Two Mafia hit-men are walking deep into a forest in the middle of the night. One of them says: "I gotta admit I'm scared out here." The other replies: "You're scared... I gotta walk back alone!"

Michael, it seems pretty clear that you would have been successful in life even if you'd never been a racketeer. And the fact that you turned your life around from a pretty dark trajectory, is proof of that!

I have a story for you Mr. Franzese, and the rest of you guys! When I was young (about twelve years old) my family took me out for a nice steak dinner in a very high class Italian restaurant in Montreal. I have a large family , so we had to book months in advance. But it was so worth it, the steak was perfect, the bread was wonderful and everyone was having a great time! They even let us bring in my birthday cake. We even had the place mostly to ourselves. I can remember clearly. After dinner we cut the cake and I started handing out the pieces to my family. I was about to start eating my end piece with lots of icing, only to notice three people who I thought were part of my family, standing in the next room...The one man wore a grey suit with a black tie, and seemed to be talking to the other two men. One had glasses and the other I cannot remember. Well I though he had no cake, so I took a piece of cake to the gentelman in the suit. I walked up to him and offered it to him. I remember the whole room went quiet for a second or two. He looked down at me, he smiled, he ruffled my hair a bit, and set it down on the table beside him. I went back to my table, and as I talked about the new video game I got, I could notice that everyone in my family was tense. It was only after the man left, and we were long gone from the restaurant did things get back to normal. I was only told who he was years later when I was eighteen. He was not a member of our family. That man I gave cake to was Vito Rizzuto himself! I thought it was a funny story you guys would enjoy!

My grandfather was mafiaoso... he used to say, "Friends help you move, but good friends help you move bodies." He was a booze runner during prohibition. He taught me Italian language, mostly the bad words, but he taught me a very important aspect about intelligence... keeping an eye on the pulse of the company.

Man I’ve listened to you for hours on my 12 hour shifts…I got out of prison and changed my life as well learned a lot of the same lessons about friends and living a criminal lifestyle on a smaller scale of course but I relate and listen to what you got all the time keep up the good work hope to meet you next time you’re in Texas.

I just found your channel recently & I really enjoy your content. My husband (of nearly 43 years) had the opportunity to attend one of your speeches at a men's breakfast at a church here in PA with one of his longtime friends several years ago, he still talks about how much he enjoyed it. I told him just the other day you now have a KZfaq channel & he'll be checking it out soon, I've already watched many of your episodes. Praise God for the work He's done in your life & your willingness to share the gospel with people who may never darken the steps of a church. My Dad, who was the spiritual leader of our home, always instructed all of us kids to live our lives as examples of Christ because our lives may be the only Bible many people read. May God richly bless you, your ministry & your family. God obviously wasn't finished with you yet & I'm sure His plan for you was bigger than even you could've ever imagined. Keep the sit downs coming....

I love how you keep saying "we talked about this remember? or "I told you already". Feels like I'm just in a room with a friend talking.

Hey Michael, I am Sven, im from the Netherlands, turning 22 this year. I have been seeing your videos for 3 weeks, I bought the book “ il make u an offer you cant refuse”, you are an amazing guy man! ❤️ when I listen to the stories you are telling, I am really getting the message/moral you are try to tell. I have learned a lot of you Michael, you are a man with a beautiful but down-to-earth vision, thanks man for educating and motivating us!

Parts that Michael talks about his father's advice are my favorites.

Hello!! Greetings from Northern Ireland. 👋🏻👋🏻👋🏻

Not putting your phone on silent when recording a video is a big no-no in some families.

Michael, I wanted to tell you that you're an inspiration to a lot of guys trying to turn their lives around for the better. All the best to you and your family. Respect, brother

One thing is for sure Michael, you definitely read your comments. That shows your commitment to your channel and crusade. You are definitely a determined "Crusader".

I'm a son of mobsters. I'm glad I can hear about it from this guy because my family won't talk about it AT ALL. For obvious reasons. But still. I was raised with the brutality but I will never learn the reasons behind it.

Your honesty is much appreciated. Glad you made it out healthy and happy. Take care Michael.

Great job mike on telling a little bit of the rough darker side . I’m still hanging in there listening to your good stories and your entertaining life stories. Thx pal kw

As a family we are reading through Kings and Chronicles - your stories remind me of these events. There is a good sermon in this! God Bless You! ❤️🙏❤️

Mr. Franzese, excellent, clear video. I'm dying (pardon the pun) to learn the answer to the following question. Omerta prohibits even acknowledging the existence of "Our Thing." You can't hit a made guy. There are tons of associates who are not allowed to hit a made guy. How do associates know who is made, and who is not?

Self accountability is everything for a man of value

His way of speaking is so precise and straight to the point, even when he has to be ambiguous. I admire that a lot.

Is this old? Are you back again already Mr Franzese? Always welcome with your positivity this side of the pond. Keep up the good uplifting work. These are good to hear and reflect on for everyone.

On the flip side of this conversation, what are some forms of lesser infractions in that life and their punishments? Things a guy could do wrong and not get killed over it, but still be severe enough to deserve punishment, what kind of lesser punishments could a guy get?

I’m just a girl, but I can’t get enough of these videos. There are some incredible lessons, in your experience and reflections. You are a great storyteller, and very genuine, and candid. I’m impressed by your humility. Thank you.

@10:10 - 11:20 "Was he always the first guy (to condem some one)... or was he the last". That minute-worth of commentary is some of the most profound wisdom I have ever heard in my life.

Michael you are a born public speaker! You are fantastic!

In the book “Gotti’s boys” DeStefano explained that prior to the Gotti era, the Gambino’s and Lucchese were against drug’s but the more liberal families, Bonnano and Genovese turned a blind eye. Never mentioned the Columbo family, but from what I read they were against it.

Just discovered your channel and i find myself fascinated. Always had a thing for mafia,seen many movies,documentaries,etc,but to have it explained like you do,it's the coolest thing i've seen in a while. I love the way you speak,the patience to explain crystal clear,the way you carry yourself with such dignity and class..it's impressing. I've watched Sammy's channel too,but by far you are my favourite. It's your style. Stay safe,you and your family. Greetings from Austria.

Hey, thank you for making these videos. I always love watching them and learning more about your former life. Keep up the great work!!!

Another thing that seems to get these guys killed not mentioned here is not recognizing business lanes and territories as defined by the mob. Doing illegal/off book business outside one's own territory, and even within one's territory without top permission is probably a sure fire way to end up dead. This rule strongly applies regardless of era.

Mike you never cease to amaze me with how you explain the life an it's pit falls an rules an what happens if you break them in the mob , real truth eye opener , stay safe Mike god bless ✋🏾👍🏾

Michael, so honest and enjoyable listening to you. Big fan

Much love mike. Thank you for all the videos and going so deep into this very scary but real life you lived. Have a blessed day

Road to a million subscribers is almost complete. Wishing you good health Mr Franzese.

First off, I finished your book in two days and am re-reading it now. COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN. But also, one of your stories always comes to my mind; for some reason I think it's so interesting: When you and the other friend of yours hashed it out over that car salesman you had. And you reminded the friend that if he hurts one of yours, you have to hurt one of his.

Great video! Safe travels Michael. Looking forward to your broadcasts from across the pond.

I was recently introduced to you and your book Blood Covenant, and have to say it's so fascinating to get a peek behind the mob curtain. Thank you for sharing your experiences with the world. I've always been curious about American organized crime syndicates, and learning about facets through your eyes and life have been very enlightening so far. I very much look forward to reading the rest of your books 😄

Dear Michael Franzese, you should come to Amsterdam! You can visit some places of Klaas Bruinsma, a topmafia chief of the 1990s. You're most welcome!

I think that sometimes people forget that every family can have different ways of doing things.

I always enjoy listening to your stories Michael. It's like you got so much wisdom to pass down this younger generation could learn a thing or 2 from a guy like you.

Thank you once again Mr Franzese, your stories are mesmerising and so insightful. You have the most respect amongst the group and appreciate your tales.

Hey Mr Franzese. Great video. Very clear about what's what. No harm in making sure people get the point and you make things clear but I can just feel that you don't like talking about killing and death. Being in the truth talking about things just hurt your spirit. I love that principle of always being the last to speak and to never condemn anyone. You've talked about that and I've never forgot it. Safe travels and have a great tour. Much love, Gods blessing to you and his protection always. Thank you so much. ❤️❤️👏

Your videos are always fascinating and I learn something new from them. Keep up the great work Michael, God Bless you!

You are an absolute legend but you turning everything around for the better makes the legend complete. Keep up these great videos and god bless

Back from Rimini to Switzerland..hollyday's are over...feeling a bit down then i see you and feel better..i'm home !

Hello Michael. Thank you. Prayers for your visit to the UK. Be Blessed you and your family. You always leave me with alot to think about. Always appreciated. I'm more careful than ever when I'm out shopping or dinners with friends.

Rules are rules. In any organization, the organized part, is that everyone knows the rules first.

For you to walk away like that from that life and risk everything, literally everything... That took a great deal of courage. Massive respect to you!

Excellent breakdown, all around coverage. Love the Proverbs inked! Thanks, brother!

Michael, I'd like to hear you talk about the Chicago outfit. As you say, "some families might operate a little different" but that borgata is completely different

This was a great video Micheal. I really enjoyed this! Thanks Micheal hope you have a great weekend. Enjoy Sunny California. All I’m doing. 😉

I always enjoy listening to your videos. Thank you for taking time to talk about The Life, even the unpleasant parts.

Mr. Franzese, thanks a lot for providing us with these interesting stories, I'm really enjoying the content. I'm Italian, actually from Southern Italy, and I'm somehow familiar with codes like "oath of omertà" and such. It's common knowledge around here and the word "omertà" is also used in daily language as a funny expression among friends when somebody doesn't wanna talk or tell the truth about something. You are an Italian-American and I can really see that in your gestures, facial expressions and other things, that makes me feel like I'm listening to a friend telling me stories about his life. Mr. Franzese, you are a wonderful, smart individual. I wish you all the best in your life for you and your family and hope you are always fine and taking care of yourself. I'll keep on supporting you and following your content because it has a remarkable cultural value and your positive outlook on life really rubs off on anybody listening to you, including myself. Thanks a lot again for sharing your life with all of us and, again, wish you all the best. Andrea, one of your many "Italian fans" Take care, God bless you :)

Honestly Michael this has become one of my favorite channels... always fresh and interesting content. Keep it up! :)

Something you said here rang a bell with me. While in the Marines, we were being sent to an operation that could involve hand to hand combat and more. I told my SSGT, I was a little pensive and nervous, as this was my first time faced with actual combat. He looked me straight in the eye and said, "Not me, I look forward to it." I said, "You look forward to killing?" He said, "Sure why not? We're Marines - License to Kill! I never felt comfortable around that SSGT again nor did I trust him. It's bad enough that it's sometimes necessary to kill, but to look forward to it?

Thank you for clarifying this so well.

This is a great video thank you for taking the time to share this information and hope you have a great time in the UK and have a safe travel as well Michael

You know hearing you speak and answer so many questions and the ways you help so many people by using your experiences from your previous life is amazing and the more I hear the more I'm convinced that God intended you to not only get out but to use your knowledge to help save other people who might have started to fall. We all have stumbled and fallen short but what separates the truly great is the willingness to get back up and keep fighting to make sure others don't end up the same way. Anyways thank you Michael for not only sharing stories from your previous life but all the ways you help people now. Keep fighting the good fight brother! God Bless.

Love the realness. Fascinating thing about the mafia is it was a disciplined machine. It was the breaking of the discipline that was its downfall. Soldiers lasted, cowboys were removed. There was a strange harmony

These videos have kept me sane and entertained during my chemotherapy 😁 it’s been a blessing having something take my mind away from this place. I love the mafia movie Monday 🙏🏾👍🏾❤️

Can you "imagine" how many would be killed nowadays with all the cheating going on with spouses, sisters, other family members. I could never kill someone especially my best friend or someone close to me. One thing I am is I am very loyal to my friends. Always enjoy your stories Michael! Stay safe and hurry back to us! God Bless You Always!

I imagine him saying that in a mob sit down. "I hope we don't have to talk about this again."

Michael just got almost all the way through with your audiobook from 2009. Your life story was an amazing story but the most impressive thing to me is how you have turned your life around. That's a very difficult thing to do, kudos to you sir, but I hope you give a lot of that credit to your wife who has been a positive influence in your life!

I'm glad you take the time to speak real to us and explain things to us. The nation is intrigued with the life and we know you tell us how it is. Thanks again

Mr Franzese: Thanks for putting the different eras and the commission/family policy rules in context. I hope you have/had a wonderful holiday season!

Thanks for the new video, Michael!!

Mr. franzese I read your book mafia democracy absolutely great work. I'm glad you are attempting to remove the blind flood from most . It's a great read do you have autographed copies available in your website. Great videos stay blessed and my prayers will be with you and your family as your travel abroad

I'm grateful that you are still here and have walked, literally, away from that life. May God protect your every step, every moment and you live to a hundred! You and yours. Safe travels! (Air hug)

Congratulations on getting your life back. My grandfather was with someone your dad possibly knew.. Willie moretti so I know a lot of the stories that people never talk about. God bless you and your family.. 🙏

Always great content. My favorite Michael Franzese story is the story of the chickens and Paul Costellano 1🤣🤣🤣

I came across these videos, and I could spend hours just going video to video. Great story teller, and such an inspiration. Thank you Michael.

Love your channel. May God continue to bless you and your family. Stay safe out their!! Sending love from NYS!

Your videos are always fascinating and I learn something new from them. God bless you and your family Michael.

Interesting, positive and informative as always. 👏👏👍

Once again, this is one of my favorite KZfaq personalities, 2nd to none. Great stuff Michael. I'm happy for your success. FYI, I'm Italian Catholic, I like the God Bless stuff. My faith has helped me in life over many decades. I'm with you.

Looking Good Michael! Stay safe and strong out there. God be with you, thank you for the videos. We’re losing the greats. I’m happy your still with us.

Great sitdown Michael. Yea we saw the book and the vino in the backround.

Mike i gotta say your just extremely easy to like brother … your down to earth, respectful, have the right values a lot of your viewers (especially napolitano’s like me lol) have, and you genuinely are a standup guy and a gentleman- it comes through in a lot of your videos how your very fair and non judgmental - these are the things people need to really learn from you and implement in their lives… God bless brother love ya

Great subject and glad you’re here with us to tell us about the life! You enlighten us with your stories. Be safe and god bless.🙏😎👍

Having lost my friend, my neighbor's kid, two cousins, an aunt , and having been abused and ripped off by a (still) drug addicted brother, I am wishing it was your era again.

One of the most compelling talks by Michael Franzese.

Keep up the hard work Michael! Thank you for all the great videos.

Hello Michael just wanted to drop a note to thank you for all your videos. I’ve enjoyed watching them all. Also wanted to tell you I just finished reading your book and let you know that I enjoyed reading it extremely. Although I live in Canada I see the same criminal activity in Canadian government. Thanks again and keep up the great work

I would pay to see a TV show about modern day mafia directed by this guy

Love watching your videos Michael, gives me a real insightful knowledge about what happens in the mafia and has really opened my eyes and made me want to learn about it even more

You are a living testimony! No ones life is out of God's reach.

Michael is so smart and speaks with such ease he could've been successful whatever the field he would've chosen. The guy could sell glasses to blind peoples or found a religion ! What a special dude..

I really enjoy listening to you Michael. My wife does too, her uncle was Tony Augello, aka The Gawk.

Good to see you again Michael wish you luck on your trip to the Uk look forward to it.

Keep the content coming Michael! Much love to you and your family and anyone who reads this! ❤💯

Love your content my friend please keep them coming!

Love your work Michael. God Bless.

Gd video as always. I’m wishing you and the family safe travels. You are so so blessed to be where you are today and during a time like right now, in history. It’s been really a bad time. My name is Lorraine like your sister. Plz wd you and Camillle pray for me. He seems to really love you guys. Be safe. Stay blessed.

Thanks for turning your test into testimony !! God bless you and your family!!

Mate thanks, I’ve just found this channel and I love it .. from Australia

I am very glad those stories exist. Thank You Mr. Michael for hearing reality.

Hi Michael. New subscriber here and I'm so happy I found you and your awesome channel. Mind if I make a suggestion for a movie review? Although it's not exactly a "Mob" movie, 1995's Heat is an all-time classic and I would love your take on it. Keep up the amazing work!

Massive big fan of yours . Watch all Your KZfaq videos religiously Mike . Any time when I feel low and down when I listen to your positive persona and how always there is always light at the end of the tunnel no matter what the circumstances are . You gave me The fight and mentality this can be done no problem. As a Scottish / Irishman your podcast with mr James English was sensational. And you manage to understand us Scottish people very well indeed which can be a struggle at times lol . God bless 🍀🙏

Another great vid Michael & God Bless to you and your family.

Love hearing the stories. I've mentioned before, My Mother and Carmine were cousins. My Grandfather Vito Plantamura, and Carmines Mother, were Brother and sister

I really, really want to hear more mafia ghost stories.