Podcasts by The Hollywood Godfather Podcast
Welcome to The Hollywood Godfather Podcast. Actor, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and Mafia associate Gianni Russo best known for portraying Carlo in ‘The Godfather’ has teamed with an unlikely ally, Patrick Picciarelli, writer, retired NYPD lieutenant, and current private investigator to put together a thought-provoking, tragic, funny, and often shocking view of Gianni’s life in the mob and the movies. His counterpart and co-host, Patrick, gives his insights into the world of crime, and comments on characters both men have known, as well as the current happenings in Hollywood and the mob.
The friendship between Gianni and Patrick did not have the usual beginnings of boyhood camaraderie. Both Gianni and Patrick were born and raised in New York’s Little Italy and lived a scant short block from each other, but that’s where the similarities end. Gianni sought his future with the Mafia, while Patrick became a New York cop. Their paths crossed a few times, and each was on the other’s radar; distrust and wariness always hovering. However, they became friends and now discuss all the complexities that surround the two diverse worlds of organized crime and police work.
Added to the dynamic is Megan Horan, a college graduate with a degree in film & television who grew up in suburban Philadelphia and now resides in New York City. A young, intelligent female voice looking to break into the entertainment industry, Megan was chosen personally by Gianni Russo to represent the millennial age group - one that may lack the knowledge of the generation regarding Old Hollywood and the Italian Mafia, yet possesses the interest in the topics.
Gianni, Patrick, and Megan's weekly podcast delves into the world of the Mafia, crime, international intrigue, inside Hollywood, and places such as the Vatican and Iraq; that one would never think of in the same sentence as the mob and cops. Fascinating stories include Hollywood stars such as Frank Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe, and Marlon Brando along with numerous prominent Mafia figures and even U.S. Presidents. The group is frequently joined by special celebrity guests, such as Paul Anka, Steve Schirripa, Chazz Palminteri, George Gallo, Nick Vallelonga, Tom Dreesen, Patrick Bet-David, and more. They also answer email questions and frequently interact with listeners on-air.
The Hollywood Godfather Podcast releases a new show every Wednesday! Be sure to follow us on Instagram @hollywoodgodfather and on Facebook.
The book, “Hollywood Godfather: My Life in the Movies and the Mob” by Gianni Russo with Patrick Picciarelli, was published in hardcover and audio by St. Martin’s Press on March 12, 2019 and is available for purchase on Amazon.
Further podcasts by GRI
Podcast on the topic Gesellschaft und Kultur
All episodes
Season 8 - Episode 157 - Special Guests Joell Ortiz & Rsonist from 2022-02-16T05:00:34
The Artists Behind the Hollywood Godfather Rap Album
Album Out Everywhere Feb. 25, 2022
Season 8 - Episode 156 - Ned Day: Crusading Las Vegas Reporter from 2022-02-09T05:00:07
Crusading Las Vegas Reporter
ListenSeason 8 - Episode 155 - Gianni Russo: Renaissance Man from 2022-02-02T05:00:45
Season 8 - Episode 155 - Gianni Russo: Renaissance Man by (c) 2021 GRI Entertainment LLC
ListenSeason 8 - Episode 154 - Operation Greylord - The True Story from 2022-01-26T04:24:33
With Special Guest Paul Ciolino
ListenSeason 8 - Episode 153 - Barry Slotnick: NY's Top Criminal Lawyer from 2022-01-19T06:18:09
Barry Slotnick: NY's Top Criminal Lawyer
ListenSeason 8 - Episode 152 - The Mafia & the Porn Business from 2022-01-12T05:00:02
The Mafia & the Porn Business
ListenSeason 8 - Episode 151 - Where is Jimmy Hoffa? We May Have the Answer from 2022-01-05T05:00:02
Happy New Year!
ListenSeason 8 - Episode 150 - Listeners’ Comments & Questions from 2021-12-29T05:00:02
Our 150th Episode Milestone
ListenSeason 8 - Episode 148 - Rappin’ Russo: Hollywood Godfather Makes Publishing History! from 2021-12-15T05:00:10
Part 2
ListenSeason 8 - Episode 149 - GR Meets GR: An Interview with the Actor Who Plays Gianni in “The Offer” from 2021-12-08T05:00:02
An Upcoming Paramount+ Limited Series
ListenSeason 8 - Episode 146 - Arnold “The Brain” Rothstein: His Life & Influence from 2021-12-01T05:00:14
Arnold “The Brain” Rothstein: His Life & Influence
ListenSeason 8 - Episode 145 - Interview with Bestselling Author Mark Seal from 2021-11-24T05:00:19
Leave the Gun, Take the Cannoli - Discussing his new book on the making of ‘The Godfather’
ListenSeason 8 - Episode 144 - Bestselling Author Mark Shaw Shares Startling News! from 2021-11-17T05:00:11
Bestselling Author Mark Shaw Shares Startling News!
ListenSeason 8 - Episode 143 - Listeners’ Comments & Questions from 2021-11-10T05:00:04
Listeners’ Comments & Questions
ListenSeason 8 - Episode 142 - Vincent Squillante: The Garbage King from 2021-11-03T04:00:04
Vincent Squillante: The Garbage King
ListenSeason 8 - Episode 141 - The Downfall of Don Vito Genovese from 2021-10-27T04:00:14
The Downfall of Don Vito Genovese
ListenSeason 8 - Episode 140 - Gunfight on Troutman Street: The Gang Who Couldn’t Think Straight from 2021-10-20T04:00:10
Gunfight on Troutman Street: The Gang Who Couldn’t Think Straight
ListenSeason 7 - Episode 139 - Gianni & Patrick: Parallels In Their Lives from 2021-10-13T04:00:17
Gianni and Patrick discuss their similar, yet different experiences in the 1960s.
ListenSeason 7 - Episode 138 - Listeners’ Comments & Questions from 2021-10-06T04:00
Listeners’ Comments & Questions
ListenSeason 7 - Episode 137 - Friends, Mentors, & Memories Part II - Larry Minetti from 2021-09-29T03:59:59
Friends, Mentors, & Memories Part II - Larry Minetti
ListenSeason 7 - Episode 136 - Friends, Mentors, & Memories Part I - Larry Minetti from 2021-09-22T04:00:26
Friends, Mentors, & Memories Part I - Larry Minetti
ListenSeason 7 - Episode 136 - Friends, Mentors, & Memories Part I - Larry Manetti from 2021-09-22T04:00:26
Friends, Mentors, & Memories Part I - Larry Manetti
ListenSeason 7 - Episode 135 - Sirhan Sirhan: Freedom for a Killer? from 2021-09-15T04:00:07
Sirhan Sirhan: Freedom for a Killer?
ListenSeason 7 - Episode 134 - Ralph Engelstad: Las Vegas Hotel Magnate with a Strange Bromance from 2021-09-08T04:00:07
Las Vegas Hotel Magnate with a Strange Bromance
ListenSeason 7 - Episode 133 - Kirk Kerkorian: Master of the Vegas Universe from 2021-09-01T04:00:05
Kirk Kerkorian: Master of the Vegas Universe
ListenSeason 7 - Episode 132 - Alison Martino on Al “Johnny Fontaine” Martino from 2021-08-25T04:00:05
Alison Martino on Al “Johnny Fontaine” Martino
ListenSeason 7 - Episode 131 - Ralph Lamb: At War with the Mob in Las Vegas from 2021-08-18T04:00:14
At War with the Mob in Las Vegas
ListenSeason 7 - Episode 130 - Oscar Goodman: Legendary Las Vegas Mayor, Pt. 2 from 2021-08-11T04:00:05
Oscar Goodman: Legendary Las Vegas Mayor, Pt. 2
ListenSeason 7 - Episode 129 - The Infamous Clients of Lawyer Oscar Goodman, Pt. 1 from 2021-08-04T04:00:04
The Infamous Clients of Lawyer Oscar Goodman, Pt. 1
ListenSeason 7 - Episode 128 – The Iceman: A Legend in His Own Mind from 2021-07-28T06:00:01
Season 7 - Episode 128 – The Iceman: A Legend in His Own Mind by (c) 2021 GRI Entertainment LLC
ListenSeason 7 - Episode 127 – An Interview with Author Mark Shaw: About Marilyn Monroe from 2021-07-21T06:00
Help us reopen the investigation into her death
ListenSeason 7 - Episode 126 – Tommy Bilotti: Loyalty Cost Him His Life from 2021-07-14T06:00:02
Loyalty Cost Him His Life
ListenSeason 7 - Episode 125 – Liza Minnelli and Designer Halston from 2021-07-07T06:00
Liza with a “Z”, Compassionate with a “C”
ListenSeason 7 - Episode 124: Listeners’ Comments & Questions from 2021-06-30T06:00
Time for Another Mailbag Episode!
ListenSeason 7 - Episode 123 - Al Martino: Did Playing Johnny Fontaine in ‘The Godfather’ Hurt His Career? from 2021-06-23T16:42:55
Did Playing Johnny Fontaine in ‘The Godfather’ Hurt His Career?
ListenSeason 7 - Episode 122 - Megan Discusses Her Mentors from 2021-06-16T06:00:03
Megan Discusses Her Mentors
ListenSeason 7 - Episode 121 - An Interview with Mark Shaw: The Assassination Connection from 2021-06-09T04:00:03
Mark Discusses a New Book Featuring Gianni and Pat
ListenSeason 7 - Episode 120 - The Demise of Howard Stern? from 2021-06-02T04:00:03
Commenting on a NY Post Opinion
ListenSeason 6 - Episode 119 - The Unusual Artistry of Sid Krofft: Interview with a Hollywood Legend from 2021-05-26T04:00
Interview with a Hollywood Legend
ListenSeason 6 - Episode 118 - Interview with the Legendary Frankie Valli: Still Walking Like a Man from 2021-05-19T04:00:06
Still Walking Like a Man
ListenSeason 6 - Episode 117 - Listeners’ Comments & Questions from 2021-05-12T04:00:06
Gianni’s Favorite Type of Show!
ListenSeason 6 - Episode 116 - Gianni Agnelli: Industrialist, Friend & Fashion Icon from 2021-05-05T04:00:02
and the Battle of the Rolexes
ListenSeason 6 - Episode 115 - Mentor Series: John Kluge from 2021-04-28T04:00:01
Mentor Series: John Kluge
ListenSeason 6 - Episode 114 - The Fischetti Brothers: The Men Behind Capone from 2021-04-21T04:00:01
The Fischetti Brothers: The Men Behind Capone
ListenSeason 6 - Episode 113 - Patrick Discusses His Mentors from 2021-04-14T04:00:16
Patrick Discusses His Mentors
ListenSeason 6 - Episode 112 - Mayor of Providence, RI Buddy Cianci from 2021-04-07T04:00:02
and the Era that Created Him
ListenSeason 6 - Episode 111B - Our March Updates from 2021-03-31T04:00:40
URGENT MESSAGE INCLUDED - Pat Discusses a Missing Persons Case, Gianni Updates on His Business Ventures, Megan Announces the Launch of the “Hollywood Godfather, La Famiglia” Website
ListenSeason 6 - Episode 111 - Interview with Actor, Writer & Producer Chazz Palminteri: from 2021-03-31T04:00
A Bronx Tale & Hollywood Inside Stories
ListenSeason 6 - Episode 110 - The Wit & Wisdom of Hollywood Legend George Gallo from 2021-03-24T04:00
The Wit & Wisdom of Hollywood Legend George Gallo
ListenSeason 6 - Episode 109 - Listeners’ Comments & Questions from 2021-03-17T04:00:03
We share your comments and ask your burning questions
ListenSeason 6 - Episode 108 - The Howard Stern Evolution from 2021-03-10T05:00:08
Gianni and Pat share their best Stern stories
ListenSeason 6 - Episode 105 - “Casino” and Korshak’s Influence from 2021-02-17T05:00:02
“Casino” and Korshak’s Influence
ListenSeason 6 - Episode 104 - Mentor Series: Sidney Korshak, Mr. Fix It from 2021-02-10T05:00:02
Mentor Series: Sidney Korshak, Mr. Fix It
ListenSeason 6 - Episode 102 - Special Guest Pat Cooper from 2021-01-27T05:00:07
Reminiscing about Vegas with the Legendary Comedian
ListenSeason 6 - Episode 100 - Our 100th Episode! from 2021-01-13T05:00:07
A Thank You to Our Listeners
ListenSeason 5 - Episode 99 - Interview with Jackie Jordon from 2021-01-06T05:00:04
Restauranteur to the Stars
ListenSeason 5 - Episode 98 - Interview with Henry “Bombastic” Bushkin from 2020-12-30T05:00:04
Attorney & Confidant of TV Legend Johnny Carson
ListenSeason 5 - Episode 97 - Sinatra & the ‘HG’ Gang: A Documentary, a Book, and More from 2020-12-23T07:00:09
Gianni discusses his upcoming appearance in ViacomCBS Sinatra Documentary
ListenSeason 5 - Episode 95 - Who You Gonna Call? from 2020-12-09T05:00:05
Interview with Attorney Mathew Mari
ListenSeason 5 - Episode 94 - Interview with Author Carol Gino from 2020-12-02T05:00:05
Years of Love and Writing with Mario Puzo
ListenSeason 5 - Episode 92 - Interview with Tom Cantone from 2020-11-18T05:00:01
A Visionary of the Casino-Entertainment Industry
ListenSeason 5 - Episode 91 - Interview with the Legendary Paul Anka from 2020-11-11T05:00:08
He Did it His Way
ListenSeason 5 - Episode 90 - Sinatra, the Mob & Me from 2020-11-04T05:00:04
Sinatra, the Mob & Me
And a Surprise Announcement
Season 5 - Episode 89 - Listeners’ Comments & Questions from 2020-10-28T04:00:02
We share your messages and answer your burning questions
ListenSeason 5 - Episode 88 - Reel Talk From the Hollywood Kid from 2020-10-21T04:00:06
Reel Talk From the Hollywood Kid
ListenSeason 5 - Episode 85 - Interview with Producer/Director Brett Ratner from 2020-09-30T04:00:04
Noted Hollywood mogul discusses Movies & the Mob
ListenSeason 5 - Episode 84 - Interview with Shaun Attwood from 2020-09-23T04:00:04
From Drug Kingpin to Successful Businessman Pt. 2
ListenSeason 5 - Episode 83 - Interview with Shaun Attwood from 2020-09-16T04:00:08
From Drug Kingpin to Successful Businessman Pt. 1
ListenSeason 5 - Episode 82 - Mike Russell, Undercover Cop Pt. 2 from 2020-09-10T21:56:59
Mike Russell, Undercover Cop Pt. 2
ListenSeason 5 - Episode 81 - Mike Russell, Undercover Cop Pt. 1 from 2020-09-02T04:00:07
Mike Russell, Undercover Cop Pt. 1
ListenSeason 4 - Episode 80 - Listeners’ Comments & Questions from 2020-08-26T04:00:07
We share your messages and answer your burning questions
ListenSeason 4 - Episode 79 - Special Guest Nick Vallelonga from 2020-08-19T04:00:05
Special Guest Nick Vallelonga
ListenSeason 4 - Episode 78 - Special Guest Steve Schirripa from 2020-08-12T04:00:03
The Sopranos meets the Hollywood Godfather
Watch the video here: https://vimeo.com/hollywoodgodfather/review/429098205/30234f25e1
Season 4 - Episode 77 - Mentor Series: Al Malnik from 2020-08-07T06:31:52
Master of the Universe
ListenSeason 4 - Episode 76 - Listeners’ Comments & Questions from 2020-07-29T04:00:06
Listeners’ Comments & Questions
ListenSeason 4 - Episode 75 - Interview with Paul Ciolino from 2020-07-22T03:59:59
“Interview with Paul Ciolino”
Chicago’s savviest Private Eye discusses the mob and his most infamous cases
Season 5 - Episode 74 - Interview with Iconic Comic Tom Dreesen from 2020-07-15T04:00:06
Sinatra, the Mob & 50 years as a standup comic. View video show here: https://vimeo.com/hollywoodgodfather/review/435381464/7f83c4c545
ListenSeason 4 - Episode 73 - The Making of 'The Freshman' from 2020-07-08T04:00:01
The Making of ‘The Freshman’
The gang discusses behind-the-scenes as well as the Brando and Gotti bromance.
Season 4 - Episode 72 - Mentoring by the Mob: Tony Accardo from 2020-07-01T04:00:01
Mentoring by the Mob: Tony Accardo
ListenSeason 4 - Episode 71 - Mark Shaw Interview Pt. 2 The Mysterious Death of Dorothy Kilgallen from 2020-06-24T04:00:12
Mark Shaw Interview Pt. 2 The Mysterious Death of Dorothy Kilgallen
ListenSeason 4 - Episode 70 - Interview with author Mark Shaw Pt. 1: The Kennedy Assassination from 2020-06-17T04:00:04
Interview with author Mark Shaw Pt. 1: The Kennedy Assassination
ListenSeason 4 - Episode 69 - Mentor Series: Jack Welch from 2020-06-10T20:12:25
Mentor Series: Jack Welch
ListenSeason 4 - Episode 67 - Albert Anastasia: Lord High Executioner from 2020-05-27T04:00:03
Albert Anastasia: Lord High Executioner
ListenSeason 4 - Episode 66 - Listeners’ Comments & Questions from 2020-05-20T04:00:03
Episode 66 - Listeners’ Comments & Questions
ListenSeason 4 - Episode 65 - Mentoring by the Mob: Meyer Lansky from 2020-05-13T04:00:04
Mentoring by the Mob: Meyer Lansky
(Recorded 2/19)
Season 4 - Episode 64: Journalist and TV/Movie Personality A.J. Benza: Pt. 2 from 2020-05-06T04:00:04
Episode 64: Journalist and TV/Movie Personality A.J. Benza: Pt. 2 -
Watch this episode on Vimeo
https://vimeo.com/412436969
Season 4 - Episode 63 - Journalist and TV/Movie Personality A.J. Benza: Pt. 1 from 2020-04-29T04:00:08
Episode 63: Journalist and TV/Movie Personality A.J. Benza: Pt. 1 -
Watch this episode on Vimeo
https://vimeo.com/409028244
Season 4 - Episode 62 - An Evening You Can’t Refuse / Epidemics of Present and Past from 2020-04-22T04:00:03
An Evening You Can’t Refuse with Gianni Russo / Epidemics of Present and Past
ListenSeason 4 - Episode 61 - Special Guest Patrick Bet-David, Sharing Life Experiences: Part 2 from 2020-04-14T20:30:55
Special Guest Patrick Bet-David, Sharing Life Experiences: Part 2
Watch this episode on Vimeo
https://vimeo.com/405513776
Season 4 - Episode 60 - An interview with Patrick Bet-David from 2020-04-08T04:00:03
An interview with Patrick Bet-David
Watch this episode on Vimeo
https://vimeo.com/403050141
Season 3 - Episode 59 - Origins of the Mafia from 2020-04-01T04:00:03
“Origins of the Mafia”
(Recorded 2/19)
Season 3 - Episode 58 - Listeners Questions & Comments from 2020-03-25T04:00
“Listeners’ Questions & Comments”
(Recorded 2/19)
Season 3 - Episode 57 - Mentoring by the Mob: Frank Costello from 2020-03-18T04:00:08
Mentoring by the Mob: Frank Costello
ListenSeason 3 - Episode 56 - Roy DeMeo, the Butcher of Brooklyn from 2020-03-11T04:00
Roy DeMeo, the Butcher of Brooklyn
ListenSeason 3 - Episode 54 - Mentoring by the Mob: Carlo Gambino from 2020-03-07T00:00
Mentoring by the Mob: Carlo Gambino
ListenSeason 3 - Episode 53 - Listeners' Questions & Comments from 2020-02-19T05:00
Listeners' Questions & Comments
ListenSeason 3 - Episode 51 - Theater of the Mind - Don Imus R.I.P. from 2020-02-05T05:00
Theater of the Mind - Don Imus R.I.P.
ListenSeason 3 - Episode 48 - The Life and Death of Carmine Galante from 2020-01-15T05:00:02
The Life and Death of Carmine Galante
ListenSeason 3 - Episode 44 - Mafia Cops, pt 2 - Downfall from 2019-12-18T05:00:03
Mafia Cops, pt 2 - Downfall
ListenSeason 3 - Episode 43 - Mafia Cops, pt 1 - Origins from 2019-12-11T05:00:03
Mafia Cops, pt 1 - Origins
ListenSeason 3 - Episode 41 - Roger Stone & The Godfather Prosecution from 2019-11-27T05:00:03
Roger Stone & The Godfather Prosecution
ListenSeason 3 - Episode 40 - The Tragedy That Was Marilyn, CP5 Update from 2019-11-20T05:00:03
The Tragedy That Was Marilyn, CP5 Update
ListenSeason 2 - Episode 38 - Gianni Goes on the Lam from 2019-11-06T03:00:02
Gianni Goes on the Lam
ListenEpisode 01 - Let's Do This. from 2019-10-31T00:00
Gianni, Patrick and Megan introduce the new show and give an overview of what to expect from the podcast.
ListenSeason 2 - Episode 37 - The Irishman Controversy from 2019-10-30T02:00:02
The Irishman Controversy
ListenSeason 2 - Episode 35 - The Irishman: Fact vs. Fiction. from 2019-10-16T02:00:08
The Irishman: Fact vs. Fiction.
ListenSeason 2 - Episode 34 - The Brando No One Knew from 2019-10-09T04:00:04
The Brando No One Knew
ListenSeason 2 - Episode 33 - Gianni Returns From Exile from 2019-10-02T01:41:24
Gianni Returns From Exile
ListenSeason 2 - Episode 32 - Any Given Sunday, Behind the Scenes from 2019-09-25T02:00:05
Any Given Sunday, Behind the Scenes
ListenSeason 2 - Episode 31 - Here Today, Guam Tomorrow from 2019-09-18T02:00:06
Here Today, Guam Tomorrow
ListenSeason 2 - Episode 30 - Paging Dr. Gianni, Miami from 2019-09-11T02:00:06
Paging Dr. Gianni, Miami
ListenSeason 2 - Episode 29 - Steve Wynn - Master of the Universe from 2019-09-04T04:00:05
Steve Wynn - Master of the Universe
ListenSeason 2 - Episode 28 - Fredo Cuomo - Open Mouth, Insert Foot from 2019-08-28T04:00:35
Fredo Cuomo - Open Mouth, Insert Foot
ListenSeason 2 - Episode 27 - The Kansas City Mob and Gianni's Close Call from 2019-08-21T04:00:06
The Kansas City Mob and Gianni's Close Call
ListenSeason 2 - Episode 26 - The Story of Mickey Cohen from 2019-08-14T04:00:06
The Story of Mickey Cohen
ListenSeason 2 - Episode 24 - Gambino Underboss "Oneil" Dellacroce from 2019-07-31T04:00:05
Gambino Underboss "Oneil" Dellacroce
ListenSeason 2 - Episode 23 - The Families of New York from 2019-07-24T04:00:04
The Families of New York
ListenSeason 2 - Episode 22 - The Short Reign of Gambino Underboss Tommy Billotti from 2019-07-16T00:00
The Short Reign of Gambino Underboss Tommy Billotti
ListenEpisode 19 - Mala Femina and the Pope of Staten Island from 2019-06-26T07:00:04
Mala Femina and the Pope of Staten Island
ListenEpisode 15 - Little Italy: The Way It Was from 2019-05-29T07:00:07
Little Italy: The Way It Was
ListenEpisode 04 - Presidents and the Mob from 2019-03-13T16:07:06
In this Episode, we cover Presidents and the Mob.
ListenEpisode 02 - Tough Guys from 2019-02-27T23:26:18
Topic: Tough Guys
This is an episode you won't want to miss.