The Italian American Podcast

In this episode of The Italian American Podcast, hosts Pat and Brandon sit down with Peter Francis Battaglia—self-described "Italian American Encyclopedia" and creator of the Food Obsession blog—for a nostalgic look at Italian American life in Staten Island during the late 1960s and '70s. He recalls the rhythm of traditional Sundays—church, cemetery visits, and large family meals marked by pastrie...

In this lively episode of the Italian American Podcast, Maria Aiello joins hosts John, Pat, and Dr. Marcella Martin in the heart of Little Italy to explore the craft and culture behind modern hairstyling. An entrepreneurial stylist with over 8 million followers, Maria shares how her Italian roots and innovative approach carried her from vocational training to opening her own salon in Westchester,...

DISCLAIMER: We had audio issues with this podcast and apologize for the inconvenience. In this lively episode of the Italian American Podcast, Sal Valentinetti joins John and Pat for a humorous, nostalgic conversation on Italian American identity, music, and tradition. Valentinetti reflects on organizing community festivities and the enduring spirit of Little Italy, while the hosts share vivid ane...

In this episode of the Italian American Podcast, Danielle and Pat welcome acclaimed playwright and performer Frank Ingrasciotta to share the inspiration behind his one-man show, Blood Type: Ragu. The conversation explores Frank's experience growing up as the child of Sicilian immigrants, caught between two cultures while navigating the complexities of family, identity, and forgiveness. He reflects...

In this episode of the Italian American Podcast, John and Marcella welcome Dena Fenza for a lively conversation about the evolving world of Italian American culture. Together they reflect on the importance of community, the preservation of tradition, and the ways modern platforms—especially social media—are helping reconnect people to their cultural roots. From memories of celebrations like St. Jo...

In this lively episode of the Italian American Podcast, John and Marcella welcome designer and entrepreneur Oriana Lamarca, whose deep Sicilian roots shape both her life and work. Together, they share heartfelt stories of family traditions, holiday memories, and the culture that defines Sicily. Oriana recounts the journey behind Oriana LaMarca Designs and her Sicilian-inspired collection, My Sicil...

Step into the heart of New York's culinary history in this episode of the Italian American Podcast. Hosts John and Patrick welcome special guest Max Tucci, scion of the legendary Delmonico's, for a spirited conversation rich with Italian heritage and behind-the-scenes stories that helped shape American dining. From Gilded Age grandeur to the rise of iconic dishes like Baked Alaska, they explore ho...

In this episode of the Italian American Podcast, Dr. Maria Giura, acclaimed poet and memoirist, joins Marianne and Patrick for an intimate conversation centered on her new poetry collection, If We Still Lived Where I Was Born. Reading selected poems aloud, she evokes childhood memories above her family's Brooklyn pastry shop and the rituals of Sunday gatherings that shaped her imagination. The dis...

On this episode of the Italian American Podcast, host Patrick O'Boyle convenes a distinguished panel at the Italian Cultural Institute in New York to explore the often-overlooked world of Neapolitan Renaissance art. Claudio, the Institute's director, outlines its mission to promote Italian culture across New York, Boston, and Philadelphia, strengthening ties between Italy and the Italian American...

In part 2 of episode 404, the conversation widens beyond personal history into the ethical, health, and cultural implications of plant-based Italian American cooking. Tara Punzone and the crew discuss industrial farming, ingredient integrity, and how modern food systems have altered both taste and tradition. The episode touches on heritage-grain pasta, the role of quality olive oil and vegetables,...

In this episode of the Italian American Podcast, the crew explores the intersection of Italian American heritage and vegan cuisine with Tara Punzone, chef, author, and the force behind Pura Vita, Los Angeles' first 100% vegan Italian restaurant and wine bar. The conversation blends family history, cultural memory, and the challenge of preserving tradition while removing animal products from classi...

In this episode of the Italian American Podcast, Patrick, Mariana, and Marcella are joined by guest Umberto Mucci for a live conversation recorded at IAFL4 (Italian American Future Leaders 4), a national gathering of young Italian Americans. The discussion explores cultural identity, community building, leadership, nostalgia, and what it means to belong across generations and borders. The conversa...

In this episode of the Italian American Podcast, hosts John, Patrick, and Mariana welcome pipe enthusiast and business owner Michael Curcio for a lively conversation on Italian heritage, craftsmanship, and the quiet rituals that bind generations. What begins with pipe smoking opens into a broader exploration of restoration, bespoke artistry, and the unexpected revival of Italian pipe culture—where...

In this episode of The Italian American Podcast, John and Pat welcome Erma Camporese —the self-styled "Queen of Graham Avenue" and "Love Doctor"—for a wide-ranging conversation steeped in neighborhood humor, inherited customs, and the unmistakable rhythm of Italian American life. What begins with tenants, cash rent, and "favorite tenant status" quickly becomes a vivid portrait of how close-knit co...

This holiday episode finds hosts John Viola, Patrick O' Boyle, Dr. Marcella Martin welcoming "La Befana" for a funny, warm conversation about the Epiphany gift-giver and Italian holiday traditions. The banter centers on coal, "naughty lists," and the idea that Befana—not Santa—was historically the one who brought gifts in many Italian homes. Befana explains her roots in older seasonal and pagan im...

This episode of the Italian American Podcast offers a rich and intimate look at the enduring legacy of women religious through a conversation with Sister Helen Sanchez, with hosts Patrick O'Boyle and Marianna Gato. Centered on the Religious Teachers Filippini—an Italian-founded order devoted to the education of girls and women—the episode blends personal vocation, immigrant history, and Catholic e...

In this episode of the Italian American Podcast, Pat and co-host Mariana Gatto share a lighthearted and engaging conversation with actor and producer Antonio Cupo. A Canadian who spent ten years working in Rome, Cupo is best known for his roles in Hallmark Christmas films and is in the New York area for Christmas Con in New Jersey, where he is connecting with fans and celebrating the holiday film...

In this episode, we sit down with Anthony Castelvecchi to explore the Italian diaspora across the globe, with a particular focus on Latin and South America, where Italian immigration left a lasting mark on cultural identity. The conversation looks at how these migration waves influenced language, social customs, food, and community life, shaping identities far beyond Italy's borders. The discussio...

Picture this: you're navigating the lively streets of Rome, reflecting on the friendships, quirks, and unexpected encounters that have colored our travels and conversations over the years. From memorable moments abroad to the stories that marked our earliest episodes, we trace the path that brought us to our podcast's 10-year milestone and the approach of our 400th show. It's a whirlwind of anecdo...

Renowned creative visionary Jason Anello joins us for a lively, insightful exploration of the intersections between Italian American culture and modern business. We open with stories from the alcohol industry—where compliance issues ultimately forced a project to relocate from New Jersey to Delaware—and use those moments to delve into the art of carving out a niche and translating the American mar...

Join us as we explore the world of mosaic artistry and the Italian American experience with master craftsman Danilo Bonazza. Known for his extraordinary creations, Danilo traces his journey from Ravenna—the historic capital of mosaics—to his career in the United States. With humor and insight, he reflects on Italian culture and the contrasts between his northern heritage and the traditions of Sout...

Join us for a compelling conversation with Dr. Keith McNally—combat veteran, author, coach, and hiker—as we explore the intersections of culture, history, and mental health. We begin in South Jersey and Wilmington, Delaware, tracing the Italian influence in Ocean City and the socio-economic contrasts that shape life in the region. Along the way, we share personal stories of family roots at the sho...

Comedian Mike Marino, affectionately known as New Jersey's Bad Boy, brings his sharp wit and Italian American charm to our latest episode. Brandon Ficarra and I swap laughs over a hilarious mix-up with lost episodes and dive into the unpredictable world of podcasting. Mike shares candid insights on self-promotion, audience connection, and creative resilience—lessons that have shaped Brandon's come...

Join us for a captivating conversation celebrating the vibrant tapestry of Italian and Italian American heritage. Our guest, Judith Valente, award-winning author of The Italian Soul, reflects on the contemplative spirituality, cultural traditions, and communal bonds that define Italian life.  Guest host Marianna Gatto, Executive Director of the Italian American Museum of Los Angeles, offers her un...

From Ravenna to New York, the visionary entrepreneur reflects on innovation, identity, and the art of sustainable style. Visionary entrepreneur Federico Marchetti shares his remarkable journey from the quiet streets of Ravenna to the vibrant world of New York City. As we chat, he offers a vivid window into the Feast of All Feasts in Little Italy, drawing playful contrasts with his hometown celebra...