The Chicago Mob | Sit Down with Michael Franzese

Because you asked for it, I’m happy to give it to you. Here’s part 2 of my sit down with Kurt Calabrese. His father Frank Calabrese Sr. is a known figure in the Mob scene in Chicago, made more famous by the Operation Family Secrets case. If you have not seen Part 1, I suggest you watch it first before jumping into this episode.
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[@shapursasan9019]

“Some days I don’t feel like I survived.” What a deep conversation. This program is second-to-none. I hope it lasts forever.

[@maxsymons3572]

If Micheals genetics are anything to go by we still have another 30+ years lol

[@ricochet243]

GET HIM BACK ON, MICHAEL., THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST SIT DOWNS YOU’VE EVER DONE.

[@michaelottomanelli9605]

a new york guy and a chicago guy i love it!!!

[@ElizabethCoppola]

Hi Michael! This was a fantastic interview. ❤️Kurt is a close and long time friend of mine. I’m so proud of him for doing this interview. His side of the story truly needs to be told. Great to see him out here in California. Another fantastic show of yours as usual ⭐️🎥🇮🇹

[@Frank00]

Great interview Michael, this was more of a intervention than a interview. I can see you’re trying to help him and I hope he finds peace. Happy thanksgiving

[@volk779]

​@@michaelfranzese in your opinion which ethnic organized crime group is the most dangerous and dominant in the USA nowdays?

[@mafiaMk87]

@@michaelfranzesehey mike could you please talk about the Montreal Mafia

[@Bababui69]

@@volk779 Mexican American gangs like Tango blast which are extensions of the cartels. People I served in the my military with people that were in this gang. Houston, San Antonio and El Paso are overrun by this gang and Barrios Azteca. The Russian and Ukrainian Mafia are gone basically they became businessmen by selling French bulldogs and money laundering by selling art in Miami.

[@Spad68]

@@mafiaMk87 there's a few families . I'm from Montreal .

[@mafiaMk87]

@@Spad68 the Montreal mafia is was and is more powerful then the New York families combined. The Rizzuto clan is a world wide multi billion dollar syndicate

[@patrickjamesmurphy]

Great interview. Mr. Calabrese really opened up. Aside from the valuable and interesting content, it was cool to hear such legit Chicago and New York accents in conversation with each other.

[@volk779]

His dad calabrese sr is a real G

[@robertmalagon2984]

Yes Indeed Sir I highly respect the fact that zMichael F. was smart enough and humble enough by Gods grace To leave that LIFE , because at some point God Almighty touched his soul and encouraged him to do rite by himself and those that he loves, My hat off to You Mr. Michael Franchese, also highly tip my hat off to Mr. Calabrese for hanging in their after such a Rough upbringing wish him my very Best all the way from Melrose Park , ill

[@robertmalagon2984]

Thanks for being an inspiration to many young people and especially to the Italian community I am not Italian I am Mexican but I grew up in Melrose Park il, which has a large Italian culture especially Napolitans and calabrese. Thanks and Merry Christmas MichaelFranchese I wish you the very best in the yrs to come. Good bless Sir

[@joemayo4078]

Kurt’s westside accent is almost cartoonish

[@denniskirsch7354]

I agree. Excellent interview, and to hear these two just putting it out there like this is certainly eye opening. On the note of the accents, when Mr. Calabrese started speaking at first, I wasn't watching the screen, all I could picture was Chris Farley on those SNL skits, which to me just shows what a good job he did on his accent. Of course I do not mean to make light of the seriousness, and importance, of this conversation, as well as this man's life and struggles, but it did put a smile on my face for a moment.

[@BrianGallas]

The Chicago & New York accent in one room. So great 🤣🤙

[@neilzelkin]

Da Bears

[@scottfeuerhammer3595]

Yes, you can tell accents. NY, Chicago. I'm Milwaukee and it's different than Chicago. My cousin is from Minneapolis and it's different. I am national and my friends in Philly talk different than NYC. LA, ATL, Boston, New Orleans, you know where someone is from. It's just like that.

[@yosemitesam876]

I love my chevy, it's a nice cur.🤣

[@LoneWolf_Cub_Ogami_Itto]

​@@yosemitesam876got to close it out with Jagoff

[@yosemitesam876]

@@LoneWolf_Cub_Ogami_Itto 🤣

[@heimdall2471]

When I see videos like these,it makes me feel more happy and grateful that I had lovely childhood, and that my parents are the best people in the world for me

[@pararigger64]

This interview really spoke to me. I’m shaking. My parents never had a civil conversation. Constant screaming and yelling. Discipline for me and my youngest brother was generally pretty hard beatings from both parents. I do not remember them treating my older brother, younger brother and younger sister that way. As a youngster i don’t remember my dad ever hitting my mom. But one time when i was older (maybe 20), i came home on leave from the military to surprise everyone. My first night home my mom and dad got into it. For the first time ever i saw him hit her. That was it. I grabbed him by the throat, threw him down to the ground and raised my fist prepared to beat him. Was able to regain my composure and escorted him out of the apartment. Thankfully they divorced soon after. Just like Kurt, i had trouble disciplining my children. All this affects me to this day.

[@alexlindsey6446]

This is an INCREDIBLE conversation. So authentic and engaging. It doesn't get any more real than this. Thanks for all you do Michael. I have taken a lot of your advice on becoming less "chatty" with co-workers, new people I meet, anybody really. It's helpful. I can't tell you how many times my overly talkative style used to bite me and cause me grief and headache. I still have to guard against it because it's my instinct to talk, but the awareness is key to halting that practice. Sorry to ramble but I wanted to say thank you and I admire the way you conduct yourself.

[@chrish2666]

Mob life is not the romanticized life you see in the movies. Kurt Calabrese explained the real Mob life.

[@JaLa248]

This sit down has Really got to me. Because my life was in between the two of you guys. My father had connections with the mob.. just saying, Dad was extremely honorable person, I was daddy’s favorite… dad gave us everything we wanted pretty much “ good childhood “ I covered, helped, stood up for them… etc. unfortunately after we lost dad, my siblings really did aweful things & I helped my siblings… slowly but surely my siblings I was so close to, have Betrayed me in horribly ways!!! Listening to you guys Sooo makes me feel so good, my siblings still doing bad things even to each other, I…. Took myself out of my family, I know their still talking crap about me, but I know for a FACT I’m the happiest one of all of them! Listening to this just validates I know I’m a better person 😊. It does saddens me what a couple of them done to me. But I took the High road instead of being in their web. Thx you for reminding me I’m a good person & Dad IS Proud of me. Because I listened to stuff “ life lessons “ and I followed through!!! I’m still my father’s daughter!!!!! 😊😊😊❤❤❤

[@ernestfranklin]

Congratulations Love that you made it out Im Proud Of You For making it out and expanding your world & perspective of your world i love it when i hear and or see people reach a personal goal of theirs and or make a breakthrough in anything from a project that your working on all the way to a spiritual/ mental breakthrough. But Your Family Is And Forever Will Be Their Even On Bad Terms They Had Been Their And Will Be Their When They a Are Most Needed Regardless .That's Your Family At The End Of The Day And I Don't Know What's Going On With Your Family At The Moment But The Past Is The 0ast. DON'T Try To 0ut Yourself So Above Them like you said you guys did things your not proud of together and their Is nothing wrong with feeling confidence in yourself for taking a different route at the same time you shouldn't compare your happiness. you guys all have different standards, perspectives & also have had different paths of growth. Because all of you guys includin yourself have and will continue to grow overtime .

[@mtnbikinfool6383]

I grew up in the same neighborhood as Mr Calbrese. His family was very well known. The whole neighborhood was dealing with the same things. I moved away a few years ago and started a new life out West. I have found incredible success and made some amazing friendships. I'm writing a book about my experiences because every therapist I've seen (4 over 20 years) has told me that I should write a book. Family can become like crabs in a bucket. They pull down the ones who are trying to get out. I wish you the best of luck and I hope you have a bright and happy future.

[@bryank4020]

Thank you guys for sharing and a special thanks to Kurt as well. Never easy to try to balance out talking about a father like that. You wanna show that you've moved on but you also wanna voice out your anger.

[@chriscripplercruz1833]

I tell you one thing Michael you are always consistent with your quality of your videos they're always great and informative as a disabled veteran I salute you Sir and I hope that you and your entire family have a awesome thanksgiving

[@Dad-979]

Uncle Mike is the man.

[@chriscripplercruz1833]

@@Dad-979 I completely agree with you and he's a good uncle to have lol

[@michaelfriend1853]

He’s also a great interviewer.

[@chriscripplercruz1833]

@@michaelfriend1853 yeah he actually lets the other person finish what they're saying and let's them answer instead of cutting them off or having that fake laugh that most other interviewers do now days

[@lessenful]

Great interview. What I took away was the fact that when you go along with a certain lifestyle that isn’t you, you eventually push back, no matter what the consequences. The fact that you live through it all is an honour to your spirit.

[@Johnnyjingles87]

Happy Thanksgiving Mr.Franzese! I commute to work at UPS every morning around 2:30am and I love listening to your stories on the way.

[@petethegreek1157]

Thank you Michael for the extended version of this sit down with Kurt. Very interesting and super engaging the way you guys bounced off each other with your stories and upbringing. Happy thanksgiving to you and you family!

[@MarcusAurelius7777]

Except they're criminals though

[@christiangraff5236]

@@MarcusAurelius7777 they're people. Just like the rest of us

[@MarcusAurelius7777]

@@christiangraff5236 Nah, murdering trash is different.

[@Stax-ht9md]

God bless you Michael. It is always enjoyable to hear a story of success that we owe to Him, and those that care for us.

[@techsalesprophet]

I think you couldn't be more of a man of honor than you've become today. Im captivated by your sitdowns.

[@smoothshot8925]

wtf??? It supposed to be about the guest but francheesy keeps interrupting and making it about himself lol

[@richardfenner6096]

Best documentary on media, today. As a former cop in another country, bless you, Michael. Probably the best learning series for young people today. Long may you share your wisdom.

[@williamstdog9]

PLEASE put this guy in touch with Dr. Peterson 🙏🙏😢 I could FEEL the hurt, distrust, bitterness, regret, sadness and brokenness as soon as he started talking about his dad 😭 I don’t know if your ppl will read this Michael but I’m only asking for his own good 😔 This guy needs help and I mean ZERO disrespect to say so. PS - I wrote my comment before Michael talked about JP!!! 👏☺️👍That REALLY made my day!!!

[@thydevdom]

Great conversation. Appreciate Kurt being open about this. A lot of families go through what he and his family went through. I’m very thankful to have had a loving family.

[@chadjohns6955]

Thanks Michael, so much for being such an inspiring figure, a voice of reason, family, and faith. God bless you and your family

[@CF-Warrior]

Man, I really feel for Kurt. It's so so sad. Hang in there Kurt... Your a stand up human being and have some battle scars. I get it... I hear a sadness in your voice... Your a survivor even if sometimes you don't feel like one. Your the true man and sometimes that's harder than anything! God bless you and your loved ones.. You have learned from your father... Don't treat your children like he treated you...

[@nicholasm3949]

Grew up with Kurt in the same neighborhood Always a gentleman and one of the nicest, most respectful ( and respected )guys you’ll ever have the pleasure to know.

[@Caveman76.]

EP

[@scottberge6286]

Michael you’re a great interviewer. Most interviewers ask a question and talk over the person while they’re answering.

[@jansmit327]

Mr Franzese has a way of talking that is so compelling and thoughtful. A fan from South Africa.. keep up the good work sir

[@Joseph-wp7ru]

Excellent sit down Michael. It was very moving to see how you want to help this man , God bless to you both 🙏

[@chebd001]

A family is all about relationships. You have a different relationship with each member. It’s not better or worse just a different relationship. I’ve struggled with this idea my step kids and biological because I didn’t want to make any of them feel lesser. In the end I’ve come to the conclusion that I have individual connections with them each as special as the next but for different reasons.

[@danielhagan921]

I think this is the most hard-hitting, completely honest of interviews that I've ever seen. It underscores your advice to young men, Michael, to stay clear of the seductions of organized crime. Kurt fell into it by process of birth, but what a thing for others to choose; a legacy of never-ending pain for families. God bless you both!

[@deborahjesic4804]

Oh my goodness, I feel so bad for this man! I see that brokenness and trauma in his demeanor, and for him to lament on his feelings and personal tragedies is healing for him, I thank you Mr Francese for allowing him to talk and share his testimony! Even tho I have not grown up in this lifestyle, my Mother and I have suffered great tragedy, but you know, in all of this pain and suffering we as believers that put our trust in Christ our all in all, our very substance, in him we have great hope ,great joy, and a great future with him, this life is passing, and as a Christian that lost half of my family to tragedy by the time I was 7, Christ has been my everything, now at 64 in remission for pancreatic cancer I have to totally rest in him , because my future here is uncertain, please, if you could contact this man your interviewing and tell him their is total complete healing in Christ Our Savior and King! Love you all! And please remember, our mission in life is to know Christ and make him known! ❤❤❤

[@uncomfortabletruth2988]

This is awful to hear, abusive and troubled people shouldn’t have family. Glad you stand up men are talking about this because there’s ppl that deal with this in the past and present. Happy Thanksgivings to all.

[@carolyn9andthecats653]

Exactly! When a man n woman are wanting g to start a family....BOTH SGOULD SUSTAIN A TOTAL MENTAL EVALUATION!!!!!!! N THEN THIS KINDA BS, N ALL BS THAT PERSISTS TODAY, CAN BE AVOIDED!!!!!

[@JeffCaplan313]

@@carolyn9andthecats653 I agree. Marriage licenses should require pre-marriage counseling from their faith leader.

[@joemayo4078]

@@JeffCaplan313 lmao

[@dougbodenhamer9391]

This was deep. I feel bad for this man. I had a bad relationship w my dad. Mean, abusive, his way or the highway kind of guy. I always had a chip on my shoulder but he was my dad, so I dealt with it. It wasn't until I had children, and he started acting like that towards them, then we had a big problem. I hope this man finds comfort and peace.

[@philtasticcomicsandart]

This has been my favorite interview you’ve done. Well done. 🎉

[@eazye088]

I want to see more Chicago wise guys on your show. God bless and Happy Thanksgiving. 😊 🦃

[@joemayo4078]

Like who....? Chicago has had TWO made men flip in nearly a century of existence, and only one lived to testify

[@brianpritchard9427]

Hi Michael this is probably the best sit down you ve done I really felt for Kurt and such an interesting sit down keep up the great work

[@RichardsWorld]

He really wanted to share his story. Thanks to both of you.

[@azazel21379]

In Chicago, there are so many different street gangs. And in Chicago, there was a Italian gang called the C Notes,which is now mixed. But the Outfit would have the C Notes do things on the streets, like selling EX, running afew night clubs in the Western burbs,like Zero Gravity. But alot of Outfit guys are ex C Notes. On my moms side, I had alot of family that were C Notes in the late 70s n 80s. The Outfit had a Grand Ave crew, which was right by the C Notes Motherland. I grew up not that far from Chicago/Damen were the Notes had sets,all over there, but were I grew up, it was all Latino, I was the only white kid,in my school, most of the area.

[@chicagorobb3956]

Remember the “ C notes” being the farm team for the Outfit.

[@TakeNoShitgang444]

Italians are Latino.I'm Cuban w/some Italian but Italians are more Latino than anybody..The Latins first come out of Italy & the Romans spoke Latin...White is not a race.

[@timm5362]

@@chicagorobb3956 pretty much. My brother grew up with C-Notes and it was pretty much the outfits way of grooming the kids for recruitment.

[@azazel21379]

@@TakeNoShitgang444 are you from Chicago? Im Italian/Irish, in Chicago streets if ur not Mexican/PR,ect ur considered White. In Chi, the gangs run by Latin Folkz or People, or Black Folkz or People. Even the oldschool White street gangs (Irish, Italian, Polish, ect) nowadays run under Latin Folks or People. I was given the name White Boy Mikke G, around the age of 8 years old. I no Italian is very close 2 Latin, but in the Chi states, ur either White,Latino, or Black. My moms mom is from Sicily,and my dads side is Irish. Im just telling you how things run in Chicago. Well during the 80s n 90s, alot of shit has changed with this newer generation. But there are LaRaza streetgang,that are all Mexican. they wont let any other nationality in. I dont no if that changed, I only new afew,that I went 2 HS with. But if ur Italian in Chicago, your White.

[@markp1078]

damn, I remember zero gravity. That place is old school.

[@USMC0372]

I've grown up knowing and respecting you for a lot of years. I have my story, you have yours. I, nor ANYONE ELSE, has the right to pick and sort through you or your decisions. Me, growing up in Philly, doing cigarette and money runs for the guys at 12-13 years old, is not even close to the realm that you lived in. I understand what EVERYONE SAYS AND WHY. But you are a commendable man, husband, and father who made some big scary changes. I will ALWAYS look to you like the man's man that I learned about. My opinion has no affect on you or anyone else, I'm not anyone special, but I know what I know and I see what I see. Thank you, for all of the things that you don't even know about, but has helped so many. YOU ARE AND WILL ALWAYS BE A GREAT MAN OF INTEGRITY. God bless 🙌 🙏

[@heynowheynow-tk6tk]

This was so intriguing Kurt could have gone the other way and carried on the abuse to his family, but he chose not to that’s a real man - love Michael also such an intelligent and interesting guy, always makes me laugh when he says “ let me ask you this” 😂

[@mikes3827]

Michael, I got goosebumps when you described your father, Sonny, insofar as the ultimate loyalty your father had within him--which is a VERY admirable quality--but unfortunately he was using it in The Life. In other words, unlike MANY duplicitous mobsters (Italian, Irish, Russian, etc.), there were also a number of them, like your father, who I/you/others could, despite his obvious flaws, see the good side of too...and that I firmly believe insofar as your father was concerned. Don't get me wrong, MANY mobsters were/are the very epitome of just flat-out evil, but every time I saw and watched your father, he always struck me as a stand-up guy, and that was/is something to always respect. Michael, also a GREAT interview with Kurt Calabrese, who also has an incredible story to tell. God bless :)

[@mark8337]

Michael, I grew up in south central Wisconsin, not far from Madison. My exposure was what comes in a book, novel, or movie. I knew there was overlap with mobsters in the past with prohibition alcohol bootlegging up through the State, and being not far from Chicago. It was later I found out/realized the mob was very active in Milwaukee and to degrees in Madison and Rockford, and my hometown was in that mix geographically, so I’m sure not untouched. I remember in middle school there was a local scandal with some more prominent local family names in construction involving price fixing and kickbacks etc. and was in school with their kids. I guess my thing was geez, I really, really, don’t want to somehow get caught up in something even just innocently with mob people. That probably served me well. But, because of the secretive nature of it, how would you necessarily even know until it was too late? That scared me. But, we do have Calvary Chapel and Greg Laurie in common. I gave my life to Christ at Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa in the early 80’s. I’m back in Wisconsin, but have family in SoCal still.

[@Provos7777]

I hope to see one of the Balistreri's on here

[@abdulahiabdi3118]

Madison nice af lol foh ..all they do is arrest black people at an alarming level ..Milwaukee is dangerous I give u that

[@joemayo4078]

@@Provos7777 why....? They were essentially just an extension of Chicago. Alderisio was stronger than anyone in Milwaukee

[@mikebyrne7226]

Great interview Mike. Great to hear Kurt’s side of things.

[@SayerofThings]

Poor Kurt. Chicago was so violent. They literally tortured people many many times.

[@javier7717]

Finally Michael does a video on the Chicago Outfit.

[@kevinchandler179]

Is this whole world went frickin crazy!!! Podcasts of Cosa Nostra, which is secret thing of ours!!! Pathetic and disgusting 🫣

[@cynthialindsey6975]

Wanting to wish you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving! 🍁 Thanks for all the good work you do and the great videos you put out!

[@cynthialindsey6975]

@@michaelfranzese Thanks!

[@JohnnyIrish30]

Man, just his expressions and the way he talked, lots of pain there

[@chicagomike4587]

I think Michael is the real deal - he was saved and spreads the word to others. You don't have to be a fellow Christian or Italian (like me) and he doesn't try to force his religion on you - he shares his story. Almost like preaching but without judgement and he lays out his sins and how he redeemed himself - God Bless him. That being said, most of the Chicago Outfit thinks very little of Calabrese - to bring your kids into the Outfit here is like basically being a degenerate. The Outfit guys would most often have their children be professionals - lawyers, doctors, dentists, etc - the idea is that "I'm doing this to give my family a better life and will never involve them so I can throw myself at the mercy of God and be able to swear that I never tainted my kids" It may seem silly but that's the sort of unspoken idea of it. New York is very different with that - it's not frowned upon to bring your kids into that world. I know I'm biased (per my screen name) but I prefer the low key version of OC in Chicago and the fact that no Chicago member ever flipped to save their skin - Only Calabrese's brother cooperated after years in jail to screw his brother and help his nephew.

[@meztizo_americano86]

People are hearing a Chicago accent and a New York City Italian American accent in this interview. You can hear the differences. Kurt talks like Frank Culotta but his a less thick accent

[@emilyGannis-torres]

Frank Culotta was a friend of mine... I often think about him ...he had some health issues last time I saw him but I'm blown away that I came across your post mentioning his name...

[@lorihoop3831]

I hope Mr. Coletta is on a fastv road to recovery and blessed with further good health.🙏❤

[@Hemidakota]

Thank you Mike and Kurt for being opened and aiding others to leave the criminal life.

[@thealleys]

Kurt's anxiety really comes across when he talks about his past.

[@thundercrackerangrygriphar4553]

It really does...

[@ruthmuran1244]

Hi Michael love your show.listening to Kurt telling you that he cannot trust his brother.reminds me of thesad lesson William Prince of Wales is learning about his brother.Glad to see you both came through okay.🙏✌️🇭🇲

[@agostinodibella9939]

Happy Thanksgiving Michael!

[@VegasLoungeAct]

Angelo LaPietra, also known as "The Hook." Ran the Italian/American Club in the southside of Chicago. Bad guy. He was the boss of the southside crew that was run out of Chinatown. Kurt's dad was in Angelo's crew.

[@jaydenkatis5907]

What a sweet and tough guy, thanks for this Michael.

[@buttons6812]

Hi Michael, Happy Thanksgiving :)

[@danielkriefall5881]

Happy Thanksgiving Michael, may God bless your Thanksgiving! I respect you walking away Sir. Your helping others is God's work

[@victorjohnson9195]

you guys are very inspiring men. the world needs more men like you guys, who experience tough things and turn into diamonds rather than getting defeated/bitter/jaded on life and humanity.

[@slowemm]

Growing up I remember Calabrese Sr had an auto repair shop in River Grove.

[@bashka5743]

I’ve loved your content for years Michael you’re an absolute legend and an inspiration. Cheers, Bash.

[@joemayo4078]

A legend for what...? Getting an outfit guy’s kid to do a high profile sit down?

[@vmjr543]

I do not know Kurt but as a fellow Elmwood Parker I am impressed with how he turned his life around under the circumstance that he found himself into because of his Father.

[@12NFLtitles]

Elmwood Park still mostly Italian and Polish these days?

[@mbskisr75]

@@12NFLtitlesNaw Theres alot of Hispanics there now Italians more around the Harwood Heights area

[@12NFLtitles]

@Mbskisr75 most of the Italians from Cicero, Elmwood Park, River Grove and Melrose Park areas with mob backgrounds all seem to moved in the western suburbs now like Itasca, Bloomingdale, Medinah and Oakbrook.

[@joemayo4078]

@@12NFLtitles they’ve expanded out into Bartlett, Bloomingdale, Westchester, etc etc etc. Mexicans populate most of EP/MP nowadays

[@joemayo4078]

@@12NFLtitles Lombard, Villa Park, etc

[@danieltoman6203]

Hey Mike, great interview. I hope you and your family had a great Thanksgiving. God bless

[@bradt8019]

Real life lessons here from two very wise guys. 🧐👍 Thanks for sharing.

[@sarahdavies-thevoicementor5879]

Poor Kirt, I feel for him. He' reminds me of my good sister, hes all heart. I wonder if he's able to get councelling to help him deal with the young years maybe dealing with his dad's abuse would help him release some guilt and then deal with some of of the other trauma. I wish him well, he's a really sweet guy

[@Chicago_Cabbie]

He talked about having the family name was no good for youngsters in his life and that reminds me of the Capone name made life difficult for young Capones. Al Capone's niece Deirdre Capone talks about this in her book.

[@Thesil.]

Please do more about the Chicago outfit. Or even the Milwaukee mob

[@jsun3117]

That Midwest accent is intriguing. It's the same accent Dan Akroyd used in his role in "Tommy Boy". I spent 3 years in Central Wisconsin and was bewildered.

[@glennappelgren5492]

Very interesting even if im from Scandinavia . Thanks for sharing

[@kimberlychicago7608]

Interesting. I hope both of these men have peace and love in their lives.

[@marcialmontecinos1057]

Always appreciate the education side of it, it teaches us all to be a better person in life thank you Michael frenchizzi.

[@radicalpeace9644]

God bless you, Kurt ✨

[@lambrosk3790]

“I learned so much of what not to do from my father.” Kurt Calabrese To “Honor thy mother and father,” as a child is so important because it truly shows us what love and wisdom is and what it is not. Without honoring our parents we miss out on learning early right from wrong. Grace Peace and Blessings in Jesus Christ’s name!! 👏🙏

[@romegavadquez6310]

Man, you really hear the difference between the New York / Chicago accent with this interview

[@bknsty14]

My cousin was Frank Calabrese Sr.’s defense attorney in the Family Secrets trial. There was no winning that trial. Guilty as sin, but someone has to defend him.

[@JoshJoel800]

This was a great video. It was powerfully emotional. You Could hear it in Kurts voice.

[@wolfgangfellbaum6352]

great speaker AND a great interviewer )) Mike's the man!!

[@ajmalone7985]

Good to hear a non-Ny story.

[@bryanpage7206]

Loved the interview. I grew up in Chicago. Calabrese senior was a scary man.

[@llorenstorrespr4409]

if people don't want to face consequences in the end, don't take that type of life to begin with. But some take that route knowing they have a plan in the end of getting out or giving everyone up to save their skin. The best advice, don't get in. & that applies to alot of things in life.

[@misteropinion2869]

I think a lot of kids from that era experienced that harsh discipline. As a kid I was beaten, thrown down stairs, choked, burnt and hung from a belt on the bannister of the stairs, at age 10 I was hit in the back of the head with a hammer! All inflicted by my father. Was this discipline? Or torture, I don't know! But as a child you get use to it and start thinking its normal, and as this guy stated, you STILL love your father, no matter how much they hurt you. As you grow up you become strong minded but soft hearted.

[@kevinhealey6540]

Franzese mentioned once that he told people who were working for him that he would never nominate any of them "to be made." The reason is that they would be taken away from him. This is only speculation, but I think the people who worked under him were satisfied with that, because it was best for them to stay with him. He watched out for them.

[@notachance3444]

Only thing I wish was different is I wish it was much longer and unedited. You can see the clip spots where it almost glitches and I don’t like that. I like a raw podcast with silences and pauses. Don’t worry about our viewing experience…just leave it please. Love the interviews

[@johnnyhalf6558]

Mike " All B.S.aside ! Is there any way you can have a sit down/interview with " Frank Carlotta ? That would be a great interview ? I'm a couple of miles away from where Tony S ****** and Mike S*****o used to hang around off of North av. Take care

[@77loneranger]

May the Lord give you peace, Kurt. You re a solid guy.

[@HistoryToBeTold-Channel]

I can relate a lot to Kirk. My dad was never abusive to me exactly, but he was a terrible husband for my mother and for it a lot of times he made me suffer a lot, for many, many years. Even then i'm still loyal to him, still love him the same way and would die for him, and my family without thinking twice.

[@rickarra1833]

I grew up during that time. Many people we knew were caught up in it. It devastated families and neighborhoods

[@davidfreeman7455]

Why do they all wait until they get caught and they think about their wife and kids

[@mothygryphon9111]

Not that I'm excusing it, but getting caught and punished tends to put things in a perspective that they may not have thought about before.

[@Nappa-q5x]

From start to finish I watched this I couldn’t stop

[@percypercerton2125]

Thinking a city by city series would be a great idea…maybe still a bit dangerous, but would be an interesting topic. History of, guests, how potent today, etc.

[@BillyBats773]

Grew up around all this in Bridgeport south side. His old man was really crazy and that’s an understatement

[@mojonation1487]

Bridgeport represent! Wells Street stand up!

[@radicalpeace9644]

God bless you, Kurt ✝️

[@cjservices8996]

Frank I was in that life and like you I got out and to this day I have a lot of regrets for the thing I had done I have been out for over 40 years Thank you from my hart for being a good man Joe

[@Xavittan]

One of the best interviews. thank you Michael

[@meenalaregina7770]

Hi Michael! Happy Thanksgiving! This sit down is truly one of the saddest you have conducted. Poor Kurt did not have the opportunity to make choices. I think that when we evaluate socially deviant behaviour in young people we need to examine their ability and opportunity to make choices. Thank you for such an insightful sit down.

[@MarcusAurelius7777]

OR they are just trash, lying criminals/ drug dealers

[@pedromelendez4625]

Happy Thanksgiving, sir!

[@ladyhonor822]

Yes it does gentleman. Philadelphia USA ❤️

[@robertmurphy2800]

Good ol Chicago mob. My buddies grandfather was James MUGSY tortoriello

[@GenXMafia]

Hey Michael hope you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving! God bless you and all your endeavors! I have a special request if its ok? Next time you speak of someone getting “killed” in the Mafia, can you say “whacked” instead? For old times sake??? 😁

[@joemayo4078]

In Chicago, they say “knocked down”

[@livinny1717]

Hi Michael great interview as always I watched 2 episodes of the Tulsa King was very entertaining but far fetched like you said really good acting in it can't wait for your series to come out and is your beautiful daughter still going to be in it HAPPY THANKSGIVING to you and your family

[@martymcpeak4748]

Michael I know you'll probably never see this but I have to say I hope I look as fit as you when I'm in my 70's. God Bless You Sir.