Episodios

  • GIOVANNI'S RING: MY LIFE INSIDE THE REAL SOPRANOS AN INTERVIEW WITH RETIRED UNDERCOVER FBI AGENT AUTHOR GIOVANNI ROCCO
    Nov 16 2025

    FALL FAMILY SERIES: HONORING THOSE WHO SACRIFICE FOR US

    GIOVANNI'S RING: MY LIFE INSIDE THE REAL SOPRANOS- 1001 Heroes Podcast Host Jon Hagadorn interviews retired undercover police/FBI agent Giovanni Rocco regarding his best-selling new book detailing his work to break up the most dangerous crime family in America- the sacrices he and his family made in the process, the stories-the incredible commitment he and others made and still make every day to fight crime- a GREAT story!

    Catch up with Giovanni at InsidetheLife.org today and follow his podcast!

    Giovanni's Ring is the story of "Giovanni Rocco," a New Jersey police officer, known undercover as "Giovanni Gatto," who spent over twenty years in various undercover roles, penetrating biker gangs, drug cartels, white supremacist groups, and domestic and international terror groups. Most significantly, he was the mysterious agent at the epicenter of Operation Charlie Horse, a federal undercover operation that ultimately brought down ten members and associates of New Jersey's DeCavalcante Mafia family—the criminal organization otherwise known to law enforcement as "the real Sopranos."

    Giovanni spent nearly three years working his way into the DeCavalcante hierarchy. He was so convincing in his role that capo Charlie "the Hat" Stango (also known as Charlie "Beeps") began to treat him as his "right hand." Over time, the personal relationship between the two men grew to a point where Charlie treated Giovanni more as a favored son than just an associate. Giovanni became so fully trusted that Stango went "on the record" for him with the family's administration and put him in charge of his own crew. Giovanni was permitted to attend meetings with other high-ranking members of the DeCavalcante crime family, as well as with senior members of New York's notorious Gambino, Genovese, and Lucchese Mafia families, and was authorized to speak on his capo's behalf. Each passing day became a roll of the dice for Giovanni, plaguing him with doubts: Is today the day my cover is blown? Is this the last day I see my wife and children? Will one of my deals between families or crews go bad and I'll get clipped? Is this all worth it?

    Stango eventually assigned Giovanni the task of killing Luigi "the Dog" Oliveri, a troublesome made member of the crime family. That lethal assignment brought the undercover operation to an end in March 2015, and the resulting string of high-profile arrests eviscerated the criminal organization. In the course of the operation, Giovanni secretly recorded hundreds of conversations relating to a wide range of crimes including counterfeit and contraband goods trafficking, warehouse robberies, truck hijackings, and drug trafficking. Also, and importantly for his own safety, he learned that the DeCavalcante family had secured access to sensitive law enforcement information, including information about specific investigations into DeCavalcante members and associates.

    Giovanni's Ring is not simply a chronicle of Giovanni Rocco's adventures in the murky and dangerous Mafia world he inhabited, but also a fascinating window into the psychological struggles that such a life inevitably entails. Whenever Giovanni returned to his real home and his real family, he needed to perform an invariable ritual: he parked in his driveway, removed his jeweled pinky ring, and dropped it in a cup holder, trying to drop the Gatto identity as well. Giovanni's Ring is a story that is by turns astonishing, electrifying, gut-wrenching, and always deeply human.

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    43 m
  • THE REAL GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH: 1001 INTERVIEWS AUTHOR SGT (RET.) BERT "MAVERICK" GONZALES METRO DADE POLICE
    Nov 9 2025

    1001 FALL FAMILY HEROES SERIES

    Sgt. Gonzalez spent 37 years as a policeman in Florida's busy Miami -Dade County saving lives, fighting crime, and trying to make the world a better place. He worte this incredible story of his service to let people know what police officers face everyday and his stories do exactly that..and more. ...NOW you get a chance to meet him.

    Take a look into the real world of Police Officers from the view of a cop who lived those moments of terror, humor, and tragedy every day of his career.

    This is not a murder mystery whodunit or a reality TV sensationalized version of police work. This is the nitty-gritty reality of life on the street where cops see things no one should ever see and those they serve to protect have no clue as to the nightmares that haunt these officers.

    This is also the humorous and human side of being a cop. Those rare moments when an officer is thanked for his efforts or where things happen no genius of a comedic mind could ever imagine.

    Sgt. (Ret.) Norberto "Bert" Gonzalez takes you into the circus tent of police work and shows you how the men and women of law enforcement do their job to the best of their abilities.

    Bert shows you the human side of those behind the badge. The good, the bad, and the ugly. He pulls no punches but lays out the reality of life on the street.

    Ride along for an unprecedented view under the circus tent. This IS the Real Greatest Show on Earth!

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    1 h y 23 m
  • EVERYDAY HEROES (PART 3 OF OUR ANCESTRY INTERVIEWS) STORIES & TIPS FOR DISCOVERING YOUR HERITAGE
    Aug 28 2019

    In part three of our "Family Ties" series interviews with Ancestry's geneologists, we talk to Michelle Ercanbrack about finding the "Everyday Heroes" in your family and answering the question "Where does my DNA come from?", as well as the importance of knowing the traits and characteristics that have been handed down to you.

    TWO NEW MEMBER ONLY SHOWS NOW AVAILABLE TO PATRONS! www.patreon.com/1001storiesnetwork. Thank you. Join for one dollar a month and get THE BEST OF 1001, mostly ad free! Join at 2.99/month and up and get PRIME CUTS- visit us at http://.patreon.com/1001storiesnetwork and check us out!

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    Catch 1001 CLASSIC SHORT STORIES at iTunes/apple Podcast App Now:

    https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1001-classic-short-stories-tales/id1078098622

    Catch 1001 Stories for the Road at iTunes/Apple Podcast now:

    https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1001-stories-for-the-road/id1227478901

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    Catch ALL of our shows at one place by going to www.1001storiesnetwork.com- our home website with Megaphone.

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    1 h y 12 m
  • NOIR BY NECESSITY: A SON'S TIRELESS SEARCH FOR HIS FATHER'S KILLER
    Nov 2 2025

    "The murder of Joseph Gatto captivated Los Angeles. Many veteran journalists still wonder how and why it happened. The details of this horrible crime and those affected by it continue to fascinate." –Robert Kovacik, Anchor and Reporter, NBC Los Angeles

    Mike Gatto was an up-and-coming young lawmaker when his father was brutally murdered.

    The act sucked him into the world of noir: wild theories, intransigent detectives, and unimaginable violence.

    This true crime story reads like a thriller, offering insight into the world of politics and the seedy underbelly of crime investigation in modern Los Angeles.

    Gatto shares his experiences with incredible candor and raw emotion, detailing every clue, and how he came to learn every tragic detail of his father's murder. With the case still unsolved, see if you can piece together the clues to solve the mystery.

    You can contact Mike at mike@mikegatto.com with any serious theories. Mention 1001 Heroes Podcast in emails so he knows it is referred.

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    57 m
  • HOW TEDDY ROOSEVELT SAVED FOOTBALL & 14 OTHER UNIQUELY AMERICAN STORIES
    Oct 31 2025

    A collection of 14 distinctly American stories covering a wide range of topics from early explorers to Appalachian legends. In order: 1) Bjorni Herefson, the man who didn't discover America, 2), Why the Mayflower really landed at Plymouth (they were out of beer), 3) The unread message at Trenton, 4) Washington was really our 8th president, 5) Every vote counts, 6) The song Dixie was born in New York City?, 7) Elvis loved Dixie, 8) Save the Last Dance For Me, the song, the backstory, 9) Karaoke anyone?, 10) How T.R. Roosevelt saved football, 11) Lafayette's lost treasure, 12) The 1897 UFO that landed in Aurora TX, 13) Calamity Jane, 14) The Legend of the Wampus Cat.15) How the National Anthem came to be played at ballgames, 16( prviews of upcoming shows at 1001 Heroes.

    NEW 1001 Ghost, Chiller & Lovecraft is now playing at Apple Podcasts! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1001-ghost-stories-tales-of-the-macabre/id1516332327

    NEW Enjoy 1001 Stories FROM the Gilded Age on Apple Devices here:

    https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1001-greatest-love-stories/id1485751552

    Get all of our shows at one website: www.bestof1001stories.com

    CALLING ALL FANS.. REVIEWS NEEDED

    SUPPORT OUR SHOW BY BECOMING A PATRON! www.patreon.com/1001storiesnetwork. Its time I started asking for support! Thank you. Its a few dollars a month OR a one time. (Any amount is appreciated).

    YOUR REVIEWS AND SUBSCRIPTIONS AT APPLE/ITUNES AND ALL ANDROID HOSTS ARE NEEDED AND APPRECIATED! LINKS BELOW...

    Open these links to enjoy our shows!

    APPLE USERS

    Catch 1001 RADIO DAYS now at Apple iTunes! https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/1001-radio-days/id1405045413?mt=2

    Catch 1001 Heroes on any Apple Device here (Free):

    https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1001-heroes-legends-histories-mysteries-podcast/id956154836?mt=2

    Catch 1001 CLASSIC SHORT STORIES at iTunes/apple Podcast App Now:

    https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1001-classic-short-stories-tales/id1078098622

    Catch 1001 Stories for the Road at iTunes/Apple Podcast now:

    https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1001-stories-for-the-road/id1227478901

    ANDROID USERS-

    1001 Radio Days right here at Player.fm FREE: https://player.fm/series/1001-radio-days

    1001 Classic Short Stories & Tales:https://castbox.fm/channel/1001-Classic-Short-Stories-%26-Tales-id1323543?country=us

    1001 Heroes, Legends, Histories & Mysteries: https://castbox.fm/channel/1001-Heroes%2C-Legends%2C-Histories-%26-Mysteries-Podcast-id1323418?country=us

    1001 Stories for the Road:https://castbox.fm/channel/1001-Stories-For-The-Road-id1324757?country=us

    Catch ALL of our shows at one place by going to www.1001storiesnetwork.com- our home website with Megaphone.

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    46 m
  • (FALL SPECIAL: HONORING FAMILY HEROES) BROTHERS DOWN THE STORY OF THE USS ARIZONA AT PEARL HARBOR
    Oct 30 2025

    2025 Note: I went to visit the Arizona Memorial earlier this year during a rip to Hawaii to see my son and his family. A very sobering experience and highly recommended.

    We interview author Walter Borneman about his riveting book BROTHERS DOWN, which is the story of the heroes aboard the USS Arizona, which was dive-bombed and sunk by Japanese planes on December 7th, 1941. 63 of the Arizonas 1, 177 dead were brothers. At this point going into WWII, fathers, sons, and brothers serving together were not uncommon. Author Walter Borneman gives us a preview here of a story that needs to be shared and remembered- that America must always maintain its vigil and must be ready at all times to defend herself.

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    50 m
  • HOLIDAYS ARE 100% FOR FAMILY THIS FALL AT 1001 HEROES AND 1001 CLASSIC SHORT STORIES OFFERING NEW INTERVIEWS AND SELECTED STORIES NOW THRU DEC 31 (SHOW NOTES INCLUDED HERE)
    Oct 26 2025

    The Holidays are approaching and at 1001 Heroes, Legends, Histories & Mysteries Podcast our shows themes every Sunday will be turning to FAMILY and HONOR -SINCE MANY OF YOU ARE THINKING ABOUT BRINGING FAMILY TOGETHER, RECONNECTING , SEEKING CLOSURE ON ACCOUNT OF LOST ONES, seeking justice, KEEPING THE PEACE. HONORING OUR FIRST RESPONDERS DURING THE HOLIDAYS AND BUILDING NEW RELATIONSHIPS.
    A FEW EXAMPLES: AT 1001 HEROES WE BRING NEW EPISODS EVERY Sunday at noon eastern and a 'best of "listener favorite every Thursday night at 9PM ET- MOST OF THESE Best ofs after Halloween will also carry similar themes that unite with these topics. I'll tag them as Fall Family and Honor Themed
    Beginning this last week of October and lasting through the holidays, we are offering a number of interview-base shows dealing with subjectS that go straight to the heart starting with "LIVE, LAUGH, AND FIND TRUE LOVE: A STEP BYSTEP GUIDE TO BUILDING NEW RELATIONSHIPS- OUR EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR AND LONG TIME L.A. DIVORCE ATTORNEY SARAH INTELLIGATOR- She is empowering, inspirational and packed with powerful tools to help you, male or female, to a healthy, fun and fulfilling relationship- whether youre on the brink of a marriage or just starting out or hoping to find a lasting love- don't miss this interview and book! We'll talk about the 5FasilFactors- Fundamental values, fear, Foundation, Fixing, and Fairy Tales-I guarantee you will appreciate her honest take.
    The following week Sunday NOV 2: Holidays are tough on the families of murder victims and missing relatives: A son's12 year long search for the killer of his father as we interview California Congressman ,author, and law firm partner Mike Gatto- who is still actively searching for clues to his fathers murder– And asking each of you to offer your theories and ideas as to new ways to look at the evidence which he lays out in his book Noir by Necessity And in this interview. This book is a True Crime page turner with a powerful Family theme…
    On Sunday Nov 9th Retired Police Sgt Bert "Maverick" Gonzalez reminds us why families of those who are constantly working in service to others in police, military, and rescue throughout the holidays are sacrificing so much to keep the peace-- in his new book The Real Greatest Show on Earth- all lessons learned and stories told gathered from his 40 years of service in Florida's Miami Dade county- it's a well told story that bridges the gap between crime scenes and calm and in a family sense, because it shows the important link between mental health and community engagement is just as important as tactics

    Thesae are just three examples of our FALL FAMILY ORIENTED SHOWS AT 1001 Heroes, Legends, Histories & Mysteries-now thru December is solid family, holiday-themes, honoring the men and women in uniform whose prence will be missed at many dinner tables this coming holiday,, and heart-felt stories and advice.

    We'll be doing the same thing at 1001 Classic Short Stories & tales so stay tuned for that update as well- and
    This is Jon Hagadorn, your host at 1001 Heroes, legends, Histories & Mysteries Podcast- Make sure to share our Fall family and Honor themed shows over the next 9 weeks and bring us new listeners! Also check our our new website at www.bestof1001stories.com for our entire archives of all 12 1001 shows, sign up at any "Newsletter Sign Up Page- and that newslatter will cover the coming week 's specials and shows, offering lots of insight and sometimes personal stories.
    One more thing- the holidays are a time for giving- and we really appreciate those who give monthly to cover our basic expenses here at 1001 Stories network. By going to patreon.com/1001storiesnetwork and signing ing up for a few dollars a month to help us forward. I have also been bringing on new help with some terrific talents which you've heard or enjoyed in Gizelle Ericksen and Lena Alsup- and I'm seeking a male voice for narrating some good stories for Old West and others.

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    5 m
  • CINDERELLA MAN: THE GREATEST UNDERDOG STORY IN SPORTS HISTORY
    Oct 25 2025

    His name was James J. Braddock. In 1929 he was the middleweight contender for boxing champion of the world. He had it all- a wonderful wife, 3 kids, a nice home, and money in the bank- because boxers were the highest paid athletes in those days. The depression hit, his bank failed- and all his money was gone. He lost his house, his boxing skills faded after breaking his right hand in a bout, and he soon found himself working part time at the docks to try to support his wife and kids who were living in a run- down apartment. He finally had to go on welfare. He had a manager named Joe Gould, who never gave up on him, and got him a big fight in 1934- which he won, And then another. Then he took $300 and took it to the county welfare office and paid them back for what he had taken. Then he got the chance of a lifetime- to fight Max Baer for the heavyweight title. Max Baer had killed a man in the ring, and considered Braddock to be a washed up has-been. Max Baer had a surprise in store.

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    1 h y 18 m