What's Your Story with Jaime & Stan

What’s Your Story, Anthony Bonazzo? From Jersey Roots to Chicago’s Comedy Stages

Episode Summary

In this sharp, heartfelt, and hilarious episode, we sit down with comedian Anthony Bonazzo — a Jersey-born comic who has built a career on Chicago’s comedy stages while navigating the highs and lows of life, loss, and laughter. Anthony shares his journey from a big Italian family full of material, to AmeriCorps service in Alaska, to carving out a name for himself at Zanies, Dry Bar Comedy, and beyond. Along the way, he opens up about depression, resilience, hecklers, social media pressures, and why comedy at its best doesn’t just punch lines — it connects people.

Episode Notes

In this sharp, heartfelt, and hilarious episode, we sit down with comedian Anthony Bonazzo — a Jersey-born comic who has built a career on Chicago’s comedy stages while navigating the highs and lows of life, loss, and laughter. Anthony shares his journey from a big Italian family full of material, to AmeriCorps service in Alaska, to carving out a name for himself at Zanies, Dry Bar Comedy, and beyond. Along the way, he opens up about depression, resilience, hecklers, social media pressures, and why comedy at its best doesn’t just punch lines — it connects people.

KEY TOPICS COVERED

• Growing up in a big Italian family and discovering comedy through impressions
• From Alaska volunteer work to Chicago improv and stand-up
• Balancing comedy with personal training and fitness
• The rollercoaster lifestyle of a working comedian
• Navigating depression, loss, and personal struggles through humor
• The challenge of writing comedy in today’s sensitive climate
• Viral moments, specials, and opening for Michael Che
• Why authenticity in comedy matters more than shock value

MEMORABLE QUOTES

• “Comedy is like riding a wave — you can’t control it, you just have to hang on.” — Anthony Bonazzo
• “Am I depressed, or is everybody just depressing? Sometimes it’s hard to tell.” — Anthony Bonazzo
• “Comedy at its best isn’t about being offensive — it’s about being authentic.” — Anthony Bonazzo

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Where to listen & watch:
YouTube: https://youtu.be/o61EB6RK6pk
Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/mtkxjcez
Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/yhkw24v7
Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/2hnfynpm

Connect with Anthony Bonazzo
Website - https://www.anthonybonazzo.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/comediantrainer/

If this episode helped you rethink what success looks like, subscribe, rate, and review our podcast! Your support helps us share more powerful stories like Anthony's.

Follow us on:
Instagram: www.instagram.com/JaimeSpeaks
Facebook: www.facebook.com/JaimeMarcoSpeaks
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jaimeamarco
Website: www.jaimemarco.com
Got feedback or a guest recommendation? Email us at connect@jaimemarco.com