Yes, you can tell accents. NY, Chicago. I'm Milwaukee and it's different than Chicago. My cousin is from Minneapolis and it's different. I am national and my friends in Philly talk different than NYC. LA, ATL, Boston, New Orleans, you know where someone is from. It's just like that.
I truly pray this man can stand up from this conversation and embrace the world with a new light. He got all that darkness out. Went through so much and never looked at it selfish. We need more like him.
This was very moving. You can see that Kurt is still traumatised by the way his father treated him, and all the pain in his family life. He seems like a good man. I hope he manages to find some peace.
@@BennieTarrMusic- You really shouldn’t shoot that big mouth of yours off if you don’t know what you’re talking about. I suggest you look up or read about who Frank Calabrese Sr was. He was a mass murderer. A psychopath.
Abuse is a weird monster. Drugs and abuse together is nearly impossible to navigate. Good on both of you for come out of it as well as you have; and I pray for your healing.
Great interview Michael, this was more of a intervention than a interview. I can see you’re trying to help him and I hope he finds peace. Happy thanksgiving
@@volk779 Mexican American gangs like Tango blast which are extensions of the cartels. People I served in the my military with people that were in this gang. Houston, San Antonio and El Paso are overrun by this gang and Barrios Azteca. The Russian and Ukrainian Mafia are gone basically they became businessmen by selling French bulldogs and money laundering by selling art in Miami.
@@Spad68 the Montreal mafia is was and is more powerful then the New York families combined. The Rizzuto clan is a world wide multi billion dollar syndicate
You can feel the pain coming off this man. I have my own issues with my father, but they don't rate in comparison. It's a strange thing in the brain, that someone can treat you so badly and you'll fight to defend them against anyone saying anything about them. I wish it didn't work that way.
When I see videos like these,it makes me feel more happy and grateful that I had lovely childhood, and that my parents are the best people in the world for me
Best documentary on media, today. As a former cop in another country, bless you, Michael. Probably the best learning series for young people today. Long may you share your wisdom.
Hi Michael! This was a fantastic interview. ❤️Kurt is a close and long time friend of mine. I’m so proud of him for doing this interview. His side of the story truly needs to be told. Great to see him out here in California. Another fantastic show of yours as usual ⭐️🎥🇮🇹
Thank you guys for sharing and a special thanks to Kurt as well. Never easy to try to balance out talking about a father like that. You wanna show that you've moved on but you also wanna voice out your anger.
Great interview. Mr. Calabrese really opened up. Aside from the valuable and interesting content, it was cool to hear such legit Chicago and New York accents in conversation with each other.
Yes Indeed Sir I highly respect the fact that zMichael F. was smart enough and humble enough by Gods grace To leave that LIFE , because at some point God Almighty touched his soul and encouraged him to do rite by himself and those that he loves, My hat off to You Mr. Michael Franchese, also highly tip my hat off to Mr. Calabrese for hanging in their after such a Rough upbringing wish him my very Best all the way from Melrose Park , ill
Thanks for being an inspiration to many young people and especially to the Italian community I am not Italian I am Mexican but I grew up in Melrose Park il, which has a large Italian culture especially Napolitans and calabrese. Thanks and Merry Christmas MichaelFranchese I wish you the very best in the yrs to come. Good bless Sir
I agree. Excellent interview, and to hear these two just putting it out there like this is certainly eye opening. On the note of the accents, when Mr. Calabrese started speaking at first, I wasn't watching the screen, all I could picture was Chris Farley on those SNL skits, which to me just shows what a good job he did on his accent. Of course I do not mean to make light of the seriousness, and importance, of this conversation, as well as this man's life and struggles, but it did put a smile on my face for a moment.
This interview really spoke to me. I’m shaking. My parents never had a civil conversation. Constant screaming and yelling. Discipline for me and my youngest brother was generally pretty hard beatings from both parents. I do not remember them treating my older brother, younger brother and younger sister that way. As a youngster i don’t remember my dad ever hitting my mom. But one time when i was older (maybe 20), i came home on leave from the military to surprise everyone. My first night home my mom and dad got into it. For the first time ever i saw him hit her. That was it. I grabbed him by the throat, threw him down to the ground and raised my fist prepared to beat him. Was able to regain my composure and escorted him out of the apartment. Thankfully they divorced soon after. Just like Kurt, i had trouble disciplining my children. All this affects me to this day.
I live by Melrose Park IL which is just outside Chicago - you can still feel the past there of the notorious Chicago gangsters and the family names still live there
The way you seamlessly engage in this man's story and are able to use your own experiences to subsequently let him know he's not alone and still captivate us as viewers is truly inspiring. Thank you for yet another great interview and video.
Great conversation. Appreciate Kurt being open about this. A lot of families go through what he and his family went through. I’m very thankful to have had a loving family.
As a youngster I used to believe the life was glamorous and amazing. But as Michael and Kurt explained here, you realize how destructive it is. I hope Kurt can find a happy place in his life. Michael I enjoy everything you do. I'm a big fan. And I admire how open , honest , and understanding you are. God bless
I really feel for Kurt. All this time an he is still very bothered by things. I could be wrong but my gut feeling is that he needed you Mike. He needed another good guy that he can relate to an talk about things with. I’m glad you were there for him ❤
Don't fall for it!!! I am Sicilian from Elmwood Park and believe me, this whole damn family is lying and trying to make their father look like a devil!!! Pathetic and disgusting!!!
Thank you Mr. Franzese. I'm going through a hard time and maybe in denial on certain things what's happening in my life and family. This video helped me to realize what I truly feel about it and how I want to live my life. I wish one day I'm able to meet you in person and talk to you. I wish you, your family and your guest here a wonderful life. - Big fan from Malaysia
I tell you one thing Michael you are always consistent with your quality of your videos they're always great and informative as a disabled veteran I salute you Sir and I hope that you and your entire family have a awesome thanksgiving
@@michaelfriend1853 yeah he actually lets the other person finish what they're saying and let's them answer instead of cutting them off or having that fake laugh that most other interviewers do now days
This interview not only sheds light on the dark side of “the life” - and its effects on family - but it helps counteract it as well… allowing Kurt and hopefully others to heal today 🙏
Great interview. What I took away was the fact that when you go along with a certain lifestyle that isn’t you, you eventually push back, no matter what the consequences. The fact that you live through it all is an honour to your spirit.
This sit down has Really got to me. Because my life was in between the two of you guys. My father had connections with the mob.. just saying, Dad was extremely honorable person, I was daddy’s favorite… dad gave us everything we wanted pretty much “ good childhood “ I covered, helped, stood up for them… etc. unfortunately after we lost dad, my siblings really did aweful things & I helped my siblings… slowly but surely my siblings I was so close to, have Betrayed me in horribly ways!!! Listening to you guys Sooo makes me feel so good, my siblings still doing bad things even to each other, I…. Took myself out of my family, I know their still talking crap about me, but I know for a FACT I’m the happiest one of all of them! Listening to this just validates I know I’m a better person 😊. It does saddens me what a couple of them done to me. But I took the High road instead of being in their web. Thx you for reminding me I’m a good person & Dad IS Proud of me. Because I listened to stuff “ life lessons “ and I followed through!!! I’m still my father’s daughter!!!!! 😊😊😊❤❤❤
Congratulations Love that you made it out Im Proud Of You For making it out and expanding your world & perspective of your world i love it when i hear and or see people reach a personal goal of theirs and or make a breakthrough in anything from a project that your working on all the way to a spiritual/ mental breakthrough. But Your Family Is And Forever Will Be Their Even On Bad Terms They Had Been Their And Will Be Their When They a Are Most Needed Regardless .That's Your Family At The End Of The Day And I Don't Know What's Going On With Your Family At The Moment But The Past Is The 0ast. DON'T Try To 0ut Yourself So Above Them like you said you guys did things your not proud of together and their Is nothing wrong with feeling confidence in yourself for taking a different route at the same time you shouldn't compare your happiness. you guys all have different standards, perspectives & also have had different paths of growth. Because all of you guys includin yourself have and will continue to grow overtime .
I grew up in the same neighborhood as Mr Calbrese. His family was very well known. The whole neighborhood was dealing with the same things. I moved away a few years ago and started a new life out West. I have found incredible success and made some amazing friendships. I'm writing a book about my experiences because every therapist I've seen (4 over 20 years) has told me that I should write a book. Family can become like crabs in a bucket. They pull down the ones who are trying to get out. I wish you the best of luck and I hope you have a bright and happy future.
Thank you Michael for the extended version of this sit down with Kurt. Very interesting and super engaging the way you guys bounced off each other with your stories and upbringing. Happy thanksgiving to you and you family!
Love watching Michael franzese Such a cool customer . It’s mad what he’s actually been through and to come out the other end is incredible. Not seen this one yet soon as I finish work I’ll watch straight away . God bless Mike keep up the great work sir .
Man, I really feel for Kurt. It's so so sad. Hang in there Kurt... Your a stand up human being and have some battle scars. I get it... I hear a sadness in your voice... Your a survivor even if sometimes you don't feel like one. Your the true man and sometimes that's harder than anything! God bless you and your loved ones.. You have learned from your father... Don't treat your children like he treated you...
Michael, I can really appreciate the message you convey in explaining to people how that life hurts and destroys so many people, including ourselves. I to thank god for giving me a chance to redeem myself,it’s a process,but I’ve never gave up. May the Almighty guide you and Kurt to what’s best in this life and the next. Amin
I think this is the most hard-hitting, completely honest of interviews that I've ever seen. It underscores your advice to young men, Michael, to stay clear of the seductions of organized crime. Kurt fell into it by process of birth, but what a thing for others to choose; a legacy of never-ending pain for families. God bless you both!
Oh my goodness, I feel so bad for this man! I see that brokenness and trauma in his demeanor, and for him to lament on his feelings and personal tragedies is healing for him, I thank you Mr Francese for allowing him to talk and share his testimony! Even tho I have not grown up in this lifestyle, my Mother and I have suffered great tragedy, but you know, in all of this pain and suffering we as believers that put our trust in Christ our all in all, our very substance, in him we have great hope ,great joy, and a great future with him, this life is passing, and as a Christian that lost half of my family to tragedy by the time I was 7, Christ has been my everything, now at 64 in remission for pancreatic cancer I have to totally rest in him , because my future here is uncertain, please, if you could contact this man your interviewing and tell him their is total complete healing in Christ Our Savior and King! Love you all! And please remember, our mission in life is to know Christ and make him known! ❤❤❤
This was deep. I feel bad for this man. I had a bad relationship w my dad. Mean, abusive, his way or the highway kind of guy. I always had a chip on my shoulder but he was my dad, so I dealt with it. It wasn't until I had children, and he started acting like that towards them, then we had a big problem. I hope this man finds comfort and peace.
Grew up with Kurt in the same neighborhood Always a gentleman and one of the nicest, most respectful ( and respected )guys you’ll ever have the pleasure to know.
Excellent sit down Michael, and as a man who grew up with abuse, I truly appreciate hearing how someone else handled it and grew up. Two things that I will never do is hurt a woman in anger and never more than a spanking on a kids ass, which I never had to do. Thank you for your interviews. They have been very inspirational and helpful to me as I try to make a better life for my wife and I
Interesting to see the parallels between Kurt and Michael. The family dynamics aren't exactly the same, but the love the both of you had for your fathers, despite being flawed is something few can understand. Because I deal with it too. But it's also glaring the relationship the both of you share about your siblings. All the glory of the mob, and like Michael says. No one gets anything glorious in terms of how much the family unit decays. Glad to watch this one between two people that understand each other.
PLEASE put this guy in touch with Dr. Peterson 🙏🙏😢 I could FEEL the hurt, distrust, bitterness, regret, sadness and brokenness as soon as he started talking about his dad 😭 I don’t know if your ppl will read this Michael but I’m only asking for his own good 😔 This guy needs help and I mean ZERO disrespect to say so. PS - I wrote my comment before Michael talked about JP!!! 👏☺️👍That REALLY made my day!!!
I've grown up knowing and respecting you for a lot of years. I have my story, you have yours. I, nor ANYONE ELSE, has the right to pick and sort through you or your decisions. Me, growing up in Philly, doing cigarette and money runs for the guys at 12-13 years old, is not even close to the realm that you lived in. I understand what EVERYONE SAYS AND WHY. But you are a commendable man, husband, and father who made some big scary changes. I will ALWAYS look to you like the man's man that I learned about. My opinion has no affect on you or anyone else, I'm not anyone special, but I know what I know and I see what I see. Thank you, for all of the things that you don't even know about, but has helped so many. YOU ARE AND WILL ALWAYS BE A GREAT MAN OF INTEGRITY. God bless 🙌 🙏
There is a certain nostalgia from the 90s in Chicago. I can’t even describe it it was beautiful and terrifying too. This interview brought back a lot of the nostalgia.
A family is all about relationships. You have a different relationship with each member. It’s not better or worse just a different relationship. I’ve struggled with this idea my step kids and biological because I didn’t want to make any of them feel lesser. In the end I’ve come to the conclusion that I have individual connections with them each as special as the next but for different reasons.
Michael, I got goosebumps when you described your father, Sonny, insofar as the ultimate loyalty your father had within him--which is a VERY admirable quality--but unfortunately he was using it in The Life. In other words, unlike MANY duplicitous mobsters (Italian, Irish, Russian, etc.), there were also a number of them, like your father, who I/you/others could, despite his obvious flaws, see the good side of too...and that I firmly believe insofar as your father was concerned. Don't get me wrong, MANY mobsters were/are the very epitome of just flat-out evil, but every time I saw and watched your father, he always struck me as a stand-up guy, and that was/is something to always respect. Michael, also a GREAT interview with Kurt Calabrese, who also has an incredible story to tell. God bless :)
Michael, if I may, I am a Pastor here in Chicago who also works as a Mental Health Professional. You were talking about Jordan Peterson's question about who is the "real you." The answer to that question obviously starts with your identity in Christ but I can see very clear and definite gifts and talents in you for counseling and pastoral ministry. It rather "emanates" from your character and personality.........for whatever that's worth, brother. Keep serving God and doing the great work!
Right on Michael, thanks for giving us more on this story, it just felt like he had more to say last time but thank you again and Happy Thanksgiving to you and your familia
Poor Kirt, I feel for him. He' reminds me of my good sister, hes all heart. I wonder if he's able to get councelling to help him deal with the young years maybe dealing with his dad's abuse would help him release some guilt and then deal with some of of the other trauma. I wish him well, he's a really sweet guy
Hi Michael love your show.listening to Kurt telling you that he cannot trust his brother.reminds me of thesad lesson William Prince of Wales is learning about his brother.Glad to see you both came through okay.🙏✌️🇭🇲
I'm still Baffled that your old man knew Scarface and the Chicago outfit and also crossed paths with Lucky Luciano, those guys go back to the Mano Nera era of the US
It’s not just looks, if the child has the other parent’s personality traits then that child reminds them of the other parent too and I’ve seen many times mothers treat their daughter differently because the daughter is a lot like the father.
In Chicago, there are so many different street gangs. And in Chicago, there was a Italian gang called the C Notes,which is now mixed. But the Outfit would have the C Notes do things on the streets, like selling EX, running afew night clubs in the Western burbs,like Zero Gravity. But alot of Outfit guys are ex C Notes. On my moms side, I had alot of family that were C Notes in the late 70s n 80s. The Outfit had a Grand Ave crew, which was right by the C Notes Motherland. I grew up not that far from Chicago/Damen were the Notes had sets,all over there, but were I grew up, it was all Latino, I was the only white kid,in my school, most of the area.
Italians are Latino.I'm Cuban w/some Italian but Italians are more Latino than anybody..The Latins first come out of Italy & the Romans spoke Latin...White is not a race.
@@TakeNoShitgang444 are you from Chicago? Im Italian/Irish, in Chicago streets if ur not Mexican/PR,ect ur considered White. In Chi, the gangs run by Latin Folkz or People, or Black Folkz or People. Even the oldschool White street gangs (Irish, Italian, Polish, ect) nowadays run under Latin Folks or People. I was given the name White Boy Mikke G, around the age of 8 years old. I no Italian is very close 2 Latin, but in the Chi states, ur either White,Latino, or Black. My moms mom is from Sicily,and my dads side is Irish. Im just telling you how things run in Chicago. Well during the 80s n 90s, alot of shit has changed with this newer generation. But there are LaRaza streetgang,that are all Mexican. they wont let any other nationality in. I dont no if that changed, I only new afew,that I went 2 HS with. But if ur Italian in Chicago, your White.
That Midwest accent is intriguing. It's the same accent Dan Akroyd used in his role in "Tommy Boy". I spent 3 years in Central Wisconsin and was bewildered.
This is awful to hear, abusive and troubled people shouldn’t have family. Glad you stand up men are talking about this because there’s ppl that deal with this in the past and present. Happy Thanksgivings to all.
Exactly! When a man n woman are wanting g to start a family....BOTH SGOULD SUSTAIN A TOTAL MENTAL EVALUATION!!!!!!! N THEN THIS KINDA BS, N ALL BS THAT PERSISTS TODAY, CAN BE AVOIDED!!!!!
What you are doing is very important. You are helping so many people by really illustrating that with God we can prevail and overcome. I really think you should keep communicating with Kurt, keep showing him and offering your example because I believe you can help him see that he too can overcome, prevail, and have a better happy life. I wish the interview was longer and could be more in depth. Please bring him on again. Please also open the inner circle. I am on the waiting list@
It’s pretty wild, you hear more of the Chicago accent in the Chicagoland portion of Indiana and the outer suburbs of Chicago as opposed to the city itself nowadays
Very nice interview Mr. Franzese. I’d love to see you guys sit down again and have a conversation about what the differences were between growing up around the outfit and the Five Families. Love to see these sit downs with guys from other cities.
What differences...? They’re all murican LCN families. In Chicago, Italians were minorities & were forced to be more camouflaged. In the tri-state area, Italian are extremely numerous, and so they could be more extroverted with the lifestyle.
Thanks Michael. Lots of insight into what happens inside the Mob family. Drugs and the "easy money" is definitely one of the main reasons for the decline of the original Cosa Nostra. As a LEO of 4 decades, I dealt with many different aspects of organized crime. there were many times we would sit around and talk about how we wished the Mob was still in the "sin businesses" instead of the evil of narcotics. Before the Cartels and MS13 etc We were able to approach almost any made guy and talk to him. Not so much the gang punks of today. God Bless You, keep telling your story.
Michael, I grew up in south central Wisconsin, not far from Madison. My exposure was what comes in a book, novel, or movie. I knew there was overlap with mobsters in the past with prohibition alcohol bootlegging up through the State, and being not far from Chicago. It was later I found out/realized the mob was very active in Milwaukee and to degrees in Madison and Rockford, and my hometown was in that mix geographically, so I’m sure not untouched. I remember in middle school there was a local scandal with some more prominent local family names in construction involving price fixing and kickbacks etc. and was in school with their kids. I guess my thing was geez, I really, really, don’t want to somehow get caught up in something even just innocently with mob people. That probably served me well. But, because of the secretive nature of it, how would you necessarily even know until it was too late? That scared me. But, we do have Calvary Chapel and Greg Laurie in common. I gave my life to Christ at Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa in the early 80’s. I’m back in Wisconsin, but have family in SoCal still.
You can see the pain in his expression. May the Lord bless Kurt with inner peace.
“Some days I don’t feel like I survived.” What a deep conversation. This program is second-to-none. I hope it lasts forever.
If Micheals genetics are anything to go by we still have another 30+ years lol
The Chicago & New York accent in one room. So great 🤣🤙
Da Bears
Yes, you can tell accents. NY, Chicago. I'm Milwaukee and it's different than Chicago. My cousin is from Minneapolis and it's different. I am national and my friends in Philly talk different than NYC. LA, ATL, Boston, New Orleans, you know where someone is from. It's just like that.
@ClemonsHuntclub876got to close it out with Jagoff
Tf is a Chicago accent 😂 he doesn’t sound like he has an accent at all
I truly pray this man can stand up from this conversation and embrace the world with a new light. He got all that darkness out. Went through so much and never looked at it selfish. We need more like him.
GET HIM BACK ON, MICHAEL., THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST SIT DOWNS YOU’VE EVER DONE.
This was very moving. You can see that Kurt is still traumatised by the way his father treated him, and all the pain in his family life. He seems like a good man. I hope he manages to find some peace.
Poor little guineas.
Boo hoo
@@BennieTarrMusic- You really shouldn’t shoot that big mouth of yours off if you don’t know what you’re talking about. I suggest you look up or read about who Frank Calabrese Sr was.
He was a mass murderer. A psychopath.
He’s a lying junkie thief
@@BennieTarrMusic to go out of your way to be scum, speaks volumes of the poor quality person ya are.
Abuse is a weird monster. Drugs and abuse together is nearly impossible to navigate. Good on both of you for come out of it as well as you have; and I pray for your healing.
a new york guy and a chicago guy i love it!!!
Great interview Michael, this was more of a intervention than a interview. I can see you’re trying to help him and I hope he finds peace. Happy thanksgiving
@@michaelfranzese in your opinion which ethnic organized crime group is the most dangerous and dominant in the USA nowdays?
@@michaelfranzesehey mike could you please talk about the Montreal Mafia
@@volk779 Mexican American gangs like Tango blast which are extensions of the cartels. People I served in the my military with people that were in this gang. Houston, San Antonio and El Paso are overrun by this gang and Barrios Azteca. The Russian and Ukrainian Mafia are gone basically they became businessmen by selling French bulldogs and money laundering by selling art in Miami.
@@mafiaMk87 there's a few families . I'm from Montreal .
@@Spad68 the Montreal mafia is was and is more powerful then the New York families combined. The Rizzuto clan is a world wide multi billion dollar syndicate
You can feel the pain coming off this man. I have my own issues with my father, but they don't rate in comparison. It's a strange thing in the brain, that someone can treat you so badly and you'll fight to defend them against anyone saying anything about them. I wish it didn't work that way.
In that type of life, you're bred for that
When I see videos like these,it makes me feel more happy and grateful that I had lovely childhood, and that my parents are the best people in the world for me
Best documentary on media, today. As a former cop in another country, bless you, Michael. Probably the best learning series for young people today. Long may you share your wisdom.
Hi Michael! This was a fantastic interview. ❤️Kurt is a close and long time friend of mine. I’m so proud of him for doing this interview. His side of the story truly needs to be told. Great to see him out here in California. Another fantastic show of yours as usual ⭐️🎥🇮🇹
Thank you guys for sharing and a special thanks to Kurt as well. Never easy to try to balance out talking about a father like that. You wanna show that you've moved on but you also wanna voice out your anger.
Great interview. Mr. Calabrese really opened up. Aside from the valuable and interesting content, it was cool to hear such legit Chicago and New York accents in conversation with each other.
His dad calabrese sr is a real G
Yes Indeed Sir I highly respect the fact that zMichael F. was smart enough and humble enough by Gods grace To leave that LIFE , because at some point God Almighty touched his soul and encouraged him to do rite by himself and those that he loves, My hat off to You Mr. Michael Franchese, also highly tip my hat off to Mr. Calabrese for hanging in their after such a Rough upbringing wish him my very Best all the way from Melrose Park , ill
Thanks for being an inspiration to many young people and especially to the Italian community I am not Italian I am Mexican but I grew up in Melrose Park il, which has a large Italian culture especially Napolitans and calabrese. Thanks and Merry Christmas MichaelFranchese I wish you the very best in the yrs to come. Good bless Sir
Kurt’s westside accent is almost cartoonish
I agree. Excellent interview, and to hear these two just putting it out there like this is certainly eye opening. On the note of the accents, when Mr. Calabrese started speaking at first, I wasn't watching the screen, all I could picture was Chris Farley on those SNL skits, which to me just shows what a good job he did on his accent. Of course I do not mean to make light of the seriousness, and importance, of this conversation, as well as this man's life and struggles, but it did put a smile on my face for a moment.
This interview really spoke to me. I’m shaking. My parents never had a civil conversation. Constant screaming and yelling. Discipline for me and my youngest brother was generally pretty hard beatings from both parents. I do not remember them treating my older brother,
younger brother and younger sister that way.
As a youngster i don’t remember my dad ever hitting my mom.
But one time when i was older (maybe 20), i came home on leave from the military to surprise everyone.
My first night home my mom and dad got into it. For the first time ever i saw him hit her. That was it. I grabbed him by the throat, threw him down to the ground and raised my fist prepared to beat him. Was able to regain my composure and escorted him out of the apartment. Thankfully they divorced soon after. Just like Kurt, i had trouble disciplining my children. All this affects me to this day.
I live by Melrose Park IL which is just outside Chicago - you can still feel the past there of the notorious Chicago gangsters and the family names still live there
Fellow Christian Michael, I really appreciate all your podcasts and your messages. Thank you for your good work. God bless you, Sir. 🙏
The way you seamlessly engage in this man's story and are able to use your own experiences to subsequently let him know he's not alone and still captivate us as viewers is truly inspiring. Thank you for yet another great interview and video.
Great conversation. Appreciate Kurt being open about this. A lot of families go through what he and his family went through. I’m very thankful to have had a loving family.
As a youngster I used to believe the life was glamorous and amazing. But as Michael and Kurt explained here, you realize how destructive it is. I hope Kurt can find a happy place in his life. Michael I enjoy everything you do. I'm a big fan. And I admire how open , honest , and understanding you are. God bless
Michael you’re a great interviewer. Most interviewers ask a question and talk over the person while they’re answering.
I really feel for Kurt. All this time an he is still very bothered by things. I could be wrong but my gut feeling is that he needed you Mike. He needed another good guy that he can relate to an talk about things with. I’m glad you were there for him ❤
Don't fall for it!!! I am Sicilian from Elmwood Park and believe me, this whole damn family is lying and trying to make their father look like a devil!!! Pathetic and disgusting!!!
He is a very likeable guy and i feel like he is very genuine. Love this sit down.
I think you couldn't be more of a man of honor than you've become today. Im captivated by your sitdowns.
wtf??? It supposed to be about the guest but francheesy keeps interrupting and making it about himself lol
Thank you Mr. Franzese. I'm going through a hard time and maybe in denial on certain things what's happening in my life and family. This video helped me to realize what I truly feel about it and how I want to live my life. I wish one day I'm able to meet you in person and talk to you. I wish you, your family and your guest here a wonderful life.
- Big fan from Malaysia
Psycho
so rough, very touching, what a cruel father. Kurt i wish you all and nothing but the best sir!
You are a complete natural at these interviews. I watch lots of similar podcast, Micheal is on the different level.
God bless you Michael. It is always enjoyable to hear a story of success that we owe to Him, and those that care for us.
Mr Franzese has a way of talking that is so compelling and thoughtful. A fan from South Africa.. keep up the good work sir
I tell you one thing Michael you are always consistent with your quality of your videos they're always great and informative as a disabled veteran I salute you Sir and I hope that you and your entire family have a awesome thanksgiving
Uncle Mike is the man.
@@Tyronebabydaddy I completely agree with you and he's a good uncle to have lol
He’s also a great interviewer.
@@michaelfriend1853 yeah he actually lets the other person finish what they're saying and let's them answer instead of cutting them off or having that fake laugh that most other interviewers do now days
This interview not only sheds light on the dark side of “the life” - and its effects on family - but it helps counteract it as well… allowing Kurt and hopefully others to heal today 🙏
Great interview. What I took away was the fact that when you go along with a certain lifestyle that isn’t you, you eventually push back, no matter what the consequences. The fact that you live through it all is an honour to your spirit.
This sit down has Really got to me. Because my life was in between the two of you guys. My father had connections with the mob.. just saying, Dad was extremely honorable person, I was daddy’s favorite… dad gave us everything we wanted pretty much “ good childhood “
I covered, helped, stood up for them… etc. unfortunately after we lost dad, my siblings really did aweful things & I helped my siblings… slowly but surely my siblings I was so close to, have Betrayed me in horribly ways!!!
Listening to you guys Sooo makes me feel so good, my siblings still doing bad things even to each other, I…. Took myself out of my family, I know their still talking crap about me, but I know for a FACT I’m the happiest one of all of them! Listening to this just validates I know I’m a better person 😊. It does saddens me what a couple of them done to me. But I took the High road instead of being in their web.
Thx you for reminding me I’m a good person & Dad IS Proud of me.
Because I listened to stuff “ life lessons “ and I followed through!!!
I’m still my father’s daughter!!!!! 😊😊😊❤❤❤
Congratulations Love that you made it out Im Proud Of You For making it out and expanding your world & perspective of your world i love it when i hear and or see people reach a personal goal of theirs and or make a breakthrough in anything from a project that your working on all the way to a spiritual/ mental breakthrough. But Your Family Is And Forever Will Be Their Even On Bad Terms They Had Been Their And Will Be Their When They a
Are Most Needed Regardless .That's Your Family At The End Of The Day And I Don't Know What's Going On With Your Family At The Moment But The Past Is The 0ast. DON'T Try To 0ut Yourself So Above Them like you said you guys did things your not proud of together and their Is nothing wrong with feeling confidence in yourself for taking a different route at the same time you shouldn't compare your happiness. you guys all have different standards, perspectives & also have had different paths of growth. Because all of you guys includin yourself have and will continue to grow overtime .
I grew up in the same neighborhood as Mr Calbrese. His family was very well known. The whole neighborhood was dealing with the same things. I moved away a few years ago and started a new life out West. I have found incredible success and made some amazing friendships. I'm writing a book about my experiences because every therapist I've seen (4 over 20 years) has told me that I should write a book. Family can become like crabs in a bucket. They pull down the ones who are trying to get out. I wish you the best of luck and I hope you have a bright and happy future.
Thank you Michael for the extended version of this sit down with Kurt. Very interesting and super engaging the way you guys bounced off each other with your stories and upbringing. Happy thanksgiving to you and you family!
Except they're criminals though
@@MarcusAurelius7777 they're people. Just like the rest of us
@@christiangraff5236 Nah, murdering trash is different.
Love watching Michael franzese
Such a cool customer . It’s mad what he’s actually been through and to come out the other end is incredible. Not seen this one yet soon as I finish work I’ll watch straight away . God bless Mike keep up the great work sir .
Has he REALLY come out ‘the other end ‘ ? ? ?
I see a RUclips ‘Influencer’ glamourizing Evil .
Man, I really feel for Kurt. It's so so sad. Hang in there Kurt... Your a stand up human being and have some battle scars. I get it... I hear a sadness in your voice... Your a survivor even if sometimes you don't feel like one. Your the true man and sometimes that's harder than anything! God bless you and your loved ones.. You have learned from your father... Don't treat your children like he treated you...
I don't know how you're not up to 100 million subscribers already. Always amazing stuff, keep up the good work.
Michael, I can really appreciate the message you convey in explaining to people how that life hurts and destroys so many people, including ourselves. I to thank god for giving me a chance to redeem myself,it’s a process,but I’ve never gave up. May the Almighty guide you and Kurt to what’s best in this life and the next. Amin
I think this is the most hard-hitting, completely honest of interviews that I've ever seen. It underscores your advice to young men, Michael, to stay clear of the seductions of organized crime. Kurt fell into it by process of birth, but what a thing for others to choose; a legacy of never-ending pain for families. God bless you both!
Ive just left a really bad narcissistic abusive relationship and there is so much scope that fits this interview. Peace and love 🇬🇧❤🇺🇸
Oh my goodness, I feel so bad for this man! I see that brokenness and trauma in his demeanor, and for him to lament on his feelings and personal tragedies is healing for him, I thank you Mr Francese for allowing him to talk and share his testimony! Even tho I have not grown up in this lifestyle, my Mother and I have suffered great tragedy, but you know, in all of this pain and suffering we as believers that put our trust in Christ our all in all, our very substance, in him we have great hope ,great joy, and a great future with him, this life is passing, and as a Christian that lost half of my family to tragedy by the time I was 7, Christ has been my everything, now at 64 in remission for pancreatic cancer I have to totally rest in him , because my future here is uncertain, please, if you could contact this man your interviewing and tell him their is total complete healing in Christ Our Savior and King! Love you all! And please remember, our mission in life is to know Christ and make him known! ❤❤❤
Excellent sit down Michael. It was very moving to see how you want to help this man , God bless to you both 🙏
This was deep. I feel bad for this man. I had a bad relationship w my dad. Mean, abusive, his way or the highway kind of guy. I always had a chip on my shoulder but he was my dad, so I dealt with it. It wasn't until I had children, and he started acting like that towards them, then we had a big problem. I hope this man finds comfort and peace.
Well said God bless you both . Some carry the scars of violence forever.
Grew up with Kurt in the same neighborhood
Always a gentleman and one of the nicest, most respectful ( and respected )guys you’ll ever have the pleasure to know.
EP
Excellent sit down Michael, and as a man who grew up with abuse, I truly appreciate hearing how someone else handled it and grew up. Two things that I will never do is hurt a woman in anger and never more than a spanking on a kids ass, which I never had to do.
Thank you for your interviews. They have been very inspirational and helpful to me as I try to make a better life for my wife and I
I grew up a few blocks from Kurt,mutual friends,nice guy...everyone in the neighborhood knew his dads rep,he was real deal
What a inspiration you are mr franzese. With love and respect from all of Australia
Interesting to see the parallels between Kurt and Michael. The family dynamics aren't exactly the same, but the love the both of you had for your fathers, despite being flawed is something few can understand. Because I deal with it too. But it's also glaring the relationship the both of you share about your siblings. All the glory of the mob, and like Michael says. No one gets anything glorious in terms of how much the family unit decays. Glad to watch this one between two people that understand each other.
PLEASE put this guy in touch with Dr. Peterson 🙏🙏😢 I could FEEL the hurt, distrust, bitterness, regret, sadness and brokenness as soon as he started talking about his dad 😭
I don’t know if your ppl will read this Michael but I’m only asking for his own good 😔 This guy needs help and I mean ZERO disrespect to say so.
PS - I wrote my comment before Michael talked about JP!!! 👏☺️👍That REALLY made my day!!!
Amazing and inspiring interview. I'm so very sorry that you both had to live in those situations. Thoughts and prayers for both of you.
I've grown up knowing and respecting you for a lot of years. I have my story, you have yours. I, nor ANYONE ELSE, has the right to pick and sort through you or your decisions. Me, growing up in Philly, doing cigarette and money runs for the guys at 12-13 years old, is not even close to the realm that you lived in. I understand what EVERYONE SAYS AND WHY. But you are a commendable man, husband, and father who made some big scary changes. I will ALWAYS look to you like the man's man that I learned about. My opinion has no affect on you or anyone else, I'm not anyone special, but I know what I know and I see what I see. Thank you, for all of the things that you don't even know about, but has helped so many. YOU ARE AND WILL ALWAYS BE A GREAT MAN OF INTEGRITY. God bless 🙌 🙏
Fascinating interview. What a nice guy Kurt is - pains me to see how he is still haunted by the past.
He betrayed his father. Wouldn't you be ashamed?
Not only an excellent interview but a really enjoyable listen with these vintage NY and Chi accents
There is a certain nostalgia from the 90s in Chicago. I can’t even describe it it was beautiful and terrifying too. This interview brought back a lot of the nostalgia.
Totally agree 💯
The 90s was just peak Chicago. All the good and bad the city has to offer. Mostly good as I remember it.
I was just talking bout 90s chicago, christmas time downtown, etc, fireworks lake Michigan
@@mykiemilford720 is it different now?
@@ChrisTokarski-v2y , the summer festivals in all the different neighborhoods
Thankyou for the content Michael. We appreciate it.
A family is all about relationships. You have a different relationship with each member. It’s not better or worse just a different relationship. I’ve struggled with this idea my step kids and biological because I didn’t want to make any of them feel lesser. In the end I’ve come to the conclusion that I have individual connections with them each as special as the next but for different reasons.
Nothing but respect for both of you men telling your stories.. Honesty is always so important..
Hi Michael this is probably the best sit down you ve done I really felt for Kurt and such an interesting sit down keep up the great work
Thanks Michael, so much for being such an inspiring figure, a voice of reason, family, and faith. God bless you and your family
Happy Thanksgiving, Michael! It's such a shame Kurt had to endure that. My heart goes out to him. Great video, and keep up the great work 👍
Incredible conversation. Thanks to both of you for sharing.
Great interview. Thanks for shining a light on this other side of the mob life aside from what we see in the movies.
Michael, I got goosebumps when you described your father, Sonny, insofar as the ultimate loyalty your father had within him--which is a VERY admirable quality--but unfortunately he was using it in The Life. In other words, unlike MANY duplicitous mobsters (Italian, Irish, Russian, etc.), there were also a number of them, like your father, who I/you/others could, despite his obvious flaws, see the good side of too...and that I firmly believe insofar as your father was concerned.
Don't get me wrong, MANY mobsters were/are the very epitome of just flat-out evil, but every time I saw and watched your father, he always struck me as a stand-up guy, and that was/is something to always respect. Michael, also a GREAT interview with Kurt Calabrese, who also has an incredible story to tell. God bless :)
Happy thanksgiving from Glasgow Michael hope you and your family have a good one
Michael, if I may, I am a Pastor here in Chicago who also works as a Mental Health Professional. You were talking about Jordan Peterson's question about who is the "real you." The answer to that question obviously starts with your identity in Christ but I can see very clear and definite gifts and talents in you for counseling and pastoral ministry. It rather "emanates" from your character and personality.........for whatever that's worth, brother. Keep serving God and doing the great work!
Right on Michael, thanks for giving us more on this story, it just felt like he had more to say last time but thank you again and Happy Thanksgiving to you and your familia
This is one of my favorite sit downs you uploaded .
Happy Thanksgiving Mr.Franzese! I commute to work at UPS every morning around 2:30am and I love listening to your stories on the way.
This is the best interview ive seen! god bless to both of you !
Great interview Mike. Great to hear Kurt’s side of things.
Poor Kirt, I feel for him. He' reminds me of my good sister, hes all heart. I wonder if he's able to get councelling to help him deal with the young years maybe dealing with his dad's abuse would help him release some guilt and then deal with some of of the other trauma. I wish him well, he's a really sweet guy
I can see the amount of sad 😥 in his eyes. Thanks for the interview MICHAEL.
KEEP DOING THE GOOD WORK 👍
Hi Michael love your show.listening to Kurt telling you that he cannot trust his brother.reminds me of thesad lesson William Prince of Wales is learning about his brother.Glad to see you both came through okay.🙏✌️🇭🇲
This has been my favorite interview you’ve done. Well done. 🎉
I'm still Baffled that your old man knew Scarface and the Chicago outfit and also crossed paths with Lucky Luciano, those guys go back to the Mano Nera era of the US
Sometimes a parent will treat a child differently if he/she looks like the husband or wife . Typical they hate their spouse , or themselves.
If they hate anyone they must already hate themself.
I've seen and heard it all too often.
It’s not just looks, if the child has the other parent’s personality traits then that child reminds them of the other parent too and I’ve seen many times mothers treat their daughter differently because the daughter is a lot like the father.
@@James_Edward59 good point !
I've had this issue with my mother because of my father and her's past, and I'm the spitting image of my dad, we act and talk the same
Thank you Mike and Kurt for being opened and aiding others to leave the criminal life.
In Chicago, there are so many different street gangs. And in Chicago, there was a Italian gang called the C Notes,which is now mixed. But the Outfit would have the C Notes do things on the streets, like selling EX, running afew night clubs in the Western burbs,like Zero Gravity. But alot of Outfit guys are ex C Notes. On my moms side, I had alot of family that were C Notes in the late 70s n 80s. The Outfit had a Grand Ave crew, which was right by the C Notes Motherland. I grew up not that far from Chicago/Damen were the Notes had sets,all over there, but were I grew up, it was all Latino, I was the only white kid,in my school, most of the area.
Remember the “ C notes” being the farm team for the Outfit.
Italians are Latino.I'm Cuban w/some Italian but Italians are more Latino than anybody..The Latins first come out of Italy & the Romans spoke Latin...White is not a race.
@@chicagorobb3956 pretty much. My brother grew up with C-Notes and it was pretty much the outfits way of grooming the kids for recruitment.
@@TakeNoShitgang444 are you from Chicago? Im Italian/Irish, in Chicago streets if ur not Mexican/PR,ect ur considered White. In Chi, the gangs run by Latin Folkz or People, or Black Folkz or People. Even the oldschool White street gangs (Irish, Italian, Polish, ect) nowadays run under Latin Folks or People. I was given the name White Boy Mikke G, around the age of 8 years old. I no Italian is very close 2 Latin, but in the Chi states, ur either White,Latino, or Black. My moms mom is from Sicily,and my dads side is Irish. Im just telling you how things run in Chicago. Well during the 80s n 90s, alot of shit has changed with this newer generation. But there are LaRaza streetgang,that are all Mexican. they wont let any other nationality in. I dont no if that changed, I only new afew,that I went 2 HS with. But if ur Italian in Chicago, your White.
damn, I remember zero gravity. That place is old school.
That Midwest accent is intriguing. It's the same accent Dan Akroyd used in his role in "Tommy Boy". I spent 3 years in Central Wisconsin and was bewildered.
What a thanksgiving treat!!
This is awful to hear, abusive and troubled people shouldn’t have family. Glad you stand up men are talking about this because there’s ppl that deal with this in the past and present. Happy Thanksgivings to all.
Exactly! When a man n woman are wanting g to start a family....BOTH SGOULD SUSTAIN A TOTAL MENTAL EVALUATION!!!!!!! N THEN THIS KINDA BS, N ALL BS THAT PERSISTS TODAY, CAN BE AVOIDED!!!!!
@@carolyn9andthecats653 I agree. Marriage licenses should require pre-marriage counseling from their faith leader.
@@JeffCaplan313 lmao
Happy Thanksgiving 🦃🍁 my friend God Bless you and your family
I want to see more Chicago wise guys on your show. God bless and Happy Thanksgiving. 😊 🦃
Like who....? Chicago has had TWO made men flip in nearly a century of existence, and only one lived to testify
Mob life is not the romanticized life you see in the movies. Kurt Calabrese explained the real Mob life.
What a sweet and tough guy, thanks for this Michael.
God bless Sir, you are truly doing the lord's work all praise and glory to him for where you are and how you got your family away from that lifestyle.
@@michaelfranzese honest question Michael. Do you miss that lifestyle at all...??Power, Brotherhood etc.
What you are doing is very important. You are helping so many people by really illustrating that with God we can prevail and overcome. I really think you should keep communicating with Kurt, keep showing him and offering your example because I believe you can help him see that he too can overcome, prevail, and have a better happy life. I wish the interview was longer and could be more in depth. Please bring him on again. Please also open the inner circle. I am on the waiting list@
Great interview Micheal. Very honest. Keep up the great content. It’s very helpful for people. 👍
Thank you, Michael. Awesome guest in Kurt Calabrese. We wish him the best. That's one hell of an upbringing he's lived through.
The simple answer to who you think you are or become, you become a product of your surroundings.
Michael...Happy Thanksgiving & good health to You & Your Family. ✌
He really wanted to share his story. Thanks to both of you.
So nice to hear that Chicago accent. It's almost gone in the city 😢
Hey , what accent??
It’s pretty wild, you hear more of the Chicago accent in the Chicagoland portion of Indiana and the outer suburbs of Chicago as opposed to the city itself nowadays
Transplants have infiltrated. Ohio, Michigan, Iowa, etc. then call themselves Chicagoans.
@@zachhoward9099 For real, it's like some people have it and some don't. Wonder why that is.
@@zachhoward9099Yet all of them claim they’re from the city!
Very nice interview Mr. Franzese. I’d love to see you guys sit down again and have a conversation about what the differences were between growing up around the outfit and the Five Families. Love to see these sit downs with guys from other cities.
What differences...? They’re all murican LCN families. In Chicago, Italians were minorities & were forced to be more camouflaged. In the tri-state area, Italian are extremely numerous, and so they could be more extroverted with the lifestyle.
Thanks Michael. Lots of insight into what happens inside the Mob family. Drugs and the "easy money" is definitely one of the main reasons for the decline of the original Cosa Nostra. As a LEO of 4 decades, I dealt with many different aspects of organized crime. there were many times we would sit around and talk about how we wished the Mob was still in the "sin businesses" instead of the evil of narcotics. Before the Cartels and MS13 etc We were able to approach almost any made guy and talk to him. Not so much the gang punks of today. God Bless You, keep telling your story.
Both the mob and the gangs are garbage
Real life lessons here from two very wise guys. 🧐👍 Thanks for sharing.
Who ever thought we'd find such a father-figure like Michael this way...Happy Thanksgiving
Michael, I grew up in south central Wisconsin, not far from Madison. My exposure was what comes in a book, novel, or movie. I knew there was overlap with mobsters in the past with prohibition alcohol bootlegging up through the State, and being not far from Chicago. It was later I found out/realized the mob was very active in Milwaukee and to degrees in Madison and Rockford, and my hometown was in that mix geographically, so I’m sure not untouched. I remember in middle school there was a local scandal with some more prominent local family names in construction involving price fixing and kickbacks etc. and was in school with their kids. I guess my thing was geez, I really, really, don’t want to somehow get caught up in something even just innocently with mob people. That probably served me well. But, because of the secretive nature of it, how would you necessarily even know until it was too late? That scared me. But, we do have Calvary Chapel and Greg Laurie in common. I gave my life to Christ at Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa in the early 80’s. I’m back in Wisconsin, but have family in SoCal still.
I hope to see one of the Balistreri's on here
Madison nice af lol foh ..all they do is arrest black people at an alarming level ..Milwaukee is dangerous I give u that
@@Provos7777 why....? They were essentially just an extension of Chicago. Alderisio was stronger than anyone in Milwaukee