Wise Guys Sit-down Show Radio Program

Wise Guys fan Shirley tells us shocking horror stories of how she and her family have been treated by the Veterans Administration. Delaying disability payments, using thug-like behavior to intimidate her into signing documents, and having meals withheld because her brother isn't in a substance abuse problem are just of the few experiences she relates. Listen now to her story - and how the Wise Guys vow to help.

Cranston, Rhode Island, mayor Allan Fung opened up about a fatal car accident he caused as a college student. He accepted responsibility for the incident; listen to what the sister of victim James W. Skipper Jr., had to say. Perhaps not too coincidentally, this story breaks days after Fung suspended police chief Marco Palombo because of a parking ticket scandal to which the Wise Guys brought national attention. Not long before his scheduled embalming, Kenyan Paul Mutora woke up in a hospital mortuary - 15 hours after being pronounced dead. Mutora tried offing himself after a fight with his father - and the family is furious with the hospital for making the mistake of pronouncing a living person dead. Listen now to all the macabre details and why he Wise Guys say the hospital's hands are clean - and Mutora bears all the fault.

On Wednesday, Al & Nicky directed national light on a parking ticket scandal brewing in Cranston, Rhode Island. On Friday, Cranston mayor Allan Fung placed Cranston Police Chief, Colonel Marco Palombo on paid leave. Are our state and local governments turning into the movie A Few Good Men? Should the people in charge be held accountable for the people that work for them? Plus, a Tennessee man is running to become that state's governor - because he feels you should be able to have a raccoon for a pet. Mark Brown has acquired 60,000 signatures, but Governor Bill Haslam still refuses to give him a permit to keep the raccoon. According to Sergeant Schultz of Hogan's Heroes would say "I Know Nothing!"

New York City mayor Bill de Blasio wants to outlaw horse drawn carriages and replace them with electric cars. Does the the mayor have a financial gain in this? Did New Jersey governor Chris Christie fire his two top aides to protect himself? And what will employees do when they know its wrong?

Did New Jersey governor Chris Christie know about and order the George Washington bridge traffic jam going into Fort Lee because the city's mayor Mark Sokolich -a Democrat - did not endorse the Republican Christie for governor? A hundred New York police officers and firefighters are suspected of Social Security fraud . They stated they have PTSD caused by 9/11. The scam has cost a reported $400 million. And in Cranston, Rhode Island, police are giving parking tickets in the wards of two city councilors who voted against a proposed police union contract. Listen now!

The August 3 episode finds the Wise Guys talking about why sometimes it's best to just walk away from an argument. Nicky talks about some people in the Gambino family that had a positive effect on his life. Plus, why can't people keep their mouths shut? Robin Thicke is a stand-up guy, Alex Rodriguez gets shelved, and steroids are big topic. All that and more! An incident this week involved one of Al's sons. Al talks about why walking away from a situation can fend off a whole host of problems. Nicky tells us that Frank DeCicco and Sammy "The Bull" Gravano" were some of the toughest guys around. Learn how Gambino family members Johnny Rizzo and Carlo Gambino mentored youth - but not in a way you might think. Listen now to this episode! (Can't see the media player? Listen here) Download it on iTunes People like Bradley Manning and Edward Snowden are praised by some as heroes - nevermind they put the United States at risk for their leaking very confidential, top secret information. Will others follow in their footsteps? Why is it important to keep your mouth shut? The Wise Guys weigh in. Singer Robin Thicke's father Alan is a very successful actor and songwriter. But Robin didn't sit back and rest on his laurels. That's why he's this week's Stand-up Person. Baseball star Alex Rodriguez seems to think he's above Major League Baseball's performance enhancing drugs investigation. Learn why the Wise Guys put him on the Shelf. And find out why some of the Wise Guys - and listeners are divided on the issue of steroids in sports. Whitey Bulger refuses to testify at his racketeering trial. Al and Nicky, though, have plenty to say about the matter. Music Played During This Episode "Chooch to Gooch" by Bobby Braciola "Santa Lucia" by Angelo De Pippa & The Italian Musica "Musetta's Waltz" by Angelo De Pippa & The Italian Musica "The Godfather Waltz" by Nino Rota "Everyone's Italian On Christmas Eve" by Bobby Braciola "Come Back to Sorrento" by Angelo De Pippa & The Italian Musica "Ciribiribin" by Anthony De Pippa and The Italian Musica Italian Wedding Tarantella "Arrivederci Roma" by Dean Martin     Cover Photo Credits: Walking Away: Matt Newfield Whispering: Jamingray  

The Wise Guys wrap up their three-day run guest hosting Talkback with Chuck Wilder – and go out with a bang. On the heels of a Los Angeles County Sheriff Deputy's arrest for a host of charges (including rape), they discus how the department’s leader, Lee Baca, seems to be more of gang leader than law enforcement official. One caller voices his disappointment in the LASD wasting the county’s money. Another caller expresses her outrage with the Rhode Island State Police – and a case involving her Army veteran son who was beaten earlier in the month. Listen now to this episode! (Can't see the media player? Listen here) Download this episode on iTunes Steve Laffey - politician, businessman, author and filmmaker, radio host and former mayor of Cranston, RI, visits the show. He is a former executive of Morgan Keegan & Company, a Tennessee-based financial company where he served as President and COO until his departure in 2001. He the authored the book Primary Mistake: How the Washington Republican Establishment Lost Everything in 2006 (and Sabotaged My Senatorial Campaign) and last year released the movie Fixing America, a road documentary daring to pick ordinary Americans' brains about our country’s financial crisis, the disconnect with the political elite, and ultimately collects their thoughts, their emotions and their solutions to fix America's financial problems. Steve tells us how he helped clean up Cranston – and how America can come together and bail ourselves out. (Watch him balance the country’s budget in 11 minutes). Plus, the Wise Guys give their takes on: -- Florida cop was forced to resign after she was caught playing strip games online – while on duty. --NPR personality Scott Simon tweeting about his mother’s last days – as they happened. --Social helping to catch this Huntington Beach hooligan who brazenly vandalized a shop during Sunday’s beach mob.

Al, Nicky & Chris are back for day two of their stint filling on Talkback with Chuck Wilder. After learning a new documentary theorizes a Secret Service agent may have accidentally fired the second and fatal shot at John F. Kennedy, Nicky and Al reveal that Robert Kennedy’s assassin, Sirhan Sirhan was not acting on his own. So who else was involved? The Wise Guys give their thoughts on California jails charging for “upgrades.” Eligible prisoners with the ways and means can spend a few more bucks and move to nicer, quieter facilities. Listen now to this episode! (Can't see the media player? Listen here) Download this episode on iTunes Pope Francis refuses to condemn gays. How do the old-fashioned Wise Guys handle the news – and how do listeners respond? Find out. Plus: will reputed mob boss Whitey Bulger take the stand in his own trial – and what would it mean for him?  And what should happen to people who tweet pictures of their private parts? The Wise Guys weigh in on all these heavy matters. Guest Polly Franks – a private investigator and victim rights advocate – tells listeners how people can keep children safe from predators:   Visit familwatchdog.us. Enter your address and see who the predators are in your neighborhood. Sign up for free email alerts.   Do not leave children alone outside   Do not leave children visit public restrooms by themselves   Have a password only you and your children know. Visit Polly websites: It’sNotYourFault.us and FranksFoundation.org. Watch her on the Today show. Business strategist and Republican leader Lou D’Abbraccio voices his thoughts on the Recovery that wasn't and the Obama Administration's attack on the middle class. He also has strong opinions on “Obamunistcare.” Listen to what he has to say. Learn more about Lou at dabbraccio.com Today's Guests Polly Franks – Victims’ Rights Advocate  Polly Franks has served as an advocate for victims of violent crime, particularly childhood sexual abuse since 1995.  Her commitment to this cause stems from her experience as the mother of two children who were victimized by a former neighbor and family friend who turned out to be a convicted serial predator from another state.  During his crime spree between 1982 to1998, this predator was linked to a minimum of 286 incidents of sexual crimes.  Although she is in a wheelchair, Polly became a licensed private investigator for the sole purpose of bringing this predator to justice. He is now in prison for life without parole. Since that time, she has testified before Congress and lobbied on Capitol Hill for tougher sex offender laws, such as the nationwide Amber Alert bill and the Adam Walsh Child Protection Act.  Her story was published in Good Housekeeping magazine.  Polly has been interviewed by the Today Show, Dateline NBC, 20/20, Court TV, the John Walsh Show, ABC World News Tonight, the Montel Williams Show, Nancy Grace and Fox News.  In addition, she has given numerous interviews for national radio programs, as well as newspaper and magazine articles.  She has shared her story to audiences throughout the country. In 2006, Polly created the Franks Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting America’s children from sexual predators.  She is a also a founding board member of the National Coalition of Victims in Action.  Polly is a graduate of Bluefield College.  She and her husband Patrick are the very proud parents of three grown daughters, a menagerie of animals (their four-legged children) and a host of “honorary” sons and daughters. Lou D'Abbraccio Lou D'Abbraccio is an experienced business strategist, who has worked with businesses ranging from startups to Fortune 500 companies, in a broad range of industries, including energy, industrial equipment, business services, and consumer products.  His areas of expertise include strategic planning, marketing, business development, competitive intelligence,

The full gang reunites this week! After teasing Chris about working at Comic-con last week, the boys got down to business. They skewer Anthony Weiner and talk rats (the human kind). An epic giggle fit soon ensues. Miley Cyrus is thrown on the Shelf for being a terrible role model to kids looking up to her. The Wise Guys honor Simpsons TV show creator Sam Simon, who's battling terminal cancer - and has pledged his royalties to charity for the rest of time. Listen now to this episode! (Can't see the media player? Listen here) Download it on iTunes People often talk about wanting to be "Made." But before they can even thinking about that, they need to know what makes a person. The Wise Guys issue their criteria. Bobby performs a birthday rap for CRN's own Larry Manetti before the guys pay tribute to the late Dennis Farina. A listener asks them to reveal surprises about themselves (which they do) and another asks for fashion advice (which they give). Someone else sends the guys a letter about her true feelings about the show. Open phone time was truly memorable - as the guys were asked for their opinions on...well, just listen.   Bobby Braciola will perform LIVE on Saturday, August 3, 2013 at 6pm at he Disco Summer Jam at the Last Resort, 325 Farnum Pike, in Smithfield, RI.  Call Inside Out Productions for tix and info @ (401) 209-9059.  

This episode marked the first day the Wise Guys filled in for the venerable Chuck Wilder. After Al, Nicky and Chris introduced themselves and the Wise Guys' special brand of talk radio, the beautiful Jennifer Horn of Doug Stephan's Good Day Show joined them for discussions about Anthony Weiner and baseball. Jennifer has a theory that Weiner's wife, Huma, is having an affair herself - but with whom? And why was Huma grinning during Weiner's sexting press conference? Chris offers his thoughts. Al & Nicky fired off their feelings  about which is worse: extramarital sexting or physical sexual relations. A certain caller took exception. Jennifer also christened the boys with some special chat-room names... Listen now to this episode! (Can't see the media player? Listen here) Download this episode on iTunes Despite a week fraught with scandal, Major League Baseball has some good to talk about. The group praised the stand-up acts of big leaguers Tim Hudson and Eric Young, Jr. When opposing players Hudson and Young collided during a play Wednesday night, Hudson sustained a broken ankle. But Young stayed on the field and tended to the injured player - and won the accolades of Hudson's wife, Kimberly. North Dakota is a state with budget surplus of well over a billion dollars - but its legislate can't seem do anything productive. What's their deal? Speaker and consultant Cole Carley talked about one of the most inept state governments ever. (Read his op/ed piece that ruffled some feathers) Al told listeners about the time he shot a machine gun at a fellow police officer's feet. ("Al was trying to teach [him] to dance the Irish jig..." suggested Nicky.) They discussed defending one's family - and events that test that practice.  

"Rolling Stone" gets put on the Shelf - and not in a good way. Sgt. Sean Murphy is honored as the Stand-up Person of the Week and Kanye West takes a beating (instead of giving one). Plus, the Wise Guys briefly fail as babysitters, discuss Monique Davis' controversial comments, and Nicky predicts who's going to win the Super Bowl. The Irishman is missing and Helen Thomas is nothing to be celebrated. That and much more all went down on the July 20 episode! Co-host and producer Chris Carley was “on location” this week. Some reports place him at Comic-con in San Diego. Another rumor was that he’s searching (again) for Jimmy Hoffa (though we all know it’s an excuse for vacation). Listen now to this episode! (Can't see the media player? Listen here to hour one and here to hour two.) Download it on iTunes The big topic of the week dealt with the Wise Guys thoughts on the controversial Dzhokhar Tsarnev’s pictures. The guys aren’t at all happy that Rolling Stone magazine seems to be making a rock star out of the Boston Marathon Bombing suspect. But they do applaud Massachusetts State Police officer Sgt. Sean Murphy, a tactical photographer who released photos he shot as Tsarnev was apprehended. Murphy was then suspended from the police force. What happened when the Wise Guys called the MPD for comment? Listen and find out. They named Sgt. Murphy their Stand-up Person of the Week. If you’d like to voice your support for Sgt. Murphy, please visit this Facebook page. And for their efforts in seemingly celebrating a terrorist, Rolling Stone was put on the Shelf. Retired patrolman Ron Pirolli (now with the Rhode Island Juvenile Justice program) was a guest this week and gave his thoughts about the Murphy situation. Mr. Pirolli also happens to be Al’s brother-in-law – and talked about the time he arrested Al!  (Awk-ward!) The Guys lose Al's cousin's son Cameron during the show – but Nicky saves the day (and the trunk of a car!) And find out what all the craziness is about the Man in the Black Trenchcoat. (Just don’t tell Cameron’s mother, Maria) Robbery suspect Kanye West – who beat a photographer last week – got his own licks from the Wise Guys. Plus, Al, Nicky & Bobby talked about role models: who theirs are and why. They reminded people to visit WiseGuysCare.com to find out how people can help Code 3 for a Cure – the charity that helps firefighters afflicted with cancer. Plus, they also talked smack about the Yankees & Red Sox and Nicky already knows who’ll be in the Super Bowl. The problems in Detroit were also discussed and the Wise Guys dished about Illinois representative Monique Davis’ remarks dealing police and their roles in Chicago’s plague of violence. Al, Nicky & Bobby put late White House reporter Helen Thomas on the shelf after an irate caller tells them of another radio show host censored people for talking about her anti-semitic actions. Listen to what happens.   Music Played During Today's Episode "Mar Bella" by Anthony De Pippa & The Italian Musica "Mi Tesoro" by Anthony De Pippa & The Italian Musica "On an Evening in Roma" by Dean Martin "Volare (Nel blu di pinto di blu)" by Jerry Vale "Atsa Nice'a" by Ray Anthony "Love and Marriage" by Frank Sinatra "Ciribiribin" by Anthony De Pippa and The Italian Musica "Italian Street Song" by Billy May "The Piccolino" by Mel Torme "Santa Lucia" by Anthony De Pippa and The Italian Musica Photo Credits Kanye West: David Shankbone Sgt. Sean Murphy: Facebook Vince Lombardi Trophy: Jay Jizzle

The Wise Guys separate fact from fiction when it comes to family business. Plus, a discussion about George Zimmerman; real-life superhero firefighter Lorenzo Abundiz; actor Billy Vigeant. July 13, 2013 was a very special day in Wise Guys in history: the first two-hour episode! Listen now to this episode! http://crntalk.com/podcast/wiseguys/2013/wg-07-13-2013.mp3 (Can't see the media player? Listen here to hour one and here to hour two.) Download it on iTunes The live show started a couple minutes late after the boys were hampered by a technical issue…and something else. Let's say that the Irishman was a little jittery.   The Wise Guys talked about the differences between "family" and street gangs before discussing loyalty, honor, and bravery. Al told a story that began with him getting a call from a guy in the head with a hammer. What did Al do next? Find out. Actor Billy Vigeant discussed his new mob-themed web series, "Fedoras." Watch the trailer now! The Wise Guys named Lorenzo Abundiz their Stand-up Person of the Week. Lorenzo is a retired firefighter and cancer survivor who launched the Code 3 for a Cure Foundation to assist fellow firefighters who are afflicted with cancer. The interview was especially emotional and memorable. The Wise Guys announced that, because the show is now the Wise Guys Sit-down Show, anytime one of them says "Wise Guys Sit-down Hour," they're donating $3 to the "Hour Glass," which benefits Code 3 for a Cure. Plus, through the end of August, anytime someone buys something through WiseGuysRadioShow.com, a portion of the proceeds will benefit Code 3 for a Cure. Donate directly to Code 3 foundation by visiting their website or by shopping online. Al, Nicky and Bobby then put accused murderer George Zimmerman on the Shelf for his role in Trayvon Martin's death. Listen to the episode and find out why. Then Al talked about someone who doesn't know what it takes to be a man. It's a story that will be continued next Saturday - so tune in! Music Played During this Episode "He's a Rebel" by The Crystals "Musetta's Waltz" by Angelo De Pippa & The Italian Musica "Bella Ciao" "Chooch to Gooch (The 10 Steps of Disco Dancin')" by Bobby Braciola Italian Wedding Tarantella "Felicia No Capicia" by Louis Prima "Ciao!" by Al Caiola "Too Close for Comfort" by Sammy Davis Jr.

The Wise Guys reveal which former NFL player got pushy with women. Plus, scornful pro athletes get the boot and Chicago violence gets the Wise Guys treatment, and Nelson Mandela is a Stand-up Guy. Plus, a special birthday rap for a special celebrity, and Fourth of July stories! The Wise Guys disclosed that former New England Patriot Stephen Starring (who also played for the Detroit Lions and Tampa Bay Buccaneers) threatened and became violent with Albert's then-wife Lori and family several years ago. Lori called into the show to discuss the shocking and frightening incident. Listen now to this episode! (Can't see the media player? Listen here.) Download it on Fittingly, Albert, Nicky, and Bobby put on the Shelf athletes like Starring and others like him. Chicago violence is seemingly out of control and rogue cops don't seem to be anything new. How would the Wise Guys solve the problem? Annie-Rose Strasser's article "How Raising the Minimum Wage Could Reduce Gun Violence in Chicago" was discussed, as well. They honored Nelson Mandela as their Stand-up Person of the Week, Bobby rapped a Happy Birthday to Fred Dryer, and the guys talked about their Fourth of July holidays. Music Played in This Week's Episode "With Plenty of Money and You" by Count Base & His Orchestra (Featuring Tony Bennett) "Do It Again" by Steely Dan  "Tuff Enuff" by The Fabulous Thunderbirds "Stayin' Alive" by N-Trance (with samples by The Bee Gees) "Won't Get Fooled Again" by The Who Cover image photos: Drive by shooting scene: Chris Yarzab. Fred Dryer: Howdythere

Mad Men star Christopher Stanley called in, the guys had words (none of them kind) for football player and accused murderer Aaron Hernandez, they discussed reaction to the Paula Deen controversy, and wondered what Nik Wallenda's deal is. First, they welcomed new affiliate KLTH 1370 AM to the Wise Guy family. Then Mad Men's Christopher Stanley called into the show. He talked about James Gandolfini, the differences between playing good guys and bad guys, and how people react when they meet him on the street -- and what they have to say about his Mad Men character, "Henry Francis." Listen now to this episode! (Can't see the media player? Listen here.) Download it now on Al, Nicky, and Bobby had lots to say about accused murderer Aaron Hernandez. Nicky dropped several Hernandez-related one-liners before the conversation turned serious again: Al announced that next week he will name a former New England Patriots player who was involved in an altercation. They surprised show producer and co-host Chris Carley when they named him their Stand-Up Person of the Week. They then related their feelings about scorned food personality Paula Deen. Albert called out tightrope walker Nik Wallenda for tempting God and making a spectacle out of prayer. Music Played in This Week's Episode "Brick House" by The Commodores  "Dance the Night Away" by Van Halen "Bad Blood" by Neil Sedaka "Shining Star" by Earth, Wind & Fire "Can't You Hear Me Knocking" by The Rolling Stones   Cover photo of Christopher Stanley credit Helga Esteb / Shutterstock.com

The Wise Guys discussed what could be ahead for football player (and person-of-interest in a murder) Aaron Hernandez, decided NSA secret sharer Edward Snowden should swing, and held an impromptu wake for actor James Gandolfini. Listen now to this episode! (Can't see the media player? Listen here.) Download it now on Bobby Braciola was on location, so the Wise Guys' buddy Gino Matarese joined the crew for the day. James Gandolfini Remembered The guys remembered remembered the late, great James Gandolfini. A family member of Nicky's starred on The Sopranos; Nicky shared some touching remembrances and brought up an interesting story about John Travolta, who is doing an stand-up act for Mr. Gandolfini's son. Callers also shared some of their thoughts and memories about the man who gave life to Tony Soprano.     Aaron Hernandez The future fate of football player Aaron Hernandez - whom many believe may have had a hand in a recent murder - was also talked about. Gino was open about the fact that he spent 22 years in prison - and that it's not a good place. Gino answered some listener questions about prison life and the system. Snowden the Rat The crew also labeled Edward Snowden - the former NSA contractor who leaked sensitive information - a rat and think that he should be hung. They named young Michael Diamond, Jr., their Stand-up Person of the Week. The youngster launched a Kool Aid stand to help pay for his grandmother's funeral. His parents are on disability and he wanted to make sure the matriarch was given a proper sendoff. The Wise Guys also announced that they want listeners to nominate Stand-up People of the Week. Email suggestions to wise@wiseguysradioshow.com or tell us on Facebook. Plenty more was argued, laughed, and talked about - so check out the replay! Music Played in This Week's Episode "Woke Up This Morning (theme of The Sopranos) Exacto Mix" by Vinnie Pauleone and the Ba Da Bing Orchestra "Sweet Emotion" by Aerosmith "California" by Lenny Kravitz "I Gotta Right" by Frank Sinatra "Don't Stop Believin'" by Journey