Talking Business and Life (formerly Italian Impact Podcast)

This week, I interview the great musician Stephen 'Stefano' Pishner of the band AMICI.  Stephen has been doing this for a long time, beginning his exciting musical voyage of artistic discovery at the early age of 9 years old.  Having played to a million listeners, you will definitely appreciate the passion and talent he brings to his work.  To follow AMICI or hear their music, check them out here:...

This week I have the great pleasure of interviewing Bill Sunseri, owner of the Pennsylvania Macaroni Co. here in the Strip District of Pittsburgh. Penn Mac, as it is known, has a nearly 120 year history here.  In this episode we talk about how losing traditional Italian businesses takes away from the community.  Definitely worth a listen and if you are in the area. stop by and tell Bill I said hel...

This week I interview Domenico Mariani.  This is exactly why I do the show!!!  Domenico's story about his family from the war is incredible.  Never mind the fact that Domenico spent 30 years in law enforcement and has his own incredible memories.  There are just some incredible, incredible stories from his history in this episode...please tune in and use this as a reason to go ask YOUR family memb...

This week I have 2 segments with 2 very different, but fantastic, guests.  How lucky can I get!  First, I interview the great Sam Bozzolla.  Sam is the grandson of the famous Italian actor Ezio Pinza.  In this segment we talk Sam's famous roots to the proper way to begin enjoying opera!  This was such a great interview, I will have Sam back soon.  Also, if you want to reach out to Sam directly, fe...

This week, I interview the great Robert Campana!  Robert is the founder of Stop Italian Sounding ® (SIS).  He tells the story of Italian food and beverage products on social media platforms by creating awareness on the differences between real and Italian sounding food & beverage products.  We talk everything from how to pronounce food names to the importance of Italian history.  This is a won...

Erica D’Arcangelo is a storyteller, author, and content creator with a passion for weaving narratives that reflect her Italian heritage and cultural roots.  In August 2024, Erica published her debut book, A Story About Pizza, a historical fiction novel that delves into the life of her grandfather, an Italian immigrant and coal miner with dreams of opening a pizzeria. This book is just the beginnin...

Warhola...Warhola...why does that ring a bell?  Well, tune in to find out as I interview the great Jay Warhola who founded Warhola Video Productions, Inc. in 2001.   Spoiler alert:  Jay is also a cousin of Andy Warhol and we have some great conversation about a lot of topics!  This is a don't miss episode.  For more information on Jay Warhola, check out his site at:   https://warholaproductions.co...

Francesco and Chrissy Pircio are a husband-and-wife duo that are passionate about their Italian culture and heritages, striving to create ways to help others who share the same passion.  In this interview we talk Italian citizenship, Italian language, and their thoughts on what it means to be Italian.  They have two projects to help others who are in need of everything from translation to better i...

This week I interview the great actor/filmmaker Joe Puglisi.  His interest in acting began in earnest in 2012 and he has since appeared in both commercials and films. In 2017 he formed Little Italy Productions, LLC with his business partner and they wrote, acted in and produced their first film entitled "That's Amore" which was released in 2020.  You can view it on Amazon Prime: https://www.amazon...

Happy New Year!  And what a great way to start with an incredible guest, Margaret Fontana!  Margaret is a first generation Italian and a highly accomplished media executive renowned for her extensive expertise spanning various industries, including nonprofit, healthcare, film, media, television, technology, and digital-driven broadcast.  She is also the Founder of another popular online community...

Who said Italian American youths weren't interested in social organizations?  In fact, this week I am joined by Andrew Speicher who helped start a new Italian-American organization called La Prossima.  This is a group dedicated to rejuvenating the Italian culture here in American, specifically in Columbus Ohio, among younger folks.  This is a great episode but really important if you are a member...

This week's guest is the very talented Vinny Fasline.  Vinny is a quasi-Pittsburgh guy.  He has been seen touring with comedians Dane Cook, Nick Swardson, Michael Rappaport, Drew Lynch and Jamie Kennedy.  He Has performed at the New York Comedy Festival, Cabo Comedy Festival, Just For Laughs tour, and seen on ABC Fablife and CBS.  He is has recently acted in a show called Outta Pocket, a TV Pilot...

This week I interview the online sensation Elijah Santoro.  Elijah is a very popular social media personality who is also moving up fast in the entertainment industry.  Elijah and I talk the importance of following your dreams, staying faithful to your beliefs, and just being a good person because it will come back to you.  You're definitely going to like this one.  To follow Elijah, check out one...

This week's guest is the great Toni Colella!  Toni is the author of "Now We’re Talking … The Story of Theodore W. Case and Sound-on-Film”.  A wonderful and fascinating story about Ted Case and his impact on the movie industry as we know it today.  Of course, Toni and I also talk a few things about Italian tradition.  To get your copy of this fascinating book, you can order it here from Amazon:  ht...

The never dull Jimmy Denova is my guest this week and him and I have an absolute great time talking everything from Italian families to parking tickets!  Jimmy is a very interesting personality from Pittsburgh who worked for years managing various foundations.  This is an absolutely entertaining episode with some incredibly entertaining and enlightening moments.

Award winning author Karen Haid is back!  In this week's episode we talk about Karen's books, Calabria: The Other Italy and Basilicata: Authentic Italy, as well as her incredible knowledge of Italian culture.  Karen is well traveled and her passion for southern Italy is unmistakable.  This is a fantastic episode for anyone interested in understanding how exciting and wonderful the road less travel...

This week I interview Pittsburgh's own, Michael Muto!  Michael and I reflect on a topic near and dear to our hearts, Pittsburgh's Little Italy.  Why do we still cal it that?  Hmmm... Lots to unpack in this episode!  Then we switch gears and talk cyber.  Michael is an expert in cybersecurity and we talk about something that impacts every one of us!  Tune in, sit back, and enjoy the show!

This week's guest is Italian director, actor, filmmaker, and teacher, Luca Guardabascio.  An award winning talent, Luca discusses his work and the passion he puts into all aspects of the film process.  He has traveled the world showing his films which often focus on very difficult social issues but always leave us with a glimmer of hope.  This is a wonderful conversation and I was honored to spend...

This week I interviewed the great Gino Pesi!  Gino is an actor/director/producer but currently works as the Film Commissioner, Executive Director, at the Pennsylvania Film Office.  Gino is working tirelessly to support the film industry here in Pennsylvania and in this interview, we talk about a lot of benefits which are available for anyone interested in doing a film project here in the state.  I...

This week I interview a very talented up and coming member of the entertainment industry - and his last name should ring a bell - Vincent Ruggieri!  We talk everything from making films to a more serious topic of mental health.  Proud of his Italian heritage, Vinny is a great guy who has been through a lot and shows just how we can overcome any obstacle that's thrown in front of us and be successf...

This week we flip the script a little.  Payton Hostetler, the editor and one of the cameramen on the set of Fedeltà Soldati. Prigionieri, is in the studio to interview me at the same time I am interviewing him!  It's a great time and we get to finally sit down and ask each other some good questions on the overall experience.  So tune in, because this one is a little different for sure.  To learn a...

This week I interview the great voice over actor, Tony Ruggieri.  Tony is coming off of his most recent production as the narrator for the international documentary, Fedeltà Soldati. Prigionieri.  In this episode, Tony and I talk all things Italian as well as Tony's career and desire to continue his dream of acting.  To follow Tony, you can find him here: https://www.facebook.com/tony.ruggieri.121...

This week I interview Paolo Saltarello.  We have a spirited conversation about everything from immigration to celebrating Columbus day.  He hosts the Carosello Italiano Podcast with Paolo which offers a variety of Italian American melodies and classic American songs in Italian along with sharing information on Italian culture, including historical stories of Italian American pioneers to present da...

This week I interview the great Anthony Giacchino!  Anthony is an Oscar® & Emmy® award winning filmmaker living in Brooklyn, NY.  His film, COLETTE, won Best Documentary Short Subject at the 2021 Academy Awards.  We have a wonderful discussion on why and how Italian-American film makers can reshape America's perception of the Italian community.  He is also in work on a fascinating podcast deta...

This week's guest is the great Joe Ingrassia! Joe is an Executive Board Member at the Columbus Piave Club, where he plays a vital role in welcoming new members and organizing memorable events. An avid foodie, Joe has a passion for culinary adventures, always on the lookout for new flavors and experiences. He's also a cocktail connoisseur, skilled in crafting both classic and innovative drinks. In...