In this episode, we sit down with Candice Guardino, the force behind Italian Bred, to talk about the life experiences that shaped her — from growing up in a big, expressive Italian family to turning those moments into comedy, storytelling, and now a growing platform across stage, screen, and writing. Candice shares what it was like being raised in a home where everyone talked (and yelled) at once, and how her grandmother played a huge role in shaping her voice from a young age. That foundation now shows up in everything she creates — raw, honest, and deeply relatable. We also get into the more personal side of her journey. From her upcoming book Confessions of an Italian Bred Girl to her experiences with fertility struggles, IVF, and endometriosis, Candice opens up about topics that aren’t talked about enough — especially when it comes to women’s health and conception. There’s plenty of humour along the way too — from motherhood moments (including Disney trips and bug encounters 😅) to the realities of pregnancy, postpartum changes, and what it really feels like to be a mom. As she puts it, it’s the best kind of tired. From Pilates instructor to performer, writer, and creator, this conversation is about following your path, speaking your truth, and turning real life into something meaningful — and entertaining. What’s inside: Growing up in a loud, loving Italian familyHer relationship with her grandmotherTurning family dynamics into storytellingHer upcoming book Confessions of an Italian Bred GirlActing work and career journey (from Pilates to performance)Fertility struggles, IVF and endometriosisMotherhood realities — the good, the exhausting, the funnyDisney trips, mom life, and unexpected momentsPregnancy and postpartum changesParenting, family expectations, and “spoiling” your childWhat’s next for Candice If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, like, and share it with someone who appreciates real stories, honest conversations, and a bit of humour along the way. Follow us on all platforms 👇 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@midlifemafia Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/midlifemafiapodcast/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MidLifeMafia Website: https://midlifemafia.com/ Follow Candice 👇 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cguardino Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candiceguardino/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CandiceGuardinoOfficial/ Italian Bred: https://italianbredshow.com/ Website: https://www.candiceguardino.com/ Podcast editing by https://podcastmagician.com/