The Underbelly: Recent Episodes
Joe Bracco
Family, food, first concert(s) and brushes with chaos - the day to day observations of life come full circle.
Nestled between holidays, episode 9 relives the days of dining-room aspiration. A plateful of “last”, who doesn’t want celebrate with the grownups?
One week from merriment, Episode 8 tackles the otherworldly gift of conversation from parent to child. Even with a second tray of lasagna, a daughters’ search for answers continues.
Sarcasm (briefly) aside, Episode 7 moves to legit moments of memory. Captured in-season, sometimes pictures are best kept in the minds-eye.
Thoughts in hand, Episode 6 bends the debate of more vs. better. Streaming away, why should the channels of life automatically cost a pretty penny?
Post holiday of horrors, episode 5 leaves no doubt of one reality. Tropical fruit and fall seasons don’t mix…
With Episode 4, a memory of costumes gone wrong sets the stage for the upcoming holiday. No clowns this time. Not now, not ever…
Episode 3 ponders yet again the question of confidence. How much can we rely on the dry cleaners of life to fix what is broken? From shirt to button spectrum, I’m still scratching my dented head…
In epic refusal, episode 2 attempts to crack the code of middle-ground in the arena of parenthood. Can there be some wisdom shared from father to daughter? Five years running, the answer remains the same.
After a long layoff, Season Six begins with a familiar bridge —- aggravation. From the train car to the boardroom and beyond the question remains; is there room in society for Cheetos dust?
In parental headwind, episode 24 tries (and fails) to makes sense of a daughter’s love affair with sand. A Summer-day’s dream? I think not…
Reliving a kind gesture, episode 23 passes hands from Victoria’s card to your hosts’ paint by number sculpture attempt. “Behold dad of bearded fame, I give to you —- a Nike box.”
Back for another round - episode 22 delivers the news of bewilderment by way of quality appliance. Sadness abound, scrubbing is required.
In a game for the ages - episode 21 challenges parent v. child past and present , remembering the first line of fatherly defeat.
In judicious fashion, episode 20 leans into what should not be. By way of 5-gallon drum, best practice begins/ends with one trough of frozen dessert.
Bearing witness to Victoria’s first finish line, episode 19 cross-references early success with 12th grade passing score. Valedictorian for your host? Not so much…
Ensconced in sleep-deprivation, episode 18 opens in soup resolution. Will lentils serve in comfort-food rescue? The bayleaf says no…
In creative chaos - episode 17 meets wild weather with unidentified dessert objects. Hurling cookies and cream never looked never so good…
Diving without thinking - episode 16 describes a community pool lesson learned. Stray away ladder of summer fun, you’re not ready.
Running for cover, episode 15 finds a poison ivy remedy long forgotten. In the season of heat, bring a gallon of pink.
Where push comes to shove, episode 14 attempts better health in semi-marathon miles. Valiant in effort, remember to pack sneakers.
Bridging one Hallmark to the next, episode 13 returns to the familiar frame of sarcasm. This ham’s for you, mom — this hams for you.
Sparking a moment long gone, episode 12 pays a visit to mother & son. From Pa to Ny, climbing mountains in common step brings a smile worth sharing.
In bold rebuke - episode 11 moves from one coffee territory to another, finishing a late day cup state-side. Get your eyes ready, it’s time for an all-nighter.
In holiday spirit, episode 10 designs a “hunt-for-chocolate” plan. Brought to you by 1980’s Nintendo - finishing first comes with a price.
On the road to somewhere, episode 9 misses point A-B even in age of technology. Ask for help? Of course not…
With familiar moments, episode 8 travels yet again to the semi-great state of Pennsylvania. Debates notwithstanding - this friendship commute continues.
Like a Meerkat at daybreak, episode 7 speaks to the first sparks of new. Attempting the dinner/documentary drama combo, this plate is unfortunately served with sleep.
The season in soon-to-be view, episode six delivers a moment when Baseball came right on time.
Maintaining the middle-aged mile, episode 5 splits the center of dinner plate fame. Get your fork ready, tasteless helpings await.
Episode 4 paves the way for a new pair of kicks. With basketball intention, the story of chores-meets-change takes hold, if only for minute.
Birthday week abound, episode 3 dives into an adolescent year long gone. Canvassing the lunchroom line, it’s time to celebrate.
Hours before the BIG GAME, episode 2 throws first taste into gambling memory. Vegas has nothin’ on a AC tracksuit…
Like nails to a chalkboard - episode 1 describes the picture of youthful entertainment found only in car volume. Shattered ears rejoice, this noise is for you.
Leaving technology behind, episode 22 stretches time back to the days of TV’s rabbit ears. Squiggly-lines be damned, there’s a game to watch.
In namesake debate, episode 21 meets change with a literal kick. In the battle between Disney v. fruit, only one rings victorious.
As wild-card weekend begins - episode 20 remembers a fateful day in childhood, gridiron lore. Braving the elements, this tackle’s for you.
Ensconced in comfort - episode 19 drifts from winter warmth to mini-flood madness. Bring a toolbox, this catastrophe’s for you.
In new years’ resolve - episode 18 relives the days of eating frenzy by way of fried feathers. Batten down the hatches, it’s time for Wing Bowl.
In holiday gift-giving form, episode 17 revisits what’s under the tree. Knowing your host, it’s just another one-stop-shop of mistake.
In mode of transportation, episode 16 rewinds the days when cars (both classic and commuter) pushed family limits from A to Z. For sanity’s sake, let’s hope the windshield wipers work.
In stunted awareness, episode 15 draws a picture of nose vs. rollercoaster. Don’t look now, this doesn’t end well.
Perspiration be dammed, episode 14 falls head-first temperature concern. Ready or not, there’s no stopping this visual aide.
In unlucky form, episode 13 drifts between photos. First child, then father - we revisit the warning of food vs. smile. To teeth or not to teeth, that is the question.
Episode 12 bridges the week prior with the first, comfort-food holiday. In calorie-coma form, the stage is set with a knife and fork.
Ten-rounds with Tyson, Episode 11 finds itself in halfway-faced form. Pink, dry and puffy…the trifecta of sick-eye draws attention.
Through ears, nose and throat upheaval - Episode 10 recalls a weekend’s worth of CVS recovery, this side of the red-dot aisle.
With Halloween in rear-view, Episode 9 relives the eve that was nothing short of terror, this side of smell. Like a house-guest from the grave, this ghostlike odor follows across state lines.
Veering into the creation lane, Episode 8 captures a (somewhat) corny moment of guitar. Strumming Metallica, let’s watch Victoria’a grin. #fatherdaughter
Letting laziness take over, Episode 7 puts garbage at center stage. Scented-bags beware, there’s stopping this trashcan v. smell story.
Littered in white-lies, Episode 6 tackles a father v. daughter clash of the titans question — “WHO STOLE MY COOKIE?”
Weeks from Halloween, Episode 5 takes a child-like grin to frightening heights. Look away IT, computer horrors are coming.
Episode 4 drifts heavy into coffee and at that, coffee-spillage. A host of klutz-like proportion, no more cups for you.
Returning to New York - Episode 3 recounts the Pa to NYC interview call that took place so many years prior. Bumpy-ride notwithstanding, we made it.
Episode 2 recalls the first moments of bus-riding. In back-to-school greatness, let’s share some peanut-butter.
Seasons 4 opens with an attic memory. Recalling the day when security literally fell through, episode 1 relives an afternoon of floorboard catastrophe. Should’ve stayed away from that third helping of hoagie…
Episode 22 recounts the days of defiant guitar playing. “Should I use a pick, thumb or butter knife on this thing” - that is the question.
Ignoring the option to cave, Episode 20 stands firm in favor of anti-pout. My daughter may have one the argument for more blueberry/cookie combos - but the tv control…that’s a no.
Holding on with a sense of arrogant nostalgia - Episode 19 plays out the final days of a personal gym. “So what if it’s 20 years old with rust, rips and constant creaks…still works like a charm - keep it.”
Episode 18 takes egg and omelette perfection to brink of success. Sadly, this breakfast smile had to wait.
Episode 17 remembers a childhood river. Confidence revealed - we delve head first in sappy parentville. This time, gone right.
In PJ Masks form, Episode 16 embraces a daughters reaction and love for a villain. 3 years of age…wise beyond her smile.
Recalling Summer lessons learned, Episode 15 finds your host knee-deep in heat, without UV support. The result, in a word - RED.
In the quest for at-altitude cool, Episode 14 debates online vs. actual logic. In short - your host chose poorly…
Ahhh, the trepidation. A half-hearted attempt to ask. Grade-school science project be damned, it was time for a father v. son moment in the basement sun.
Leading into Victoria’s birthday, Episode 12 dissects the week that was “grade school science project”. Two words - organized chaos.
Halloween in June, episode 11 takes us to a personal fight. Man v bug, this bout deserves a second set of Tupperware.
After a long break, Episode 10 finds your host head-to-toe with the question of blueberry v. new couch. Fresh and ready, my daughter answers that call hand over fist...
Episode 9 builds in birthday mid-aged moments. Health conscious? Maybe. Wrestling with recipes, your host fails again...
Episode 8 covers the memory of father and son, cut to Jazz. As we celebrate our birthday week with cake and candles, this one delivers in song.
Episode 7 finds us knee-deep in dip. For fans that spell Super Bowl with Velveeta, this one’s for you.
One week from Super Sunday, episode 6 celebrates the monument that is - a BIG TV. Get your couches ready, it’s watching time.
A snapshot of Episode 3, this defiant memory takes us to the place where forward-rolls rule the afternoon.
Diving headfirst into NFL lore, Episode 4 relieves a day like no other in Buffalo Bills memory. The day when one broken mug lived on...
Episode 3 asks the question- “did you just jump out of a bus???” Ahh...youthful exuberance - let’s hope my daughter learns what her father missed.
Episode 2 drifts in the bank of local news. Remembering the days of delays and cancellations, we pay homage to snow-filled potential. Get ready, schools out...
Season 3 begins with a familiar face. Rolling our way forward, we look back on the year that was 99’. Bugs, bells and whistles - nerves a’plenty, this side of midnight.
Episode 20 wraps silver into gold. Framed in tinfoil, we recap the day when maybe turned to “YES”.
Episode 19 is the epic showdown of burger v. microwave. What happens when Wagyu is pushed to the edge? Let’s find out...
Episode 18 fights for sleep. Sleep against the year that is terrible - Two. Toddlers v. Parent(s) - the winner has yet be to decided...
Episode 17 meets snow and the work that comes with it in wrong direction. Who’s going to save the childhood dogs from winters’ mix? “E” for effort cuts the mustard...
Episode 16 travels deep into the pressure-cooker. One monumental meal that segues from burns to newly -minted bliss. This could only happen around the holidays...
Episode 15 sheds some light on a hairline that was. Phil Collins? This widows peak say hello...
Episode 14 draws the picture of pain...back pain. For anyone who believes you could fold clothes without repercussions, think again friend - think again.
Episode 13...election style. In the season of red v. blue, we drive back to the first rally- a rally of political cookies that started it all.
Episode 12 finds us in a literal feeding frenzy, courtesy of one whale-sized calzone. Risky business? Tell that my smiling stomach...
Episode 11 takes us to the topic of family traits. Is it possible to pass sleep walking from father to daughter? Let’s find out...
Episode 10 recalls a fans enthusiasm. What happens when a childhood leap goes wrong??? The ankles have it...
Rounding into Halloween form, Episode 9 takes to a scary event. When diapers attack, run for cover...
Episode 8 deals with yet another early morning struggle. The egg and the ability to make it - that is the question.
Episode 7 finds the eyes half open, in search of a morning cup of coffee. What happens when the maker we hold so dear calls it a day? Sadness...k-cup style.
Episode 6 leads to a time of concert-going. Good, bad or indifferent - make sure your surroundings are covered...
Episode 5 drifts head-first into snow. Oh the joys remembered in the winter season to come. It’s gonna be a bumpy ride...
Episode 4 gives way to mystery. What’s that little flying creature circling in your house??? Just another day/story to remember...
Episode 3 takes a current road trip through memory lane. From Pennsylvania to Florida - relive the miles of motion made in a 1986 Honda. Basket-case? Check...
Episode 2 takes us on a deli journey. From present day pleasure to prior childhood glory - it began in sandwich form. Made by grandpa Bracco the question remains - “what made that sandwich great?” EVERYTHING.
Season 2 opens from familiar territory - the friendly confines of a bakery revisited. After long last, we relive one pie of home, sprinkled with ice cream pleasure.
Episode 20 sheds light on yet another piece of realized paranoia. Problems with technology??? Yeah - there’s a few...
Episode 19 gives way to question - “do we really need covered dishes?” From office party to family/friend form, the common thread take us to plastic wrap. Worth the company or not - we’re headed to a match made in semi-food hell, sarcasm a’plenty.
Episode 18 opens and ends with a question. What should we choose - cat or dog? In the pet debate, there can be only one...
Episode 17 brings the soundtrack of summer full circle. What happens when you mix family functions with fire? Let the July 4th weekend begin...
The Segway from Episode 15, this weeks cast takes us to the doctor once again. Recounting the sliding scale of sobering result, this time ‘round - samples are required...
Episode 15 enters with a slice paranoia. Drawing on pain served kidney - we step head first into crashes, stones and of course - cheese. Just another day in the life of The Underbelly...
Episode 14 pays homage to the gift that keeps on giving...GARLIC. Reliving memories distant and present day - the love for this potent ingredient stretches to, if not through ever pore. This of course, can be a bad thing...
Episode 13 answers the question - “what passes from generation to generation?” From mother to son to daughter, guess who hid the remote control...
Episode 12 greets us in flooding fashion. Pools a’plenty, this round two of handy-work took a surprising turn. In short - the learning curve continues...
Episode 11 finds us grappling with the existence of...laundry. Just how many bags equals too many? Let’s find out...
Episode 10 finds us in familiar food territory, this time - with a dash of nostalgia. Travel back to yesterday with a mountain of chicken and cheese...
Episode 9 begins as it ends - empty handed. In search of a trusted brand, the second rate choice is willing. What to do? Suffer the consequences...
Episode 8 gives way to the wonders of driving. From learners permit to present-day parking, no car is safe...
Episode 7 combines the parent mastery of nursing rhymes with a good-faith effort gone wrong. What’s my daughter’s new favorite word? No...this can’t be good.
Episode 6 finds a father knee deep in nostalgia, bowls away from one...if not two mammoth-size meetings with gluttony. Not nice to steal your daughters breakfast treat, not nice...
Episode 4 meets us in age. Just a number or a brush with grey...eyebrow hair??? With every cup of caffeine, another question.
Episode 3 shows us a better side of blueberry - one that draws a muffin, dancing and calorie defiance.
Episode 2 finds us knee-deep in kindness, or so it seemed. See what happens to a bakery-style gift, when it’s muttered in crumbs...
A third helping of pasta??? Yes please. In the first episode of The Underbelly - we unpack the wonders of lasagna, hows it’s better the 2nd time around & of course - how calories translate to love...family style.