Sit Down with Michael Franzese

🍷 Have you tried my wine yet?: https://franzesewine.com/ 💪🏼 Join Franzese Family: https://michaelfranzese.com/family/ 📖 Check out our guest's book!: https://amzn.to/425d3pH This is one of the only times I’ve ever sat down with a true insider from Chinatown’s underworld. Meet Michael Moy—once a feared Fuk-Ching enforcer, turned decorated NYPD detective. We’re pulling back the curtain on the real, hidden world of Chinese street gangs: incense-lit blood oaths, Dai Lo kingpins, $110,000-a-week gambling dens, and the brutal betrayals and shootouts you never saw in the headlines. Mike survived it all—gunfights, RICO sweeps, and the night a friend died in his arms—before risking everything to join the other side of the law. Why did he walk away? What did he see that changed everything? And what secrets is he about to reveal, straight from files that once stayed locked in NYPD evidence rooms? Face to Face with a Former Chinatown Gangster Turned NYPD Detective 🤝 Book 1 on 1 Call With Me: https://michaelfranzese.com/book-1-on-1-call/ 🔥 Check out my store: https://store.michaelfranzese.com/ 🎙️ Michael Franzese Podcast on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3Eo39qb 0:00 - Introduction: Three main gangs controlling NYC Chinatown 2:09 - Who Is Michael Moy? background in Chinatown 2:44 - Gang member to NYPD transformation story 4:00 - Interview Start: Michael Moy 5:49 - Chinese gang structure vs Italian mafia 8:35 - Gang recruitment and initiation process 10:48 - Blood ritual and loyalty oath ceremony 11:27 - Viol*nce and reputation of Chinese gangs 13:16 - Gang influence and territorial control 15:02 - Comparison with Italian mob families 15:53 - RICO Act impact on Chinese gangs 21:36 - Main businesses: gambling and protection 23:26 - Michael Moy joins Fuk-Ching gang 25:03 - Officer Steven McDonald's forgiveness story 27:07 - Taking NYPD written exam 29:45 - NYPD background investigation process 32:36 - Business partnerships with Italian associates 36:24 - Legitimate businesses vs gang activities 39:02 - Assignment to Chinatown as detective 43:06 - Viol*nt gang encounters and close calls 46:07 - 1980s NYC viol*nce and crime 47:22 - Arresting former gang associates 50:18 - Good people vs bad people discussion 53:50 - Retirement and current activities 54:14 - "Bad to Blue" book and YouTube channel 56:19 - Private platform invitation 57:01 - Closing thoughts on transformation Backbone Media Group Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

🍷 Have you tried my wine yet?: https://franzesewine.com/ 💪🏼 Join Franzese Family: https://michaelfranzese.com/family/ $40 Million Dollars. That’s how much money The Interpreter allegedly “borrowed” from Shohei Ohtani — and where does Matt Bowyer, the bookmaker, fit into this explosive story? I sit down with Matt Bowyer—the man who took millions from Ohtani’s interpreter—and he’s telling me things that’ll shock you. Was Ohtani really innocent? How did Matt not know something was wrong when an interpreter was betting millions? And why didn’t he just cut him off? This isn’t the sanitized story you heard on ESPN. This is the truth from someone who lived it—told to someone who’s been there. Matt’s facing 18 years in prison. And for the first time, he’s answering the questions everyone’s been asking but nobody’s been brave enough to ask directly. Trust me—what you think you know about this scandal is just the beginning. The real story is much more interesting. Shohei Ohtani’s Bookmaker REVEALS The $40 Million Gambling Scandal 🤝 Book 1 on 1 Call With Me: https://michaelfranzese.com/book-1-on-1-call/ 🔥 Check out my store: https://store.michaelfranzese.com/ 🎙️ Michael Franzese Podcast on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3Eo39qb 0:00 - Introduction: Ohtani and The Interperetor 2:22 - Setting up the Ohtani gambling controversy 3:26 - Matt Bowyer interview begins 4:27 - Matt's early gambling and family struggles 6:43 - From restaurant busboy to commodity trading 10:14 - Mentorship and brokerage firm success 13:03 - Buying back his family's lost home 15:17 - Building the online sports-book empire 16:48 - Payment methods and customer loyalty 18:17 - Collection stories and mob connections 24:14 - First FBI raid in 2014 25:09 - October 2023 raid with 29 agents 27:04 - Wife's loyalty through the investigation 29:25 - How the feds found him 31:00 - Vegas casinos vs. old mob operations 37:08 - Meeting Ohtani's interpreter at poker game 38:55 - First bets and wire transfers 40:41 - "Holy f***" moment with Ohtani wire 43:00 - $24 million credit limit explanation 45:23 - Interpreter's soccer betting obsession 48:12 - Where the stolen money came from 50:15 - Cooperating with federal investigation 52:05 - Athletes and gambling addiction 54:12 - His $4.6 million Super Bowl bet 56:25 - Government hypocrisy on gambling 57:31 - Facing prison and family impact Backbone Media Group Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trump vs. Don Corleone: I See the Same Power Moves People call Trump a mob boss like it’s an insult. But after watching him handle Putin and Ukraine, I’m saying—maybe that’s exactly what we need. I’ve been in those rooms. I know what real power looks like. And when I see Trump flying to Alaska, making Putin come to him, then summoning every European leader to the White House—that’s straight out of The Godfather. Don Corleone called all five family bosses together to end a war. Trump’s doing the same thing with world leaders. The left hates this comparison, but here’s what they’re missing: Don Corleone wanted to stop the kil*ing. Trump wants to stop the kil*ing. Whether it’s ego, strategy, or genuine concern—who cares if it saves lives? You think I’m giving Trump too much credit? Fine. But I know mob tactics when I see them, and positioning nuclear subs near Russia while negotiating peace? That’s textbook intimidation with a purpose. Both men understood one thing: you negotiate from a position of strength, not weakness. You make people come to you. You control the room. And if they don’t play ball, there are consequences. Like him or hate him, Trump’s playing this like a boss. The question is—will it work? Former Mob Boss Breaks Down Trump's Godfather Strategy 0:00 - Introduction: Is Trump Using Godfather Tactics? 1:52 - The Parallels to The Godfather 2:55 - Don Corleone's peace meeting 5:22 - Trump's goal to end war 6:02 - Putin's Alaska visit significance 6:54 - Power dynamics with Putin 7:45 - Political reaction and motives 8:39 - War demands from Ukraine and Russia 9:30 - NATO leaders at White House 10:24 - Nuclear submarines power move 11:17 - Praise for Trump's handling 12:41 - Mob boss strategy analysis 14:14 - Audience call for comments 15:33 - Political division and pushback 17:10 - Global power connections 18:19 - Trump's independence from mob 20:05 - Historical mob peace talks 21:00 - Possible consequences 22:20 - Trump's negotiation approach 23:31 - Audience question 24:50 - Diplomatic power recap 26:08 - Trump as Don Corleone 28:29 - Conclusion and Closing remarks Backbone Media Group Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In one of his only english interviews, I sit down with Pablo Escobar’s most dangerous partner — Carlos Lehder, the man who revolutionized coca*ne smuggling and lived to tell the truth. This isn’t the story you saw in Narcos or read in the history books. What’s it like being called “The Henry Ford of Coca*ne”? What really happened behind the scenes of the Medellín Cartel? And how do you survive 33 years in America’s most brutal prisons — including four years in solitary confinement? In this raw conversation, Carlos opens up about his empire built on Norman’s Cay, his complex relationship with Pablo Escobar, and the moment everything came crashing down. We talk about betrayal, survival, and why he’s speaking out now at 75 years old. This isn’t just about drug smuggling — it’s about power, consequence, and the price of choosing crime over everything else. If you think you know the story of the Medellín Cartel... you’re only getting half the truth. Carlos Lehder: Partner to Pablo Escobar and The King of Smugglers (Rare Sitdown) 📰 Go to https://ground.news/mf to see what mainstream media won’t show you. Save 40% off the Ground News Vantage plan and take back control of how you stay informed. 🍷 Have you tried my wine yet?: https://franzesewine.com/ 💪🏼 Join Franzese Family: https://michaelfranzese.com/family/ 🤝 Book 1 on 1 Call With Me: https://michaelfranzese.com/book-1-on-1-call/ 🔥 Check out my store: https://store.michaelfranzese.com/ 🎙️ Michael Franzese Podcast on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3Eo39qb 00:00 Introduction 01:27 Michael introduces Carlos Lehder 02:07 Prison, extradition, Narcos mention 03:26 New York upbringing 07:47 Wealth, satisfaction, regrets 10:36 How the Medellin drug trade started 13:55 Norman’s Cay and smuggling routes 16:38 George Jung partnership 20:44 Why Carlos never retired 23:19 The law finally catches up 24:24 135 years in prison—solitary life 29:23 Release, exile in Germany 32:28 Pirate analogy & amnesty 36:13 Pablo Escobar reconciliation 39:11 Lessons, book, and advice 43:54 Carlos’s new life & message 1:11:10 Michael’s closing thoughts Backbone Media Group Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From gang member facing four years in prison to self-made multimillionaire—but that’s not even the most unbelievable part of Ryan Blair’s story. At 16, Ryan was staring down a prison sentence that would have destroyed his life. One judge’s decision changed everything. What happened next defies explanation. Ryan built and sold companies worth hundreds of millions. Private jets, stadiums full of people, everything money could buy. Then he lost it all. Friends betrayed him, lawsuits piled up, and his mother lay dying. But here’s where the story gets really interesting. What Ryan experienced—and what he witnessed happen to his own son—will challenge everything you think you know about what’s actually possible when you hit rock bottom. You need to hear this. Ex-Gang Member Reveals How He Avoided Prison and Built a $792 Million Business Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“I’m ranking the 25 greatest mob bosses of all time—and some of you won’t like my choices.” I break them down into five categories: The GOAT (Greatest of All Time), The Big Timers, The Power Players, The Contenders, and The Show Offs. These aren’t just names from movies. I knew some of these guys personally, worked with others, and heard the real stories from people who were there. You’ll see bosses who built empires that lasted decades. Guys who had politicians and judges in their pockets. Some controlled entire cities, others made millions every week. And yeah, some were absolutely ruthless when they had to be. From Fat Tony Salerno to bosses you’ve probably never heard of but should know about—this is the real hierarchy of American organized crime. The guys who really ran things behind the scenes. Some of my choices might surprise you. Others will make perfect sense. But every name on this list earned their place through power, influence, and the ability to survive in a world where one wrong move could be your last. Let me know where you think I got it right—and where you think I’m completely wrong. Most Powerful Mafia Bosses Of All Time Ranked by Ex Mobster 1:39 The Five Categories Explained 4:19 Lucky Luciano 5:52 Paul Castellano 6:39 Tony "Big Tuna" Accardo 7:12 Joseph Bonanno 9:39 Carlos Marcello 10:11 Vincent "Chin" Gigante 10:53 Russell Bufalino 11:24 Salvatore Maranzano 12:03 Nicodemo Scarfo 12:30 Carmine Persico 13:09 Frank Costello 14:03 Vincent Basciano 14:45 Joey Massino 15:46 Raymond Patriarca 16:09 Vito Genovese 17:00 Anthony "Tony Ducks" Corallo 17:48 Carlo Gambino 18:51 Al Capone 20:20 Tommy Lucchese 21:00 Meyer Lansky 21:49 Anthony "Fat Tony" Salerno 23:09 Johnny Torrio 23:43 John Gotti 26:04 Bugsy Siegel 27:38 Joe Colombo 30:15 Final Rankings Summary 32:10 Conclusion Backbone Media Group Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I’ve never done this before—never had another made guy on my platform. But today, I’m sitting down with Dominic Cicale, former Bonanno family captain. We get into the parts of that life most people never understand. The camaraderie we miss. The respect that came naturally. The money you could get with a phone call. But also the betrayal, the politics, and why we both walked away from it all. Dom opens up about his biggest regrets, the cooperation decision that haunted him for years, and how he’s building something completely different now—a crypto project that’s already up 600% since launch. This isn’t Hollywood fiction. This is two guys who lived it, survived it, and turned their lives around talking about what really happened behind closed doors. If you’ve ever wondered what it was actually like—not the movie version, but the real thing—this is the conversation you’ve been waiting for. Backbone Media Group Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I know, I know—another Epstein video. You’re probably sick of hearing about it.But here’s why I can’t let this die: they’re counting on us getting tired, moving on, forgetting about it. That’s exactly what they want.I sat down with Nick Bryant, the investigative journalist who released Epstein’s Black Book and flight logs back in 2015—before any of this was mainstream news. He’s got new information on the DOJ’s latest cover-up, and it’s worse than you think. We get into why Pam Bondi promised transparency then delivered redacted pages. Why Mike Johnson killed the House investigation before it could even get a vote. And why both sides—Republicans and Democrats—are working overtime to bury this.This isn’t about politics. It’s about children being abused by people with money and power—and a system that protects the predators instead of the victims.They want us to forget. I’m not letting that happen. The Journalist Who Leaked Epstein’s Secrets Reveals What’s Still Hidden Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

These attacks are not random. There is a pattern here. In this sit-down, I trace the shocking escalation from a distraught father’s hospital rampage to a Walmart knife attack, a college dorm sho*ting, and beyond—revealing how untreated trauma, social isolation, and political rage are colliding into viol*nce on our streets. We’ll expose the hidden connections lawmakers and media ignore, demand real accountability, and ask the only question that matters: how do we stop this before it’s too late? 00:00 Introduction 04:11 Major attacks of 2025 occuring in the US? 04:31 Attack 1: Midtown Manhattan shooting 05:23 Midtown attack victim details 08:10 Attack 2: Nightclub memorial shooting 10:15 Attack 3: UPMC Hospital hostage shooting 11:51 Attack 4: Walmart knife attack 12:44 Knife attack resolution details 14:24 Attack 5: FSU campus shooting 15:07 FSU shooting aftermath commentary 16:01 Attack 6: Minnesota lawmaker a*sassination 17:09 Lawmaker attack motive details 18:12 Attackers’ mental health motives 21:36 Pattern analysis mental health 23:28 Total victims count summary 27:09 How dangerous is panic driven Rhetoric? Backbone Media Group Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mob legend Vito Genovese murdered his way from a tenement in Naples to the pinnacle of American organized crime—and then blew it all with one fateful summit in rural New York. From Coney Island hits and fascist alliances to running a transatlantic empire, he rewrote the rules of the underworld. But his bid to crown himself “boss of bosses” at Appellation brought down the first real heat on Cosa Nostra—and set off a chain reaction no one saw coming. His story is a masterclass in ruthless strategy… and the fatal flaw that every powerful man fears. 0:00 Introduction 1:25 Vito Genovese: The Done Who Tried To Be A King 3:21 Chapter 1 - From Naples To New York 6:16 Chapter 2 - Architect Of Murd*r 9:28 Chapter 3 - Exile And Reinvention 11:39 Chapter 4 - The Power And The Plot 16:21 Chapter 5 - Downfall And Legacy 20:08 Epilogue - The Architect Who Collapsed His Own Empire Backbone Media Group Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if everything you think you know about Epstein is only the tip of the iceberg? In this raw, no-holds-barred sitdown, I sit down with Paul Hutchinson—the real-life hero behind Sound of Freedom—who’s risked everything on 70+ undercover missions to rescue kids and expose evil. We pull back the curtain on the shadowy web of power, blackmail, and cover-ups that kept Epstein’s secrets buried.No politics. No spin. Just the raw truth—and why we MUST demand full transparency before more lives are destroyed. Watch, share, and join the fight for justice. 1:23 Paul Hutchinson Undercover Operations2:44 Why we need to see the Epstein Files3:02 Was Trump somehow Involved?3:27 The Sound Of Freedom Book5:24 Interview Start: Paul Hutchinson6:00 Child Liberation book series and Paul's Operations6:30 The Failure that is the Epstein Situation11:13 The Epstein Evidence is overwhelming12:12 How to control a Billionaire + Diddy Situation14:00 Reaffirmation Epstein d*ath wasn’t suicide19:26 Speculation about withheld blackmail evidence29:50 Urgent call for transparency enforcement | what we can do35:52 Things will get worse before they get better38:14 Sound Of Freedom Insight55:27 Call to uncover governmental deception Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This might be the most important video I ever make. It’s not about the mafia. It’s not about money or power. It’s about something far more real—and far more eternal. 50,000 people packed a stadium in Anaheim, not for a concert or a game… but for a message. I was there, and what I witnessed moved me deeply. In this video, I share why I believe the world is starving—not for entertainment, but for truth, strength, and purpose. We talk about real manhood. The manhood of Jesus. The darkness I walked through. And why, today, I’m not going to h*ll for anybody. If you’ve ever felt lost, tired of the noise, or unsure about where to turn next—this one’s for you. If you’ve been looking for something real… this is it. This Is the Most Important Thing I’ll Ever Say Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For the first time in a rare English interview, I sit down with the son of the most feared drug lord in modern history — Pablo Escobar. But this isn’t the story you’ve seen on Netflix or read in the headlines. What’s it like growing up as the heir to a criminal empire? What really happened behind the scenes of the Medellín Cartel? And how do you break away from a legacy built on fear, blood, and billions? In this powerful conversation, Sebastián Marroquín (formerly Juan Pablo Escobar) opens up about his father’s v*olent rise, the truth behind Narcos, and the dark family secrets that nearly destroyed him. We talk about betrayal, transformation, and why the world still can’t let go of Escobar’s shadow. This isn’t just about the cartel — it’s about legacy, redemption, and the cost of survival. If you think you know the story of Pablo Escobar… think again. Pablo Escobar’s Son Breaks Silence About His Father, Narcos, and The Cartel Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why is everyone so quiet? The list is sealed. The case is closed. And suddenly, both sides of the aisle have nothing to say. This isn’t just about Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes. It’s about the people who built him—who funded him, protected him, and maybe… still are. Where’s the outrage from the media? The politicians? The prosecutors? Why are the same people who claim to fight for justice now pretending this never happened? In this documentary, we follow the trail: the power, the blackmail, the intelligence connections, and the money behind it all. And we ask the question they’re trying to bury—what’s really on that list… and who’s making sure we never see it? If the case is closed, why does it still feel like the story just started unraveling? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

They said it wouldn’t happen… but here we are. Me and Bill Maher. One-on-one. Two guys from opposite sides of just about everything—politics, faith, culture—sitting down to talk it out. We went deep on the mafia, family, corruption, cancel culture, Biden, Trump, fear, power, and what’s really broken in this country. We disagreed. We laughed. We called out the BS—on both sides. You might be surprised where we landed. If you’re tired of the shouting matches and looking for a real conversation about what matters... this one’s for you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices