We welcome the very cool Tony Kasandrinos to the show! Tony hails from Rochester, New York, but his heart has always had a special place for his father's village in Niata, Greece. Growing up, he split his time between the two, soaking in the vibrant cultures and building a unique blend of experiences. After graduating from the Aquinas Institute, Tony took on a new adventure by joining the Marine Corps in 1997. He dedicated himself to the service until his retirement in the fall of 2019.In 2012, Tony had an "olive" moment that changed everything. While training at a Crossfit gym, he shared his family's extraordinary olive oil with fellow fitness enthusiasts, who were blown away by its exceptional taste and quality. Inspired by their enthusiastic response, Tony seized the opportunity and established Kasandrinos International. Seeking a helping hand, he partnered up with Effi to spread the magic of their olive oil across the globe.Currently, Tony resides in Tampa, Florida, where he enjoys life's simple pleasures with his wife Angela and their son Ares. When he's not busy with all things olive oil, you'll find him indulging in his passions for travel, outdoor adventures, and, of course, gathering around a table with loved ones.So, get ready to embark on a journey with Tony as he shares his love for olive oil, spreads the joy of Greek traditions, and invites you to experience the sheer pleasure of gathering around a table filled with laughter, delectable dishes, and cherished company.Kasandrinos International: https://www.kasandrinos.com/Cookbook: https://www.amazon.com/Mediterranean-Code-Recipes-Kasandrinos-Kitchen/dp/1628605022See more on GreekAF: https://www.greekradio.app/

We welcome the awesome Nick Drossos to the show! Nick is the Krav Magia creator and actor, as well as a writer. He is distinguished as one of the most prized self-defense experts in the world and founder of Nick Drossos Defensive Tactics combining a plethora of practical self- techniques, ranging from civilians to law enforcements. Nick empowers his pupils with high-caliber skills that include awareness training, subjective assessments of violence, weapon defense, stress drills, and real-life scenario training. Nick’s self-defense instruction, fitness intelligence, and raw life experience impeccably connect in his renowned YouTube channel to ‘empower personal protection’ in both mind and body. Let's go Mages!Learn more: https://www.instagram.com/krav_magia_master/https://www.youtube.com/@UC0UeysWK6Vr9ZD1KQ4bwA5A https://www.youtube.com/@UChnr4aWjYlhvPwWLF0ITQhA https://www.nickdrossos.com/See more on GreekAF: https://www.greekradio.app/videos/c/7

We welcome Christine Scolinos to the show! Christine is the founder and creative force behind TheGreekend®, a modern Greek American community and lifestyle brand connecting Greeks through shared culture and experiences. What began as a grassroots idea to promote Greek events has evolved into a globally recognized platform spanning live events, media, travel, and community initiatives.Through TheGreekend, Christine has launched signature experiences including the Hot & Greek multi-city tour, TheGreekend Island Tour summer trip, and the newly established nonprofit arm, TheGreekend Foundation—all focused on building meaningful cultural connections.Christine brings a background in higher education and educational consulting and is currently pursuing her doctorate in Higher Education Leadership. She blends entrepreneurship, education, and cultural advocacy to create spaces where community and modern Greek identity come together, one Greekend at a time. Join us in getting to know Christine and TheGreekend!Check out TheGreekend >>Hear more on GreekAF!

We welcome author Shelley Dark to the show! After a lifetime raising cattle on Queensland’s Granite Belt, Shelley and her husband swapped the bush for the Sunshine Coast of Queensland Australia. She's an award-winning Australian author who travels as often as she can and enjoys iPhone photography. She's a member of the ALLWRiTE Club and Writers on the Coast Noosa—a generous community of writers whose work and thinking continually stretches her own.Her books include Hydra in Winter (2024), awarded a Gold Medal at the Global Book Awards 2025 (Biographical—Traveler & Explorer), about her trip to the Greek island of Hydra to uncover her husband’s ancestor, Ghikas Voulgaris—Australia’s first Greek convict pioneer. And Son of Hydra (2025), awarded a Silver Medal at the Global Book Awards 2025 (Historical Fiction), inspired by his extraordinary life. Next will come Daughter of Cork, the story of his Irish wife, along with another exciting new narrative non-fiction. Her short fiction appears in anthologies. Join us in getting to know Shelley!WebsiteFacebookInstagramSon of Hydra on AmazonHear more on GreekAF!

We welcome Tom & Nick from the Ouzo Talk podcast to the show! Ouzo Talk is a Sydney-based podcast for Greeks of the diaspora. They bring the Ouzo-fueled conversations of ‘kafenia’ the Greek world over, right to your ears. From music, history and culture, to science, philosophy and everything in between, Ouzo Talk is all about 'parea'. And with a bottle of Ouzo always on the table, there's no telling where the conversation might go. It's solving the world’s problems – one bottle of Ouzo at a time. Join us in welcoming Tom & Nick to Connecting Greeks!See & hear more on GreekAF!

We welcome writer, director, and actress Rachel Suissa to the show! Rachel has created something truly unique with "Greek Mothers Never Die" — a supernatural comedy inspired by her real-life relationship with her Greek mother, blending heartfelt themes with laugh-out-loud cultural quirks. We talk to Rachel about how this very personal film was born, what it means for Greek American audiences, and how her family (and ghostly mothers) helped shape the story. Join us!

Join us in our chat with Nicholas Syris of Lavida Habana Cigars. Nick started his professional life as a very successful audio video electronics specialist. Thankfully, it was his passion for good cigars that won him over and also led him to a side career on a radio talk program, “Smooth Draws” a weekly program dedicated to Cigars and the Cigar Lifestyle. It was also his love of cigars that opened the door, back in the mid-90s, to Saudi Arabian Royalty and subsequently the creation of the first of a several Lavida Habana Cigar Lounges. “The cigar is the great equalizer, where people from all walks of life, different cultures and various socioeconomic backgrounds can all bond over the experience of enjoying a cigar,” says Nicholas. And despite the anti-smoking hysteria that has befallen on the US and other parts οφ the world, “we are strong in our convictions and our desires to enjoy the pleasures that we derive from smoking premium cigars!” Kick back with a cigar and listen!Learn more: https://lhcigars.comWatch more: https://www.greekradio.app

We welcome the awesome Bill Pantazis to the show! Bill is a George Michael impersonator so convincing that many struggle to tell him apart from the original artist, an effect heightened when viewed face-to-face. In addition to their strikingly similar facial features and eyes, Pantazis and the late singer also share Greek heritage and the same Zodiac sign. Pantazis's uncanny physical resemblance is matched by his stage presence, as he has mastered George Michael's signature moves for his performances. Beyond his tribute act, Bill Pantazis also performs as a vocalist with the Luisa Marshall Band. Join us!Bill's websiteSee more on GreekAF

We welcome the awesome and inspiring Yianni Kioussis to the show! "Asperger Dynamo" is the wrestling persona of Yianni, who has Asperger's Syndrome. Yianni uses the name to represent his wrestling persona, which embodies the underdog and aims to inspire those with disabilities. He embraces his social difficulties, such as a lack of filter and social cue issues, as part of his wrestling character, finding the ring a place where he can express himself authentically. Join us!Learn more about Yianni >Hear more on GreekAF >

We welcome the fascinating Stelios Maltepes to the show! Raised by Greek immigrants, Stelios is the only one of his siblings born in America. Destined to be the golden child, he drops out of high school, ends up hustling on the streets, and falls in love with a Puerto Rican girl from the Badlands. From professional sports bettor to marijuana trafficker, Stelios has ties to the NBA betting scandal, the Philly and New York Mob, and the Mexican Cartel-all while raising his own interracial family. Despite the odds, Stelios navigates his way to becoming one of the biggest marijuana dealers in America. However, this rags-to-riches story comes to a crossroads when Stelios Maltepes places the biggest bet of his life, with everything on the line. Can Stelios Maltepes defy the odds once again? Watch our interview with Stelios!See more on the Connecting Greeks channel on GreekAF!