PODCAST · society
Bring Your Guard Down
by Rocco Rompamuro-Tony Incomparable
With no guards up and no filters, we explore what it takes to rise to the top while staying true to family, culture, and heritage. Tune in for real, unguarded conversations that inspire, empower, and celebrate the spirit of Italian perseverance!
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Episode 47 - Rocco and Tony - Introducing Rocco's Recipes
Send us Fan MailRocco and Tony discuss the best way to make ragu sauce from scratch...and hockey playoffs too!Support the showRIng The Bell
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Episode 46 - Rocco and Tony - Old School Call Forwarding
Send us Fan MailEpisode 46 - Rocco and Tony - Old School Call Forwarding Support the showRIng The Bell
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Episode 45 - Rocco and Tony
Send us Fan MailRocco and Tony - Episode 45 Support the showRIng The Bell
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Episode 44 - Rocco and Tony
Send us Fan MailRocco and Tony Discuss a variety subjects. Some interesting, some not so much!Support the showRIng The Bell
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Episode 43 - Rocco and Tony
Send us Fan MailEpisode 43 - Rocco and Tony discuss the latest current events and Italian Football. Forza Azzuri !!!!!Support the showRIng The Bell
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Rocco and Tony - Episode 42 - Stefano Pecchia - @couplecasualspodcast
Send us Fan MailRocco and Tony - Episode 42 - Stefano Pecchia - @couplecasualspodcastSupport the showRIng The Bell
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Rocco and Tony - Episode 41 - The Olympics and Italian Hockey
Send us Fan MailRocco and Tony - Episode 41 - The Olympics and Italian Hockey Support the showRIng The Bell
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Rooco and Tony - Episode 40 - Some never before heard interview material from Rocco.
Send us Fan MailRocco and Tony listen to some never before heard audio of Rocco just after his memorable bosing match in India. Support the showRIng The Bell
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Rocco and Tony - Episode 39 - Just Rocco and Tony first of 2026
Send us Fan MailRocco and Tony sit down and discuss a variety of subjects. This is what happens when a guest cancels at the last minute. Still good stuff. Enjoys yourself!Support the showRIng The Bell
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Rocco and Tony - Episode 38 - Giuseppe Words of Wisdom
Send us Fan MailRocco and Tony sit down with Giuseppe — #GiuseppeWordsOfWisdom — for a wide-ranging conversation that blends humor, hustle, and heart. From a memorable dinner with Joe Avati to Giuseppe’s rise to fame and fortune, nothing is off the table. These days, his world revolves around managing a truly multicultural crew — two Mongolians, two Italians, and one Punjabi — and the stories that come with it are as entertaining as they are insightful. We must say though, another Rompamuro wanna-beSupport the showRIng The Bell
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Rocco and Tony - Episode 37 - Meet Richard the Juice Man and Gord, the Loan Arranger only when you are in trouble!
Send us Fan MailRocco and Tony Sit down with Richard Toronto's first and only Juice Man and Gord, the Loan Arranger, who services are only available when you are in trouble. The boys discuss a wide range of topics including golf, how to qualify for a loan, debt collection methods and the best fruits to combine to make the best juice. Support the showRIng The Bell
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Rocco and Tony - Episode 36 - Toronto Italians #tdot_italians and #italiancomedy join in the conversation for the nation.
Send us Fan MailRocco and Tony sit down with Angelo from @tdot_italians and Domenic from @Italiancomedy on instrgram. The boys discuss a wide range of topics from the 2026 world cup and Italy's chances to nicknames given to people in small italian towns across Itay. Support the showRIng The Bell
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Rocco and Tony - Episode 35 - The Greatest Smashes From 2025 podcasts
Send us Fan MailRocco and Tony have put together what they think are the greatest smashes from their 2025 podcasts. It was a great year and we look forward to 2026 with new guests, on location podcasts and continued silliness with an Italian theme. Enjoys yourself!Support the showRIng The Bell
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Rocco and Tony - Episode 34 - Rose Marie Pisano - The Ultimate Wedding Planner
Send us Fan MailRocco and Tony sit down with Rose Marie, the founder and creative force behind En Rose Events, an event-planning studio known for its stunning designs and custom invitations crafted under the iconic Busta Box brand.With nearly 15 years of experience, Rose Marie has built a reputation for bringing every couple’s vision to life—one handcrafted detail at a time. Her relationships run so deep that she’s now designing invitations for the children of her original clients, and hopes to one day plan their weddings too.Together, the three dive into the evolution of the Italian wedding, the traditions that shaped it, and all things matrimonial. It's an episode filled with stories, culture, and the artistry behind unforgettable celebrations. They definitely get her to bring the guard down. Support the showRIng The Bell
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Rocco and Tony - Episode - 33 - From the archives. Frank D'Angelo
Send us Fan MailRocco and Tony sat down with Frank 'Dangelo. A Canadian entrepreneur, singer-songwriter, filmmaker, actor, and television host. He is best known for founding D'Angelo Brands.He is also known for his work in the entertainment industry, first as a singer and song writer who has 18 studio albums, then as the host of The Being Frank Show, a weekly self-produced late night talk show which aired in Ontario on Hamilton's Super Station CHCH-TV for 13 seasons and was available across Canada on Bell Satellite TV and most cable TV providers. He is also a filmmaker who has released several feature-length films through his In Your Ear Productions.Support the showRIng The Bell
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Rocco and Tony - Episode 32 - Rocco's version of the classic Master Piece Theatre
Send us Fan MailRocco tells the story of Bianca Neva or Snow White. His version. Support the showRIng The Bell
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Rocco and Tony Episode 31 - The return of Michael Ciccone, Madonna's long lost relative. Maybe, but not really.
Send us Fan MailRocco and Tony sit down with Michael Ciccone fresh of his DNA report that insists he is the long lost relative of Madonna Ciccone. Anyway, join us in an interesting conversation about home ownership and the evolution of the Italian community in Toronto. Support the showRIng The Bell
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Rocco and Tony - Episode 30 - Back after a long training mission in Calabria
Send us Fan MailRocco and Tony discuss Rocco's return to the homeland for a 5 week training mission. What is sleep divorce anyway ? How to deal with snorers on an airplane. Support the showRIng The Bell
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Rocco and Tony - Episode 29 - Meet Joey P. and Mikey Sleeps!
Send us Fan MailRocco and Tony sit down with Joey P. from California Sandwiches and Michael Sleeps—though that’s not actually his last name. Tune in to find out the story behind it. The conversation ranges from long-distance cycling to narcolepsy and more.Support the showRIng The Bell
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Rocco and Tony - Episode 28 - The proper way to use a bidet.
Send us Fan Mail ChatGPT said:A bidet is a bathroom fixture designed for personal hygiene, specifically for cleaning your genital and anal areas after using the toilet. Instead of relying only on toilet paper, a bidet uses a stream of water to wash you, which many people find to be more hygienic and comfortable.Rocco and Tony debate which is the proper way to use the bidet. Standing facing the wall or sitting like a toilet. What is your preference?Support the showRIng The Bell
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Rocco and Tony - Episode 27 - 20th Anniversary of the Big Fight and other stuff.
Send us Fan MailRocco and Tony reflect on the 20th anniversary of the legendary showdown between Parnjeep Singh and Rocco Rompamuro in Mumbai, India. They dive into the pre-fight preparation, intense training, and winning strategies that led Rocco to victory in this unforgettable bout. Of Course, the discussion does not stop there. Enjoys yourself. Support the showRIng The Bell
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Claudio Coppola - Episode 26 - The return of one of our very first guests.
Send us Fan MailRocco and Tony thought it would be fitting to bring back one of their first BringYourGuardDown podcast guest for another go around. This time we look into what has been going on with the wedding industry in terms of videography among other topics. Enjoys yourself. Support the showRIng The Bell
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Mauro Lombardi - Episode 25 - Learn about Italian PHDs and BAs.
Send us Fan MailRocco and Tony sit down with Mauro Lombardi, who immigrated to Canada with his parents in 1961. Within just a few short years, he went on to earn both his 'Italian" PhD and BA in neighborhood studies. This episode offers a fascinating glimpse into the journey of an early Italian immigrant and the determination it took to build a life in a new world.Support the showRIng The Bell
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Rocco and Tony - Episode 24 - Astrology and the link to Italian desserts.
Send us Fan MailRocco and Tony discuss many more Italian subjects from why Italian always want to pay cash, the nona guilt trip, astrology and the link to Italian desserts and more. Support the showRIng The Bell
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Martin Ross - Episode 23 - Will the real Martin Ucci please stand up.
Send us Fan MailIn this episode Rocco and Tony sit down with Martin Ross to discuss the amazing journey of his grandfather Salvator Ucci and how he became Sam Ross. From Abruzzi to the US then to Canada in the 1920s. The legacy of his grandfather and what he had to endure as an early Italian immigrant. An amazing story!Support the showRIng The Bell
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Rocco and Tony - Episode 22 - Italian myths, legends and Nutella.
Send us Fan MailRocco and Tony discuss many Italian subjects from why Italian Americans call Sugo, gravy, what is the evil eye and how to protect against it, Nutella and Italian Superstitions or as Rocco calls is Stupidstitions. Support the showRIng The Bell
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From the Archives - Episode 21 - Lemon Parties and Meat Spinning
Send us Fan MailRocco and Tony discuss a number of current event issues. Have fun!Support the showRIng The Bell
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Elio P. - Episode 20 - Working Day to Day at Nino D'Aversa Bakery
Send us Fan MailLong before Eataly and others, there was Nino D’Aversa Bakery. Established in 1969, they've been committed to delivering top-quality breads, pizzas, pastries, and more. In this special first on-location episode of the BringYourGuardDown podcast, Rocco and Tony sit down with Elio, the owner of the Thornhill location. Elio shares insights into the bakery's daily operations and the evolving demographics of the area. It's an engaging and often hilarious look at the journey of this iconic spot.Support the showRIng The Bell
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From The Archives - Episode 19 - Drew The Fitness Trainer
Send us Fan MailRocco and Tony discuss all things fitness, health and other oddities with Trainer Drew. Support the showRIng The Bell
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Joe Di Principe - Episode 18 - From Butcher Shop to a Very Good Morning.
Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Rocco and Tony catch up with Joey D from Buon Giorno Caffe and Panini, a local gem in Etobicoke. Joey shares the incredible journey of his family business, which began in the mid-1960s as an Italian grocery store and butcher shop started by his father. Together, they explore how the neighbourhood has changed over the decades—socially, culturally, and economically—through the unique lens of the Italian-Canadian experience. A conversation filled with memories, tradition, and a whole lot of flavour.Support the showRIng The Bell
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From The Archives - Episode 17 - It's All About Maria Guana.
Send us Fan MailRocco and Tony do a deep dive on the effects of the Italian Marijuana on the Italian population. Support the showRIng The Bell
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From The Archives - Episode 16 - Rocco and Tony Talk Mexican Waffles and Hot Tubs.
Send us Fan MailRocco and Tony touch on a variety of interesting subjects including Mexican Waffles, Hot Tubs and Italian Backyard Farms in the city.Support the showRIng The Bell
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They Call Me DBG - Episode 15 - From Woodbridge to Sicily Italia and More!
Send us Fan MailRocco and Tony sit down with the famous DBG. Comedian and Mintest Guido & DJ on the Planet. Support the showRIng The Bell
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Michael Sarracini - Episode 14 - We're Not Done Yet. The Making of History
Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we speak with Michael Sarracini, one of the original members of the comedy group The Impalites. Alongside Vito Rezza, Michael helped bring to life the unforgettable character Rocco Rompamuro—a name that’s become synonymous with outrageous humor and cult classic sketches.Michael and Vito (Rocco Rompamuro) recounts some of the wildest behind-the-scenes moments from their recordings and live shows, including improvised antics, unexpected audience reactions, and the kind of creative chaos that only The Impalites could deliver. From Rocco's iconic one-liners to spontaneous on-stage mishaps, this episode is packed with nostalgia and hilarious stories that shine a spotlight on the roots of this beloved character.Support the showRIng The Bell
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Bed Time Story - Episode 13 - Goldilocks and the Tree Bears.
Send us Fan MailRocco reads the Italian Version of the famous bed time story Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Support the showRIng The Bell
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Rocco and Tony - Episode 12 - The Real Italian Wedding Crashers and More!
Send us Fan MailRocco and Tony take you back to the Italian Wedding Scene in Toronto during the 70's and 80's. Support the showRIng The Bell
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Punjabi Power Hour - Episode 11 -The World Meets Rocco Rompamuro !
Send us Fan MailTune in for the original interview that introduced the world to Rocco Rompamuro on the Punjabi Power Hour. Whether you're hearing it for the first time or revisiting a classic, this 12-minute journey offers an inside look at the rise of the legendary boxer from Calabria.Support the showRIng The Bell
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From the Archives - Episode 10 - Rocco and Tony with Frank Vessio and Josh Boni
Send us Fan MailRocco and Tony go back to the archives and present one of the early podcasts with Frank the Tank Vessio and Josh Boni. Support the showRIng The Bell
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JT (John Thistlethwaite) - Episode 8 - Talking life from the field to the future.
Send us Fan MailIn this episode, JT and the boys dive into a wide range of engaging topics—from the latest in the sports world to insights on business moves and entrepreneurship. They also get personal, sharing thoughts on family life and what the future might hold. Whether you're here for the laughs, the lessons, or a little of both, this conversation has something for everyone.Support the showRIng The Bell
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Chris T. – Episode 7 – Legal Definitions and how they are used against you.
Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we take a closer look at how governments use various tactics to craft agreements in ways that keep the average person in line. One of the key tools in this process is legalese—a dense, technical form of language filled with jargon, old-fashioned terms, and complex sentence structures.Legalese is often intentionally confusing. It’s written in a way that makes it difficult for everyday people to fully understand what they’re agreeing to, unless they have legal training. This creates a power imbalance—those who write and interpret these documents (like lawyers, judges, and officials) have the upper hand, while everyone else is left trying to make sense of something that sounds like it was written in another language.We’ll explore how this language is used to create a surface-level agreement between parties, while often hiding deeper implications in plain sight. Understanding how legalese works is the first step toward seeing through the illusion of fairness in many legal agreements.Support the showRIng The Bell
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Claudio Coppola - Episode 6 - Being an Italian teenager in the 1970's and early 80's.
Send us Fan MailThe 1970s was the best decade ever for music, fashion, and cultural change. It was a time of rebellion, creativity, and freedom. Claudio masterfully captures the essence of an Italian teenager's life in Willowdale during the late 70s and early 80s. No one tells a story quite like him, adding sound effects for extra flair. Rocco and Tony struggle to hold it together as Claudio recounts his various part-time jobs at local restaurants and burger joints. Support the showRIng The Bell
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Tony G - Episode 5 - Tony Giallonardo is known by OTTO simply as “the Curatore."
Send us Fan MailHear Tony share his journey through years of experience in the luxury menswear market, starting in Italy and later in Toronto, Canada, where he managed and worked as a fashion buyer in the stylish Yorkville district. From working with icons like Elton John, Prince, and Rod Stewart to engaging with successful local Italian businessmen, Tony's stories are truly unforgettable.From his base in Toronto, Tony consults for an array of clients from across the world. Through his charismatic and engaging personality and impeccable taste, Tony has developed a dedicated and loyal global following. Giallonardo says: “I am thrilled to be involved with the launch of OTTO in London. Covering all of a man’s wardrobe requirements, OTTO will become a way of life, even a compulsion, for clients that desire unparalleled craftsmanship produced with the finest materials and a master’s attention to detail.”Support the showRIng The Bell
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Vito Rezza - Episode 4 - The Origins of the world famous Rocco Rompamuro
Send us Fan MailStep into the world of a legend as we go beyond the ring to uncover the incredible origins of the world-renowned Italian boxer, Rocco Rompamuro. In 2003, Rocco didn’t just make his mark in boxing—he sparked an entirely new genre of comedy with a performance so iconic, it’s still talked about 22 years later. Discover the man who revolutionized both the fight game and the comedy scene, leaving an unforgettable legacy!Support the showRIng The Bell
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Chuck Stone - Episode 3 - 28 Piece Drum Kits
Send us Fan MailRocco and Tony sit down with the legendary drummer Chuck Stone. Join them as they trace Chuck's journey from jamming at the Auto Body Shop on Wednesday nights to his retirement. It’s an open conversation that will have you wondering, “Why did they even book this guy for the podcast?”Support the showRIng The Bell
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Bobby Bozic - Episode 2 - So what happens is......
Send us Fan MailBob Bozic talks about his tumultuous childhood to his challenging return to Serbia and his efforts to reclaim his roots. As a legendary bartender at Finelli's in Soho New York, his narrative is a rollercoaster of highs and lows involving disparate subjects such as prizefighting, smuggling and some major brushes with the law. We invite you to ponder the resilience of the human spirit and the possibility of redemption. Bob definitely bring his guard down. Support the showRIng The Bell
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Michael Ciccone - Episode 1 - Chico's Cafe 80 Years of Italian History
Send us Fan MailIn 1917 Chico's cafe opened on Beaver Street in the Dufferin and Davenport area and for over 80 years was the place where the whos who of the Italian community hung out. Hear the stories of Sweet Pete, Jonny Jumper, Bobby Slack and Jesse James. Support the showRIng The Bell
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Introducing our new PodCast
Send us Fan MailRocco Rompamuro and Tony Incomparable introduce their new Bring Your Guard Down Pod Cast Support the showRIng The Bell
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
With no guards up and no filters, we explore what it takes to rise to the top while staying true to family, culture, and heritage. Tune in for real, unguarded conversations that inspire, empower, and celebrate the spirit of Italian perseverance!
HOSTED BY
Rocco Rompamuro-Tony Incomparable
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