Before the Lights

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Hear from:

Alan Geik on Murder Inc. Gianni Russo about Frank Costello. Blair Kenny on the Rochester Mob. Georgia Durante on being a getaway driver for the mob. Greg Stejskal photographing the Detroit Family Induction as a FBI Agent. Dan Moldea on the status of Jimmy Hoffa investigation. Tamer Elnoury dealing with a recording mishap and busting terrorists. Sean Patrick Griffin on the NBA Betting Scandal. Frank Hayde talks about Oscar Goodman. Gary Jenkins & Geoff Schumacher on the and LV Skim and Alan Glick. Larry Henry about the violence to investigative reporters & Jeff German tells a story about Tony Spilotro. Geno Munari on theories on the murder of Johnny Hicks. 

Full Epsiodes

Alan Geik: https://www.beforethelightspod.com/beforethelights-episodes/j7dyhpzh43owyule4iaegt2fgsy22s

Gianni Russo: https://www.beforethelightspod.com/beforethelights-episodes/q933s1rqem1alh6g6fo71juqs5cosh

Blair Kenny: https://www.beforethelightspod.com/beforethelights-episodes/blair-kenny

Georgia Durante: https://www.beforethelightspod.com/beforethelights-episodes/btvzl561a3je5u6yn6uhf3z0e87bzf

Greg Stejskal: https://www.beforethelightspod.com/beforethelights-episodes/ncb4fs5liqf5kat94wmsj1duqxx5q2

Dan Moldea: https://www.beforethelightspod.com/beforethelights-episodes/jzer6jc19xr3xx0evujucydc2g4vtg’

Tamer Elnoury: https://www.beforethelightspod.com/beforethelights-episodes/p934pbik82exihfe9fqvm1wixqef7t

Sean Patrick Griffin: https://www.beforethelightspod.com/beforethelights-episodes/3gcyk4gz12pamy895cplhpby4oki2f

Frank Hayde: https://www.beforethelightspod.com/beforethelights-episodes/ndzb56yb92vgziyxvaev51kagl6b55

LV Skim: https://www.beforethelightspod.com/beforethelights-episodes/3e5m3f0u0wjwtejcqyveippumbcq9c

Larry Henry/Jeff German: https://www.beforethelightspod.com/beforethelights-episodes/e46lzt35a32dho12t74373ujrsa81n

Johnny Hicks: https://www.beforethelightspod.com/beforethelights-episodes/08pi8c0s8hmzz5kj4isyq289v64gom

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From Hungary, Budapest Oliver tells what it was like growing up there and coming from a complete family of musicians. The story behind getting into a Hungarian TV Talent Show at age 13 and winning! He attended Leeds College of Music in the UK and what he has taken from there may surprise you! 

The music scene in London, his type of music, and does he prefer remixes or mashups. We speak about his music that includes:

“My All” & “Manana” covers which leads to getting connected with Erben Perez who is the bassist for Marc Anthony. The amount of heart and soul he put into the song-“Focus”. The Latin version of “Lonely” featuring Ominus, his original song: “Party” and how does Oliver feel the vibe? 

His recent viral remix of “Baby Come to Me” that was originally done in 1982 by Patti Austin & James Ingram. Where the idea came from that has become viral on Tik Tok & YouTube. What next for him, will he be touring and where? (hint: Sin City). Who is Oliver away from music? 

Oliver Wolf Links:

Follow on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@oliverwolfmusic

Christmas Mashup: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZnUs1sJwAm0

Latin Version-Lonely: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NYq0i-ZoYXE

Baby Come to Me: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=id1QvuuBlmo

Before the Lights Links:

Hire Tommy to Speak: http://tommycanale.com/

Become a BTL Member: https://www.beforethelightspod.com/support

Before the Lights Website: https://www.beforethelightspod.com/

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Please Rate & Review the show!

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The Co-Author of the book: “Freddie Steinmark: Faith, Family, & Football along with Sammy Steinmark, who is the younger brother of Freddie joined the show to talk about this inspirational person. 

We begin the show with learning how Bower met Freddie and Sammy, telling us what it was like growing up in the Steinmark household. Freddie was a multi-sport star at Wheat Ridge HS that was not recruited to any major colleges, but Coach Royal at U took a chance on him, but how did he find out about Freddie? 

He was humble with a huge heart and his faith was very important to him. Hear stories that will paint the picture of Freddie as a person that shows his compassion and courage. 

Sammy tells us what was happening at home and throughout his junior year when Freddie started having problems with his leg and the pain, he was in. This eventually led to his leg being amputated due to bone cancer. His outlook immediately afterwards and the process he went through to attend the Cotton Bowl vs. Notre Dame 20 days later. Hear about Freddie’s life the year and half after the Cotton Bowl. 

Yes, I ask them what happened to Linda Wheeler who was Freddie’s girlfriend. Then tell you about the legacy Freddie has left behind at UT and WRHS. Is football or his amputation that have left a bigger impact? Freddie’s autobiography which leads to Bower having reservations to write the book and what happened to change it. Close with the lasting impression he has left behind. 

Freddie Steinmark Links:

Website: https://www.freddiejoesteinmark.com/

Audiobook Freddie Steinmark: Faith, Family, & Football: https://www.freddiejoesteinmark.com/#audiobook

Video of Freddie Receiving the Game Ball at The Cotton Bowl: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BkovVyqZ1R8

Movie My All-American: https://www.amazon.com/My-All-American-Aaron-Eckhart/dp/B01BZGSR84

Before the Lights Links:

Become a BTL Member: https://www.beforethelightspod.com/support

Before the Lights Website: https://www.beforethelightspod.com/

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John Hicks was a floorman at Binion’s Horseshoe In Las Vegas. He was murdered on Jan. 13, 1977, at his home which remains unsolved. The beginning of this show gives you the background on Johnny that saw James Woods played a character Lester Diamond in the movie, “Casino” which was based on Hicks. 

Learn about his parents, their involvement in the casino industry in Las Vegas. Hicks’ being arrested for murder in June of 1972 and the story behind this which leads to his involvement in a highly organized cheating scheme. The contract that was placed on John’s life and why. 

The particulars of what is known about his murder, how he was killed and with what kind of gun, and a couple possible reasons why this occurred. 

Geno Munari joins me to talk about his friendship with Hicks, how they met, and a couple of good stories of what they did. Marion Hicks connection to Meyer Lansky and a photo John gave Geno. Learn about in the 70’s what would happen if you got cheating/stealing from Binion’s. 

Geno tells an interesting story about Ed Becker, Tony Montana, & Carlos Marcello that is in relation to JFK. Then we get Hicks and Geri Rosenthal that talk about a shopping spree, a fight between Frank & John, and what the hell ever happened to Pete Griffith, the roommate that found John’s body! Tommy tells his opinion about why he disappeared. 

Who may have killed him? How have they got into the grounds and much more!

Before the Lights:

The Light You Tube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_cBUd3MLwoejlVpn5Vt9JA

Become a BTL Member: https://www.beforethelightspod.com/support

Before the Lights Website: https://www.beforethelightspod.com/

Get Tommy a Glass of Vino: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/beforethelights

Please Rate & Review the show!

Support the show

Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beforethelightspodcast/
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Rate & Review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/before-the-lights/id1501245041
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The two official biographers of Bob Crane and authors of the book: “Bob Crane: the Definitive Biography” join the show to talk about Bob. 

We begin the show learning about Bob’s personality, who had careers in radio & entertainment. His start into radio was not easy as he sent many letters to stations but finally got a job at WLEA in Hornell, NY doing__________! His radio career evolved to having his own setup in LA where he became a celebrity interview on a wild, fun, unrehearsed show as some have said he is the first shock jock. 

He starred in Hogan’s Heroes but how did he land this role and what did he think about it? 

His death remains unsolved as he was murdered while sleeping. Bob was one that documented every aspect of his life from going to the dentist to consensual sex with many women who consented to being on camera in amateur pornography. Who was the suspect?  Who could have wanted him dead? How brutal was the murder? Plus, so much more!

Carol Ford & Linda Groundwater Links:

Official Bob Crane Website: https://www.vote4bobcrane.org/home

Buy “Bob Crane: The Definitive Biography”: https://www.vote4bobcrane.org/the-definitive-biography/about-the-book

Video of Laffter, Sweet, and Profane-KNK Promotional Album for The Bob Crane Show (c. 1961): 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3yTnNHzBh0U

Before the Lights:

Become a BTL Member: https://www.beforethelightspod.com/support

Before the Lights Website: https://www.beforethelightspod.com/

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Please Rate & Review the show!

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Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beforethelightspodcast/
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Clips are from interviews with:

Lon Bronson & David Perrico
Donna Presley
Craig Barlow
Ed Freeman
Frank Hayde
Marybeth Byrd
Chip Monck
Geno Munari
Jerry Cummings

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The owner of The Bonnie & Clyde Ambush Museum in Gibsland, LA. gives us his knowledge of the story behind Bonnie & Clyde this includes:

·        How he got into history & Bonnie & Clyde

·        Clyde Barrow beginning of run ins with the law.

·        Ted Hinton

·        Clyde breaking out of prison and having two toes amputated.

·        The shootout on April 13, 1933, in Joplin, MO

·        Car flipping in a ravine that badly burned Bonnie.

·        What happened in Platte City, MO at Red Crown?

·        Clyde’s involvement in breaking out prisoners from Eastham Prison

·        His collection of events from the famous Easter Sunday killings near Grapevine, TX

·        The night before they were ambushed and stopping by a café for food which is now the Bonnie & Clyde Ambush Museum

·        How did Frank Hamer get involved in this case?

·        The ambush and events afterwards

·        The burial sites of Bonnie & Clyde & the reason this story is still of relevance.

·        The Bonnie & Clyde Ambush Museum

·        The movie- “The Highwaymen”

Perry Carver Links:

Bonnie & Clyde Ambush Museum: https://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/10864

Bonnie & Clyde Face book Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064457213559

Death Car Exhibit: https://primmvalleyresorts.com/hotel/hotel-amenities/bonnie-clyde-exhibition/

Before the Lights:

Become a BTL Member: https://www.beforethelightspod.com/support

Before the Lights Website: https://www.beforethelightspod.com/

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Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beforethelightspodcast/
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Recording from The Lemon Tree Café & Market in Las Vegas. We start with learning about how Alan got into the film business, living in London, getting a job at Wide World of Sports, and becoming an on-air host for 25 years. 

Getting into his book: “Uncle Charlie Killed Dutch Schultz” starting with his father Lou and if he was connected to the mob? When did he know members of his family were mob related and learning who Waxey Gordon was?

Dutch Schultz was into numbers rackets, how they would use apartments as offices, and the greed for money was the demise for Dutch. Uncle Charlie killed Dutch Schultz at the Palace Chophouse and received a life sentence but who was involved with him being caught. 

We talked about Murder Inc. with names such as Louis Lepke and Sammy Kass. Why was the murder of Irving Penn significant? The real-life story of Eliot Ness and how he was fictionalized in “The Untouchables”. Uncle George life in the mob and being connected to names such as Moe Dalitz, Meyer Lansky and The Cleveland Four Organization. Uncle George’s role in the LV Skim and was part of the criminal interest in the Desert Inn & Stardust. 

A great mob story involving Tony Cornero which is a must listen, Alan being on the phone buying marijuana when the President of Israel interrupted with an emergency call, and the story of him having a pastrami sandwich with Meyer Lansky!

Alan Geik Links:

About Alan: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B06Y1QNRF9/about?ingress=0&visitId=fca038f5-626a-4b5e-acfb-09fe87857eff

Buy “Uncle Charlie Killed Dutch Schultz”: https://www.amazon.com/Uncle-Charlie-Killed-Dutch-Schultz/dp/057887735X/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

Lemon Tree Café & Market:

Website: https://www.lemontreecafelv.com/

Follow on IG: https://www.instagram.com/lemontreecafeandmarket/

Before the Lights Link:

Become a BTL Member: https://www.beforethelightspod.com/support

Before the Lights Website: https://www.beforethelightspod.com/

Get Tommy a Glass of Vino: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/beforethelights

Please Rate & Review the show!

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Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beforethelightspodcast/
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The Classic Blue Note and last remaining member of Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes begins the show by getting into to being an aborted baby which leads into the figuring why he was taken to his aunt’s house after they left the hospital that years later unsolved many unanswered questions. Around the ages of 4-5 he saw his grandmother record “See See Rider” that sparked him to want to be a recording artist. 

Jerry explains how he met Harold Melvin and became a Blue Note. We then go back to 1968 when his best friend, who was killed in Vietnam, pushed him to become a singer. 

Questions: Do the people in London love or hate R&B music more than the US? How was he dubbed The Classic Blue Note? What was it like working with Teddy Pendergrass? 

The day Teddy told Jerry he was leaving the group and the changes that happened with the group afterwards. Meeting Luther Vandross and how his music got him back in R&B. His 15-year break from the music business.

His bestselling autobiography: “From Gold to Glory” (see show notes for link to purchase) and the meaning of the word: Gold. The feelings he gets when thinking about performing; “My Hero” on October 19, 1974, at Carnegie Hall which was his goal. His new music: “It’s My Pleasure” that includes the story behind writing the song. We end this epic interview with him talking about giving back to younger artists and his proudest accomplishment. 

Jerry Cummings Links:

Official Website: https://www.fromgoldtoglory.com/

Buy your autographed copy of “From Gold to Glory”: https://www.fromgoldtoglory.com/store

Video: Jerry Singing to Mother Pendegrass: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Md7iTOYSck

Before the Lights Links:

A Heartbeat & A Guitar: Johnny Cash & the Making of Bitter Tear Docuseries: https://www.beforethelightspod.com/docuseries/bitter-tears

Hire Tommy to Speak: https://www.beforethelightspod.com/public-speaking

Become a BTL Member: https://www.beforethelightspod.com/support

Before the Lights Website: https://www.beforethelightspod.com/

Get Tommy a Glass of Vino: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/beforethelights

Support the show

Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beforethelightspodcast/
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Rate & Review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/before-the-lights/id1501245041
Email the host: [email protected]

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These are never before released to the general public interviews from "The Extra 5" Interviews that I used to do. There were many guests who did a second interview with me that was around 5 minutes. These were given as extra content to the BTL Members Group. 
Due to the actors and writers strike and they are doing interviews, I decided to release these to you.
They inlcude:
Dwier Brown: Field of Dream
Joseph D'Onofrio: Good fellas & A Bronx Tale
Liz Mikel: Friday Night Lights
Joey Oglesby: 1883 & Friday Night Lights
Jack Gill: Stuntman
Eric Nielsen: 1883
Brad Leland: Friday Night Lights

Before the Lights Link:

Become a BTL Member: https://www.beforethelightspod.com/support

Before the Lights Website: https://www.beforethelightspod.com/

Get Tommy a Glass of Vino: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/beforethelights

Please Rate & Review the show!

Support the show

Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beforethelightspodcast/
Follow the show on Face Book: https://www.facebook.com/beforethelightspodcast/
Follow the show on Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beforethelightspodcast?lang=en

Follow Tommy on Face Book: https://www.facebook.com/tcanale3

Rate & Review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/before-the-lights/id1501245041
Email the host: [email protected]