Italian American Stories Podcast

Today, we dive into one of the most dramatic cases in Italian American history—the story of Maria Barbella , the first woman in America sentenced to die in the electric chair. Maria's story is one of love, betrayal, and justice in 1890s New York. After being deceived by Domenico Cataldo, a man who promised her marriage but instead brought her shame and heartbreak, Maria took matters into her o...

Happy Valentine’s Day! In this special episode, we’re bringing you a collection of historical love stories—some sweet, some dramatic, and some downright scandalous! First, we take you back to 1879 with a  New York Herald  article about Edward Zola and Adeline Ochetti, a real-life Romeo and Juliet who fled Italy for love—only for their romance to take a shocking turn in an American courtroom. Then,...

In this special episode, we welcome the entire band  Amici ! While we previously spoke with lead member Stephen Pishner, this time, the whole group joins us to share their journey. We dive into how they came together, their experience performing at the 2024 Columbus Day Parade, and their future plans. Plus, each band member shares a personal Italian American story, making this an episode filled wi...

In this episode, we dive into the extraordinary life of Joseph Bona, a prominent Italian American mortician in Denver, Colorado. From his humble beginnings in Chicago to becoming the trusted undertaker for Buffalo Bill Cody, Joseph’s story is one of ambition, dedication, and a touch of humor. Discover his journey to Colorado, his rise in the funeral industry, and his colorful life filled with lavi...

In this episode, we uncover the story of Julius Cesar Carrera, or JC—a brilliant and largely overlooked figure in American history. An educator, mineralogist, professor, and pioneer in the mining industry of the western United States, JC also founded a college and gained worldwide recognition for his expertise. Join us as we bring his incredible accomplishments and contributions to light, explorin...

It’s time for another installment of  Tales from the Archives ! In this mini-episode, we dive into quirky and unexpected stories from old articles about Italian Americans. Hear about a man chased up a tree by a bull, two women furious over an unpainted kitchen, a heroic dog saving a family from danger, and a mysterious gunshot wound. These snapshots from history are too short for full episodes but...

In this deeply personal episode, we share a story brought to us by Chris Massari, a follower on Instagram, about the tragic murder of his great-aunt Augustina Massari. Witnessed by her younger brother, Mario—Chris’s grandfather—the event left a lasting mark on the family. We explore the details of the murder, the trial, and how this tragedy has rippled through generations, shaping the lives of Chr...

Step back in time to 1930s North Denver’s Little Italy, where a shocking murder tested a family's strength. In this episode, we unravel the tragic story of Theresa Spanarella, who was killed by her jealous brother-in-law, Alex. The dramatic trial that followed revealed deep family conflicts, but despite the gravity of his crime, Alex served only a short sentence. Join us as we explore the impact o...

We've been on a break for the holidays, but thought we would re-release our first Christmas Special Episode! Merry Christmas, Everyone! Dive into the warmth of the season with our Christmas Special episode of Italian American Stories, where we unwrap the past through nostalgic newspaper articles. In this episode, we bring you the story of a woman reliving a cherished childhood memory where she tre...

In honor of Veterans Day, I’m joined by my husband Jared, a Marine veteran, as we pay tribute to Italian American hero Neil Iovino. Together, we explore Neil’s story, his bravery, and his remarkable service. Join us for this heartfelt episode as we recognize the courage and sacrifices of our veterans, reflecting on what their legacies mean to us and the Italian American community.

Get ready for a spooky, fun-filled Halloween special! In this episode, we dive into lighthearted stories of Italian Americans celebrating Halloween, from mischievous pranks to a woman balancing a pail of beer on her head, and even a mysterious creature lurking in a tree. Plus, Mom shares her favorite Halloween costume, and we reminisce about Halloween memories from my childhood. Join us for laught...

In this episode, we explore the tragic and mysterious story of 5-year-old Sammy Sabell from Denver’s Little Italy. In 1928, the close-knit Italian community came together to search for Sammy after he vanished. Despite their efforts, his body was discovered five days later, raising more questions than answers. Strange tips and events surrounding the case continue to baffle, making this story a haun...

In this special "Paesani Tales" segment, we share the life story of Crescenzo Vigliotta, as told by his great-grandson, Alexander. Crescenzo was a devoted family man who worked tirelessly to support his loved ones. Known for his generosity, especially to the church, Crescenzo left a legacy of hard work, love, and faith. Join us as we celebrate the life of this remarkable Italian American and the v...

In this episode, we chat with Danielle Fusco, a talented Italian American artist. Danielle shares how her deep connection to both creative expression and spirituality has shaped her journey. From her unique healing practices to her Italian heritage, we explore how her background influences her work. Listen as Danielle inspires us with her insights into the intersection of art, empowerment, and inn...

In this episode, we sit down with Anna Harsh, the founder and artistic director of Allegro Dance Company. As a professional dancer, award-winning choreographer, and author, Anna shares her passion for preserving traditional Italian dances. We explore her journey as an Italian American artist, her research trips to Italy, and how she uses dance to celebrate her heritage. Don't miss this inspiring c...

In this episode, we sit down with Stephen Pishner, a proud Italian American with a deep passion for uncovering his family’s history. Stephen shares stories from his extensive research, which he’s turning into a book, and gives us a glimpse into the incredible journey of tracing his roots. But that’s not all—Stephen is also the frontman of the band Amici, and they’ll be performing on the red carpet...

In this episode of  The Italian American Stories Podcast , we explore the fascinating life of Ann Corio, an iconic burlesque performer who became a star during the 1930s and 1940s. Known for her talent and charisma on stage, Ann’s career in burlesque made her a household name. But beyond her performances, she remained deeply rooted in her Italian American heritage, always putting family first. We...

In this episode of the Italian American Stories Podcast, I sit down with Margaret Fontana, a dynamic leader who runs her own media company, hosts a podcast, and serves as the executive director of the New Jersey Italian Heritage Commission. Margaret shares her insights on the importance of preserving Italian American culture, and we dive into a heartfelt conversation about family traditions, herit...

In this episode of the Italian American Stories Podcast, we bring you our very first video interview with none other than Danny Rossi, famously known as "The Hot Dog King." Danny, a Vietnam veteran and proud Italian American, shares his incredible journey from the battlefields of Vietnam to the streets of New York City, where he fought to keep his iconic hot dog business alive. Join us as Danny ta...

In this episode of the Italian American Stories Podcast, we explore the lives of Guido and Margaret Rossi, a remarkable couple who built an 800-acre cattle ranch in Oak Creek, Colorado. Guido, known for his quiet demeanor and sharp wit, and Margaret, a dedicated nurse and active community member, created a life filled with love, resilience, and a deep connection to their land. Together, they raise...

In this special episode of the Italian American Stories Podcast, join us as we delve into the remarkable life of Amore Raso, an Italian immigrant who became a pioneering figure in Grand Junction, Colorado. His investment in the community's infrastructure paved the way for its growth and prosperity. Discover how Amore Raso not only built a foundation for his own success but also extended a help...

Join us for our second "Tales from the Archives" episode! This special segment of the podcast will cover stories and articles that are too small for a full episode but still deserve to be told!

Welcome to the concluding episode of our gripping series on The Italian American Stories Podcast , where we recount the harrowing tales of the victims of the Axeman of New Orleans. In this third and final episode, we delve deeper into the lives of the Italian American grocery store owners who were brutally murdered in the dead of night. This episode uncovers unexpected twists and provides new insi...

Welcome back to  The Italian American Stories Podcast  for the second episode in our riveting series on the victims of the Axeman of New Orleans. In this episode, we continue to uncover the chilling stories of Italian American grocery store owners who were brutally murdered in the dead of night. The community remains gripped by fear, as the police and citizens struggle to determine whether these h...

In this episode, we begin our journey by exploring the stories of Italian American grocery store owners who were brutally murdered in the dead of night. These tragic events have left the community in shock and fear, with police and citizens alike unsure whether the infamous Black Hand is responsible or if a single crazed individual is behind the terror. Join us as we uncover the mysteries and unce...