The Italian American Podcast

Cristiana Dell'Anna—celebrated for her cinematic flair and proud Neapolitan roots—brings vibrant energy to our latest deep dive into Italian American culture. We open with a whimsical idea: a Neapolitan-themed Sesame Street, setting the tone for a lively conversation that stretches from Abruzzo to Sicily. With humor and heart, we touch on everything from the sacred Sunday pot of gravy to iconic pl...

Experience the vibrant world of the Bello Brothers as they share their Italian Canadian upbringing and meteoric rise as TikTok sensations. Known for their humor and cultural insights, the brothers take us from the sun-drenched hills of Calabria to the cosmopolitan streets of Canada, reflecting on what it means to grow up between two worlds. Their engaging stories reveal how life as children of Ita...

Celebrated scholar Dr. Fred Gardaphé joins us in the studio to shed light on the vibrant tapestry of Italian American culture, identity, and scholarship. With warmth, humor, and memorable stories, Fred reflects on the moments that have shaped his journey—like how one of his books inspired our host's grandmother to embrace reading at the age of seventy. Together, we explore the delightful intersect...

What really happened on 9/11 when a New Jersey home became a frenzied trading floor as the World Trade Center went silent? Guest Don Capria takes us inside that day, connecting its ripple effects to Italian American heritage, family legacies, and the way history is remembered.   From the golden age of radio to the rise of new media, we explore nostalgia, generational shifts, and the mysteries that...

Can the charm of classic Italian American culture withstand the pace of a modern world? Giuseppe Falanga of Brooklyn Bites takes us inside beloved Brooklyn institutions like Ferdinando's and Bari Pork Store—businesses now threatened by the "Great Extinction" of traditional Italian shops. Through personal anecdotes and community stories, Giuseppe reveals the urgency of preserving these cultural lan...

Have you ever wondered how your last name connects to your cultural identity? In this episode, hosts John Viola and Patrick O'Boyle, alongside co-host Dr. Marcella Martin, dive into the deep ties between Italian heritage and personal identity. The conversation takes a powerful turn with guests Janice Cenzoprano and Ralph Colasanti from the Cooley's Anemia Foundation, who guide us through the genet...

Join hosts John Viola, Patrick O'Boyle, and Dolores Alfieri Taranto as they welcome special guest Kathy Whims, acclaimed chef, restaurateur, and author of The Italian Summer Kitchen. Together, they dive into the joys of the Italian summer kitchen during a sizzling New York City heatwave. This lively conversation is a feast of humor, culinary wisdom, and cultural reflections. From fresh pasta on th...

Years ago, Laura and Pino Pugliano gifted bottles of olive oil at their wedding—never imagining it would inspire a thriving business. Our episode traces their heartfelt journey, where romance and tradition intertwine, from the charm of a small Italian town to the bustling enterprise they run today. As we explore their story, we also uncover the rich heritage of Vena di Maida, where Albanian and It...

We step into the world of independent film with the release of Director's Cut, a project close to home, reflecting the passion, risks, and creative struggles that define the industry. Along the way, we explore the evolving landscape of streaming, AI, and the art of telling stories that stand out in an oversaturated market.   One of the highlights of this milestone episode is our conversation with...

From the bustling streets of New York City's Little Italy, we journey into the heart of Italian American culture—spotlighting Boston's unparalleled feast traditions. Special guest Mark Tosi, president and owner of the iconic Pastene brand, joins us to share the company's enduring legacy and deep ties to communities across North America. Together, we celebrate the vibrant spirit of Boston's feasts...

Join us for a vibrant and heartfelt conversation with Cherrye Moore—writer, art lover, and the self-proclaimed "Queen of the Cilento." In this lively episode, we dive into family dynamics, the joys and trials of parenting teenagers, and the cultural adjustments that come with raising a child in Southern Italy. As a docent at the Met, Cherrye brings her passion for art into the mix, offering captiv...

Step into the world of bocce, a timeless Italian game where cultural tradition and competitive spirit come together—and discover how this beloved pastime has become a cornerstone of Italian American communities across the United States. Join us as we discuss the fascinating story of the game with the Bocce Bros and explore the personal histories and family roots that have nurtured a deep love for...

Join us as we welcome the esteemed Steve Riggio, former CEO of Barnes & Noble, whose journey into Italian literature unfolds in our latest episode, recorded in the heart of Little Italy at Red Sauce Studio. Drawing on his deep Sicilian roots, Steve shares his passion for translating Italian classics, offering a rare window into the overlooked narratives of Sicilian folklore and history.   We delve...

What if the rich flavors of Italian American culture could speak the stories of centuries? This episode promises a delicious exploration of Italian American heritage, as John and Pat take you on a captivating journey through the heart of Little Italy in New York City. From the humorous mishaps with Sicilian garduna to the challenges of sourcing authentic ingredients, we unravel the culinary tradit...

Join us as we journey through the vibrant world of Italian American feast traditions, focusing on the rich history and cultural significance of the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. This episode spotlights the oldest celebration of the feast in the United States, held in Hammonton, New Jersey. Louis Pantalone shares captivating stories about the Italian immigrant experience and how these traditio...

This week, we're thrilled to welcome our special guest, Anthony—affectionately known as The Young Nono—joining us all the way from Toronto, Canada. Anthony brings a wealth of knowledge on agriculture, offering insightful tips on growing basil and how to prevent it from flowering in order to preserve its robust flavor. Our conversation delves into the fascinating intersection of cultural traditions...

Join us for an engaging episode as we explore the vibrant essence of Italian American culture and the powerful world of adaptive sports. We begin our journey where Dolores and John reflect on Italian American heritage and the camaraderie that defines our community. With humor and warmth, we recount Dolores's wedding anniversary, where the fusion of Italian and Irish traditions came alive on the da...

Join us for an exciting exploration of Italian American heritage, culture, and cuisine as we chat with the vibrant Danny Mondello, better known as Mealsbycug. In this episode, Danny shares his remarkable journey from a casual social media creator to the proud owner of a new upcoming restaurant and café in Williamsburg "Casa Cugine". His story, filled with humor and colorful language, traces back t...

What if the story of Italian Americans in Los Angeles is not what you thought? Join us as we uncover the vibrant and often overlooked contributions of Italian immigrants beyond the spotlight of Hollywood, featuring insights from Cavalieri Marianna Gatto, co-founder and executive director of the Italian American Museum of Los Angeles. Discover the surprising ties between Italian Americans and iconi...

We are back for Part 2! What does it truly mean to be Italian in today's interconnected world? This question guides our exploration into the intricate world of Italian American cultural identity and education. We tackle the stereotypes that often misrepresent Italian Americans and reveal their essential role in promoting "Made in Italy" products. Our discussion highlights the Italian language's po...

Fabrizio DI Michele, the Consul General of Italy in New York, joins us for an inspiring conversation recorded at the lively Red Sauce Studio in Little Italy. The narrative unfolds as Fabrizio takes us on a journey from his Sicilian and Abruzzese roots to his diplomatic role amidst a global pandemic. With co-hosts John Viola, Patrick O'Boyle, and Dr. Marcella Martin, we uncover not just the persona...

*DISCLAIMER: We experienced problems with the audio on this Podcast. We apologize for how it sounds yet we wanted to deliver this beautiful story for an amazing film. We hope you enjoyed the discussion. Ever wondered how a $20 bill could symbolize a life changing moment or how the warmth of Italian family life contrasts with its perceived patriarchal structure? We're diving into all this and more...

Ever wondered how cultural heritage shapes your personal identity? Join us as we explore this intriguing question with Dr. Sirey, co-founder of the National Organization of Italian American Women. With Jon Viola and Dolores Alfieri Taranto at the helm, we take you to the heart of Little Italy to uncover the layers of Italian American identity. Our discussion dives into the shifting roles of Italia...

Join us for an engaging conversation with Gerard Maroney and Mike Crispi, two key figures in the revival of the Italian American Civil Rights League. These guests take us on a journey through their Italian roots, sharing stories that highlight the vibrant culinary traditions of Naples and Sicily. As we indulge in our shared love for tripe and discuss the unique preparation methods in Trapani, list...

Join us on a journey through the heart of Italian American culinary traditions with our guest Francesca from Franny Loves Food. We explore the origins of Francesca's social media presence, which began as a pandemic project on TikTok and has since expanded to other platforms. Discover how her childhood experiences with her mom and nonna inspired her to embrace Italian cooking as a way to pass down...