The Hollywood Godfather Podcast

Gianni Russo, Pat Picirelli, and Megan Horan discuss a New York Post article claiming the five families worry younger mobsters are too tied to phones and social media, citing a fugitive Colombo consigliere, Ralph DiMatteo, caught after his son posted a poolside photo, and another extortionist who sent threats by text. The main topic is Vito Genovese: after the 1957 Apalachin meeting embarrassed th...

On the Hollywood Godfather Podcast, Gianni Russo, Patrick Picciarelli, and Megan Horan discuss Richard Kuklinski (“The Iceman”), describing him as a New Jersey criminal convicted of five murders (plus a confessed, unsolved police officer killing) who later claimed involvement in major mob hits to profit from interviews and an HBO special that reportedly paid his wife nearly $500,000. Pat argues ma...

On the Hollywood Godfather Podcast, hosts Gianni and Patrick Piccirilli interview Chicago private investigator Paul Ciolino about Operation Greylord, a 1980s federal undercover probe into corruption in the Cook County court system that led to 93 indictments, including 17 judges, 48 lawyers, and multiple law enforcement and court officials, with many convictions; Ciolino describes entrenched politi...

In this flashback episode, Gianni Russo, Patrick Piccirelli, and Megan Horan discuss the Bilotti family, focusing on Tommy Bilotti’s role as Paul Castellano’s trusted driver/bodyguard and the planning and execution of the Sparks Steakhouse hit, including disguises, multiple shooters, and later identification through cooperators and FBI bugs. Russo recounts personal stories about Bilotti, Tommy Ern...

In the final episode of the year, We look into the controversial death of Marilyn Monroe. Co-hosts Gianni and Jeanie discuss the release of Russo's latest book, 'Mafia Secrets,' and James Patterson's 'The Last Days of Marilyn Monroe,' which both address the circumstances surrounding Monroe's death. Russo shares personal recollections from 63 years ago, emphasizing his r...

This episode of the Hollywood Godfather podcast, Gianni & Jeanie pay tribute to Dorothy Kilgallen, a renowned journalist and investigative reporter who died under mysterious circumstances 60 years ago. Guest Mark Shaw discusses his research on Kilgallen's work and death, while New York City Councilman Robert Holden talks about his efforts to honor her memory by renaming a street near her f...

On the Hollywood Godfather podcast, Gianni and Jeanie welcome back Matt Servitto, who is recovering after contracting type B flu and double pneumonia following a Colorado Springs fan event. The conversation ranges from faith and aging to Gianni’s background (polio, meeting Frank Costello, buying a boat, and his path into The Godfather through Joe Colombo’s Italian Anti-Defamation League meeting),...

On the Hollywood Godfather podcast, Gianni and co-host Jeanie welcome back tech expert Mike Austin to discuss staying safe with technology. Austin explains iPhone screen sharing, warns about scams such as fake Venmo “send it back” requests, phishing emails, and the risks of unsubscribing from unknown emails; he advises verifying sender addresses, using aliases when signing up for services, and kee...

Gianni and host Jeanie read listener mailbag questions on the Hollywood Godfather podcast. Russo says a major company wants to adapt his three books—The Hollywood Godfather, The Sixth Family, and Mafia Secrets—into three $50 million feature films over the next three years. He says he was not in Hollywood during Charles Manson’s time, credits engineer Mike Austin for creating the podcast intro musi...

On a special Hollywood Godfather podcast episode with hosts Gianni and Jeanie, guest Robert Baldacci discusses launching The Baldacci Group with his 22-year-old son Teddy, affiliated with Keller Williams Portland, focusing on commercial real estate such as multifamily properties and hotels; Teddy’s path from hotel work and doorman duties at The Breakers to notable deals is highlighted. Baldacci re...

On the Hollywood Godfather podcast, hosts Gianni and Jeanie welcome back filmmaker Miles Stephenson, who discusses his documentary The Real Godfather about Joe Colombo and how the making of The Godfather intersected with New York’s mafia. Gianni shares stories from his youth, including receiving a radio from Carlo Gambino while quarantined at Bellevue, killing a pedophile that led to his release,...

On the Hollywood Godfather podcast, Gianni and Jeanie welcome filmmaker Miles Stephenson , 26, a New York–born writer/producer of documentaries. Miles recounts meeting Gianni while producing The Real Godfather documentary about Joe Colombo and The Godfather’s real-life ties, and they discuss Russo’s connections to Frank Costello, Colombo, and on-set stories such as a stolen production van and Lenn...

On a monthly episode of the Hollywood Godfather podcast, Gianni and Jeanie bring on executive producer Michael Austin to answer listener questions about online safety, scams, and AI. Mike advises never clicking email links, verifying issues by going directly to official websites, checking sender email addresses, and using name-brand security tools such as router-based services (e.g., Netgear Armor...

Gianni and Jeanie record the Podcast while on location at the Chill Out event in New Jersey and a racetrack, welcoming longtime friend Paul Anka as part of their “Legends” series. Anka discusses how his songs, including “Put Your Head on My Shoulder,” are trending on TikTok, and promotes his HBO Max documentary “Paul Anka: His Way” and a planned Broadway show about his life. He shares family detai...

On the Hollywood Godfather podcast, Gianni and Jeanie welcome back actor and visual artist Federico Castelluccio, who was born in Naples and came to the U.S. in 1968. Castelluccio discusses early acting work in New York theater and soap operas, stressing theater as an essential foundation, and recalls returning to Italy to film The Sopranos. He describes his formal art training on a full scholarsh...

Gianni and co-host Jeanie celebrate 6.5 years and their 360th Hollywood Godfather podcast episode, teasing expanded reach and possible national radio. In a mailbag show, Russo promotes the Chiller convention April 2–4 at the Hanover Marriott in Whippany, New Jersey, urging fans to buy his books Hollywood Godfather and Mafia Secrets on Amazon and bring memorabilia for signing; they also plug his Ca...

Gianni opens the show with co-host Jeanie Raymond and interviews his longtime friend Bobby Vinton by audio only at Vinton’s request. They discuss Vinton’s major hits “Blue Velvet” (1963) and “Mr. Lonely,” his ongoing nerve issues from shingles and his regret about not getting the shingles shot, and memories of Russo’s spaghetti dinners for Vinton’s family in Las Vegas. Vinton recounts awkwardly te...

On the Hollywood Godfather podcast, Gianni and Jeanie talk with Dr. Daniel Conti III about Russo’s return to Goodfellas Restaurant/Doc Social Club in Garfield, New Jersey on March 26, including dinner, an expanded Q&A, meet-and-greet, and book signing for Russo’s Hollywood Godfather and Mafia Secrets; the $150 price includes tax and tip. Conti describes the intimate speakeasy-like upstairs ven...

Gianni and Jeanie interview Tony Orlando, who recounts knowing Russo since around 1980 and praises Russo’s legendary storytelling and Las Vegas speakeasy era. Russo shares stories from his youth, including selling ballpoint pens after polio and meeting Frank Costello, plus his real-estate connection to O.J. Simpson’s Rockingham house. Orlando and Russo discuss shared connections to John Catsimatid...

In this episode, Gianni and Jeanie welcome co-author Michael Benson as the discussion revolves around Benson's new book about Carlo Gambino, along with his previous collaboration with the host on various organized crime books. Benson shares insights into his journey into writing about gangsters, starting with a chance encounter with Frank Damario and editing his book. He details the process of...

The podcast episode features Gianni and Chad Erickson, discussing their experiences with 'Hot Mic Events' and their unique approach to revitalizing the entertainment business through creative sponsorship models. They organize shows at small venues like restaurants and theaters by incorporating local sponsorships from beer, wine, and liquor companies as well as media and radio stations, mak...

In this episode of the Hollywood Godfather podcast, hosts Gianni and Jeanie introduce a new monthly segment featuring Mike Austin, the technical expert behind the podcast. The discussion revolves around the rapid changes in the entertainment industry, driven by AI and digital innovation, including the rise of virtual artists and AI-generated content. Gianni shares insights on a new venture with &#...

In this episode of the Hollywood Godfather Podcast, hosts Gianni and Jeanie chat with Matt Servitto, known for his roles in The Sopranos and other films. They discuss the shifting dynamics in the Hollywood industry, with more studios moving to the East Coast, and the challenges of virtual auditions. Matt shares details about his new vampire comedy film 'Batshit Crazy' and a recently filmed...

In this episode of the Hollywood Godfather Podcast, hosts Gianni and Jeanie welcome a special guest, Ray 'Boom Boom' Mancini, a longtime friend and lightweight champion. The hosts discuss various topics with Ray, including his extensive involvement in boxing, his foundation's upcoming fight night for first responders, and his family's legacy. Mancini also touches upon his son's...

In this episode, Gianni and Jeannie answer listener mail, diving into various topics including Charles Manson, Donna Mills, and Frank Sinatra. They discuss Gianni's close relationship with Sinatra and his experiences in Hollywood. Gianni also shares some personal stories about his car collection, his interactions with several heavyweight champions, and his participation in the Golden Gloves. T...