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 family
• Her relationship with her grandmother
• Turning family dynamics into storytelling
• Her upcoming book Confessions of an Italian Bred Girl
• Acting work and career journey (from Pilates to performance)
• Fertility struggles, IVF and endometriosis
• Motherhood realities — the good, the exhausting, the funny
• Disney trips, mom life, and unexpected moments
• Pregnancy and postpartum changes
• Parenting, family expectations, and “spoiling” your child
• What’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.

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Follow Candice 👇

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cguardino

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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CandiceGuardinoOfficial/

Italian Bred: https://italianbredshow.com/

Website: https://www.candiceguardino.com/

Podcast editing by https://podcastmagician.com/

In this episode, we dive into our love–hate relationship with technology and how deeply it’s embedded into modern life. From favourite gadgets and smart homes to digital frustration and midlife learning curves, we explore whether tech is making life easier—or quietly more complicated.

We talk about how everything is becoming digital: taxes, IDs, driver’s licences, banking, even buying a house or a car. And while convenience is at an all-time high, so is overwhelm.

There’s also a look at social media’s double edge—connection, opportunity, and education on one side, but also bullying, pressure, and responsibility on the other. Plus, real-life stories around using platforms like Craigslist and Carvana for major purchases.

Finally, we ask a bigger question: are we becoming too dependent on technology—and losing skills along the way?

What’s inside:

• Favourite tech, smart devices
• Digital living & Wi-Fi reliance
• Midlife tech learning
• Social media pros and cons
• Buying online + real stories

If this episode on technology and digital life combined with midlife struck a chord, make sure you subscribe so you don’t miss future conversations on the realities of midlife today. Join us for more honest, relatable discussions on ageing, change and everything midlife throws our way.

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MidLifeMafia

Website: https://midlifemafia.com/

Podcast editing by https://podcastmagician.com/

Some people cook because they have to, others cook because it’s part of who they are.

In this episode, we sit down with Momma Jackie — the TikTok and Instagram creator known for her comforting Italian recipes — to talk about where it all started, how it grew and why cooking still matters in a fast-paced world.

Momma Jackie shares how curiosity about making money online turned into something much bigger. Her videos might go viral, but at the heart of it all is something simple: feeding people, getting their reactions, sharing knowledge and keeping traditions alive. Plus, letting everyone know it’s not as hard as it seems!

We talk about the real value of cooking at home (saving money as a bonus to that) and the must-have ingredients and spices every kitchen needs while being real all along the way - just like Momma Jackie is in her videos.

We also touch on favorite dishes and the ones she’d happily never make — plus little details that make a big difference (like why lemon zest beats lemon juice every time).

This one feels like sitting in the kitchen with someone who’s done it all… and still genuinely loves it.

What’s inside:

• How social media (and curiosity about online income) got Momma Jackie started
• Viral recipes and building an audience
• Passing cooking knowledge down to the next generation
• Essential ingredients every kitchen should have
• Cooking for Easter and family traditions
• Adjusting traditional recipes for modern life
• Favourite dish… and the one she avoids
• Family time, cooking joy and creating a cookbook
• Making Italian sauce from scratch

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, like and share it with someone who loves food, family and a good story from the kitchen.

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TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@midlifemafia

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MidLifeMafia

Website: https://midlifemafia.com/

Follow Momma Jackie

TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@momma.jackie65

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/momma.jackie65/

Podcast editing by https://podcastmagician.com/