What is it about the Italian experience around the world that makes our story so relatable?  Sure, it’s one thing for us Italian Americans to connect with our Paesani across the seas in Australia, but why is it that the trio of Italian Australian comedians known as Sooshi Mango have built a devoted audience as far afield as Russia and Lithuania?  And if this humor is speaking to fans of all backgrounds, why is it that these Paesani who are selling out arenas around the world are being labeled as “ethnic humor” in their own country?

We’re visiting the Growing Up Italian Studios to hang out with brothers Joe and Carlo Salanitri, and their best friend, Andrew Manfre – the Italian Australian sketch comedy troupe taking the world by storm.  We’re exploring the inspiration behind Sooshi Mango, and looking at how their work is influenced by everything from vaudeville to the Neapolitan Sceneggiata.

It’s a laugh-a-minute hour and a half in which we discuss everything from the feelings of divided loyalties to where not to eat tripe!  And, thanks to the generosity of our new Australian amici, we’re trying some typical Australian delicacies live on the air.

If you’re a long-time Sooshi Mango fanatic, or hearing them for the first time, we’re thrilled to sit down with these three wonderful new friends on the cusp of their upcoming World Tour.  And we guarantee that after listening to this episode, you’ll be lining up to see these guys live when they come back to the US next month!

Plus, thanks to our pals at Growing Up Italian, you can also take a look at a pilot video version of this episode on our YouTube channel!