Mike Safo

Latest Episodes:

Mike Safo with Anne E. Schwartz, Author of "Monster" (Jeffrey Dahmer) Jan 13, 2023

Show notes

Joined today by crime reporter, author of “Monster: The True Story of the Jeffrey Dahmer Murders”, and star of the Netflix show “Conversations with a killer”, Anne E. Schwartz. Annie talks about growing up in Queens, moving to the “Cream City” and volunteering to be the nighttime beat reporter with the Milwaukee PD. We chat about cop humor, ride alongs and how she gained the trust of the police department. Annie tells about the phone call that changed her night, responding to Jeffrey Dahmer’s apartment, looking around and hearing that there was a human head in the refrigerator. Annie and I talk about if she knew the significance of this crime scene, how she rushed back to the newsroom and how she didn’t get bullied into giving her story away. We hear why she decided to write the book “Monster” thirty years after the crimes, what has changed with the main players in the last three decades and how being the “Dahmer reporter” gives her street cred all over the world. Annie shares how Dahmer picked his victims, why he lived in that apartment and how he was a master manipulator. She opens up and explains the facts in the often misled story about the two police officers who encountered Jeffrey Dahmer on the street and brought him home. We hear about their lives after that incident and why Anne continues to defend their actions. L From starting the social media for the Milwaukee PD to getting a phone call from Dahmer himself, Annie brings her incredible storytelling along with a background as a tremendous reporter to the show. Follow Anne E. Here: https://twitter.com/anneschwartz911 https://www.instagram.com/anneeschwartz911/ Book: Monster: The True Story of the Jeffrey Dahmer Murders

Mike Safo with MMA Fighter, Chris Wade Jan 06, 2023

Show notes

Joined today by former UFC fighter and current PFL top contender, Chris “The Long Island Killer” Wade. Chris and I talk about World Cup Fever, why he’s ok with the Mets buying every free agent and if he thinks Danny Dimes is the Giants QB for the future. Chris tells us about being part owner of Long Island Strong (Lislandstrong.com), how he got involved and why he always wanted to be his own boss. We chat about why there are so many highly ranked fighters from Long Island, his amateur wrestling career, and when he decided that fighting was going to be his profession. Chris shares the mental aspect of fighting, how dealing with a loss can hang with you for months and what he does to overcome that depression. Chris talks about being extremely outspoken, why he’ll never stop talking about what he believes in and why fighters should be unionized. Chris tells why he joined the PFL, what they are doing differently from the UFC that makes it such an up and coming force and when we should expect to see him in the ring next. I ask why he thinks he never got “the push” from the UFC, what he wish he would have done differently and why he loves teaching all ages the art of mixed martial arts. All this and more with a veteran of the octagon. Follow Chris here: https://twitter.com/cwademma And check out his awesome merchandise here: https://www.lislandstrong.com/

Mike Safo with Joseph Giacalone, Ret. Sgt. NYPD Cold Case Jan 03, 2023

Show notes

Joined today by professor, author and retired commanding officer of the NYPD Cold Case Squad, Joseph Giacalone, as well as retired NYPD Lieutenant Sean Williams. Joe talks about why he joined the NYPD, getting assigned to the 47th precinct and a crazy gun battle that earned him the medal of valor. We talk about his rise through the department to sergeant and then to internal affairs and how restructuring the NYPD training courses earned him a spot in the elite NYPD Cold Case Unit. Sgt. Giacalone talks about the process of opening a cold case, why cases get stagnant or cold and why the boots on the ground method still reigns supreme. We chat about some noteworthy cases, hear about legendary detectives and when he knew it was time to retire. We discuss the quadruple murder in Idaho, why the police did the right thing by not releasing info to the media and how and when Joe knew they had a suspect in sight. All this and much more with retired Sgt. Giacalone and Lt. Williams. Follow Joe Giacalone on the following platforms and check out his website here: https://twitter.com/JoeGiacalone https://www.josephgiacalone.com/ https://www.instagram.com/josephgiacalone/

Mike Safo with Country Music Star, JD Shelburne Dec 27, 2022

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Joined today by Country Music artist and rabid Kentucky basketball fan, JD Shelburne. JD talks about his favorite Christmas songs, the best and worst things about growing up on a tobacco farm in Kentucky, and attending University of Kentucky (UK). We chat about the current state of Kentucky basketball, where we were when we found out we signed Coach Cal, and if we expect too much from the players as fans. JD shares about teaching himself to play a guitar after his grandmother passed away, promoting himself and faking it until he made it. We discuss his loyal fan base, playing over 250 shows a year and what’s the one thing he needs in his dressing room. JD tells a tremendous story about meeting his childhood idol Ken Griffey Jr., getting the call that he was going to open for ZZ Top and being on the cover of the Kentucky tourism magazine. All this plus texting with Jack Harlow, his dream duet and the coolest piece of memorabilia he owns. Follow JD here and check out his listening release party here - https://jdshelburne.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/JDSHELBURNE IG: https://www.instagram.com/jdshelburne/ Listenin Party: https://allevents.in/louisville/jd-shelburne-2023-album-pre-release-listening-party/200023778481104

Mike Safo with Chris McDougall, NY Times Best-Selling Author Dec 06, 2022

Show notes

Joined today by runner, journalist and New York Times Best Selling Author, Christopher McDougall. Chris talks about growing up in Philly, moving out to Lancaster and then settling down in Hawaii. Chris tells me how he was recruited for crew during his basketball practice and how he parlayed that into rowing for Harvard. We hear how as a failed High School English teacher, he decided to backpack through Europe and before he knew it he was the Associated Press‘ war correspondent in Angola and the Congo. Chris and I open up about the importance of not holding in your feelings and what he saw in Rwanda that made him come back home to the States. We hear how a writing assignment about a Mexican pop star turned into him being immersed in the Tarahumara Tribe and eventually witnessing "The Greatest Race the World Has Ever Seen". As a first time author, Chris recalls checking the reviews on the book, how he starting selling the books himself and how he got booked on the Jon Stewart Show. Chris talks about his newest books "Born to Run 2: The Ultimate Running Training Guide", what we should expect with this sequel book and why every runner needs to get this book. I deep dive into the aspects of Chris' writing: how it was collaborating on this book with Eric Orton, adding sneaker and scientific talk smack in the middle of Born to Run, and the difficulty of writing about himself as the main character. From texting with Rick Rubin, running with the Amish, and just a great conversation with the voice of running, Christopher McDougall. Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChrisMcDougall Instragram: https://www.instagram.com/chrismcdougallauthor/ Website: https://borntorun.world/

Mike Safo with Baseball Hall of Famer, Barry Larkin Nov 15, 2022

Show notes

Joined today by Baseball Hall of Famer and one of the owners of Baseball United, Barry Larkin. Barry talks about what he loves about New York, from its energy to the passionate fans and tells a hilarious story about playing at Shea Stadium. We chat about Baseball United, the first professional baseball league created to serve the Middle East and South Asia and what was so intriguing about this venture that Barry knew he had to get involved. He shares his ventures working as an ambassador overseas to help grow the game of baseball under Presidents Bush and Obama. Barry talks about coaching baseball in Brazil, the hurdles he faced by attempting to intergrade baseball in a soccer-centric country and how he's going to use that knowledge to bring America's pastime to a cricket mad region with over 1 billion fans through Baseball United. We converse about what he wants to accomplish as one of the owners, why it's important to develop baseball from the ground up and how many jobs and opportunities this will create for overseas workers. From meeting Muhammad Ali to why he's rooting for Michigan over Ohio State, and much more! Follow Barry on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/barrylarkin Follow Baseball United here: https://baseballunited.com/

Mike Safo with Wrestling Legend Jumpin' Jim Brunzell Oct 27, 2022

Show notes

Joined today by wrestling legend, Jumping Jim Brunzell. Jim and I talk about growing up in Minnesota, walking on and playing football for MU, the Vikings and some must try foods in the "Twin Cities". Jim talks about his fandom for Bruce Springsteen, his new music and how hearing a song from “The Boss” on the radio turned into a friendship (one sided) that has lasted over 40 years. We chat about trying out for the Redskins and how that led to his former QB and friend Greg Gagne talking him into trying out to be a professional wrestler. We hear about his first wrestling camp with Verne Gagne and working out with the likes of Ric Flair, the Iron Shiek and Ken Patera. Jim recounts the grueling wrestling schedule he had, tag-teaming in the NWA/ AWA, fighting all over the world and leaving the territories to join Vince McMahon and the WWF. We learn about how cool it was when Jim first saw his action figure, how he met Brian Blair, how the "Killer Bees" started and where they got their first costumes. Jim shares how Hulk Hogan was his hype man before joining the WWF, the highs of wrestling at WrestleMania 3 and the lows of never being crowned tag team champions despite being promised the belts. We go over the mental adversity he faced when he wasn't a star anymore, why he wished he retired early and life on the independent scene. Jim tells us a hilarious Andre the Giant story, touches on the biggest pranksters in the locker room and sadly the untimely deaths of many wrestling legends. From his cool memorabilia collection to Hillbilly Jim, and much more. Buy Jim's book here: https://www.blurb.com/b/6298514-matlands Follow Jim on twitter here: https://twitter.com/jumpinjbrunzell Killer Bee's website: https://www.thekillerbees.net/

Mike Safo with MLB Veteran Luis Lopez Sep 13, 2022

Show notes

Joined today by former Toronto Blue Jay and Montreal Expo baseball player, Luis “LL” Lopez. Luis and I talk about growing up in Brooklyn, ballin’ out at Canarsie High School and how his hustle landed him a scholarship to Coastal Carolina. Lop talks about his career in Carolina, the disappointment in not getting drafted, and how his time in the Pioneer league landed him with the Blue Jays. We chat about his time in the minors, the food he missed the most and finally getting the call to the show at the age of 27. LL tells us about his first hit, the elation of his first home run and how he coped with getting sent down again. We hear about the 2004 Expos, playing the year under the rumor of relocating, and what that season was like. Lop shares his experience playing in Japan, the difference with the game over there and how he was treated like a rock star. We finish up talking about his hall of fame / legendary career with the Bridgeport Bluefish, meeting his idol Edgar Martinez and why he loves coaching the game. Twitter: https://twitter.com/doublel1919

Mike Safo with Mariano Rivera Jul 28, 2022

Show notes

Joined today by the greatest relief pitcher of all time and the Co-President of the United International Baseball League(UIBL), Mariano Rivera. Mariano talks about the launch of the UIBL, why he chose to be involved in this ground breaking venture and what he wants to achieve with it. We go over the UIBL showcase in February of 2023, his travels to the Middle East and how he plans to open doors to this Cricket loving region. We chat about the Hall of Fame weekend in Cooperstown and hear what players Mo gets excited about seeing. Mariano recounts how he got a tryout with the Yankees and where he was when he got the call that he was going to the major leagues. Mo shares his favorite piece of memorabilia he owns, the one baseball game he wished he witnessed live and even tells us the coolest person in his phone. All this and more with the true GOAT. Go to UIBL.pro to find out more about this groundbreaking league that’s going to change baseball. Twitter: https://twitter.com/marianorivera UIBL: https://uibl.pro/

Mike Safo with Susan Jonusas, True Crime Author Jul 20, 2022

Show notes

Joined today, from across the pond, author Susan Jonusas. Susan and I talk about her debut true-crime book, “Hell’s Half-Acre: The Untold Story of the Benders, a Serial Killer Family on the American Frontier”. We chat about the infamous serial killing family, the seductive Kate Bender and how she became so enamored with the Benders that she had to play detective and write a book about them. Susan tells us about the research that went into this book, visiting Kansas, seeing the murder weapons and what her reaction would be to seeing someone reading her book. Susan explains why it was so important to talk about the victims In the case, how the York family were so important in her telling this story and we try to uncover just why the Bender family killed all those people. We chat about having her book optioned for a movie/series, what she’s working on next (spoiler: it sounds incredible!), her love of antique guns and archery and her favorite true crime book! All this and more with the fabulous new author! Follow Susan here and buy her book! Twitter: https://twitter.com/susanjonusas

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