Monthly Archives: June 2025

In this episode we talk about the intense and unforgettable scenes from Monster’s Ball, focusing on P. Diddy’s haunting execution. The conversation takes a turn and dives into the crime drama BILLY BATHGATE, starring Dustin Hoffman as Dutch Shultz. Giannis shares how eerily similar the film’s storyline is to his own life.

In this episode, Gianni and Jeannie discuss the show’s rising popularity and delve into Gianni’s
personal and turbulent relationship with the legendary actor Marlon Brando. The conversation covers Brando’s reclusive nature, his numerous children, and the shocking story of how his son Christian accidentally shot and killed Cheyenne Brando’s boyfriend. The discussion also touches on the aftermath, including Christian’s imprisonment and subsequent suicide, as well as
Cheyenne’s struggles with schizophrenia and ultimate suicide. The episode ends on a more positive note, revealing the promising future of Cheyenne’s son, Brando’s grandson, who is doing well in medical school and modeling.

In this episode , Gianni and JEANIE welcome the legendary Vito Picone, a doo-wop singer renowned for his song ‘Little Star’ with The Elegants. As old friends, Gianni and Vito reminisce about their early years growing up in Staten Island, discussing their shared history at PS 39 and memories from local haunts like Moravian Cemetery and the Trio Club. The conversation covers Vito’s
storied career spanning 67 years, from creating the hit ‘Little Star’ at age 16 to performing
alongside legends like Buddy Holly and Johnny Maestro. Vito shares fascinating anecdotes,
including the impact of his music on other artists such as Tony Orlando and David Johansson, and stories of his encounters with giants like Frank Sinatra.

In this episode of the Hollywood Godfather Podcast, hosts Gianni Russo and Jeanie Raymond discuss listener mailbag requests and upcoming events. They emphasize the importance of audience participation for generating show ideas and invite listeners to rate and review the podcast on various platforms. Both co-hosts share anecdotes about their experiences with celebrity guests and memorable interactions, including Gianni’s connections with Frank Sinatra and Marilyn Monroe. They highlight upcoming appearances, including the Fanboy Expo in Knoxville and a show at Cafe Villa Nano. Additionally, they discuss Vince Vaughn’s film ‘Nonnas,’ which has created a surge of interest in a small Staten Island restaurant staffed by Italian grandmothers. The episode concludes with a call for more listener questions and interactions.