Michael John Anthony Toscano ... an American in London ...

 

We first featured stunning Michael Toscano a couple of years ago with amazing work by Abel Cruz, Jorge Freire and Edwin J'Lebron (make sure to check his previous posts by clicking on the labels at the end of this post). We didn't get to do an interview with him at the time, so his visit to London was the perfect opportunity to meet up with him and ask him a few questions.

 And we weren't going to pass on the chance to take a few casual shots of him with the fantastic backdrop that London provides. On first meeting him you are not only struck by how stunning he looks, but also by how warm and friendly he is.

 Michael is from Rochester, upstate New York and as his name suggests, he is of Italian origins. He says that he is very family oriented, they mean the world to him and that he takes pride in representing his heritage.

 

It is blindingly obvious how Michael takes his training and healthy living seriously. His stunning physique can vouch for this. Enjoy the interview and make sure to check Michael's work!

Vital statistics:

Height: 5'10"

Weight: 195lb
Waist: 32"

Chest: 42"

Hair: brown

Eyes: brown

 Make sure to check Michael's facebook page

All copyrights to DJDPhotography
 

Here's Michael's interview in full

Michael, it is amazing to finally meet with you in London and spend some time visiting some fantastic buildings and sites.

I really enjoy all the architecture.

It is your first time in London, right? How do you like it so far?

It is my first time in Europe. I am really enjoying my experience here in London and how friendly the people are.

So, you are from up state New York and have an Italian background ... would you like to talk to us about this?

I am originally from Rochester, New York but currently live in Ithaca, New York. I grew up with a big Italian family. Both my ethnicity and family are a huge part of my life. I was fortunate enough to grow up with four sets of grandparents, the Salotti’s (mothers parents), Iacovelli’s (stepfathers parents), Toscano’s (fathers dad), and Valente’s (fathers mothers remarried name). Having all this family really helped me grow as a person and realise how important staying close to your family truly is.

You have an amazing physique Michael; how do you keep in shape and healthy? Do you practise any sports?

Fitness and nutrition have become a huge part of my life. I have always been into staying in shape and being healthy, because I have played sports my whole life. I was a two sport collegiate athlete where I wrestled and played football.

What are your top three favourite gym exercises and why?

I really don’t have any favourite exercises, although my favourite muscles group if I had to choose would be shoulders. I think my main focus is to keep my body symmetrical and proportional. So it is important to work each muscle group just as much as the other.

And what’s the best form of cardio for you?

Although I am a lot bigger than when I was in college playing sports, I still like to keep my athleticism and agility up to par. My favourite form of cardio is either sprints on the track or field or HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training).

How how do you keep motivated?

My best way to stay motivated is constantly setting goals. Training all year round can definitely get hard at times without something to work towards. By me setting goals I constantly have something to work towards which keeps me focused and gives me drive to achieve them.

Honestly Michael, is it difficult to fit training and fitness into your life?

Since fitness is a part of my life it isn’t a matter of fitting it in my life, because it is my life. I think anybody can sacrifice even a few hours a week to the gym or some form of exercise. It is highly important to a long lasting life.

And what about modelling? How did it come about? What do you enjoy the most about it?

The whole modelling gig kind of just happened by chance. It’s more of a hobby and something I enjoy. Luckily for the social networking sites out there I was noticed through Facebook and one shoot led to the next. More than anything I enjoy the travelling that comes with the modelling and meeting new people. It also gives me things to work towards.

Let’s talk about photoshoots ... how do you prepare for them?

Everybody’s body reacts to certain training regiments and diets differently. I obviously have not perfected my regiments by any means, but I have my body pretty well figured out. My constant variety in weight training routines and carb cycling diet has seemed to work best for me.

I have to say that you are a very good looking guy – what do you think is your best asset?

If I had to choose a best asset I would definitely go with my personality. I am a very humble person and enjoy meeting and making new friends I think it is very important to never make judgements based on what you’ve heard. I like to give everyone a chance and judge them based on how they treat me. Respect and loyalty are two huge traits that were early distilled into me.

And if you could change one thing about your body, what would that be?

If I could improve anything it would 100% be my calves. They are the hardest muscles for me to see gains in.

You must have had your share of challenges; how do you approach them?

I truly believe that God will not give me anything I can’t handle. I realise that some times are beyond tough and you don’t know how you will get past them. But then I look back on those challenging moments and realise I am here now and I did get past them. I believe that those challenges only make us stronger as a human being.

I’m sure you are very busy with your training and work, but what do you do in your down time?

I enjoy spending time with my family. As I said, family is a very important part of my life. I also enjoy hanging with my friends.

Do you have any role models? People who inspire you?

My Papa Salotti has been a role model and someone I’ve looked up to my whole life. He is the most hard working, tough nosed man I have ever met. He has taught me so many life lessons and continues to everyday. He will be 83 this August and still such a tough man. I strive everyday to make him happy and teach the lessons I’ve learned to others.

Now a few quick fun questions Michael ... hope you are game! Do you think you are a good date?

I definitely think I am a good date. I am always positive and just down to have a good time. If you can laugh then you are sure to have a fun time.

What do you think is the secret to a good relationship?

I think the two most important things to keep a relationship stable are TRUST and COMMUNICATION.

Now ... are you a brief man or a boxer kinda guy?

For the most part briefs

What do you listen to on your iPod?

I grew up with my parents really being into music and it always being on. I have a wide variety on my I-pod. I enjoy house, 80’s, 90’s, RnB, dub-step and really anything with a good beat.

What’s your favourite song or piece of music to play while training or running?

Anything that’s upbeat and fast paced.

What kind of movies do you like?

Either action of scary.

Michael, what can’t you live without?

My family

Could you finish these two sentences for me? You wouldn’t know, but I’m very good at ...

Math.

But ... I’m just not very good at ...

Being patient!

In your opinion ... what’s the best thing ever invented?

iPod or cell phone. I remember in middle school running in the winter to make weight for wrestling and my CD player skipping every 15 seconds.

Could you tell me what three words describe you best?

Humble, funny, respectful.

One last question Michael, where do you see yourself and what would you like to be doing in let’s say 10 years time?

The next actor for Superman.

I’ll be on the front row at the world premiere ... Michael, it has been a truly great pleasure meeting with you in London and being able to interview you! Enjoy London and all the best for the future!

Malachy O'Connor

Ben Riches/Seng Mah/Ben Riches

We are thrilled to be able to feature the talented Malachy O’Connor, a stunning 23 year old Australian model from Perth, Western Australia.

Ben Riches

 Malachy is represented by CSAModels. Let’s welcome him at Stunning Men and please show your support in your comments.

Ben Riches

Steve Green @ Glamshot

 A multi talented guy, among other things Malachy loves singing, playing the guitar and of course keeping fit! A keen surfer, he also practises yoga

Steve Green @ Glamshot

 Malachy is a very down to earth guy, who describes himself as ‘a bit of a hippie at heart’. He is very focused and strongly believes in preserving and protecting our environment.

Seng Mah @ Venture Photography

 Please visit Malachy music page and show your support and love by 'liking' it! Thanks.

Many thanks to Malachy for doing the interview and accepting to be featured.

Don't forget to check csamodels on facebook and discover many more of their stunning models.

Vital Statistics:

Height: 5’11”

Weight: 176lbs

Waist: 31”

Eyes: Blue

Hair: Dirty Blonde

 Here's Malachy's full interview

Malachy, welcome to Stunning Men and a big thank you for taking the time to do the interview.

Could we start off with talking a little about yourself and your background? You are from Perth ...?

Perth born and bred with a very Irish background but I lived here most of my life.

What do you do in a typical day?

My day job is a musician playing guitar and singing in around the pubs and streets of Perth. I’m a bit of a hippie at heart and have strong beliefs in the conservation of our natural environment. Working out and keeping fit is a big part of my life as well as reading and meditation. I love learning and believe that an experience is worth a thousand pictures.

And how did you get into modelling?

I got into modelling through doing promotional events for the Ironman and surf rowing races I was competing in at the time. A couple of people that would organise the events started getting me other gigs around town, just little things nothing major. It all just kind of gradually flowed from there.

What do you enjoy the most about it?

I guess the performance side of is a big thing for me. It’s a similar energy as to when you’re performing music for an audience in some cases. A live performance of any craft will always give you a hit of adrenaline that leaves you hyped up afterward.

How do you prepare before a photoshoot?

How I prepare is usually dependant on the shoot. I do underwear, swimwear and fitness work mostly so a couple of weeks out from the date I’ll start upping the intensity of my gym routine and start doing more full body sessions. It helps in raising the amount of calories you’re burning in your sessions and lets you drop that extra bit of body fat. My diet gets a bit stricter, nothing too full on, but I’ll avoid eating anything too silly.
The day and night before I like to get a cut-throat shave and a solid haircut from a barber, helps you feel nice and fresh for the shoot.

You have a great physique. How do you keep in shape and healthy? Do you practise any sport?

I practice Bikram yoga regularly as well as a comprehensive gym routine. I also do 6 days of rigorous physical activity a week. I try to incorporate a lot of my social life into my exercise too; a catch-up with a friend could be anything from a yoga session to a coffee and a light run.

What are your top three favourite gym exercises and why?

Top three would have to be Deadlift, chin-up and one-arm rows. The deadlift because it’s such a raw movement and a great way to increase your overall strength. The chin-up for a similar reason, very functional and strength focused. It uses so many of your muscles and is a great complement to the deadlift. You can do them pretty much anywhere and there’s a lot of room to be creative. The one-arm row is great for a good pump if you’re feeling sluggish and if done properly hits the entire shoulder/back assembly of the working arm in an effective applicable movement.

What’s the best form of cardio for you?

Running for me for sure! I look forward to long Sunday runs on my rest days, gives you time to think and to listen to all the music you’ve been putting on your mp3. I live on the coast in Perth so it provides an awesome backdrop to a cruisy coastal run. In the coming years I will most likely switch to cycling or swimming. Running is great but it’s a great tax on your joints.

How do you keep motivated?

That’s a good question. I’ve always been ambitious and had big dreams but I think even the most motivated people have their off days. I keep my goals close to my heart and head and check my bearing on them at the end of each day. I find if I do this, I’ll keep working in the right direction. It’s very easy to get lost on a journey if you have no bearing on your destination.

How do you fit training and fitness into your life? Is it a difficult thing to achieve?

Being self-employed I’m flexible with my time but keeping a healthy balance in your life is a tricky thing to do. I just make sure the energy I spend on exercising is always extremely focused. It means your workout is a lot more efficient, takes up less time and fits in better into your life

You are a very good looking guy – what do you think is your best asset?

Physical beauty is common. My personality for sure.

And if you could change one thing about your body, what would that be?

Crikey, there’s a fair list! I think I would have darker skin, a lot of South American people have this lovely dark tanned skin. No sunburn and a year round tan, who wouldn’t want that!

How do you approach a challenge?
I throw myself into it! A well thought out and structured plan, that’s still dynamic if needed. Keeping myself open to advice and constructive criticism on all aspects of the challenge. All that with a consistent and focused work ethic I think will serve you extremely well in pursuing anything.

What do you do in your down time?

I love to read, meditate, surf, walk through my local bush reserve and write. It’s always so nice to disconnect and empty your mind of thoughts.

Do you have any role models? People who inspire you?

So many role models! I made it a habit of reading a lot of autobiographical work from successful people. It’s almost as good as a one on one chat in some ways; you can learn their methods of approaching life, always an interesting insight. Favourites are Schwarzenegger, Attenborough, Gerard Butler, Franklin, Roosevelt, Lincoln, Aristotle, Nietzsche ... the list goes on!

Now a few quick fun questions if we may? Do you think you are a good date?

I’d like to think so! It’s rare for me to go out on one so when I do it’s nice to put the extra effort in and make an experience of it.

What do you think is the secret to a good relationship?

A sense of adventure, communication, humour, loyalty, passion and a commitment to working to improve yourself.

Are you a brief man or a boxer kinda guy?

Briefs for sure!

What do you listen to on your iPod?

It’s honestly so broad, I wouldn’t know what to put down!

Your favourite song or piece of music to play while training or running?

“Killing in the name of” – Rage against the machine. Best workout song ever.

What kind of movies do you like?

Big fan of film! I think there are great movies in every genre. Films in a similar vein to the likes of “Flight Club” are always winners with me.

What can’t you live without?

My beautiful dog Sid! (Malachy gives us broad smile)

You wouldn’t know, but I’m very good at ...

Chess!

I’m just not very good at ...

Drawing ... (makes a sad face!)

What’s the best thing ever invented?

Probably electricity, but those dish scrubbers that you can fill up with dishwashing liquid aren’t too far behind.

What three words describe you best?

Passionate, peculiar and honest.

One last question Malachy, where do you see yourself and what would you like to be doing in 10 years time?

Driving a successful career in television and music and owning a profitable green energy/solar company. Living in my own little house by the ocean with my dog, having an overwhelming sense of purpose and happiness.

Malachy, it has truly been a pleasure to interview you! Thank you for your time and for being a good sport. All the best for the future!