Best Michael Rocco Podcasts (2025)

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Top 10 Movies of 2025 33:37

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10h ago33:37

33:37

Cereal At Midnight's Top 10 Best Movies of 2025! More movie reviews: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLms82QIo-B9kqjBHba54q12B6clP4R6Dj Watch the video version at https://youtu.be/FYtxK9DUFYc **************************************************************** Become a Member and unlock exclusive and ad free videos, early access, and much more at…

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Spooky Doings: Michael Varrati 52:09

10d ago52:09

52:09

Rick welcomes writer, director & co-host of the Midnight Mass podcast, Michael Varrati to the show. We get into Michael's origin in horror via late night cable, his mom's willingness to watch a Killer Tomato double feature with him, Friday The 13th the series, Rick's crush on Robey, Canadian TV thrillers, the myriad of cursed objects on the show, D…

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Bob Palombo – DEA Agent Who Captured Griselda Blanco 1:09:21

7d ago1:09:21

1:09:21

In the final episode of Season 3, Giovanni and Dutch sit down with former Drug Enforcement Administration Associate Special Agent in Charge Bob Palombo. In a rare media appearance, Palombo details his impressive four-decade-long career with the DEA. From New York City street cases to multi-agency investigations like Operation Banshee, Palombo expla…

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Pete Chin – Former Dai Lo of the Ghost Shadows 1:35:57

14d ago1:35:57

1:35:57

In this week’s episode of Inside the Life, Giovanni and Dutch are joined by Pete Chin, the former leader of the Ghost Shadows street gang. In this gripping conversation, Pete recounts his journey from a troubled childhood as a young Chinese immigrant in an abusive home to his violent rise as the leader of the most feared street gang in New York Cit…

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Spooky Doings: Sheldon Allen 55:33

19d ago55:33

55:33

On this episode, Rick welcome writer Sheldon Allen to discuss his AWA comic series, They Choose Violence. We talk about Sheldon's origins with comics, share their love of Spider-Man, the validity of creativity, the social commentary within his book, the frightening image of blackface & more. We also discuss him adding musical end credits to his com…

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Terry Rankhorn Part 2 – Going Undercover in a Terrorist Cell 56:03

22d ago56:03

56:03

Undercover FBI agent Terry Rankhorn returns to Inside the Life to reveal the harrowing details of his three-year infiltration into one of the most dangerous al-Qaida cells operating after 9/11. In this episode, Terry recounts the moment a routine three-day assignment turned into a life-altering mission that demanded a new identity, a new religion a…

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Michael Dowd – Former NYPD Officer Known as ‘New York’s Dirtiest Cop’ 1:36:39

28d ago1:36:39

1:36:39

This week on Inside the Life, Giovanni and Dutch face corruption in law enforcement head-on as they sit down with disgraced former NYPD officer Michael Dowd. An officer for the now notorious 75th precinct in Brooklyn, New York, Dowd owns up to his crimes and mistakes and shares how he went from a motivated young officer to a narcotics dealer during…

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A Cornucopia of Conversation with Brian Krey - Comics, Music, Movies, and More 1:28:25

1M ago1:28:25

1:28:25

Brian Krey, the cat keeping Alpha Video cool, returns to Cereal At Midnight to talk comics, music, movies, and more! Watch the video version at https://youtu.be/QzEw8T97az8 **************************************************************** Become a Member and unlock exclusive and ad free videos, early access, and much more at Patreon.com/CerealAtMidn…

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Spooky Doings: Evil Dead Tutorial With Sheri Rocco 55:47

1M ago55:47

55:47

I’m sad to say that I lost a dear friend. Sheri Rocco died today & I’m going to miss her. However, I’m lucky to have known her. Because I want to hear her voice again, I’m posting this conversation with her. If you knew her & want to listen to how full of life she was, it’s available for envy. She was a sweet girl. Thank you, Sheri for being in my …

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Spooky Doings: Tina Romero 55:36

1M ago55:36

55:36

Rick welcomes writer/director Tina Romero after seeing her movie Queens Of The Dead. Rick tells her about holding the door open for her mom, Christine, at the IFC Center, they learn about having mutual acquaintances after learning improv at The Magnet Theater, how Tina's movie made Rick cry, Tina loving "chomper" films where humans get eaten & more…

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Jake Adelstein – Japanese Yakuza Expert and Author of 'Tokyo Vice' 1:09:33

1M ago1:09:33

1:09:33

For the first time on Inside the Life, Giovanni and Dutch speak with a member of the news media, investigative journalist Jake Adelstein. Living and working in Japan for more than 30 years, including on the crime beat for Japanese newspaper Yomiuri Shimbun, Adelstein details the unique relationship he fostered with law enforcement and the many yaku…

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Anthony Arillotta – Former Crime Boss of the Genovese Springfield Crime Family 56:41

1M ago56:41

56:41

This week on Inside the Life, Anthony Arillotta, former boss of the Genovese crime family’s Springfield, Massachusetts crew, reveals how he rose through the ranks of one of America’s most powerful Mob organizations. Surrounded by Mob figures from an early age, Arillotta’s path to illicit power began after a prison stint led to key underworld connec…

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Spooky Doings: Icons Of Fright 1:29:38

2M ago1:29:38

1:29:38

For this episode, Rick reminisces with some old friends from his Tower Records days. Robert V Galluzzo & Jason Alvino come on the show to talk about their new book, Icons Of Fright: 100 Interviews With Legendary Horror Filmmakers. We talk about how our generation would spoil entire movies, Jay's opinions on Shocker & Halloween, the recent, in depth…

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Untold Stories of Back to the Future with Filmmaker Rocco DeVilliers 52:34

2M ago52:34

52:34

Rocco DeVilliers, the filmmaker behind the BRAND NEW documentary UNTOLD STORIES OF BACK TO THE FUTURE, which is included on the new 40th anniversary Blu-ray and 4K box set, stops by to discuss BttF, Knight Rider, Blues Brothers, and how you can get the upcoming FIVE HOUR version of his docs! wheelhousetv.com Watch the video version of this episode …

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Tonesa Welch – Former First Lady of the Black Mafia Family 1:34:25

2M ago1:34:25

1:34:25

This week on Inside the Life, Tonesa Welch, known as the First Lady of the Black Mafia Family, shares her journey and opens up about her pivotal role in Detroit’s illegal drug trade and the lasting legacy of BMF. As a key figure who helped connect Terry “Southwest Tee” and Demetrius “Big Meech” Flenory with major suppliers, Tonesa served 30 months …

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Scott Payne – FBI Agent Who Went Undercover to Expose White Supremacists 1:13:31

2M ago1:13:31

1:13:31

Welcoming their former colleague to the show, Giovanni and Dutch sit down with ex-FBI undercover agent Scott “Big Country” Payne on this episode of Inside the Life. After publishing his 2025 book “Code Name: Pale Horse,” Scott joins the podcast to share more about his most prolific case, the 2019 investigation and infiltration of a Georgia-based ce…

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Spooky Doings: Jillian Mueller from Porno 42:01

2M ago42:01

42:01

Please enjoy this episode from our vault, Chelsea & Rick speak to Jillian Mueller from the Fangoria film Porno, exclusively on Shudder. We talk about her working on a new project during a pandemic, her opinions on horror, what a fun film Porno is, it's most iconic scene, seeing it at Brooklyn Horror Fest, Rick's affinity for Heavy Metal Jeff, the c…

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Arnold Leibovit: George Pal and the Puppetoon Legacy 1:05:43

2M ago1:05:43

1:05:43

Arnold Leibovit has been preserving and sharing George Pal's groundbreaking PUPPETOONS short films for decades. Here he talks about THE FANTASY WORLDS OF GEORGE PAL, multiple volumes of Puppetoons on Blu-ray, public screenings, and what's coming next for fans of Pal's timeless screen magic. puppetoon.net https://www.facebook.com/puppetoons https://…

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Justin “Mooch” DeLoretto – Ex-Mongols Chapter President Turned Social Worker and Author 1:15:49

2M ago1:15:49

1:15:49

In the first episode of Inside the Life’s third season, Giovanni and Dutch welcome former Mongols Motorcycle Club Oregon and Missouri chapter president Justin “Mooch” DeLoretto. As the first patched outlaw motorcycle club member on Inside the Life, Justin shares how he went from a teen in the hardcore music scene to chapter president of for one of …

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Spooky Doings: Lowell Greenblatt 57:13

3M ago57:13

57:13

Lowell Greenblatt returns to the podcast to talk to Rick about his new book, Nightmare Autopsis: A Return To Elm Street. We start at his introduction to the franchise with Freddy's Dead, working his way through the films, Carlos & the Q-tip, parents renting horror for us & what caused him to write the book. We also discuss his over abundance of int…

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Lost in the Stream | How Algorithms Redefined the Way Movies Are Made And Watched with Jeff Rauseo 55:29

3M ago55:29

55:29

Jeff Rauseo returns to Cereal At Midnight to talk about his new book LOST IN THE STREAM, which explores how streaming and algorithms have completely changed the way that movies are made and watched. If you're a movie fan, this episode is not to be missed. Find LOST IN THE STREAM here: Watch the video version of this episode at https://amzn.to/3WtIz…

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TV Horror Hosts Resurrected | American Scary with Michael Monahan 1:06:35

3M ago1:06:35

1:06:35

Nobody has done more to chronicle the history of late night horror hosts than Michael Monahan, both as part of the original AMERICAN SCARY documentary project and now as the author of the newly revised and expanded book AMERICAN SCARY: CONVERSATIONS WITH THE KINGS, QUEENS AND JESTERS OF LATE NIGHT TV HORROR. Enter...if you dare. Watch the video ver…

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Spooky Doings: The Ghost Wolves 46:46

3M ago46:46

46:46

On this episode from our vault, Rick flies solo to chat with a fantastic band out of Austin, Texas. Carly & Johnny of The Ghost Wolves are on the show! We talk about how they met, their musical influences, being bad kids, musical freedom, criticizing Ted Cruz in song for abandoning his state during a deep freeze, charity vinyl with Robot Farts, the…

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Inside The Lone Pine Film Festival with Steve Latshaw 59:48

3M ago59:48

59:48

Steve Latshaw, the filmmaker behind such movies as Jack-O and Command Performance, is also the Director of the Museum of Western Film History. In this episode, he takes us behind the scenes of this year's Lone Pine Film Festival, including the films, the guests (including me), and the on-location events! Watch the video version of this episode at h…

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Brian Krey Returns! Comics Talk, Batman Back on the Big Screen, James Gunn's Superman, & More 2:33:22

3M ago2:33:22

2:33:22

Home Entertainment professional by day, superhero by night, Brian Krey returns to Cereal At Midnight to talk about comic books, Batman returning to the big screen, and to weigh the pros and cons of James Gunn's Superman. This super-sized episode is packed with peanuts--and fortified with vitamins, too. View the video version of this episode at http…

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Spooky Doings: Phil Nobile Jr 1:03:42

4M ago1:03:42

1:03:42

Rick welcomes Fangoria's editor in chief, Phil Nobile Jr to the show. We talk about meeting at a screening of Clown In A Cornfield, what introduced Phil to horror, Rick being traumatized by James Bond at a young age & asking Phil to recommend something to get him into that franchise & how he came to work at Fangoria. We also discuss Phil's weekly n…

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Fantasy Rising with Tom O'Dell | Inside the New Documentary Film Chronicling The Fantasy Genre 41:29

4M ago41:29

41:29

With FANTASY RISING, Filmmaker Tom O'Dell is tackling the history of the fantasy genre across all mediums. In this interview, we discuss everything from Conan to Oz, as well as how you can get your hands on the new documentary. Back the project and get your own copy at https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/tomodell/fantasy-rising Watch the video ver…

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Spooky Doings: Suzanne Desrocher-Romero 51:28

4M ago51:28

51:28

Exhumed from the vault, Chelsea & Rick have the distinct pleasure to talk to Suzanne Desrocher-Romero, president & founder of the George A. Romero Foundation. We talk about dealing with life in the time of rona, living with her filmmaker husband, using profanity, George's archives, the story behind Amusement Park, the start of the foundation, the d…

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Cinecon 61 Preview: Inside THE RARE BREED (1966) with Star Juliet Mills 37:22

4M ago37:22

37:22

Stage, film, and television legend Juliet Mills, recipient of the 2025 Cinecon Legacy Award, takes us behind the scenes of Andrew V. McLaglen's 1966 western classic THE RARE BREED! Juliet also discusses working with Billy Wilder, Ida Lupino, Jack Lemmon, and Billy Wilder, growing up in a famous acting family (her father is Sir John Mills and her si…

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Spooky Doings Ghostbusters 2016 with Jolene Richardson 1:04:14

5M ago1:04:14

1:04:14

Rick welcomes Jolene Richardson back to the podcast with the full intention of pissing off the fragile men of his generation to discuss Ghostbusters 2016! We compare it to the original classic, marvel at the constant humor throughout, wonder how much was improvised, & give figurative flowers to the fantastic women that star in it. Bravo Melissa McC…

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On The Trail of Hopalong Cassidy with Toby Roan 31:28

5M ago31:28

31:28

Toby Roan returns to Cereal At Midnight to discuss the legacy of Hopalong Cassidy and his involvement in the BRAND NEW Blu-ray release of HOPALONG CASSIDY: THE LEGACY COLLECTION VOLUME 1, which collects the first three newly-restored films with all-new special features! View the video version of this episode at https://youtu.be/JndQKF_cg7E Get Hopp…

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Spooky Doings: Jaws 2 with Anoush Froundjian 52:49

5M ago52:49

52:49

On this episode, Rick reconnects with cartoonist & comedian, Anoush Froundjian, after she watched Jaws 2 for the first time. We get into her fondness for the original, her fisherman family, not seeing the sequels yet, being afraid of sharks, & what caused her to finally watch this film. We also get into the movie's higher body count, the teenagers,…

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Spooky Doings: Brandon Rizzuto 54:53

5M ago54:53

54:53

Rick welcomes Brandon Rizzuto to the show to talk about his podcast Dean's Killer Joke. We get into why Brandon decided to write, direct & produce a whodunnit audio tale, writing it for frequent Spooky Doings guests, Tom & Jennifer Rizzuto, coming to terms with being a fan of cancelled comedians, taking a chance on your own creativity & more. We al…

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Film Historian Daniel Kremer on Silvio Narizzano, Sidney J. Furie, and Uncovering Film History 56:37

5M ago56:37

56:37

Daniel Kremer, author, filmmaker, and film historian, stops by to discuss his latest documentary film, an exploration of the filmmaker Silvio Narizzano! Along the way, we also uncover lesser-explored and sometimes dangerous corners of movie history. Get Imprint's BLUE/FADE IN Double Feature, which includes Daniel's film Cruel, Usual, Necessary: The…

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Terry Rankhorn – Pioneer in Cybercrime Undercover Operations 54:43

6M ago54:43

54:43

Terry Rankhorn is a legend in the world of undercover work. In his over 20-year career with the FBI, Rankhorn was one of the first FBI undercover operatives to infiltrate major computer hacking groups, including organizations such as Global Hell and The Keebler Elves. The pioneering work he did investigating cybercrime established precedent that is…

1
Animation Legend Phil Roman (Peanuts, Garfield, The Simpsons, How the Grinch Stole Christmas) 53:18

6M ago53:18

53:18

Six-time Emmy winner and animation legend PHIL ROMAN (Peanuts, Garfield, The Simpsons, How The Grinch Stole Christmas) talks about his career and we go behind the scenes with of the new soundtrack release for You're A Good Sport Charlie Brown with Jason and Sean Mendelson! See the video version at https://youtu.be/wU65vuIrlq0 You're A Good Sport, C…

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Spooky Doings: Ken Sagoes from Nightmare On Elm Street 3 & 4 57:51

6M ago57:51

57:51

On this episode, Chelsea & Rick get to chat with Ken Sagoes, who played Kincaid in Nightmare On Elm Street 3 & 4. We talk to him about growing up in Georgia, Putting On The Hits, getting cast in Dream Warriors, his great memories of Heather Langenkamp, Robert Englund & Laurence Fishburne. We also discuss his feelings on the civil rights movement, h…

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Bob Delaney – The Story of an Undercover Agent Turned NBA Referee 1:58:21

6M ago1:58:21

1:58:21

On a pioneering task force, Bob Delaney went from New Jersey State Trooper to undercover in some of the biggest east coast Mob families. In this episode, Delaney spoke to Giovanni and Dutch about how he was recruited to work undercover, the innerworkings of how he infiltrated the Genovese and Bruno Crime Families and his transition to high-profile …

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Top 5 Movies of 2025 (So Far) with KB Loves Movies 42:54

6M ago42:54

42:54

Heath is joined by KB Loves Movies for a rundown of our Top 5 movies of 2025...so far! Will your favorites make our list? What's YOUR Top 5? Watch the video version of this episode at https://youtu.be/6303-1mHVLA Keep up with KB at: https://www.youtube.com/c/KBLovesMovies https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-conversation-with-kb-loves-movies/i…

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Myron Sugerman – The Jewish Mobster with an International Coin-Op Operation 50:03

6M ago50:03

50:03

Myron Sugerman’s 60-year career as an international mobster in the business of slot machines and casinos took him all over the world, learning from notorious Mob figures such as Abner “Longie” Zwillman and Meyer Lansky. In this episode of Inside the Life, Sugerman takes us through his journey from following in his father’s footsteps to carving his …

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Spooky Doings: Sinners with Mike Stevens & John Ross 1:14:54

6M ago1:14:54

1:14:54

Rick invites Mike Stevens & John Ross back to the podcast to talk about Sinners! We get into the cultural impact created by director, Ryan Coogler as well as characters played by Michael B Jordan, Delroy Lindo, Jayme Lawson, Hailee Stansfield, Wunmi Moaku & Miles Canton. We also get into how we first heard about the film, stories about the blues, t…

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Mike Moy – Ex-Fuk Ching Gang Member Turned NYPD Detective 1:34:18

6M ago1:34:18

1:34:18

Mike Moy was only 16 years old when he joined the Brooklyn faction of the Fuk Ching gang. In this episode of Inside the Life, Moy shares stories of his upbringing and the events that led him to change his trajectory and join the NYPD. Having had the unique experience of operating on both sides of the law, Moy gives us a first-hand look into the sec…

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Pierre “Pete” Charette – The Undercover DEA Agent Who Took Down the French Connection 1:08:38

7M ago1:08:38

1:08:38

A native of Quebec, Canada, Pete Charette tells his story of becoming the Drug Enforcement Administration’s go-to French speaking agent, traveling across the globe for DEA undercover operations. In this episode, Pete, often known as “Frenchy,” unfolds how he posed as a Corsican mobster and infiltrated the international narcotics trafficking network…

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Podcast Crossover! I'm On THE LONG REWIND Podcast 5:37

7M ago5:37

5:37

Catch me on The Long Rewind Podcast, available everywhere you get your podcasts. You can also see The Long Rewind co-host Dustin Morrow on Cereal At Midnight here: https://youtu.be/At-TvHI7MpQ DustinMorrow.com https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-long-rewind-an-80s-movie-podcast/id1736860763 https://www.youtube.com/@TheLongRewind *************…

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Spooky Doings: Alligator with Ari Spence 52:38

7M ago52:38

52:38

Ari Spence overcomes her fears & returns to the show to talk about Alligator with Rick. They discussed where her fright began, great character actors like Robert Forster & Michael V Gazzo, how she connected Ramon to the Toxic Avenger, Pennywise & Art The Clown & we salute the recently deceased star of the film, Morris the gator. We also discussed F…

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Michael Corleone Blanco – Author and Son of “Godmother” Griselda Blanco 1:23:05

7M ago1:23:05

1:23:05

Michael Corleone Blanco didn’t have a typical childhood. As the youngest son of “Cocaine Godmother” Griselda Blanco, his earliest memories of his life include stories of family love and loyalty, opulence and violence. In this gripping episode, Corleone Blanco tells his story of growing up amongst the Medellín Cartel and the operations of his mother…

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Michele Rigby Assad – Former CIA Operative and Author 1:18:29

7M ago1:18:29

1:18:29

In this rare appearance from a former Central Intelligence Agency operative, Michele Rigby Assad details how she, as a young woman from small town America, went on to work in one of the world’s most misunderstood and dangerous geopolitical climates — the Middle East. Working across a handful of undisclosed locations throughout the Arab world, Rigby…

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Spooky Doings: Companion with Vikki Martin 1:00:58

7M ago1:00:58

1:00:58

After some technical issues, Vikki Martin returns to the show to talk about Companion! SPOILER ALERT! We get into all aspects of this film. We wonder why Warner Brothers Discovery chose to spoil the twist in their advertising for Max. We into that great opening scene, fantastic performances by Sophie Thatcher, Jack Quaid, Harvey Guillien, how Vikki…

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Anthony Ruggiano Jr. – Ex-Mob Associate's Journey From the Gambino Crime Family to the Witness Bench 1:46:12

7M ago1:46:12

1:46:12

In this episode, Anthony Ruggiano Jr. details his life as son of Gambino enforcer and hitman Anthony “Fat Andy” Ruggiano. From a teen partying at the Copacabana, to his severe struggle with drug addiction and years in witness protection, this episode is an honest look at Ruggiano Jr.’s journey through a life of money, power, greed and redemption. N…

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Dustin Morrow | Filmmaker, Professor, Author, and and Podcaster (The Long Rewind 80s Movie Podcast) 1:11:22

7M ago1:11:22

1:11:22

Dustin Morrow is a filmmaker, an author, a college professor, and the co-host of THE LONG REWIND, an 80s movie podcast! DustinMorrow.com https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-long-rewind-an-80s-movie-podcast/id1736860763 https://www.youtube.com/@TheLongRewind **************************************************************** Commentaries: https:/…