Mike Safo

Joined today by wrestling legend, Jumping Jim Brunzell. Jim and I talk about growing up in Minnesota, walking on and playing football for MU, the Vikings and some must try foods in the "Twin Cities". Jim talks about his fandom for Bruce Springsteen, his new music and how hearing a song from “The Boss” on the radio turned into a friendship (one sided) that has lasted over 40 years. We chat about trying out for the Redskins and how that led to his former QB and friend Greg Gagne talking him into trying out to be a professional wrestler. We hear about his first wrestling camp with Verne Gagne and working out with the likes of Ric Flair, the Iron Shiek and Ken Patera. Jim recounts the grueling wrestling schedule he had, tag-teaming in the NWA/ AWA, fighting all over the world and leaving the territories to join Vince McMahon and the WWF. We learn about how cool it was when Jim first saw his action figure, how he met Brian Blair, how the "Killer Bees" started and where they got their first costumes. Jim shares how

Joined today by former Toronto Blue Jay and Montreal Expo baseball player, Luis “LL” Lopez. Luis and I talk about growing up in Brooklyn, ballin’ out at Canarsie High School and how his hustle landed him a scholarship to Coastal Carolina. Lop talks about his career in Carolina, the disappointment in not getting drafted, and how his time in the Pioneer league landed him with the Blue Jays. We chat about his time in the minors, the food he missed the most and finally getting the call to the show at the age of 27. LL tells us about his first hit, the elation of his first home run and how he coped with getting sent down again. We hear about the 2004 Expos, playing the year under the rumor of relocating, and what that season was like. Lop shares his experience playing in Japan, the difference with the game over there and how he was treated like a rock star. We finish up talking about his hall of fame / legendary career with the Bridgeport Bluefish, meeting his idol Edgar Martinez and why he loves coaching the game

Joined today by the greatest relief pitcher of all time and the Co-President of the United International Baseball League(UIBL), Mariano Rivera.  Mariano talks about the launch of the UIBL, why he chose to be involved in this ground breaking venture and what he wants to achieve with it.  We go over the UIBL showcase in February of 2023, his travels to the Middle East and how he plans to open doors to this Cricket loving region. We chat about the Hall of Fame weekend in Cooperstown and hear what players Mo gets excited about seeing. Mariano recounts how he got a tryout with the Yankees and where he was when he got the call that he was going to the major leagues.  Mo shares his favorite piece of memorabilia he owns, the one baseball game he wished he witnessed live and even tells us the coolest person in his phone.  All this and more with the true GOAT.  Go to UIBL.pro to find out more about this groundbreaking league that’s going to change baseball. Twitter: https://twitter.com/marianorivera UIBL: https://uib

Joined today, from across the pond, author Susan Jonusas. Susan and I talk about her debut true-crime book, “Hell’s Half-Acre: The Untold Story of the Benders, a Serial Killer Family on the American Frontier”. We chat about the infamous serial killing family, the seductive Kate Bender and how she became so enamored with the Benders that she had to play detective and write a book about them. Susan tells us about the research that went into this book, visiting Kansas, seeing the murder weapons and what her reaction would be to seeing someone reading her book. Susan explains why it was so important to talk about the victims In the case, how the York family were so important in her telling this story and we try to uncover just why the Bender family killed all those people. We chat about having her book optioned for a movie/series, what she’s working on next (spoiler: it sounds incredible!), her love of antique guns and archery and her favorite true crime book!  All this and more with the fabulous new author! Foll

Joined today by the 8th President of the Baseball Hall of Fame, Josh Rawitch. Josh and I talk about relocating his family from the West Coast up to Cooperstown, New York, what food they miss the most, what food Cooperstown does better and if he's a local celebrity yet. Josh shares about growing up a Dodgers fan, why he chose Indiana for college and how a few letters to his favorite team got him an internship that he parlayed into a full time gig. We find out how and why there are only 7 former Presidents of the Hall, what was the first thing he did as President and if he had his "Night at the Museum" moment yet and gone there at 2am to hang out. We talk about his vision and goals for the Hall, his day to day activities and joining the "Museums for All" program to allow all children the ability to enter the Hall regardless of financial standings. Josh chats about his team and making decisions on what items to display, staying current and requesting items from players and if there is ever any pushback from the

Joined today by Irish boxing phenom, Kieran Molloy. Kieran and I talk about his first visit to New York City, what he wants to see and of course what he wants to eat. We chat about why he signed with Top Rank and the Conlan brothers, the recruitment process and why he knew it was time to turn pro. Kieran reminisces about starting to box at the age of 5 years old, what fighters he looked up to, and why he thinks Americans are gonna love his southpaw knockout style.  He shares about fighting at Madison Square Garden, linking up with Angel Fernandez, and if he feels the pressure of being such a highly touted Top Rank prospect. Kieran shares why I need to visit Galway, what bars to go to and how he’s in the process of getting some merch!!  Follow the phenom Kieran Molloy here and check out his fight Saturday June 18!! Twitter: https://twitter.com/kieranmolloy8

Joined today by by founder and CEO of Ebbets Field Flannels, Jerry Cohen. Jerry and I talk about growing up in Brooklyn, his childhood, and where his fascination and obsession with jerseys/hats came from. Jerry reminisces about performing in a rock band, making some jerseys and how he parlayed that into starting the company in 1988. We hear why he started off hand sewing jerseys from special wool in painstaking detail because he wanted his products to be truly authentic. Jerry looks back on not having a business model when he started and the 2 or 3 moments when he really knew he had something special. We discuss how his clientele has changed over the years, how he picks what team or league to design next and how his products are rotated and discontinued. I ask Jerry about any beef with the other vintage sporting line "Mitchell and Ness", why he hasn’t produced NBA jerseys and what would be some of his dream designs. We hear about the early hurdles of desinging uniforms from black and white photos from the Hal

Joined today by MLB All-Star and veteran Steve Trachsel.  Steve and I chat about growing up in California, why he chose Long Beach State and then going to the college World Series with Jason Giambi.  We touch on where he was when he got the call from the Cubbies that he goes drafted, rocketing through the minors and walking into a locker room with Grace, Dunston and Ryno.  We talk about playing in the friendly confines, leaving as a free agent and why he always wanted to play in New York. Steve tells us the difficulties of playing in NYC with the media, his September 11th story and his emotions when Piazza hit that iconic HR against the Braves. We reminisce about his first big injury and how he dealt with that mentally, geeking out with some of the All-Stars in ‘96 when he made the team, and when he knew it was time to call it quits. From Steve’s dream destination to his return to NYC this year for old timers day, Steve shows why he was always considered one of baseballs good guys!  Follow Steve on Twitter h

Joined today by podcaster and New York Times best-selling author, Jeff Pearlman.  Jeff and I talk about him leaving NYC for the West Coast, what food he misses and what Cali does better.  We reminisce about growing up and idolizing old school sports writers and getting his dream job at Sports Illustrated at just 24 years old. Jeff looks back on leaving SI to work for Newsday and then making the transition into writing books.  We touch upon his incredible book about the 86’ Mets. He shares the struggle he experienced putting so much time into his Bonds book only to fail and how he overcame it. We chat about why he wrote “Three Ring Circus” which is about Kobe, Shaq and those Lakers and why he didn’t enjoy it. He also talks about what he wanted to ask Kobe and what would have happened if Coach Cal and the Nets drafted Kobe. Jeff tells us about his podcast “Two writers slinging yang”, how he prepares for an interview and some of his dream guests. Jeff plugs his newest book about Bo Jackson and expresses his wish

Joined today by award winning film director and my childhood friend and teammate, Reinaldo Marcus Green.  Rei and I talk about growing up, playing baseball together and how we argued over the Yankees and Mets. Rei talks about being a hot young rookie director and being given the script for “King Richard”, why it resonated so much with him and why he knew he needed to direct the film. He shares his first meeting with Will Smith, how he sold himself and why Jada played a role in Will wanting Rei to direct the film. We go over the pressures of telling the Williams sisters’ story correctly, having to correct Will on his lines and why it was so important to include the other Williams sisters in the story. Rei tells us about the creative power he has, what he changed for the movie and when he knows his film is finally completed. Rei goes behind the scenes and talks about the importance of everyone on set from the costume designer to the lighting team. We discuss his newest project, “We Own This City”; about the cor

Joined today by NYC streetball legend, Jack “Black Jack” Ryan. Jackie and I talk about being one of the hottest recruits coming out of high school and why his stubbornness and hard-headiness put him in 3 different high schools and 4 different colleges before quitting in a quest to be a streetball legend. Jack tells us about his superstar daughter Morgan, her signing a letter to go play at Pace, playing father-daughter games with her and how that led to him meeting Kobe Bryant. We discuss his documentary and Netflix movie and how’s he was getting recognized by all different people. Jack shares a great story about playing against David Robinson and Navy and getting pulled from the game for being too flashy. We hear about his drinking, partying and how he overcame his suicidal thoughts. We chat about how Peter Vecsey got him a tryout with the New Jersey Nets, how a chance meeting got him a gig with the Legendary Harlem Wizards and how performing in front of 1000 kids is more rewarding than dropping 50 points at

Joined today by NFL veteran and Super Bowl champion, Desmond Bishop. Des talks about growing up in California, rooting for the 49ers and who were the players he looked up to. We discuss why he wasn’t recruited out of high school, why he choose the elite San Francisco as his JUCO and the decision to go to Cal over USC after being an All-American from JUCO.  Desmond talks about how he didn’t know about mock drafts and how surprised he was that he was drafted so late. We hear about his impression of Green Bay, his first introduction to Brett Favre and how close he was to the Super Bowl in his rookie season. Co-hosted with Bill Viscardi, we hear from a fan’s perspective going up to the frozen tundra, what’s there to do in Green Bay, and also hear Desmond’s advice to aspiring high school athletes on what they can do to become elite. He reminisces about Super Bowl XLV, his famous fumble recovery and the heartbreaking story of why he didn’t get to meet President Obama at the White house. Desmond opens up about his i

Joined today by newlywed, documentary producer and Kentucky basketball legend, Cameron Mils. Cam talks about his new family, the courting of his wife Susan, the best and worst parts about marriage and how he outkicked his coverage. We talk about the return of Coach Tubby Smith to the Commonwealth, the first thing Coach said to him, and what it meant to see Coach for the first time in forever. Cameron and I talk about the initial thoughts of the ‘98 team when Coach Pitino left, what their goals were and how they handled their early losses to Arizona and Louisville. We touch on his 31 point outburst against Florida, the famous 1998 Championship run and the full investigation into his stolen title ring and how it was recovered years later. He speaks about his father, Terry Mills playing for Coach Rupp and guarding “Pistol” Pete. He shares what it’s like producing his Kentucky documentaries and if there’s a topic he would like to tackle next. We chat a little about Reed Sheppard and Cam’s thoughts about the Kentu

Joined today by creator of "Cemetery Dance" and best-selling author of the hit book "Chasing the Boogeyman", Richard Chizmar. Richard and I talk about Baltimore sports and why he's leaning his allegiance to the Virginia Cavaliers. We chat about his incredible new book, when he knew he had a hit and the idea to make himself the main character. He tells us where the idea of the book came from, the difficulties of juggling fiction and non-fiction, centering the book around his hometown and how after he finished he realized it was a mixture of Stephen King, Scream and I'll Be Gone in the Dark. He reminisces about his days at the University of Maryland, how and why he started Cemetery Dance and what was his backup plan. He shares how he started sending his work to Stephen king and how that evolved into him and Stephen co-writing books together. From making fake websites about the book to his favorite pieces of memorabilia. All this with the incredibly entertaining and uber talented Richard Chizmar. Richard's Webs

Joined today by podcaster, travel writer, author and former assistant of Anthony Bourdain, Laurie Woolever. Laurie and I talk about her 2 new books: World Travel: An Irreverent Guide and of course, Bourdain: The Definitive Oral Autobiography. We hear why she chose to write the book in an oral format, all of the interviews she conducted and how she actually put this project together. First, we hear about Laurie growing up, being Mario Batali’s assistant and how introduced her to Anthony Bourdain. We chat about Anthony living the lifestyle of a rock star, how he always dreamed of being an author and of course, his book “No Reservations”. We hear about that famous Beirut episode and how that changed his life. We also talk about his addictive personality, whether it be narcotics, Jiu Jitsu, or even love. Laurie talks about all the places she traveled with Bourdain, her favorite time with him at the racetrack and what kind of boss he really was. We talk about the roller coaster ride of his life from the ups of his

Joined today by former Kentucky Wildcat, New York Knick and current star of the Sun Rockers in Japan, Josh Harrellson. Josh and I talk about living in Asia, learning a new language and the safety and beauty of Japan. He talks about being a family guy, raising his daughter, welcoming his new son, and what silly things his daughter makes him do. We chat about Missouri, being a Cardinals fan, and the most famous person from St. Charles. We find out about Josh not playing basketball until high school, why he committed and then de-committed to Western Illinois, JUCO and then finally why he choose Kentucky. He reminisces about how Billy Gillispie AND BBN helped recruit him, the good and bad of Coach Gillispie and what he learned from him. We talk about Coach Calipari taking over when Josh was a sophomore,  the feeling of seeing all the 5 star recruits come in, practicing with them and how, mentally, he dealt with a decrease in playing time. Of course we talk about the magical final four run, the “lob” off Jared Sul

Joined today by basketball coach, traveler and author of the new book, “Zen and the Art of Coaching Basketball: Memoir of a Namibian Odyssey”, Ben Guest. Ben talks about quitting his job and what made him write this book, the process of being a self-publisher and how he wants to grow this into his own business. This being Ben’s first “real” book, we chat about the process of making it, why now was the correct time to do it and the awesome memories that came back to him. He reminisces about growing up, what made him want to join the Peace Corps and being assigned to Namibia. Ben explains what made him drop it all to move back to Namibia and how he got back into coaching. We talk about his different coaching methods of being a more Zen-like calm coach, using meditation with his teammates, how he gained their trust and why he believes relationships can sometimes overcome talent on the court. Ben shares his experience about being high school coach of the year, starting his own professional basketball team and sho

Joined today by NYPD PBA President, Police Officer Patrick Lynch. Pat and I talk about his childhood growing up in Queens, and how being a city worker was a route he knew he wanted to take. We hear about why Officer Lynch decided to raise his right hand and join the NYPD. Pat shares about graduating the police academy, getting stationed in Williamsburg in the 90th Precinct and how different it was back then to now. He describes the day to day battles and responsibilities the PBA has, from petitioning against the release of cop killers to making sure the NYC police officers are represented rightfully and fair. We talk about the current state of policing in this climate with a war on police officers, from bail reform to the protests. Morale seems to be at an all-time low and Pat and I talk about why that is, how that can be changed and if there is a glimmer of hope. Pat shared his experience meeting with President Trump, why it’s so important for cops to vote and how he was feeling before addressing the nation

Joined today by NYPD PBA President, Police Officer Patrick Lynch. Pat and I talk about his childhood growing up in Queens, and how being a city worker was a route he knew he wanted to take. We hear about why Officer Lynch decided to raise his right hand and join the NYPD. Pat shares about graduating the police academy, getting stationed in Williamsburg in the 90th Precinct and how different it was back then to now. He describes the day to day battles and responsibilities the PBA has, from petitioning against the release of cop killers to making sure the NYC police officers are represented rightfully and fair. We talk about the current state of policing in this climate with a war on police officers, from bail reform to the protests. Morale seems to be at an all-time low and Pat and I talk about why that is, how that can be changed and if there is a glimmer of hope. Pat shared his experience meeting with President Trump, why it’s so important for cops to vote and how he was feeling before addressing the nation

Omar’s coming… BACK to the Mike Safo podcast… the iconic actor Michael K. Williams, aka “Omar” from The Wire and “Chalky White” from Boardwalk Empire” stopped by Jack Demsey’s to join Lee Abbamonte and myself for some shenanigans.  Growing up, he was the furthest thing from a gangster kid and now the hipsters are taking over his beloved Brooklyn. Mike talks about his infamous roles as Chalky, and how he parlayed playing Omar on The Wire into meeting President Obama. What it’s like going through the acting and auditioning process and how I’m trying to find him a role that’s not so emotionally draining. He takes his passion for producing to his upcoming documentary, “Diamond in the Rough” on HBO which touches close to home. Things get personal during the filming of “The Night Of” as he tells us about his family members in the system. We hear Mike tell the story of his infamous scar, and how he came in contact with the person who gave it to him twice in his life. From playing and meeting Rick Ross to trying t