Hardcore Italians Podcast

Sal “The Voice” on Hitting on Heidi Klum, AGT & Why Italian Traditions Matter

505 views · 7mo ago · 1:02:38

In this episode of the Hardcore Italians Podcast, Mike sits down with Sal “The Voice” for one of our most fun and heartfelt conversations yet. Sal shares the unbelievable story of how he went from delivering pizzas in Queens to becoming an America’s Got Talent finalist, including the moment he flirted with Jennifer Lopez on American Idol, hit on Heidi Klum on live TV, and turned those viral moments into a 10-year career.

Topics: St. Joseph’s Day, zeppole, and Italian traditions · Grandparents immigrating from Italy and Canada · Why Italian-Canadians keep traditions alive · Soppressata, gardens, and homemade Italian culture · Favorite Little Italys' around America · Why Italian-American identity still matters

Will Sasso On HIs Italian Roots in Canada & Making It in Hollywood

316 views · 11mo ago · 35:51

Will Sasso joins Mike and Adam to talk Mad TV, building his legendary impressions, working with Chris Farley, breaking Jeremy Piven on Entourage, and stepping into the WWE ring. From Italian roots to Hollywood stories, this one’s packed.

Drea de Matteo Breaks Her Silence: Sopranos, Hollywood, and Losing Everything

1.2K views · 1y ago · 49:05

Actress Drea de Matteo (best known as Adriana La Cerva from The Sopranos) joins us to talk about her Italian roots, growing up in Queens, and how playing Adriana became one of TV’s most iconic roles. From her family’s journey “fresh off the boat” from Naples to hilarious behind-the-scenes stories from The Sopranos, Drea opens up about embracing her Italian-American identity, the real story behind Adriana’s death scene, and her favorite memories of James Gandolfini.

Daniel Franzese Breaks Down Mean Girls, Italian Moms & the Role That Changed His Life

374 views · 1y ago · 42:49

Actor and comedian Daniel Franzese (best known as Damien from Mean Girls) joins us to talk about his Italian American roots, the inspiration behind Sht Italian Moms Say, and his family’s Brooklyn-to-Florida journey. From the “psychic powers” of Italian moms to the legendary story of his great-grandfather buying an entire block, this episode is packed with laughs, nostalgia, and cultural pride.

Topics: Welcoming Daniel Franzese & the Italian last name debate · How to nail an Italian mom impersonation · The “psychic powers” of Italian moms · From Goodfellas to the “Macaroni Rascals” · Great-grandfather’s Brooklyn story: owning the block · Funny Italian food & language quirks (colander, rapini, etc.)

Matteo Bocelli on Fame, Family, Ed Sheeran & Finding His Own Voice

6.1K views · 1y ago · 24:13

In this special episode of the Hardcore Italians Podcast, we’re joined by the incredibly talented Matteo Bocelli — singer, songwriter, and son of the legendary Andrea Bocelli. Matteo opens up about growing up in Tuscany, sharing the stage with his father, collaborating with Ed Sheeran, and the emotional moment performing at Jeff Bezos' wedding in Venice.

Topics: 1:00 — Intro + Matteo joins the show · 2:10 — Where Matteo is from in Italy · 3:22 — Growing up Bocelli: Inspiration vs. pressure · 4:48 — Performing with Andrea at the Oscars · 6:00 — Meeting celebrities & working with Jon Batiste · 7:55 — Collaborating with Ed Sheeran: family values & “no plan B”

Beverly D’Angelo: ‘They Said I Wasn’t Italian Enough’

2.5K views · 1y ago · 32:01

Guest: Beverly D’Angelo

Hollywood told her she wasn’t Italian enough... even with the name D’Angelo. In this powerful and hilarious episode, Beverly opens up about her deep Italian heritage, visiting her grandparents' town in Abruzzo, cooking with her Nona, and the real reason she never got cast in The Sopranos. From hand-cranked pasta to movie milestones, this is Beverly like you’ve never seen her before — unapologetically Italian.

Topics: Her Italian hometown in Abruzzo & family resemblance · Why she regrets not buying her grandfather’s home · “They told me I wasn’t Italian enough...” · The Ellen Griswold role & why it was different · Inspired by her Italian mom’s loyalty and love · The original MILF?! Beverly owns it

Courtney Lopez on Broadway Dreams, Mom Life & Marriage to Mario Lopez

685 views · 1y ago · 32:08

From Broadway to motherhood, Courtney Lopez shares her journey growing up Italian American, embracing Mexican-Italian family values, her Broadway roots, and the behind-the-scenes of life with Mario Lopez. YouTube

Topics: Official intro of Courtney Lopez · Childhood in performing arts & path to Broadway · Watching Saved by the Bell & full circle with Mario · Working with Mario on On With Mario Lopez · Navigating social media criticism & protecting family · Raising humble kids in the spotlight

From Jurassic Park Kid to Queen’s Bassist: Joe Mazzello on Spielberg, Stardom & Staying Italian

2.6K views · 1y ago · 53:19

In this heartfelt and hilarious episode, we catch up with actor, writer, and director Joe Mazzello—best known for his iconic roles in Jurassic Park, Bohemian Rhapsody, and The Social Network. Joe reflects on growing up in the industry, working with Spielberg, embracing his Italian roots, and why he’s ready to run from dinosaurs again.

Topics: 02:57 | Pre-show banter & intro by the hosts · 07:07 | Joe on Jurassic Park, Spielberg, and animatronics · 10:43 | Would Joe return to the franchise? (Spoiler: Yes) · 16:42 | The truth about child acting and advice to parents · 21:15 | Joe’s Italian-American family origin story · 24:44 | Dual citizenship: how Joe “pulled an Italian move”

The Most Italian Collab Ever: Hardcore Italians x Food Network’s Jeff Mauro

447 views · 1y ago · 59:34

Jeff Mauro (Come On Over, Food Network) and his sister Emily team up with Mike from Hardcore Italians for the hardest-corest Italian-American podcast of all time. Recorded in a Chinatown loft, they officially launch their new collaboration: exclusive Jardiniera-themed shirts + Mauro Provisions’ signature giardiniera.

Topics: Welcome to the Most Italian-American Podcast Ever · Meet the Team: Jeff, Emily, and Mike from Hardcore Italians · The Big Collab Reveal: Jardiniera Shirts + Maro Provisions Bundle · Italian-American Pop Culture Hot Takes · Jeff’s Australia Trip & The Bear Craze Abroad · Are Italians Being Typecast (Still)?

How The Estere Brothers Are Bringing Italian Music Back

3K views · 1y ago · 38:41

The Esteriore Brothers join us to talk about their journey from childhood performances to becoming viral sensations keeping Italian music alive around the world. In this episode, they share what it means to stay true to your roots, the power of family, and how passion and positivity fuel everything they do.

Topics: Early Performances · Going Viral · Italian Identity · Singing Abroad · Tour Stories · Family & Fans

General Hospital Star Ronnie Marmo On Lenny Bruce And Being Italian

169 views · 1y ago · 34:51

Actor, writer, and director Ronnie Marmo joins us to talk about his powerful one-man show “I’m Not a Comedian... I’m Lenny Bruce”, what it’s like working with Joe Mantegna, and his deep connection to storytelling and Italian-American identity. Ronnie opens up about his roots, the grind of staying independent in the industry, and why Lenny Bruce’s story still matters today.

Sopranos Star Explains What Hollywood Gets Wrong About Italians

584 views · 1y ago · 40:43

Actress Kathrine Narducci (The Sopranos, A Bronx Tale, Godfather of Harlem) joins Mike for a rich, unfiltered conversation on loyalty, legacy, and life in film. From behind-the-scenes stories with Robert De Niro to her thoughts on mob movies, Italian heritage, and giving back in Hollywood, Kathrine brings heart and humor to every moment. Plus, we talk Chicago vs.

The Chicago Mob Raised Me: True Story Behind “Mob Adjacent”

6.5K views · 1y ago · 1:11:29

Sopranos Star Reveals What Really Happened Behind The Scenes

683 views · 1y ago · 56:59

Guest: Steve Schirripa

In this episode of the Hardcore Italians Podcast, we sit down with Steve Schirripa, best known for playing Bobby Baccalieri on The Sopranos. Steve shares behind-the-scenes stories from the iconic show, insights into his roles on Blue Bloods, and his journey into writing – including his new children’s book inspired by his dog, Willie Boy.

Eugene From The Sopranos: Untold Stories, Sunday Sauce, And James Gandolfini

247 views · 1y ago · 27:37

Guest: Robert Funaro

In this episode of the Hardcore Italians Podcast, we sit down with Robert Funaro, best known for playing Eugene Pontecorvo on The Sopranos. Robert shares behind-the-scenes stories from the iconic show, his friendship with James Gandolfini, and how his love for Italian cooking led to his new cookbook, Homemade.