Mafia Democracy with Michael Franzese

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In this eye-opening episode of Keeping It Real, Jillian sits down with former Mafia capo Michael Franzese, a man who lived deep inside the world of organized crime and walked away—something almost unheard of. We dive into his fascinating life story, from his rise in the Colombo crime family to his decision to leave the Mafia behind and find redemption.

But here’s where it gets even more interesting: are the tactics of the government really that different from those of the Mafia? Michael shares his firsthand experience with the inner workings of both, exposing corruption, backroom deals, and power plays that eerily mirror what happens in the political world. From tax schemes and money laundering to loyalty, fear tactics, and backstabbing, we break down the shocking parallels between organized crime and modern government. We also explore the world of sports gambling—one of the Mafia’s biggest money-makers—and how its influence has evolved with legalization, corporate interests, and political involvement.

This is a must-listen episode for anyone who wants an unfiltered look at how power really works—whether in the streets or in Washington, D.C. Don’t miss this raw, unfiltered conversation with one of the most compelling figures in organized crime history.

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