Espresso Mornings

Adam Burke is a professional comedian and the host of the incredible Bingo Loco. He also organizes the Bray Comedy Festival and has been running the Hardy Har Comedy Club at the Harbour Bar for the past 16 years. Married with four kids, Adam is unstoppable, balancing his career with his role as a youth worker. And just when you think you’ve heard it all, he also has a past passion for wrestling. There’s no shortage of depth to this one man!

I first met Theo Fitzgibbon at a comedy event while he was preparing for his debut show, with only a small amount of material. We briefly crossed paths again afterward, and he mentioned that he was also a musician. When I started listening to his songs, I was blown away by his incredible talent. https://open.spotify.com/artist/1yJNPJa8DUts3apfDg3iCj?si=64QUpfSZSAOvOzd4v9csDQ

Cian Cowley, an MMA and Muay Thai fighter, left school at 16 to pursue his dream of becoming the best.

Filippo Fusco, a young Italian living in France, decided to visit some distant relatives in Ireland. The moment he set foot on the emerald isle, something about the country captivated him—its landscapes, its warmth, and the infectious spirit of the people. In no time, he fell in love with Ireland and knew he had to make it his home.

At just 22, Filippo took a bold leap and opened his first chipper in the heart of Dublin on Meath Street. His blend of Italian flair and Irish tradition made his shop a local favorite, and his business quickly thrived. Yet, behind the warm smiles and success, Filippo harbored a secret—a past he couldn’t share with anyone.

One evening, as the night descended on the bustling streets of Dublin, a group of drunken men began to cause a scene outside his shop. Filippo, always the peacemaker, stepped out to try to break up the commotion. But this time, something inside him snapped. He hadn’t expected to act, but his instincts kicked in. With the precision and grace of a seasoned fighter, Filippo used his judo skills to swiftly separate the brawlers. In one fluid motion, he threw one of the men to the ground, effortlessly diffusing the situation.

As the men stumbled off, confused and humiliated, the small crowd that had gathered looked on in stunned silence. They’d always seen Filippo as the chipper owner, friendly and approachable. But tonight, they had witnessed something else—something they hadn’t known about him.

For the first time, Filippo’s hidden skill, and perhaps the secret of his past, had been revealed. A past he was never ready to confront

#fighting #kickboxing

Johnny Mafia, a true Italian character, grew up in South America to Italian parents before living in both Italy and Ireland. His story is one of a life shaped by the blending of cultures and traditions, influenced by the legacy of his parents and the mysticism of voodoo. He tells the tale of growing up in three distinct countries, each leaving its mark on him, and how the mix of his Italian heritage and the mystical practices passed down from his Italian mother shaped the man he would become.

In this episode, Pete Taylor sits down with Domenico Rea to discuss his journey, touching on the challenges of balancing family life with the harsh realities of boxing. He also opens up about the darker side of the sport and reflects on the successes that have shaped his career

#boxing #katietaylor #fighting #espresso