Bring Your Guard Down

Bring Your Guard Down

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!

Episodes

August 10, 2025 54 mins

Send us a text

Rocco 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.  

The "What's Going On?" Podcast

Think casual, relatable discussions like you'd overhear in a barbershop....

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

RIng The Bell

Mark as Played

Send us a text

In 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!

The "What's Going On?" Podcast

Think casual, relatable discussions like you'd overhear in a barbershop....

...

Mark as Played

Send us a text

Rocco 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.  


 

The "What's Going On?" Podcast

Think casual, relatable discussions like you'd overhear in a barbershop....

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

RIng The Bell

Mark as Played

Send us a text

Rocco and Tony discuss a number of current event issues.  Have fun!

The "What's Going On?" Podcast

Think casual, relatable discussions like you'd overhear in a barbershop....

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

RIng The Bell

Mark as Played

Send us a text

Long 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 ...

Mark as Played

Send us a text

Rocco and Tony discuss all things fitness, health and other oddities with Trainer Drew.  

The "What's Going On?" Podcast

Think casual, relatable discussions like you'd overhear in a barbershop....

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

RIng The Bell

Mark as Played

Send us a text

In 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...

Mark as Played

Send us a text

Rocco and Tony do a deep dive on the effects of the Italian Marijuana on the Italian population.  

The "What's Going On?" Podcast

Think casual, relatable discussions like you'd overhear in a barbershop....

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

RIng The Bell

Mark as Played

Send us a text

Rocco and Tony touch on a variety of interesting subjects including Mexican Waffles, Hot Tubs and Italian Backyard Farms in the city.

The "What's Going On?" Podcast

Think casual, relatable discussions like you'd overhear in a barbershop....

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

RIng The Bell

Mark as Played

Send us a text

Rocco and Tony sit down with the famous DBG.  Comedian and Mintest Guido & DJ on the Planet.  


The "What's Going On?" Podcast

Think casual, relatable discussions like you'd overhear in a barbershop....

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

RIng The Bell

Mark as Played

Send us a text

In 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, inclu...

Mark as Played

Send us a text

Rocco reads the Italian Version of the famous bed time story Goldilocks and the Three Bears.  

RIng The Bell

Mark as Played

Send us a text

Rocco and Tony take you back to the Italian Wedding Scene in Toronto during the 70's and 80's.  

The "What's Going On?" Podcast

Think casual, relatable discussions like you'd overhear in a barbershop....

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

RIng The Bell

Mark as Played

Send us a text

Tune 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.

RIng The Bell

Mark as Played

Send us a text

Rocco and Tony go back to the archives and present one of the early podcasts with Frank the Tank Vessio and Josh Boni.  

The "What's Going On?" Podcast

Think casual, relatable discussions like you'd overhear in a barbershop....

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

RIng The Bell

Mark as Played

Send us a text

In 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.

The "What's Going On?" Podcast

Think casual, re...

Mark as Played

Send us a text

In 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 u...

Mark as Played

Send us a text

The 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 ...

Mark as Played

Send us a text

Hear 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 ...

Mark as Played

Send us a text

Step 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!

Th...

Mark as Played

Popular Podcasts

    Football’s funniest family duo — Jason Kelce of the Philadelphia Eagles and Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs — team up to provide next-level access to life in the league as it unfolds. The two brothers and Super Bowl champions drop weekly insights about the weekly slate of games and share their INSIDE perspectives on trending NFL news and sports headlines. They also endlessly rag on each other as brothers do, chat the latest in pop culture and welcome some very popular and well-known friends to chat with them. Check out new episodes every Wednesday. Follow New Heights on the Wondery App, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to new episodes early and ad-free, and get exclusive content on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. And join our new membership for a unique fan experience by going to the New Heights YouTube channel now!

    Dateline NBC

    Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

    On Purpose with Jay Shetty

    I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!

    The Breakfast Club

    The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, And Charlamagne Tha God!

    The Bobby Bones Show

    Listen to 'The Bobby Bones Show' by downloading the daily full replay.

Advertise With Us
Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.