The Hollywood Godfather Podcast

Legends Series: Singing with the Stars: Paul Anka Shares His Story

Gianni and Jeanie record the Podcast while on location at the Chill Out event in New Jersey and a racetrack, welcoming longtime friend Paul Anka as part of their “Legends” series. Anka discusses how his songs, including “Put Your Head on My Shoulder,” are trending on TikTok, and promotes his HBO Max documentary “Paul Anka: His Way” and a planned Broadway show about his life. He shares family details, including five daughters, a 20-year-old son entering the publishing business, and his daughter’s marriage to Jason Bateman. Anka recounts writing “Diana” at 15 and launching his career via ABC-Paramount, outlines upcoming tour stops including Borgata in April and Vegas in May, and talks about staying healthy, avoiding stress, and staying active as he ages.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Federico Castelluccio: Tales of Art and Acting

On the Hollywood Godfather podcast, Gianni and Jeanie welcome back actor and visual artist Federico Castelluccio, who was born in Naples and came to the U.S. in 1968. Castelluccio discusses early acting work in New York theater and soap operas, stressing theater as an essential foundation, and recalls returning to Italy to film The Sopranos. He describes his formal art training on a full scholarship to the School of Visual Arts, his realist charcoal and painting techniques (often 100–130 hours per drawing), and explains how his “Duke and Duchess of North Caldwell” Sopranos-inspired painting was commissioned after he pitched it to TV Guide. He shares updates on his wife’s documentary, recent and upcoming films (Don Q, Cabrini, The Loophole, Into the Black, Bad News on the Doorstep), directing plans, and a prospective New York City gallery exhibition of large charcoal works.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Mailbag: Memories and Mysteries

Gianni and co-host Jeanie celebrate 6.5 years and their 360th Hollywood Godfather podcast episode, teasing expanded reach and possible national radio. In a mailbag show, Russo promotes the Chiller convention April 2–4 at the Hanover Marriott in Whippany, New Jersey, urging fans to buy his books Hollywood Godfather and Mafia Secrets on Amazon and bring memorabilia for signing; they also plug his Cameo messages. Russo answers questions about travel (rarely Midwest), fitness (walking two miles daily at Bloomingdale’s), and changes in modern mobsters, describing a recent intimidation call. He discusses benefits with boxer Boom Boom Mancini, memories of his State Street restaurant and staff who became successful, the origin of a photo of him selling pens, and historic NYC spots. Russo says producer George Gallo is developing a Mafia Secrets screenplay tied to Marilyn Monroe claims, shares a Sinatra-Ava Gardner story, recounts AJ Pratt “Tailor from Sin City,” explains Godfather set details (Brando’s cat, real horse head), gives an update on Resorts World Aqueduct timing, recalls attending major boxing matches, and describes Vegas showgirls and his wig business.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

A Velvet Reunion: Gianni and Bobby Vinton's Timeless Tales

Gianni opens the show with co-host Jeanie Raymond and interviews his longtime friend Bobby Vinton by audio only at Vinton’s request. They discuss Vinton’s major hits “Blue Velvet” (1963) and “Mr. Lonely,” his ongoing nerve issues from shingles and his regret about not getting the shingles shot, and memories of Russo’s spaghetti dinners for Vinton’s family in Las Vegas. Vinton recounts awkwardly telling Dean Martin he topped Billboard airplay (with Sinatra present) and describes how his Polish hit “My Melody of Love” led to a syndicated variety show, though none of his children pursued performing beyond son Rob helping manage. Russo plugs upcoming appearances and books, mentions a planned $50 million film, and Vinton shares a story about an impostor “John Wayne Jr.” that ultimately helped him befriend John Wayne. The show closes with “Mr. Lonely.”Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Behind the Scenes and On Your Plate: Hollywood Meets History at Goodfellas

On the Hollywood Godfather podcast, Gianni and Jeanie talk with Dr. Daniel Conti III about Russo’s return to Goodfellas Restaurant/Doc Social Club in Garfield, New Jersey on March 26, including dinner, an expanded Q&A, meet-and-greet, and book signing for Russo’s Hollywood Godfather and Mafia Secrets; the $150 price includes tax and tip. Conti describes the intimate speakeasy-like upstairs venue, the themed restaurant rooms, and the menu highlights. He shares his father Dr. Daniel Conti Jr.’s path as a physician-actor who appeared in films connected to Joe Pesci, Frank Vincent, and Tommy DeVito, opened the restaurant in 1991, and maintained friendships that influenced casting stories around Raging Bull. They discuss Conti III continuing the family legacy while still practicing medicine, plus his monthly “Goodfellas to Godfellas” spiritual dinner (second Tuesday) and future events like movie nights and a mob murder mystery.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy