Deep Cover: The Real Donnie Brasco

Johnny Depp might have played Donnie Brasco in the Academy Award-nominated film, but the real-life hero is Joe Pistone. Pistone came up on the mean streets of Patterson, New Jersey before going deep undercover and spending six years inside the Bonanno and Columbo crime families. In the new podcast “Deep Cover-The Real Donnie Brasco,” Joe Pistone shares the true stories of his time with The Mob to his friend, and our host, actor Leo Rossi. If you loved the Sopranos–“Fuhggedaboutit”–this is The Real Donnie Brasco. Learn more at deepcoverpodcast.com 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 story and what was fabricated by the brilliant Paul Attanasio? Listen to learn more and stay tuned at the end to hear what’s in store for the forthcoming season! JOIN THE MOTION LOUNGE! For the first time, we are offering a subscription plan. For just $5.99 a month, you will join the Motion Lounge and get: Season Exclusives, such as the complete collection of tapes Joseph D. Pistone recorded while in deep cover with New York’s most notorious crime families. AD Free Podcast Episodes (Two Days Early) Unedited Video Episodes & Behind-the-Scenes Content Member-only Bonus Episodes Member-only AMA’s Family-first access and discounts to live events. Join now by clicking THIS LINK! Have a question about this episode, a tape, or a past episode? Ask it here. Not ready to join the mob? Connect with us on social using the links below: Connect with us on social using the links below: Instagram: @deepcoverpod Facebook: @deepcoverpodcast Twitter: @deepcoverpodcast Episode Notes: [00:00] Introduction with Joe and Leo [02:09] Movie clip: Don the Jeweler [03:20] Joe shares how he knew so much in real life about diamonds during his first meet with Lefty Ruggiero [06:40] Joe’s Cadillac and blending in as broke [10:32] Movie clip: He says it’s a fugazi. [12:00] Joe shares the seeds of the fake diamonds scene. [15:16] Movie clip: This is Lefty’s car [16:19] Movie clip: Donnie Brasco fights a DA at the airport to save his cover [17:45] Joe shares the truth about the shocking encounter [19:06] Movie clip: Lefty hates the cold [20:57] Joe details what really happened with the air conditioner debate [24:54] Movie clip: Donnie refuses to take off his shoes [26:11] Joe sets the record straight about the Japanese Steakhouse fight [28:09] Movie clip: “You think I’m a f******g rat?” [29:56] The federal boat and dramatic licensing byway of Paul Attanasio [33:33] Truth or false: the ending of the movie Deep Cover [35:15] True Story: FBI agents told Sonny Black and Lefty Ruggiero that Donnie Brasco was a cop [37:40] Next season guests: Former undercover cop and beauty agent, Lisa Lockwood, Retired NYPD Ralph Friedman, former U.S. Customs Bob Starkman [39:54] Happy New Year– until next time!