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ANTHONY CATANZARO-The interview

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Anthony Catanzaro-Professional Fitness and Motivational Trainer,  and Cover Model.

The Reading Cafe would like to welcome Anthony Catanzaro.  

Hi Anthony 🙂 Thank you for allowing us to interview you about your life and career.  As administrators and contributors, as well as avid readers, we are always happy to learn about the man behind the romance/book covers.  We are pleased to chat with the cover model for G A Aiken’s—Last Dragon Standing (one of our favorite authors).

 

TRC:  Would you please tell us something about yourself ‘growing up”?

AC:  I come from a strict Italian family born and raised in Bayshore, New York. I have 4 sisters and one brother we all lived in a small house and as a kid, I used to share my bedroom with brother who was fifteen years older than me. It was pretty funny we had bunk beds and I was the top bunk. Times were simple back then my mom was a really great cook and my dad was a fisherman. I never knew what direction I was going in life but I knew I was destined for greatness somehow. When I turned fifteen, most of my siblings had already moved out. So I turned one of the spare bedrooms in my house into a workout room. I then found my love for lifting weights. Soon after that, I began a career as a fitness model and then got into romance modeling as well.

TRC:  You are from a large Italian family, with close ties to your God and religion. You ‘quote’ God and ‘faith’ in almost every aspect of your professional life. Would you tell us about your connection to your faith?

AC:  When I was growing up there was this statue of Jesus that was on the shelf in my room. I never really knew how it got there or why it was there, but I looked at that statue as one of my friends. I would pray to it when I was nervous or worried about something and it just seemed to always help me just like a good friend would. I think that was the beginning of my relationship with God. I’ve always said I’m not a religious person, but I am a very spiritual person 

TRC:  Several websites tell of your foray into the world of physical fitness as a teen. Would you please tell us about how you got started with training?

AC:  Yes everyone knows I started at 15 and my heroes back then were WWF stars like Hulk Hogan and Randy Macho Man Savage. But what some people might not know is the person who got me into working out was my sister Francine’s husband at that time. His name was Louie and he was a really nice guy he used to take me to Madison Square Garden to watch my hero’s live in action, and I used to workout with him sometimes as well. So he really is the one that influenced me the most back then.

TRC:  You have your own training studio in Ozone Park, NY–Tony’s Fitness Studio–. What prompted you to build your own studio? How long has the business been in operation? And do you –personally– oversee many of the training sessions?

AC:  Yes I’m the only personal trainer at my studio. It’s a small private studio and its one on one so I deal with all the clientele personally. And they love the fact that they can come to me as their resource for good health and well being. I love what I do and started this business to help people understand the truth and meaning behind getting in shape and staying in shape.

TRC:  You have been on the cover of many fitness magazines as well as in advertisements. But THE READING CAFÉ members know Anthony Catanzaro as a cover model for several romance novels, including G A Aiken’s LAST DRAGON STANDING and Terry McLaughlin’s A PERFECT STRANGER. How and when did you first get started in the world of romance covers?

AC:  I starred in the Reality TV show called “Mr. Romance.” I was chosen as one of 12 guys to live together in a mansion in Hollywood, California to compete in a pageant to see who would win the title of Mr. Romance. Although I didn’t win the show, I was awarded a contract for modeling for many romance covers soon after. 

TRC:  Do you know on how many covers that you have been featured?

AC:  I think I’ve been in over 15 romance covers to date. They’re a lot of fun and I plan on doing more in the near future.

TRC:  At times, there has been a ‘stigma’ surrounding the male model and romance covers. But the popularity of the paranormal, fantasy and romance novels have been skyrocketing in the last few years. What is your opinion about the recent upswing and popularity of the ‘romance cover model’?

AC:  I think I came in on the very end of the masculine type novels like the Fabio type ones. Now the covers are more geared toward the woman being in control. I think that caters to the reader and whatever the reader wants to read they will supply the stories and then choose the model to best fit the story line.

TRC:  Nude photography can be a touchy subject with many models and actors. What is your opinion about nude photography and what would you tell the young and new models, just venturing into the world of modeling?

AC:  I have nothing against nude modeling. I think the human body is beautiful and if presented in an artistic way, there’s nothing wrong with it. I have posed nude I think you only live once and you shouldn’t feel ashamed of being nude as long as it’s tasteful. 

TRC:  You have a varied resume that includes personal trainer, TV and movie appearances, bodybuilding titles and model. Which of these, has been your personal favorites and why?

AC:  I’ve done many things to date and still continue to do so but what my true passion is above all is inspiring and motivating people to feel better and get the most of life by taking care of their mental and physical health. I was always searching for my true purpose for years until one day I woke up and said it’s been there all along.

 

TRC:  Would you tell us about the love of your life—Tina?

AC:  I met Tina back in November of 1993 I was 22 years old. My mothers had just died from cancer and it was a very rough time for me. I met Tina a couple of months later. My mother always told me when one door closes one will open for me. I never really understood that until I met Tina. I truly feel that she was sent to me from my mom. 

 

TRC:  Is your wife involved in any aspect of your professional career?

AC:  Yes my wife works and helps manage my career by being my manager. She works along side agents and helps me with booking, travel arrangements, media, etc, she also models with me in my romance shoot many times. 

TRC:  You are a contributing editor for fitness modeling and healthy eating at the Tracy James-New York Modeling Network. How did you get involved with the modeling network?

AC:  Yes I write articles and answer questions for them. The site is still under development but is a great source of information for people looking to get into the modeling business.

TRC:  What is your actual job outline with the NY Modeling Network?

AC:  I write articles and answer questions that are related to health and fitness.

TRC:  The last time we talked with Tracy, the New York Modeling Network, was just getting off the ground. The site was slowly building and he was looking at mentoring some young talent. Would you tell us how the Network is currently doing?

AC:  Tracy is a great guy we’ve known each other for a long time, I’m not quite sure were he’s at right now with the site but I know once the site is completed it will draw a lot of attention from people all over the world.

TRC:  What are you doing today? What is up-coming for Anthony Catanzaro?

AC: This week I’m flying to Florida to shoot PLAYGIRL magazine again, then I’m flying to Arizona later in the week to host a fundraiser. I’m also redesigning my website www.anthonycatanzaro.com and have many photo shoots and TV appearances coming up. My latest TV appearance is for the CMT network called “The Bayou Billionaires” which airs every Saturday night at 9pm eastern time on CMT network. 

TRC:  Superman—explain the significance of the nickname?

AC:  Well they call me the Superman of fitness I guess because I look like Clark Kent and I help people all over the world regarding fitness. There’s so much information out there about getting in shape so many scams and promising information, but I’m here to lay down the truth about fitness and help save not just the day but their lives.

TRC:  Is there anything else you would like to add?

AC:  I like to tell all my friends and fans out there that I love them and I’m happy to be able to inspire them and motivate them. I’m glad to have this positive effect on every one of them Thank you and God Bless!

LIGHTNING ROUND:

Favorite Food: Grilled chicken

Favorite Dessert: Pumpkin pie 

Favorite TV Show: Twilight Zone

Favorite Movie: Rocky

Last Movie that you saw: Rocky Balboa 2006 LOL! 

Last book that you read: everything from Joel Osteen

Boxers, Briefs or Commando: (we always ask) Commando 

Do you have any pets: Yes a little beagle named Tiny

Favorite type of car: Cadillac

Last vacation destination: ARUBA 

Dark or Milk Chocolate: both

Anthony, we would like to thank you for taking the time to answer our questions.  You are an amazing man, in love with your wife and your God.  WE wish you the best of luck and keep us informed about your career.

Click here for Anthony’s website: Anthony Catanzaro

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James J. Rizzo – Cover Model Interview

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JAMES J. RIZZO – Cover Model Interview

James Rizzo: The Interview.

It gives THE READING CAFE the great pleasure to introduce cover model and fitness expert James J. Rizzo.

TRC:  Hi James. Thank you very much for taking the time to help us with the interview. For those who do not know, you flew onto our radar with the mistaken identity as the cover model for Jeaniene Frost’s—Once Burned. The Reading Cafe notified Jeaniene about the error, and she has since corrected the information, but we are more than pleased to have you as today’s guest.

We will start with some STATS, and then onto the questions:
STATS:
Birthplace: Wilmington DE
Age: 32
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 210lb
Chest: 46”
Waist: 34”
Eye Color: Blue
Marital Status: Single
Siblings: none
Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration w/concentration in Marketing

TRC:  Please tell us a little about yourself, growing up.

JJR:  I was born and raised in Wilmington, Delaware. As an ONLY child growing up, this was difficult. My parents quickly became my BEST friends. I come from a very strict, old fashioned Italian family so much discipline was enforced! 🙂 My parents sent me to the best schools and insisted my education be done privately as opposed to public. They suggested I get involved in sports later on as a means to get out of my comfort zone and make new friends. I played varsity basketball and AA/Senior American baseball. This slowly transformed my confidence and created hobbies I believed in, but I still felt like an outcast in parochial school through early parts of high school because of my physical appearance.

TRC: As a child, did your parents encourage you with your personal goals?

JJR:  As a child, my parents raised me with tremendous love and teaching right from wrong but my Grandfather became my mentor and life coach. I felt much more comfortable coming to him with my concerns and dilemmas because the wisdom he shared was priceless!

TRC:  WE have read, that you were teased as a child because of your appearance. And you were determined to make changes in your life. How did this affect your childhood and your career today?

JJR:  Yes, It was very challenging growing up and being excepted because I was looked at like an outcast. I was tall for my age, lanky, and since I had my father’s eye site, I had a very bad astigmatism causing me to be near sited. As a result, I had to wear thick glasses, which made me very self-conscious.

I took up exercise as a hobby in a neighborhood friend’s basement. From that moment on I knew it would be apart of my life forever because it became my addiction. This time-line from age 11 – present has transformed my life and the lives of others by being the fitness expert I am today. I am a successful entrepreneur, fitness model and up and coming actor in NYC. This ALL stems from having strict discipline and incredible will power.

TRC:  As a personal trainer, you are called upon to make changes to other people’s lives. What challenges have you faced with some of your clients?

JJR:  Being a personal trainer is not earning a paycheck by telling people what to do. It’s relating yourself to their situations of being self-conscious of managing their weight, disability, or terminal disease (ex. diabetes.) I have had to get clients ready for they’re wedding day or rehab. an injury they sustained. The biggest pressure of the trainer is TIME SENSITIVITY! My background and life story Is how I relate to each individuals’ need. My background allows me to relate both physically and emotionally.

A clear example of a client success story is when I worked at my first gym in NY at Equinox. I had a client named Cindy, whom you can find her testimonial on my web-site. I transformed her life inside/out and she was asked to give a presentation on her success since she was nominated most improved member in the entire gym. This was quite an honor for the both of us and today she is like family!

TRC:  Take us through YOUR daily regimen for working out and diet.

JRR:  My daily regimen consists of a healthy breakfast, which I consider to be the most important meal because it jump-starts my day! My breakfast, lunch, and dinner consists of a high protein diet. I love meat! (lol)

My workouts consists of a brief warm-up of calisthenics-box jumps or rowing, jump-rope, and even boxing, mixing it up on different days to keep the body guessing so to speak. I then tackle my abs for about 15-20min.-every day since they require lots of stimulus. Finally I go into my main workout routine such as chest, back, and legs depending on the day. I concentrate on higher repetitions when performing weights to keep my body lean and less bulky. In the acting and modeling world, this is key!

TRC:  You have now ventured into acting and modeling.. Can you tell us about your most recent television appearances?

JRR:  Yes, I had recently filmed a scene with Sonja Morgan on “THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF NEW YORK CITY,” which is hopefully coming out soon. I made a house-call with a NY Veterinarian and I act as her assistant. It was a pretty funny scene-don’t wanna give too much away!:)

(Pictured:  James with Katherine Heigl at the premier of her movie: ONE FOR THE MONEY

 

 

TRC:  AS a cover model, you recently appeared on The Norse King’s Daughter by Sandra HIll and When Passion Rules by Johanna Lindsey. Can you tell us about your modeling shoot for these particular covers?

JRR:  These covers were entirely different in the sense of photography is concerned.
In the shoot for “The Norse King’s Daughter” I had to get very intimate and in-touch with my feelings with the female model. It felt almost I had a direct connection with her like the movie-“The Princess Bride” and the theme of “TRUE LOVE” 🙂

In the novel “When Passion Rules” by Johanna Lindsey, I played a Sailor/Captain of a ship. I felt a strong leadership presence all throughout filming.

TRC:  Have you ever refused an assignment and why?

JRR:  In this business, people will always see how far you will go. It’s especially important to remain reputation worthy I always say. On Model Mayhem you turn down a lot of jobs- haha.

TRC:  Many models refuse to pose NUDE, but there are several of your pictures that run close to the line and beyond. What is your opinion about nude photography ?

JRR:  N/A

TRC:  What would you tell a new and younger model, about posing for nude pictures?

JRR:  I would tell them to ALWAYS keep their reputation in mind!

TRC:  Have you ever considered writing a book about personal fitness training?

JRR:  Yes, I was thinking of writing more of a motivational book with fitness and life lessons as its main focus. In the meantime, I have been asked to be featured in a former colleague’s book as a contributing writer.

TRC:  Is there an assignment you would have liked but didn’t get? Is there someone you would like to work with, but haven’t ?

JRR:  In this business, there is plenty of assignments you feel that you should have gotten but didn’t. I learned very quickly that it’s nothing personal. It could be any type of demographic for the reason you didn’t book the job. A good example is when I Iived in DE at the time and called out of work as an assistant manager because I got a call-back for a 50K chili’s national commercial. It ended up Evander Holyfield didn’t want to use a posse anymore so they threw it out-FRUSTRATING IS NOT THE WORD!!:)

I would love to work with Liam Neeson one day because I love his attitude and fighting spirit! He has such a commanding presence on the big-screen.

TRC:  Tell us about your favorite assignment?

JRR:  My favorite assignment was when I was crowned 2008 “King of the Bounce” for the new Adidas bounce technology they were adverting for their sneakers. This was a commercial and you-tube video showcasing a bunch of different characters. I’ll never forget, each character had their own scene but in the end they said we were going to face each other in a boxing ring down at Chelsea pier and that’s when my competitive side really came out! I ended up winning an extra grand for the shoot.

TRC:  What are you doing today?

JRR:  Today, I am concentrating on evolving myself more as an actor and model. Since I moved to Manhattan two years ago, my life is much more convenient. I am still contemplating making the big jump to the west- coast too.

TRC:  WE found you on the WWW, when an author accidentally named you as her cover model. Many people have access to personal information. Do you think the WWW allows for too much information in the wrong hands?

JRR:  Yes I do, but in this business especially, you are always going to be in the public eye.

TRC:  Is there anything you would like to add? Something you would like us to know?

JRR:  I would like to add my quote I recently made that sums up my thinking and is why I got to be where I am today! – “CONSTANTLY RE-INVENT YOURSELF, TAKE ON NEW CHALLENGES, AND FEAR NOTHING ALONG THE WAY!” (JAMES RIZZO)

∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Movie:
Scarface
Last movie that you saw:
The Grey
Favorite TV show:
HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER
Last book that you read:
THE ONLY INVESTMENT GUIDE YOU’LL EVER NEED
Favorite food:
STEAK & LOBSTER
Favorite dessert:
BUTTERSCOTCH CHEESECAKE
Dark or Milk Chocolate:
DARK
Boxers/ Briefs or Commando: (we always ask)
BOXER MOSTLY BUT COMMANDO ON THE WEEKENDS- LOL Comfort level changes! 🙂
Favorite Sport:
BOXING/MMA
Favorite Type of Car:
MASERATI
Angelina Jolie or Jennifer Aniston:
JENNIFER ANISTON IN HORRIBLE BOSSES DEFINITELY! 🙂
Orange Juice or Apple Juice:
ORANGE

TRC:  James, we would like to thank you very much for taking the time to answer our questions.It has been a pleasure talking with you and we wish you all the best in your career.

JRR:  Let me know if you need anything else. Thanks again for this opportunity!

You can find James at his website: James J. Rizzo

∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞GIVEAWAY∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞

THE READING CAFE is offering a GIVEAWAY to one  of our eligible members.  A copy of Johanna Lindsey’s WHEN PASSION RULES-will be offered. James is the cover model for When Passion Rules.   To be eligible for the giveaway:

1.  You must be a member of THE READING CAFE website.

2.  You MUST post a comment on James Rizzo Interview Post.

3.  Between February 6 and February 12, 2012, all members who post a comment on the interview with James Rizzo, will be eligible for the giveaway.  At the end of the posted dates, a name will be drawn from all of the eligible entries, and the winner will be notified.

 

 

 

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