Get ready for one of our most flavorful episodes yet. This week on Lowcountry Lunatics, we sit down with Chris Candino, the mastermind behind TC Wheelers Pizza in Tonawanda, New York.

Chris has built a cult following by pushing Italian comfort food way past the limits—serving up insane creations like loaded stuffed banana peppers, over-the-top mac & cheese pizza, and dishes you won’t find anywhere else. But behind the wild menu is a real story of hustle, creativity, and surviving the chaos of the restaurant business.

We dive into how some of his craziest ideas came to life, what actually sells (and what totally flopped), and the behind-the-scenes madness that only restaurant owners truly understand. From late-night kitchen disasters to laugh-out-loud customer moments, this episode is packed with stories that are as entertaining as they are real.

If you love Italian food, creative entrepreneurs, or just want a raw and hilarious look inside the restaurant world—this one’s for you.

She's been sober for over 32 years. She wrote The 12-Step Guide for Skeptics. She hosts one of the longest-running recovery podcasts out there. And she came on Lowcountry Lunatics and told Joe — on air — that he needs to go to therapy.

This week, Chef Giuseppe, Jamie, and Joe sit down with Arlina Allen — certified life and sober coach, hypnotist, Silicon Valley tech veteran (HP, Adobe), and host of the One Day At A Time Recovery Podcast.

We get into the real problems people have with AA (and why it's still saving millions of lives), trauma in first responders and crime scene workers, food addiction, why men refuse to deal with their feelings, and what 32 years of sobriety actually teaches you about life.

Also: Star Wars, Stretch Armstrong, paper routes, and whether you'd want smell-o-vision during a crack house scene.

Come for the recovery wisdom. Stay for the chaos.

Find Arlina Allen: Website & Coaching: soberlifeschool.com Book: The 12-Step Guide for Skeptics — on Amazon Podcast: One Day At A Time Recovery Podcast — all platforms

Find us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, and Amazon Music. Shop: apastioli.com | romaparfum.com

Sponsored by Apastioli Specialty Foods & Roma Parfum. Veltric Intent & Frontline Safety Supply

Season 2 Episode 2 of the Lowcountry Lunatics Podcast is here, and we're diving headfirst into the glorious chaos of growing up in big Italian families! Join Chef Giuseppe (that's me, Joe Gallagher Jr.), alongside co-hosts Jamie Trasciatti and Joe Lavey Jr. as we unpack the shenanigans, traditions, and larger-than-life stories that come with Italian roots—think nonnas yelling in the kitchen, epic holiday feasts, and the kind of family drama that only paisans understand.We get nostalgic about underrated gems from the 80s and 90s that deserve way more love:

• Ernest Goes to Camp – pure goofy gold
• Gremlins – holiday horror-comedy perfection
• A Christmas Story – leg lamp legends forever
• Poison Ivy with Michael J. Fox – that underrated thriller vibe

Plus, we shout out some incredible companies and non-profits we genuinely respect and stand behind:

• Ameyalli Wellness (catch the "Ameyalli Blue Vibe Check" energy!)
• National Italian American Foundation – preserving our heritage and culture
• Hope Rises - www.hoperisesnews.com

Expect raw laughs, heartfelt reflections, faith-fueled real talk, and that signature Lowcountry Lunatics madness. If you grew up with Sunday gravy, wooden spoons as weapons, or endless "mamma mia" moments, this one's for you.Hit play, grab your sauce jar, and let's get lunatic! Sponsored by apastioli.com – handcrafted Italian sauces from our family to yours. romaparfum.com

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Watch now on YouTube, listen on RSS.com, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. New episodes drop Fridays—stay tuned for more nostalgia, redemption, and chaos!

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