Mike Safo

Joined today by 2 time World Series Champion, former 2 time All-star and 14 year MLB Veteran, Howard Johnson. Howard and I talk about his favorite shows to binge watch, as he prepares to watch The Tiger King. We hear about where he was when he got drafted by the Yankees, why he didn't sign with the Bronx Bombers, and his first camp with the Detroit Tigers. Hojo tells us about getting the call to "The Show" and walking into the locker room among future Hall of Famers. He talks about getting traded to the New York Mets, where he lived when he played in the Big Apple, and if he partook in the after game activities of those infamous teams. We chat about the legendary 1986 Mets team, being on deck when the ball went through Buckner's legs and how easy it was to win 2 World Series rings so quickly. From scouting to his working with the Tijuana baseball league and much more with the New York legend. And we hear from the Iconic Ballplayer which he thinks was cooler: being on a baseball card, having his own action fig

Joined today by former Caporegime of the NY Colombo crime family and current author and motivational speaker Michael Franzese.  Michael and I talk about his strong faith, what led him to Jesus and what his message is when preaching. Mike and I talk about growing up Yankee fans and his love for Mickey Mantle.  The “Yuppie Don” explains how he was at Hofstra when his legendary father went to jail and how he turned to Jospeh Colombo and joined “The Life”.  We hear about his multi million dollar weekly gas scheme, how it got started and his reaction when he appeared in Forbes magazine.  He tells us about hitting rock bottom, somehow retiring from the Mob, moving out West and finally feeling free again. Mike and I have some fun and talk about his favorite mob movies, hanging with Mike Tyson, what restaurants he misses the most in Brooklyn, and what questions does he hear the most.  From repairing his relationship with his 103-year-old father before his passing to watching the simpsons for the first time, Michael F

Joined today by world traveler, entrepreneur and travel expert, Lee Abbamonte. Lee and I talk about the COVID-19 pandemic that’s taking over the world. How it affected his European trip and why a lot of American citizens aren’t helping the cause. He tells us about the list he created of the Mount Rushmore of athletes for all different cities, and discuss why he picked the way he did. We touch on the current state of sports, or lack thereof, will there be fans and a possible start date. As a travel influencer, he gives tips for young people who want to get paid to travel, tells me about the 5 places on the planet that he has yet to visit and how he lost 30 pounds. All this and more with the Marco Polo of the 20th century. Follow Lee and his travels here: https://www.leeabbamonte.com/  https://twitter.com/leeabbamonte https://www.instagram.com/leeabbamonte/

Joined today by former Kentucky basketball star and guard for the Empoli Basket Lions in Italy, Maci Morris. Maci talks about playing basketball and living in Italy when the coronavirus stuck, her difficulties of getting home, and being self-quarantined in Kentucky as we record this podcast. We talk about Maci being one of the best High School players in the country, her recruitment journey and what led her to the University of Kentucky. She shares why she chose to Italy to continue her career, what food she misses the most from home, and why she can't stop eating gelato. From Drake following her on Social Media to what’s next for one of the best shooters in University of Kentucky history, Maci Morris delivers! Follow Maci on her on social media accounts here: https://twitter.com/Maci4Mo https://www.macimorrisofficial.com/ instagram.com/maci4morris

Joined today by former MLB all-star and 14-year veteran, Bob Tewksbury. Bob and I talk about me waking him up at 5am on accident on the day of the interview. We hear about him being drafted by my NYY and refusing to live in the big apple. We then talk about his book "Ninety Percent Mental: An All-Star Player Turned Mental Skills Coach Reveals the Hidden Game of Baseball" and how relevant it is in today’s game. Bob tells me what he’s doing now with the Cubs, how he approaches the superstars of the game and why mental wellbeing is so important in baseball. He shares what it was like dealing with the mental difficulties of being a pitcher, being on 6 different teams and how golfers, kickers and other sports are realizing the importance of being mentally realistic and strong. I ask bob if he would make it in today’s game or even given the chance to make it, his answer is surprising. From baseball movies to why Wrigley is so special and more. Buy bob’s book here: https://www.amazon.com/Ninety-Percent-Mental-All-S

Joined today by author and New York Times sports columnist, the great George Vecsey. George and I talk fondly of our adopted state of Kentucky and then jump right into his book “Baseball: A History of America’s Favorite Game”. We chat about George growing up in Brooklyn/Queens and his adoration for the Brooklyn Dodgers, and hear about his first memories of the game and what made him fall in love with it. We talk about the plight of Jackie Robinson and what he went through and the reaction of other players as he broke the color barrier. I express my love for Babe Ruth and we talk about what he meant to the game. We hear about the difficulties of writing a book about the history of baseball and what was the one thing he regrets not adding to this book. Mr. Vecsey and I talk about the current state of baseball with the Astros cheating scandal, his New York Mets and his dislike for the Bronx Bombers. From interviewing the Dalai Lama to sitting down with Tony Blair, and hanging out with Muhammed Ali, it’s always a

Joined today by one half of the famous True Crime Garage (TCG) podcast team, The Captain. We talk about their newest podcast Shaker Heights and hear about their friendship with true crime author James Renner. The Captain tells us about life in Ohio, why he isn’t playing as many gigs as before with his band and why he gets traveling requests from coast to coast. In a rare intimate moment, The Captain really opens up about his father, from growing up with a single dad who was a detective to the long hours, and how the stuff you don’t see on tv really influenced his life. He describes how the show has made their relationship grow and what profession his dad still makes fun of him about. We try and figure out why some cases garner more attention than others and why some are national news and some are forgotten. We talk about TCG.’s epic month long Jon Benet podcast, Adan Syned’s case, communicating with law enforcement as well as how they are now interviewing some victims’ families (Tyler Davis). I also offer 2 c

Joined today by the owner and founder of Rarenewspapers.com, Timothy Hughes. Tim and I talk about our weird passion of collecting newspapers and discuss the current state of collecting and the industry today. We chat about his infamous hometown of Williamsport, Pennsylvania, the home of the Little League World Series. How before the newspaper business Tim sat on the Board of Little League. He talks about the famous 1980 World Series and how that put the LLWS on the map and golfing with Mike Mussina. Tim takes us back to collecting coins and stamps and how buying a 3-dollar newspaper changed everything. From quitting the Board of Little League to how he acquired over a million newspapers from the 1600a to present day. He tells us which newspaper’s he’ll never sell, which are the most in demand and why the hobby is growing. Follow and check out Tim’s site here: http://www.rarenewspapers.com/

Joined today by former NJ State Trooper, NBA Referee, Author and Inspirational speaker, Bob Delaney. Bob is the recent recipient of the Teddy Roosevelt Award so we hear about what that award means to him. Bob tells us about growing up in New Jersey, why he joined the NJ State Troopers and how he got the call to go undercover. We hear about turning into "Bobby Covert", his years working on the waterfront and eventually infiltrating the Mob. We talk about the mental aspect of policing, how he juggled two lives and how he attempted to deal with the double lives. After retiring, Bob climbed the ranks and became an NBA referee. We chat about his time in NBA, hearing Charles Barkley trash talk and why his mom would get mad at him during Knicks game. Bob and I get serious and talk about PTSD with first responders, the suicide epidemic, and how we can all each other cope with a stressful career. From policing in NJ to going jaw to jaw with Michael Jordan. Bob has had one heck of a life. Follow Bob here: http://www.d

Joined today by undefeated boxer Sam “The Vanilla Gorilla” Crossed. Sam and I talk about growing up in the Maryland area, switching allegiances from the Redskins and Orioles to the Ravens and Nationals, and what caused him to do so. Sam explains why he didn’t jump into the world of the sweet science until later on in life. We chat about his amateur boxing career, and hear how he got arrested the night before his first amateur fight. He explains why he is chasing the boxing dream and how he manages to find time to work out with his unique schedule. We talk about his huge fight coming up next Saturday against Nick Kisner, and hear about their: history, friendship and sparring life. From his famous Super Bowl commercial with Mike Tyson to why he keeps his chest looking how it does. *** Watch Sam's Fight on Saturday February 28!!!!*** Follow Sam here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vanillagorilla301/ Twitter:https://twitter.com/SamCrossed301

Joined today by 14 year MLB veteran, 2 time All-Star, 1985 World Series Champion and the current color analyst for the Anaheim Angels, Mark “Goobie” Gubicza. We continue our conversation from last year talking about his incredible memorabilia collection, what items we’re going to trade, and if I’m allowed to hang a Boston Curt Schilling jersey in my apartment. We catch up on all things hot stove, from the Yankees signing Gerrit Cole to the Angels getting one heck of a parting gift in Anthony Rendon. Mark tells us the prep that goes into being the color analyst for the Angels, why he’s similar to Tony Romo, and why he doesn’t mind putting himself out there predicting plays. We hear some heartbreaking stories about his close relationship with the late Tyler Skaggs, what their tradition was and how he still keeps in touch with his mother. From how L.A. is still coping with the Kobe Bryant tragedy to his texting relationship with Pete Rose. All this and more with one of the nicest people in the game. Follow Mark

Joined today by American journalist, historian and author Garrett Graff. Garrett and I talk about JFK’s final flight from Dallas in his hit book “Angel is Airborne” and the similarities with his fantastic new book “The Only Plane in the Sky: An Oral History on 9/11”. We hear how Garrett compiled over 480 different people’s accounts on that fateful day and pieced them all together take us on this roller coaster book of emotions. Garrett lets me know what story touched him the most, what shocked him the most and the uncertainty that was the dram being played out on September 11th. A book of “what ifs”, we hear how some people’s decisions that day either saved or ended their life, what role social media would have played that say and how many children’s first memory was of that morning. We chat NYC, Washington Dc and Somerset County, Pennsylvania and how the entire world was effected by this events. We talk about the difficulties of writing books that have been covered from so many angles, the 2020 election and

Joined today by NBA hall of famer and Kentucky legend, Dan "The Horse" Issel. Dan and I chat about the prospect of bringing an NBA franchise to the commonwealth of Kentucky. Dan answers the pestering questions about things such as what traffic conditions will be, will it take away from college sports and how many jobs this will bring to the most passionate fan base in the world. “The Horse” and I talk about his historic career, how Joe B Hall and Adolph Rupp recruited him to come the Kentucky, his time as a Wildcat and why he chose the ABA over the NBA. From playing in Denver to being inducted into The NBA Hall of Fame as the 11th highest scorer in the NBA. We share a bunch of laughs, talk memorabilia and who he would draft 1st to start a franchise!   Follow Dan on twitter and check out how you can help bring an NBA Franchise to Kentucky https://twitter.com/DanIssel44 https://nba2lou.com/

Joined today by one of the best sports writers in the country, Adam Hill. Calling from a beach in sunny San Diego, Adam and I talk about what’s going on in Vegas, hanging out with O.J. Simpson, and some sports betting. We break down the final 4 of football and make our predictions for this weekend’s games. We touch on UFC 246, what fights are a must watch, Maycee Barber, and of course McGregor vs Cowboy. Adam lets us know how Las Vegas feels about the Raiders, if Tua is Raider Nation bound, and why Sin City has fallen in love with the Golden Knights. From texting Dana White to hearing why he is a die-hard Yale basketball fan, Adam Hill shows why he’s the go to guy in the UFC reporting world. Follow Adam here: https://twitter.com/AdamHillLVRJ

Joined today by the author of the phenomenal books “You” and “Hidden Bodies”, Caroline Kepnes. We hear how the tragic death of her father led her to open up more and channel her inner “Joe”. Caroline tells us about going from writing short stories to writing her rookie debut “You”, and how a tweet from Stephen King really changed everything. Then we hear about getting the exciting phone call that Netflix wanted to make her book into a series, what she thinks of the hit show and what roles she played in casting and directing. I try to get some information on the 3rd book in the “YOU” series, give my critique on crime scenes, and why Joe is such a likable character. From Cape Cod to the Big Apple and now Hollywood, follow Caroline on twitter and pick up her books here: https://twitter.com/CarolineKepnes http://www.carolinekepnes.com/author/

Joined today by former MLB and KBO pitcher Shane Youman. The LSU alumni and I talk about the upcoming BCS title game between Clemson and LSU. We chat about Shane’s high school career, his recruitment and getting drafted. Shane explains why he turned down a 6 figure contract and headed to Baton Rouge. We hear about winning the 2000 College World Series, getting drafted again and the best college player he played with. We chat about the grind from Williamsport to Hickory and how it all paid off when he got the call that he was going to play in the Majors. We chat about walking in the locker room the first time, stealing the ivy in Wrigley and facing Ken Griffey Jr. Shane tells us about the mental hurdles you face as a young pitcher and how he coped with it. Shane took his talents overseas and we hear about his time in Korea, the adjustments he made, trying new foods and dealing with some racism out there. We discuss how baseball can expose itself more in the African American community, some NOLA basketball and

Joined today by undefeated boxer and Washington D.C. Police Officer Tiara Brown. Tiara talks about her meeting with the Mayor and all the charity work she is doing in the DC area, as well as her hometown of Fort Myers. We chat about her insane work and boxing schedule, the grueling 3am workouts and how she juggles handling two of the world’s most stressful jobs. The undefeated boxer talks about her upbringing, what led her to leave Florida for school and what eventually led her into law enforcement. We hear about her #HELPMOVEMENT to bridge the gap between civilians and police officers. Officer friendly talks about being inside the ring, what drives her, why she is dying to fight at the Barclays center, and why she signed with Lou Dibella. From a random road trip to NYC for food to her predictions on Wilder/Fury, Officer Brown shows why she’s a role model inside and out of the ring. Follow Tiara here: twitter: https://twitter.com/tiarabrownbox instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tbaby125lbs/

Joined today by car enthusiast, podcast and YouTube host of the “The Smoking Tire”, Matt Farah. Matt and I talk about cats, from being a cat dad to flooding his Instagram with his 4 cats. We talk about the building of the “Westside Collector CarStorage” and his podcast compound. Matt tells us about how his infatuation with cars started at a young age and what car jump started his love. We also hear about how his early days at a carwash, and how YouTube changed his entire career. He convinces me to put a down-payment on the new Telsa CyberTruck. After all the car talk, Matt tells us about how he got into Opie and Anthony, and we talk about our friendships with the late and great Carl Ruiz. From podcasting with Joe Rogan to his last speeding ticket, we find out why Matt is more than just watches, cars and cats. Follow Matt on the following platforms Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesmokingtire/ twitter: https://twitter.com/TheSmokingTire website; http://thesmokingtire.com/

Joined today by the legendary comedian Reverend Bob Levy. Bob and I Talk about what got him banned from Twitter for over a year after his beef with Alyssa Milano. We chat about his car accident that had him laid up for almost 18 months, how he’s dealing with recovery and what has changed in comedy during his time out. He tells us about growing up on Staten Island, being in a band and how starting bar fights led him to be a comedian. The Reverend shares with us what it’s like working on the radio now with Kidd Chris, his thoughts on Trump and why he prefers terrestrial radio over satellite.   We talk about the glory days of talk radio and why he wasn’t on Opie and Anthony as much as he wanted to be. Bob reminisces about his first Howard Stern appearance and how that changed his career. We chat about rehab, the ziti in jail and how he got the name Reverend. Bob shares what it was like touring with Jim Florentine, the legendary hotel furniture story, and all the tricks he used to get girls. From the origin of th

Joined today, for his annual prefight podcast, the pride of Ireland, undefeated boxer Michael “Mick” Conlan. Mick’s been doing a ton of press so we tried to make this one a little different. We reminisce about our first show 4 years ago when he only had 2 fights under his belt and how we’ve progressed to podcasting from a romantic booth in midtown Manhattan. Being a father and husband, we talk about his expiration date on boxing, managing to stay grounded, and why Legacy doesn’t mean much to him. The Champ and I talk about the craziness that is NYC during Christmas time, what he’s doing with his time here and how he’s cutting weight for the upcoming fight. We talk about his close friend Paddy Barnes, what their friendship means to him and why I shouldn’t let him room with me. He tries to sell me on visiting Belfast, but we also touch on the unfortunate drug problem there as the important election takes place this week. We talk about the current state of boxing ,talking Joshua/Ruiz 2 and Wilder/Fury 2. From hi