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.…

1
The French (Canadian) Connection ft. Eric from Canada 37:58

3y ago37:58

37:58

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 ha…

1
Examining The Criminal Mind with Dr. Frank 53:52

3y ago53:52

53:52

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 y…

1
Joe Pistone Returns to the FBI 36:42

3y ago36:42

36:42

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 Piston…

1
Breaking Down a Lost ‘Lefty’ Tape 43:45

3y ago43:45

43:45

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 00:01:1…

1
Joe Pistone Quits the FBI - Part 2 33:48

3y ago33:48

33:48

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: Dee…

1
Joe Pistone Quits the FBI Part 1 34:24

3y ago34:24

34:24

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, insufferab…

1
Joe and Leo Go to the Movies 37:58

3y ago37:58

37:58

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 …

1
Joe and Leo sit down with Michael Franzese 56:53

3y ago56:53

56:53

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,…

1
The Italian Mafia’s Ruthless Ways 35:42

3+ y ago35:42

35:42

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 a…

1
Never Cross a Mob Boss 40:04

3+ y ago40:04

40:04

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 happ…

1
The Fall of the Mafia 37:21

3+ y ago37:21

37:21

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 Commis…

1
Donnie Brasco is Back 34:55

3+ y ago34:55

34:55

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…

1
Deep Cover: The Real Donnie Brasco Season 2 2:20

3+ y ago2:20

2:20

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…

1
A Donnie Brasco Christmas, Part 2 25:44

3+ y ago25:44

25:44

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 …

1
A Donnie Brasco Christmas, Part 1 21:00

3+ y ago21:00

21:00

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 …

1
Life as a Prison Warden with Joseph Woodring 52:40

4y ago52:40

52:40

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.…

1
Joe Pistone and Leo Rossi Interviewed by Matty Staudt 51:35

4y ago51:35

51:35

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 c…

1
Donnie Brasco Goes To Hollywood 37:36

4y ago37:36

37:36

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…

1
Johnny Depp is Donnie Brasco 31:09

4y ago31:09

31:09

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 ficti…

1
Close Calls and Untold Stories, Part 2 31:54

4y ago31:54

31:54

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 wa…

1
Close Calls and Untold Stories, Part 1 35:57

4y ago35:57

35:57

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…

1
Three Capos Murder 29:07

4y ago29:07

29:07

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 B…

1
Q&A with Leo and Joe, Part 2 30:14

4y ago30:14

30:14

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 workin…

1
Q & A with Leo and Joe, Part 1 28:39

4y ago28:39

28:39

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? Al…

1
The End of Donnie Brasco? 25:39

4y ago25:39

25:39

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 Donni…

1
Donnie Brasco vs. Tony Mirra 25:29

4y ago25:29

25:29

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 lea…

1
Joe Meets Santo Trafficante 27:49

4y ago27:49

27:49

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…

1
Meeting with the Balistrieri Family 33:45

4y ago33:45

33:45

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 on…

1
Joe Meets the Bonanno Family 25:32

4y ago25:32

25:32

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 l…

1
A Fight With a Colombo 19:01

4y ago19:01

19:01

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…

1
Joe Becomes Donnie Brasco 31:40

4y ago31:40

31:40

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 h…

1
Who is the real Donnie Brasco? 31:40

4y ago31:40

31:40

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 dec…

1
Deep Cover: The Real Donnie Brasco 3:51

4y ago3:51

3:51

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…

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Lefty Ruggiero Podcasts

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