Talking Titos

In Episode 13 of Talking Titos, we focus mainly on health issues and growing up with relatives in the medical field- since were Filipino. We stress staying active and what we can do better as we get older.

In Episode 12 of Talking Titos, we keep it real with a mix of humor, everyday struggles, and relatable life talk. We get into what it’s like staying active as you get older, dealing with constant soreness, and trying to balance health, work, and everything else life throws at you. If you enjoy real conversations, a few laughs, and topics that hit close to home, this episode is definitely one to ch...

Mel and Jo circling back to what we’re most passionate about Jiu-Jitsu and martial arts. We get into the realities of training life, from double sessions and conditioning struggles to gym culture and belt progression, with plenty of humor along the way. More than anything, we talk about how jiu-jitsu is just as mental as it is physical—it provides structure, discipline, and even a lifeline, keepin...

We made it to Episode 10 and we’re just getting started. In this episode, the Tito’s dive deep into Filipino stereotypes—breaking down what’s real, what’s exaggerated, and what we’ve actually lived through. From the classic “all our moms are nurses” origin story to being forced into piano lessons, karaoke expectations, and growing up in strict, traditional households - we cover it all.

TALKING TITOS – EPISODE 9In Episode 9 of Talking Titos: the titos welcomes a very special (and younger) guest — Eli, Tito Mel’s son — who joins the show for a fun and lighthearted conversation. Eli talks about some of the things he enjoys growing up today, including video games, VR, Legos, art, and music, along with his experiences training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai. The Tito’s get a chanc...

Talking Titos – Episode 8: Relationships, Culture & Lessons We Learned -- In this episode of Talking Tito’s: Chronicles of the Filipino American Experience, we get real about relationships the good, the messy, and the lessons that only time can teach.

Episode Description: Welcome back to Talking Titos! In Episode 7, Tito Mal and Tito Jo dive into the aftermath of a magical Chicago Bears season. From the heartbreak of that final field goal to the way the city unites when the team is winning, we break down why being a die-hard Bears fan is both a blessing and a curse. Then, we the talk about traditions, superstitions, and customs we grew up with...

Welcome back to another episode of Talking Titos with your hosts, Tito Jo and Tito Mel. In this episode, we’re diving deep into the heart of Filipino culture: the legendary family party! Fresh off the New Year's celebrations, we discuss the "typical Filipino" struggle of cooking for 40 people when only five are coming over. From lechon and pancit to the sheer embarrassment of ever ru...

Join us in Episode 5 of the podcast as we dive into the messy, rewarding, and often hilarious world of parenting. In this episode, we share our own experiences—from the mistakes we made as young parents to the lessons we’re still learning today. In this episode, you’ll hear about:Our Parenting Journey: Personal stories about raising kids at different stages of life, from age 10 to 23.Mistakes &amp...

In Episode 4 of Talking Titos , we kick back and talk about everything from Thanksgiving chaos and old-school Filipino traditions to mahjong tables, Lola stories, and banana leaf cigars . We reflect on growing up Filipino in the Midwest, family gatherings, and the unforgettable characters that shape who we are. The conversation flows into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu , gym culture, starting later in life,...

In Episode 3 of Talking Titos, Jo and Mel break down what Filipino Thanksgiving look like — turkey with gravy, lumpia that never reaches the table, pancit, lechon, and all the chaos of big Filipino families.

Episode 2 of Talking Titos is here! In this one, Tito Jo and Tito Mel take a trip back to the 80s and 90s and talk about what it was like growing up Filipino American during that time. From curio cabinets and giant wooden spoons, to husky pants at Sears, homemade outfits, Atari games, family traditions, Filipino food, and all the funny stuff our parents did — we cover it all. We also talk about ra...

Two Filipino Americans from Chicago—Jo and Mel—kick off Talking Titos , a down-to-earth take on growing up Filipino in America. We swap stories about family, culture, and life lessons from the 70s to now.