161: Part 2: Giovanni Rocco - Working undercover and infiltrating the mafia

Game of Crimes

Murph interviews Giovanni Rocco, a 27-year veteran of law enforcement in Hudson County, New Jersey. Rocco shares stories from his time working undercover with the DEA and FBI, and discusses his book “Giovanni's Ring: My Life Inside the Real Sopranos.” Rocco was able to infiltrate the DeCavalcante mafia family. Some believe the TV series “The Sopranos” was based on this crime family. Rocco describes the emotional challenges of developing relationships with criminals while maintaining his loyalty to law enforcement, and he recounts the challenges and dangers he faced. Rocco discusses the importance of trust and loyalty in the mafia world, and how he navigated the complex dynamics between different factions. But Rocco also reflects on the toll that undercover work takes on personal relationships and mental health, and the work he’s doing now in the field of addiction recovery and mental health for first responders.