"Just that opening line, that's how he opened up to me for the first time. And then I have to go into, you know, the whole thing, and that's how the journey even started."

We’re joined on the Starline by an Emmy Award winning producer & editor. He’s picking up the pieces after finding out his firefighter dad was actually a hitman for the Chicago Outfit. We welcome Kyle Tekiela.

Kyle, let’s go Beyond the Mic. Why was putting this all down in audio for your podcast “Crook County” important for you?

How did it make you feel when you found out your complicated father loved you and yet had dark secrets of drugs, prostitution and murder?

You say “This ain’t your godfather’s Mafia story. Because it’s my father’s mafia story, and I’ve got a lot of fucking questions.” What’s the one question you still don’t have an answer for?

It’s time for the Rockin’ 8, 8 random questions, answer with the first thing that comes to your mind. There is no Pressure.

1. Best thing about your son playing hockey?

2. Since your wife is in the top 1.5 % of realtors in the country, what’s the one chore, while she’s selling, that you are always responsible for?

3. First guitar you ever bought and do you still have it?

4. Who is better at beer pong, you or your wife?

5. Least appreciated Starry Eyes song?

6. Who is the better pool player, you or your Grandpa Hank?

7. Favorite place to vacation?

8. I asked RZA this when I talked to him for “Cut Throat City”, but if you could have who would you have added to the cast?

What’s the power of family to you?

How has talking about this story change the way you see your father and the way you see being a dad?

What do you want people to take away from Crook County?

What’s the one thing that blew your mind when you found out?

How is your relationship now?

In doing the research for this podcast, how has your love of your dad changed and have you forgiven him?

He crushes his wife at beer pong, still has his 1st candy apple red Fender strat and wants you to hear his powerful family story in “Crook County”. Kyle Tekiela, thanks for taking the time to talk with us today.

And that my friends is a Beyond the Mic Short Cut.