Podcast Summary: The Dan Bongino Show – Sunday Special with Michael Franzese, Jeff Van Drew, Ned Ryun, Andrew Gruel (12/22/24)

Release Date: December 22, 2024

Overview

In this engaging Sunday Special episode of The Dan Bongino Show hosted by Dan Bongino, listeners are treated to a series of in-depth interviews with notable guests: Michael Franzese, a reformed former member of the Colombo crime family; Congressman Jeff Van Drew from New Jersey discussing UFO and drone phenomena; Ned Ryun, Bongino’s producer, and political commentator; and Andrew Gruel, a renowned chef advocating for healthier American diets. The episode delves into topics ranging from organized crime and government transparency to national security and public health, providing listeners with rich insights and thought-provoking discussions.

I. Michael Franzese: Insights from a Former Mob Insider

Timestamp: 02:00 – 15:00

Background and Mafia Influence

Dan Bongino welcomes Michael Franzese back to the show, highlighting his appearance in the documentary Fear City and his extensive background in the Colombo crime family. Michael recounts the golden era of the Mafia in New York City from the late 1940s to the mid-1980s, emphasizing the organization's control over various industries and unions.

Impact of RICO Laws

Michael explains how the introduction of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act led to the decline of traditional mob operations. He shares his personal struggles, including 18 arrests and multiple indictments, ultimately resulting in an 8-year prison sentence.

Michael Franzese (04:20): "The RICO statute is the fear of the mob was transferred to the fear of the government... it's what caused the collapse of my life."

Assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO

The conversation shifts to recent events, specifically the assassination of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO in Manhattan. Michael critiques the evidence suggesting the involvement of professional assassins, arguing that the act was sloppy and unprofessional.

Michael Franzese (07:18): "This was so sloppy. First of all, the last thing you want to do is hang around the scene... extreme sloppy from day one."

Portrayal in Media

Dan and Michael discuss the accuracy of mob portrayals in films like Goodfellas. Michael confirms his presence in the movie and shares anecdotes about real-life mob figures, reinforcing the film's authenticity.

Michael Franzese (11:09): "Goodfellas was very well done, and the story was pretty accurate... Henry Hill never looked so good as he did in that movie."

Modern Surveillance and Organized Crime

Michael concludes by addressing how advancements in surveillance technology and stringent laws have made it nearly impossible for organized crime to operate as it once did.

Michael Franzese (12:54): "Between the technology and the RICO statute, that put you away forever... it's very, very difficult to operate now."

II. Congressman Jeff Van Drew: Unveiling the UFO and Drone Scandal

Timestamp: 17:00 – 28:55

Introduction to the UFO Phenomenon

Dan introduces Congressman Jeff Van Drew, focusing on the ongoing Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP) and drone incidents in New Jersey. The discussion centers on the government's ambiguous stance and the potential foreign origins of these aerial devices.

Government Transparency and Foreign Adversaries

Jeff explains the government's evasiveness regarding UFO sightings, suggesting that if the devices are not extraterrestrial, they likely originate from foreign adversaries such as Iran or China.

Jeff Van Drew (20:06): "These drones have special lights on them for nighttime... there's a very real significant possibility that there is an Iranian military mothership out there releasing sophisticated drones."

Technological Advancements and National Security

The conversation highlights the technological gap between the U.S. and other nations in drone technology, emphasizing the urgent need for the U.S. to catch up to protect national security.

Jeff Van Drew (20:54): "We are 10 years behind China with drone, UAP technology. We've got to be number one. We are not number one."

Public Distrust and Government Accountability

Dan and Jeff discuss the deep-seated mistrust of the government, exacerbated by past incidents like the Chinese spy balloon. They stress the importance of government accountability and the necessity for transparent communication with the public.

Jeff Van Drew (25:43): "If they do know what it is and they are hiding it, that's wrong. If they don't know what's going on and they are at that level of incompetence, that is terrible."

III. Ted Ryan: Commentator on Government Efficiency and National Security

Timestamp: 31:00 – 44:22

Government Inefficiency and National Security

Ned Ryan joins the discussion, emphasizing the government's inefficiency and its detrimental impact on national security. He argues that the sprawling bureaucracy hampers effective responses to threats like the UAV incidents.

Ned Ryan (36:10): "We are in a singular moment where we need to have a conversation about what our government looks like moving forward to actually serve the American people."

Call for Structural Government Reform

Dan and Ned advocate for comprehensive structural reforms rather than minor adjustments, suggesting that the current administrative state fails to prioritize the American populace's needs.

Ned Ryan (37:30): "We have to shatter it into a million pieces and go, let's have a conversation about what form of government we have moving forward."

Political Capital and Future Prospects

The conversation touches on Donald Trump’s political capital and the potential for significant political changes in the upcoming years. They discuss the importance of nominating effective change agents to restore government efficiency.

Ned Ryan (41:25): "Donald Trump should get his nominees. We have a majority in the Senate because Trump won, we have a majority in the House because of Trump."

IV. Chef Andrew Gruel: Culinary Expertise and Public Health Advocacy

Timestamp: 47:35 – 59:30

Prime Rib Mastery

Dan welcomes Chef Andrew Gruel, delving into his expertise in cooking prime rib. Andrew shares his meticulous method for achieving the perfect, tender prime rib using a reverse sear technique.

Andrew Gruel (48:11): "First, salt your prime rib 24 hours ahead... rub it with butter, low temp oven at 250 degrees... then blast with 500 degrees for a crispy exterior."

Make America Healthy Again Movement

The discussion shifts to the Make America Healthy Again movement, championed by RFK Jr., focusing on improving the American diet by reducing processed foods and encouraging natural, wholesome ingredients.

Andrew Gruel (52:22): "Food is the great unifier... we need to reexamine the structure and relationship that major food companies have within our government and our food system."

Impact of Government and Big Food on Public Health

Chef Andrew and Dan explore the detrimental effects of government policies and big food corporations on public health, linking increased government regulation with rising chronic diseases.

Andrew Gruel (53:06): "Four major companies control more than 60% of the US market for pork, coffee, beer, bread... they have a grip on us and we need to break that."

COVID-19 Lockdowns and Political Shifts

Andrew reflects on the impact of COVID-19 lockdowns on the restaurant industry and how this crisis contributed to political shifts favoring Donald Trump, highlighting a newfound support for conservative policies within traditionally liberal sectors.

Andrew Gruel (57:56): "The restaurant industry was at the tip of the spear because it's something people understand... we’re holding people’s feet to the fire and drawing awareness to this."

Conclusion

Dan Bongino wraps up the episode by emphasizing the depth and diversity of the discussions, from organized crime and government inefficiency to national security and public health. He encourages listeners to engage with the topics discussed and stay informed on pressing national issues. The episode concludes with light-hearted interactions about holiday meals, leaving listeners both informed and entertained.

Notable Quotes:

• Michael Franzese (04:20): "The RICO statute is the fear of the mob was transferred to the fear of the government... it's what caused the collapse of my life."

• Jeff Van Drew (20:06): "These drones have special lights on them for nighttime... there's a very real significant possibility that there is an Iranian military mothership out there releasing sophisticated drones."

• Andrew Gruel (48:11): "First, salt your prime rib 24 hours ahead... rub it with butter, low temp oven at 250 degrees... then blast with 500 degrees for a crispy exterior."

Final Thoughts

This episode of The Dan Bongino Show offers a multifaceted exploration of pivotal issues affecting America today. From the decline of organized crime and the opaque nature of government responses to emerging threats, to the critical state of public health and the influence of big food corporations, Bongino provides a platform for candid conversations that encourage listeners to reflect on the state of the nation and consider the paths forward.