Episode 161 – Giovanni Rocco – Working Undercover and Infiltrating the Mafia

Murph interviews Giovanni Rocco, a 27-year veteran of the Hudson County, New Jersey, law enforcement profession. Rocco shares stories from his time as an undercover operative with the DEA and FBI, and discusses his book, “Giovanni’s Ring: My Life Inside the Real Sopranos.” Rocco infiltrated the DeCavalcante crime family, a crime family believed by some to be the basis for the TV series “The Sopranos.” Rocco describes the emotional challenges of developing relationships with criminals while remaining loyal to law enforcement, and recounts the challenges and dangers he’s faced. Rocco discusses the importance of trust and loyalty in the mob 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 now does in addiction recovery and mental health for first responders.