In this conclusion to our two-part episode on the Lefty Tape, you will hear how Joe Pistone, as Donnie Brasco, talks his way out of a life-or-death situation with Left Ruggerio. 

Listen to find out how Joe managed to not only save his skin but also kept his business running with the mob as the FBI built their case.  It all ends with a sit down to find out if Joe lives or dies. 

Numerous Mafia characters are mentioned and talked about in this episode including, The Bonannos and Trafficante families, Sonny Black, Tony Mira, Ceaser Bonventre, Frank Castellano, The Zips, and Mike Sabella. 

All of season three we will be listening to the tapes that Joe carried undercover and were recently found and remastered. Joe Pistone, Leo Rossi, and you are hearing some of these for the first time. If you want more tapes and video of the show, you can sign up to become a member of the The Motion Lounge HERE.

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Key Moments:

[00:00:00] - Intro with Leo Rossi

[00:00:48] - Show recap

[00:01:28] - Joe Pistone and Leo Rossi recap the backstory between Lefty Ruggiero and Sonny Black

[00:02:49] - Lefty interrogates Donnie (Joe) about Rocky: “think like me”

[00:04:57] - Joe explains why he’s trying to save Rocky’s life

[00:07:50] - The battle for Miami with Sonny, the Bonannos and Trafficante

[00:09:46] - Lefty pressures Donnie (Joe) about letting Rocky in on the deal; and there’s another Tony

[00:13:23]  - “America’s Guest” Lefty talks money and being ambushed in Brooklyn

[00:16:43] - What happened to Mike Sabella?

[00:17:40] - “Do you have anything hidden, Donnie?”

[00:19:05] - Leo’s Resume

[00:20:36] - Lefty’s Mysterious Man

[00:22:18] - The Demise of Cesare Bonventre

[00:25:07] - Frank DeCicco sets up Frank Castellano

[00:25:41] - Sonny Black’s crew

[00:27:24] - “I’m treating you like a friend.” Lefty blows up on Donnie Brasco

[00:30:07] - Who is The Gimp (Moe The Gimp)?

[00:31:31] - Tony Mirrar frustrates Lefty

[00:33:17] - Lefty almost gets whacked

[00:36:36] - Sonny’s Deal Gone Bad

[00:38:20] - The Hole in Mirrar’s Case

[00:40:10] - It Ends with a Sit-Down