The Italian American Podcast

Reconnecting with one's roots is a profound journey that can unravel a tapestry of heritage and identity. We sat down with Jack Polidori, a commissioner from the Delaware Commission of Italian Heritage and Culture, to discuss the soul of Wilmington, Delaware, and uncovering stories of the Feast of St. Anthony, the unique Commissioner's Night, and the vibrant educational initiatives like the La Mia...

Join us for a captivating journey into the heart of Italian American culture, as we celebrate Jazz Heritage Month with Vanessa Racci, also known as the Jazzy Italian! We also savor the delightful nuances of Italian cuisine, discussing the art of crafting the perfect Italian sandwich and imagining the warmth of an Italian American morning radio show. It's a lively conversation filled with nostalgia...

What if you could seamlessly blend the timeless charm of doo-wop and rock and roll with the vibrant traditions of Italian-American culture? Our special guest, Charlie Romo, takes us on a thrilling ride through the heart of these cherished worlds. Celebrating his 29th birthday with us, Charlie shares his stories of signing, balancing work and family life, and the delightful chaos of teaching studen...

What if you could sit in the barber chair of history and hear firsthand tales from Frank Sinatra's intimate circle? Join us as we welcome the legendary Joseph Paris, Sinatra's very own barber, to share mesmerizing stories from his life and career. Our co-host, the talented Italian American singer Jenna Esposito, helps us navigate through an episode rich with charm, humor, and the colorful anecdote...

Imagine stepping into a quaint Italian village where you're the only English speaker, and every interaction is a delightful challenge. Today, we explore the vibrant tapestry of Italian American culture, identity, and the emotional odyssey of reclaiming one's roots through citizenship. This episode is a joyous celebration filled with laughter, personal anecdotes, and heartwarming stories of navigat...

We are back with part 2 to this wonderful episode. Join us as we journey through the sartorial evolution of Italian American fashion, tracing the transformation from the traditional elegance of "Bella Figura" to the casual, tech inspired wardrobes that have reshaped professional environments since the late 1990s. We reflect on the enduring formalities in certain professions and the decline of the...

Unlock the secrets of Italian American cultural identity as we gather in the vibrant heart of Little Italy at Red Sauce Studio. Join us for an exciting episode where the beloved kazoo makes a triumphant return, and we share a laugh over tales of Naples' infamous currency forgery. We're thrilled to welcome Dr. Marcella Martin, whose expertise on Italian and Italian American cultural representations...

Join us as we welcome John Didato, the brilliant Senior Creative Director at Sesame Workshop, who offers a vibrant glimpse into the world of educational television and the transformative power of Sesame Street. Broadcasting from the heart of Little Italy, we celebrate Italian American heritage and the community's indelible mark on the world of media. Through John's engaging experiences, we reflect...

What if every Italian American carried a hidden musical talent just waiting to be discovered? Join us as we entertain this notion with our special guest, Vittorio Di Carlo, dubbed the Graceful Tenor, who brings his charm and a dash of operatic brilliance to the conversation. Together, we humorously ponder our genetic proximity to the legendary Caruso, share tales of family karaoke escapades, and e...

Tony De Nonno, a filmmaker, historian, and community leader, shares his remarkable journey in preserving Italian American heritage and culture. He discusses his debut film "It's All in My Hands" and his acclaimed documentary "Heaven Touches Brooklyn in July," both of which highlight key moments and figures within the Italian American community. Through the lens of his work and passion, Tony emphas...

It was our Honor for Judge Frank Caprio to join us for an extraordinary conversation on his Italian American heritage and illustrious career. We start our journey on Mulberry Street, delving into the heartfelt tales of his family's immigration from Italy to the U.S. Judge Caprio offers poignant memories of growing up in Providence's Federal Hill neighborhood, highlighting the profound influence of...

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...

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 belo...

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...

Picture this: a bustling weekend at Villa Roma in the Catskills, surrounded by the irresistible aroma of traditional Capuzzelle, a dish steeped in Italian American heritage and memories. That's where our journey begins, as we savor this rare delicacy made from a sheep's head, reflecting on its enduring cultural significance and the resilience that has kept it alive even through the challenges of t...

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 fo...

Growing up in an Italian family, superstitions were as common as pasta on Sundays. Join us as we share the quirkiest tales of Italian superstitions in our part 2 of this episode! From the mysterious power of the evil eye, "il malocchio," to the peculiar rituals involving hidden horns and the mano cornuto hand gesture. We take you on a journey through Southern Italy's unique customs, unraveling the...

Curious about the secret beliefs that bind Italian American communities together? Discover the intriguing intersection of folklore and faith as we welcome Agata De Santis and unravel the mysteries of the Malocchio, or evil eye, revealing how these age old traditions are intricately woven into daily life. This episode showcases an engaging start to our two-part series, beginning with light-hearted...

The holiday season is upon us, and we're ushering it in with joy and music! A cherished family tradition of baking Italian Christmas cookies sparked a creative journey that has blossomed into our latest project: a complete Italian American Christmas album. Joined by our guest the remarkable Jenna Esposito, whose talents have shaped this festive musical creation, we reminisce about our past triumph...

There was a time when my grandmother's honey cookies were the highlight of every Christmas, their sweet aroma filling the kitchen and signaling the start of the festive season. Our latest episode of the Italian American Podcast takes you on a nostalgic journey with personal stories like these, unraveling the threads of Italian American traditions that bind our community together. From the meticulo...

Can you truly savor the essence of Italian American culture through humor and storytelling? Join us as we, your hosts John Viola, Patrick O'Boyle, and Brandon Ficarra, promise to take you on a vibrant journey through the rich tapestry of Italian American identity. We welcome Salvatore "Off the Boat" Vella, as we celebrate Italian American Heritage Month. From outfit changes during double tapings t...

Join us for a joyful celebration of Italian American culture and comedy in our latest episode as we sit down with the dynamic duo, Carlo Russo and Lou Greco of the Uncle Louie Variety Show. Broadcasting from the lively streets of New York City's Little Italy, we reminisce about the iconic Feast of San Gennaro and venture into our own humorous undertakings, including the launch of our t-shirt compa...

Danielle Oteri, a distinguished expert in Italian travel, brings her wealth of knowledge to our podcast as we celebrate the launch of her new project, the Tante Bellicose podcast. Join us as Danielle shares her passion for guiding travelers away from the crowded hubs of Florence, Venice, and Rome, leading them instead to Italy's hidden treasures, especially in the enchanting southern region of Cil...

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 cit...

What if your favorite Italian desserts could be given an American twist without losing their authentic charm? Join us on a culinary voyage as we explore the tantalizing fusion of Italian and American baking traditions, from nostalgic Sicilian pastries to the beloved rainbow cookies that have become a staple across diverse cultural settings. We'll also share the vibrant experience of celebrating It...