ENCORE | An Interview with Michael Franzese on Redemption, Faith, and Family
Everyone talks about life after death, but what about life during life? Do you wonder, 'Why am I here? How can I be truly happy? Does my life matter, or why do I feel empty inside?' And, 'What really happens when I die?' Pastor Greg Laurie has helped millions find profound hope through true faith.
On the "The Greg Laurie Show," Pastor Greg brings insight to Scripture, a deep dive into real cultural issues, and special guest interviews with trusted Christian voices with a variety of life experiences that will help you make sense of life.
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Tuesday, April 28, 2026
What happens when one of the most notorious mobsters in American history experiences a radical encounter with faith? In this gripping episode, Greg Laurie sits down with former Colombo crime family underboss Michael Franzese for an uncensored conversation about the Mafia, redemption, and the impossible power of second chances.
Raised in the shadow of organized crime, Michael Franzese lived at the epicenter of the mob world—rubbing shoulders with legendary bosses, amassing wealth and notoriety, and ultimately landing on Fortune magazine’s list of the “50 Most Powerful Mafia Bosses.” But after years of violence, betrayal, and prison, his life took a dramatic turn: a solitary Bible in the darkest moments of his incarceration led him on an unexpected journey toward Jesus Christ.
Explore:
- The making—and unmaking—of a mobster, from growing up with Sonny Franzese to becoming a “made man” in a secret Halloween ceremony.
- The high price of loyalty, the devastating costs of crime on family, and the shocking story of walking away from “the life”, despite deadly consequences.
- A raw account of hitting rock bottom in solitary confinement, wrestling with God, and discovering hope in Scripture that changed everything.
- The incredible redemption of unlikely figures, including Michael Franzese’s reconciliation with his own family, and how the power of prayer can reach anyone—even the hardest hearts
You’ll also hear candid reflections on masculinity, fatherhood, and what it really means to be a “man’s man” in a broken world, plus why Hollywood both glamorizes and misrepresents the Mafia lifestyle. Whether you’re fascinated by organized crime, inspired by true stories of faith, or searching for hope for someone you love, this conversation will challenge what you thought possible—and encourage you to never stop believing in transformation.
Subscribe for more unforgettable conversations that prove no one is beyond the reach of grace.
CHAPTERS:
00:00 The Mobster Who Became a Believer: Introduction
02:11 Michael’s Early Memories of Mob Life
07:00 Choosing the Mafia: Family, Loyalty, and Sacrifice
10:21 Behind the Scenes: Realism in Mob Movies
15:29 The Mafia Initiation: “Born Again” into Cosa Nostra
17:45 Surviving When All Others Didn’t: Why Michael Lived
20:15 Leaving the Life: Family Devastation and Hard Choices
24:47 Betrayed by My Father: Facing Death in the Mob
29:04 Solitary Confinement and a Bible: Breaking Point
35:59 Proverbs 16:7—Finding Peace with Enemies in Prison
41:21 Masculinity and Jesus: The Ultimate Man
44:50 The Crisis of Fatherhood & Masculinity Today
46:33 Camille’s Faith: The Strength Behind Michael
48:32 Advice to Young Men Drawn to Crime
53:09 Sonny Franzese’s Faith and Forgiveness
54:41 No One Is Beyond the Reach of God
56:20 Surprising Conversions: From Mobsters to Believers
