About this episode

Candice Guardino shares her journey from a loud Italian family to creating her hit comedy 'Italian Bred'.

Brooklyn-born and raised in a loud, loving Italian family on Staten Island, Candice Guardino joins the show to share the story behind her hit theatrical comedy Italian Bred. Inspired by true-life events, Candice brings audiences on a hilarious journey through her childhood, slipping in and out of unforgettable characters—including her iconic Italian grandmother—that anyone who grew up in an Italian household will instantly recognize. In this episode, Candice talks about how her upbringing shaped her comedy, the path that led her to the stage, and how Italian Bred grew from a live show into a comedy special now streaming on Amazon Prime and Apple TV. We also dive into her work as a writer, performer, and singer, her podcast “Don’t Start!”, and her upcoming comedic essay book Confessions of an Italian Bred Girl coming in 2026. A Wagner College Musical Theatre graduate with training from Second City and Upright Citizens Brigade, Candice has toured nationally, performed regionally, and written for film and television including projects with PureFlix and Sony Pictures. If you grew up in a big Italian family, this episode will feel like sitting at the kitchen table listening to stories…

People in this episode

Host: Frank Diesel

Guest: Candice Guardino

Topics covered

• comedy
• Italian culture
• theatrical performance
• childhood stories
• writing
• podcasting

Keywords

• Candice Guardino
• Italian Bred
• comedy
• theater
• podcast
• Italian family
• Wagner College
• Confessions of an Italian Bred Girl

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Amazon Prime, Apple TV, Wagner College, Second City, Upright Citizens Brigade, PureFlix, Sony Pictures

Books & works: Italian Bred, Confessions of an Italian Bred Girl, Don’t Start!

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