We’re two Filipino American men who grew up in the U.S. — me (Jo), who took the traditional path college, career, and family, and my co-host Mel, who’s had a wilder ride. He’s raising his boy and has had many life lessons, but he’s come out stronger through it all.
On Talking Titos, we keep it real. We talk about everyday Filipino American life — culture, family, and struggles. Sometimes we give advice, sometimes we just laugh about the crazy stuff we’ve seen, and we hope to sit down with other Fil-Ams to hear their stories.
Come out and hang with your titos!
EPISODE 14 Summertime - July 4th Stories and plans
We discuss how summer is going so far and how July 4th plans were changed due to weather. Lot's of advice of what not to do with fireworks and little mishaps as dads.
8 Jun 2026
EPISODE 13 Our Health Stories, Getting older and basic Tips from our Experience
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.
28 Apr 2026
Episode 12 - Fatherhood, Getting Older, Staying Active & Real Life Conversations
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 check out.👉 Like, subscribe, and follow for more Talking Titos episodes!
27 Apr 2026
Episode 11 - Martial arts and raising kids
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, keeping you grounded and improving no matter what life throws at you.
30 Mar 2026
Episode 10 | Filipino Stereotypes & More
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.
30 Mar 2026
Episode 9 - A visit with Eli (Mel's son)
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 chance to hear his perspective on hobbies, friendships, martial arts, and what it’s like balancing school and activities.
1 Mar 2026
Episode 8 - Relationships, Culture & Lessons We Learned
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.
8 Feb 2026
Episode 7 - Talking Titos - Filipino superstitions and life lessons.
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 in Filipino householdsWhy Vicks VapoRub is the "cure-all" for everything from allergies to cold feet.The real reason you never step over someone sleeping on the floor.The life-changing magic of the bidets#TalkingTitos #FilipinoAmerican #ChicagoBears #FilipinoSuperstitions #BidetLife #Podcast #PinoyPride
7 Feb 2026
Episode 6 - Talking Titos - Filipino Family Parties, New Year's Traditions
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 running out of food, we break down what makes a Pinoy gathering so unique (and delicious).We also shift gears to talk about lifestyle and health. Mel shares his experience with intermittent fasting—how he balances a 20-hour fast with hard Jiu-Jitsu training sessions and why it’s become more than just a routine, but a total lifestyle shift.
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 & Lessons: A candid look at the "bad mistakes" we made and how they shaped us.The Gaming Balance: How to handle kids who just want to stay in the basement and game.The "Mat Time" Rule: Why physical activity and discipline are non-negotiable.
22 Dec 2025
Episode 4 - Talking Titos - Parties, gambling, Jiu Jitsu, and Filipino handy men
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, and why BJJ becomes more than just a workout—it’s therapy, community, and a lifelong bond. We also dive into Decatur family history, Filipino “handy” construction, small-town life, and the kind of lessons you only learn by doing things the hard way.
28 Nov 2025
Episode 3 - Talking Titos - Thanksgiving traditions and Filipino family memories
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.
19 Nov 2025
Episode 2 - Talking Tito's - Growing up Filipino-American in the 80's and 90's
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 raising our own kids today, keeping Filipino culture alive, and how different things look now compared to when we grew up. If you grew up in a Filipino household (or had Filipino friends), this episode is for you.Don’t forget to Like & Subscribe to support Talking Titos and Filipino American stories.
10 Nov 2025
Episode 1 - Kick off for Talking Titos
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.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
3 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
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