What’s Your Story, Anthony Bonazzo? From Jersey Roots to Chicago’s Comedy Stages

In this sharp, heartfelt, and hilarious episode, we sit down with comedian Anthony Bonazzo — a Jersey-born comic who has built a career on Chicago’s comedy stages while navigating the highs and lows of life, loss, and laughter. Anthony shares his journey from a big Italian family full of material, to AmeriCorps service in Alaska, to carving out a name for himself at Zanies, Dry Bar Comedy, and beyond. Along the way, he opens up about depression, resilience, hecklers, social media pressures, and why comedy at its best doesn’t just punch lines — it connects people.KEY TOPICS COVEREDGrowing up in a big Italian family and discovering comedy through impressionsFrom Alaska volunteer work to Chicago improv and stand-upBalancing comedy with personal training and fitnessThe rollercoaster lifestyle of a working comedianNavigating depression, loss, and personal struggles through humorThe challenge of writing comedy in today’s sensitive climateViral moments, specials, and opening for Michael CheWhy authenticity in comedy matters more than shock valueMEMORABLE QUOTES“Comedy is like riding a wave — you can’t control it, you just have to hang on.” — Anthony Bonazzo“Am I depressed, or is everybody just depressing? Sometimes it’s hard to tell.” — Anthony Bonazzo“Comedy at its best isn’t about being offensive — it’s about being authentic.” — Anthony Bonazzo-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Where to listen & watch:YouTube: https://youtu.be/o61EB6RK6pkApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whats-your-story/id1768048076Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0aFWnedfyylxVs5vJrD8tYAmazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c4c493e-e2f2-4b4b-bfd3-52174caeaf7c/whats-your-story-with-jaime-stanConnect with Anthony BonazzoWebsite - https://www.anthonybonazzo.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/comediantrainer/If this episode helped you rethink what success looks like, subscribe, rate, and review our podcast! Your support helps us share more powerful stories like Anthony's.Follow us on:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/JaimeSpeaksFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/JaimeMarcoSpeaksLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaimeamarcoWebsite: https://www.jaimemarco.comGot feedback or a guest recommendation? Email us at [email protected]