Billy O Connor interview # 2

Gargs interviews a former University of Florida classmate of his, author, stand-up comedian and podcast host Billy O' Connor. Billy was born in County Cork, Ireland, and grew up on the streets of the Bronx. He served in Vietnam and after he returned to New York was a Teamster for Jimmy Hoffa, a pub and restaurant owner, and before becoming a NYC firefighter for over 20 years, an illegal bookie. A self-described obsessive personality, Billy struggled for years with addiction to alcohol, gambling, drugs and sex. After the tragedy of 911 and the loss of 343 of his fellow firefighters, he sobered up and attended the University of Florida. At the age of 62 he earned his journalism degree and began to write . He has written two highly praised weekly columns, two screenplays and numerous political pieces. He has authored or co-authored four books, the first one being the critically acclaimed "Confessions of a Bronx Bookie." He currently co-hosts a podcast with "Murphy Brown," "Head of the Class" and "The Don Rickles Show" producer Frank Chase called A Mick A Mook and A Mic.