La Befana's Table with Dina & Friends

Francesco and Maria met in Rome in 2023—not by swiping right, not through a mutual friend, but by singing together in a traditional songs workshop before they even exchanged names. In this conversation, we explore their journey from theatre to how they came together to form Nìula—a duo that offers modern reinterpretations of the traditional oral music of Southern Italy and the wider Mediterranean...

On this episode of La Befana’s Table , I welcome Chiara Durazzini — Florentine native, actor, director, educator, founder of Boston’s Pazzi Lazzi Troupe , and the beloved (and slightly mischievous) Befana di Boston . In celebration of Commedia dell’Arte Day (February 25th) , Chiara brings us into the vibrant, irreverent, deeply human world of Commedia — a 16th-century Italian theatrical form that...

I n honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day , Dina sits down with Dr. Derrick León Washington —cultural anthropologist, curator, dancer, and human-rights advocate—to explore how Dr. King’s dream for humanity can be felt on the dance floor. Dr. Washington is the curator of Urban Stomp: Dreams & Defiance on the Dance Floor at the Museum of the City of New York, a groundbreaking exhibition tracing more t...

This week at La Befana’s Table, Dina is joined by Mario the Maker Magician —a world-touring performer celebrated for his one-of-a-kind family theater show bursting with handmade robotics, art, invention, and a big dose of hilarity . Mario has appeared on The Tonight Show , Sesame Street , and recently returned from a sold-out run at the Sydney Opera House . This month, his show lights up New York...

This week at La Befana’s Table, we’re joined by the brilliant Steve Cerulli —PhD student at Fordham University and Italian American diaspora specialist, and myth-buster extraordinaire. In honor of Italian American Heritage Month, Steve takes us on a whirlwind tour through the history of Italian migration to the Americas, from the earliest explorers to the waves of Southern Italians in the late 19t...

Yesterday we celebrated Valentine’s Day and love in all of its beautiful manifestations whether it's romantic, platonic, or the love we hold for ourselves and the world around us. However you spent Valentines day, we have a special treat for you. An Enchanting Conversation with Mariana Barcellos In this conversation, we are honored to be joined by Mariana Barcellos, a luminous presence in the worl...

After a period of reflection and rest, we are excited to bring you another soul-nourishing conversation, this time with the incredible Chef JJ @chefjjskitchen Love for cooking Chef JJ's culinary journey began as therapy for his mind. In the kitchen he found solace in chopping away his worries. His open-mindedness led him to embrace new recipes and unfamiliar ingredients, seeing them as gateways to...

Greetings from La Befana’s Table! In today’s episode I’m joined by Mattie Clark, a luminary in the realms of Family Constellations and Convergence, who guides souls toward their true essence. Mattie takes us on a heartfelt exploration of the concept of "courting convergence," where the integration of our parts leads to surrender and allowing the life force to work its magic, in bringing all aspect...

Welcome to another episode of La Befana’s Table! Today, I have our good friend here Rebecca GinaMarie with me. In this episode, we dive into the concept of "border stalking" and its significance in promoting empathy, communication, and reconciliation in a divided world. We also discuss the idea of convergence, inclusivity, and the value of beauty and creativity in our lives. The Great Convergence...

Welcome back to another episode of La Befana’s Table! I'm thrilled to have you join us today for a conversation that's going to take us on a unique and transformative journey. If you remember, we had the pleasure of having Jen Violi sit down at La Befana’s Table back in Episode 15. Jen Violi is a remarkable writer, mentor, and facilitator of elemental writing courses. She's the author of the capti...

Welcome to another enchanting episode of La Befana’s Table! It's always fascinating to learn from people like Melissa Laurita Kohl, who brings such a unique blend of traditions, practices, and magic into their lives. Join us as we sit down with the delightful Melissa, whose journey from the bustling streets of New York City to the serene landscapes of Vermont reveals the transformative power of na...

Have you ever wondered about the role of art in connecting diverse communities and cultures? Today, I had the distinct honor of engaging in a heartfelt conversation with Tijay Mohammed here in the enchanting ambiance of La Befana's Table. Tijay is a Bronx-based Ghanaian-born artist who creates site-specific installations, collages, and paintings that explore the heart of his community and the esse...

Welcome back to another episode of La Befana’s Table! Today, I have an extraordinary conversation to share with you with the talented artist, Victoria Haf. Born in 1988, Victoria hails from Mexico City. Her journey took a fascinating turn when she married and became a mother in Calabria, Southern Italy. Today, she resides in the quaint town of Motta Filocastro, where she is learning from the old t...

Welcome to La Befana's Table! In this captivating episode, we dive deep into the world of dance and life with the incredibly talented Franck Muhel, whose worldview revolves around the idea that Life Is Now. Franck's life motto, "Life is Now," became a powerful message he wanted to spread through his gift of dance. He believes that dancing is not just a form of self-expression but also a means of s...

In this episode of La Befana’s Table, we are joined by Irma Cadiz "The Coquito Lady", a remarkable woman with a passion for her cultural heritage and spreading joy through her business. Irma shares her journey of discovering and embracing her Puerto Rican roots, and how it led her to become The Coquito Lady. Through her story, we explore the power of food and drinks in connecting with our heritage...

In this episode of "La Befana’s Table”, I am joined by Elisa Spring, a mother of wild and free-range children, an apprentice to eros and grief, who believes in the power of truth-telling to foster intimacy. Join me as we delve into a deep and transformative conversation with Elisa, exploring the journey of embracing one's true self and the significance of becoming the elder we longed for. Elisa's...

In today’s episode of La Befana’s Table, Dina is joined by Anna Harsh, a dancer, author, podcaster, and speaker. Anna is the author of the book "La Danza: Conflict, Passion, and Healing." In this episode, we delve into Anna's journey as a dancer and her quest to preserve and showcase traditional Italian folk dances. From researching archives and interviewing experts to forming a dance company and...

Welcome back to another captivating episode of La Befana's Table! Today, we have a truly remarkable guest to introduce you to. Joining us is the multi-talented Dr. John Satchmo Mannan, also known as Dr. Mujib Mannan. Dr. Mannan is a retired Professor of the American Experience Law, Literature and History at the College of New Rochelle, University of the Virgin Islands and other university venues f...

Welcome to another enchanting episode of La Befana's Table! Dina is joined once again by the esteemed Dr. Gina Miele, professor of Italian and former director of the Coccia Institute for the Italian Experience in America. Dr. Miele specializes in nineteenth and twentieth-century Italian folktales, with a particular focus on the works of Luigi Capuana and Italo Calvino. Her current projects include...

Welcome to another episode of La Befana’s Table! Today, we have a truly remarkable guest joining us, Daniel Cascardo. Daniel is a Detroit-based visual artist. His work has been described as a vibrant playground for the senses. Through his art, Daniel transports us to a realm where cultures converge and imagination takes flight. In this episode, we delve into Daniel's story and discover the transfo...

Today Eduardo Montes Bradley joins me at La Befana’s Table for a conversation exploring Italian American sculptors & their impact on public art & the American identity as well as the stories that help us see the world and our place in it through a larger lens. Eduardo Montes Bradley is an award-winning filmmaker renowned for his extraordinary biographical portraits of artists, social activists, an...

Welcome back to another episode of La Befana’s Table.  From the many messages I received this week, it seems like you guys are enjoying some of these more intimate conversations between you and me. So I thought I'd have another one with you today.  In today’s episode, we will explore the transformative power of creativity and the importance of bringing your gifts to the table.  We delve into the p...

Welcome back to another episode of La Befana’s Table.  In today’s episode, I invite you to bring your grief to the table. Why? Cause it’s a normal part of being human. We all experience it when we suffer a loss. It can be experienced after the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, the loss of a job, or any other major life transition.  In this podcast episode, we’ll briefly discuss the...

Welcome back to another episode of La Befana’s Table.  In honor of Jazz Appreciation Month and Jazz Appreciation Day which is coming up on April 30, I'm sharing a conversation with you with our Jazzy Italian, Vanessa Racci. Vanessa Racci is a singer, producer and voice teacher with over 25 years of professional performance experience.  She offers a range of shows that span jazz, theatre and Italia...

So I just turned 42 and it got me contemplating the gift of not only human existence but the gift of human embodiment, and the gift that comes with the realization that I’m just one story among many in a cosmic legendary myth. I hope you find this episode Soul nourishing. Key points of the discussion: 1:52 The miracle of human existence and the beauty of becoming human 3:32 What I think is our pur...