HOW NOT TO BOMB NETWORK

BORN INTO THE MAFIA. BECAME AN FBI INFORMANT. LIVED TO TELL THE STORY.

On this explosive episode of Straightened Out with Andrew DiDonato, presented by the How Not to Bomb Network, we sit down with Ron Fino, a former Buffalo union official who grew up surrounded by organized crime and eventually became a cooperating FBI informant.

Ron takes us deep inside a world of Mafia influence, corrupt unions, loyalty, betrayal, and the dangerous realities behind organized crime.

From growing up with a father connected to the Buffalo Mafia to cooperating with federal investigators, Ron shares his experiences navigating a world where trust could mean survival—or destruction.

But his story doesn't stop there.

Ron and Andrew discuss international intrigue, Russian organized crime, money laundering, government corruption, and the dangers Ron says he encountered during his years working with law enforcement.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• Growing up in a Mafia family
• The Buffalo Mafia and organized labor
• Why Ron decided to cooperate with the FBI
• The consequences of being labeled a "rat"
• The truth behind Hollywood's glorification of the Mafia
• Money laundering and international organized crime
• Loyalty, betrayal, and government corruption
• Life after leaving organized crime
• Why community, respect, and personal growth matter

Andrew DiDonato brings his own experiences as a former Gambino crime family associate to a conversation between two men who understand the consequences of life around organized crime.

This isn't Hollywood. This is real life.

And this is STRAIGHTENED OUT.

🎙️ Hosted by Andrew DiDonato

📺 Presented by How Not to Bomb Network

🔴 SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/@hownottobomb

Mersh and Coffee: http://mobbedupmerch.com

Follow @HowNotToBomb for new episodes, exclusive interviews, and real stories from people who've lived extraordinary lives.

ALSO AVAILABLE ON:
Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Amazon Music | iHeartRadio | Deezer

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction to Ron Fino's Story
02:50 Growing Up in Organized Crime
06:05 The Decision to Cooperate with the FBI
09:05 Life as a Union Official
11:59 Mafia Influence on Labor Unions
14:57 The Truth About Mafia Movies
17:48 The Risks of Cooperating with the FBI
20:53 Life After the FBI
25:01 Money Laundering
26:08 Being Labeled a "Rat"
27:31 Threats from Terrorist Organizations
28:59 Spy Swaps and International Intrigue
30:52 Negotiating with Foreign Governments
32:29 Ron's International Experiences
33:23 Government Corruption and Trust
34:46 Money and Morality
35:17 Life After Organized Crime
36:38 Hollywood vs. Real Mafia Life
38:47 The Lies of Organized Crime
40:33 Danger in Foreign Territories
42:14 Russian Business and Money Laundering
45:14 Business and Organized Crime
46:55 Family and Legacy
47:43 The Ruthlessness of Organized Crime
49:01 Reflections on a Life Lived
52:45 What Does Being Straightened Out Mean?
56:14 Supporting the Community
01:01:07 Why Sharing Stories Matters
01:05:29 Confrontation and Personal Growth
01:11:31 Building a Brand and Legacy

LIKE • COMMENT • SUBSCRIBE • SHARE

What does loyalty really mean in organized crime? Is cooperating with the FBI betrayal—or survival?

Tell us what you think in the comments.

#StraightenedOut #RonFino #AndrewDiDonato #Mafia #HowNotToBomb

YouTube title options:

1. Left in the Street: The Real Cost of Mob Life | Andrew DiDonato
2. The Dark Side of the Mob: Violence, Loyalty & Life Behind Bars
3. Andrew DiDonato on Mob Murders, Jail Stories & the Families Left Behind
4. Fear, Power and Betrayal: The Reality of Organized Crime
5. What Mob Life Really Costs | Straightened Out with Andrew DiDonato

Episode description:

LEFT IN THE STREET: THE REAL COST OF MOB LIFE

Behind every mob story is a human story—and sometimes, a family left to pick up the pieces.

In this episode of Straightened Out, Andrew DiDonato joins Michael “Wheels” Parise for a candid conversation about the violence, fear, manipulation, and consequences that come with life in organized crime.

They discuss the motives behind murders, the impact on families, the illusion of power and respect, and what happens when loyalty is tested. Andrew also shares jail stories, reflects on people from the streets, and offers his perspective on how organized crime has changed.

💬 Join the conversation: What part of mob life do you think people misunderstand most? Leave your thoughts and questions in the comments.

👍 Like the episode, subscribe to @hownottobomb, and turn on notifications for more from the How Not to Bomb Network.

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, and Deezer.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction to the Dark Side of Crime
03:04 The Human Cost of Violence
05:53 Collateral Damage in the Underworld
08:54 Motives Behind Murders
12:04 The Complexity of Retaliation
14:50 Reflections on Fear and Power
18:02 The Illusion of Power and Respect
21:04 The Reality of Criminal Life
24:01 Manipulation and Favors in the Underworld
27:14 Jail Time Tales
29:54 Street Life Reflections
30:55 Perspectives on Teddy Persico
33:02 Current Mob Dynamics
36:07 Threat Assessments Explained
39:00 Lessons from Uncle Angelomagua
41:49 Joey Cupcake’s Antics
44:47 Reflections on Crime and Consequences
47:59 Future of Organized Crime

#StraightenedOut #AndrewDiDonato #MichaelWheelsParise #HowNotToBomb #MobStories #TrueCrime #OrganizedCrime

Some names become legends. Others barely get mentioned. Who earned their reputation—and who gets more credit than they deserve?

How Not to Bomb presents Straightened Out with Andrew DiDonato. Michael “Wheels” Parise and Andrew take on the mob’s biggest reputations, overlooked figures, and the difference between a famous name and respect within the life.

Andrew shares personal anecdotes and his assessments of mob personalities, exploring how family connections, loyalty, toughness, and relationships shape a reputation. From Carmine Agnello and Gene Borrello to stories about fighters, celebrity encounters, and the surprising connection between wiseguys and pigeon coops, this conversation takes some unexpected turns.

Plus, Michael and Andrew discuss the crowded world of mob podcasting and what Andrew brings to the conversation.

Who’s overrated? Who’s underrated? And who was the real deal? Drop your picks in the comments.

👍 Like, subscribe, and follow @hownottobomb.
🎧 Watch on YouTube or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, and Deezer.

CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction and Podcast Popularity
03:04 The State of Mob Podcasting
05:58 Underrated and Overrated Mob Figures
08:50 A Closer Look at Mob Personalities
12:06 Legacy and Reputation
14:59 The Influence of Family Connections
17:55 Toughness and Loyalty
21:07 More Mob Figure Assessments
28:51 Carmine Agnello: A Real Character
29:40 Dinner with Legends
31:06 Pigeon Coops and Wiseguys
32:15 The Pigeon Connection
36:12 The Best Fighters in the Life
39:09 Shaking Down Drug Dealers
40:57 Overrated or Underrated?
41:23 Andrew’s Recollections of Ralphie Fly
45:52 Providence Connections
46:56 Carmine Agnello: Reputation and Reality
49:22 An Underrated Fighter
50:38 Celebrity Encounters
52:29 Discussing Gene Borrello
54:10 Bodyguard to the Stars
55:22 Final Thoughts and Future Shows

A Parise Group Production.

#StraightenedOut #AndrewDiDonato #HowNotToBomb #MichaelWheelsParise #MobStories #MobPodcast

Gambling has its highs and lows—and so does making a living in comedy.

Comedian and actor Jimmy Della Valle joins Michael “Wheels” Parise on Everybody’s Got a Story for a candid, funny conversation about taking chances, surviving setbacks, and finding your way in entertainment.

Jimmy shares stories about his gambling experiences, the influences that led him into stand-up, and the lessons learned when a performance falls flat. They get into his transition from comedy to acting, including his experience on The Sopranos, and what audiences rarely see about a comedian’s life on the road.

Plus, Jimmy and Wheels discuss how social media has changed the comedy business, why a proper introduction matters, and what Jimmy has coming next.

Two comedians talking about the work, the failures, and the stories behind the laughs.

Subscribe to @hownottobomb and tell us in the comments: What was your favorite story from Jimmy?

Jimmys Instagram

Jimmy's Website

Jimmy's Facebook

CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction to Comedy and Life
03:14 Gambling: Highs and Lows
06:00 From Gambling to Comedy
09:02 Early Life and Influences
12:00 Starting a Comedy Career
15:04 Defining Moments in Comedy
18:00 Connecting with an Audience
20:54 Learning from Failure
28:40 From Stand-Up to The Sopranos
36:22 Life on the Road
40:09 Navigating Social Media Fame
44:01 New Projects and What’s Next
46:56 The Art of the Comedy Introduction

#JimmyDellaValle #MichaelWheelsParise #EverybodysGotAStory #HowNotToBomb #StandUpComedy

The money stops. The favors stop. Who’s still there?

On this episode of How Not to Bomb Presents: Straightened Out, Michael “Wheels” Parise and Andrew DiDonato examine the promises of mob loyalty—and what those promises are worth when you have nothing left to offer.

Andrew reflects on the family gatherings, Christmas Eve traditions, and sit-downs that shaped his view of organized crime. He shares his perspective on how jealousy, technology, and shifting priorities changed that world, raising a question: was the brotherhood built on genuine bonds or mutual benefit?

The conversation also explores life after witness protection, social media’s version of toughness, and the emotional costs of a criminal lifestyle. Drawing on his experiences, Andrew discusses trust, regret, honesty, and the lasting consequences behind the image of money and power.

What would he want the next generation to understand before chasing that life? The image leaves a lot out.

CHAPTERS
00:00 The Changing Landscape of Loyalty
02:12 Traditions and Family Dynamics
15:28 The Art of the Sit-Down
17:23 The Decline of Mob Culture
22:20 The Impact of Technology and Jealousy
25:06 Reflections on Wealth and Influence
31:15 Life After Witness Protection
33:34 Social Media and Modern Tough Guys
34:17 The Cost of a Criminal Life
37:03 Reflections on Brotherhood and Trust
38:42 The Reality of Loyalty in Crime
40:30 Nostalgia for the Past
52:46 Lessons for the Next Generation
53:15 The Illusion of the Criminal Lifestyle

Subscribe to @hownottobomb and turn on notifications for more Straightened Out with Andrew DiDonato.

Join the conversation: was mob loyalty ever unconditional?

Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, and Deezer.

A Parise Group Production

#AndrewDiDonato #StraightenedOut #HowNotToBomb #MobStories #MichaelWheelsParise

The conversation was online. The surprise was in person. 😂

Michael “Wheels” Parise tells an outrageous online dating story in “Fat Chat”—where the woman he met didn’t quite match the expectations her profile set.

From flirty chats to an unexpected first meeting, Wheels turns a dating disaster into a stand-up comedy story about profile promises and reality.

Ever met someone who looked NOTHING like their dating profile? Tell us what happened in the comments. 👇

Subscribe to @hownottobomb for more comedy and stories from Michael “Wheels” Parise.

#StandUpComedy #OnlineDating #MichaelWheelsParise

Takeaways

• Humor in online dating
• Misrepresentation in profiles

Chapters

• 00:00 The World of Online Dating
• 01:02 Unexpected Encounters
• 02:13 The Comedy of Misrepresentation

They’ll Sell You Anything in Tijuana! | Michael “Wheels” Parise

Wheels went to Mexico—and the shopping became part of the show! 😂

Michael “Wheels” Parise shares his hilarious encounters in Tijuana’s bustling markets, where every price starts a conversation and there’s always something else for sale. From haggling with local vendors to feeling overwhelmed by the endless merchandise, Wheels finds comedy in the chaos and charm of the people he meets.

Watch the bit, leave a comment, and subscribe to @hownottobomb for more comedy and stories.

#MichaelWheelsParise #StandUpComedy #Tijuana #Mexico #HowNotToBomb

Takeaways

• Humor in cultural experiences
• Unique shopping in Mexico

Chapters

• 00:00 The Allure of Mexico's Market
• 02:50 Cultural Observations and Humor

Love for the Haters! | Straightened Out with Andrew DiDonato

Andrew DiDonato has heard the criticism—and tonight, he’s answering it.

On this episode of How Not to Bomb Presents… Straightened Out, Michael “Wheels” Parise sits down with former Gambino associate Andrew DiDonato to tackle viewers’ comments, questions, and accusations head-on.

Andrew shares his perspective on his past in organized crime, his decision to cooperate with law enforcement, and the complicated relationships shaped by loyalty, betrayal, and survival. He discusses the consequences of his choices, how supporters and critics see him, and why he believes honesty matters when telling his story.

Expect candid answers, uncomfortable questions, and a little love for the haters.

Have a question or something to say? Leave it in the comments.

Subscribe to @hownottobomb on YouTube for more Straightened Out and Everybody’s Got a Story.

#StraightenedOut #AndrewDiDonato #MichaelWheelsParise #HowNotToBomb #OrganizedCrime

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage
• 01:25 Responding to Viewer Criticism
• 03:11 Clarifying Past Transactions
• 05:30 Reflections on Cooperation and Reputation
• 07:11 Confronting Drug Use Allegations
• 10:41 Family Legacy and Personal Accountability
• 12:55 Defending Personal Choices and Actions
• 14:29 Addressing Tough Guy Perceptions
• 17:44 The Frog and the Scorpion Story
• 20:22 Criticism of the Platform and Its Purpose
• 22:49 Clarifying Health and Drug Use Claims
• 27:18 Final Thoughts on Haters and Life Experiences
• 30:42 Navigating Loyalty and Betrayal
• 34:14 Reflections on Past Relationships
• 37:40 Addressing Criticism and Haters
• 40:54 The Reality of Crime and Consequences
• 44:00 Stories from Prison Life
• 48:08 Friendships and Loyalty in the Underworld
• 51:54 Future Plans and Show Direction
• 56:26 Philosophical Insights on Life

What happens when a former Gambino associate leaves crime behind—and has to figure out everyday life?

On How Not to Bomb Presents: Everybody’s Got a Story, Michael “Wheels” Parise sits down with Andrew DiDonato for a candid, often funny conversation about going legit, opening a pizzeria, running a business, and rebuilding an identity beyond the mob.

Andrew discusses the challenge of adjusting to ordinary routines, the boredom that can come with leaving a high-pressure lifestyle, and the struggle to change old ways of thinking. Wheels and Andrew also explore power, fear, respect, ego, and emotional vulnerability. Who are you when your reputation no longer defines you—and what are tough guys really like when nobody’s watching?

Along the way, they trade personal stories, talk about influential comedians and the changing comedy scene, and explore Andrew’s move into entertainment.

An honest conversation about reinvention, accountability, humor, and the everyday work of building a different life.

Subscribe to @hownottobomb and join the conversation: Can someone truly leave their old identity behind?

A Parise Group Production.

#EverybodysGotAStory #HowNotToBomb #AndrewDiDonato #MichaelWheelsParise

Mob movies: real or garbage? Former Gambino associate Andrew DiDonato breaks down what The Godfather and Casino get right—and what Hollywood gets wrong.

On this episode of Straightened Out, Andrew draws on his own experiences to discuss prison life, money problems, paranoia, and the complicated relationships behind organized crime. From vouching for an associate to betrayal among friends, he explains how loyalty, fear, and power shaped the world he knew.

The movies show the lifestyle. Andrew talks about what it cost.

IN THIS EPISODE:
• Iconic scenes from The Godfather and Casino compared with Andrew’s experiences
• Prison food, connections, and relationships
• Flashy spending, financial struggles, and unwanted attention
• Vouching for someone—and being responsible for their actions
• Loyalty, betrayal, and the pressure of living with paranoia
• Fear versus respect in mob power dynamics

Which mob movie scene should Andrew break down next? Tell us in the comments.

Subscribe to the How Not to Bomb Network:
https://www.youtube.com/@hownottobomb

How Not to Bomb Presents
Straightened Out with Andrew DiDonato
A Parise Group Production

#StraightenedOut #AndrewDiDonato #MobMovies #TheGodfather #Casino #HowNotToBomb