Author Archives: Hollywood Godfather Podcast

Get ready for the Hollywood Godfather 2025 Year-End Wrap-Up Show — the finale event of the year where nothing is off limits and the celebs aren’t holding back. Hosted by
Hollywood icon Gianni Russo and co-host Jeanie Raymond, this blockbuster special brings together multiple A-list guests to share unforgettable stories from the wild ride that was 2025 — from behind-the-scenes moments on set, to hilarious industry hijinks, and jaw-dropping personal revelations that even the tabloids missed.

Expect candid confessions, surprise cameos, and revelations that peel back the velvet curtain on Hollywood’s glittering façade. Whether it’s untold tales about legendary stars, shocking truths from inside the industry, or heartfelt moments that redefine what it means to be a part of this town — this isn’t just a recap, it’s the raw, unfiltered story of showbiz AND BEYOND. Hear from the players who were there, laugh at the chaos, gasp at the confessions, and walk away with a fresh perspective on what it really means to be Hollywood-made.

In the final podcast episode of 2025, the host discusses the release of James Patterson’s book ‘The Last Days of Marilyn Monroe,’ which corroborates longstanding claims about the suspicious circumstances surrounding Monroe’s death. Patterson’s investigation confirms that Monroe’s death was not a suicide but a homicide involving Bobby Kennedy. The host recounts personal experiences and interactions with Monroe, sharing details about her relationship with the Kennedys and the mob, as well as her struggles with public perception and substance abuse. A petition is announced, aiming to change Monroe’s death certificate from suicide to homicide by her 100th birthday in June 2026. The podcast ends with a call to action for listeners to sign and share the petition to clear Monroe’s legacy.

In this Hollywood Godfather podcast episode, Gianni celebrates his birthday with surprise videos and a heartfelt rendition of ‘Happy Birthday’ by Engelbert Humperdinck. In addition to delighting listeners with personal anecdotes from Hollywood and Las Vegas, Gianni answers questions from fans about his experiences and opinions. Ranging from his time with Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr. to discussing his new book ‘Mafia Secrets,’ Gianni shares insights on past events, appreciation for life, and thoughts on notable figures like Marilyn Monroe. The episode concludes on a note of gratitude and encouragement for listeners to be kind and reflective, especially during the holiday season.

In the final episode of the year, We look into the controversial death of Marilyn Monroe. Co-hosts Gianni and Jeanie discuss the release of Russo’s latest book, ‘Mafia Secrets,’ and James Patterson’s ‘The Last Days of Marilyn Monroe,’ which both address the circumstances surrounding Monroe’s death. Russo shares personal recollections from 63 years ago, emphasizing his role as an informant for Frank Costello. He reveals that Monroe’s death was a cover-up involving figures like Bobby Kennedy and the Chicago mob, contradicting her official suicide verdict. The hosts reflect on the implications of Patterson’s findings, which validate Russo’s long-held assertions and recount Monroe’s relationships and final days. They also share future plans for the podcast and Russo’s upcoming events, while highlighting their determination to have Monroe’s cause of death reclassified from suicide to homicide by her 100th birthday.

This week, Gianni and Jeanie answer listener questions. They discuss the importance of audience engagement and interactive mail, emphasizing their presence on social media for queries. The show delves into personal anecdotes by Gianni, particularly focusing on Frank Sinatra’s life, his generosity, and his advocacy for black entertainers. They reminisce about the old Vegas days, reflect on Gianni’s experience in the film industry, and his encounters with various celebrities. They also highlight Gianni’s business ventures, including his ownership of the Godfather intellectual property and his musical endeavors. Ending on a note about the impact of modern betting on sports, the podcast underscores community interaction and the fun of exploring Gianni’s multifaceted career.

In this episode of the Hollywood Godfather podcast, Gianni and Jeanie discuss their gratitude, particularly during tough times, and the importance of resilience. Gianni reflects on his successful year, marked by financial prosperity and impactful charitable work. They touch on the value of helping veterans and the significant changes due to COVID-19, including the challenges and rewards of returning to work. The conversation also highlights personal milestones, including Gianni’s significant recognition events, such as the unveiling of Dorothy Kilgallen Way in New York. They both emphasize teaching gratitude and values to younger generations. The episode ends with Gianni sharing his excitement about upcoming book releases and movie projects, revealing his continued passion and drive at 83 years old. Finally, they discuss their Thanksgiving plans and traditions, focusing on the importance of family and community.

The podcast episode featured Gianni and Jeanie discussing the mysterious deaths of Marilyn Monroe and Dorothy Kilgallen. Russo recounted his involvement with Monroe, including the weekend at the Cal Neva Lodge where she refused to sleep with Bobby Kennedy, leading to her murder. They also highlighted the dedication of a New York street to Kilgallen, a renowned journalist and TV personality, and Russo’s advocacy for changing their death certificates to reflect homicide instead of suicide. The discussion emphasized the intersections of Hollywood, crime, and justice, shedding light on the historical and personal connections Russo had with Monroe and Kilgallen.

In this episode, Gianni and Jeannie discuss a variety of topics, ranging from the show’s longevity and dedicated fanbase to Gianni’s varied career and personal anecdotes. The duo answers fan questions from their mailbag, touching on characters like Sister Helen Travis and James Files, and detailing Gianni’s familial ties to Sicily. They share amusing personal stories, including Gianni’s experiences in Las Vegas, his different business ventures, and his time working as a private messenger for Frank Costello. They also reflect on historical events like the significant fires in Las Vegas hotels. Adding a nostalgic touch, they recount Gianni’s roles and experiences on the set of ‘The Godfather,’ enriched with behind-the-scenes tales.

In this episode,, Gianni recalls his fascinating encounters with Gene Simmons and Mel Gibson. Gianni recounts how he first met Gene Simmons at one of his shows and later at a fan convention. He shares Simmons’ impressive ability to sell memorabilia and his genuine personality. The conversation then shifts to potential collaborative projects involving Russo’s life story and possibly bringing Mel Gibson on board as a director. They also touch on current social issues, including violence and societal turmoil.

This episode of the Hollywood Godfather podcast, Gianni & Jeanie pay tribute to Dorothy Kilgallen, a renowned journalist and investigative reporter who died under mysterious circumstances 60 years ago. Guest Mark Shaw discusses his research on Kilgallen’s work and death, while New York City Councilman Robert Holden talks about his efforts to honor her memory by renaming a street near her former home as ‘Dorothy Kilgallen Way.’ They touch on Kilgallen’s investigations into the JFK assassination, the challenges faced in reopening her case, and the importance of giving her the recognition she deserves. The podcast also details plans for a public ceremony on November 8th to officially rename the street.