IAP 362: Amazing where a Comb Can Take You (Remembering Frank Sinatra)
Release Date: 03/28/2025
IAP 380 Pastene the Italian-American Spirit with Mark Tosi
The Italian American Podcast
From the bustling streets of New York City’s Little Italy, we journey into the heart of Italian American culture—spotlighting Boston’s unparalleled feast traditions. Special guest Mark Tosi, president and owner of the iconic Pastene brand, joins us to share the company’s enduring legacy and deep ties to communities across North America. Together, we celebrate the vibrant spirit of Boston’s feasts while reflecting on the decline of similar traditions elsewhere. We explore surprising trends in the Italian-American food industry, from the pandemic-era revival of beloved staples...
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IAP 379 Cherrye Moore on Art, Family, and Life: An American Mom in Southern Italy
The Italian American Podcast
Join us for a vibrant and heartfelt conversation with Cherrye Moore—writer, art lover, and the self-proclaimed “Queen of the Cilento.” In this lively episode, we dive into family dynamics, the joys and trials of parenting teenagers, and the cultural adjustments that come with raising a child in Southern Italy. As a docent at the Met, Cherrye brings her passion for art into the mix, offering captivating insights into the unicorn tapestries and the enduring beauty of Calabria. We explore her pioneering role in the early 2000s blogging community, her journey from Disneyland Paris to...
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IAP 378 Discover the Hidden World of Bocce: Where Heritage Meets Heart
The Italian American Podcast
Step into the world of bocce, a timeless Italian game where cultural tradition and competitive spirit come together—and discover how this beloved pastime has become a cornerstone of Italian American communities across the United States. Join us as we discuss the fascinating story of the game with the Bocce Bros and explore the personal histories and family roots that have nurtured a deep love for the sport. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a curious newcomer, you’ll gain fresh insight into bocce’s strategic appeal and its unique power to bring people together across generations and...
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IAP 377: Translating Identity: Steve Riggio on Sicily, Storytelling, & Il Beati Paoli
The Italian American Podcast
Join us as we welcome the esteemed Steve Riggio, former CEO of Barnes & Noble, whose journey into Italian literature unfolds in our latest episode, recorded in the heart of Little Italy at Red Sauce Studio. Drawing on his deep Sicilian roots, Steve shares his passion for translating Italian classics, offering a rare window into the overlooked narratives of Sicilian folklore and history. We delve into how translating I Beati Paoli became a deeply personal and healing endeavor, reconnecting Steve with his family’s story and cultural heritage. Our conversation weaves through...
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IAP 376: Fostering International Connections Through Tradition and Innovation with Dawn Marie Hays
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 traditions that have shaped our families and continue to influence our kitchens today. Stepping into the past, we illuminate the vibrant and often overlooked history of Norman Sicily. Discover the...
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IAP 375: Celebrating the 150th Annual Feast of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel in Hammonton, New Jersey!
The Italian American Podcast
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 traditions endured through hardships like the World Wars. We delve into the origins of the Carmelite Order and the importance of July 16th—the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Southern Italian culture....
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IAP 374 Italian Canadian Gardening and Cultural Reflection with Anthony "The Young Nonno"
The Italian American Podcast
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 and agricultural wisdom, with Anthony’s passion for gardening shining throughout. We also take time to reflect on the cultural nuances between Italian Canadians and Italian Americans. Our...
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IAP 373 Finding Joy in Culture and Sport!
The Italian American Podcast
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 dance floor, painting a vivid picture of cultural celebration. Our exploration continues with the inspiring story of Action Boxability, a program co-founded by Dino Spencer and Brian Broman during the...
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IAP 372 Meet the Man Behind meals_by_cug!
The Italian American Podcast
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 to his Staten Island roots and his early culinary experiences in a local deli. Danny's unique style, characterized by his distinct accent and engaging stage presence, has captivated a broad...
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IAP 371 Will Cultural Traditions Eventually Vanish? Marianna Gatto sits down P.O.B
The Italian American Podcast
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 iconic innovations like the Radio Flyer wagon and Yoo-hoo chocolate beverage, as explored in Marianna’s newly released book, "The Italian Americans of Los Angeles: A History." This episode promises a...
info_outlineWhat 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 anecdotes that capture the heart of Italian American culture. From rubbing shoulders with legends like Sammy Davis Jr. and Elvis to experiencing the highs and lows of a close friendship with Sinatra, Joseph's journey is nothing short of extraordinary.
We promise a tapestry of laughter and nostalgia as Joseph Paris recounts his serendipitous transition from a butcher shop to becoming a confidant of icons. Imagine the nerves of spotting a hairpiece gone awry on a film set and the courage it took to correct the one and only Frank Sinatra. Through tales of camaraderie, unexpected triumphs, and unforgettable nights in Las Vegas, we bring you closer to the lives and personalities that shaped a golden era of music and culture.
But the episode isn't just about famous faces. It's about celebrating the spirit of Italian American heritage and the importance of preserving stories that might otherwise slip through the cracks of history. With playful nods to tradition, kazoo renditions, and heartfelt conversations, we emphasize the joy of cultural appreciation and the bonds that transcend celebrity. So, whether you're a fan of Sinatra, a lover of Italian traditions, or simply curious about the behind the scenes world of these iconic figures, you're in for a captivating journey through time.
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