Bring Your Guard Down podcast

1:29:22

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 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. RIng The Bell…

Bring Your Guard Down

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Claudio Coppola - Episode 6 - Being an Italian teenager in the 1970's and early 80's. 1:21:07

13 days ago1:21:07

1:21:07

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 at local restaurants and burger joints. RIng The Bell…

Bring Your Guard Down

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Tony G - Episode 5 - Tony Giallonardo is known by OTTO simply as “the Curatore." 1:06:47

16 days ago1:06:47

1:06:47

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 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.” RIng The Bell…

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Vito Rezza - Episode 4 - The Origins of the world famous Rocco Rompamuro 57:50

22 days ago57:50

57:50

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! RIng The Bell…

Bring Your Guard Down

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Chuck Stone - Episode 3 - 28 Piece Drum Kits 1:11:49

29 days ago1:11:49

1:11:49

Send us a text Rocco 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?” RIng The Bell…

Bring Your Guard Down

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Bobby Bozic - Episode 2 - So what happens is...... 1:07:36

7 weeks ago1:07:36

1:07:36

Send us a text Bob 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. RIng The Bell…

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Michael Ciccone - Episode 1 - Chico's Cafe 80 Years of Italian History 1:06:12

8 weeks ago1:06:12

1:06:12

Send us a text In 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. RIng The Bell

Bring Your Guard Down

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Introducing our new PodCast 6:45

8 weeks ago6:45