The Chazz Palminteri Show

In Episode 292 of The Chazz Palminteri Show, I speak with FDNY firefighter Paul Whalen about his firsthand experience responding to the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.

Paul was working out of Ladder 109 in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, and had switched tours with another firefighter that morning. He describes responding toward Manhattan, traveling through the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel as it filled with dust, helping civilians, and eventually making his way toward Ground Zero.

Paul also shares the terrifying story of becoming separated from his company during the collapse and being placed on a missing list while his friends and family feared the worst.

The conversation continues into the long-term health effects Paul experienced after 9/11, his early retirement from the FDNY, the Victims Compensation Fund, and his efforts to protect benefits for 9/11 responders and their families.

This is an important conversation about courage, sacrifice, brotherhood, service, and remembering September 11th.

In Episode 291 of The Chazz Palminteri Show, I sit down with legendary actor Dominic Chianese, best known for his unforgettable role as Uncle Junior on The Sopranos.

Dominic shares stories from his career, including working with James Gandolfini, Francis Ford Coppola, Al Pacino, Robert Duvall, Anthony Quinn, and other legendary performers. We discuss The Sopranos, The Godfather Part II, acting technique, and the importance of being authentic on camera.

Dominic also reflects on growing up in the Bronx, his Italian-American roots, his lifelong passion for singing, his grandfather's musical influence, and his experiences working alongside some of Hollywood's greatest actors.

It's a warm, funny, and fascinating conversation between two Bronx actors about acting, music, family, friendship, and a lifetime in show business.

In Episode 290 of The Chazz Palminteri Show, I speak with FDNY firefighter Scott Miller about his career and his experience on September 11, 2001.

Scott was working the night before 9/11 and remained at his firehouse that morning because the incoming crew was unavailable. He describes watching the second plane hit the World Trade Center, realizing New York City was under attack, and the chaos that followed.

He also discusses the collapse of the towers, Ground Zero, the recovery operation, FDNY communication problems, the firefighters who never came home, and the brotherhood that kept the department moving forward.

Scott shares additional stories from his 25-year FDNY career, including the Father's Day fire, backdrafts, and the realities of working inside burning buildings.

This is an important conversation about courage, sacrifice, brotherhood, and remembering the firefighters and first responders who gave everything on September 11th.

In Episode 289 of The Chazz Palminteri Show, Chazz speaks with FDNY veteran Tony Bonfiglio, author of Tales from the Tiller.

Tony joined the FDNY in 1983 and spent more than two decades serving New York City. He shares his firsthand experience of September 11, 2001, including coming off a 24-hour shift that morning, learning what had happened, returning to his firehouse, and making his way toward the World Trade Center.

Tony also discusses the friends he lost, the conditions at Ground Zero, other dangerous fires throughout his career, the brotherhood of the FDNY, and the story behind his memoir, Tales from the Tiller.

This is a moving conversation about New York City, sacrifice, courage, friendship, and the men and women who ran toward danger when everyone else was running away.

In Episode 288 of The Chazz Palminteri Show, Chazz welcomes back his longtime friend, bodyguard, and retired NYPD officer Sandy Blue Eyes.

The two share stories from more than 40 years of friendship, traveling together, meeting fans, working live shows, and experiencing life on the road. Sandy reflects on his years in law enforcement, growing up in New York, Italian-American family traditions, and some unforgettable moments from both his personal and professional life.

Filled with humor, nostalgia, and the chemistry that only lifelong friends can have, this episode is a celebration of loyalty, friendship, and the stories that come from a life well lived.