Hardcore Italians Podcast

Hardcore Italians
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Talking all things Italian-American culture.

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

    APR 2

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

    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. We also get deep into Italian-American culture—why traditions matter, the difference between “sauce” and “gravy,” why Toronto and Chicago Italians keep the culture alive, and Sal’s ranking of the best Little Italys' in America. Plus, Sal opens up about family, growing up with Sinatra, how his late uncle changed his life, and why Italian-Americans sometimes feel “too Italian” for America and “too American” for Italy. Shop merch: https://www.hardcoreitalians.com/ Subscribe to our YouTube channel, leave a like, and drop a comment! Be sure to follow Hardcore Italians on all platforms as well! 👇🏻 YouTube:   ‪@hardcoreitalians‬  Instagram:     / hardcoreitalians     Facebook:    / hardcoreitalians     TikTok:     / hardcoreitalians

    1h 3m
  2. The Story Will Sasso Wasn’t Supposed to Tell… Until Now

    11/20/2025

    The Story Will Sasso Wasn’t Supposed to Tell… Until Now

    Will Sasso joins Mike 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. Shop merch: https://www.hardcoreitalians.com/ YouTube:    / @hardcoreitalians Instagram:   / hardcoreitalians   Facebook:   / hardcoreitalians   TikTok:   / ucvoqb5ibakqiztabclazcra

    36 min
  3. Drea de Matteo on The Sopranos, Adriana’s Death, and Being Proudly Italian

    11/11/2025

    Drea de Matteo on The Sopranos, Adriana’s Death, and Being Proudly Italian

    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. This episode is full of laughter, authenticity, and Italian pride. Shop merch: https://www.hardcoreitalians.com/ YouTube:    / @hardcoreitalianspodcast Instagram:   / hardcoreitalians   Facebook:   / hardcoreitalians   TikTok:   / ucvoqb5ibakqiztabclazcra

    49 min
  4. Matteo Bocelli Talks Italian Roots, Ed Sheeran, & Performing with His Dad at the Oscars

    10/11/2025

    Matteo Bocelli Talks Italian Roots, Ed Sheeran, & Performing with His Dad at the Oscars

    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. We also talk Italian food, passion, and how love shapes both his music and identity. If you're Italian American or just love authentic, heartfelt stories — this one's for you. Shop merch: https://www.hardcoreitalians.com/ Subscribe to our YouTube channel, leave a like, and drop a comment! Be sure to follow Hardcore Italians on all platforms as well! 👇🏻 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HardcoreItaliansTV?sub_confirmation=1 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hardcoreitalians Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/HardcoreItalians/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@UCvoqb5IBaKqiZTabCLAZcRA

    24 min
  5. Daniel Franzese on Italian Moms, Macaroni Rascals & Growing Up Italian American

    10/09/2025

    Daniel Franzese on Italian Moms, Macaroni Rascals & Growing Up Italian American

    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. Shop merch: https://www.hardcoreitalians.com/ Subscribe to our YouTube channel, leave a like, and drop a comment! Be sure to follow Hardcore Italians on all platforms as well! 👇🏻 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HardcoreItaliansTV?sub_confirmation=1 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hardcoreitalians Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/HardcoreItalians/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@UCvoqb5IBaKqiZTabCLAZcRA

    43 min
  6. “They Told Me I Wasn’t Italian Enough” – Beverly D’Angelo Gets REAL About Her Roots

    10/07/2025

    “They Told Me I Wasn’t Italian Enough” – Beverly D’Angelo Gets REAL About Her Roots

    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. Shop merch: https://www.hardcoreitalians.com/ Subscribe to our YouTube channel, leave a like, and drop a comment! Be sure to follow Hardcore Italians on all platforms as well! 👇🏻 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HardcoreItaliansTV?sub_confirmation=1 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hardcoreitalians Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/HardcoreItalians/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@UCvoqb5IBaKqiZTabCLAZcRA

    32 min
  7. Family, Fame, and Faith: A Conversation with Courtney Lopez

    10/04/2025

    Family, Fame, and Faith: A Conversation with Courtney Lopez

    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. Shop merch: https://www.hardcoreitalians.com/ Subscribe to our YouTube channel, leave a like, and drop a comment! Be sure to follow Hardcore Italians on all platforms as well! 👇🏻 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HardcoreItaliansTV?sub_confirmation=1 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hardcoreitalians Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/HardcoreItalians/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@UCvoqb5IBaKqiZTabCLAZcRA

    32 min
  8. From Jurassic to Italy: A Sit-Down with Joe Mazzello

    10/02/2025

    From Jurassic to Italy: A Sit-Down with Joe Mazzello

    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. Shop merch: https://www.hardcoreitalians.com/ Subscribe to our YouTube channel, leave a like, and drop a comment! Be sure to follow Hardcore Italians on all platforms as well! 👇🏻 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HardcoreItaliansTV?sub_confirmation=1 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hardcoreitalians Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/HardcoreItalians/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@UCvoqb5IBaKqiZTabCLAZcRA

    53 min
See All (70)

4.9
out of 5
32 Ratings

About

Talking all things Italian-American culture.

Information

  • Creator
    Hardcore Italians
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    70
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Hardcore Italians
  • Show Website
    Hardcore Italians Podcast

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