Mike Safo

Latest Episodes:

Mike Safo with legendary WFAN host, Steve Somers Aug 09, 2019

Show notes

Joined today, from the Mike Francesa studios, by legendary WFAN host Steve Somers. Being one of the original voices on the WFAN airwaves we discuss the early times of the Fan and hear stories about the dingy, cramped, yet historic Astoria-Kaufman studios. Steve tells us about being on the tv in California and how he made his high school yearbook dream come true by making it to the airwaves of the Big Apple. We hear about him dominating the NYC airwaves as Captain Midnight and why he never wanted to leave the overnight shift. Steve breaks down his tumultuous relationship with his midday partner Ruzz Salzburg. We talk about Steve’s famous monologues, the pros/cons of working his crazy hours, and what WFAN hosts impress the Schmooze the most. Steve and I talk a bunch about “Jerry From Queens”; we hear about the Urban Legend that Jerry Seinfeld called the station ranting and raving when he thought Steve was fired, the first time meeting Jerry in a bodega in Manhattan and co-hosting with the sitcom superstar. We touch on Steve’s health problems, his love for Raquel Welch and the 1 sports team he needs to see win a title. Steve finishes up telling me about his favorite on air moment and finally lets the world know where the famous line “The Eddie Scozzare” came from

Mike Safo with 38-year veteran of the NYPD, former Chief of Transit and Brooklyn South,, Chief Joe Fox Aug 02, 2019

Show notes

Joined today by 38-year veteran of the NYPD, former Chief of Transit and Brooklyn South, Joe Fox. Before we discuss his legendary career in law enforcement we talk about the Chief’s passion of traveling and photography. We hear about his vacation to Hawaii and participating in the lantern lighting festival to traveling to Washington D.C., and hanging in the White House and being in the same room as President Trump. We talk about his involvement with the incredible organization 5 Star Alliance. He discusses what made him follow in his father's footsteps to serve and protect. Joe shares some hilarious stories, such as declaring a woman D.O.A. while he was a rookie cop only to find out she was still living. We hear about policing NYC in the 1980’s during the crack wars, riots and record setting crime rates. He also tells us a never before told story about the tragic assault on Loumia and how his reputation helped somewhat heal community problems. The tragic event of September 11th hit close to home and we hear how Chief Fox dealt with the loss of his godson/nephew as a member of FDNY, and how he had to be a rock for the NYPD as well as his family and how he got his laughter back after those dark times. From meeting Al Pacino to the gentrification of NYC, Chief Fox shows why he is a legend with the NYPD and to all of the people of New York City.

Mike Safo with true crime author and investigative journalist , James Renner Jul 26, 2019

Show notes

Joined today from remote Hancock, Maine by true crime author and investigative journalist James Renner. James jumps on to talk about one of the most mysterious missing person’s cases in recent memory, Maura Murray. Maura was a 22-year-old nursing student from UMASS, in 2004 she emailed her professors and said that she had a death in the family (when in fact nobody died); She emptied her bank account and drove into the New Hampshire mountains. There she got into a car accident. From when the accident happened until the police responded 7 minutes later, something happened and Maura has been missing ever since. James is the author of “True Crime Addict: How I lost myself in the mysterious disappearance of Maura Murray”. James takes us through this roller coaster case and talks in depth about Maura’s father showing up on campus with $4000, a party that people refuse to talk about and some of the personal problems Maura dealt with. As an expert on the case, James Renner brings new insight and we debunk many rumors, such as: she went to the mountains to commit suicide, or that she was abducted after the accident. We also hear about the tumultuous relationship that James had with the Murray family when he started writing this book. We track down possible Maura sightings in Canada and Florida, hear James theory about what really happened to her and why his opinion has changed the last 15 years. James explains why he is driving from Maine to Washington DC to cover Maura’s ex boyfriends rape trial. He shares how he got fully immersed in the case to where his own son was threatened online. Finally, we hear about James’ podcast: “The Philosophy of Crime”, what makes people so obsessed with the true crime genre and social media in the true crime world. http://jamesrenner.com/

Mike Safo with Comedian and Podcaster, Nick Di Paolo Jul 24, 2019

Show notes

Joined today by outspoken, fearless and hilarious comedian Nick Di Paolo. Nick and I reminisce about his time in New York City, and rooming with Louie C.K. Nick talks about being a Bostonian in Atlanta and the flax he gets from the Falcons fans when he’s wearing his Patriots gear. We hear about Nick’s college days playing in Maine and even talk about Savannah Bananas. He tells us about his popular podcast, what adding a video element to his show created and the ins and outs of running a daily podcast. We talk about his YouTube special “A Breath of Fresh Air”, why he’s glad he’s not on Netflix and how political things have gotten. From getting sucker punched during a show to him attending Colin Quinn’s wedding. Listen as Nick tells us who his favorite comedian is, what team he needs to see win a title and his thoughts on Ethiopian food. Follow Nick on the following: Twitter: https://twitter.com/NickDiPaolo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickdipaolo/?hl=en His Website: https://www.nickdip.com/ Hid FREE YouTube Special: https://www.nickdip.com/breath-of-fresh-air

Mike Safo with Super Bowl Winner, Kentucky QB, Jared Lorenzen Jul 20, 2019

Show notes

Horrible audio and all, I am reposting one of my first podcasts ever. This one is from 2013, with Kentucky Legend and Super Bowl Winner Jared Lorenzen (JLO). Jared and I talk about his recruiting process, if attending Kentucky was a foregone conclusion and what other schools had a show. We hear about when he realized that he had to give up his basketball dream and pursue football as a career. JLO tells us about the difficulties of being a football star at a basketball school. How he becoming a father to his baby girl during his junior year put him on the right path. We jump to the NFL draft and how he got the call that the Giants wanted to sign him as a free agent. The lefty tells us about being Eli Manning’s backup, that historical Super Bowl run and how he would heckle Steelers fans in the Hoboken bars. We go through his nicknames and why he wanted to meet the “Real” J-Lo because he had an icebreaker. From the premature Gatorade celebration against LSU and that memorable 7 overtime loss to Arkansas to the Manti Te’o controversy. Hope you guys enjoy this early Mike Safo podcast episode.

Mike Safo with Boxers. Gerry Cooney & Chris Algieri Jul 19, 2019

Show notes

Joined today by boxing heavyweight legend Gerry Cooney and former junior welterweight champion Chris Algieri. Gerry is here promoting his new book: “Gentleman Gerry: A Contender in The Ring, A Champion in Recovery”. We hear about the process of writing it, what surprised him most while he was doing it, and why now was the right time to write the book. Gerry opens up about the difficulties of revisiting some of his childhood memories with an abusive father and how he broke the cycle of abuse to be a better father. Ironically we taped this on the 37th anniversary of his famous fight with Larry Holmes. The 3 of us talk about the historical significance of that fight, the pressure Gerry felt and if the KKK really sent him letters. We hear about Gerry’s close relationship with Muhammad Ali and how Ali would call Gerry’s mother up. Chris talks more about his awesome book: “The Fighter’s Kitchen”, leaving the world of kickboxing and what’s next for him inside of the ring. Taking advantage of having two fighting legends in studio we hear about the loneliness that the world of boxing brings, why boxers are so passionate about their sport and how they are always sized up when they are out in public. Talking about the current state of boxing we touch on: Joshua/Ruiz, Canelo/GGG 3, Wilder/Fury and Manny Pacquiao. From overcoming a defeat, to possible Netflix special and more! Follow Gerry and Chris through the following: Gerry: Twitter: twitter.com/gerrycooney IG: instagram.com/gerryacooney Chris: Twitter: twitter.com/chrisalgieri IG: instagram.com/chris_algieri website: www.chrisalgieri.com

Mike Safo with former NBA player and motivational speaker, Chris Herren Jul 16, 2019

Show notes

Joined today for a quick 15 minute phone call with former NBA player and motivational speaker Chris Herren. Chris calls in while driving into NYC (the audio is a little choppy) to promote his new film “The First Day”, a follow up to the 30 for 30 “Unguarded”. Chris and I talk about how much has changed in his life in the last 8 years since “Unguarded” premiered. We touch on the challenges today’s youth face with drugs, mental illness and bullying. Chris talks about using the film as a conversation starter for families, his friendship with Chris Mullin and the message that he wants the film to deliver. With such an important and powerful message be sure to check out the film tonight and follow https://twitter.com/c_herren http://chrisherren.com/ https://www.instagram.com/c_herren_/

Mike Safo with NYC tattoo artist Rich Fie, Rich Fie Jul 12, 2019

Show notes

Joined today, from “R & D Tattoo”, iconic NYC tattoo artist Rich Fie. Rich and I talk all things New York and his obsession with his native borough of Queens. Rich tells us about how he left corporate America to pursue his dream and why traditional tattoos will never go out of style. Rich is also the lead singer of punk rock band “Caught in a Trap”, we talk about his musical influences, CBGB and the role music played in his upbringing. Being a native New Yorker we talk about disappearing NYC, hipsters moving in, problems of gentrification and hanging out on 42nd street and St. Marks. Not only a lover of NYC history, but a known tattoo historian, we hear about the OG, Tony Polito tattooing when it was illegal, praise for Ed Hardy and about his memorabilia collection. I find out if he’s ever spelled stuff wrong while tattooing, and why athletes have horrible tattoos. From his own podcast “Neighborhood Knucklehead” to getting ejected from Shea Stadium by Donald Trump.Check out Fie’s links here and go get inked up!!! Podcast Link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/neighborhood-knucklehead-podcast/id1448104148 IG: https://www.instagram.com/richfie/ Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/r-and-d-tattooing-ridgewood?osq=best+tattoo+shops

Mike Safo with undefeated super middleweight boxer, Mike Lee Jul 05, 2019

Show notes

Joined today by the undefeated super middleweight boxer Mike Lee. We talk about his time at the University of Notre Dame and how that shaped his entire life. Mike tells us about his charities, especially the “Bengal Bouts” and his time in Bangladesh giving back. We hear the heartbreaking story of how he was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, being in and out of hospitals for over 2 years and being told he could never box again. From overcoming hurdles to his world championship fight against Caleb Plant on the Manny Pacquiao undercard July 20th. Follow Mike on the following platforms: Website: http://www.mikeleeboxing.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/mikeleeboxing Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialmikelee/

Mike Safo with Charles Bolden (Former Head of NASA) Jun 28, 2019

Show notes

Joined today by retired US Marine Corps Major General, former astronaut and the 12th administrator of NASA, Charles Boden. Charles tells us about his relentless pursuit to join the Military despite racial hurdles and segregation in South Carolina. We hear about his time in Vietnam, how it was coming home and how he climbed the ranks in the Marine Corps. We hear two incredibly emotional stories: first about his mother being a 16-year-old slave and then about his relationship with Ronald McNair who died in the Challenger explosion and how Ronald changed his life and pushed him to being an astronaut. Charles gives us his thoughts on the age old question “Are we alone in this universe”, and why he gave away most of his astronaut memorabilia. From seeing the earth for the first time to meeting President Obama. Follow Charles on twitter: https://twitter.com/cboldenjr

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