The Italian American Podcast

What if the rich flavors of Italian American culture could speak the stories of centuries? This episode promises a delicious exploration of Italian American heritage, as John and Pat take you on a captivating journey through the heart of Little Italy in New York City. From the humorous mishaps with Sicilian garduna to the challenges of sourcing authentic ingredients, we unravel the culinary tradit...

Join us as we journey through the vibrant world of Italian American feast traditions, focusing on the rich history and cultural significance of the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. This episode spotlights the oldest celebration of the feast in the United States, held in Hammonton, New Jersey. Louis Pantalone shares captivating stories about the Italian immigrant experience and how these traditio...

This week, we're thrilled to welcome our special guest, Anthony—affectionately known as The Young Nono—joining us all the way from Toronto, Canada. Anthony brings a wealth of knowledge on agriculture, offering insightful tips on growing basil and how to prevent it from flowering in order to preserve its robust flavor. Our conversation delves into the fascinating intersection of cultural traditions...

Join us for an engaging episode as we explore the vibrant essence of Italian American culture and the powerful world of adaptive sports. We begin our journey where Dolores and John reflect on Italian American heritage and the camaraderie that defines our community. With humor and warmth, we recount Dolores's wedding anniversary, where the fusion of Italian and Irish traditions came alive on the da...

Join us for an exciting exploration of Italian American heritage, culture, and cuisine as we chat with the vibrant Danny Mondello, better known as Mealsbycug. In this episode, Danny shares his remarkable journey from a casual social media creator to the proud owner of a new upcoming restaurant and café in Williamsburg "Casa Cugine". His story, filled with humor and colorful language, traces back t...

What if the story of Italian Americans in Los Angeles is not what you thought? Join us as we uncover the vibrant and often overlooked contributions of Italian immigrants beyond the spotlight of Hollywood, featuring insights from Cavalieri Marianna Gatto, co-founder and executive director of the Italian American Museum of Los Angeles. Discover the surprising ties between Italian Americans and iconi...

We are back for Part 2! What does it truly mean to be Italian in today's interconnected world? This question guides our exploration into the intricate world of Italian American cultural identity and education. We tackle the stereotypes that often misrepresent Italian Americans and reveal their essential role in promoting "Made in Italy" products. Our discussion highlights the Italian language's po...

Fabrizio DI Michele, the Consul General of Italy in New York, joins us for an inspiring conversation recorded at the lively Red Sauce Studio in Little Italy. The narrative unfolds as Fabrizio takes us on a journey from his Sicilian and Abruzzese roots to his diplomatic role amidst a global pandemic. With co-hosts John Viola, Patrick O'Boyle, and Dr. Marcella Martin, we uncover not just the persona...

*DISCLAIMER: We experienced problems with the audio on this Podcast. We apologize for how it sounds yet we wanted to deliver this beautiful story for an amazing film. We hope you enjoyed the discussion. Ever wondered how a $20 bill could symbolize a life changing moment or how the warmth of Italian family life contrasts with its perceived patriarchal structure? We're diving into all this and more...

Ever wondered how cultural heritage shapes your personal identity? Join us as we explore this intriguing question with Dr. Sirey, co-founder of the National Organization of Italian American Women. With Jon Viola and Dolores Alfieri Taranto at the helm, we take you to the heart of Little Italy to uncover the layers of Italian American identity. Our discussion dives into the shifting roles of Italia...

Join us for an engaging conversation with Gerard Maroney and Mike Crispi, two key figures in the revival of the Italian American Civil Rights League. These guests take us on a journey through their Italian roots, sharing stories that highlight the vibrant culinary traditions of Naples and Sicily. As we indulge in our shared love for tripe and discuss the unique preparation methods in Trapani, list...

Join us on a journey through the heart of Italian American culinary traditions with our guest Francesca from Franny Loves Food. We explore the origins of Francesca's social media presence, which began as a pandemic project on TikTok and has since expanded to other platforms. Discover how her childhood experiences with her mom and nonna inspired her to embrace Italian cooking as a way to pass down...

Reconnecting with one's roots is a profound journey that can unravel a tapestry of heritage and identity. We sat down with Jack Polidori, a commissioner from the Delaware Commission of Italian Heritage and Culture, to discuss the soul of Wilmington, Delaware, and uncovering stories of the Feast of St. Anthony, the unique Commissioner's Night, and the vibrant educational initiatives like the La Mia...

Join us for a captivating journey into the heart of Italian American culture, as we celebrate Jazz Heritage Month with Vanessa Racci, also known as the Jazzy Italian! We also savor the delightful nuances of Italian cuisine, discussing the art of crafting the perfect Italian sandwich and imagining the warmth of an Italian American morning radio show. It's a lively conversation filled with nostalgia...

What if you could seamlessly blend the timeless charm of doo-wop and rock and roll with the vibrant traditions of Italian-American culture? Our special guest, Charlie Romo, takes us on a thrilling ride through the heart of these cherished worlds. Celebrating his 29th birthday with us, Charlie shares his stories of signing, balancing work and family life, and the delightful chaos of teaching studen...

What if you could sit in the barber chair of history and hear firsthand tales from Frank Sinatra's intimate circle? Join us as we welcome the legendary Joseph Paris, Sinatra's very own barber, to share mesmerizing stories from his life and career. Our co-host, the talented Italian American singer Jenna Esposito, helps us navigate through an episode rich with charm, humor, and the colorful anecdote...

Imagine stepping into a quaint Italian village where you're the only English speaker, and every interaction is a delightful challenge. Today, we explore the vibrant tapestry of Italian American culture, identity, and the emotional odyssey of reclaiming one's roots through citizenship. This episode is a joyous celebration filled with laughter, personal anecdotes, and heartwarming stories of navigat...

We are back with part 2 to this wonderful episode. Join us as we journey through the sartorial evolution of Italian American fashion, tracing the transformation from the traditional elegance of "Bella Figura" to the casual, tech inspired wardrobes that have reshaped professional environments since the late 1990s. We reflect on the enduring formalities in certain professions and the decline of the...

Unlock the secrets of Italian American cultural identity as we gather in the vibrant heart of Little Italy at Red Sauce Studio. Join us for an exciting episode where the beloved kazoo makes a triumphant return, and we share a laugh over tales of Naples' infamous currency forgery. We're thrilled to welcome Dr. Marcella Martin, whose expertise on Italian and Italian American cultural representations...

Join us as we welcome John Didato, the brilliant Senior Creative Director at Sesame Workshop, who offers a vibrant glimpse into the world of educational television and the transformative power of Sesame Street. Broadcasting from the heart of Little Italy, we celebrate Italian American heritage and the community's indelible mark on the world of media. Through John's engaging experiences, we reflect...

What if every Italian American carried a hidden musical talent just waiting to be discovered? Join us as we entertain this notion with our special guest, Vittorio Di Carlo, dubbed the Graceful Tenor, who brings his charm and a dash of operatic brilliance to the conversation. Together, we humorously ponder our genetic proximity to the legendary Caruso, share tales of family karaoke escapades, and e...

Tony De Nonno, a filmmaker, historian, and community leader, shares his remarkable journey in preserving Italian American heritage and culture. He discusses his debut film "It's All in My Hands" and his acclaimed documentary "Heaven Touches Brooklyn in July," both of which highlight key moments and figures within the Italian American community. Through the lens of his work and passion, Tony emphas...

It was our Honor for Judge Frank Caprio to join us for an extraordinary conversation on his Italian American heritage and illustrious career. We start our journey on Mulberry Street, delving into the heartfelt tales of his family's immigration from Italy to the U.S. Judge Caprio offers poignant memories of growing up in Providence's Federal Hill neighborhood, highlighting the profound influence of...

The dynamic duo "Patty and Patty" have been a hit for years. Join us for a lively exploration of Italian American culture and heritage. Their creative journey from a one-act play to a global sensation provides a fascinating look at the power of storytelling and social media. With fans spanning from Tasmania to Moldova, Patty and Patty's work is a testament to the enduring bonds and rich histories...

Celebrated culinary innovators, Scott and Angie invite us into their world, where Italian American heritage meets modern creativity. Known for their acclaimed restaurant Don Angie and a popular cookbook, they now embark on a new venture, San Sabino. We uncover how childhood memories of favorite dishes like shrimp parm and Sunday pizza shaped their culinary passions, and explore how they honor belo...