How an Italian Chef Built His American Dream - EP. 16 Luigi Iannuario on Chai Tea with Nina D.
Release Date: 05/21/2025
Chai Tea with Nina D.
In this powerful episode of Chai Tea with Nina D., Alejandra Alfonso reveals how she went from growing up in one of Venezuela’s most influential families to surviving the country’s turmoil and starting over in Miami. Despite unimaginable obstacles, she rebuilt her life from scratch and went on to sell over $1.5 billion in Miami real estate with the Nicholas Group. From facing insecurity in Venezuela to achieving record-breaking sales in Miami, Alejandra shares how she turned fear into fuel for success. She reveals what it really takes to reinvent yourself after everything falls apart, and...
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In this revealing episode, licensed psychotherapist Genesis joins Nina to dig deep into the complex world of narcissistic personality disorder (NPD). We’re talking about more than just buzzwords. This is real talk on grandiosity, gaslighting, love bombing, and the subtle signs that often go unnoticed in romantic and family relationships. From the clinical criteria to everyday red flags, Genesis breaks down the difference between narcissistic traits and full-blown NPD, and offers insight into how trauma bonding works, why narcissists struggle with empathy, and how children of narcissistic...
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Jennifer Stano had the life everyone thought she wanted. She was married to a billionaire, traveling the world, running her own swimwear line. But behind the Instagram posts was a woman slowly losing herself and her health. In this powerful episode, she opens up about the shocking discovery that ended her marriage and the silent health crisis that nearly destroyed her. From being labeled a "gold digger" to building a million-dollar business from her biggest struggle, we unpack what it really takes to choose authenticity over security. Whether you're questioning your own path or feeling trapped...
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In this episode of Chai Tea with Nina D, Doug Davis opens up about what it means to heal the land and ourselves. From modern burnout to broken food systems, we unpack how regenerative farming could be the missing link in our health conversation. If you're tired of wellness that feels like a band-aid, this conversation offers a root-level reset. You’ll learn: Why burnout is often a symptom of disconnection How environment shapes your physical and emotional health What wellness culture is missing How to reconnect with what your body’s really asking for 🎧 New episodes every...
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What if wealth isn’t something you earn but something you align with? In this powerful solo episode of Chai Tea with Nina D., Nina dives deeper into the mindset shift that transformed her relationship with money, success, and fulfillment. Building on themes from Episode 8, she unpacks the energetic principles behind abundance and how tuning into the right frequency can change everything. Discover how your energy, not just your effort, shapes your reality. Nina shares real-life observations, lessons from entrepreneurs and thought leaders, and personal rituals that have helped her stay...
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In this empowering episode of Chai Tea with Nina D, Monica Dell Valle shares her inspiring journey of personal reinvention and resilience post-divorce. Monica and Nina dive deep into her experiences of opening the 'Break Free' studio in Miami, navigating a difficult yet revealing relationship with a much younger man, and finding strength through family, faith, and fitness. Monica speaks candidly about her Cuban-American heritage and the challenges of caring for her disabled brother. This episode is a testament to the power of embracing change and stepping into one's own power, providing...
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In this solo episode, Nina breaks down the study habits that actually worked: from rewiring your memory with active recall to using breathwork and movement to stay focused under pressure. Whether you're studying for finals, a big exam, or just want to retain more of what you read, this is your permission slip to stop doing it the hard way. In this episode, you’ll learn: The brain-based technique that replaced rereading How teaching what you learn boosts retention Why spaced repetition works (and how to use it) How to set up your space to actually focus Tools for anxiety,...
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From sleeping in a kitchen in Milan to running one in Miami, this is the story of a chef who built his dream from the ground up. In this episode, Chef Luigi shares his journey from humble beginnings to opening a restaurant in a new country. He opens up about burnout, sacrifice, and staying true to his roots in an industry obsessed with speed and hype. Whether you're a foodie, entrepreneur, or someone chasing a dream, his story will remind you why grit matters more than glamour. In this episode, you’ll learn: What it takes to build a business from nothing Why staying passionate is harder...
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In this solo episode, Nina shares her favorite wellness rituals and tools for feeling grounded, clear, and energized. From sesame oil and saffron tea to red noise and nervous system resets, these are the products and practices she returns to, without perfection, and without the overwhelm. Whether you're burned out or just curious what’s actually worth trying, this episode is a real-world guide to modern wellness that puts results over rigidity. In this episode, you’ll learn: Nina’s go-to products for better sleep and digestion The breathwork that changed her anxiety Natural tools...
info_outlineFrom sleeping in a kitchen in Milan to running one in Miami, this is the story of a chef who built his dream from the ground up.
In this episode, Chef Luigi shares his journey from humble beginnings to opening a restaurant in a new country. He opens up about burnout, sacrifice, and staying true to his roots in an industry obsessed with speed and hype. Whether you're a foodie, entrepreneur, or someone chasing a dream, his story will remind you why grit matters more than glamour.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
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What it takes to build a business from nothing
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Why staying passionate is harder than it looks
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The culture clash between Italian food and American trends
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How burnout nearly broke him, and what brought him back
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Why honoring your craft is the ultimate success
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