How The Mafia Works | Insider Review 

My father was born in Chicago in 1930. His goal as a young man was to become a “mafioso”. Our family allegedly had a blood relative who was a made member of one of the Five Families. My father begged my grandfather to make an introduction but was refused. When I watch these videos, I often find myself wondering how our family history would have changed if my grandfather had been willing to make that introduction. Absent the mob connection, my father remained a thug as a young man. He ultimately was convicted of multiple counts of armed robbery and was sentenced to serve three consecutive fifteen year to life sentences in prison. He told me he fully expected to die in prison. He met a jail house lawyer who introduced him to a little known provision of State law that made him eligible for parole after serving five years in prison. He was paroled after five and a half years and was never in trouble with the law again. He met my mom, got married, became an accountant, and had kids.

Hi Michael , I am from Iran , Rasht , a big city north of Iran , I follow you all the time , I love you bro , how you talk and everything, you are a stand up guy , wish you well man

I just love how Michael articulates everything in his video, literally everything. Michael is the guy everybody needs in their personal/professional life, like a "Consigliere"

I like Johnny he’s a real humble guy. You can tell he’s always been a good guy just ended up with the wrong people. Hope life treats him well. Everyone deserves forgiveness if they are willing to change.

Hello Michael, I watched 'Mafia States of America' a few months ago and I just wanted to thank you for a quote you said in the last episode that really resonated with me "You are in life who you are accountable too" - my parents passed away a few years ago and i'm not a religious person or believer so their absence left me feeling quite lost and my actions at times since have been quite out of character as my general attitude was well they are gone so who cares i'm not letting anyone down. I am a father to a young child and since I heard that quote I realised i'm accountable to her just as much as I was to my parents, it's given me a renewed perspective and purpose - thank you for the clarity.

God bless you. It all definitely went downhill with those big sentences. Like you once said, fear of people on the street transferred to fear of life behind bars. You don’t know me, but your words saved my life too and I just want to thank you for that, sir.

So interesting to learn these finer points, and so respectfully shared. Love it, Michael!

That was a great sit down Michael, really appreciate it.. Was a great episode to listen to as i went for a walk through the park with my dog.. Was the perfect length time to get a little bit of excercise in an get some fresh air in the lungs and try stay a bit healthier.. A lot of other content is either to long or too short for me to take a stroll without having to take my device out of my pocket every 10 minutes an look for something else to listen to... Cheers mate!! Take care!!

Michael!! Boom, I know I brought this up in your last video in enjoying your insights, stories, and even your prospective on things based off you life experiences; and this video did them all. Thanks for the great content.

You're a true inspiration Michael, I do hope to see you in my hometown in Liverpool in August. I like seeing your take on different views and opinions on what happened in that life.

I would love to see Michael do a sit down with John Pennisi! I wanna see their perspectives from different eras of the mob

I really like the format and idea for this video. I hope you make more content like this. Excellent channel and I've been a subscriber for over a year now.

He Michael, thanks for everything u do. I’m 16 and have learnt alot from your videos, I also am a person of faith and your “God blesses” are encouraging. Keep up the good work!

Michael. Your videos keep me entertained and always informed as I believe they do to thousands. I personally love your movie mondays! God bless you sir.

Mr. Franzese, your Sit Downs are addictive. I find myself wanting to help you get your production quality to the same level as the material and the man who delivers it. I had a thought: I am amazed that some wise guy never set up a staff leasing deal for the families. That way everybody has a 401k and a dental plan. :)

The one rule he talked about messing around with Wires, Sisters, Daughters and Mothers applies in Corporate America too... They just call it “engaged in conduct inconsistent with a non-financial company policy,” In other words, NEVER put your pickle in someone else's sandwich at the company picnic...

Just when I thought I couldn't learn any more about the life, this episode drops. Excellent!

Growing up watching the movies, it's nice to separate fact from fiction. Thanks, looking forward to reading your books. 👍

The more I listen to you, the more I like and respect you. When you said that if someone wanted to get made, go elsewhere-LOVED IT!!! You just wanted to make big money and get your Dad out of prison. Not do harm to anyone. That's what real business people do. Make money! And I'm glad that you're able to be so open and honest about everything.

The biggest issue besides FBI recruiting and technology, is the fact that families could no longer properly identify and recruit new associates. They couldn't trust anyone and enough young guys from the other side weren't coming in.

Watching your followers grow by the week is brilliant and well deserved...on the Road to 1 million 👏🇮🇪

I love your videos. I pray for total healing and protection for the Franzese family!

God bless you Michael. Thanks for your reminder about everyone being cautious while we’re out and about. Thanks for caring.

Michael I hope all is wonderful and great!!! God Blessings to you and your family. Peace, Love, and Light.

Would love a sit down between Michael and John. Also would think a sit down with Chin’s daughter would be interesting as on a lot of levels there would be parallels between Michael and Her.

Michael you are truly an inspiration!! I look up to you. I wasn't in the mafia but I was a real bad apple, alcoholic and heroin/meth addict who was pulling licks an scams non stop no matter who I harmed. Then I got into recovery an was baptized and saved by our lord christ and my life has completely turned around for the better. Just had 14 months clean!! Keep giving back my brother

Love your content, sir! Your insider perspective is next to none. Appreciate everything you do!

This was a great comparison between two different families and eras in the mafia. I like how you illustrated the different between a rule and a policy. With the release of The Offer on Paramount+ can we expect you doing a review of it?

You forgot about Trappacante in Florida. He sat on the Commission and that's why Sonny Black with Joe Pistone ( as Donnie Brasco) had to check in with him when they went down to Florida to set up King's Court gambling club. Plus, the Bonnanos were kicked out of the Commission because of Donnie Brasco and they dealt in drugs.

Great video, informative on topics that have been at question, time and time again. Thanks, I enjoyed it.

Gr8 as always Mike. Don't stop. Also, I want to thank you for that bit of advise. I work so much but I'm gonna make time to get in on your "inner circle". There are so many gr8 people who follow you. Your humility is amazing to watch. God Bless 🙏. Thank you to your followers also. Gr8 people.

Mr. Michael Franzese is definitely a smart guy. I congratulate him on turning his life around and serving the Lord. What a story, his life experiences would make a great book/movie. Best wishes and God Bless!

Hey Mike gotta tell you that was very well said and informative! Not to mention entertaining! Your a perfect forinstance of when you do things right it comes out like gold! Have a great day!!!!!

The look of this...is perfect and beautiful. The composition is perfect. The lighting scheme is bold and geometrically sound. And yet it seems casual, like I'm sitting there with Michael Franzese. It's cool. Thank you.

According to the Joseph Bonanno autobiography, there were several groups in nyc and they divided them up in 5 families and the first commission involved the 5 nyc families plus buffalo and Chicago.

Really enjoyed this one Micheal 🔥 . I follow John P. channel and it’s excellent. I hope you could have a sit down with John one day.

I love this show so much. How you keep coming up with subjects to talk about amazes me. You do your homework obviously. Wasn't there a Philly family too, or where they under the New York leadership? God bless Micheal. Thanks so much for these outstanding videos. Just love them. This is so interesting sir. ♥️🙏

Hi Michael, Really interesting stuff. It's very interesting that you have so much knowledge that people never could understand with their average lives. I served in the British Army for many years and don't talk about that stuff. Did loads in those days but ordinary people will never understand that life and what many of us saw and did in our younger years. Much Respect, Stevie in Scotland..

Also I love your You Tube channel. I became more familiar with it the past year and it has helped deal with my fathers passing last year. It’s def something he would have liked to watch and you remind me of him a bit. Thanks for what you do. 🙏🏻

Great content as always Michael. You are a great storyteller and you make everything as easy as possible to understand. I would like to ask you, when you were a soldier and later caporegime, have you ever heard of a mafia crew that was involved in gun running or the bosses of the family didn't allow gun running?

Oh Michael! I am watching this new series "The Offer" about the making of The Godfather and I CANNOT WAIT for your Review of this one! Joe Colombo as you well know, plays a prominent role in this story and I have to be honest, of the 3 Episodes I have seen...I Like it! Very Authentic Feel and whoever did their screenwriting knew their history! Plus, the Casting was really well done...the actors they got to play the big roles (Joe Colombo, Frank Sinatra, Francis Ford Coppola, Mario Puzo) all knock it out of the park! Please, as soon as you can, do a Review and Commentary!

Nice video Michael. It's nice how you always seem to speak "From the Heart" and don't spend one second running any other RU-vid Channel into the ground. Take Care Brother!!

Fantastic sit-down very informative of how it was and is. Take care have a good weekend.

I always leave a Michael Franzese video feeling like I just got schooled.

Everyone take a shot every time Micheal says “not gonna get into that” lol

Absolutely fantastic Michael, and a brilliant video at that, very interesting and informative as always.

Thanks for The Review Michael! Because I have seen this Mr. Pennisi here on RU-vid. I have not seen his Videos yet but I most likely will later. I'm Glad you Lay Down The Facts from your Era and from his. Thanks for doing that. Thanks for The Video!!, Take care and God Bless You too, Michael!!😀👍👋

I believe you're right about the 9 families in the Commission because there was a Commission meeting in 1928 held at the Hotel Statler (Statler Arms today) in Cleveland on Euclid Ave. Still there today in Cleveland's theater district. It was supposed to be one of the few successful meetings they had although it got raided.

Thank you Michael. Another amazing video. In my opinion there is a war going on that we cant see, and good is losing. I believe that is because society largely has become Godless.. Anyway god bless you and your followers🇺🇸🙏🏻

I applaud your candidness about “the life” .. the saying “There is no honor among theives” rings so true, so many ‘Gangsters’ who sing and throw others under the bus for greedy reasons. Clearly you didn’t put anyone under which is very commendable, can’t say the same for other Mobsters

Just started watching all of your videos and I am loving the content!

Just shows your a classy act Mike you give all these guys shine it's just the salty ones with bad intentions who seem to get on your case online. Respect bro 🙏

Im happy Michael made this video because when I first saw the Insider video i was completely baffled thinking none of this adds up and makes sense as to what ive heard and read elsewhere, compare that with what Mike is saying it makes complete sense

Omg I read your books, it was translated in japanese and it gave me a big impacts!! Im so happy I found you in RU-vid!!!!

Hi Mike would be really interesting if you got John in for a sit down and discuss and compare your experiences in the life from different families and different eras I think would be a fantastic video

It would be interesting to hear Mike's thoughts on the actual Italian or Sicilian crime families operating in the U.S. and members of U.S. LCN that are made in both countries such as some current gambino members. John and Sammy both mentioned encounters with them so I'm curious to know if there is conflict, or which family they serve above all it they are made in two different countries. I believe I've even heard the Chicago Outfit had someone made in both countries or at least an associate while made in Italy.

Michael for me personally your story is fascinating and I have had a keen interest in the mob since I was quite young. The videos you upload for us are absolutely amazing the detail giving us a first hand account of how it actually was and not the things we see from the media so thank you very much. Something that has been very similar to myself and has hit me close to home with your story is about changing your life around. This time about 5 years ago I was in a very dark place. I had lost my high paying job, my drivers licence, then my relationship to my fiance of 10 years had broken down also, with 4 children involved making it even harder for me with everything else piled on top of that. Things got worse for me I started associating with the wrong people and thus getting involved in the drug scene taking heavy drugs. The people i was associating with were planning bank robberies, armed hold ups and other things along those lines to make money, all the while I hadn't seem my kids for almost 2 years.. I managed to turn all this around in the last 2 years, I no longer take drugs or alcohol at all, im seeing my kids regularly I have a great job again that pays almost as much as my original job and I avoided jail time, I thank god for this! It's why I wanted to share this as I have been able to turn things around for my life myself the same as you did, all the best and keep the great content coming through, respect all the way from Australia here!

Mike, I follow John's channel too he seems truthful and well spoken sincere. He comes across as a very likable person.

Thank you for sharing your knowledge and insight. Very informative and interesting. Ordered your most recent book and looking for to reading it!

Hi Michael, love your content. I've had a strong interest in researching the mafia for the last several years and I've found you to be a great resource. I write stories and characters sometimes with mafia backgrounds and I try to be as authentic as possible. To that end I had a question about the rule you never raise your hand to a Made guy. In a story I'm working on a pair of associates for the Bonanno family are swept up in the splinter conflict called the Banana Split in the media, and they back the Gambino faction. A couple of Made guys have earlier in the story been antagonistic and given the pair some insulting/disrespectful nicknames and as a result when the conflict is open they take the opportunity to beat up the guys who antagonized them. I was wondering, in an open conflict like the Bonanno war, would associates or people at that level with either faction have been given leave to attack or kill Made guys? Obviously the other faction in the conflict would try to kill you regardless but what if a Lucchese crew heard about it? Would an outside family enforce that punishment regardless or was it always handled "in-house" regardless of if there was a conflict going on or not? Just was curious. Thanks for your time and best wishes to you and your family! :)

Very interesting! The mafia has always upheld a high standard for honor, loyalty and respect, but corruption, as you said, creeps in everywhere. Corruption, in my opinion, started in the garden...I personally believe the root of corruption is Pride. All 'sins' come from the same 3 sources - lust of the eyes, lust of the flesh, and the pride of life.. Old as time! I absolutely love hearing your perspective Michael. Thank you and God bless.

More good content Michael! I like when you do videos on clearing up any confusion from other ex "wise guys" and what they say the life was like...cuz your right, there are so many out there on youtube sharing there stories and some of them contradict each other...at least I know I can trust your channel to provide the truth on these subjects cuz you are a fellow brother in Christ and Im greatful for that! God bless you sir!!

"You don't voice complaints against anyone, it's not a wise thing to do". That advice crosses over.

Wasn’t there five families for the five boroughs? One for each borough originally? I’m not sure which family was in control of which borough? But if you could speak more on this, I’d really like to know more about this because it makes sense and I heard it in one video on the “everything network” channel Thanks, Michael.

Excellent show, Michael. You answer the right questions, as always.

Michael Franzese is easily one of the greatest wise guys and it is still true , tremendous content my friend , we're all lucky to hear from you and learn from you

Great episode as always. John is a very humble guy and well spoken. Different era, I once asked John on a live youtube about the Lucchese Family in Corona, Queens. He stated that was the Westside (Genovese) area, which is true today but in the 40s, 50s, 60s, and 70s the area was control Joseph Lucchese & Joseph Laratro. I guess the Lucchese family doesn't teach history. Blessings

Another fine video. The differences that are pointed out are for the most part small. The thing about not using explosives is something that was also said by Sammy Gravano, and considering how few hits have been attempted by bombs along with the fact bombings bring a lot of heat (and Feds) a rule against it would have made sense. The rule about drugs is also very believable based on how Michael explains it. Once again, looking at history, the bosses most prominently associated with drugs (Genovese, Galante) wound up with the most trouble when compared to the other bosses ruling at the same time. Also, the fact that it was necessary to check in when in another territory is more than a courtesy. Would Michael have set up a business in Florida that would have competed with the Trafficante's? So for all practical purposes "checking-in" was to avoid conflicts. It's always interesting to hear the different takes on the rules and origins.

Very refreshing to see your straight forwardnees and history lesson here. Bravo Sir.

I have spoken with John in emails and watch all his stuff. I like him, a real good guy.

I don't know John Pennisi but I follow his channel since a few months. I don't know the specifics of his issues with his crime family but I believe that the guy has deserve, because he has done 2 decades of prison without telling in young age, to have an other life if he wants so. I can tell when he speaks that the guy felt betrayed. I tell that from the position of someone who is still sicilian in the hearth and from papers. I've been around mafiosi since my young age in Italy and in other countries. As a matter of fact my father use to be one of those men. John is a good guy, I can tell. thks Michael for the vid.

Hi, Michael (we share a middle name), thank you for the content, stories, but most of all for being a role model in terms of what it is to be a man of integrity, a dad, a comeback story, a husband and a Christian.

Great Video! I remember watching one of Sammy The Bulls videos and he said the early days when Cosa Nostra came to America both mother and father had to be Italian to be Made but as time passed and cultures mixed they realised getting both bloodlines was difficult so they changed it to your Father only to be Made. I could be wrong I'm going on Sammys words!

Great vid, Mike. It shows the little differences between the families that made them unique.

john is great content creator one of the best in the genre

I was very good friends with an elderly man (he has passed some years back) who would always take me with him to the horse races in Chicago. He owned a bar and back then I also worked for him. We live up near Chicago, Il. He liked to gamble and when I went with him, I never had to pay for anything. He knew how to take care of his friends and he liked us girls. He had a lot of interesting stories he would tell me too. He confided in me that he knew Al Capone and his “friends” back in those days. Any way I have learned so much about the mafia, made man, policy, rules, and a lot of wise advice listening to you. Nowadays, we have a government full of corruption and if it was up to me by the time, I got done draining the swamp there “might” be about two people left if that! We definitely need God to move in this country! God is our only hope for America. I am always praying, trying to keep my eyes on Jesus, and block out all the “noise” especially when I am leaving my home and going out anywhere even to the grocery store. Keep being an inspiration, Michael! Stay safe and I will keep you in my prayers! God Bless You, Michael!

Mike you killed it !!! The way you agreed and disagreed with John you didn't respectfully you're a man's man I'd really enjoy to see you to sit down and discuss the life you two once shared. I'm pretty sure it would go a lot better than the Sammy gravano sit down. Although that sit down was great

Just when I take a break from your channel...the notifications reel me back in! 🎣

Sorry to hear about your Old Capo Andrew “Mush” Russo. RIP

I’d really love to see Michael on Timcast IRL discussing current events. Michael’s testimony helped lead me to Christ.

I enjoy watching your videos, Mr Franzese. All the best from London, England!

You made an interesting point about the Commission, I had always heard that it was NINE as well but I heard that the other 4 were Chicago, Detroit, Buffalo, and Philadelphia.

Hey Michael! From what I have seen, another made member was having an affair with John's wife, so he told the boss that John was an informant to save his own ass and not get in trouble or killed, but whether this is fact or slightly altered is unknown. Great video, thank you for geing educational and true to yourself.

Been intrigued by the mafia life good and bad since I was kid now 53 but loving your youtube content. One thing I always wonder did Joe Columbo set your dad up as he was afraid he was powerful and a challenge to him as the boss. Seems strange your dad got so long in prison when others were out a lot sooner and back in the life. A sit down with you and john would be interesting two eras two families both left the life.

Thanks, Mike! Very informative!

I dont subscribe to many things but after so much content I enjoyed I felt this channel deserved it

- Needing 100% Italian ancestry to be inducted was supposedly a change introduced by Joey Massino in the 90's, and something he got the commission to adopt. -Not being allowed to deal with stocks and bonds is probably a Lucchese thing. Al D'Arco (Capo/Acting Boss who flipped in 1991) also told the FBI that they weren't allowed to deal in stocks and bonds, so the rule would have gone back to Tony Ducks Corallo. The way D'Arco described it, the rule was more about not stealing stocks or bonds or fencing stolen stocks back when they were paper certificates, he didn't make it sound like there was a family ban on insider trading or pump-and-dump scams. - The Boss and Underboss are almost equal... in the Lucchese Family, that kind of seems like it held true at times. Remember, the family's namesake, Tommy Lucchese was actually underboss (1931-51) for longer than he was boss (1951-67), but was the public face of the family when Gagliano was the boss. Then in the 80's when Vic Amuso was the boss and Anthony Casso was the underboss, supposedly Casso was considered to be the real power/driving force behind the family. Contrast that with the Columbo family: Profaci, Columbo, Perisco were unambiguously in charge. -You deal drugs you die... Question, how often was anyone in the Mafia EVER killed for kicking literally millions of dollars up to their boss because their boss was worried about how they got the money? You lived the life, I just read books, so its not rhetorical. You know all sorts of stuff that I don't, and may well be able to name examples. But I can't name one. To be fair, every single person who's ever left that life and then been interviewed has said this was a hard and fast rule. And yet there were a remarkable number of people in that life who were also major drug dealers: Patsi Conti with the Gambinos, the DiPalmermo brothers with the Luccheses, Carmine Galante pretty much the whole Bonnano Family while Rastelli was in charge, plus whoever it was from the Genovese Family who was taking a cut of Frank Lucas's earnings (that's another way to profit from the drug trade, shaking down other criminals who dealt in drugs). I'm sure everyone believed it was a rule, but I have my doubts about how much of a 3rd degree the guys passing the fattest envelopes got as to why they were kicking up too much money. At a certain point even the boss of the family would probably be hooked on the money as surely as the people buying the goods were hooked on the product, and probably did their best to avoid knowing where the money was actually coming from.

I like John. Good guy.

Hey Michael, love the videos/content. I'm constantly learning something new from you. I have heard you talk about your father and how he was framed. I also remember you talking about how not really anybody including Carmine went to bat for him or helped get him out. Is it possible that the Columbo family had something to do with him getting charged and put away? Possibly they needed someone to take the fall? Has that thought ever crossed your mind?

Wowed again love how real you are !! All my respect🙏

Hi Michael, congratulations on another great video by the way. I have a question. How does naming the family work? Does the incoming boss have the right to change the name if he chooses to? For example could the Gambino family have become the Castellano family when Paul became the boss, and then the Gotti family after Paul Castellano was killed?

My Grandfather would not believe his eyes, to see that in 2022 Family Members would be this thing called the internet, that everyone see's, telling... explaining, the way the Life operates. He lost a finger, just for being accused of talking to the wrong people. I however thank you for sharing, and just subscribed! Fantastic listen! Times sure have changed! I think we are witnessing the end, at least in the way we think of it. ✝️ ✌️

These small details you clarified are very insightful, thank you

Great Episode Michael I Love Hearing All History About The Mob It's Very Interesting How That Life Works

The no explosives rule might have been something put in place by the families after 9/11 a hit via explosives could bring a lot of unwanted federal attention especially during the height of the war on terror better to use gun or other methods Comment if you agree or if you have other theories

Prior to the 50/60s you had to be full blooded, but since people started marrying other nationalities, it became difficult to find guys who had parents that were both 100% Italian. This changed (loosened) the rules to the criteria of Cosa nostra. Now it's the father who must be Italian. And it'll probably change again if it hadn't already. Perhaps it'll reach a point where you just need to have a last name that ends with a vowel. Btw, lucky luciano himself was involved in the heroin trade. And Castellano was receiving money envelopes from Roy Demeo's drug dealings. Paul was showing hypocrisy in that regard which caused the members to despise him even more. And it was Salvatore Maranzano who created 4 families. He put himself as boss of bosses. After his elimination, Luciano decided to keep the 4 families (commission) and give Bonanno his own family, thus bringing the commission up from 4 families to 5. Luciano was instrumental in 3 things: 1. Heading the elimination of the mustache petes, 2. Eliminating the title of 'boss of bosses.' 3. Creating the sit-down which dissolved beefs and headed off possible conflicts among the families because he knew war was bad for business.

I've been subbed for a couple months now. I'm a former gangster here. Seen it all damn near done it all. Glad to say i walked away with no hard feelings about that life. Much love and respect too michael he's the real deal stand up guy

My condolences on the passing of your friend Andrew brother Mike. Another great video!

Honestly I’d love to hear about how the females were treated, their rules, their jobs, what not. Love your videos though!

I understand John’s statement regarding guys breaking the rules on the daily. Dealing drugs, messing with a made guys woman/women etc. I believe Michael’s era held a higher standard and penalty regarding these rules, however modern times became more watered down and guys movin on the sneak regarding a plethora of things became easier to ignore ( less earners on the street ) or simply be blinded to. None the less, you truly are an inspiration Michael and the world deserves to hear your testimony to learn from and grow with. You bring light to a dark world my friend! God Bless and No Stress sir! A soldier of Christ and genuine gentleman in my opinion. Salute to Mr. John and Michael both. 🙏🏼💪🏼🙏🏼