The Italian American Podcast (The Italian American Podcast )

Join us as we bring you a heartwarming conversation with Christina Conte, the culinary genius behind "Christina's Cucina." Christina's journey from a children's social worker in Scotland to a beloved food blogger in California is nothing short of inspirational. Discover how a simple nudge from friends led her to create a blog that now resonates with food enthusiasts worldwide. We'll explore the transformative power of the pandemic on home cooking and Christina's unique insights into the rich tapestry of Italian American traditions, even in the most unexpected places. In our deeper dive, Christina shares her thoughts on the crucial role of authenticity in the food industry. Ever been frustrated by a recipe that didn't turn out as promised? Christina speaks candidly about the pitfalls of fake recipes and the misuse of stock photos, advocating for genuine ingredients and user-generated content. She also offers a poignant look at the Italian communities' experiences across the globe, from the British Isles to Australia, and how their connections to Italy shape their culinary traditions and family dynamics. Tune in for a feast of stories, tips, and the importance of keeping it real in the kitchen.

What do YOU use to answer the question on race and ethnicity on the U.S. Census?  

The Federal Government has recently undertaken a reexamination of the “Federal Standards on Racial and Ethnic Data Collection”, and as a part of that process, they have invited communities across the nation to weigh in on how they are counted.  

To some in our community, the time has come to answer the question of whether or not Italian Americans are “White”.

And of course, there is no straightforward answer. While some believe that the label White is an appropriate one for Italian Americans, others feel it’s an erasure and “whitewashing” of the Italian American historical experience. Many fall somewhere in between. 

We’re joined by Chiara Parisi and Cristina Carabetta, two Italian American attorneys who have engaged the Federal Government in the process.  They are also two of the shining alumni of our inaugural Italian American Future Leaders Conference and returned to IAFL2 this month to present their work at our 2024 conference.

They’ll share when, and at which governmental levels Italians have been categorized as “White”, why the collection of accurate statistical data is so important for our community, and what some of the proposals for a new categorization for Italian Americans actually entail.

Plus, we’ll discuss some of the misunderstandings around the current effort that have left a split in Italian American opinion.  

It’s an important conversation straight from the stage of IAFL2, and one that will impact Italian Americans for generations to come!

Join us for a lively and engaging exploration of Italian American culture as we sit down with our esteemed guest, who brings along a delightful Chianti for a special tasting. Our producer Nicky even attempts to take over the iconic podcast introduction as we reflect on the enduring vibrancy of the Italian American community. In this episode, we tackle the complexities of obtaining Italian dual citizenship, especially for Italian Americans facing long waitlists at US Italian consulates. With insights into alternative routes such as litigation and residency in Italy, we offer guidance on navigating the documentation and legalities involved. We discuss the crucial role of Italian comunes and the importance of a personalized approach to determine eligibility. Through personal stories and expert advice, we highlight how building relationships and understanding cultural nuances can ease the path to citizenship. We also share our experiences with Italian bureaucracy, from securing residency for citizenship purposes to the unpredictability of dealing with local clerks. The episode is filled with tales of navigating chaotic travel logistics in Italy, illustrating the resilience and adaptability required in the vibrant Italian way of life. By sharing personal stories and practical advice, we aim to equip listeners with the knowledge and patience needed to successfully manage residency applications and enjoy the benefits of Italian citizenship. Tune in for an episode that celebrates the beauty of Italian culture and the enduring bonds of heritage. Eleanor Riccardi Links: Bespoke Italian Citizenship Website https://www.bicitaly.com/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwpvK4BhDUARIsADHt9sQFz8PUex0oIpkqjAPSXcc2zgB7WAfNcYFDt6Cw2If1gUagOuVfTIkaAm91EALw_wcB Bespoke Italian Citizenship Instagram bespokeitaliancitizenship

Wine is one of the oldest and most familiar pleasures on earth, but this potent potion still has the power to intimidate even her most ardent admirers!  Fear not, there is an Italian American coming to the rescue to return the joys of understanding wine to the masses!

Gianluca Rottura, the proprietor of “In Vino Veritas," New York City’s landmark wine store, is here to discuss his book, Wine Made Easy: Learn Wine in No Time, Match Wine and Food Like a Pro, Impress Your Wine Snob Friends … the perfect guide to help you understand the mysteries of the wine world!

But, Gianluca is more than just an educated oenophile… he’s also the popular blogger behind the sites “Piazza Life” and “Pizza and Coffee," so he’s here to opine on all matter of topics important to Italian American identity!  While he may help make wine easy to understand, he and the Italian American Podcast team may just complicate all other topics beyond comprehension!

If you love great wines, great food, and a good old-fashioned Italian American rant don’t miss this very lively episode!

This episode is sponsored by Mediaset Italia.

One hundred and ten years ago, on March 25, 1911, a conflagration engulfed the top three stories of a nondescript building in Manhattan’s Greenwich Village.  The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire caused the deaths of 146 garment workers, most of whom were recent Italian and Jewish immigrant women and girls. The aftermath of this event changed American labor relations and influenced the burgeoning feminist movement, yet this tragedy often goes unmentioned in the telling of American history.

In this week’s episode, we meet with Edvige Giunta and Mary Anne Trasciatti, two professors who have dedicated their careers to ensuring that Triangle is remembered, and that its impact on our community, our country and the world today will be understood by younger generations.

We’ll share the story of this incomparable tragedy, and discuss how it happened and how the events of that fateful day unfurled. We’ll also explore why the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire is vitally important to the study of Italian American and women’s history.

We will also examine how the fire is remembered today, through personal and community-wide observances, and how the efforts of activists like our guests are culminating in a permanent, interactive memorial to the victims.

Please join us as we remember this tragedy and do our part to ensure it is not forgotten.

Also, please join this year’s virtual memorial observances on March 25 at 6 p.m. by visiting http://rememberthetrianglefire.org/.

Shop small and #SupportItalianAmerican Small Business!

With Thanksgiving arriving this week, the unofficial start of the 2020 Holiday Shopping Season has arrived, and it's sure to be one unlike anything we’ve seen before.

With another lockdown seemingly looming on the horizon, and online shopping set to claim an even greater share of holiday spending, we at the Italian American Podcast wanted to be sure to encourage our listeners to “Buy Paesan” and support Italian American Small Business!

So in this week’s episode, in celebration of Small Business Saturday, we’re featuring best-selling author Matt Rizzetta, author of “Embrace the Pace: The 100 Most Exhilarating Lesson Learned in a Decade of Entrepreneurship” and the owner of North 6 Agency… one of America’s “50 most powerful PR Firms” and an Italian American-owned small business he started in his garage! Matt is also one of the owners of the SS Campobasso soccer team!

Matt and the Podcast crew will share tips and tricks on how to best position your Italian American-owned small business for success during these times of economic uncertainty and beyond, and why now might just be the right time to scratch that entrepreneurial itch you’ve been repressing for so long by starting your own small business!

We’ll discuss why small businesses are important to the fabric of our nation and why Italian American businesses are truly a precious slice of our culture that we all need to support when we can. We also talk about what business owners can do to help their 2020 holiday sales and we share our plans to help our listeners promote their businesses this holiday season and into the future!

Break out your holiday shopping list and check it more than twice as your favorite Italian American businesses come to mind while listening to this episode!

From Rocky Balboa to Botticelli, the City of Brotherly Love is one of America’s proudest Italian American locales, and this week’s guest is just the person to tell us how it came to be.

Andrea Canepari is an Italian diplomat currently serving at the Directorate General for Country Promotion of the Italian Ministry for Foreign Affairs in Rome. He was Ambassador of Italy in the Dominican Republic from 2017 to 2021 and Consul General of Italy in Philadelphia from 2013 to 2017. Andrea is the co-editor of The Italian Legacy in Philadelphia: History, Culture, People, and Ideas, as well as the author of The Italian Legacy in the Dominican Republic: History, Architecture, Economy, and Society and The Italian Legacy in Washington D.C.: Architecture, Design, Art, and Culture.

Andrea’s experiences as Consul General of Italy in Philadelphia have helped him discover a side to Pennsylvania’s largest city that stretches beyond Ben Franklin and the Liberty Bell. In this week’s episode, Andrea tells us about how certain Philadelphia staples, such as cheesesteak, have an Italian influence and how the city’s Italian influences are often found in the most unexpected of places!

We also talk about the philosophical influence of Italy on pre-Revolutionary War America, including the works of Filippo Mazzei, and how the Italian contribution to the Cradle of Liberty might be more than you’d expect.

It’s a visit to colonial America with an Italian flair that you won’t want to miss!

As August begins to creep into September, families everywhere are preparing for winter by gathering together to partake in a much-loved Italian American tradition… gather the whole famiglia as we take your through the history and how-tos of the art of tomato jarring!

This New World fruit has become the staple of Italian and Italian American cuisine and now with the tomato harvest happening, our team decided to celebrate “la pummarola” by sharing our stories, strategies and science about this beloved tradition.

We explore the history of the tomato, from its origins in the Andes mountains to its arrival in Europe, why Europeans and Colonial Americans originally believed it to be a poisonous plant, and how it beat this unfortunate reputation to become the cornerstone of Italian cuisine!

We’ll then examine the various jarring traditions and methods, whether adding sugar to tomatoes is an honored tradition or a culinary sin, and how we might all be making tomato paste if Napoleon had never invaded Russia.

We’ll also share our own family jarring stories and secrets, and perhaps stumble onto the perfect event to bring everyone back together once social distancing is a thing of the past!

Call it pummarola or pomodoro… "to-may-to" or "tom-ah-to"… or whichever name you prefer, this humble fruit has defined much of our Italian American culture, and this week’s episode will take you deeper than you’ve ever imagined in getting to know the blessing that is the tomato!

An Italian American with Confederates in the famiglia?

The branches of our family trees often contain mysteries and secrets that are lost until future generations decide to investigate them.

This is precisely the case with this week’s episode as we talk with Joe Elia, one of the delegates to the inaugural Italian American Future Leaders Conference. Joe explains that during his genealogical sleuthing, he discovered that one of his ancestors was a post-Unification Bourbon prisoner of war who was sent to serve with the Confederate Army during the American Civil War.

Our Bourbon history expert, Lou Mendola, joins us to help Joe decipher his family’s lore, as well as explain how Bourbon soldiers came to serve in our nation’s bloodiest war. We discuss how there’s more to Italian Unification than what we’ve learned in school and why it is necessary to look at any episode in history from every angle.

We also discuss why preserving family history is important and how we can solve the mysteries hidden in our own family trees that are waiting to be discovered.

Join us as we uncover a mystery that will hopefully inspire you to do some sleuthing in your own family history!

Once in a long while, a book comes along and immediately qualifies as a “must have” in the Italian American home library. In Red Sauce: How Italian Food Became American, author Ian MacAllen has created one of those books!

In this rollicking two-part episode, we’re joined by this proud Italian American writer as he leads us in an exploration of the evolution of traditional Italian American cuisine, lovingly referred to as “Red Sauce Italian,” from its origins in Italy to its transformation in America into a new, distinct, and wildly popular cuisine.

This week, in Part 1, we’ll take a look at the fascinating social and culinary history exploring the integration of Red Sauce food into mainstream America alongside the blending of Italian immigrant otherness into a national American identity.

We’re looking for the “roots of red sauce” in Southern Italian cuisine, and how early Italian immigrants to America developed new recipes and modified old ones based on the new foods they found in America, and how they were able to introduce and eventually domesticate the staple ingredients they couldn’t leave behind.

We’ll search out the origins of uniquely Italian American dishes like Penne alla Vodka, and examine the new fascinating history of how the earliest Italian immigrants brought the tomato into mainstream America… and why the differences in manufacturing between tomato paste versus canned tomatoes might explain how YOUR family recipes came to be distinct from those of other Italian American clans.  And, we’ll seek to answer the age old question: “Why do I add sugar to my sauce?"

It’s the first half of one of our most enjoyable episodes, on a topic we know every Italian American can agree on -- the unique brilliance of Italian American cuisine!

“Viva San Rocco!”

It's the last weeks of summer in Italian America, and in neighborhoods across the country, paesani are celebrating the Feast of Saint Rocco, one of the most venerated saint days in the Italian American year.

For our part, we’re sitting down with Stephen La Rocca, president of the St. Rocco Society of Potenza, to discover more about this saint and the feast that has been held in his honor every August in New York City since 1889.

As one of the oldest continuous Italian American celebrations in the United States, there’s plenty of fascinating history behind this unique tradition, and we’ll follow the feast day from its origins, to its near extinction, through two relocations within the city, and into its continuing growth into what is today one of New York’s most well-attended feasts!

Stephen also shares his own family’s devotion to St. Rocco, dating back to a very special miracle performed for his grandmother that inspired him to not only dedicate himself to promoting the beloved protector, but to do it in ways that have not been seen at most Italian American feasts in decades… from barefoot processions to Calabrese wax body parts, we’re exploring the many ways Steve and his fellow devotees at the St. Rocco Society have returned the feast to its ancient roots and brought it back to life in doing so.

Before you make your way to this year’s feast, join us for a conversation that gets to the heart of what a feast really means to Italian Americans.

And, if you’d like to attend this year’s St. Rocco of Potenza Feast this coming Sunday, August 21, in New York’s Historic Little Italy, visit www.stroccosociety.com for more information.

This episode was sponsored by Mediaset Italia.

For author Christopher Castellani, the proud son of Italian immigrants, the desire to tell the Italian American story through his writing has been a constant motivation. Yet, despite his abundant talent, irrepressible passion, and keen sense of his ethnic experience in America, upon entering the literary world, Christopher encountered one deep-seated -- and often discouraging -- preconception about Italian Americans: that we are people who don’t read!

So, Christopher set out to dispel that myth with a body of work in which the Italian American experience is a driving force behind his story. The first of his five critically-acclaimed novels, "A Kiss from Maddalena," winner of the Massachusetts Book Award in 2004, was inspired by the story of his Italian immigrant mother. His newest novel, "Leading Men" (for which he received fellowships from the Guggenheim Foundation, the MacDowell Colony, and the Massachusetts Cultural Council) tells the true-life tale of Frank Merlo, partner and soothsayer of playwright Tennessee Williams and an unknown Italian American whose steady presence might just be what helped Williams achieve his greatest fame and literary success. Set to become a major motion picture, this award-winning novel is the result of decades of work by this passionate Italian American.

Join us as we sit down with Christopher Castellani and discuss whether or not Italian Americans really are literary people, and how it is we can provide more opportunities for our story to be told. Of course, since this is the Italian American Podcast, we’ll cover everything from exploring the impact of Elena Ferrante's “Neapolitan Novels” on Italian American culture to debating the merits of the movie “Fatso." Get ready for another wonderful conversation with a brilliant Italian American novelist!

Italian American identity means different things to different people, and the “Italian American Experience” is oftentimes a very personal definition for each individual.  At one point or another, it's safe to say most of us have felt a certain “otherness” setting us apart from the mainstream.  If you have felt this more frequently than others, we’ve got the Paesana for you!

On this week’s episode, we’ll chat with Victoria Passarella, the founder of Metropolitan Island, Brooklyn Ivy League, and the Italian American Leadership Network.

After graduate school at Columbia University, and working for the university in career education, Victoria noticed that her Italian American upbringing led to some major cultural differences from the institutions around her. She was almost always the only Italian American in these settings, and as the daughter of an Italian immigrant father and an Italian American mother from Brooklyn, Victoria's Southern Italian culture influenced how she viewed her work and society at large.

Inspired to take what she learned as a career education professional and offer it in a relatable way to empower her community, Victoria founded the Italian American Leadership Network as a community for people to support one another as they navigate their professional lives while incorporating how being Italian American impacts their values and challenges they experience, sharing resources and knowledge to help each other achieve goals that our ancestors could only dream of!

Victoria will share the surprising events that made her realize Italian Americans might need a different type of professional network… from a dressing down about dressing up, to the grad school professor whose meatball dinner helped reveal troubling stereotypes. This episode is filled with important questions about Italian American self-identification, how we define our community, what makes us distinct, and when its okay to embrace and defend those distinctions that make us who we are!

When Italian Americans are gathered, it's usually a safe bet that the conversation will turn to the topic we seem to love most… the culinary delights that are Italian food!

In fact, many of us like to recall enjoying delectable homemade meals with the famiglia… while discussing what we plan to eat at the next sitting!

Who can blame us for this obvious obsession?  Italian cuisine has captivated the world’s palates for generations… but have you ever stopped to consider the history behind what’s on your plate, or asked yourself how much we really know about the generations-old recipes we treasure?

Culinary historian Karima Moyer-Nocchi has dedicated her career to this very question and, this week, she is sharing some of her discoveries with our team!

Karima is the author of the critically-acclaimed Chewing the Fat - An Oral History of Italian Foodways from Fascism to Dolce Vita, and The Eternal Table: A Cultural History of Food in Rome. In her books, she reconstructs history through the lens of food, sharing how Italy’s various historic interactions with other civilizations profoundly influenced its foodways, and how today’s Italian cuisine is a product of a long and often overlooked evolution.

We’ll ask the question, “Is there such a thing as authentic Italian food?” and discuss how the food our ancestors ate is quite different from the plates we know today. We also discuss the surprising history of some of our favorite foods, where and how Italian and Italian American cuisine intersect and how different they can be,  and whether or not the passion that has evolved around Italian food might just be its undoing!

So why not prepare a plate of your favorite maccheroni, and join us as we dive into the history of Italian food… from memories to myths!

This episode is sponsored by Mediaset Italia.

Happy Valentine’s Day, paesani!  We’re celebrating the "Day of Amore" with a somewhat unusual episode we hope you enjoy… and that perhaps some of you can even relate to!

You see, we here at the Italian American Podcast really are one big famiglia.  The conversations we have on air are only the icing on the cake for a group of cumpari who spend an inordinate amount of time chatting, complaining, and dissecting life’s many vicissitudes with one another every week.

So this week, Dolores and John have simply decided to “turn on the mic” for a recurring conversation they often find themselves in, and one that far too often goes unspoken in a world of lives curated for social media… a conversation about the ins-and-outs of  “Marriage Italian Style."

As they often do, they’re exploring the many pleasures and pitfalls of married life and the extra complications that come with being party to an Italian American marriage.  They’ll examine what parts of their married lives are defined by the fact that they and their spouses are all Italian Americans, what marriage looks like when big, old-fashioned Italian American families are involved, and how they navigate between “old-fashioned” and “forward-thinking." They’ll share their takes on devotion, determination, and the highs and lows of AMORE!

It’s a most intimate and unvarnished conversation that might be one you’ve been waiting for!

Celebrated culinary innovators, Scott and Angie invite us into their world, where Italian American heritage meets modern creativity. Known for their acclaimed restaurant Don Angie and a popular cookbook, they now embark on a new venture, San Sabino. We uncover how childhood memories of favorite dishes like shrimp parm and Sunday pizza shaped their culinary passions, and explore how they honor beloved red sauce traditions while embracing innovative twists. Their new seafood focused restaurant is not just a reflection of their roots in Sanza, but also a testament to the vibrant, evolving nature of Italian American cuisine in New York City. Join us as Scott and Angie delve into the intricacies of expanding a restaurant concept while maintaining its soul. We unravel their strategic decision making process, from sticking closely to their roots to introducing fresh, creative seafood offerings that make San Sabino both a familiar and exciting experience. The episode also highlights the architectural choices that bridge their new venture to the history of its location, all while prioritizing heartfelt connections over mere profitability in the restaurant industry. It's a story of culinary passion, creativity, and community spirit that offers a window into the operational intricacies of running a successful dining establishment. This episode is a celebration of heritage, the joy of family traditions, and the enduring impact of Italian American cuisine on contemporary cooking. Whether it's the unique flavors of Sicilian Modica cow cheese or the simple pleasure of crispy lasagna edges, Scott and Angie's stories serve as an education in both heritage and culinary creativity. So, tune in for a feast of inspiration and storytelling that promises to satisfy both the aspiring chef and the lover of Italian cuisine. THEIR SOCIALS Don Angie Insta: @donangienyc Website: https://www.donangie.com/ San sabino Insta: @sansabinonyc Website: https://www.sansabinonyc.com/

It is considered one of the most influential films of all time, a critical and commercial success, the winner of the 1972 Academy Award for Best Picture, selected for preservation in the U.S. National Film Registry of the Library of Congress, and ranked as the second-greatest film in American cinematic history by the American Film Institute… and for 50 years it has aroused equal parts love and loathing in the Italian American community.

On March 24, 1972, Francis Ford Coppola’s “The Godfather” made its debut in theaters across the nation and, since that first showing, the epic story of the Corleone family has dominated discussions on its portrayal of Italian Americans, with its proponents celebrating it as hauntingly authentic and its detractors decrying it as stereotypical exploitation.

In this week’s episode (Part 1 of 2), we look back on five decades of the relationship between “The Godfather” and the Italian American experience, its place in the tome of American cinema, and why it is a film that all Italian Americans should see at least once.

We’ll also examine the movie’s cast and characters, how their roles have become iconic, and what their stories say about the Italian American experience. And we look at the film’s impact on American pop culture, on organized crime itself, and what it means to Italian Americans today.

Join us this week as we look back at 50 years of “The Godfather” and the making of Italian America!

This week’s legendary guest is no stranger to our show, and this week she’s here to celebrate the release of her latest book, “Ciao Italia: Plant, Harvest, Cook!”  and celebrate her 30th season as TV’s longest-running cooking show host!

Chef, author, and Italian American icon Mary Ann Esposito is the creator and host of the nationally televised PBS series Ciao Italia with Mary Ann Esposito™  and is the author of 14 cookbooks. She has worked beside world-renowned chefs like Julia Child, Jacques Pepin, Martin Yan, Jasper White, and countless others. When she’s not cooking, Mary Ann hosts culinary trips to Italy, where she works hands-on with her students to teach them regional dishes from up and down the peninsula.

We talk to Mary Ann about the inspiration behind her latest collection, which fuses her husband’s passion for gardening with her devotion to teaching the next generation the skills of a simpler time. Mary Ann shares her secrets of seasonal produce, seed saving, and her tips on growing kitchen staples such as eggplant, tomatoes, and more!

We also talk about Italian regional produce, such as San Marzano Tomatoes and Tropea Onions, and what it means when these items are grown in areas outside of Italy.

Not someone who would qualify as a green thumb? You’ll certainly be closer than ever after this week’s joyous episode!

Because this is the final episode of Italian American Heritage Month, we thought we’d gather the Famiglia and share the stories of the “Italian Heritage Heroes” who inspire each of us, except… we never quite got to that!

When Dolores, Rossella, John, and Pat reunite in person and around the table for the first time in a long time, and 3/4 of the group decides to bring foodstuffs, it’s no surprise that our co-hosts get lost in the joy of homemade delicacies.  So when Dolores begins to explain the process behind her mother’s hand-foraged mushrooms under oil, the conversation quickly evolves into Dolores and P.O.B. chewing the fat about their favorite ways to “Homestead Italian American Style”.  

While the butter-churning, home wheat-milling love fest leaves little for Ro and John to add, Dolores and Pat share how they have worked to blend traditions and technology in everything from bread making to homemade wine production, and their annual tomato jarring rituals.  

And of course, this wouldn’t be the Italian American Podcast without a tangent or two, so get ready to hear all about Pat’s secret collection of vintage cigarette carousels, how his months-long project to reverse engineer the original taste of Italian America’s favorite espresso brand led to him almost burning down his garage, why a certain sect of Pugliese Americans were curing olives in Drano, and how Dolores doles out chicken coop duties when she and her family are out of town!

Get ready to learn some techniques and tips on a laugh-filled trip to Red, White, and Green Acres, as we take you to the farm as only the Italian American Podcast can!

 What IS America without pasta?  Without prosciutto?  Or parmigiano??  In this episode, we’ll ask those very questions when we’re joined by former Congressman Lou Barletta of Pennsylvania, the new Chairman of the American Italian Food Coalition (AIFC), a consortium of over 450 Italian companies seeking to protect Italian pasta, coffee, biscuits and wafers from US’s new tariff policies.

The “Protector of Parmigiano” tells us about the coalition’s recent success in preventing the expansion of import taxes to a broad range of Italian foods. Since last year, those taxes have added 25% to the price of genuine Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, Scotch whiskey, Spanish olives and French wine as a result of retaliatory tariffs on European products in response to subsidies Airbus received from some Europe nations.

He’ll share how the tariffs would have affected Italian American mom-and-pop businesses and how these taxes would have directly contributed to an eventual demise of Italian American culture. And, we’ll explore the continuing strength of Italy as a trade partner with the United States.

Join us as we jump back into the incredible life story of Severino D’Angelo, a “Paesan of Interest” with a story in which determination and dedication meet some very good luck.  

Leaving what he describes as a “Medieval Italy” Severino D’Angelo went on to discover his natural gifts in the American education system, have his life saved when he was drafted into the U.S. Army, and build a career as an engineer that led to dozens of patents and an incredible impact on the U.S. auto industry… all of which, he believes he owes to the American Dream.

In this concluding half of a two-part episode, Severino shares how being drafted into the US Army during the Vietnam War actually saved his life, and allowed him to pursue higher education, through language barriers and learning disabilities, to become an engineer with so many patents… many of which we are still industry standard technology today.  

We’ll discuss the amazing story of his chance meeting with a young American doctor who would become the love of his life, get to see what retirement looks like as a nearly 80-year-old marathon runner, and ultimately understand why after his amazing journey of immigration and transformation, he was drawn back to the Paese of his youth!

It’s a heartwarming story of humility, happenstance, hard work, and the best of the Italian American Dream, and a story you won’t want to miss!

Mike D'Amore shares his journey of embracing his Italian heritage with stories that remind us of the beauty and strength in cultural traditions. His experiences growing up in Rome, New York, and active participation in groups like Sons of Italy provide a window into the efforts to keep Italian culture alive in America. From the heartwarming tales of homemade capicola to the celebration of Italian familial bonds, Mike's passion for preserving his roots shines brightly as we broadcast from Little Italy. We explore the power of cultural preservation through the lens of Sicilian heritage, with a focus on the young leaders reviving these traditions across the country. The significance of the St. Joseph's Day altar in the Carolinas, inspired by New Orleans, is just one example of how Italian-American communities are keeping these customs alive. Through the Italian Exchange and Fellowship League, a network of future leaders collaborates to create cultural events and strengthen ties to ancestral lands like Calabria, illustrating the deep connections and stories that bind individuals to their heritage. The journey doesn't stop there; we traverse the vibrant regions of Italy, including Palermo and Catania, to discover the warmth of Italian hospitality and culinary delights like granita con brioche and pistachio gelato. As we discuss the potential for Italian-Americans to aid in revitalizing southern Italian towns, we reflect on how tourism and philanthropy can weave new opportunities into the fabric of these communities. The role of Italian-American organizations in fostering these connections echoes throughout our conversation, ensuring that Italy continues to flourish for generations to come.

Have the weeks of quarantine got you a little stir crazy?  Well, it’s time to… SNAP OUT OF IT, because the Italian American Podcast is bringing you a little something extra this week!

Welcome to our inaugural Italian American Podcast Movie Watch-Along!

In this new offering, we’ll take the classics of Italian American film and present them to you with our own running commentary. To celebrate the launch of these special episodes, we’re sharing our take on a quintessentially Italian American classic, 1987’s Academy Award-winning film, “Moonstruck.”

In this episode, we’ll preview the full Watch Along by discussing what truly comprises “Italian American Cinema” and whether or not this film fits the bill. We’ll debate the merits of a universally-loved portrayal of an Italian American family, which happens to have been created by mostly non-Italians.

We also discuss whether or not Italian Americans can truly watch an “Italian American film” without the lens of ethnicity and if non-Italian Americans can really “get it right” when it comes to talking about us as an ethnic group.

We also provide a run-down of the locations of Moonstruck and how the film’s backdrop becomes a character of its own. Speaking of characters, we dive into the “Italianness” of each one and we discuss how cinematic portrayals of Italian Americans help us truly define our American experience.

In a case of life imitating art, we also share our own stories and memories surrounding the movie, and tackle what makes some of love and others loathe this iconic film.

Sit back, pop some popcorn or pull some prosciutto out of your fridge and get ready to watch “Moonstruck” with us!

The dynamic duo "Patty and Patty" have been a hit for years. Join us for a lively exploration of Italian American culture and heritage. Their creative journey from a one-act play to a global sensation provides a fascinating look at the power of storytelling and social media. With fans spanning from Tasmania to Moldova, Patty and Patty's work is a testament to the enduring bonds and rich histories that connect Italian communities worldwide. We share laughter and insights as we uncover family immigration stories and the evolution of entertainment from classic TV to today's digital landscape. Our discussion veers into the heart of Italian American food traditions, weaving through the family kitchens of Abruzzo, Bari, and Sanza. Patty and Patty invite us to savor the flavors of homemade pasta and unique pesto recipes, all while echoing the philosophy of minimizing waste. The episode captures the nostalgia of shared family meals and holiday gatherings, emphasizing the importance of keeping these traditions alive in an ever-changing world. From cherished childhood recipes to modern culinary twists, we celebrate the profound impact of food on our cultural identity. As the conversation unfolds, the richness of Italian American theater and acting takes center stage. With anecdotes of navigating Italian and Jewish roles in media, Patty and Patty shed light on the complexities of representation and authenticity. From the iconic performances of Edie Falco in "The Sopranos" to tales of performing improv in New York's storied venues, we explore the vibrant tapestry of Italian American storytelling. The episode concludes with a heartfelt reflection on the power of narrative to preserve heritage, leaving listeners inspired to embrace their cultural roots with a catchy tune echoing in their minds. THEIR SOCIALS Instagram: @pattyandpattynyc Tiktok: @pattyandpatty Youtube:  @Pattyandpatty  Facebook: Patty and Patty Website: https://www.pattyandpatty.com/

Deep into a successful career in the exhilarating world of auditing, Italian American serial-achiever Michele Di Pietro decided she needed more out of life.  And so, at nearly double the age of most entrants, this life-long lover of the art of “feeding others” decided to head off to culinary school.

Today, Michele is an entrepreneur, classically-trained chef, culinary consultant, food writer, cookbook author, blogger, and creator of Mangia With Michele, expressing her lifelong passion for Italian ingredients, foods, recipes, culture, and traditions.

Throughout her busy professional culinary life, Michele has also always been an avid home cook with strong ties to her Italian roots, and this week she joins us to share her first cookbook, called SOUPified: Soups Inspired by Your Favorite Dishes, a whimsical and fun collection of soup recipes that were inspired by her favorite Italian American soul food dishes like Eggplant Parmigiana, Chicken Marsala, Lasagne, Shrimp Scampi, Philly Cheesesteak, Clams Casino, and more.

We’ll discuss her brave leap into a new professional life, what brought her to that courageous decision and how her old-fashioned Italian American family took the news.  We explore the beauty of a good soup, why home cooking is experiencing a boom across the nation, and exactly what kinds of kitchen supplies will give you the best (and most old-school) results.

It's an episode that will warm your should like a piping hot bowl of your favorite soup, so tuck in and join us for a conversation that will surely leave you looking for seconds!

For countless Italian Americans, many of the best-loved hallmarks of our distinct culture are intrinsically tied to Catholic tradition.  Even for those who have let their personal practice lapse, or for others who come from different religious backgrounds, recollections of a special feast day in the old neighborhood, or holiday traditions rooted in Catholic practice remain treasured touchstones of their Italian American experience.  For some families, that sense of identity continues to be informed by participation in Italian language Masses, or membership in one of the remaining Italian National Parishes spread throughout the country.

And while these parishes and liturgies are available to our community at a lesser frequency than they were to older generations, there are some younger Italian Americans setting out to change that.

In this week’s episode, we’re sitting down with Eric Lavin of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish in Newark, NJ and Alexis Carra-Tracey, founder of the Italian Mass Project of New York City, to learn about the ways they and their fellow millennials are seeking to preserve and expand the presence of Italian Catholic life in America.

We’ll explore their efforts to bring old traditions to a new generation, and get a lesson in the history of Italian Catholicism in America straight from the Wiki-Pat-ia himself. And, speaking of the Notorious P.O.B., he’s inviting everyone out there in Italian American Podcastland to come out and support HIS efforts to evolve forward an Italian American Catholic tradition, the Feast of Our Lady of Sacro Monte in Clifton, New Jersey, a long-dormant tradition he revived more than a decade ago!

If you want to come out and meet the IAP Famiglia, or you’re just looking for a great way to reconnect with long forgotten traditions, this is an episode you’ll surely enjoy!

In modern America, countless thousands of Italian American women and men practice every imaginable discipline of the law.  However, not so long ago, a vowel on the end of one’s surname was likely a barrier to entry to most of the nation’s elite law schools and most important law firms.  What exactly changed to allow so many of our fellow Italian Americans to proudly bear the title of Esquire?

Perhaps, the National Italian American Bar Association (NIABA) had something to do with it?

On this week’s episode of the Italian American Podcast, we’re joined by two of that organization's dynamic leaders, NIABA President Fran Donnarumma and Chair of the Board Cristina Carabetta, to discuss the history of Italian Americans in the legal profession, and find out how we went from “Italians Need Not Apply” to some of the most respected jurists and litigators in the nation.

We get to know these two Italian American legal leaders on a more personal level… to understand why Fran was initially reluctant to take part in an Italian American Bar Association, and how Crisitina’s invention "The Betta Bag" (https://shopbettabag.com) brought her “Fine Italian Hand” to solving an issue that plagues many professional women… the search for the perfect business bag.

We’ll explore the history of NIABA, and examine why Italian American lawyers can still find real value in an ethnic Bar Association.  Plus, we’ll hear some of the more comical stories that have come out of the nearly 40-year existence of this proud organization.

If you, or someone you love, is an Italian American lawyer, make sure to join in and share this unique episode!

It’s one of Italy’s hidden treasures.

Known as “strong and kind,” the stunningly beautiful region of Abruzzo might be considered off the beaten path for many travelers to the Bel Paese; however, this week’s guest, Michelle DiBenedetto, is here to explain why this undiscovered region should be at the top of your “must-see” list.

Michelle is the owner and founder of Majella Tours of Abruzzo, through which she curates and leads experience-based, small-group tours of this unspoiled Italian region.

Michelle joins us to explore Abruzzo’s sprawling national parks, pristine coastlines, and mysterious medieval villages. We’ll examine the unique cuisine and culture of Abruzzo, from mare to mountains… trabocchi to transumanza, and everything in between!

We’re all about Michelle’s mission to help people discover her family’s ancestral land, and we want YOU to be amongst the earliest adventurers in the most beautiful place in Italy you’ve never seen!

Join us as we prepare you to explore spectacular Abruzzo in this week’s episode!

This episode is sponsored by Mediaset Italia.

Happy Columbus Day, everybody!  That is, if you’re one of the folks who still celebrates Columbus Day because, appropriate to today’s often contentious designation, we’re presenting the sixth and final segment of our “Conversations on Columbus” series exploring the life and legacy of Christopher Columbus!

This week is our attempt to tie a nice big red-white-and-green ribbon around this complex discussion by bringing you the conclusions that host John Viola has drawn over the course of these six episodes and dozens of hours of interviews, research and contemplation around Columbus and his future in the American popular consciousness.

We’ll examine what the debate around Columbus is really about… the man, the myth or the moment in time -- the Columbian Exchange, and how each of those facets to this complicated issue warrants a unique and patient exploration.

If you’ve joined us for all five previous episodes, or if you’re finding us for the first time,  we can certainly promise you an episode -- and a series -- that will leave you looking at Columbus and Columbus Day far more closely than before!

8 years in the making, our 300th Episode is an uncut dive into the past, present, and future of our show, and the real-life friends behind it.

We're catching up and sharing stories from our times together beyond the podcast, giving you a glimpse "behind the green-white-and-red", and letting the tangents do the talking as we discuss everything from Rossella's upcoming celebration- the Inaugural "PaesanPalooza"- to some of the more pronounced differences between our hosts! There'll be laughing, shouting, gossiping, and guidance...but most of all a whole lotta love.

If after 299 episodes, you feel like you're one of the pals at the table too, then 300 is one you won't want to miss!

When it comes to celebrating our Italian American culture, sometimes you need to capture every moment as it happens.

Such is the case for this week’s guest, Frank Di Piero. Frank is the host of "Keepin’ It Real with Frankie D." at ItalianAmericanLife.com. With more than 100 “Italian American Moments” to his credit, Frank believes in making our culture accessible to all. In this week’s episode, we sit down with one of the pioneers of Italian American podcasting as he shares his take on why learning our collective culture makes us better Italian Americans and why preserving it through any means possible is key to moving it toward the future.

We'll explore how we can look to other ethnic communities for ideas on how to preserve our Italian culture and integrate it into our lives as Americans.

Frank also talks about how his involvement in Chicago’s Italian American community shaped his existence, including the creation of two children’s books, “My BIG Family” and “Teddy Bianco Goes to Italy.”

Join us as we meet a fellow podcaster who shares our determination to honor our past, promote our present, and create our collective future!

If you were to ask those of us behind the Italian American Podcast what it is that drives us or what keeps us coming back to create a new show week in and week out, it's a safe bet that you’d get a unanimous answer… Passione!  

That borderline-obsessive passion that we share for what we do is a familiar feeling to Italians of all stripes, and best-selling author Dianne Hales thinks La Passione might just be the thing that unites Italians around the world!

In her latest book, La Passione: How Italy Seduced the World, the woman who brought us the New York Times bestseller La Bella Lingua: My Love Affair with Italian, the World’s Most Enchanting Language, and Mona Lisa: A Life Discovered, now leads us on “a jubilant exploration of how Italy transformed the Western world’s most vibrant passions—from literature to art, music to movies.”

In this week’s episode, all five of our co-hosts reunite with this brilliant guide to explore the source of that passion, what it means for Italians today, and whether or not Italian Americans have the same access to Italy’s beauty as other visitors to il Bel Paese.

If you’ve got La Passione Italiana bubbling up inside of you, this is an episode you won’t want to skip!

This episode is sponsored by Mediaset Italia.

When we scored an interview with famed Italo-Australian comedian Joe Avati, we figured we would be lucky to get 45 minutes with the man many credit with creating a worldwide Italian comedy revolution. In fact, we ended up spending two hours in deep discussion with the man known around the world as the “Italian Seinfeld!"

On this week’s episode of the Italian American Podcast, we’re bringing you Part 2 of this fascinating discussion, commercial-free, and picking up right where last week’s episode left off with an exploration of “Cancel Culture” in the comedy world, and why Italian stereotyping might be one of the last acceptable subjects of ethnic humor.

Plus, we’ll look at whether or not there is some truth to the cliches that are oftentimes associated with our community, why many of us feel so connected to our Italian roots even when we are generations removed from our immigrant ancestors, American “assimilation” versus Australian “integration," and why Italian identity appeals so deeply to the many varied peoples who have a stake in it.

We’ll share some laughs exploring the relationship between Italians and Greeks, and why so many of us root for Italy against our own countries when the World Cup rolls around!

If you enjoyed Part 1 of this impassioned interview, you won’t want to miss the thoughtful conclusion of our afternoon with the one-and-only Joe Avati!

For more information on Joe's North American tour, click here!

Spring seems to have arrived in many parts of the country, and for countless Italian Americans, these early days of new life mean it's time to get gardening!  In many cases, those Italian American gardens will soon be bursting with fruits and vegetables that have been passed down through generations of seed saving.

But for one Italian American in particular, the lessons learned watching Nonno and Nonna save the seeds of their favorite tomatoes have led to an expertise that has made him into one of the world’s foremost authorities on heirloom gardening.

A nationally recognized garden historian, ethnobotanist, heirloom specialist, and author John Forti blows the dust off time-honored yet underused garden remedies, artisanal foods, and horticultural practices by enthusiastically helping to preserve and promote tried and true methods that are often lost in modern lifestyles.  From touring and teaching to running his wildly popular Facebook group “The Heirloom Gardener - John Forti," he’s passing down generations of Italian wisdom and taking part in a “Delicious Revolution!”

John joins us this week to share strategies and stories at just the right time, as our co-hosts are setting out to plant their own home gardens in the coming weeks, and we’re getting a lesson that will make your home garden better than ever.

We’ll discuss what heirloom plants mean to our body, mind, soul and health, and how reviving these traditional varietals and methods impacts not only our lives but our lived environment as well.

It's the perfect conversation to inspire you to get out of the house after a long winter and get your hands, and some family heirloom seeds, into the dirt so that you and your famiglia can enjoy the fruits (and vegetables) of a labor of love!

Buona festa di San Giuseppe, everyone!

This week’s episode takes us to New Orleans, where our guest, Sandra Scalise Juneau, introduces us to Louisiana’s very special commemoration of one of Italian America’s most beloved holidays… St. Joseph’s Day!

Sandra is the author of “Celebrating with St. Joseph Altars: The History, Recipes, and Symbols of a New Orleans Tradition,” which tells the story of how these altars came into being, why the New Orleans Italian community is so dedicated to honoring St. Joseph, and how this Italian American devotion continues to grow and evolve in Louisiana and throughout the United States.

We’ll examine Louisiana’s unique Sicilian American community and look at the origins of their devotion to St. Joseph as protector of the family… from medieval famines to Hurricane Katrina.

We’ll also look at the many culinary traditions that make up a Saint Joseph’s Table… from cuccidati, the fig-filled Sicilian cookies, to Pasta con le Sarde, to the elaborate sculptural breads that adorn altars (and some other unique places) in so many St. Joseph’s Day celebrations.

We’re learning the hows, whos, and whys behind this time-honored devotion, so join us as we celebrate St. Joseph’s Day in the Big Easy with this week’s episode!

This episode is sponsored by Mediaset Italia.

We’re back with Part 2 of our multi-episode series examining the results of our ITALIAN IDENTITY 2020 SURVEY, our effort to ask the questions only we could ask of ourselves, and to understand what the Italian American community really looks like today, and what we will become in the future.

With more than 1,600 respondents from around the nation chiming in, we’re moving into more nuanced territory as we look into questions regarding how important our Italian heritage is to those surveyed, whether or not they prioritized marriage to a fellow Italian American, what percentage had “married out" and what that means for the future of Italian America.

We’ll examine the strength of Italian and regional languages revealed in the results, and what language means to our identity.

We share results about political affiliation, how closely respondents identified with their political party, which issues facing the nation are most important to us, and which are most impacted by our Italian identities.

And of course, every answer will inspire our usual wanderings into the trivia of Italian American life, like why post-war Italian propaganda may explain the modern relationship between Italians and Italian Americans, the history of swearing in the Neapolitan language, how Italians respond to Italian American political candidates, and whether or not we have “Tribal Rights” to use “the G-Word."

Plus, if that’s not enough to keep you busy, one day after the episode premieres, you’ll be able to see detailed results on our Facebook page... so if you haven’t already, head over and follow us now!

If YOU are a proud Italian American who wants to understand all you can about our people, this will be a series you can’t afford to miss!

Filmmaker Michael Cavalieri doesn’t want to make just another movie.  The passionate and proud Italian American, whose career as an actor spans three decades, decided he had had enough of the stereotypical “Italian tough guy” roles that his sharp looks and New York City upbringing seemed to encourage Hollywood producers to type cast him for.  With a grant from the Russo Brothers Italian American Film Forum, he decided to make his own film… one that might honor his Sicilian ancestors.

On this week’s episode of the Italian American Podcast, we’ll sit down with Michael to discuss that labor of love, his new short film “Ritornato," which is based on a true story and shot entirely on location in Limina, Sicily, the town where Cavalieri’s grandfather, Agatino, was born.

It's the story of a man who goes back to his roots to fulfill a promise made to his dying mother and, in turn, finds out a family secret that will change his life forever.  In an ode to the Italian neorealist films of the post-war era, and conscious of a budget coming mostly from his own pocket, this first-time producer/director opted to cast only the local people in the village, not actors, to help him realize his vision!

We’ll discuss not only this incredible project, but the conditions that inspired Cavalieri to forgo the normal “Hollywood Route," why many Italian American actors struggle with the stereotypical roles they are often offered, and how, perhaps, our community bears some of the blame!

Michael Cavalieri created a film to “inspire other Italian-American filmmakers to go back and search for their roots and share their own stories”… perhaps this episode will inspire you to see your own stories in a whole new light!

This episode is sponsored by Mediaset Italia.

When you spend as much time as we do examining and analyzing the Italian American experience, sometimes you just have to laugh.  There are those little quirks that make us unique which are often at the source of so much of the “Italian American comedy” that speaks to each of us every time we encounter it.   

But what makes “Italian American comedy” genuinely Italian American?  Is it the ethnicity of the performer or writer, the subject matter dealing with our culture and experience, or the audience that identifies as decidedly Italian American?  

Perhaps, it's all of the above and more, so we’re sitting down with our friend Brandon Ficara- a comedian, actor, author, speaker, and consultant- to dig into what makes us laugh at ourselves, and whether or not it's okay for others to laugh right along with us.  

We’ll discuss the evolution of Italian American comedy, from stand-up to sitcoms, and how portrayals of our community have evolved over time.  And we dig into some well-worn sensitivities we often have around perceptions of Italian Americans, and whether or not we need to explore those themes that make us uncomfortable to fully grasp who we are and where we’ve come from.  

It’s the first half of a 2-Part episode, Live and Uncut, that will leave you with a lot to think about, and hopefully a lot of laughs!

For true Italian Americans, love really can blossom over the exchanging of caponata recipes. For Scott Tacinelli and Angie Rito, a shared passion for the tastes of Italian American life didn’t just lead to amore, but to marriage, a family, a Michelin-starred restaurant and their debut cookbook, Italian American, published by Clarkson Potter in October.

Scott and Angie are the husband and wife chef team behind “Don Angie” in the West Village of New York City. Named one of Esquire Magazine's Best New Restaurants in America, this Michelin-starred modern Italian American restaurant is the couple’s homage to the beloved red sauce joints of their youths. Of course, Don Angie is one of the toughest reservations to get in America, so the duo have brought their unique, forward-thinking take on Italian American classics to the people, with the recently-published cookbook that has created as much buzz as their New York hotspot!

We’ll hop on the mic with this talented team to discuss their particularly Italian American love story, how their reverence for the flavors of their childhoods earned them a surprising (to them at least) recognition from the world’s top restaurant critics, and why they are so passionate about evolving the “red sauce” style that has come to mean so much more than just the food you eat at their restaurant.

We’ll share stories and secret ingredients, and even run down some of their -- and our -- favorite off-the-beaten-path Italian American red sauce spots!

It’s an episode filled with the sparks of kindred spirits, and one that will surely leave you hankering for a heaping plate of your favorite Italian American dishes!

Click here to purchase your own copy of Italian American!

This week, in a special pre-recorded announcement, John and Pat will take a break from their Thanksgiving Eve preparations to sit down for a call to discuss the newest project from the Italian American Podcast... “Greetings From Italian America” a brand new web-series produced in conjunction with the Italian Sons and Daughters of America (ISDA) in which your favorite Italian American podcasters will be invading your screens -live and in color- to bring you their many adventures (and misadventures) throughout the Italian American community!

They’ll discuss how this show came to be, and what they have got planned for the future of the IAP’s venture into video.  And, they’ll be asking listeners to get involved as well, so make sure you listen to the episode, and then head over to the all-new IAP YouTube channel to subscribe, check out the first offering, and start working on your ideas for the next great Italian American show!

IAP YouTube Channel

Grazie Mille,

The Italian American Podcast Team

Since this is the final episode before the Feast of the Seven Fishes and Christmas arrive in earnest, we’re sending you into the holiday in style with our Italian American Christmas Musical Revue!

As many of us will be celebrating a more sedate version of our favorite holiday this year because many families are kept apart in these unprecedented circumstances, we thought we would help fill the volume void by taking you through some favorites from our Italian American Christmas Playlist.

We’ll share the songs that define our Christmases, from traditional English-language classics interpreted by the Italian American icons of yesteryear, to the Italian hits that have made their way into our American holiday, to the unique songs written to celebrate a distinctly Italian American Christmas.

Plus, you’ll learn the history of some of these unique musical traditions on a journey from the American Heartland to the Hills of Italy.

And, in a special bonus segment, John and Pat sit down with songwriter Nancy Triggiani, whose 2018 hit “Dominooch” shares the story of the son of Dominick the Donkey, and takes its place as the newest Italian American Christmas classic.

Remember, you and yours can listen along with us to six-plus hours of uninterrupted, never repeated, and carefully curated Italian and Italian American Christmas classics by visiting our one-of-a-kind Yule Pot Playlist at www.yulepot.com

We hope these songs are ringing through your home come Christmas Eve and that you and yours enjoy a healthy, safe, and BUON NATALE!

In the last United States Census, 18.25 million people self identified as Italian or Italian American. Demographers believe there are more than 21 million Americans of Italian descent spread throughout the nation.  By some calculations, we are the fifth-largest ancestry group in the United States… but when it comes to making our voice heard in the halls of power, Italian Americans often seem far less influential than the numbers might suggest.

For one Italian American community leader, it's time to address that imbalance.  Basil Russo, President of the Italian Sons and Daughters of America (ISDA) and the Chairman of the Conference of Presidents of Major Italian American Organizations has worked with Italian American leaders from across the country to create Italian America Online… a new digital initiative seeking to identify and connect every Italian American organization in the United States, and eventually -- if this longtime community leader has his way -- all 21 million individuals as well!

In this week’s episode, he’ll join us to introduce the first-ever Italian American Community Virtual Summit, an online meeting taking place on February 20, 2021, in which more than 1,200 Italian American organizations are scheduled to participate.  And, he’d like those of you out there who know of others to help spread the word and help to expand this invaluable undertaking.

We’ll discuss the “why’s and how’s” of this unprecedented event, explore what the virtual revolution means for Italian America, and of course, share some laughs along the way.

It’s a call to action for Italian Americans everywhere… and one we hope you will make sure not to ignore!

To sign up for the Italian American Community Virtual Summit, visit Italian America Online today!

This episode is sponsored by Mediaset Italia.

For many visitors, the stereotypical image of Venice is, perhaps, the famed Venetian mask; but most casual observers are probably unaware of the fact that this postcard-perfect symbol has its roots in the centuries-old festivities that are the Carnevale of Venice.

In this week’s episode, we’re joined by famed photographer and lecturer Anita Sanseverino, an expert in all things Italian, with a special place in her heart for Venice and her annual pre-Lenten revelries.

Anita will take us through the history and mystery of Venice’s Carnevale, from its roots in the rigid society of ancient Venice, to its modern iteration as a global tourist event. She’ll reveal the history of the masks and costumes, explain the roots of these unique celebrations, and share her very own experiences from more than 20 years of celebrating Venice’s annual Carnevale.

And, for those who have always dreamed of joining in on this incomparable event, she’ll share her insider tips on the easiest way to plan your very own dream trip to next year’s Carnevale in Venice.

As we begin the somber season of Lent, this is an episode that will bring you all the joys of Martedì Grasso, with none of the guilt!

Click here to learn more about Anita Sanseverino.

Visit Venezia Unica to learn more about the City of Venice.

This episode is sponsored by Mediaset Italia.

In January of 2023, more than 100 young, active Italian Americans between the ages of 21 and 35, gathered together in Sunrise, Florida for our inaugural Italian American Future Leaders Conference.  This year, we set out to live up to the incredible success that was the first IAFL, and the reviews are in and it looks like we exceeded all expectations!

In this week’s episode, you’ll meet some of the over 200 passionate Italian American activists who made up our IAFL2 Class.  From every corner of the country and every walk of life, we met some amazing Italian American future leaders, and we want them to share their stories and their experiences with you!

If you’ve ever been concerned about the future of our Italian American community, you won’t be after listening to this week’s episode. And, if you’re interested in learning more about this life-changing weekend, visit the IAFL Website to learn how you or someone you love could be part of next year’s event!

On November 14, the new Governor of New York Kathy Hochul, decided to eliminate the state’s Director of Italian American Affairs position. It just so happens that the director was one Dolores Alfieri Taranto, co-founder of the Italian American Podcast. What began with the Governor’s intention to eliminate the position as a whole has caused an unprecedented -- and unexpected -- backlash amongst the Italian American community throughout New York State, where it is the state’s largest ethnic group, as well as around the country.

Despite our best efforts to stay out of these kinds of issues, this was one that hit about as close to home as you can get. None of us at the Italian American Podcast expected the level of backlash and, even less, the complex level of response our reaction to it would garner. When the story even made its way into main-stream comedic coverage, the tangled web got even more disheartening.

We decided to take the opportunity for co-hosts Dolores Alfieri Taranto (@dolores_alfieri_taranto) and John M. Viola (@john_m_viola) to sit down and discuss not only the details of this unique story, but also to examine why they felt addressing it was important, and why this platform means so much to us… and whether or not it means the same to other Italian Americans.

Simply put, in what is one of the most intimate conversations in the show’s 210-episode history, we wanted to use one of the most complicated events we’ve encountered to discuss the simplest of concepts… why we are here to begin with.

It’s an unscripted, unedited, behind-the-microphone look at what drives us, and how our community’s response affects what we do every day!

This episode was sponsored by Mediaset Italia.

Discover the evolution of Italian-American cultural expression and how we aim to reshape the narrative around our vibrant community. We welcomed the iconic Margaret Fontana to discuss her blog and the New Jersey Italian Heritage Commission she is part of. In our discussions, you can hear how we bring together voices and stories highlighting our treasured heritage. Expect to hear about the plans for the next Columbus Day parade, including grand floats and even horses! We also take a trip down memory lane to the nostalgic Villa Roma, the Catskills' last remaining Italian resort, reflecting on its significance and the cherished memories it holds for us.

Explore the journey from traditional media to the dynamic world of podcasting. We dive into the evolution of Italian-American storytelling, from the early days of talk radio and blogging to the present, where diverse personalities and fresh content keep our culture alive. Personal anecdotes and cultural narratives illustrate how media has shaped our identity and connected Italian Americans across generations and regions. Through the voices of pioneers like Gilda Roro Baldessari, we discuss the innovative work being done to integrate Italian heritage into K-12 education, bridging generations and combating stereotypes.

This episode is not just about celebrating our past but actively shaping our present and future. We examine the responsibilities of content creators and the power of storytelling in fostering unity and identity within the Italian-American community. From the tales of our ancestors to the challenges we face today, our discussions reinforce the need for ongoing dialogue and collaboration. The New Jersey Italian Heritage Commission, with their pioneering curriculum, serves as a beacon for educational initiatives nationwide. Join us in celebrating our shared heritage and the vibrant narratives that connect us all.

MARGARET FONTANA'S SOCIALS

Insta: @margfontana

Websites: http://www.margaretfontana.com/

http://www.italianamericangirl.com/

NEW JERSEY ITALIAN HERITAGE COMMISSION:

Insta: @njitalianheritagecommission

Website: https://www.njitalianheritage.org/about/

Happy Italian American Heritage Month, Paesani!  We’re kicking off our favorite month of the year by bringing you Part Five of our “Conversations on Columbus” series exploring the life and legacy of Christopher Columbus.  This week we’re presenting the voices who’ve set out to defend the legacy of this complex Italian figure.

We’ll begin by running down the charges established in Part Three of our series, and then turn to a myriad of diverse voices who are calling for a reassessment of the anti-Columbus sentiment that has developed in recent decades.

And we’ll speak to some who believe the charges against Columbus are patently false, others who maintain Columbus deserves to be examined in the context of his own times, and some who see an ideologically driven witch hunt at the root of recent allegations against this once universally heralded navigator.

In our quest to discover as much historical truth as possible, we’ve already given time to the detractors, so now sit down and join us for the view from the other side, as our panel of guests makes the case for Columbus the Hero!

One of the most beloved Italian American holidays is here again, and we are back in New Orleans, LA, coming to you live and uncut from the center of the nation’s greatest St. Joseph’s Day celebrations.

Join co-host John M. Viola, as he broadcasts directly from the vibrant heart of New Orleans, where the Italian American St. Joseph's Society's parade and feast ignite the city with cultural pride. Listen in as he sits down with dear friends and prominent figures in the Italian American community—Brendan Young, Tony Mangia, and Chef David Greco of Mike's Deli on Arthur Avenue— to share a lively discussion about the rich traditions of St. Joseph's Day, including the massive undertaking of preparing nearly a thousand pounds of Pasta con Sarde and the deep-seated importance of food in our heritage celebrations.

We dive into the kitchen camaraderie that makes monumental cooking endeavors like this possible and illuminate the secrets behind the mouthwatering feasts that have come to symbolize our collective identity. We reminisced about the family-run businesses that form the backbone of our community, the resilience that has seen us through the toughest of times, and the cultural champions who've ensured that our legacy endures.

Plus, we’ll explore the broader implications of our heritage celebrations, and how the significance of these gatherings extends beyond the feasting tables, shaping our perspectives on historical narratives and the ways we honor our forebears. Through the power of story and social media, we're not just preserving customs; we're inviting the world to join our pilgrimage, one that celebrates the grandeur of Italian-American culture and the spirited communities that keep it alive. So, tune in, enjoy the stories, and perhaps find a spark of inspiration to kindle your own cultural flames by joining the dozens of listeners already making the pilgrimage at next year’s St. Joseph’s Day Weekend!

Are YOU part of the Struffoli Squad? These beloved Neapolitan confections, deep fried and coated in a sticky sweet sheen of freshly warmed honey, are often considered an essential part of an Italian American Christmas, but for this week’s guest, they’re special enough to earn the title of “show stopper."

Annie Petito is one of the incredibly talented culinarians behind Cook’s Illustrated, perhaps the most highly-respected publication amongst America’s chefs.  When this proud Italian American got the chance to select the magazine’s annual “show stopper” Christmas dessert, she went back to her roots to share her family’s recipe for Christmas Struffoli. Of course, when you’re publishing in a journal as highly regarded as hers, you can’t simply pass along Nonna’s old notecards, so Annie set out to construct the most scientifically accurate recipe that’s ever been written for these humble little treats! In the process, she discovered their fascinating history goes back to ancient Greece!

Since it’s almost time to say “Buon Natale," as Christmas is right around the corner and this is the final episode before the Feast of the Seven Fishes and Christmas arrive in earnest, we’re sitting down to discuss the history of Struffoli and some of our other beloved Italian American Christmas staples.

And, thanks to a little sleuthing, we may just have discovered the exact moment when Italy’s meat-free Christmas Eve traditions coalesced into Italian America’s Feast of the Seven Fishes, and we’ll share the new findings that might finally allow Pat to accept this number-obsessed take on Italy’s La Vigilia!

Join us as we explore these most cherished of traditions and set the mood for you and yours to enjoy a VERY BUON NATALE!

Buona Pasquetta Everybody!!!  Today is Easter Monday or “Little Easter"... a day that, in Italy, represents a chance to celebrate the arrival of the Easter Season with friends and family, picnics and parties, and a second go at the leftover delicacies that every Italian family makes with pride in preparation for Easter Sunday.  

And speaking of those countless confections, in this week’s episode, our team celebrates our own little Pasquetta gathering by dissecting the Easter traditions that have come to define an Italian American Pascal Feast. 

Join us as we dive into the fascinating histories of pizza chiena, pastiera, and other time-honored Easter treats that our families continue to include as part of their holiday tables. We’ll share our own personal traditions, and examine everything from the varieties of Easter breads to why many families have to include a marzipan lamb on the Easter Table.  

And we’ll explore what constitutes “pan Italian American” traditions -- the items immediately recognized by anyone of Italian origin, regardless of where their families came from.

We will also talk about how we observe the Holy Triduum and how these observances tie into what we choose to eat when we break our Lenten fasts, and we’ll ask ourselves, “Should we or shouldn’t we try to make these recipes healthy?” 

In true Italian American Podcast style, we’ll get a masterclass on the history of Lenten abstinence, the modern Easter traditions of the “Italy of Nutella,”and how the business of importing goods from Italy has affected the Italian American holiday. 

Finally, we’ll reveal how we’re each adapting this year’s celebration in light of current events and how what’s going on today is helping us collectively strengthen our ties to yesterday.

So sit back, grab a leftover piece of pizza rustica, pour yourself a glass of wine, and join us for this very special Easter episode! Buona Pasqua and Buona Pasquetta!!

Even though we at the Italian American Podcast spend A LOT of time together, every once in a while, our adventures around Italian American life take us to distinct destinations. Like any group of best buds, we look forward to reuniting and catching up, so this time, we thought we would share that conversation with you!

In this week’s episode, John, Pat, and Rossella reunite to share their latest adventures and what their experiences taught them all about their Italian American lives and identities.

Rossella talks about what it’s like being Italian in a place that’s not necessarily known for its Italian culture as she shares a recent visit to Vancouver Island in the Canadian Rockies to meet her family’s newest member, while Pat shares stories from his visit to Jessup, Pennsylvania, for La Corsa dei Ceri and what it means to get a whole town involved with celebrating Italian heritage.

John discusses his most recent trip to Italy, where he visited Campania, Abruzzo, and Rome, and how the country’s tourist landscape has changed dramatically since it reopened after the pandemic, and what overtourism can mean for destinations as they seek to solidify their bottom line.

It’s an episode that unpacks a lot about heritage, travel, food, and all of the things that make us who we are!

This episode is sponsored by Mediaset Italia.

We are thrilled to feature Lauren Braun-Strumfels, the brilliant author of "Partners in Gatekeeping," who shares her fascinating journey into Italian culture and immigration. Together, we uncover the allure and complexity of Italian culture, drawing parallels to Lauren's personal experiences and discussing cultural obsessions that shape our lives. From Arthur Schwartz's Neapolitan cooking to Jhumpa Lahiri's insights, this conversation is rich with reflections on the continuous pull towards understanding and integrating with Italian heritage. Our episode takes a deep dive into the history of Italian American communities in the American South, particularly New Orleans. Discover the significant role of port cities in Italian migration and the challenges faced by immigrants as they navigated socio-political dynamics and racial tensions. We also touch on the Italian government's efforts in managing immigration and maintaining cultural connections for Italian children born abroad. Through historical narratives and personal reflections, this episode offers a comprehensive look at the Italian American experience and the enduring impact of Italian culture on both sides of the Atlantic.

We spent last week filming in one of the most overlooked (and criminally underappreciated) corners of Italian America… deep in the Ozarks in a little Italian village called Tontitown, Arkansas!

In this week’s episode of The Italian American Podcast, we’re sitting down with two of the new paesani we met during our travels, Heather Ranalli Peachee and Kara Jo Engle. Both of these proud Tontitown Italians can trace their roots to the founding families of this unique Italian agricultural colony, and today they are both part of the Tontitown Winery, which is the last commercial winery in a town that once cultivated more than 14,000 acres of commercial grapes!

We’ll share the people and places we found while visiting this incredible “Little Italy in the Ozarks” for its annual Grape Festival, which began in 1898 in celebration of the colony’s first good harvest, and even predates some of Italian America’s largest Italian feasts in places like New York and Boston.

We’ll also reveal how these 45 northern Italian families ended up in Arkansas in the first place, from a scam that brought them to the southeastern corner of the state to a once-famous Italian priest who led them on a life-changing trek to Northwest Arkansas for a chance at a life better suited to their Italian habits.

We’re sharing stories and recipes that have been lovingly passed down through generations of Tontitown’s citizens as we celebrate this proud Italian community that had such an impact on us during our few days there.

If you want to know the little slice of America where Redneck meets Red Sauce, join us as we discover the Italian American wonder that is Tontitown, Arkansas!

This episode is sponsored by Mediaset Italia.

Brandon Ficara thinks we Italian Americans have a special relationship with humor.

Born in Philadelphia, and raised in Ocean City, NJ, this proud Italian American used humor to combat the tribulations of life at an early age. Born with Sprangles Deformity, a condition that required major back surgery when he was three years old, Brandon turned to humor to combat pain and ostracism. With his humorous approach and strong Italian Famiglia, Brandon would turn his "unique look" into the cornerstone of his career in stand-up comedy, television, writing, and public speaking. 

We’re jumping back into Part 2 of this 2-Part exploration of Italian American humor and the varied portrayals that have shared our sense of humor with the world

We share how “Dominick the Donkey” brought Brandon into the Italian American Podcast Famiglia, and why looking at the “serious vs silly” approach to telling our story could change the way we look at how we are portrayed by ourselves and others.

And speaking of portrayals, we are discussing some of the most famous Italian American characters to grace the small screen in the past 40 years, on shows like “All in the Family”, Who’s the Boss” and “The Golden Girls”.  And, we are soliciting YOUR help in seeking out a hidden gem of Italian American TV history, a long-lost 1972 sitcom called “The Super”.

Are we genuinely funny people? And does our Southern Italian history make us more comfortable with comedy and tragedy than other communities?  

We’ll discuss all this and more in this final half of a 2-Part “Live and Uncut” episode, that we hope leaves you with lots of laughs!

As the air begins to chill, and the days grow shorter and shorter, it’s the perfect time of year to snuggle up with a good book— and if you love to read about your Italian American heritage and culture, Nicola Orichuia of Boston’s I AM Books is the man to help you pick the perfect page-turner!

I AM Books is Boston’s first—and only—bookstore created specifically for the nation’s 25 million Italian Americans.

Nicola is here to share the story of this unique creation, from its almost accidental birth to its status as Italian American landmark.  We’ll discuss his recent decision to wind down the brick-and-mortar location in the North End, and how this “strategic retreat” was only possible thanks to the growing online trade that IAM Books has begun to develop all over Italian America.

Nicola tells us about his journey from his home in Rome to Chicago as a journalist working for Italian American publications, such as Fra Noi and his creation of the Bostoniano magazine before diving into Italian American cultural entrepreneurship. He also shares his dreams to help others explore the undiscovered writers of Italian Americana and how he wishes that his store continues to bridge between Italy and the United States.

We discuss how migration changes the Italian story and how digging deeper into one’s roots helps strengthen authentic pride in where one comes from. And we share how the writing of Italian Americans helps offer a voice into a world that many Italians in Italy are unaware of.

So put down your favorite book for just a second, and join us as share the story of a “shop around the corner” for Italian Americans everywhere!

We tend to focus a lot on our Southern Italian roots here at the Italian American Podcast, but today we’re asking..."What’s up North?"

This week’s episode is the first in a two-part series featuring special guest and Northern Italy expert Robert Allegrini, the honorary consul of San Marino in Chicago, where we will dig into a history of the contributions, communities and characters of the Italian Americans descended from northern and central Italy.

We dive into the history of Northern Italy, including exactly how it can be defined and how its history differs from that of Southern Italy. We’ll also talk about the how the first Italians in the New World were from the North and how they helped contribute to our nation’s founding and early formation. We also pay homage to the Italian pioneers of America’s western expansion and how the further West you go, the more Northern Italian communities you see.

We also talk about Italians who fought in the American Civil War and how prominent Northern Italians helped shape America’s cultural landscape. Finally, we dive into Northern Italian enclaves in the United States and how their foodways have become a staple of Italian American cuisine.  And we'll introduce some surprisingly Italian communities spread throughout the far reaches of America... settled by and still held dear by generations of northern Italian Americans!

So get ready to head up North with us in an episode for the 13%!!

Ciao Paesani and welcome to an exciting new era for the Italian American Podcast, because we are broadcasting from our brand new Red Sauce Studio in the heart of Little Italy, Manhattan. Join us as we celebrate this exciting new chapter with Pat, Rosella, John, and Dolores reuniting hours before the ribbon cutting ceremony that will officially open the new studio. We share our journey from makeshift setups to this beautiful new space, surrounded by the vibrant life of Little Italy. Our discussion kicks off with the joy of reuniting after time apart and the humorous evolution of our recording locations, from an office space, to a cardboard box, and even zoom land.

Get ready for a heated and passionate debate over the beloved and sometimes controversial red sauce restaurants. We explore the intricacies of Italian American cuisine, from the heavy use of sauce and mozzarella to the frying methods and oil choices that define our favorite dishes. Amidst the lively banter, we also reveal our favorite and least favorite red sauce dishes, and share personal anecdotes that highlight the impact of ingredient quality on traditional recipes.

As we transition from audio to video recordings, we reflect on the evolution and preservation of our Italian American culture. From cookbooks and culinary traditions to the significance of Little Italy and the impact of modern changes, we celebrate nearly a decade of the Italian American Podcast. Plus, enjoy our reflections on Little Italy's history, cultural significance, and the personal anecdotes that make this episode a heartfelt celebration of nearly a decade of the Italian American Podcast. Join us as we express our gratitude to our supportive community and look forward to many more conversations here at Red Sauce Studio!

Come back to the table for Part 2, as we throwback to the old “Italian American Power Hour” days, with the second half of a conversation already earning rave reviews!

Pat, John, and Rossella are joined by longtime friend Marianna Gatto (Executive Director and Co-FoundRESS of the Italian American Museum of Los Angeles) for a freewheeling conversation about all things #ItalianAmerican!

Recorded LIVE & UNCUT at the 46th Biennial National Convention of the Italian Sons and Daughters of America (ISDA), in #Pittsburgh PA, it's a conversation that only gets better in this second half!

Jump back into the conversation as Marianna asks why the “New York/New Jersey image” dominates popular perceptions of Italian Americana, and whether this mass-media projection gives other Italian American communities an identity complex.

We’re also discussing the benefits and distinct cultures born of intermarriage between Italians and other American ethnic groups, and what benefits this might present for the future of the Italian American culture

We ponder why our sense of identity is so distinct from the rest of the Italian communities living throughout the global diaspora, including the unique circumstances separating the Italian experience in Anglophonic America and those encountered by communities that formed in Latin America.

As talk turns to beloved Italian traditions, we examine why the “cookie table” remains a staple of so many Italian American communities while it has nearly completely disappeared in others. And, are the cookie table and the football wedding set to make serious comebacks?

It’s an episode filled with the history, heritage, and hilarity you’ve come to love from the Italian American Podcast! 

For many months, Italy and her healthcare system have been at the epicenter of the most significant global health crisis in modern history.  But, now that the crisis is beginning to ebb, how has the COVID-19 pandemic changed the face of medicine in Italy?

That’s the question Prof. Patrick O’Boyle poses in this week’s episode of “Updates From Italy,” where he interviews Rome-based physician Dr. Giulia D’Arcangelo about her first-hand experiences during the crisis and how she feels it has affected Italy’s health system as a whole.

They’ll discuss the pandemic’s regional variances, including how regional differences in medical care helped the South escape the brunt of the outbreak. Dr. D’Arcangelo, a pediatrician, will also discuss how the crisis has affected how she cares for patients and how she’s had to address long term patient care as a result.

They’ll also examine how COVID-19 has affected medical practice in Italy, including the future for socialized medicine and the differences between Italian medical care and care in the rest of the European Union.

Explore the deep roots of the Italian community in New Haven, CT with our esteemed guests, Frank Stellato and “Uncle Frank” Carano as we explore the cultural and culinary importance of the St. Andrew of Amalfi Society and the indelible mark of Italian migration on New Haven’s history.  Savor the stories of reconnecting with family history and traditional recipes, including a prize-winning family meatball that you can try for yourself next time you are in New Haven’s Italian Enclave!  Listen in as “Uncle Frank” Carano shares his experiences capturing the history of the Wooster Square Neighborhood as a columnist at the New Haven Register, creating a culinary archive in his 35,000+ member “Wooster Square Cooks” Facebook cooking group, and his efforts to preserve the history of Italian immigrants through the Worcester Square Italian Immigrant History Association.

The episode culminates with a focus on the significance of preserving Italian American traditions and oral histories. We unveil some plans for our upcoming store in Manhattan’s Little Italy including an innovative oral history booth, aiming to capture and safeguard our community's narratives. As we share anecdotes about local food legends and family recipes, we celebrate Uncle Frank's literary and culinary contributions, inviting listeners to partake in a communal feast that honors our Italian American roots. Tune in and be inspired to keep the flame of cultural heritage burning for generations to come.

Join us as we sit down with Zia Mena, a cherished friend and neighbor, who paints a vivid picture of traditional Italian wedding customs and rural life in Vadola. Her reminiscences offer a window into a simpler time when love meant waiting for a husband to return from America and weddings were intimate affairs marked by cultural nuances. We delve into the fascinating aspects of matrimonial traditions, from the symbolism of bridal dolls to the communal joy of wedding processions all bearing witness to the profound transformation under the shadow of Italy's economic resurgence post World War II. These stories aren't just relics of the past—they're the threads that weave through our cultural tapestry. As we recount personal anecdotes and family lore, we shed light on the enduring power of tradition, family, and cultural identity. We invite you to listen, reflect, and perhaps find inspiration in the way these vibrant stories bridge generations, connect us with our roots, and remind us of the richness embedded within our heritage.

It’s all over but the counting! It’s our final episode examining the results of our ITALIAN IDENTITY 2020 SURVEY, our amateur analysis of the present and future of the 25-million-person Italian American community.

Drawing on findings from more than 1,600 respondents from throughout the nation, this final episode takes us into the traditions and trends of Italian America to understand how our culture manifests itself in our everyday lives. We will discover which Italian American customs still define our shared experience, how often we engage in the habits, happenings, and holidays that make us who we are... from basement wine making, to Easter Pie consumption, to the sacred ritual of the Sunday meal.

We explore attitudes surrounding the acquisition of Italian dual citizenship, how respondents feel about the Columbus Day controversy, and the state of Italian American assimilation in the 21st Century.

Then, we’ll move from cultural touchstones to the organs of engagement, to find out how many of us are participating in the institutions of community life... from reading Italian American magazines to membership in Italian American organizations great and small, and we’ll explore the health of our community’s most important establishments.

We conclude with an examination of future topics our listeners want more of on the Italian American Podcast, and our take on the results surrounding whether or not we consciously favor our own in the outside world.

And, remember, for those who are anxiously awaiting the final results summary, they will be released this week... so if you haven’t already, head over to our Facebook page and follow us now to be sure you don’t miss the release!

We’ve made it this far, so don’t miss this final episode!

Presepi, pomodori, produce and pane on Pasqua— what ties these alliterative phrases together you ask?  Well, they are some of the ways in which three very special Italian American Podcast listeners have worked to revive and celebrate beloved hallmarks of our Italian American heritage.

During this unique, meandering episode, co-host Patrick O’Boyle is recognizing three listeners with the “Ordine della Stella d’Oro d’Italianità,” (The Order of the Gold Star of Italianess), his very own award of merit to listeners who have taken strides to connect with and preserve their heritage on a deep, personal level.

Our first guest is Christopher Francese, a listener from New Jersey who decided to construct a Neapolitan Presepe (nativity scene) this past Christmas season as a way to bring that storied tradition into his family’s annual holiday observances. Chris tells us about how he worked to incorporate the life of his family’s ancestral hometown in his scene and why it was so important to him to reclaim this tradition for his family. He also shares his plans for his art for years to come.

Our next awardee is Mike Giordano, a listener from New Jersey who took his family’s fruit store from a small mom and pop to a booming business when he inherited the business shortly after high school, and this year decided to bring back the tradition of jarring tomatoes with his family. Mike tells us about how the Italian American Podcast inspired him to reclaim this tradition and how he plans to make it an annual celebration of his family’s heritage. He also shares lessons about what he learned along the way and how connecting with the earth connects a person to his or her family’s past.

Finally, our third honoree is Teresa Pascucci Cordelli, a listener from Pennsylvania who has lovingly reconstructed her family’s recipes to hand them down to younger generations. Teresa shares how she has perfected family recipes for items such as edible Easter baskets, traditional breads, and more. She also shares her family’s Umbrian Italian heritage and what it means to her to keep these traditions alive.

Do you have a story you’d like to share with us, or someone you know and love who deserves a nomination for this prestigious-ish new award? Email us at info@italianpower.com and maybe they’ll be featured on our next “Order of the Gold Star of Italianess” Award Show episode!

This episode is sponsored by Mediaset Italia.

Buona Festa del Papà, Paesani!

A Happy Father's Day to every Dad, Papà, Nonno, Father-in-Law, and any special guy out there!

There’s no blessing like having an Italian American father -- this week our moderator, John M. Viola, is turning his microphone on his very own Italian American dad, Vincent, when he sits down with him for a special Father's Day interview.

Vinnie Viola, as he’s known to those who know him best, has a pretty interesting life story to share. In this week’s episode, our faithful moderator will take the opportunity to share his father with our show's faithful listeners.

They’ll discuss his early life in an Italian enclave in Brooklyn, New York, what he experienced growing up in a house full of extended Italian famiglia, and how the sport of pigeon mumbling taught him valuable lessons that would play a role in his later success.

Father and son will discuss his life as an Italian American at the United States Military Academy at West Point, his early days on Wall Street, the Italian Americans who mentored him along the way, and why he puts family above all else.

They’ll also share some family stories, and insights into Vinnie’s favorite Italian foods and friends in this very intimate look at the most Italian American topic of all…. The love of family!

Join us for an incredibly personal episode of the Italian American Podcast, and get to know this father and son a little better than before!

Another holiday season has come and gone here in Italian America.

The fishes have been served, the champagne has been popped, and the lentils have been eaten, so we’re kicking off the new year with the best thing we can think of to combat the post holiday blues… a collective therapy session!

We’re getting together to share our reflections on this year’s Christmas and New Year's celebrations, with a thoughtful eye on how Italian American family traditions are evolving in an ever-changing world.  We’ll explore what practices and customs have changed, and how technology might just be redefining the entire concept of the holidays.

We’re discussing our attempts (or lack thereof) at some New Year's resolutions, and considering the ways in which we might find new opportunities to make 2022 a definitional year here at the Italian American Podcast.

It's a conversation with depth, heart, and some incredible questions that often bubble up when we sit down at the table, as well as, of course, the non stop laughter that comes with the gathering of great friends. If you are an Italian American who just survived another year of Christmas Eve, Christmas and New Year's,  you won’t want to miss out on this thought-provoking episode!

As winter begins to thaw, and the start of spring arrives, a certain segment of the American population usually begins to experience a familiar type of “madness” as the second most popular sporting event of the year hits the airwaves. But did you know that college basketball might not annually grip the nation with “March Madness” had it not been for an Italian American? And chances are his is a name you’ve probably never heard of!

This week’s guest, Mike DeLucia, tells us the story of Angelo-Giuseppi “Hank” Luisetti, the 1930s Stanford University superstar who pioneered many of the moves we see on the courts today, from stylized dribbling to the one-handed shot!

In his book, “Madness: The Man Who Changed Basketball," Mike tells readers why Luisetti could —and perhaps should—be considered the greatest basketball player who ever lived.

Mike tells us about Luisetti’s career, as a phenom during the years of the Great Depression, explains why Luisetti’s name isn’t as well-known today as it should be, and shares his own author's journey to reconstruct this lost icon’s story.

We’ll also look at the role of sports in the Italian American experience and find out why so many stories of pioneering Italian American athletes are lost to time and what we can do about bringing them to light.

If you’re ready for some March Madness, Italian American style, you won’t want to miss this episode!

This episode is sponsored by Mediaset Italia.

Happy Italian American Heritage Month Paesani!!!

We’re kicking off our favorite month of the year with a good old-fashioned “Power Hour” roundtable, with Rossella, Pat, and John catching up on how they’ve spent the first few weeks in a month filled with Italian American Pride!

We’re discussing the galas, gatherings, and get-togethers that we’ve all been a part of… from the NYC Columbus Day Parade to Pat’s Malocchio-filled turn as the “Italian Man of the Year” at the Jersey City, NJ celebration!

You’ll get insights into our favorite happenings, hilarious stories where everything that can go wrong does, and a deeper discussion about what these events, and this celebratory month, mean to differing generations of Italian Americans.

If you are loving Italian American Heritage Month, and you can’t get enough of our “Live and Uncut” Power Hours, this is an episode that you will love from bell to bell!

As we enter into the Easter Season, join us for a poignant reflection on an extraordinary figure in the Italian American community… Mother Frances Xavier Cabrini, the first American saint. Listen in as we share how personal experiences intertwine with Mother Cabrini's remarkable legacy of compassion and service. With the recent spotlight on the long-awaited film "Cabrini," our special guests Monsignor Paul Bocchicchio and Gilda Bello, pivotal early supporters in bringing the story to the screen, offer a behind-the-scenes look at the nearly 15-year journey to honor Mother Cabrini's life on screen, and the challenges they overcame along the way.

Discover the incredible narrative of Mother Cabrini's life and her impact that spans from New York City to New Orleans, marking her as a beacon of hope and dedication. We reminisce about the prayers at the Cabrini Shrine that sparked the creation of the film and recount fascinating encounters with cinematic icons. 

Our conversation sheds light on the film's funding journey, revealing the blend of humor, faith, and determination that characterizes Mother Cabrini's mission and the powerful support from individuals like Eustace Wolfington and H.E. Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio. Their personal connections to Mother Cabrini's work paint a picture of a legacy that continues to resonate in communities and parishes today.

As we reflect on Easter, our discussion embraces the unique blend of Italian-American culture and faith, highlighting the enduring relevance of Mother Cabrini's story. We address the historical prejudices faced by Italian Americans, underscoring the muted recognition of Mother Cabrini's canonization and the significance of preserving our cultural and religious heritage. And as we send out our warmest Easter wishes, we celebrate the traditions that bind us, from the delectable Easter pies to the shared laughter with loved ones, and invite you to find inspiration in the power of saints like Mother Cabrini. So, come celebrate with us, and let's honor the spirit of community and faith that she embodied so profoundly.

Join us for an engaging episode as we welcome esteemed editors Stanislao Pugliese and William Connell to explore the evolving field of Italian American studies. Listen in as we trace the academic journey of this discipline, which has grown from an overlooked orphan to a respected and interdisciplinary field. With contributions from scholars worldwide, we discuss the significance of attracting interest from non Italian Americans and the importance of Italian translations to foster cultural understanding between Italian Americans and their counterparts in Italy. Discover the remarkable impact of Italian heritage and studies at Seton Hall University, supported by generous benefactors like Mr. Valente. Learn about the establishment of an Italian studies chair and a comprehensive Italian library boasting 50,000 books, including a rare 1541 manuscript proposing radical church reforms. This chapter highlights the significance of supporting academic institutions and preserving historical texts, with a special acknowledgment from the Pope underscoring the global importance of such discoveries. Finally, explore the intricate process of cataloging and preserving Italian American memorabilia, the efforts of the Italian American Museum, and the rich cultural heritage of Italian Americans. Hear personal narratives, the challenges of maintaining traditions, and the efforts by organizations to promote Italian American literature. We also touch on significant academic projects and the role of Italian feast bands in keeping cultural traditions alive. This episode beautifully encapsulates the theme of exile and migration, drawing parallels to historical events and celebrating a century of cultural preservation.

What ancient Italian remedy could save you from your next cold, and which family superstition might just predict your next visitor? Join us on a nostalgic journey through the rich tapestry of Italian traditions and remedies as we continue part 2 of this discussion with Zia Rosa!  In this episode we learn heartfelt stories and cultural practices passed down through generations between Pat, John and Zia Rosa. This episode begins with vivid recollections of childhood memories, like using egg whites and salt to reduce swelling, and crafting chamomile and Malvasia flower teas for respiratory ailments. We also explore charming rituals such as collecting chamomile on Ascension Thursday and using lavender like flowers to perfume clothes, celebrating the ingenuity and resourcefulness of our Italian ancestors.

Listen and watch as we recount personal anecdotes that shed light on both the dangers and the wisdom of traditional Italian remedies. We discuss the sometimes desperate measures people take when modern medicine is simply not present.

Prepare to be entertained and enlightened as we dive into the quirks and superstitions that define Italian American family traditions. From the historical intrigue behind wool bathing suits and Mussolini's drawstring underwear to the meticulous preparation of traditional dishes like scalcione, we capture the essence of Italian heritage. Our tales of travel traditions, the evolution of pasta making, and the resilience of our ancestors in the face of hardships offer a heartfelt appreciation of Italian culture and its enduring legacy in our lives today. Join us for this enriching episode that celebrates the wisdom, humor, and enduring spirit of our Italian ancestors as we close our discussion with Zia Rosa

Gianluca Rottura, the proprietor of “In Vino Veritas,” New York City’s landmark wine store, returns to the Italian American Podcast to bring us his take on the famed Italian Amari… But, we go completely off the rails and end up getting some of his best recommendations for the drinks and delicacies you’re going to want to try this Holiday Season!

From Gianluca’s top two fresh mozzarellas in the NYC area to some amazing new wines (and yes, amari) recommendations, you’re going to get tons of tips on how to heighten your holiday this year.

We’ll introduce you to the elevation that is colatura -the hottest new “secret ingredient” in the culinary world- which just so happens to be one of ancient Rome’s most common condiments. And, we’ll explore why you might love anchovies if you’ve tried the right ones!

Plus we are discussing Gianluca’s new book: Ma, What Are You Cooking?: The In Vino Veritas Cookbook and Food Guide… an Italian American book so thoroughly encyclopedia that P.O.B. sleeps with it on his nightstand!

And, with the Christmas Season upon us, we're going to taste a listener-made panettone so good, that it will redefine how you look at this Christmas-time regifting staple!  

By the end of this episode, you’ll have a shopping list worth of goodies to track down, so if you love great wines, great food, great friends, and a good old-fashioned Italian American rant don’t miss this very lively (and instructive) episode!

For 30 years Mary Ann Esposito has been a part of our lives on “Ciao Italia”, American television’s longest running cooking show on PBS. Undeniably, this is the First Lady of the Italian American kitchen. Yet while we all know and love this consummate educator, the Italian American Podcast is bringing you a chance to see the lady behind the lens... and to get to know the man who has been her loving partner for 53 years during this intimate and impassioned interview.

They’ll share how a boring cooking class on their first trip to Italy kicked off three decades of television success, Mary Ann’s calling as an educator, why she never thought she’d be a chef, and their shared mission to preserve not just foods and flavors, but the bond of family a meal can create.

We’ll explore how to grow 100 varietals of lettuce, why French cuisine is science but Italian food is jazz, Mary Ann’s relationship with Julia Child, what makes the perfect Sunday Sauce, and why on earth the Italian city of Bari is evicting its pasta making Nonnas!

Share in a joyous afternoon spent with one of the most beloved icons of the Italian American experience in an episode you’ll listen to over and over again!

Ciao Italia

Grazie mille!
The Italian American Podcast Team

If the places we hold dear were to be set to music, then the soundtrack for New York’s Little Italy would be sung by this week’s guest, Jenna Esposito. Known as the “Voice of Little Italy,” this passionate Italian American has performed across the country and in some of the most hallowed music venues in the nation but, without fail, she always lends her talents to the annual San Gennaro Festival on Mulberry Street.

This week, Jenna joins co-host John M. Viola as she discusses her latest album, “More Amore: Songs from the Great Italian American Songbook,” which is set to be released later this month.

They’ll explore how Italian American music has evolved from its Italian origins, how it has defined our ethnic experience, and how it continues to serve as a reminder of the many ups and downs of the Italian American experience.

Jenna also shares how the wide variety of styles and influences that make up the Great Italian American songbook -- from the Canzone Napoletana, to standards by Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Connie Francis, and even Lou Christie and Dion’s 1960s pop hits -- have managed to influence her career and connect her to the countless Italian American performers who have come before her.

Jenna will be celebrating the release of “More Amore” with a show on the Metropolitan Zoom platform on Friday, June 11, at 7 p.m., when she and her band will be performing live in studio, and audience members will be able to join and interact with her via Zoom.

This episode, and the upcoming interactive musical experience, are both must-listens for any fan of the Great Italian American songbook!

For more information, visit https://metropolitanzoom.ticketleap.com/jenna- esposito-061121/.

This episode is sponsored by Mediaset Italia.

Close your eyes and try to rate it.  That crunchy, sticky, subtly sweet cloud of confection… The pillowy perfection known as torrone candy… Whether at the holiday table, a wedding or feast, or on the ball top at a summer feast, it’s a taste that every Italian American knows.

This week’s guests are responsible for bringing that taste to paesani near and far, thanks to their unique way of marketing that old-world taste to new-world homes. Anne Marie and Tony Andriola are the founders and owners of torronecandy.com, which was born out of the family’s feast-time concession business and developed into an online marketplace filled with treats that can’t be found anywhere else.

To kick off 2023, Anne Marie and Tony tell us the story of their family business, from its founding in the 1980s to today. They also tell us about how they got involved with selling torrone, and why the treat has lived for so long in the collective memory of Italian American families.

We’ll learn how to differentiate the types of torrone, including hard and soft, and explain what exactly goes into this unique nougat candy. We also talk about how digital media can help redefine the Italian American experience, from making the touchstones of our culture available to far-flung corners of the map to teaching the uninitiated the perfect way to crack a rock-hard torrone!

Join us as we celebrate this distinctively Italian treat… it’s an episode so sweet that you’ll be begging for more!

Almost 900 years ago, there existed a land where peoples of all cultures, creeds and colors lent their talents to the building of a nation at the forefront of science, art and civic life.  It was a kingdom in the sun… an island at the center of the world.  That nation was the Norman Kingdom of Sicily, and in this week’s episode, renowned historian and medievalist Lou Mendola joins us from Sicily’s ancient capital of Palermo to explore what we today can learn from the island’s unique multi-cultural legacy.

A native of Rochester, New York, and resident of Palermo for many decades, Lou is one of the world’s foremost Sicilian medievalists and one of only a handful of scholars whose works on the history of Southern Italy and Sicily have been published in English. His books have broken new ground not only as resources for scholars but also as benchmarks in outlining a Sicilian identity rooted in the Middle Ages. Over the last three decades, Lou has been consulted by the Almanach de Gotha, the History Channel, The New York Times, the BBC, the Vatican's Prefecture of the Pontifical Household, the Sovereign Military Order of Malta and the heads of several European royal dynasties.

Lou joins Pat and John to explore how Norman Sicily was truly the “New York City” of its time as a melting pot of several distinct cultures and religions who all remarkably learned to live together and influence each other to create a distinct Sicilian culture. They’ll also discuss how Sicilian and Southern Italian history in general were influenced by the various peoples, polities and empires who passed through their territorial borders, and how Sicily served as an peacemaker and prototype in an era of ethnic and religious conflict.

We’ll discuss the Kingdom’s rise and fall in stature from the 1300s through the Risorgimento, when the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies was united into the Kingdom of Italy, and the thousand-year-old nation ceased to exist.

And most relevantly, we’ll examine about how studying Sicily’s multi-cultural heritage might just offer insights on how a variety of cultures can co-exist in a shared and productive society, and how the Arab influence on Sicily served in the development of what we know as Sicilian language, cuisine and culture.

Finally, we’ll get a sneak peek at Lou’s forthcoming book, The Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, which is set to be the first English-language study of the kingdom since the 1960s, and promises to give readers a plethora of little-known facts that even touch on Italian American culture!

Now, more than ever, the best of our history deserves examination, so join us as we venture back in time to explore Sicily and her multi-cultural legacy!

For more about Lou Mendola or to order his books, visit www.mendola.com or www.bestofsicily.com.

We’re celebrating International Women’s Day by exploring one of Italian history’s most-neglected protagonists, Margaret of Navarre, the Norman Queen of Sicily.

We’re joined by Jacqueline Alio, an Italian American now living in Palermo, Sicily, who has written a dozen books on Sicilian history, focusing on the island’s long-overlooked queens.  She’ll introduce us to the incredible figure of Queen Margaret, whose five-year reign over the Kingdom of Sicily represents a forgotten chapter from the Norman Sicilian Golden Age.

We’ll explore how this singular woman navigated the many intrigues surrounding the Sicilian Monarchy, focused her efforts on creating equality before the law and peace amongst her Kingdom’s many cultures, and rebuilt the Monarchy after serious infighting almost tore the institution to the ground.

We’ll examine how unique the idea of a female sovereign was in Margaret’s time, and how her erasure from history might not be accidental.

Join us for this fascinating look into the life of a truly regal woman, and an exploration of this long-neglected chapter in Italian history.

Click here to learn more about Jacqueline Alio.

A Selection of Jacqueline Alio’s Books:

Margaret, Queen of Sicily

Queens of Sicily: 1061 – 1266

Women of Sicily: Saints, Queens & Rebels

Time Traveler’s Guide to Sicily (Jaqueline Alio and Louis Mendola)

Sicilian Food and Wine: The Cognoscente’s Guide

The Peoples of Sicily: A Multicultural Legacy

This episode is sponsored by Mediaset Italia

Join us in our latest episode as we celebrate the Italian American community and culture from our new Red Sauce Studio in Little Italy, Manhattan. We continue to look towards the future and are excited to see what new adventures we will have with our brand new studio.  In this episode we give thanks to those who have helped us get to where we are today.  Although the store is not finished, Red Sauce Studio is up and running!  Our passion for Italian American culture shines through as we discuss our growing collection of memorabilia and the importance of immersing ourselves in these cultural experiences as well as tackling some Italian American debates.   

In this episode we discuss the proper representation of the Italian American Barbie doll as well as why our studio was named “Red Sauce” and not “Red Gravy.”  We reminisce about the countless joyful hours spent personalizing our studio and the playful critique of dolls that sparked a fun conversation about cultural representation. Listen to our light-hearted discussions as we share the humorous struggles, family dynamics, and the quirky tastes that come with preserving our cultural heritage. We also delve into the pride of our heritage, from the dynamics between Italian diplomats and the community, to our creative journey in designing Italian American-themed apparel. With a nod to designers like Dolce & Gabbana and a sneak peek into our upcoming projects, this episode is a celebration of community spirit, cultural pride, and the joy of sharing our heritage with the world.

The future of The Italian American Podcast is here at Mulberry and Grand St!  

It was called the “Economic Miracle," and Italy’s economic expansion after World War II was so rapid -- and her climb from war and poverty to wealth and prosperity so drastic -- that one might be tempted to believe that God had in fact deigned to bless Italia with La Dolce Vita… the Sweet Life!

But this “miracle” also triggered unprecedented social, cultural, and religious changes, so this week we’re unpacking those changes with Dr. Roy Domenico, the author of “The Devil and the Dolce Vita: Catholic Attempts to Save Italy's Soul, 1948-1973.”

This book tells the story of how the Catholic Church of Popes Pius XII, John XXIII and Paul VI, the lay Catholic Action association, and Italy’s near-monolithic Christian Democratic Party, worked in a series of culture wars to preserve a traditional way of life and to engage and tame the challenges of a rapidly modernizing society.

We discuss the April 1948 Christian Democratic electoral triumph and how their nearly thirty-year political hegemony ended when pro-divorce forces dealt the Catholics a defeat in the referendum of May 1974.

We’ll examine the Lateran Accords of 1929 and how the Vatican city-state’s relationship with Italy has evolved over the years, as well as the battles over what was considered proper decorum affected Catholic and Italian society during the 1960s and 1970s.

And, ultimately, we’ll explore how Catholicism is a driving force in Italian culture -- even today -- and how it has affected Italian and Italian American life.

If you’re a student of Italian history, practice the Catholic faith, or just love a great tale, you won’t want to miss this fascinating episode!

The United States Congress is one of our nation’s most enduring and important institutions, but with partisan politics growing more hostile every day, and Congressional approval ratings trending ever-lower, it often feels as if the Legislative Branch is terminally ill. Perhaps the Italian American Congressional Delegation has the right prescription!

For the 38 Italian American lawmakers who count themselves part of this bicameral and bipartisan fellowship, the opportunity to unite around their shared Italian heritage might just provide the perfect excuse to reach across the aisle and encourage a new, non-partisan spirit in the halls of power in Washington.

We’re joined by the Italian American Congressional Delegation’s co-chairs, Democratic Congressman Bill Pascrell (NJ) and Republican Congressman Mark Amodei (NV), for conversations around not only the important legislative topics facing the Italian American community today, but also the ways in which the friendships that blossom within their membership end up impacting their work on the Hill.

And, of course, since this is the Italian American Podcast, we end up discussing everything from the importance of the bilateral relationship between the United States and Italy, to how one Congressman almost ended up an honorary member of the Italian Communist Party, and what might just be the the most important Italian American political speech ever given!

This Election Day, join us as we examine this most important of topics, and get to know the human side of two fiercely proud Italian American legislators!

This episode is sponsored by Mediaset Italia.

Severino D’Angelo is a name you might not recognize. But, if you’ve stepped into a car in the United States at any point since Ronald Reagan was in the White House, you’ve encountered a technology patented by this unassuming “Paesan of Interest”.

Leaving what he describes as a “Medieval Italy” Severino D’Angelo went on to discover his natural gifts in the American education system, have his life saved when he was drafted into the U.S. Army, and build a career as an engineer that led to dozens of patents and an incredible impact on the U.S. auto industry… all of which, he believes he owes to the American Dream.

In this first half of a two-part episode, you will meet Severino, a humble and humorous Italian American who immigrated from rural Campania to Downton Jersey City, NJ in 1963.  He will describe the Italy of his youth in the immediate aftermath of the Second World War, and share the amazing story of how fortuitous timing and a bit of good old-fashioned “Furbizia” helped his father to escape that global conflagration with his life. 

We’ll discuss the world he found in mid-1960s Italian America, a snapshot of the unique point in our American story, and how the differences in the American education system gave him a life he could never have dreamed of in the Italy of his youth.

It’s the beginning of a beautiful tale of hope, hard work, and the best of the Italian American Dream, and a story you won’t want to miss!

It’s said that Heaven touches Brooklyn, New York, every July… and if you know Brooklyn like we do, then you know that celestial poke occurs at the famed Festa del Giglio at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, and you also know the passionate pastor there!

This week we sit down with the one-and-only Monsignor Jamie Gigantiello who, beyond his job as the spiritual father of one of the nation's most important Italian parishes, also serves as the vicar of development for the Diocese of Brooklyn, as well as chaplain for the New York City Fire Department.  Msgr. Jamie is a familiar face to those of us in the New York City area, since in his “spare time” he hosts his long-running cooking show, “Breaking Bread," and is the author of a forthcoming cookbook of the same name!

Msgr. Jamie will share details of his 10 years of experience working in hospitality before receiving the call to the priesthood, his thoughts on why traditional Italian Sunday dinners are a cornerstone of civilization, what the current state of Catholic education means to our nation, and why the kitchen table and the altar table have so much to do with one another.

Of course, we can’t have Msgr. Jamie on air without asking him about Brooklyn’s world-renowned Giglio Feast, which takes place this year from July 6-17. He shares the history of the feast’s origins from Nola, Campania to its various iterations in New York City and beyond, and explains why this particular event is a “must see” bucket list location for all Italian Americans!

Get ready to start planning your road trip to Brooklyn as we give you an insider's look at the history and happenings behind an event that’s near and dear to our Italian American hearts!

For more information about the Brooklyn Giglio feast, visit www.olmcfeast.com.

In our final LIVE and UNCUT recording from the National Convention of the Italian Sons and Daughters of America (ISDA), in #Pittsburgh PA, Pat, John, and Rossella sit down with some very special Paesani from Buffalo, NY.

Danette Porto and Danielle Salasavage are a Nonna and Granddaughter team representing FIVE GENERATIONS of their Italian American Famiglia who’ve spent decades in service of the Buffalo-Niagra Falls Italian American Community. From leading the ISDA’s Western New York District to their work with the ‘Centro Culturale Italiano di Buffalo’, or their leadership at the Galbani® Italian Heritage Festival (started by Danette’s late husband) - this is a family who understands what it means to give back!

We’ll discuss what the ISDA means to this family and their sense of Italian American identity, and examine the other incredible works they’ve undertaken for decades in their community.

We’ll discover some of Buffalo’s most treasured Italian traditions (did you know the Bison City was a St Joseph’s Table hotbed?) and how their commitment to the community has grown their Famiglia.  

We’ll discover how the family ended up so involved, and explore the very Italian concept of friends as family.

Danielle will join us to discuss the challenges facing young Italian American community leaders, and share some of the lessons she’s learned since she was dropped into the role of ISDA District Vice President at the ripe old age of twenty-six!

It’s an episode filled with the love, friendship, and sense of FAMIGLIA that you can only get when you dive head-first into Italian American life!

On this week’s episode of the Italian American Podcast, we’re going back to the Big Easy to chat with our friends Lena Prima and Charles Marsala to get an inside look at their new web-TV series, "Buona Sera Louisiana," a weekly show about the Italian culture of the Pelican State and beyond!

These two Italian American champions are no strangers to our audience, as Lena has joined our show on two occasions, and Charles was our extraordinary tour guide through New Orleans in our YouTube series, "Greetings From Italian America."

Charles also serves as the president of American Italian Federation of the Southeast, AWE News YouTube channel, and the New Orleans Insider Tours App; while Lena is a famed singer, the president of CIAO! Celebrating Italian Americans Organization and the CIAO! Women Awards, as well as the daughter of Italian American legend Louis Prima!

Now they’ve joined forces to create Buona Sera Louisiana to help celebrate the Italian American influences in culture, music, art and lifestyle throughout their great state and beyond.

Join us as we discuss New Orleans’ uniquely Sicilian American history, the future of Italian American organizations, the Italians of Mississippi, and the Italian impact on the Marine Corps Band, Jackson Square, jazz music, and more!

Most importantly, check out their new show every Friday on Facebook @buonaseralouisiana, YouTube (Lena Prima Channel), LenaPrima.com and MardiGrasTV.com!

This episode is sponsored by Mediaset Italia.

With Election Day tomorrow, it’s a star-spangled celebration on this week’s episode as we're joined by special guest Thom Woodley of the "Fail to the Chief" podcast to discuss the Italian American "Almost-Weres" of United States Presidential history. Sure, we have yet to see a Paesano or a Paesana take up residence in 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, but there have been more than a few who have tossed their name into the proverbial hat, and there are a few who have actually gotten pretty close to assuming the highest (or second highest) office in the land.

Join us as we explore the lives and careers of some of the men and women who've represented Italian America in the quest for the White House, from the often-unrecognized Italian American Al Smith, to the various Italian American hopefuls of more recent election cycles.

We talk about what Italian American candidates have faced in their quests for the Presidency, and whether or not our community still needs or wishes for an Italian American President.

Join us this Election Day Eve as we wander into the lesser-known corners of Presidential history, in what might be the only pleasant conversation about politics you'll get to hear in the coming days!

Louisiana native Charles Marsala has done a lot to promote the history of Italian life in the Bayou State.  From creating hours of documentary videos to a mobile app that provides a free walking tour of over sixty Italian American points of interest in and around the Crescent City, the President of the American Italian Federation of the Southeast never rests in his efforts to promote the immense Italian heritage of his home state.

His latest project is one that clearly has a special place in his big Sicilian heart because Charles is one of the many Louisianans who can claim an ancestor amongst the 60,000 Sicilian immigrants who were recruited between 1870-1920 to work as sugarcane harvesters on the plantations and farms of South Louisiana. And now, this proud descendent of those tireless laborers is returning to one of the area’s historic sugar plantations with plans to build a monument in their honor.

In this week’s episode, Charles returns to the Italian American Podcast to tell us the story of the proposed monument to the Sicilian Sugarcane Harvester. Designed by Franco Alessandrini (creator of New Orleans’ beloved Monument to the Immigrant), this stunning piece of public art will forever memorialize the Sicilian experience on the grounds of a former sugarcane plantation.

Charles explains how this monument will be located in the heart of the “river parishes” in Louisiana and why sugarcane, the cash crop of the post-Civil War south, attracted so many Sicilian immigrants to a life of back-breaking toil.

We’re discussing remembrances of our ancestors and why each generation stands on the work-weary shoulders of those who came before.

If you are interested in contributing to fundraising efforts for this monument, visit www.sugarcaneharvester.org.

This episode is sponsored by Mediaset Italia.

What is it about the Italian experience around the world that makes our story so relatable?  Sure, it's one thing for us Italian Americans to connect with our Paesani across the seas in Australia, but why is it that the trio of Italian Australian comedians known as Sooshi Mango have built a devoted audience as far afield as Russia and Lithuania?  And if this humor is speaking to fans of all backgrounds, why is it that these Paesani who are selling out arenas around the world are being labeled as “ethnic humor” in their own country?

We’re visiting the Growing Up Italian Studios to hang out with brothers Joe and Carlo Salanitri, and their best friend, Andrew Manfre - the Italian Australian sketch comedy troupe taking the world by storm.  We’re exploring the inspiration behind Sooshi Mango, and looking at how their work is influenced by everything from vaudeville to the Neapolitan Sceneggiata.

It’s a laugh-a-minute hour and a half in which we discuss everything from the feelings of divided loyalties to where not to eat tripe!  And, thanks to the generosity of our new Australian amici, we’re trying some typical Australian delicacies live on the air.

If you’re a long-time Sooshi Mango fanatic, or hearing them for the first time, we’re thrilled to sit down with these three wonderful new friends on the cusp of their upcoming World Tour.  And we guarantee that after listening to this episode, you’ll be lining up to see these guys live when they come back to the US next month!

Plus, thanks to our pals at Growing Up Italian, you can also take a look at a pilot video version of this episode on our YouTube channel!

If you’re a loyal listener to the Italian American Podcast, you’ll know that technology isn't exactly an area we focus on week in and week out.  Artificial intelligence and chat-bots and whatnots might not exactly be our expertise, but for this week’s guest, the rapidly unfolding revolution in artificial intelligence has become a valuable tool in his quest to bring Italian American genealogy to as many paesani as possible… and to bring Italian American stories to life! 

Erick Lucera, a long-time Italian American Podcast devotee and part of our “New Neighborhood” membership group, took inspiration from his countless hours listening to the show when he created a whole new way to tell the story of immigrants who arrived from Biccari, Puglia, to Philadelphia, PA, and has chronicled it in his book, “The Birth of the New Biccari in Philadelphia."

In this book, Erick combines qualitative and quantitative data surrounding Biccarese immigration, utilizing the latest advancements in artificial intelligence to connect statistical data to the oral histories passed on by generations of Biccari’s diaspora around the world… revealing incredible truths behind the popular tales of his ancestral village.

We discuss what led him to use statistics in researching Italian American history and how big data genealogy can help us learn more about our heritage than ever before. 

Erick discusses how anecdotal evidence can be backed up by numbers and how microstories that are unique to each Italian town can help illuminate the reasonings behind our ancestors’ decisions to leave their ancient homelands. 

We’ll also discuss how urban renewal in the United States impacted places like Eric's beloved “New Biccari” in Philadelphia and what drives the continuing and oftentimes diverse, evolutions of Italian enclaves in the United States.

Join us as we discover new ways to look at an old science in this week’s fascinating episode!

Vanessa Racci, the beloved jazzy Italian, takes center stage as we paint vivid portraits of Italian American music icons Bobby Darin and Connie Francis. Our heart beats with excitement as Vanessa unveils her latest passion project, "Forbidden Love," a mini musical poised to captivate audiences with its debut at Yorktown Stage in Westchester, New York. She shares her journey and collaboration with the talented Charlie Romo, all while nestled in the historical backdrop of Little Italy, thanks to the encouragement of Dr. Joseph Schelsa. Together, they breathe new life into the compelling and overlooked love story of Darin and Francis, adding depth to their legacies. Our conversation celebrates the indomitable spirit of Connie Francis, exploring her touching embrace of her Italian roots through music, even as she navigated personal trials and the challenging dynamics of fame. Her father’s insistence on her mastering the accordion and the resulting success of "Who's Sorry Now?" serve as testament to her resilience and talent. We reflect on her extraordinary journey and ponder her mysterious exclusion from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Vanessa and I weave personal anecdotes that underscore the lasting impact of these musical greats, as we announce the ambitious plans to elevate their story from a mini musical to a grand Broadway spectacle. Music becomes the powerful thread connecting past and present, as we reminisce about the resonant beauty of Italian songs like "Non pensare a me" and "Al di là." These melodies carry the weight of family memories, driven by the emotive power of the Neapolitan cry and the unique vocal qualities that define Italian music. We further explore the nurturing of future Italian American talents, celebrating figures like Charlie Romo who is staring in this production with Vanessa, and discuss the discipline and talent required to excel as a singer. As we traverse through genres, with nods to jazz and R&B legends like Alicia Keys and Etta James, this episode becomes a rich tapestry of music's enduring influence on our lives and the vibrant legacy of Italian American contributions to the musical landscape. To find out about the performance see the links below! Get tickets at: https://www.yorktownstage.org/forbidden-love-the-love-story-of-bobby-darin-and-connie-francis/ Vaness's Website: https://vanessaracci.com/ Vanessa's socials Youtube:  @vanessaracci  Instagram: @vanessaracci X: @vanessaracci

Of the more than 20 million Americans with Italian roots, approximately 87 percent are of Southern Italian origin.  This massive dispora from Italy’s south has made southern Italian cuisine, culture and traditions into familiar aspects of Italian American life; yet the wealth of classical music originating in the Italian south has remained a mystery, even to the millions whose ancestors left her shores.

This week’s guest, Alexis Zingale, hopes to change that with The Southern Italian Piano Project. The Southern Italian Piano Project seeks to change the narrative and ensure that the lesser-known composers from the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, from both before and after the Risorgimento, attract the attention and respect given other composers in the canon of classical music.

Alexis shares how The Southern Italian Piano project got its start (spoiler alert: the Italian American Podcast might have been an early inspiration), how she worked to uncover and reintroduce composers from all over the south of Italy, which composers are part of her repertoire, including Francesco Durante and Alessandro Longo, and how her overall vision is to expand the canon of western art music to include as many underrepresented composers from the south of Italy as possible.

Alexis also shares a few samples of works she’s unearthed as she prepares to bring them to life in a series of live performances in the greater New York City area in the coming weeks, including:

·       Friday, May 6, 2022 at 7:30 p.m. at the Branford Free Evangelical Church, 231 Leetes Island Road, Branford, CT. Tickets are $20 for general admission or $10 for seniors at the door, or $20 via Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/myevent?eid=312023991157

·       Sunday, May 15, 2022 at 2:00 p.m., at the Littlefield Recital Hall at Paier College, 84 Iranistan Ave, Bridgeport, CT. Tickets are $20 for general admission or $10 for seniors at the door, or $20 via Eventbrite:  https://www.eventbrite.com/myevent?eid=312040701137

·       Friday, May 20, 2022, 8:00 at p.m., at Mary Flagler Cary Hall at The Dimenna Center for Classical Music, 450 W 37th St., New York, NY. Tickets are $25 via Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/myevent?eid=226211192767

If you’re a devotee of classical music, a proud daughter or son of the Two Sicilies, or just someone who loves to explore new and unique topics, you won’t want to miss this week’s episode!

This episode is sponsored by Mediaset Italia.

Ciao paesani… and Greetings From Italian CALIFORNIA!

This past July, we made our way out West to explore the Italian side of the Golden State, as we set out to film four brand-new episodes of our popular YouTube web series, “Greetings From Italian America."  Joined by our amici from the Italian Sons and Daughters of America (ISDA), we took a whirlwind trip throughout the West Coast, visiting four Italian American enclaves in just five days!  From the “hip and historic” Little Italy in San Diego, to the America's newest Little Italy of San Pedro, across the vast geographies that make up Los Angeles, and into the heart of one of the oldest and strongest Italian communities in America at San Francisco’s North Beach, we went non-stop to see and experience as much of Italian California as we could!

Although these episodes won’t make their way to video for a little while, we were so excited by the places and paesani we met out West, we decided to get together and recap some of our favorite experiences so we could share a little behind the scenes insight with you!

We’ve got recommendations for our favorite meals and Italian American delicacies, advice on the people you need to know when visiting these vibrant communities, and reflections on our deep dive into a part of Italian America far different than any of us could have expected!

Join us as we digest this incredible Italian American adventure, and keep your eyes peeled for these awesome new videos over the coming months!

To watch past episodes of "Greetings from Italian America," click here for a full playlist!

This episode is sponsored by Mediaset Italia.

It’s almost time to say “Buon Natale,” as Christmas is right around the corner! Since this is the final episode before the Feast of the Seven Fishes and Christmas arrive in earnest, we’re sending you into the holiday in style with our annual Italian American Podcast Christmas Special!

In what has become a nice little tradition here at the Italian American Podcast, some of our Podcast famiglia are gathering together right before the holiday madness begins to reflect on our favorite traditions, share recipes, unwind Christmas mysteries, and figure out exactly which designer panettone is really worth the price!

As we explore our most beloved Christmas memories and reflect on what traditions are important to each of us, you’ll be taken back into the recesses of your own joyous Natale recollections, and learn a thing or two about what makes an Italian American Christmas so special!

Remember, you and yours can listen along with us to six-plus hours of uninterrupted, never repeated, and carefully curated Italian and Italian American Christmas classics by visiting our one-of-a-kind Yule Pot Playlist at www.yulepot.com.

We hope these songs are ringing through your home come Christmas Eve and that you and yours enjoy a healthy, safe, and BUON NATALE!

When Viviana Altieri journeyed from Rome, Italy to Pittsburgh, PA, on a dare nearly 30 years ago, she could never have imagined staying in the United States and pursuing the life of a “Professional Italian American."  But this week’s guest is a natural-born adventurer, and her many incredible journeys seeking out the essence of what it means to “be Italian” have given her unparalleled experiences, which she now brings to her dual roles as the head of the Istituto Mondo Italiano and host of The Italian Radio Hour, her podcast and video series that seeks to reveal the best of Italy and Italian America!

Viviana joins us to explore the mission of the Istituto Mondo Italiano,  a bastion of Italian culture right in the heart of the Steel City,  and how she looks to preserve some very unique aspects of Italian, and Italian American, culture through her work.

We discuss how Italy can be many things to many people, as well as why it is dangerous to overgeneralize Italy, Italian cuisine, and Italian American culture. We also discuss why learning Italian is a key to unlocking a door filled with countless new ways to discover our ancestral homeland.

And, as an added bonus, John and Pat will be guests on Viviana’s show in the coming weeks, so stay tuned to find out the air date!

Join us for an episode of kindred spirits, kindred missions, and immeasurable love for all things Italian!

This episode was sponsored by Mediaset Italia.

If any language proves that there’s room at the linguistic table for everyone... it’s Italian!

This week, we continue our examination of the languages of Italy as we take a closer look at her many Regional Languages and Dialects, including the unique blend of Italian and English spoken by Italian Americans through the generations.

We’ll discus the state of Italy’s diverse Regional Languages, both before and after Italian Unification, as well as their contemporary renaissance thanks to social media. Plus we’ll explore the rich patrimonies of Sicilian poetry and Neapolitan music and how both these forms, and many others, are vehicles for linguistic survival.

We’ll focus on Italy’s constitutional commitments to protect her linguistic minorities, and even see some of the enduring aspects of “Italianness” in Italy’s former colony Eritrea.

Heading back to the United States, we talk about how the Italian American dialect changes depending on geographic location and how certain Italian American-born words have cemented themselves as part of the American vernacular.

And, for our weekly off topic ramble, we’ll discuss Italian clothing culture and how it is seen as a source of identity and pride in the Italian American community, how this translates back across the ocean in the Motherland.

When it comes to Italian American heritage, each one of the fifty nifty United States that make up our union has its own unique Italian American community and culture.

Despite this, only two states—Delaware and New Jersey—have official, state-wide Italian American representation, guaranteeing our history and culture will be taught to current and future generations.

This week’s guests, Robert DiBiase, the chairman of the New Jersey Italian Heritage Commission, and Rick DiLiberto, the chairman of the Delaware Commission on Italian Heritage and Culture, are here to tell us how their states were able to create these specially-legislated commissions and what that means for Italian Americans living in each of them.

We’ll discover the critical ways each of these commissions works to represent and promote our heritage, and how each state’s uniquely rich Italian American cultures have become part of a larger state identity. We’ll also discuss how the future of Italian America across state lines, and why these bodies are inspiring, and assisting, imitators in states around the country… and how leaders in the 48 states without an Italian American heritage commission can work toward getting one of their own!

Join us for this look at how two small but mighty states might just provide the key to preserving our heritage for years to come!

This episode is sponsored by Mediaset Italia.

Are you guilty of crimes against Italian food?

A recent YouGov survey that polled 20,000 people across 17 different countries decided that Italian cuisine was the most beloved on earth… but also established a list of alleged "Italian Food Crimes" that might trip up even the most passionate Italian American, let alone the first-time visitor to "il Bel Paese."

Some of the worst offenders list will read like a familiar set of “Culinary Commandments” for those who know Italy well… putting pasta in cold water before bringing it to boil, serving pasta as a side, cutting long pasta with a knife, adding cheese to a fish dish, or (gasp) drinking cappuccino after a meal!

Yet others might surprise even the most accepting pallette… Do we really need to reiterate that ketchup on pasta is a crime against humanity, and serving pineapple on pizza an inexcusable abuse of the world's most beloved food?

We’re going to unpack these results and provide our own take on how and why these offenses even exist. We’re also going to discuss what we think are the worst Italian food crimes, and which alleged crimes really aren’t so bad after all.

Get ready as we serve up a new take on the cuisine we all know and love in this week’s episode of the Italian American Podcast!

In this final installment of “Updates from Italy,” host Patrick O’Boyle tries to find out what’s next for the Bel Paese as it continues to recover from COVID-19 for the rest of 2020 and beyond. This week, Pat is joined by Antonio Amendola of Agropoli, Campania, who has lived in four countries, including the United States. Pat and Antonio talk about the differences between European Union nations as they reopen and how the “New Normal” is yet to be defined as the countries each reopen.

They also discuss what will happen in the upcoming weeks as Italy’s restrictions continue to be lifted and how the virus restrictions changed the face of Italy’s workforce. Antonio shares his take on "the “two Italies,” northern and southern, and what reopening could look like for each section of Italy.

Finally, they celebrate the Italian spirit of survival as they discuss how Italy has and will continue to come out of this crisis stronger than ever!

Exactly 50 years ago this week, on Monday, June 28, 1971, one of the more bizarre chapters in Italian American history unfolded in New York City's Columbus Circle, as tens of thousands of people gathered for the second annual Italian American Unity Day!

On this week’s episode of the Italian American Podcast, we’re joined by Don Capria, author of “Colombo: The Unsolved Murder,” to discuss the life and legacy of the man behind this unprecedented chapter in Italian American history.

The Italian American Civil Rights League was the creation of one of history’s most infamous Italian Americans, reputed Mob Boss Joe Colombo of Brooklyn.  Formed to fight discriminatory representations of Italians in American media and news, the league exploded onto the scene in the late 1960s with star-studded and sold-out benefit concerts in Madison Square Garden. On June 29, 1970, they rallied nearly 100,000 Italian Americans in Manhattan’s Columbus Circle for the inaugural “Unity Day." But, just a year later, the second Unity Day ended in violence and bloodshed as Colombo was felled by an assassin’s bullet as thousands upon thousands of his fellow Italians looked on in horror.

For Italian Americans living throughout the East Coast in the years between 1970-1971, the prominent “#1” logo of the League became the ubiquitous sign of a growing sense of Italian American awareness and action.

In this first part of a two-part episode, Capria will take us through the process of writing his unprecedented book, which he co-authored with Colombo’s son, Anthony.  He’ll share how the League was formed, and how it’s early successes included a game-changing impact on Paramount’s production of "The Godfather."

Join us as we explore the history of the Italian American Civil Rights League, the life and times of Joe Colombo, and his and the League’s surprising and controversial legacy within today’s Italian American community!

To order "Colombo: The Unsolved Murder," click here.

This episode was sponsored by Mediaset Italia.

It’s Part 2 of our two-part episode exploring one of the most unique chapters in Italian American history as we sit down with author Don Capria to explore the life and times of Mafia boss and Italian American community leader Joseph Colombo, founder of the Italian American Civil Rights League.

Picking up right where we left off, Capria will take us into the personal life and private psychology of Joe Colombo, and share his thoughts on what singular event might have lead this clearly dynamic and talented man into a life of criminality.

We’ll explore the complex and sensitive relationship between organized crime and Italian American identity, and how its place in American popular consciousness still impacts our sense of self, generations after its peak of activity.

And, in light of the 50 years that have passed since Colombo’s assassination at the second-annual Italian American Unity Day in 1971, Capria will walk us through the events of that fateful afternoon, and share his own theory as to why what many observers simply accept as a Mafia murder, might actually have been something much more sinister, with implications that reach to a national level!

Join us as we conclude this incredible conversation on crime, conspiracy, community leadership… and the fascinating man at the center of it all.

This episode is sponsored by Mediaset Italia.

As we are about to embark on the solemn celebration of the Easter Triduum, for many Italian Americans, Holy Thursday means a day spent in the kitchen lovingly recreating recipes handed down from generation to generation.

This week’s guest, Stefano Arturi, knows a thing or two about recreating recipes. The author of the ⁠Italian Home Cooking Blog⁠, Stefano divides his time between Italy and London. ⁠Stefano came to our attention when he featured our very own POB’s pastiera recipe on his site⁠, so we had to have him join us on the podcast!

Stefano tells us about the various methods for making pastiera, as well as other Easter-time delicacies. We’ll explore the continuing evolution of  contemporary Italian cuisine and the recent push to define Italian cuisine by rejecting what is not “traditional." We’ll discuss Stefano’s belief that Italian cuisine owes a debt to its large diasporic community and the many traditional recipes that have gone extinct in Italy which only survive in Italian immigrant communities.

Stressing that Italy is not the country of chefs but of grandmothers, Stefano likes to remind us that food itself is a living thing, and perhaps no single item better represents this content evolution than the humble Pastiera Easter Pie!

So gather the famiglia and turn the volume up as you make your own Easter food traditions come to life once again this week!

This episode was sponsored by ⁠Mediaset Italia⁠.

In this week’s episode, we’re wrapping up our two-part look at the Northern Italian impact on Italian American life by Italy by criss-crossing these great United States to discover Northern Italian enclaves from California to Idaho and everywhere in between!

Our special guest, and Northern Italy expert, Robert Allegrini, takes us on a tour across the country, stopping in various Northern Italian communities to explore their traditions, histories, and influence on Italian American life today. We’ll also discover some manifestations of Northern and Central Italian American pride, including La Corsa dei Ceri (“St. Ubaldo Day”) in Jessup, Pennsylvania, which is our country’s largest and most traditional Central Italian celebration.

And speaking of Saints and Feasts… we’ll take a deep dive into an exploration of the differences between Northern and Southern Italian Catholicism and why Northern feasts and festivals may not have survived the immigrant journey as well as the Southern ones did.

We also wander into a conversation on how Northern Italian cuisine has found its way into the American diet, where you can still find heirloom restaurants across America serving authentic Northern dishes, how Northern chefs invented some of our more-famous indigenous “Italian American” dishes, and how America’s pizza culture evolved to produce the culinary mystery that is Chicago’s Deep Dish Pizza!

So if you’ve enjoyed learning more about these fascinating communities and characters, get ready for more “Northern Exposure” with the next half of this incredible story!