PROGRESS with Pagano

Hosted by Alex Pagano

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Aug 2026

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About the show

Progress with Pagano is a Philadelphia-based podcast hosted by Alex Pagano, a local mortgage broker connecting with fellow foodies, tastemakers, and local personalities across the Philly area — from Center City to the suburbs, South Jersey, and down the shore. Alex sits down with a guest — from real estate pros to content creators to local business owners — and puts their regional food and nightlife knowledge to the test. Guests share their personal top 5 lists (best cheesesteaks, dive bars, pizza spots, and more), go head-to-head in rapid-fire trivia pulled straight from Reddit threads and local blogs, and settle debates like "steakhouse or Italian" and "Philly or Miami." It's part interview, part game show, and fully dedicated to celebrating everything that makes the Greater Philadelphia food and nightlife scene one of a kind.

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33 recent

August 20, 20261 hr 4 min

Eric Lord Ranks Philly: Cheesesteaks, Dive Bars, and the City's Best Nightlife

Nightlife and bar content creator Eric Lord (@ericlordie) joins Progress with Pagano to settle the debate on what actually makes a perfect cheesesteak — old school vs. new school, and whether there's any room left for innovation. From there, the two dig into Philly's real dive bar hierarchy (Oscar's, Dirty Frank's, and the ongoing "dive vs. dive-themed" debate), the city's top nightclubs and rooftop spots, and where to catch a game at the best sports bars in town. Eric puts his Philly knowledge to the test with rapid-fire trivia — bars, wings, pizza, coffee, and a few "would you rather" city showdowns (Philly vs. Miami, NYC, LA, and more) — before closing out with his all-time top 5 food spots, bars, and sports teams. -- Episode sponsored by SJS Title — a Philadelphia-area title company serving PA and NJ, known for fast closings, clear communication, and no surprise fees. Alex used SJS Title to purchase his own home and personally recommends reaching out to Elias for your next deal. -- 0:00 Intro & Cheesesteak Talk 6:14 Top Lists Trivia 29:58 Sponsor: SJS Title 30:35 Eric's Philly Food & Bar Lists 55:03 Pick One Trivia 57:28 Would You Rather: City Edition 1:00:15 Top 5 Bars of All Time 1:04:00 Outro -- @alex_pagano_ @ericlordie

July 23, 20261 hr 15 min

Francesca Ruscio Tells All: Overrated Country Clubs, Strict Rules & Golf Pet Peeves

In this episode, we sit down with full-time content creator Francesca Ruscio, better known to the golf world as @PhillyGolfGirl! Francesca holds nothing back, from transitioning into full-time content creation to breaking down the entire Greater Philadelphia and South Jersey golf scene. We dive into the ultimate rankings, blind-guess peak weekend green fees for local public tracks, rate the region’s most exclusive country clubs as "Overrated, Underrated, or Just Right," and put together the ultimate golf relocation bracket. If you play golf in PA, South Jersey, or the Tri-State area, this is the definitive guide you cannot afford to miss. IN THIS EPISODE: • How Francesca built the "PhillyGolfGirl" brand & advice for new creators • The Top 5 Public, Private, and Most Exclusive Courses in Greater Philadelphia • Hidden gems, uptight club rules, and the Top 3 Worst Types of People on a golf course • Links Magazine Top 10 Philly Courses Review (Merion, Aronimink, PCC, & more) • Blind guessing peak public green fees (RiverWinds, Jeffersonville, Five Ponds, Valleybrook, Avalon) • Overrated or Underrated: Main Line PA vs. South Jersey Country Clubs • The Ultimate Golf City Showdown: Scottsdale, San Diego, Naples, Palm Springs, or Philly? • Dating scene & culture shocks: Philadelphia vs. Los Angeles Connect with Francesca: Instagram: francescagruscio TikTok: thephillygolfgirl Where to Find the Host: Instagram & Tiktok: @mortgagewithpagano Where to Find the Podcast: Instagram & Tiktok: @alex_pagano_ Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts @progresswithpagano Disclaimer: The opinions expressed are personal and not representative of any professional organization. Don't forget to Like, Subscribe, and leave a review if you enjoyed the episode! #PhillyGolf #PhillyGolfGirl #GolfPodcast #GolfCourseReview #PublicGolf #CountryClubLife #MerionGolfClub #Aronimink #GolfEtiquette #SouthJerseyGolf #GolfVibes

March 24, 20261 hr 9 min

The Ultimate South Jersey Food Tour with Eat with Em (Top 50+ Spots!)

Welcome to the definitive guide to eating in South Jersey. In this episode, we sit down with Eat with Em to break down the best of the best in the 856. Whether you are a local looking for a new Friday night spot or a visitor trying to find the perfect beach hoagie, Em is sharing her years of expertise as a top local food creator. What we cover in this episode: The Origin Story: How Eat with Em started and her career behind the scenes. The Rankings: Top 5 Iced Coffees, Breakfast Sandwiches, and Date Night spots. The Rapid Fire: Best Chinese, Mexican, Japanese, Italian, and more. The Great Debate: Bagel vs. Roll and South Jersey vs. The World. Episode Breakdown and Rankings The Intro Who is Eat with Em? Getting to know the creator behind the reviews. The Start: How she began documenting the South Jersey food scene. Career: What she does when she is not out discovering the best eats. The South Jersey Best Of Rankings Top 5 Iced Coffee Spots Top 5 Breakfast Sandwich Spots The Debate: Is it better on a Bagel or a Roll? The Pizza and Hoagie Leaders Favorite Pizza Shop Top 3 Pizza Spots: Best Chicken Cutlet Top 3 Hoagies Top 5 Date Night Spots Global Cuisine Best of South Jersey Chinese Mexican Japanese Korean French Italian Thai The Shore and Beyond 5 Foods That Taste Better on the Beach First-Time Visitor Tour Ice Cream Connect with Emily: Instagram & TikTok: @eatw.em Where to Find the Host: Instagram & Tiktok: @mortgagewithpagano Where to Find the Podcast: Instagram & Tiktok: @alex_pagano_ Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts @progresswithpagano Disclaimer: The opinions expressed are personal and not representative of any professional organization. Don't forget to Like, Subscribe, and leave a review if you enjoyed the episode!

February 21, 20261 hr 2 min

The South Jersey Queen of Vibe Checks: Gluten-Free Gems & Shore Secrets with Toni Marmo

Is it possible to find a gluten-free pizza that actually tastes like the real deal? Can a suburban coffee shop beat a Center City office vibe? And which South Jersey town actually wears the crown for the best food and aesthetic? In this episode of the Progress Podcast , we are joined by the local expert on all things South Jersey and LBI, Toni Marmo (@toniimarmo) . Toni has built a viral community by knowing exactly where to go, what to eat, and how to find the perfect "vibe" in the Garden State. We dive deep into Toni’s journey as a creator—discussing whether her success was a slow burn or an overnight explosion—and even get a taste of her legendary Italian mom impersonation. What’s inside this episode: The Ultimate GF Pizza Guide: Toni breaks down the top spots in SJ and Philly, from the legendary dough at Barclay Pies to the gold standard of allergy safety at Wally’s in Surf City. The Scenic Lunch Rankings: Looking for a view? We rank the top 5 most scenic spots, including The Gables and Carlucci’s Waterfront . The Great Shore Debate: LBI vs. Ocean City—Toni finally picks a winner and shares her "Shore Person" origin story. The South Jersey vs. Philly Battle: We put the city and the suburbs head-to-head on everything from post-workout fuel and Mexican food to the best coffee shops for a "work from home" lounge session (Shoutout to Royal Mile and French Press !). City Showdown: We play a high-stakes game of "Would You Rather" to see if any major US city—from Miami to NYC—can actually convince Toni to leave Jersey behind. The Wawa Test: We put Toni through the ultimate Jersey litmus test. Does she actually enjoy Wawa food, and what is her go-to order? Going Viral: Toni shares her top 3 tips for creators looking to break through the noise and go viral on social media in 2026. Are you looking for the best gluten-free eats, a local's guide to the shore, or just your next favorite "cute town" to explore? Toni is giving us the ultimate roadmap to everything that makes South Jersey and Philly special. Connect with Toni Marmo: Instagram & TikTok: @toniimarmo Follow the Progress Podcast: Where to Find the Host: Instagram & Tiktok: @mortgagewithpagano Where to Find the Podcast: Instagram & Tiktok: @alex_pagano_ Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts @progresswithpagano Disclaimer: The opinions expressed are personal and not representative of any professional organization. Don't forget to Like, Subscribe, and leave a review if you enjoyed the episode! #SouthJerseyEats #ToniMarmo #GlutenFreePhilly #LBI #SouthJerseyFoodie #DineWithDom #JerseyShore #PhillyFood #Podcast #Wawa #Haddonfield #Moorestown

January 8, 20261 hr 8 min

Rating the Most Iconic Philly & Jersey Plates with Dine with Dom

Welcome to the Progress Podcast! In this episode, we feature Dine with Dom , a rapidly rising food content creator whose page exploded in just six weeks after she shared a video of a legendary home-cooked cheesesteak from Backyard Cravings. A self-described "savory over sweet" girl and a South Jersey native, Dom shares her infectious energy and her meticulously organized "must-try" list as she sits down to rate plates and settle the ultimate Jersey vs. Philly debates. In this fun-filled episode, host Alex Pagano and Dine with Dom dive into: The Viral Start: Dom reveals how a cousin’s encouragement and a hard-to-get cheesesteak from Backyard Cravings led to her food page blowing up, reaching over half a million views on Instagram in just over a month. Rate the Plate (Philly Edition): Dom ranks iconic Philadelphia dishes based on appearance, giving a 9/10 to the Cavatelli at Murph’s in Fishtown and an 8.8/10 to the meatballs at Adoro . Rate the Plate (South Jersey Edition): The game moves across the bridge where Dom gives an 8.2/10 to the unique Kaiser-roll cheesesteak at Donkey’s Place and a 7.7/10 to the Nutella dessert pizza at Francesca’s . Best Pizza by County: Dom puts her South Jersey knowledge to the test, identifying the top slices in the region, including Lelo’s (Burlington County), Brooklyn Original (Camden County), Rosie's (Ocean County), and her all-time childhood favorite, Sam’s Pizza Palace in Wildwood. Overrated Spots: Dom doesn’t hold back on the hype, agreeing that some "tourist" spots are past their prime and discussing why the local hidden gems often provide a better experience. The "Dine with Dom" Wawa Special: For the non-gatekeepers, Dom shares her secret Wawa order: a toasted chicken tender hoagie on a wheat roll with American cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, and a touch of mayo and avocado. Bridge Toll Trivia: Dom decides what’s worth the $6 bridge toll, declaring she would pay it for the pasta at Murph’s and the stromboli at South Philly Prosciutto Bread , but prefers staying local for the hummus at Aman's Mediterranean Market . Jersey Pride: A staunch defender of the Garden State, Dom explains why New Jersey is the ultimate place to live due to its proximity to the shore, the mountains, and major cities like Philly and New York. Where to Find Dine with Dom: Instagram: @dinewithdom_ TikTok: @dinewithdom_ Where to Find the Host: Instagram: @mortgagewithpagano TikTok: @mortgagewithpagano Where to Find the Podcast: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts @progresswithpagano Disclaimer: The opinions expressed are personal and not representative of any professional organization.

December 23, 202545 min

Djour Philly: Masked Identity, Michelin Stars, and the Ultimate Cheesesteak Rules

Welcome to the Progress Podcast! In this episode, we feature Djour Philly , an expert and well-known Philadelphia foodie and critic known for his signature luchador mask and his fiercely honest takes on the city's culinary landscape. Inspired by the legendary anonymity of critic Craig LaBan, Djour shares how he uses his mask to separate "influencer fame" from authentic restaurant experiences, ensuring he gets the same meal as any "normal person". In this high-stakes episode, host Alex Pagano and Djour Philly dive into the heart of the Philadelphia food scene: The Man Behind the Mask: Djour explains the origin of the luchador mask—first worn during the Eagles' Super Bowl parade—and why he refuses to take "freebies" or "comped" meals to maintain his journalistic integrity. Ranking Philly’s Best: Djour reacts to The Infatuation’s top lists, accurately guessing many of the Top 10 Best Restaurants, including Provenance at No. 1, and identifying River Twice as the No. 1 burger in the city. The Cheesesteak Commandment: Djour drops the "single non-negotiable rule" for a true Philadelphia cheesesteak: No bell peppers . He explains that while you can add them if you "hate your taste buds," they have no place on a stock steak, favoring Long Hots instead. Cheesesteak "Would You Rather": In a rapid-fire bracket, Djour crowns Del Rossi’s as his current favorite over heavyweights like Angelo’s, Jim’s, and John’s Roast Pork. The Buffalo Chicken Power List: A breakdown of the city's best buffalo chicken cheesesteaks, with Little Sicily 2 taking the top spot. Neighborhood Winners and Losers: Djour identifies the Northeast as a hidden gem for authentic international cuisines like Georgian, Uzbek, and Vietnamese food. Conversely, he labels Fairmount and Manayunk as the worst neighborhoods for food seekers. Philly vs. The World: Djour explains why he would choose the Philadelphia food scene over Chicago, Austin, and LA every single time due to its variety and affordability. The "Djour for More" Map: Djour discusses his alternative to Yelp—a community-collected, expert-vetted map of Philadelphia designed to fight "pay-for-play" advertising and give locals an honest place to find the best eats. Where to Find Djour Philly: Instagram: @djour.philly TikTok: @djour.philly Website: djourformore.com Where to Find the Host: Instagram: @mortgagewithpagano TikTok: @mortgagewithpagano Where to Find the Podcast: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts @progresswithpagano Disclaimer: The opinions expressed are personal and not representative of any professional organization.

November 22, 202538 min

The Voice Star: Natalia Albertini

Welcome everyone to the Progress Podcast! We are live at Reunion Hall in Haddon Township, New Jersey, with our guest, Natalia Albertini, a professional singer who appeared on The Voice. Born and raised in Cherry Hill and a graduate of Berklee, Natalia shares her life balancing a career in music. In this fun-filled episode, host Alex Pagano and Natalia dive into: The Voice Journey: Natalia reveals that she simply applied online for The Voice and was shocked when they flew her out to audition. Haddon Township Spotlight: Natalia praises the Almost Friday happy hour initiative , reveals Keg & Kitchen is voted the number one spot for best drinks , and shares her family's 40+ year business, Westmont Party. Live Food Review: She tastes and rates the local cuisine, giving a solid 8/10 for the Reunion Hall Nachos and a 9/10 for the Wings. Travel & Life Goals: In a "Would You Rather," she chooses Nashville, Tennessee over New Jersey right now , and names Jupiter, Florida as her ultimate retirement spot. Where to Find Natalia Albertini: Instagram: @nataliaalbertini_ Also Visit Instagram: @shophaddon Where to Find the Host: Instagram: @mortgagewithpagano TikTok: @mortgagewithpagano Where to Find the Podcast: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts @progresswithpagano

October 23, 20251 hr 1 min

The Best Job in Philly? Rachel & Abby on TV, True Crime, and the Turmoil of a Sweet Bagel

Welcome to the Progress Podcast! In this episode, we feature Rachel and Abby , the dynamic co-hosts of Positively Philly , an uplifting news show dedicated to covering the fun, cool, and positive stories happening in the Philadelphia area. Rachel, who studied film/TV and marketing, and Abby, an English major from Wisconsin, share the unique story of how they were set up on a "blind date for a co-host" and quickly built a show that is both authentic and engaging. They discuss their experiences conquering nerves, the shift away from "prim and proper" news, and the joy of feeling "so energized" by the community they cover. In this episode, host Alex Pagano, Rachel, and Abby dive into: The Show's Origins: The hosts detail their non-traditional path to TV, the success of their show (which they feel "is exactly what this market kind of needs"), and how they use networking and social media to find great stories. Healthy Game Day Swaps: They reveal the Top 5 Healthy Game Day Food Swaps from a recent segment, including Sweet Potato Nachos (No. 1) and Greek Yogurt instead of sour cream. Over-the-Top Cocktails: A look at the Top 5 Most Over-the-Top Cocktails from a segment with Kevin Kelly, including the Reverse White Chocolate Espresso Martini (which required a spoon!) and the color-changing Blackberry Margarita with Rock Candy . The Philly Food Quiz: They are quizzed on their show's most popular segments, including the Top 5 Happy Hour Spots ( Giuseppe's and Sons is No. 1) and the Top 3 Must-Try Pastries from Harrah's Coffee House (the Cardamom Scone is No. 1) Bagel Nook Secrets: A breakdown of the unique holiday items at the Bagel Nook (including the Pumpkin Shaped Bagel and the Smoked Salmon Breakfast Pizza ) and whether the bagels are worth the long drive from Philly. Philly Facts & Culture: They are quizzed on Philly's most impressive facts (it's the most walkable city in America ) and debate whether Ben Franklin wanted the Turkey as the national bird. Sports Fanaticism: They discuss the intense passion of Philly sports fans and why Buffalo fans are similar but ultimately "no Philly". Work/Life & Travel: Rachel shares the hilarious story of her nine-hour drive to Philly and her love for listening to YouTube video essays . Abby shares her history with true crime podcasts . Behind the Scenes: The hosts reveal how they handled a disastrous "no-ice" cocktail shaker incident live on air. Where to Find Rachel and Abby (Positively Philly): Instagram: @positivelyphilly HL 17: Weeknights at 9 PM Where to Find the Host: Instagram: @mortgagewithpagano TikTok: @mortgagewithpagano Where to Find the Podcast: Spotify YouTube Apple Podcasts @progresswithpagano Disclaimer: The opinions expressed are personal and not representative of any professional organization.

October 21, 202558 min

Malik Joe on Philly Sports, Best Cheesesteaks, and Going Viral

Welcome to the Progress Podcast! In this episode, we feature Malik Joe , a professional boxer, Muay Thai fighter, and bartender who has become a massive content creator with over 500,000 followers across platforms. Known as "the guy's guy," Malik shares his compelling journey from an early YouTube football show to viral fame—all thanks to making funny videos about annoying customers at his restaurant job. In this episode, host Alex Pagano and Malik Joe dive deep into the heart of Philadelphia culture, content creation, and sports: Malik Joe's Story: How a passion for editing videos for his "Malik Jorosa NFL" show led to his first video going viral and launching his career as a full-time content creator. The Content Creator's Guide: His key advice for new creators, emphasizing the importance of consistency and the debate between having one strong niche vs. high variety . Philly vs. The World: A fast-paced game of "Would You Rather," where Malik argues why Philadelphia beats Miami, Austin, and even San Diego —primarily due to its superior public transportation system. Philly's Best Cheesesteaks: Malik gives his Top 5 Cheesesteak spots (Larry's is #1!) and explains why he refuses to wait in the famously long lines for places like Angelo's: "Respect yourself". Controversial Bar Lists: Unfiltered reactions to the Top 10 Dive Bars (Oscars at #1, but Lucy's is NOT a dive bar!) and the Top 5 Sports Bars (Garage is the best for Phillies, McGillan's is for karaoke). The Ultimate Sports Debate: Ranking the Top 5 Greatest Philly Sports Teams (the 2017 Eagles was the "most Philly way to win") and the Top 5 All-Time Eagles Players (Brian Dawkins is #1, but AJ Brown is #2 for a very personal reason!). Sixers Dream Draft: Drafting all-time Sixers legends, including Allen Iverson, Wilt Chamberlain, Charles Barkley, and Dr. J . The Philly Dream Team: Building the best basketball team using only non-Sixers Philly athletes like Jordan Davis (Center) and Saquon Barkley (Small Forward) . Where to Find Malik Joe: Instagram: @therealmalikjoe Where to Find the Host: Instagram: @mortgagewithpagano TikTok: @mortgagewithpagano Where to Find the Podcast: Spotify YouTube Apple Podcasts @progresswithpagano Disclaimer: The opinions expressed are personal and not representative of any professional organization.

October 1, 202546 min

From Wildwood Bartender to World Traveler: An Unfiltered Chat with Patrice Kafiro

Welcome to the Progress Podcast! In this episode, we feature Patrice Kafiro , a 26-year-old local from North Wildwood with a fascinating career journey and a passion for travel. As a professional waitress and bartender who also runs a social media managing company, Patrice offers a unique perspective on the service industry and life at the Jersey Shore. She shares her experiences, from growing up and working in the "Wildwood bubble" to her travels abroad in Europe and Australia . In this episode, host Alex Pagano and Patrice Kafiro discuss: Patrice's Background: A conversation about her career, her ancestry test results, and a funny story about her parents' dog named Taco . Early Work Experience: How she started working in Wildwood at just 14 and the valuable lessons she learned about life and work ethic Life at the Shore: Patrice's perspective on the "bubble" of the Wildwoods and her future plans for raising a family . Bartender Confessions: A look into her career as a bartender, her passion for being a mixologist, and her list of the Top 5 Worst Drinks to Make . Bartender Complaints: The number one complaint she receives is about prices, which she defends as fair for a resort town . Wild Bartender Stories: A shocking story about a customer who got thrown out of the bar after hitting her with a bottle opener . What Your Drink Order Says About You: A fun segment where she breaks down the personality behind popular drinks like Miller Lite, Seltzers, and Espresso Martinis . Top 5 Things to Do in Wildwood: Patrice reacts to a list of the best free activities near Wildwood, including the Cape May County Zoo and Wetlands Institute . The Best Ice Cream in Wildwood: A debate over the best ice cream spots, including Lizzie's Ice Cream, Duffer's, and the new Utterly, which makes a unique cereal-infused ice cream . Locals' View of Tourists: The things that annoy locals about summer tourists, including bad driving, leaving trash on the beach, and being loud late at night . Ranking the Shore Towns: Patrice ranks the top 5 Jersey Shore towns from a family perspective, placing Wildwood at #1 and Atlantic City at #5 for the younger crowd . Would You Rather?: A final game where she chooses Nashville, Tennessee, over New Jersey, and names Jupiter, Florida, as her ultimate dream location . Where to Find Patrice Kafiro: Instagram: @Patrice99 Where to Find the Host: Instagram: @mortgagewithpagano TikTok: @mortgagewithpagano Where to Find the Podcast: Spotify YouTube Apple Podcasts @progresswithpagano Disclaimer: The opinions expressed are personal and not representative of any professional organization.