Mid-Life Mafia

Brooklyn has changed, but for those who grew up there, the memories never really leave.In this episode, we're joined by Christopher Dalton Jr. and Patrick Borriello, hosts of the Voices of Brooklyn podcast, for a trip down memory lane. We talk about growing up in Brooklyn, the neighbourhoods, the characters, the school stories and what life was like before everyone had a phone and a camera ready to capture every embarrassing moment.We also get into how much Brooklyn has changed over the years. Kids today seem to spend less time outside, while growing up back then meant being out of the house, exploring the neighbourhood and making memories with friends.Patrick takes us behind the scenes of his time in the movie industry, including his work on Law & Order and how he first got into acting. We also hear how Patrick and Chris met and how their shared love of Brooklyn eventually brought them together.Along the way, we discuss nostalgia, getting older but still wanting to feel younger, Chris being an old soul and why the past can sometimes feel closer than we think. It's a conversation about growing up, changing times, old friendships and the Brooklyn that will always live in their memories.In this episode:What it was like growing up in BrooklynHow Brooklyn's neighbourhoods and communities have changedKids free time today vs back thenHow Patrick and Chris metThe difference between guest interviews and solo podcast episodesMidlife for men and womenChris's old-soul personality and his connection to old BrooklynHow politics has become such a divisive force in societySchool stories, including cutting classesChris's children's bookIf you enjoy our conversations, make sure to subscribe to the Mid-Life Mafia Podcast, give us a like, and follow us on social media so you never miss what we're talking about next. And don't forget to share the podcast with friends who would enjoy being part of the conversation!Follow us on all platforms 👇TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@midlifemafiaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/midlifemafiapodcast/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MidLifeMafiaWebsite: https://midlifemafia.com/Follow Voices of Brooklyn 👇YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheVoicesOfBrooklynInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/TheVoicesOfBrooklyn/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@TheVoicesOfBrooklynPodcast editing by https://podcastmagician.com/

From a career in real estate to sharing her love of Italian cooking with the world, Antoinette Gangi has turned a family tradition into something much bigger. With her viral meatballs, popular cooking videos, TV appearances and new cookbook, she’s bringing Italian heritage, family recipes and the joy of cooking into kitchens everywhere.In this episode, Antoinette shares the story behind her passion for food, the traditions passed down through her family and why she believes cooking doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. We talk about the importance of bringing families together around food, teaching children to cook and keeping cultural traditions alive.We also get into the story behind her famous meatballs, her appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show, the Marcello story and her connection with the No Kid Hungry mission. Plus, Antoinette shares the advice her mum passed down to her, how she and Alexia first met on 100 Cooks, and some lovely stories about her husband, their marriage and his appearances in her videos.And yes, we find out how her meatballs have apparently saved a few marriages along the way!In this episode:The family traditions that shaped Antoinette’s love of Italian foodWhy simple ingredients and affordable recipes matterThe story behind her viral meatballsHer experience on The Drew Barrymore ShowThe No Kid Hungry missionThe life lessons her mom taught herTeaching children the joy of cookingThis is a conversation about much more than recipes. It's about family, heritage, relationships and the memories we create around the table.Follow us on all platforms 👇TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@midlifemafiaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/midlifemafiapodcast/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MidLifeMafiaWebsite: https://midlifemafia.com/Follow Antoinette 👇Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/antoinettesitaliankitchen/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@antoinetteitaliankitchenYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@antoinetteskitchen/featuredWebsite: https://www.antoinettesitaliankitchen.com/Antoinette’s Book: https://www.amazon.com/Antoinettes-Authentic-Italian-Cookbook-Collection/dp/B0F94LC5JC?ref_=ast_author_mpbPodcast editing by https://podcastmagician.com/

How does intimacy change as we get older? And how can we better understand our bodies, our needs, and our relationships?In this episode of Mid-Life Mafia, we talk with Dr. Cayte about intimacy, pleasure, and relationships at every stage of life. She shares her journey from working as a dancer and singer in New York City to becoming a therapist, and explains why she loves helping people work through personal and relationship challenges.We talk about how to have honest conversations with our kids about their bodies, boundaries, and sex education. We also explore couples therapy, different needs in relationships, open marriages, and why some people seek sex therapy.Dr. Cayte shares how trauma, chronic pain, and changes in hormones can affect intimacy. We also discuss female pleasure and how our needs can change in midlife.In this episode:Dr. Cayte's journey to becoming a therapistTalking to kids about their bodies and boundariesCouples therapy and relationship challengesIntimacy, pleasure, and different needs in relationshipsOpen marriages and polyamoryWhen sex therapy can helpTrauma, chronic pain, and intimacyFemale pleasure and hormones in midlifeFollow us on all platforms 👇TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@midlifemafiaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/midlifemafiapodcast/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MidLifeMafiaWebsite: https://midlifemafia.com/Follow Dr. Cayte 👇Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.cayte/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cayte-castrillon-301114210/Website: https://www.drcayte.com/Podcast editing by https://podcastmagician.com/

Are you at the stage of life where you'd rather stay home than go out, but you still somehow find yourself awake at 2 AM cooking for your kids? Welcome to midlife!In this episode of the Mid-Life Mafia Podcast, we're talking about how our priorities, habits and ideas of fun change as we get older. From no longer needing a drink to feel comfortable around people to looking back on the things we've experienced (and the things we missed), we share how differently we approach life now.We get into the different paths we've taken through motherhood, the guilt that can come with raising children while working, and whether you really need to go on an expensive vacation to make lasting family memories. We also share some hilarious stories about a late-night casino adventure, questionable driving, future travel plans and why being a mom sometimes means making grilled cheese at 2 AM for a hungry adult child.Because midlife isn't about following one set path. It's about figuring out what matters to us now, learning from the past, and still finding plenty to laugh about along the way.In this episode:How our social lives and relationship with alcohol have changed over the yearsWhy you don't need a drink to be yourself or enjoy a night outLooking back on the things we've tried, the risks we've taken and the regrets we've avoidedThe guilt of balancing work, family and time for yourselfFamily vacations, making memories and finding fun without spending a fortuneA casino story that got a little too competitiveRaising children to pursue what makes them happy, not just what makes them moneyIf you enjoyed this episode, please give it a like, share it with a friend who can relate, and subscribe to the Mid-Life Mafia channel for more honest conversations about life after 40!Follow us on all platforms 👇TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@midlifemafiaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/midlifemafiapodcast/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MidLifeMafiaWebsite: https://midlifemafia.com/Podcast editing by https://podcastmagician.com/

Is there something about October that makes you want to slow down, cook more, decorate the house and reach for all your favourite comfort foods? We’re talking about everything that comes with fall — and the very real midlife changes that come along with it.From sleepless nights and what we do to try to get better sleep, to pumpkin spice lattes, apple cider donuts and homemade soup, this episode is packed with the things we love about the season. We also get into Halloween costumes, trick-or-treating and pizza (which somehow manages to be a comfort food all year round!).And then there are the less glamorous parts of getting older. Colder weather can mean dry skin, while hair thinning and changing hair needs can have us searching for new products. Even driving at night can become a whole different experience in midlife.In this episode:Our favourite things about October and the start of fallSleepless nights and the things we try to do to get more restHalloween parties, costumes and trick-or-treatingWhy fall makes us crave comfort foodKeeping dry skin at bayHair thinning, GLP-1 medications and changing hair routinesWhy driving at night can get harder in midlifeIf you’re enjoying the Mid-Life Mafia podcast, like, subscribe and share this episode with another woman navigating all the funny, frustrating and delicious parts of midlife!Follow us on all platforms 👇TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@midlifemafiaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/midlifemafiapodcast/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MidLifeMafiaWebsite: https://midlifemafia.com/Podcast editing by https://podcastmagician.com/

What does it really mean to get stronger, take care of yourself and feel good in your body as you get older?In this episode of the Mid-Life Mafia Podcast, Nicole Greco-Peepas joins the conversation to talk about fitness, food, self-love and finding the motivation to take care of yourself in your 40s and 50s.Nicole shares how her journey into fitness began in an unexpected way. After moving to Greece because of her boyfriend, who later became her husband, she didn't have working papers, so she signed up for karate. That eventually led to boxing and a much bigger role for fitness in her life.She talks about losing pregnancy weight, strength training for women and why looking after your fitness isn't just about appearance. It's about recognizing that you're worth the effort and giving yourself the opportunity to live a better quality of life.The conversation also gets practical, covering food, meal prepping, accountability and how much you actually need to eat. Nicole shares what she eats, how she prepares food and what she looks for when shopping.This is a conversation about making fitness part of your life — and doing it for yourself.Episode highlights:Women, empowerment and taking care of yourselfHow to get started with working outHow moving to Greece led Nicole to fitnessStrength training for womenWhat to eat to support your goalsNicole's meals and meal-prepping routineBodybuilding competitionsShopping for food and cookingHow much to eatFinding motivation to keep goingWe hope this episode with Nicole inspires you to start working out today. If it did, give us a like and subscribe for more women empowerment episodes.Follow us on all platforms 👇TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@midlifemafiaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/midlifemafiapodcast/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MidLifeMafiaWebsite: https://midlifemafia.com/Follow Nicole 👇Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicolegrecopeepas/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nicole.grecopeepasLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-greco-peepas-823a53418/NGP Method: https://ngpmethod.passion.io/joinNGP Bro: https://ngpbro.com/Podcast editing by https://podcastmagician.com/

Have you ever discovered that the thing you loved as a child or teenager was actually something you were meant to come back to? Maria Venuto joins us to talk about music, family, finding her way back to singing, and what she hopes to do next.Maria comes from a musical family, and although she didn't want to sing as much as a teenager, seeing her father perform later on made her realize just how much she wanted to get back to music. She also shares how being multilingual has allowed her to sing in different languages, including Spanish and Greek, and how her wide-ranging music taste has influenced her.We also have some fun with singing on the podcast, Maria's ability to switch between accents, and her experiences trying out for American Idol. She talks about the singers who inspire her, her plans for more original music and performances, and the very relatable realities of perimenopause — including waking up sweaty and feeling like you don't quite feel like yourself.In this episode:Growing up in a musical family and discovering her love of singingSinging in multiple languagesHer knack for slipping between different accentsWhat happened when Maria took a shot at American IdolThe realities of navigating perimenopauseThe foods and restaurants Maria can't get enough ofIf you enjoyed this episode, make sure to like, subscribe and share it with someone who loves music, family stories and honest midlife conversations!Follow us on all platforms 👇TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@midlifemafiaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/midlifemafiapodcast/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MidLifeMafiaWebsite: https://midlifemafia.com/Follow Maria 👇TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@maria_venutoFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/MARIAILENAVENUTO/Maria’s music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/maria-venuto/1194169308Podcast editing by https://podcastmagician.com/

Join us for an exciting episode of the Midlife Mafia podcast as we sit down with Rosa, the culinary powerhouse behind Easy Eatz with Rosa! Raised by an Italian mother and Croatian father, Rosa brings a rich blend of European cuisine to the table, sharing her tips and tricks to make traditional dishes that save you time in the kitchen without sacrificing flavor.In this episode, we dive into Rosa's journey from family cooking traditions to becoming a digital creator. Discover how a family text thread inspired her to share her culinary adventures on social media, and hear about her favorite recipes, including her famous zucchini fritters.As we explore the challenges and joys of cooking in midlife, Rosa shares her insights on balancing family life, work, and her passion for cooking. No matter if you're a seasoned chef or just starting out, Rosa's enthusiasm and practical advice will inspire you to get back in the kitchen and enjoy the process of cooking for yourself and your loved ones.In this episode:Rosa's culinary background and family influencesTips for efficient cooking and meal prepFavorite recipes and cooking techniquesThe importance of sharing food and traditionsEmbracing midlife and personal growth through cookingTune in for a delightful conversation filled with laughter, food tips, and the power of embracing midlife! Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more episodes from the Midlife Mafia.Follow us on all platforms 👇TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@midlifemafiaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/midlifemafiapodcast/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MidLifeMafiaWebsite: https://midlifemafia.com/Follow Rosa 👇Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/easyeatzwithrosa/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@easyeatzwithrosaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577117710372YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@easyeatzwithrosaPodcast editing by https://podcastmagician.com/

What started as a dream of opening a storefront took an unexpected turn when Covid changed the plans and led Andrea to build a community online around something she loves: food, family, and tradition.In this episode of the Mid-Life Mafia Podcast, Andrea shares the story behind her cannoli journey, her love of Italian cooking, and how social media has opened the door to a community that sends her plenty of love — much of it directed at the real star of the show, her dad!But there’s much more to Andrea than cannoli and cookbooks. She’s also a nurse who has taken part in medical missions, including time helping people in Africa and Panama. We talk about some of those experiences, the people she’s met, and how they have shaped her perspective.And then there’s Christmas — Italian-style. We get into the cooking, the incredible amount of food, the leftovers, the family time, and the memories that come with gathering around the table.For Andrea, food is about much more than recipes. It’s about holding onto childhood memories, creating new ones, and leaving something meaningful behind for the next generation. We also take a trip down memory lane through music and the songs that can instantly transport us back to another time.At the heart of it all is gratitude — for family, for the support she has received, and for the opportunity to live the life she’s dreamed of.In this episode:How Andrea became an online creatorThe love from online followersAndrea’s career as a nurseThe story of cannoli and how Italians made themThe magic — and overload — of Italian Christmas cookingThe importance of family supportWhat it means to live the dream while creating a legacy for the futureIf you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share it with someone who’d love a good story about family, memories, and living life to the fullest!Follow us on all platforms 👇TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@midlifemafiaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/midlifemafiapodcast/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MidLifeMafiaWebsite: https://midlifemafia.com/Follow Andrea 👇Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andreascannolilove/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andreascannolilove1Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Andreas-Cannoli-Love/61588898066913/Andrea’s Recipe Books: https://stan.store/AndreasCannoliLovePodcast editing by https://podcastmagician.com/

What does it take to become a different version of yourself?In this episode of the Mid-Life Mafia Podcast, we sit down with John Scafiddi Jr., founder of At War, a Brooklyn-based clothing brand built around more than just fashion. John opens up about entrepreneurship, mental health, relationships, divorce, personal growth, and the experiences that shaped the person he is today.John talks about how he started At War and how the COVID-19 pandemic gave him the opportunity to put more focus into his business. What began as a clothing line also became a way to create conversations around mental health, giving people a space to connect through the brand and its message.The conversation gets even more personal as John reflects on the parts of his past he had to let go of to become who he is today. He talks honestly about his past relationships, the lessons he learned from divorce, and how growing up in a complicated family situation shaped his views on love, marriage, and relationships.And, of course, it wouldn't be a Mid-Life Mafia conversation without getting into the fun stuff. John shares some of his favorite songs and bands, his favorite Brooklyn pizzeria, and the stories behind his tattoos and piercings.In this episode:Using fashion to create conversations around mental healthThe story and message behind At WarJohn's podcast, The Journey PodcastLessons from past relationships and divorceGrowing up as an only child and becoming stronger through itThe importance of having the right people around youJohn's favorite songs and bandsHis favorite Brooklyn pizzeriaTattoos, piercings and self-expressionEnjoyed the conversation?Make sure you subscribe to the Mid-Life Mafia Podcast so you never miss an episode.Follow us on all platforms 👇TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@midlifemafiaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/midlifemafiapodcast/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MidLifeMafiaWebsite: https://midlifemafia.com/Follow John 👇Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnscafiddijr/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnscafiddijuniorFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jscafiddijunior/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-scafiddi-jr/At War: https://atwarworldwide.com/The Journey Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@TheJourneyPodcast Podcast editing by https://podcastmagician.com/