Before the Lights

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We begin this show by becoming aware of the date and how long Damon has been clean. We then dive into Damon as a child athlete and the sexual abuse at age 9 from a babysitter and what this led to. We discuss being under the Friday Night Lights in 5A of Texas football. Damon had the very rare opportunity to be on the sidelines of the Dallas Cowboys with Coach Jimmy Johnson and how this door was open. 

Being a D1 college QB at North Texas U,  the injures that cut his career short and what path that led him to. Damon was working with US Congress, Wall St, and on a US Presidential Campaign before being introduced to meth. How fast he became an addict. Being known as The Uptown Burglar-how long this was going on until July 30, 2008. 

We get the in-depth explanation of how that day unfolded, the 10 months being in the county jail, the gasp from his Mother when he was sentenced to what she said to him before he was taken to a Texas Maximum Prison. The process of getting himself off drugs, being an inmate for the first few days, and living in Texas Prison with no air conditioning. 

Listen to this excellent advice Damon received from Mr. Jackson at the county jail and what the lessons are of The Coffee Bean. (Get a pen and paper ready). After being paroled he explains what the call to action is and how racism needs to be addressed. (Please give this your undivided attention!) Damon ends the show with how he was able to go back and speak to the inmates at Stiles Prison. 

Links:

Official Website: https://damonwest.org/

Follow Damon on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/damonwest7/

The Change Agent Book: https://www.amazon.com/Change-Agent-College-Sentenced-Transformed/dp/1642931020/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=damon+west&qid=1608076462&sr=8-1

The Coffee Bean Book: https://www.amazon.com/Coffee-Bean-Simple-Lesson-Positive/dp/1119430275/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=damon+west&qid=1608076549&sr=8-3

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Reflection Bay Golf Club: https://reflectionbaygolf.com/

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The Extra 5

Listen to Damon speak about how fast he spun out of control

The low point of stealing from his grandmother

Helping the city of Port Arthur, TX after Hurricane Harvey

The power of social media

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We hear and learn about Coach Suhr’s original career aspirations, how and why those changed. He discusses how he shaped himself to where he is today. We get his perspective on why the game of basketball is so loved and revered and how he knew he was making an impact not on the game but on the lives of those he touched. 

Get an inside scoop on being an assistant coach for Dick Vitale at U of Detroit Mercy (yes, that Dickie V!) Then Coach tells what it was like to coach Dominque Wilkins when he was with the Atlanta Hawks and then we learn how he got connected with Chuck Daly and ended up with the Detroit Pistons. Coach goes into depth about their relationship and why he decided to write the book –“Chuck Daly Coaching U”. 

He tells us about the inter squad scrimmage game with The Dream Team at the Olympics and what team he feels was a better team then this Gold medal team. Great stuff here! He was involved with the Grand Rapids CBA team, the reason he went there, the greatest deal he ever made, and why he left. 

Brendan talks about what is the harder to develop skill set or knowledge of the game? How Coaching U came about and hosting the Coaching U Podcast (See Links). He is the only professional coach to be certified as a Master Strengths Coach by the Gallup Organization and what this means to him. 

Links:

Official Website: https://coachbrendansuhr.com/

Chuck Daly Coaching U Book: https://books.apple.com/us/book/chuck-daly-coaching-u/id553490206

Coaching U Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/coaching-u-podcast-coach-brendan-suhr-presented-by/id1498048309

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Extra 5

How Coach met Coach George Raveling and how special he is

Who level plays with more heart- NCAA or NBA?

Coach Suhr’s Quote- “I don’t coach players, I coach people.” Hear his expansion on this. 

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Thank you to my guests for all the kind remarks! Spread the word and tell one person about Before the Lights. 

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Who was Bob Delaney as a child? Learn about Bob as an athlete. Why he decided to take the NJ Trooper exam in 1972 and how he was chosen to go undercover? What sports taught him that he could use undercover and how he earned the trust of the mafia guys? We speak about the times his cover was almost blown and the wires that were placed. The stress of being undercover and having a threat made on his life after the undercover was over. 

How Bob was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), the number of the times he denied it and how he came to grips with it? Can PTSD affect someone indirectly along with symptoms to know? Being a NBA referee in large arenas with a threat on your life, his road to becoming a NBA referee and if wearing uniform #26 had any significance.

The demands of being a NBA referee, a story about how the NBA and Bob made an impact on firefighters and policeman during 9/11 and finally how long it took for him to get back to normal. 

Links:

Covert-My Life Infiltrating the Mob: https://www.amazon.com/Covert-My-Years-Infiltrating-Mob/dp/1402754434

Surviving the Shadows- A Journey of Hope Into Post Traumatic Stress: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1402263554?pf_rd_r=F9AX54X8F0VFXANMM25Z&pf_rd_p=edaba0ee-c2fe-4124-9f5d-b31d6b1bfbee

HBO Real Sports: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_tUAq39Dmz4

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MERCH: https://www.beforethelightspod.com/merch

Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/beforethelights

Reflection Bay Golf Club: https://reflectionbaygolf.com/

Extra 5

Story with former partner Bobby Scott that he could not tell he was undercover

Number of arrests from spinoff investigations due to Project Alpha

Donnie Brasco and Bobby Covert story

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On this bonus episode we learn about how long Casey has been involved in music and where his influence came from. We talk about his work being a drummer, a composer and putting together music for podcasts and documentaries. Casey discusses being a singer/songwriter and his upcoming EP “Gangsters & Ghosts” that will be out in 2021. 

Where did his interest in organized crime come from? Why Frank Costello and the starting of Uncle Frank’s Place. How much time he devotes to these sites and then we learn about how Frank got involved in the 104st Gang in Harlem, NY. Why he was known as the Prime Minister of the Underworld and we learn something you probably did not know about Frank Costello. 

Casey expands on the attempted hit on Frank’s life in 1957 and some of the conspiracies surrounding it. Was his downfall started with his Senate hearing with no 5th Amendment protection? How Frank was inspired for the blockbuster movie- “The Godfather.” We learn a quote of his was actually not from Frank and has Casey ever visited the burial site in Queens, NY. 

We end with a special Christmas Song!

Links:

Casey McBride Music: https://www.caseymcbridemusic.com/

Uncle Frank’s Place Face Book Page: https://www.facebook.com/unclefranksplace

Frank Costello Testifying Before the Kefauver Committee: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kW0_fJqF_Iw

View the Burial Site of Frank Costello: http://dev.foundagrave.com/grave/frank-costello/

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Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/beforethelights

Support the show

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We are joined by the VP of Exhibits & Program of the Mob Museum- Geoff Schumacher. Get an in-depth insight of the Mob Museum that includes the music that begins on the steps to the museum, where the idea originated from, the history of the building and the date it was opened that is a historical date in organized crime. 

Hear about some of the exhibits on display that includes getting your photo taken in lineup style, St. Valentine’s Day Massacre, and interactive opportunities for every guest. 25 years since the movie “Casino” was released in theaters in 1995, the Mob Museum has opened a temporary exhibit through November of 2021 that has memorabilia from the movie. Hear what is on display, and Geoff answers some questions regarding the movie that includes Robert DeNiro, Joe Pesci, and what Oscar Goodman means to the museum who was in the movie and served three terms as Las Vegas Mayor. 

Future plans and displays coming to the museum in 2021 and what all you can get from the gift shop! 

Links:

Mob Museum Website: https://themobmuseum.org/

Gift Shop: https://store.themobmuseum.org

Casino Exhibit: https://themobmuseum.org/events-posts/temporary-exhibit-the-25th-anniversary-of-casino/

Howard Hughes Books:  (From The Extra 5)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1948908603/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_taft_p1_i1

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Extra 5

Hear Geoff talk about the amount of research he has done for his books on Howard Hughes

Why he chose Howard Hughes

His room at the Desert Inn and few crazy things he did

How he held business interactions

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Ben’s childhood influences that pertained to getting him into music, the age when he started playing in bands and how the move to Memphis, TN happened. He reflects on his days with the band Red 40 and how the name Lucero was chosen. 

Who the band was influenced by in its early days, learn about Lucero Family Block Parties, and having April 13th being named Lucero Day. What album does Ben feel the band took the next step with? We discuss the LP-“1372 Overton Park” & making the Live Record from Atlanta that features 32 songs! How his daughter has changed his life and influenced him. We then go into detail about the 9th LP- “Among the Ghosts” that includes recording at Sam Phillips Recording Service in Memphis, TN, working with Matt Ross-Spang, and Ben’s feeling about this record. 

The new LP “When You Found Me” released (January 29, 2021), the challenges of recording this during the pandemic, what you can expect from this album, and the songs Ben is excited about to get feedback from. We cover his challenges over the past 20 years, how Memphis has influenced their music, and why the band is not a mainstream radio listen? The show concludes on how he feels the fans connect with Lucero. 

Links:

Official Website: http://luceromusic.com/

Pre-Order “When You Found Me” (Due for release Jan. 29, 2021): https://lucero.merchtable.com/?

Follow the Band on Face Book: https://www.facebook.com/Lucero/

Save on Vegas shows, hotels, and vacation packages: https://www.vegas.com/?irgwc=1&utm_content=RMd1op0qGxyLT-ewUx0Mo36HUkEzMcUAESYzXc0&utm_campaign=2510073_268707&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=impactradius

Reflection Bay Golf Club: https://reflectionbaygolf.com/

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Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/beforethelights

Extra 5

The direction he receives from his acclaimed filmmaking brother (Jeff Nichols) in recording music for every movie he has done.

What is the Memphis Sound?

How much fun is Ben having these days with Lucero?

Touring overseas

Ben’s hobbies outside of music

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We begin the show by learning that Pam was a devoted Mormon but at age 16 that changed: Why? How did she get into beauty pageants and what is was like to go from being a devoted Mormon to a topless dancer on the Las Vegas Strip? She explains how she got her first gig as a showgirl, the challenges of being a Vegas showgirl, and all the shows Pamela performed in. 

Getting hired as a co-host of the Frank “Lefty” Rosenthal for his show that was filmed at the Jubilation in Las Vegas. What were Frank and Geri Rosenthal like to Pamela? What she got paid for this (PAY ATTENTION)! How the job was like versus what she thought it was going to be like. We discuss the Disco Night Show (See Links) that was filmed at 3:30am. 

Pamela talks about how she got into the Howard Hughes room at the Desert Inn, what it was like along with her encounters with Liberace. Why she moved to LA in 1980 and her job as a Director of Sales in Beverly Hills. What her thoughts were when she heard Frank Rosenthal’s car was bombed in Vegas and knowing Tony Spilotro. What are her hobbies today and going to the Phillips Graduate School. 

Links:

Frank Rosenthal Show 1979 Disco Episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4e5H3RQmkPc

Las Vegas Show Girls Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Showgirl#:~:text=Showgirls%20were%20presented%20in%20Las,the%20topless%20showgirl%20in%20Vegas.

Pamela Payton in Vegas Visitor inn 1975: http://www.vegasretro.com/vegas_visitor/34_pam_payton13175v.html

Frank Rosenthal Car after Bombing Pic: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/487796203372873696/

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The Extra 5

What is was like meeting Steve Wynn -Casino Mogul

Growing up in the disco era

Vegas vs. LA for disco dancing

Did she get to keep any of her costumes from being a showgirl

Number of shows they did per night and going out afterwards

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We are joined by some of our Patreon members of the BTL Crew from a recent zoom call. Those on the call include: My mother (Cheryl), Jeff Horaney (IL-OH), Missy Mital (IL), and special guest Larry Henry, previous guest and was kind enough to meet a few of our members. Larry is a veteran print journalist, and runs the LV Mafia History and Mob Summit FB pages. 

 On this day when we are all spending time with family – Before the Lights is thankful for each and every one of you and all our listeners. This was a fun call and looking forward to the next one. To be part of the next one, join the BTL Crew and visit: https://www.patreon.com/beforethelights

Jeff kicks this off talking about the Doug Dieken show, Cheryl then discusses the Mob Museum, the book Double Deal (see links) and a shout to Streator, IL. Larry gives us some great insight to the life of Geri Rosenthal who was played by Sharon Stone in the movie Casino. 
New Vegas vs Old Vegas? Please check out Larry's outstanding work on https://www.casino.org/
What Las Vegas is like during Covid, Jeff speaks about his family, some Q&A from Missy and Jeff and the growth of Before the Lights. 

Links:
Double Deal: https://www.amazon.com/Double-Deal-Unbridled-Corruption-Mobster/dp/0061030481

Capone's Cornfields: https://www.amazon.com/Capones-Cornfields-Mob-Illinois-Valley/dp/1594570930

Join the LV Mafia History Page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1198676433593669

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We begin with Joe talking about the Lunardi lineage at St. Joe’s University and his brief stint in CA for high school. Joe talks about all the positions he held at St. Joe’s and we discuss if Joe has seen more live St. Joe's Men’s Basketball games than anyone alive. We transition to talking about his time with Blue Ribbon College Basketball Yearbook and some history about the publication. 

How this helped pave the way to Bracketology, how the term was coined, along with learning Joe has a book coming out in early 2021 called Bracketology. How the whole ESPN deal transpired and the art/science behind projecting all the teams. 

Joe tells how many teams he normally gets correct and what communication if any he has with the selection committee. Do coaches call Joe to ask him if they are going to make the NCAA Tournament? We discuss what the outlook for the 2020-21 college basketball season and how the tournament may play out. Some tips on how to fill out your brackets and some teams that could be this years surprise that is not from a power 5 school. 

Links:

ESPN Bracketology: http://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/bracketology

Follow Joe on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ESPNLunardi

Joe Lunardi ESPN Press Room: https://espnpressroom.com/us/bios/joe-lunardi/

Reflection Bay Golf Club: https://reflectionbaygolf.com/

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Extra 5:

Does Joe feel doing Bracketology adds pressure to the selection committee?

His Covid proposal for an 80 team tournament

College Football selection process

Explanation of what Big 5 Basketball is

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Email the host: [email protected]