Mike Safo

Latest Episodes:

Mike Safo with host of the award winning podcast “Amateur Traveler”, Chris Christensen Feb 01, 2019

Show notes

Joined today by the host of the award winning podcast “Amateur Traveler”, Chris Christensen. The voice of one of the most popular traveling podcasts out there tells what made him start his show almost 9 years ago before anyone was doing it. We discuss how and why Chris picks his destinations to tackle, from Chad to the Hudson Valley and from Botswana to London. We hear about some of the life changing events that hosting the podcast have given Chris, such as being invited to the White House by President Obama and being a hired paparazzi to photograph the Pope in Jordan. We talk about our mutual travel friends: Gary Arndt and Lee Abbamonte; what makes a good travel guest on his show, and we hear about his upcoming tour of Africa. Chris tells us why he doesn’t count countries just to get a stamp in his passport, and we finish up by tips form the O.G. of travel blogging and podcasting on the dos and don’t of how to make money in the travel world. There is a reason his podcast is used to teach English all over the world and at Oxford. Check out chris podcast here: https://amateurtraveler.com/tag/travel-podcast/ Follow him on twitter: https://twitter.com/chris2x His website here: https://amateurtraveler.com?

Mike Safo with world-renowned painter, Joe Coleman & True-Crime Author, Harold Schechter Jan 25, 2019

Show notes

Joined today by the iconic, world-renowned painter, writer, and performer New York Artist Joe Coleman and the godfather of true crime writing, Harold Schechter. In a rare interview, Joe tells us about his friendship with the late Anthony Bourdain, that famous final episode that he was featured on, how it happened and what Tony meant to him. We hear how Joe and Harold, met and if I can join their circle of friends. Harold keeps us up to date on his life: hint (becoming a grandfather, authoring a new series of books and Red Dead Redemption 2) – not in that order. Joe opens up and lets us know how growing up in an Irish Catholic environment led him to paint some of the world’s most intricate and jaw dropping paintings, what brought him to the Big Apple in the 70’s and what he misses about those times. Of course we talk about the secret Odditorium and the artifacts in there such as Albert Fish’s famous gruesome letter, Ed Gein’s Christmas card and Charles Manson’s hair. From Harold being a pallbearer at Joe’s wedding to Joe’s celebrity clientele. Joe and Harold leave us all speechless and wanting more. Check out Harold’s website at: http://haroldschechter.com/ Follow joe on Instagram @joecolemanartist Check out his site of his upcoming book and all of his other projects at: https://joecoleman.com/

Mike Safo with former WBO junior welterweight champion, Chris Algieri 1 Jan 18, 2019

Show notes

Joined today at Jack Demseys by the former WBO junior welterweight champion of the world Chris Algieri. Chris is a world renowned nutritionist and breaks down a perfect diet to get me shredded. We move on to talking about growing up on Long Island, his cornrows, and how he absolutely dominated the kickboxing world before transitioning over to boxing. Chris tells us about winning his historic title against Ruslan Provodnikov, and then jumping right into the belly of the beast to China to fight future hall of famer Manny Pacquiao. We talk about his last 2 bouts with Amir Khan and Errol Spence Jr. For the first time Chris lets the world know if he’s planning on stepping into the ring again in 2018 and who he wants to fight. All this and more with the Champ.

Mike Safo with Lt. Whalen, Detective Mladinich, and NY Post Reporter, Philip Messing Jan 11, 2019

Show notes

Joined today by Lieutenant Bernard Whalen, retired Detective Robert Mladinich and NY Post reporter Philip Messing. These three genius criminal minds talk about their book "Case Files of the NYPD: More than 175 Years of Solved and Unsolved Crime". We hear about what led these 3 men to join up and write the definitive coffee table crime book of NYC. We talk about some of the most infamous criminal cases of all time such as, Son of Sam David Berkowitz, Joel Rifkin, Etan Patz, 9-11, and the Lindbergh baby. Besides talking about crime in NYC, we talk about what led Bernard Whalen and Robert Mladinich into the world of law enforcement, and how Philip developed a relationship with John Gotti. From good guys, bad guys to criminal cases from the 1900s. Be sure to check their book for rare photos and enjoy the podcast! Buy the book here: https://www.amazon.com/Case-Files-NYPD-Solved-Unsolved/dp/031648198X/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1547227541&sr=8-2&keywords=case+files+of+the+nypd Lt. Whalen's website: http://bjwhalen.com/ Philip's twitter: https://twitter.com/PhilipMessing

Mike Safo with DEA Agent Javier Pena, Netflix show, Narcos Jan 04, 2019

Show notes

Joined today by the REAL Javier Pena from the hit Netflix show, Narcos. Agent Pena and I talk about his time before Colombia with the DEA, why he joined, what his early assignments were and how he got sent to Colombia in the first place. Javier tells us about meeting his partner Agent Steve Murphy, the obstacles and dangers they faced in Colombia and what their “normal” days were like. Agent Pena talks to us about how he got involved as a consultant with the show Narcos, and what was true and what was Hollywood. For example, was he really as smooth with the ladies as the show portrayed. Javier opens up on his feelings about NOT being there when Pablo Escobar was killed. From his career after the death of Escobar to his current tour with Agent Murphy, get the REAL story about NARCOS. Follwing what Javier is dong and when he is on tour: twitter: https://twitter.com/deanarcos website: https://www.deanarcos.com/ https://twitter.com/MikeSafo

Mike Safo with professional NBA2k player, Ahmed Kasana aka"Mel East" Dec 28, 2018

Show notes

Joined today by professional NBA2k player Ahmed Kasana, aka “Mel East”. Ahmed tells us about growing up in Staten Island, playing video games and the moment he knew this would be his career. We hear about the rigorous process of becoming a professional gamer, from the ultra-competitive combine to finally getting drafted at Madison Square Garden. Mel East tells us how he got his nickname (no he’s not representin’ the “East Coast”), how he convinced his Muslim mother that NBA2K was a real profession, and what he wants to do to change the community. From talks about the current NBA to who he models his game after. Follow Mel East on twitter: @meleast2k Instagram: kasanaahmed

Mike Safo with author of , "Basketball: A Love Story, Rafe Bartholomew 2 Dec 21, 2018

Show notes

Joined today by friend of the show, boxing guru and author of one of the best sports books I've ever read, "Basketball: A Love Story", Rafe Bartholomew. Rafe stopped by the Westwood One studios, shared a few beers and tried to convince me that he hasn't gone Hollywood. We talk about how he got the call to be part of this legendary book, and what it took to put Holy Grail of Basketball interviews into one book. We discuss all things basketball and touch on some entertaining stories about the NBA, Michael Jordan, and the characters of the NBA. We touch on the topic of boxing current events like Wilder vs Fury, Lomachenko, and the Canelo fight. It wouldn't be an interview with Mr. Bartholomew if we didn't talk about traveling to the Philippines and his prediction of Manny Pacquio's next fight. From stories of McSorely's to learning tagalog, Rafe contonitues to be one of the best guests on the show. Follow Rafe the following platforms: His website: : http://www.rafebartholomew.com/ Twitter: @Rafeboogs Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tiyopaeng/

Mike Safo with Heavyweight Boxer, Adam Kownacki & Will Rosinsky Dec 12, 2018

Show notes

Joined today by the # 7th ranked heavyweight boxer in the world, Adam “Baby Face” Kownacki at Park Deli in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. My co-host for today’s show is, 4 Time Golden Gloves winner and former light heavyweight boxer Will “Power” Rosinsky. Will and I talk about his professional career, fighting Kelly Pavlik, and if he still has the itch to get back in the ring. 7 minutes into the show Adam comes onto the show and we talk about the Tyson Fury vs Deontay Wilder fight from the previous night. The two boxers share their thoughts on the controversial outcome of the fight. Adam then tells us about his 18th win against Prince Charles Martin, his upcoming fight with Gerald Washington, and how he’s training for this fight. As Park Deli cooks us authentic homemade Polish food we hear about Adam’s trip to Poland, hanging out with the Polish President and growing up in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. Will and Adam then share some amateur boxing stories, talk about the current state of boxing and what can be done with the judges. From his dream fight to giving me a personal shout out after next fight, Adam once again brings it! Follow Adam on twitter and Instagram and make the trip to Park Deli, located at 209 Nassau Avenue in Brooklyn for some of the most delicious and authentic Polish food around! Twitter: @akbabyface https://twitter.com/akbabyface?lang=en Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/akbabyface/?hl=en My twitter: @mikesafo

Mike Safo with MLB veteran, 2-time all-star, 1985 World Series Champion, Mark Gubicza Dec 04, 2018

Show notes

Joined today by 14 year MLB veteran, 2-time all-star, 1985 World Series Champion and the current color analyst for the Anaheim Angels Mark “Goobie” Gubicza. We hear about Mark’s insanely impressive memorabilia collection which ranges from his own starting lineup figure to Yankee Stadium seats cufflinks. Mark and I talk some hot stove baseball rumors and where he thinks some of the big name free agents might end up. “Goobie” tells us about becoming the Angels color analyst, hanging out with Vin Scully and what it’s like to watch Mike Trout play day in day out. Obviously we talk about Mark’s legendary playing career, those beautiful powder blue Royals uniforms and his thoughts on the old and new Yankee Stadium. From texting with Pete Rose constantly to being a Duke basketball fan, Goobie is hands down one of my most entertaining guests I’ve ever had on! Follow Mark on twitter: https://twitter.com/Markgubicza https://twitter.com/MikeSafo Subscribe to the podcast and leave a 5 Star review

Mike Safo with food blogger, Lonely Planet travel writer and photographer, Austin Bush Dec 01, 2018

Show notes

Joined today by food blogger, Lonely Planet travel writer and photographer, Austin Bush. Austin stopped by the 42nd street studio to talk about his new book, “The Food of Northern Thailand”. He explains the difference between what Americans think Thai food is and what traditional Thai food is. We also talk about his friendship with the James Beard Award winning chef and friend of the show Andy Ricker, and his love affair with Thailand. Our frequent co-host, Simba joins us while Austin tells us the difficulties of getting recipes for his book. From how he got his start writing at Lonely Planet to getting roped into coming over to Simba’s for dinner. Find out where Austin is, what he's up to and where to get his book by checking out the following sites. https://www.austinbushphotography.com/ https://twitter.com/austinbushphoto https://twitter.com/mikesafo https://www.instagram.com/bushaustin/

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