Talking Business and Life (formerly Italian Impact Podcast)

This week I had the privilege of interviewing Stephen Riggio.  Stephen is the former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Barnes & Noble (2002-2012).  For over forty years he was a key leader transforming the single flagship New York location into a national retailer that expanded into e-commerce and book publishing.  He has served on the boards of the National Book Foundation, the National Down S...

In this episode, I had the chance to interview one of the greats in Italian-American radio:  Mr. Tony Marotta!  Tony and I had a great conversation on everything from family to Italian music.   Tony has been on the radio for decades, operating out of Cleveland.  Tony knows what it takes to last in radio and having started at a young age, he is truly one of the best with a lifetime of knowledge and...

This week I am joined by Chris Vaccaro.  Chris is a journalist, an author of 10 books, a professor, a two-time Emmy Award winner and nine-time Edward R. Murrow Award winner.  In this episode, we discuss the importance of Italian culture and how Chris rediscovered his roots and made it a priority to instill those Italian values he learned growing up into his children.  We also discuss how The Itali...

This week's guest is David Sciamanna.  David is on the Board of Directors for the Historic Letterkenny Chapel and Franklin County Veterans and 9/11 Memorial Park Foundation. ( https://www.veterantrailpa.org/ )  David and I discuss the story of the Letterkenny chapel in Chambersburg, PA.  Built by Italian POW's during the second world war, it stands an important reminder for the importance of hope....

This week we interview the very talented, Danielle Pastin, both an accomplished opera singer and business owner.  We talk to Danielle about how her Italian roots and upbringing shaped her career choice.  Coming from a military and musical family that was very close, Danielle developed her passion for music and love for family.   As her bio notes, "With her “lovely demeanor and irresistible creamy...

This week I interview Ray Guarini, Director of the Italian Enclaves Historical Society.  Ray and I had a wonderful discussion about how the old neighborhoods had a lasting impact on future generations, without even realizing it at the time.  However, as the older generations have passed on, it is imperative the younger generations maintain and even start new traditions which celebrate Italian cult...

Finally!  We have Philly Rich as our guest.  A great guy with a sincere passion for the Italian culture and frankly, all things Italian. Join us this week for a very lively and passionate discussion about Italian culture, and even a little talk on 'Philly'.

This week in keeping with our theme of supporting small businesses, we interview Mike and Jenny Modugno, the owners of The Bridgeside Market.  These two have a love for the Italian culture and it shows in how they operate their business and treat customers.  Filled with family traditions, they are the epitome of Italian culture.

This week we had the opportunity to speak with Sean Stellato.  Sean is a sports agent, motivational speaker, and author.  It turns out, he is also a passionate family man and very proud of his Italian roots.  Sean gives us a lot of insight into what makes him a very successful pro-athlete turned agent.  Sean is also the author of 4th and Long The Odds: My Journey and No Backing Down, two books whi...

In this week's episode, we interview several small business owners.  If you are in the Pittsburgh area, we encourage you to check them out: 1. Sam Tanner head of marketing the Juicery - check them out here at:  https://www.juiceryatoakmont.com/ 2. Cassandra Ross owner of Wild Rosemary -  https://www.instagram.com/wildrosemary_herbal/?img_index=1 3. Dr. Max Thomas & Dr. Mourad Jalloul of Maximu...

In this week's episode, we interview Tom Ficara.  Tom is very proud of his Italian roots and has had a successful career in the entertainment business since the early 1970's.  He has owned and operated the TVS Television Network, the fourth-oldest commercial broadcast network in the USA, since 1990. He also owns and has operated the RKO Unique Record Company since 1995.  In this episode Tom will s...

This week we interview the great Italian-American author, Dr. Stephanie Longo.  Stephanie shares her passion for the Italian culture and what inspired her to write several books.  We also learn of the rich traditions of Italians in Northeastern Pennsylvania.  Her books include:  Italians of Northeastern Pennsylvania (2004), Italians of Lackawanna County (2018) and Dunmore (2012).  This is a fun an...

This week we interview Dr. Alan Perry a professor of Italian Studies at Gettysburg College.  This interview provides a fascinating look into why we continue to celebrate our Italian heritage.  We also discuss various facets regarding the Italian Prisoners of War who were kept here in the US.  This is a very insightful and enjoyable interview that you will definitely want to share.

In this weeks episode we discuss the upcoming documentary - Fedeltà.  A very inspiring look at the experience of Italian Prisoners of War who came to America as "prisoners" but left as soldiers!  It has an expected release date of early July 2024: Catch the trailer and feel free to support this wonderful documentary: https://www.gofundme.com/f/documentary-on-letterkenny-italian-service-unit?copy-l...

This week we interview Pat Pecora.  With strong roots garnered through his Italian family traditions, Pat takes this approach to his players.  As a result, he has been very successful.  In fact, he is nine halls of fame:  Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame-East Boro Chapter (1994), Cambria County Sports (1998) West Liberty State (W.Va.) College Halls of Fame (1998), Pennsylvania Wrestling Coaches Ha...

This week we interview Bruce Wawrzyniak.  Bruce is the host and creator of Catholic Sports Radio.  He was born and baptized Catholic, has spent the majority of his professional career working in sports, and is a veteran broadcaster and podcaster. In fact, Bruce worked for ten seasons for a National Hockey League team doing public relations, the last six of which he served concurrently as the Direc...

In this week's episode, we interview Jack Teitz, the President of the Western Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame.  Jack is a former Big-10 referee with a lot of interesting stories, as well as being the President, Jack provides a lot of entertainment in this episode.  As was mentioned in the show, if you are interested in learning more about the upcoming awards dinner, visit the websi...

This week we interview Anna Harsh.  Anna is an expert on traditional Italian folk dances, among other dance styles.   As she states, "I am a dancer, writer and a creative soul."   In this interview we talk about how she travels throughout Italy to learn various dance styles and then shares this knowledge through classes, her books, and instruction.  This is a wonderful interview and you will be ve...

AJ is back with his latest song, "Lucky Loser".  One we think is heading to the charts...check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOrO8ac1ZisAnd,  And, as usual, this is a wonderful interview with a true up and coming star who is passionate about both his faith and his Italian culture.  Enjoy the interview, then go enjoy the song!

John took over Quaker Valley basketball in 1987.  However, he was more than just a coach.  He was a mentor and leader with a real goal of making better people, not just better basketball players.  John shares his winning strategy and some great insight into how to lead.  He shares memorable experiences about his Italian heritage as well as his coaching career.  John is a winner in every sense.

Coach DiDonato is the head football coach for Grove City College.  He is very passionate about Italian culture, his faith, and his family.  He is also a very powerful motivational speaker.  In this interview, Andrew gives the listeners a real perspective on how to stay grounded regardless of the circumstances.  Andrew is a true winner, not just on the field, but in life!

In this episode, we review our 1 year anniversary and make a special announcement for our loyal radio listeners...

Nick Redondo is the owner of Friendship Perk and Brew.  A local Pittsburgh guy and veteran, Nick is bringing back the small business/community appeal via his family-friendly business.   This is a great interview which can hopefully inspire others to start thinking in a new light about the kind of businesses we want to see more of.  For more information, check out Nick's site:  https://perkandbrew....

In this week's episode, Steve and Claudio interview Pat Mendicino.  Pat is the owner of Mendicino Foods located in the heart of Pittsburgh, PA.  This interview presents a lot of fun topics but really, what is your favorite style sauce?  We know you're going to enjoy this week's episode!

John Perrotto is a journalist who has written for The Beaver County Times, the Baseball Prospectus, DKPittsburghsports.com, and the Basketball Prospectus. He is a member of the Baseball Writers' Association of America and a voter in the Baseball Hall of Fame election.  Karen Ionta is the school president for Kennedy Catholic Schools.  In this interview, Karen provides wonderful insight into the po...