Inside Reality TV, Combat Sports & Street Racing with Gary DeFranco

In this behind-the-scenes episode of Spirits and Stories with Donald Dunn, we sit down with Emmy-nominated television producer Gary DeFranco, whose 20-year career spans UFC’s The Ultimate Fighter, Street Outlaws, Playboy TV, and beyond. Gary shares insider stories from the set — from intense fighter casting and bare-knuckle brawls to the chaotic, high-stakes world of street racing. Hear firsthand what it’s like filming silent knockout fights, managing fighter mental health, and navigating real-world danger with DEA agents and undercover camera crews. Gary opens up about what makes great reality TV, the dark side of combat sports, and how racing culture surprisingly brings people together. This unfiltered conversation also dives deep into mental health, the human cost of war, addiction, and the social issues facing veterans and underserved communities — all through the lens of powerful storytelling. A must-listen for fans of combat sports, unscripted TV, and anyone curious about the raw truth behind the entertainment industry.