Talking Sopranos

In this special episode Michael and Steve are joined by two amazing guests. The first is the infamous Jerry Adler (Hesh). Jerry talks about his illustrious acting career and what is was like to grow up as part of the renowned Adler family. Jerry shares stories about how he got involved in the Sopranos, and that he may be the only actor who never auditioned for his role. He also tells Michael and Steve about how David told him the original idea for the Sopranos was centered around the music business, and the relationship between Hesh and Tony.

Then Michael and Steve welcome their second guest Mathew Price. Mathew was the Production Sound Mixer on the series and worked on all 86 episodes. Matt has more than a few stories because over the years he saw the good the bad and the ugly. He shares a funny story about Lorraine Bracco, a braid of hair, James Gandolfini and, well, you have to hear it….Currently Matt is working on the Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and was recently honored with an Emmy for his work.

After that Michael and Steve get into this week's episode and there's a lot going on. The stakes are getting higher and the show is getting darker. Christopher's drug use, Adrianna new relationship, Jackie's murder and of course Ralphie. Talking Sopranos #42 "No Show" Sopranos S2 Ep2. Make sure to subscribe to the Talking Sopranos Podcast wherever you get your podcasts and ask Michael and Steve questions at https://www.talkingsopranos.com

Michael and Steve kick off season four by welcoming Federico Castelluccio (Furio Giunta). Federico talks about his incredible career as both an actor and a painter. How he got the role on the Sopranos, and how he originally read for the part of Johnny Sack. When he walked into the audition with an Italian accent, and said he was born in Naples but grew up in Patterson NJ, he was destined to play Furio. Federico shares a great story about his first day on set and the infamous brothel scene. The pressure was on and he knocked it out of the park…literately.

Then Michael and Steve talk about travel, places they've been and places they would love to go. Why is it no surprise that Steve is a terrible traveler…and Tony Sirico is even worse.

After that the guys break down the Soprano's season four premiere. This is a crazy one and when it first aired the folks at Icelandair complained about the horrible way their stewardesses were being depicted…..but Quasimoto predicted all of this…. Don't miss Talking Sopranos #41 "For All Debts Public and Private" S4 – Ep1. Make sure to subscribe to the Talking Sopranos podcast wherever you get your podcasts. Ask Michael and Steve questions or get official merchandise at http://www.talkingsopranos.com.

In this episode of Talking Sopranos Michael and Steve wrap up season three. Can you believe we're already through 40 episodes! They kick things off by talking about some of their friends and colleagues in the business. What it took for them to achieve success, what they have to do to stay on top. Then they break down the Sopranos season three finale. In this one everybody is out for themselves and Jackie Jr. is gonna pay big time. Paulie and Ralphie are at each other's throats and Adrianna meets a new friend. Along the way Michael and Steve touch on stories about Howard Stern's wedding, Dominic Chianese's bachelor party, UFO's and of course the latest update on the "Steve Mother**cks the World video". It's a great ride and an awesome way to finish off season three. Talking Sopranos #40 "Army of One" Sopranos S3 Ep-13. Don't forget to subscribe to the Talking Sopranos podcast wherever you get your podcasts. Ask questions and buy merchandise at http:///www.talkingsopranos.com

Michael and Steve spend 90 minutes with the Sopranos series creator David Chase. This Talking Sopranos special holiday episode is dedicated entirely to this exciting and revealing interview. David shares his intimate thoughts about the show, many of which have never been heard before. He answers questions about how he got the idea for the series, his complicated relationship with James Gandolfini and of course the ending. There's no better way for Talking Sopranos to wrap up 2020 than spending it with the man who started it all. Don't miss Talking Sopranos Episode #39 "90 minutes with David Chase". Remember to subscribe to the Talking Sopranos podcast wherever you get your podcasts. You can also send questions and buy official Talking Sopranos merchandise at talkingsopranos.com

This week Michael and Steve are joined by the incredible and talented Annabella Sciorra (Gloria Trillo). Annabella's role of Gloria was one of the most memorable characters on the series and she was nominated for an Emmy for her performance. Annabella talks about how she got her start in the business, how she landed her first big role in True Love and her early days with Aida Turturro. Then she talks about her incredible time on the Sopranos. Originally she read for another role but she fell in love with the character of Gloria. At first David wanted Gloria to look more like Melfi but Annabella said No No No…She went with a much more alluring look and it worked. Tony was drawn in like a moth to a flame. She shares a great story about how she may have gone a little too far in a fight scene with James Gandolfini.

Then Michael and Steve get onto this week's episode which is absolutely fantastic. It's like a masterclass in acting as Annabella and Jim deliver some of the best performances of the series. Gloria is pushing Tony to the limit. Jackie Jr makes the worst decision of his life and Carmella is questioning everything. David Chase always liked to make the 12th episode of a season a big one and this does not disappoint. Talking Sopranos #38 "Amour Fou" S3 Ep-12. Make sure to subscribe to the Talking Sopranos podcast wherever you get your podcasts and go to the Talking Sopranos web site to ask questions and buy merchandise

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Also make sure to check out the Friends of Firefighters Virtual event,

Friday December 18th at 7pm ET.

This special two-hour event will feature members of the original Sopranos cast who will answer questions and perform a live script reading written by Terrence Winter and David Chase. It's an important organization that supports active and retired FDNY firefighters and their families who have been impacted by the trauma these heroes face daily. For more information go to https://tiltify.com/+sopranos/reunion.

This week it's Pine Barrens with guest Steve Buscemi…need I say more? This episode of the Sopranos is one of the greatest hours in the history of television. Now Michael and Steve are going to break it down scene by scene. We kick things off with an interview with Steve Buscemi who directed the episode and was nominated for an Emmy for his work. Steve talks about how the idea for the story came from a dream by Tim Van Patten, and how the episode randomly dropped to him to direct. He shares stories about how Jersey wouldn't approve the show's permits so the outdoor scenes had to be shot in Harriman State Park, NY rather than NJ. How the snow was a complete accident and what it took to get Tony Sirico to mess up those wings.

Then before Michael and Steve break down the episode we better check the Wing-o-Meter. In this episode Tony goes from level one to level four and all the way to total bozo!

After that Michael and Steve talk about how several of the scenes were shot, locations where they were shot, and what it was like spending four days in the freezing cold. Steve has a hilarious story about what it took to make Jim laugh when he saw Bobby in the ridiculous hunting outfit. Then things start to get a bit strange. Michael talks about squid from outer space and whether Steve is smarter than a dolphin. But that's just the beginning because after all we are in the Pine Barrens….and the Jersey devil is about to stir things up. A horse head, kangaroo body, bat wings and a forked tail…..really? Steve is going to go off! This is a great one. Pine Barrens…Talking Sopranos Episode #37. Make sure to subscribe to the Talking Sopranos podcast wherever you get your podcasts and go to talkingsopranos.com to ask Michael and Steve questions and buy official merchandise.

Michael and Steve are joined by guest Max Casella (Benny Fazio). Max is a show business veteran who has appeared in a number of hit movies and TV shows including; The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Inside Llewyn Davis, Blue Jasmine, Doogie Howser and of course the Sopranos. He talks about how he got his start in the business and what it was like to work with Woody Allen, The Coen Brothers and to perform the Lion King on Broadway. He also shares his story of auditioning for David Chase and how he thought it was the worst audition of his life. Imagine how shocked he was when he landed the re-occurring role of Benny Fazio.

Then the guys turn their focus to food. Mexican, Italian, Chinese, Pizza, whatever. They trade stories of amazing meals they've had and their top restaurants in NY, LA, Sidney and around the world. Plus get the scoop on all the cool little places the Sopranos cast used to go during and after shooting the show.

After that Michael and Steve get into this week's show which sort of a Christmas episode…Sopranos style. Bobby wants nothing to do with Kris Kringle, Sil is having nightmares about Pussy, and the kids tell Santa to go f**k himself. Paulie talks about the real story of Christmas where the elves give good kids toys and the bad ones a beating. Ho F**king Ho, Taking Sopranos is taking on S3 E10 "To Save Us All From Satan's Power". Don't forget to subscribe to the Talking Sopranos podcast wherever you get your podcasts and go to the talking sopranos web site to post questions, buy merchandise and listen to Michael's original music.

http://www.talkingsopranos.com

Michael provides some amazing insight into the story as this was the second of five episodes he wrote. He tells us where the title came from, the story behind the Lollipop Lounge and how he came up with many of the ideas. This one also includes a short scene with an actress who at the time was a complete unknown but went on to become none other than Lady Gaga. She's one of the girls by the pool watching AJ and friends trash the place. Adriana's dream might come true, Jackie Jr is headed down a bad road and Tony and Gloria are really heating up the snake house. Michael and Steve are gonna get into it all. Bobby Bacala does not appear in this episode and Steve's still pissed about it. You would think Michael would have written him in somewhere…this might get ugly. Then the guys also take on Hollywood and talk about which actors and directors they love, and which ones are real jerkoffs. Watch out because a few of these folks are gonna make it into the video that will be revealed after Steve's death…now entitled "Steve MotherF**ks the World" Check out the Telltale Moozadell. Sopranos S3-E9. Don't forget to subscribe to the Talking Sopranos podcast wherever you get your podcasts and take advantage of the Talking Sopranos Black Friday sale at talkingsopranos.com.

Emmy award winner Martin Bruestle joins Michael Imperioli and Steve Schirripa for Talking Sopranos Ep #34 "He Is Risen". Martin was a producer on the show, head of all post-production and responsible for selecting much of the show's incredible music. In essence he was in charge of everything from when the director said cut until the show hit air. He shares some fantastic stories about how the series was made, his directorial debut and what went on behind the scenes. Martin tells us how the Sopranos set a new standard for music on TV and boy did it cost some big bucks. He also shares the story of how "Don't Stop Believing" was chosen for the final scene and how he was able to get the rights from Steve Perry and Journey.

Then Michael and Steve break down this week's episode. Jackie Jr is rubbing everyone the wrong way and Ralphie..well…this is headed down a bad road. Michael and Steve also share Thanksgiving stories and a crazy night at the SAG awards when Jim was hurling dinner rolls at Richard Dreyfuss. Check out this all new episode of Talking Sopranos and remember to subscribe to the Talking Sopranos podcast wherever you get your podcasts. Black Friday is coming so remember to stock up on the merchandise at talkingsopranos.com

Emmy award winning Cinematographer Phil Abraham joins Michael and Steve for another exciting episode of Talking Sopranos. Phil worked on all six seasons of the Sopranos and shares some great stories from behind the camera. He talks about how James Gandolfini was once leery about a director so he tanked the scene just to see if the director would notice. He also talks about directing his first episode, and what it was like being part of crazy Soprano's family.

Then Michael and Steve get into this week's episode which is one of Edie Falco's best. Carmela tries therapy on her own but is shaken by what Dr Krakower tells her. Did you know that Mike Nichols originally agreed to play the role of the doctor but bailed after the table read? Junior undergoes an operation for cancer and places his life in the hands of a man named Kennedy. Unfortunately doctors in real life aren't what they're like on TV….wait what? Michael and Steve dig into the whole Kennedy mystique and Michael tells us what he really thinks of Ronald Regan. It's all this week on Talking Sopranos Ep #33 "Second Opinion" S3 Ep7. Make sure to subscribe to the Talking Sopranos podcast wherever you get your podcasts and go to talkingsopranos.com to ask question and get official talking sopranos merchandise.