Talking Sopranos

This week on Talking Sopranos it's At Home with the Cusamanos! Michael and Steve welcome Saundra Santiago (Jeannie and Joan Cusamano) and Bob LuPone (Dr. Bruce Cusamano ) to the podcast.

Up first Saundra calls out a not so well-liked actor on the set of Miami Vice. Then she talks about about how she was originally brought in to read for the role of Carmela. But once she saw the script, she really wanted to play Melfi. She read for the part and even went to LA to audition in front of the folks from HBO. It wasn't meant to be and she ended up playing one of the two sets of twins on the show.

Then it's the ultimate Wonderbread Wop…Dr Cusamano. Bob LuPone played the character to a tee. He talks about his inspiration for the role, and what it was like to work with James Gandolfini. Then Michael and Steve get into this week's episode. Can you believe we're already at Season 6 Episode 6. Talking Sopranos #72 "Live Free or Die". Don't forget to subscribe to the Talking Sopranos podcast wherever you get your podcasts and go to the Talking Sopranos website to ask Michael and Steve questions and buy official merchandise.

Pre-order your copy of WOKE UP THIS MORNING: The Definitive Oral history of the Sopranos everywhere books are sold, or go to

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This week on Talking Sopranos it's another double barrel episode! Michael and Steve welcome William DeMeo (Jason Molinaro) and Joe Maruzzo (Joe Peeps) to the podcast.

Will's dream was always to join the cast of the Sopranos but when he was first offered a role he had to turn it down because he was shooting Analyze This. David Chase remembered him and later cast him as Jason.

Joe and Michael have been friends from way back and have a great time catching up. Joe shares some incredible stories about his first day on set and how he found out his family actually had a real connection to the mob.

Then it's the big wedding episode….Michael and Steve break down "Mr. & Mrs. John Sacrimoni Request" Talking Sopranos #71 S6-Ep5. Don't forget to ask Michael and Steve questions and buy official merchandise at the Talking Sopranos website.

In Conversation with the Sopranos Live - Saturday October 16, 2021 Ikeda Theater, Mesa, AZ. Go to the link below or Call 480-644-6500 for tickets.

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Michael and Steve welcome Lou Mustillo (Sal Vitro "The Gardener") to the Talking Sopranos podcast. Lou was only in four episodes of the Sopranos but he was definitely a memorable character. He looks back at how funny he thought the show was and how much impact it had on his life. He tells a funny story about a day at Yankee stadium when he was shocked to hear the crowd chant "Do My Lawn" in his honor.

Then Michael and Steve break down another incredible episode of the Sopranos. As season 6 goes on, the show gets more and more complicated so lots to unpack and discuss. This was a big one for Steve who had a number of important scenes. Check out Talking Sopranos Ep #70 "The Fleshy Part of the Thigh" S6-Ep4. Don't forget to subscribe to the Talking Sopranos podcast wherever you get your podcasts and go to the Talking Sopranos website to ask Michael and Steve questions and get official merchandise.

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Vanessa started as a "club kid" and the Sopranos was actually her first acting gig. From there she built a fantastic career working with some of the biggest names in Hollywood. She also starred as a series regular on shows like CSI: New Orleans, CSI: New York and 24.

Bob Shaw is an incredibly talented Production Designer who has been nominated for 5 Emmy awards and one Oscar. The Sopranos just wouldn't have been the same without him and he has lots of behind the scenes stories to share.

After that Michael and Steve break down another fantastic episode of the Sopranos S6-Ep3 "Mayham". Don't forget to subscribe to the Talking Sopranos podcast wherever you get your podcasts and go to the Talking Sopranos website to ask Michael and Steve questions and buy official merchandise.

See Zopa live at the Mercury Lounge in NYC. Click the link below for more details. http://www.mercuryeastpresents.com/mercurylounge

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Ricky Gervais joins Michael Imperioli and Steve Schirripa this week on Talking Sopranos. Ricky is a huge fan of the Sopranos, a show which he calls "A Masterpiece". He talks about why he believes the show was so successful, and of course his take on the ending. He also talks about his career, The Office, and his latest show After Life. Ricky also talks about hosting the Golden Globes and what people thought about his performance afterwards.

Then Michael and Steve break down what could be one of the most complicated episodes of the entire series. In this one Tony is Kevin Finnerty and the entire episode is one long dream…or is it. There's a lot of hidden meanings and Michael tries to lay it all out for us. Is he reading to much into it…. or is he absolutely on point….Check it out and make your own decision. Talking Sopranos #68 "Join the Club" S6-Ep2. Don't forget to subscribe to the Talking Sopranos podcast wherever you get your podcasts and go to the talking sopranos website to ask questions and buy official merchandise.

See Zopa live at the Mercury Lounge in NYC. Click the link below for more details.

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This week Michael and Steve welcome Dania Ramirez (Blanca Selgado) to the podcast. Dania has appeared in Heroes, Entourage, Justice League, Sweet Tooth as well as 5 episodes of the Sopranos. Originally her manager passed on the Sopranos audition but Dania thought he was crazy. It was always one of her favorite shows.

Dania was born in the Dominican Republic and never thought she would end up with such a successful career in show business. She talks about how she got her start, and what her family thought about her pursuing a career as an actress. She was really nervous her first day on the Sopranos set and it was James Gandolfini who calmed her down and told her to just relax. Dania has definitely had a very successful acting career but is also a busy entrepreneur involved in a number of projects from making wine to legal cannabis. Currently she is starring in her latest hit Sweet Tooth on Netflix.

After Dania's interview Michael and Steve get into this week's episode. It's called "Members Only" and Steve kicks things off by showing some pics of him and Frank Sinatra who is wearing a Members Only jacket…This is the beginning of season six and this episode does not disappoint. It's one of the best in the series with a lot to understand. Michael really focuses on the nuances in this one. Talking Sopranos Episode #67 "Members Only" S6-Ep1. Don't forget to subscribe to the Talking Sopranos podcast wherever you get your podcasts and go to the Talking Sopranos website to ask Michael and Steve questions and buy official merchandise.

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This week on Talking Sopranos Michael Imperioli and Steve Schirripa finish off season five with special guest Toni Kalem (Angie Bonpensiero).

During the interview Michael and Steve are really surprised to find out that Toni was a finalist to play the role of Carmela! She was the one who went to LA for the screen test with Jim and the folks from HBO. Toni also talks about her early days as an actress in NYC. How she had to deal with the old casting couch mentality and how her bosses literally chased her around the desk. Luckily she was able to make the right connections and it was her talent that rose above. David Chase saw Toni in a film called The Wanderers and asked her to audition for the Sopranos. She didn't get the role of Carmela but did land the part of Angie Bonpensiero, and wrote one episode herself. In the early days HBO wouldn't fly her from LA so she lived with her parents while acting in one of the biggest TV shows in history.

Then Michael and Steve get another letter from A S. This time he really rips into Michael, and Steve has had it!. This may be the end of AS…After that Michael and Steve finish off season 5. This is another incredible episode and one that David Chase originally thought could be the series finale. Don't miss Talking Sopranos #66 S5-Ep13 "All Due Respect". Make sure to subscribe to the Talking Sopranos podcast wherever you get your podcasts and go to talkingsopranos.com to buy merchandise and ask Michael and Steve questions.

See Zopa live at the Mercury Lounge in NYC. Click the link below for more details.

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It's another fantastic episode with two amazing guests.

First up, the legendary Peter Bogdanovich talks about how he started out as an actor in NYC and what gave him the bug to start directing. He shares stories about his friendship with Orson Wells, how he cast Tatum O'Neil in the Last Picture Show and of course how he ended up on the Sopranos. Peter became friends with David Chase who asked him to play the role of Melfi's psychiatrist. He also directed Michael and Steve in Sentimental Education S5-Ep6 of the Sopranos.

Next Marianne Leone joins the podcast. Michael worked with Marianne on Goodfellas and the two remained friends ever since. She is a lot of fun and shares some great stories about her days on the Sopranos and how Federico Castelluccio restored a painting of her grandparents.

Then Michael and Steve get into one of the most surprising and dramatic episodes of the entire series. Michael and Drea both won Emmys for their performances as well as Terry Winter for the screenplay. Tim Van Patten was nominated for directing. This is a great one…Talking Sopranos S5-E12 "Long Term Parking". Make sure to subscribe to the Talking Sopranos podcast wherever you get your podcasts and go to talkingsopranos.com for official merchandise and to ask Michael and Steve questions.

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This week Michael and Steve welcome Sopranos writer and producer Matt Weiner to the podcast. Matt was an award-winning writer on the Sopranos but also created the incredible TV series Mad Men. He is a fascinating person and in 2011 he was named one of Time Magazine's 100 most influential people in the world. This is a candid and emotional interview where Matt talks about his difficult early days, working with David Chase and Jim's passing.

Then Michael and Steve break down this week's episode which Matt wrote. It's a crazy one that definitely needs some explaining. Along the way Steve reads his living obituary which includes an intro to the Steve Motherf**ks the world video. He also busts Michael's chops about where he shops and the fact he has never been to Cosco. Michael also tells a great story about how he and Steve went to Jamaica and tried to get into Hedonism but were denied.

Check out Talking Sopranos Ep #64 "The Test Dream" S5-Ep11. Make sure to subscribe to the Talking Sopranos podcast wherever you get your podcasts and go to the Talking Sopranos website to ask questions and buy official merchandise.

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It's another exciting double barrel episode with two fantastic guests.

First up Richard Portnow talks about his life as an actor and an amateur boxer. He also talks about the days he used to run into Tony "Junior" Sirico in the clubs of New York City. Over the years Richard has worked with some of the biggest names in the business and shares who he likes and who he doesn't. Originally the character of Melvoin was only cast in one episode, but Richard brought so much to the role the writers kept him on as a reoccurring character.

Then Suzanne Shepherd joins the podcast. Suzanne played Carmela's mother in the Sopranos, Lorraine Bracco's mother in Goodfellas and Steve's mother in Bluebloods. She was also a finalist to play Livia on the Sopranos but was happy to see Nancy Marchand own that role. After that Michael and Steve get into this week's episode which is all about anger and revenge. Check out Talking Sopranos #63 "Cold Cuts" S5 – EP10. Make sure to subscribe to the Talking Sopranos podcast wherever you get your podcasts and go to the Talking Sopranos website to ask Michael and Steve questions and buy official Talking Sopranos merchandise.

Plus check out Michael's Band Zopa live August 14th at the Mercury Lounge in NYC.

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