Mike Safo

On the eve of his 5th professional fight, the future of boxing Michael “Mick” Conlan stopped by Jack Demseys to give me a few minutes of his time. The Champ and I talk about the allure of Madison Square Garden and his love of NYC. We talk about cutting weight and what his first meal is going to be after the fight Saturday night. Boxing fanatic Eddie Pelle jumps on the mic to talk to Mick about his future fighting weight, his thoughts on the heavyweight division and what prompted him to sign with Top Rank. His love for the "sweet science" comes out as he admits to starting boxing at the age of 7. The world will be watching Saturday night. 

Joined today by the producers of the Mike Francesa radio show, Brian Monzo and Chris McMonigle, hosts of the insanely entertaining Mac & Monz podcast. Listen as we hear about how Monz got started at the legendary WFAN and about their fateful meeting in a Las Vegas elevator which led to Mac joining the Fan. Mac and Monz have a front row seat to one of the most listened to and influential radio shows of all time and they share experiences of working at WFAN in a family-like atmosphere. The guys of course tell some great Mike Francesa and Steve Somers stories, from Chris “Mad Dog” Russo’s last day to the crazy Mongo twitter followers. Be sure to follow them on twitter and listen to their awesome podcast. 

It’s time for some soccer talk as the hosts of one of my favorite podcasts “Caught Offside” join me live from Jack Demsey’s. JJ Devaney, Andrew Gundling, and my co-host Danny Roberts break down all things futbol. We’re only 1 month removed from the USA soccer team failing to qualify for the World Cup and the round table of experts break down: what happened on that fateful night, what needs to be done, who the next face of American soccer will be and more. The “Caught Offside” hosts put me through a test to help me choose a Premier League Club to support. Danny, JJ, and Andrew discuss the MLS playoffs and offer their suggestions on how to market it better to the USA. We talk about who is next up to dominate the sport and the boys give us their Champions League & World Cup predictions. We finally find out how Andrew and JJ got together to make one of the best podcasts out there. Dream interviews, favorite soccer books and more… subscribe to the “Caught Offside” podcast and follow the boys on twitter: @JJDev

Joined today by legendary New York sports reporter Wally Matthews. We all know Wally from his time writing for the New York Post and Newsday, hosting his ESPN radio show “Wally and the Keeg”, and more. Wally comes on and we talk a little boxing: Wilder vs Joshua, GGG vs Canelo and covering Mike Tyson. Wally breaks down the 2017 Yankees season and talks about what the Bombers need to do in 2018 to raise banner number 28. We find out what qualities the next Yankees manager must possess and we hear the list of all the cool people Wally Matthews has in his phone. He’s one of the best sports reporters to follow on twitter, give him a follow “@OysterBayBomber”

On today’s podcast is the most decorated detective in the history of the NYPD, Ralph Friedman, who is the author of the fascinating book “Street Warrior” and also the star of his own show “Street Justice: The Bronx” on the Discovery channel.  Joining me for this episode are 2 NYPD police officers: Eddie Thompson & Luke Banach. We tape the show from Ralph’s museum/office in his home.   Detective Friedman tells us stories about patrolling the South Bronx in the 70’s that sounds more like it’s straight out of a blockbuster movie. In his 14 years of service, Detective Friedman made over 2,000 arrests (both on and off duty), was the recipient of over 215 NYPD awards, had a few car chases and justifiably mortally wounded 4 perpetrators along the way.  Detective Friedman has seen and done it all. Ralph also gives insight on policing in today’s electric environment and predicts how long he would last in the NYPD today. Make sure to buy Ralph’s books wherever books are sold and check out his TV show on Discovery C

Joined today by one of the funniest comedians in the world… Jim Florentine                                                                                                                   Listen as Jim tells us about being roommates with Jim Norton, getting on the Howard Stern Show, meeting Andrew Dice Clay for the first time and his adventure with Rich Vos, Rev. Bob Levy and Jim Norton when he was an up and coming comic. We talk about the horrors of online dating and the sad fall of ESPN. Jim’s shares his disgust about people who play Fantasy Football. Finally, Jim ends the podcast with how he met and became friends with the rapper Eminem while doing the show “Crank Yankers”. Check out his podcast “Jim Florentine’s ‘Comedy Metal Midgets’” and visit his website for all tour dates and more… http://www.jimflorentine.com

Once again making an appearance on my show... the Iconic "Gentleman" Gerry Cooney. I taped this episode on September 11th from Sirius XM studios in NYC and Gerry tells me where he was and what he was doing on that fateful day. The heavyweight boxer also broke down the Floyd Mayweather/ Conor McGregor fight from 2 weeks ago, adding his expertise and of course throwing some of that famous Cooney comedy in there. We of course talk about the fight of the year coming up Saturday 9/16 as GGG takes on Canelo Alvarez. From me inviting myself to be partners with Gerry Cooney on any business venture to talking about Opie getting fired, as always Gerry entertains!

Really pumped to have travel guru and travel photographer of the year Gary Arndt call into my show.  We talk a little about his Green Bay Packers and some rugby talk... he tells me how he sold his internet company and decided to travel the world and just hasn't stopped.   His Uber popular website everything-everywhere.com is a must stop before you travel.   Talks of swimming with jellyfish, hanging out with penquins and hanging out on a battleship are all discussed and much much more...

I'm joined today by Will Bardenwerper, the author or the amazingly intriguing book "The Prisoner in his Palace: Saddam Hussein, His American Guards, and What History Leaves Unsaid. We talk about the difficultly of being a Mets fan, why he joined the military after 9/11 and how he came across the information for this fascinating book.  Will somehow puts the reader and listener in the shoes of the guards watching over Saddam and actually humanizing him.   Check out this podcast and BUY HIS BOOK!!

On today’s show I was joined by the great Rohan Marley. We talked about everything from his playing days at the University of Miami to how he became a passionate and inspirational world renown coffee farmer. He beams with joy as he talks about his son Nico playing for the Washington Redskins. Rohan and I share some awkward girl stories and he tells us what it’s like being a Marley in Jamaica. All this and a ton of laughs with an incredible human. Follow Rohan on twitter @Romarley to check out all the amazing things Rohan is doing.

Joined today by my favorite author, the iconic Erik Larson. He’s authored amazing books, such as: “The Devil in the White City”, “In the Garden of Beasts”, “Isaac’s Storm”, and “Dead Wake”. We talk about the pros and cons of living in New York City, tennis and Erik’s thoughts about Donald Trump. Erik and I talk about the importance of the Chicago World’s Fair and how he came about writing “The Devil in the White City” and how he thought his career was over the day before the book was released. We also discuss his other hit book “In The Garden of Beasts”. From movie deals to juicy fruit gum to meeting Tom Hanks, we shared cocktails and a bunch of laughs. Follow Erik on twitter: @exlarson

On this episode I’m joined by a legend, icon and one of the most revered wrestlers of all time… WWE Hall of Famer Jake “The Snake” Roberts. Along with travel and sports guru Lee Abbamonte (leeabbamonte.com) and wrestling encyclopedia Luke Banach we talk to Jake about his life in the WWF/WWE and we get to the bottom of some of the most famous storylines in wrestling history, such as: his real life feud with the Honky Tonk Man, Rick Rude,  Earthquake killing Damien, his cobra biting the Macho Man,  Andre The Giant, the Ultimate Warrior and of course his famous involvement in Austin 3:16 juggernaut. If that’s not enough of a reason to tune in Jake tells us jaw dropping never before told stories about Ivanka Trump, Marla Maples’ mother, his greatest hookup ever and much much more. From sobriety to his legendary promos to DDP saving his life, Jake the Snake opens up immensely during this podcast.

A Navy SEAL, a comedian and a basketball player walk into a bar... and proceed to have the greatest podcast of all podcasts. Hilarity ensues as Jackie Martling ruins the only jokes that Ron O’Neill knows, Alex Owumi tells us how he obtained Kevin Durant’s shorts and takes us through his harrowing escape from the war in Libya. In between Jackie Martling laughing at his own jokes, Rob O’Neill talks about eating a sandwich over Bin Laden’s body, dating a woman out of his league and much much more… Stories were told about Paul McCartney, a Goat, Howard Stern, Kid Rock, and others.

Get ready to listen to this episode on the edge of your seats as Alex Owumi takes us through his heartbreaking and heroic tale of playing basketball for Qaddafi in Libya and being trapped in his apartment as the uprising took place. Alex tells us about his awesome new trilogy that he’s writing called “The Fire Raven”. I sit back and relax as Damien Echols and Alex really open up to each other and tell stories of making movies in Hollywood, writing bestselling books and overcoming some of the most difficult situations any human can ever be put in. Listen as Alex tells us how he obtained Kevin Durant’s shorts, his predictions for the NBA Finals, and working at the JCC. Damien and Alex immediately connect and absolutely steal the show!

Joined today by NBA and Army Veteran Butch Beard. Butch and I discuss everything from his much publicized recruiting battle between Kentucky and Louisville, racial issues back then in Kentucky, to helping rebuild lives and the basketball program at Simmons College. We talk about his time in the NBA with the Knicks and his late nights with Walt Frazier. We laugh on how Butch is rooting for both the Cavs and the Warriors.  Butch opens up about playing in the 1972 All Star game with Wilt, Kareem, Jerry West and The Big O. Coach. He gave behind the scenes information about coaching the New Jersey Nets, the drama as an assistant coach with the Mavericks, an awesome Reggie Jackson story, and much, much more.  

This was hands down my biggest podcast ever, I’m joined by my buddy, travel guru,Lee Abbamonte and we chat with American Hero and Former Navy Seal Robert O’Neill. Yes, the bad ass that killed Osama Bin Laden!! The podcast is a roller coaster of emotions from an NYPD Sgt. who gave FDNY chaplain Father Judge his last rights to Lee golfing in Afghanistan. - Rob tells us about some of the missions that him and his Navy Seal brothers went on: the Captain Phillips rescue, searching for Marcus Luttrell and of course killing Osama Bin Laden.  We somehow squeeze in a bunch of laughs during the show.  Robert is also plugging his phenomenal book: “The Operator: Firing the shots that killed Osama Bin Laden and my years as a Seal Team Warrior”.  Hope everyone enjoys listening to the show as much as I had doing it.

From the sawdust on the floor to the dusty wishbones hanging from above, McSorley's Old Ale House has been an iconic institution in New York City since 1854. I am joined today by Rafe Bartholomew who wrote the AMAZING book “Two and Two: McSorley’s, My Dad, and Me”. Rafe brought along his father Bart, who is not only the legendary bartender at McSorely’s but one hell of a story teller. Rafe and his pops take us on a roller coaster ride of emotions as they describe the history of the bar, how they got started in the business, the sawdust on the floor, and the iconic Houdini handcuffs that dangle from the rafters. We get to hear how Bart served the New York Rangers beer in the Stanley Cup, the famous “Beefcake” story and much much more.  After reading the book OR listening to the interview, I can guarantee you that you’ll be making a stop at this legendary bar very soon! My favorite part of the interview? The friendship and love that Rafe and Bart share for each other.

Joined by 10 year NFL Veteran, plus size model and a true Role Model... Tutan Reyes!! We talk about growing up in NYC, the transition from Queens to Oxford, Mississippi, his mom almost preventing him from getting a Jerry Rice autograph, his draft day story, being a rookie in the NFL, traveling to Africa and most importantly his tremendous and life changing charity BeyondTheBoroughs.com       Tutan is a tremendous story teller and I wish we had more than an hour for this show.  

Broadcasting live from Jack Demsey's bar, i am joined by Manhattan Head Coach Steve Masiello. Coach Masiello tells some amazing stories about how he became the ball boy for the New York Knicks and how that led to him being recruited by Coach Pitino down to the University of Kentucky. We talk about his recruiting strategies and how he sells Manhattan College to the high school kids and more. Coach shares some stories about the craziness that is BBN, the books he is reading and telling us his favorite NYC hangouts. We touch on the upcoming reunion for the 1998 team to NYC basketball, Coach Masiello was hands down one of the best guests I've ever had on!

From the "Shot Heard Round The Bluegrass" to my studio apartment in New York City... its Cameron Mills!!!   5 years and 1 day since we first spoke, Cameron is gracious enough to join me before we attend the Kentuckians of New York dinner. We talk about his famous "Santa Con" story, the making of his award winning documentary, how we plan on getting George Vescey on our shows, his roommates at UK, some incredible 1996 and 1998 Kentucky basketball stores, his dream interviews and some never before heard Coach Pitino stories.