Episode #2343
Joe Pistone
Books mentioned
The Art of War
Mentioned by Joe Pistone · at 02:15:52 · ▶︎ Watch this moment on YouTube (approximate)
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Timestamps are segment start times from the podscripts.co transcript of the audio release (includes ad reads), so they may differ from the video by a few minutes.
Retired FBI agent Joe Pistone recounts his undercover work as Donnie Brasco, infiltrating the Bonanno and Colombo crime families. He describes learning to steal cars, tense encounters with mobsters, and a sit-down with the Milwaukee family. Pistone also discusses his friendship with Johnny Depp and the importance of studying one's enemy.
What they talked about
- Infiltrating the Bonanno crime family as Donnie Brasco
- Learning jewel thief skills: diamonds, locks, safes
- Gaining trust through a bar and gambling game
- Surviving a sit-down with a gun on the table
- Marrying mafia families in Milwaukee and Tampa operations
- Receiving a contract to kill and avoiding the hit
- Personalities of mobsters: Sonny Black, Lefty, Tony Mira
- Post-operation life, safety concerns, and charity work
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