The Sweet Madness Podcast

In the season 3 finale, I answer your questions complete with personal stories and a rant about “The Telephone Hour” from Bye Bye Birdie in which I TOTALLY forget that Hugo is a character, thus forgetting what information this song gives us. What was learned? How to focus on the kind of relationships you want for the future with yourself, partner, and the word No. Liked what you heard? Rate! Or se...

MT Pariti is an inspiration. He brings us into his corner of the world through poetry, community, and living by the Golden Rule. Author of Rhyme and Resistance and one of the creators of The Scene Magazine , he celebrates individuality, humanity, and it pays it forward in his everyday life.  His words and verses flow through every corner of the heart, creating a safe space for it to be held. You’l...

What does “Sweet Madness’’ mean to director / filmmaker / SAG-AFTRA Actor, Gregory Cioffi ?  There’s only one word that comes to Greg’s mind: relish. We’re not talking about the green hot dog topping here – no. We’re talking about the verb.  In this episode, my conversation with Greg touches upon burn out, living in the present, creative endeavors, and saying what you mean to say the way you mean...

My friend gave me the topic we’re talking about today, and I didn’t expect to get so passionate about it.  When dating, there’s this notion people think they know a person on a personal level before they’ve even met because of a few things. The #1 thing is social media.  Did we forget that social media ISN’T a whole person? Their profile consists only of the parts they choose to share, and most li...

We’re opening up windows for you and knocking on doors with forgiveness. Poet Laureate Emerita of Nassau County, Paula Curci, and Poet/Educator Robert Windorf discuss the essence of sweet madness through unexpected conversations of Alzheimer's, loss, age, love, healing, hope, the list goes on. The power of poetry prevails.  Liked what you heard? Send me a DM on ⁠Instagram⁠ .  Have a question f...

Creator & Author of Struck Inside Out, Coach, and Podcaster Danielle Bertoli joins me in a conversation about meeting our inner selves. From gushing about Alanis Morissette to working to get out of our shells, there’s something that seems to be the power chord for us: getting comfortable in the uncomfortable.  This episode was a massive inspiring spark for me, simply because Danielle has a way...

Vocal coach Jamie Berger of Limitless Vocals , has a heart like no other. In this episode, Jamie and I talk about honoring our heart’s songs while life has other plans.  If you’re feeling lost on your life path, please know that you’re not alone. This episode gives you tons of sweet nuggets to feel empowered, encouraged, and motivated to make your life yours.  Liked what you heard? Send me a DM on...

Wilson Valley , AKA, Chris Rogers, talks music, art-life balance, and how they contribute to his own sweet madness story. You’ll also learn your newest pick-up line.  Check out Wilson Valley’s music to hear what the child of Linkin Park and Ed Sheeran would sound like (Chris’ words, not mine).  Liked what you heard? Send me a DM on ⁠Instagram⁠ .  Have a question for The Sweet Madness Podcast? Ask...

Making decisions sucks. I’ve struggled with this my entire life, mostly because I’m HIGHLY indecisive. But not so much any more. In this episode full of good examples (you’ll be craving some goodies after your listen), I give you the one thing that changed the decision-making game. Download your free Beat Indecisiveness Worksheet here and remember to ask yourself: How will this serve me? Making de...

Is it Good Pressure or Bad Pressure? One is the difference between the drive to do your best and your worst work. In this episode, JK Larkin is back to talk about work-life balance and how pressure can snowball affect your output in the office or your relationships.  The one constant thread in your life is You and the only way to be the best You is to be true to you. Do the things that nourish you...

The season 2 finale is here with a special Q&A episode! Recorded live at The Humble Cafe in front of an audience, Rebecca and I answer your questions for The Sweet Madness Podcast. Dive in and meet the first guest of Season 3, who was picked right there on-the-spot. This event also served as a celebration for my newest book baby, Poems of Madness Vol. 1 ! Ready for some Sweet Madness? I know y...

Go with your gut. If your body is screaming at you to journey a different path, follow the call. Listen. Jeremy Melendez certainly did. You’ll never know where you’ll end up, and it just might be the best thing for you .  This episode is PACKED with advice and nuggets of wisdom for you. Some of the phrases Jeremy brought to this conversation definitely need to put on t-shirts.  Subscribe to The Sw...

You know the ride. You know the song. Most people love it. I’m not most people. “It’s a Small World (After All)”  is the creepiest song I’ve ever heard. The ride is one of my greatest fears. No, I’m not joking. Here’s my take. Subscribe to The Sweet Madness Newsletter here: https://www.amandamontoni.com/   Sweet Madness Merch: https://www.amandamontoni.com/store?category=Sweet+Madness+Merch   Drop...

As I sat down with Jonathan, I couldn’t help but think about how we’re all connected. On an intricate level, we understand each other more than we think we do. The thing is we don’t see it. We're too busy being wrapped up in our own narratives.  This episode ties together 2 different experiences that resonate on that intricate level. Jonathan Palmiotti tells his sweet madness story, the effect...

It’s story time! I know you love story time.  Today’s episode is all about a moment that impacted my life forever more.  It’s the moment I discovered my Why, and it’s far from all sunshine and rainbows.  It’s layered with all the sweet madness this world hands us.  What’s your Why Moment? Slide into my DM’s on Instagram to let me know.  If this episode resonates with you, make sure to share it wit...

Better late than never! If there’s one thing every single one of us needs in this world, it’s to feel connected.   In this bonus episode, City Gate Productions talks about the all encompassing, contradictory and rewarding feels theatre has to offer. There’s truly no other connection like it.  Virginia Harmon and Regina Fischedick talk about the level of heart and community the arts provide for all...

There’s a reason why most searches about dating are questions. A clear definition of it doesn’t exist. Why? In this episode, I tell you why. I also tell you some pretty important things that get lost in the mess of dating someone new.  Want to have a better dating experience? Try these things out. I can only help you by sharing what I’ve learned.  If you find they don’t work for you, that’s okay....

Have you already dropped your New Year's Resolution? What're your thoughts on Resolutions? Do you even have any? 2 old friends unpack the surrounding stigma of Resolutions and why saying the words "New Year's" in front of the R-word will only set you back. Rebecca Drew, life-long friend and teacher joins me as we cover way more in this episode than intended. Somehow a trip down memory lane circled...

Why do we live in a world where appearances are what we concentrate on the most? Here's proof that they don't matter as much as we think they do. Let me re-introduce myself. Hi. My name is Amanda Montoni and I am a fat dancer. I grew up in a world I loved. But this world was one that would chew me up and spit me out. It almost did, until I realized these things:   1. The ideal image of a d...

In my conversation with Jim Haines , we talk about the importance of creativity in this structure-filled world. The brain is capable of many things, and William Shakespeare embodies the human experience. Mr. Shakes also happens to be one of Jim's major influences  - so much so that he wrote a one man show about the bard's impact on his life.  The show, The Crackpot Shakespeare Theories Vol. 1 is p...

Freedom. It's what we all want. How do we get it? In the season 1 finale of The Sweet Madness Podcast, psychology counselor, Pre-Law, and world student, Nick Montoni sums up what life is all about: the balance of Change vs. Familiarity. In other words, Sweet Madness. Through his knowledge of psychology, philosophy, and law, Nick shows us how we can get to a balancing sweet spot and achieve freedom...

Putting parts of ourselves into boxes is a thing of the past . In this episode, the CEO - excuse me, Head Penguin - of Red Penguin Books and Red Penguin Web Solutions bestows some beautiful advice upon us. Stephanie Larkin is a fellow multi-passionate, multi-faceted human. She has worn hats with the titles of Musician, Entrepreneur, Performer, Mom, Podcast host, and more. The road never stopped fo...

To answer the title question: Besides being partially Italian, they have more in common than you think. Join Theatre Performer, Tara Mangione, as she discusses the importance of Vulnerability with a capital "V" in a cut-throat business. In this episode, Tara gives a play-by-play of her college audition experiences and what made her ultimately choose Molloy/Cap 21 for her college program....

What’s more important than a sense of belonging? What’s more important than community? We can think of a few things, but this world survives on community. In this episode, Amanda speaks with 2 of the founders of Random Thursdays Radio Theatre - Actor/Director/Playwright Dany Stravino and Playwright Peter M. Carrozzo.  Dany and Peter speak of their writing practices and the very thing that keeps th...

Are you single? Hating the dating world right now? Us too. The dating world has changed rapidly over the last few years. Apps and chances to connect are abound, and yet the single struggle feels stronger than ever. Listen in on a conversation with Professional Actor, Julio Ulloa Jr., and Amanda to hear how their experiences in the single world taught them some very valuable lessons. To listen to A...