IAP 370 PT. 2 Diplomacy in Little Italy: The Consul General of Italy in NY
Release Date: 05/30/2025
IAP 393 From South Jersey to the Frontlines: Culture, Community, and the Journey Toward Healing with Dr. Keith McNally
The Italian American Podcast
Join us for a compelling conversation with Dr. Keith McNally—combat veteran, author, coach, and hiker—as we explore the intersections of culture, history, and mental health. We begin in South Jersey and Wilmington, Delaware, tracing the Italian influence in Ocean City and the socio-economic contrasts that shape life in the region. Along the way, we share personal stories of family roots at the shore and reflections on community, tradition, and belonging. The discussion then turns to the vital issue of mental health among veterans. We highlight community-driven initiatives such as...
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IAP 392 Comedy, Coffee, and Culture: A Conversation with Mike Marino, “New Jersey’s Bad Boy"
The Italian American Podcast
Comedian Mike Marino, affectionately known as New Jersey’s Bad Boy, brings his sharp wit and Italian American charm to our latest episode. Brandon Ficarra and I swap laughs over a hilarious mix-up with lost episodes and dive into the unpredictable world of podcasting. Mike shares candid insights on self-promotion, audience connection, and creative resilience—lessons that have shaped Brandon’s comedic path and resonate with anyone navigating the entertainment industry. We explore the rich tapestry of Italian American traditions, from Sunday dinners filled with the aroma of homemade gravy...
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IAP 391 The Italian Soul: Heritage, Faith, and Community with Judith Valente and Marianna Gatto
The Italian American Podcast
Join us for a captivating conversation celebrating the vibrant tapestry of Italian and Italian American heritage. Our guest, Judith Valente, award-winning author of The Italian Soul, reflects on the contemplative spirituality, cultural traditions, and communal bonds that define Italian life. Guest host Marianna Gatto, Executive Director of the Italian American Museum of Los Angeles, offers her unique perspective—sharing the challenges faced by the museum, including recent acts of vandalism, while highlighting the enduring resilience of the Italian American community. Together, we...
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IAP 390 Federico Marchetti: Bridging Fashion, Technology, and Tradition
The Italian American Podcast
From Ravenna to New York, the visionary entrepreneur reflects on innovation, identity, and the art of sustainable style. Visionary entrepreneur Federico Marchetti shares his remarkable journey from the quiet streets of Ravenna to the vibrant world of New York City. As we chat, he offers a vivid window into the Feast of All Feasts in Little Italy, drawing playful contrasts with his hometown celebrations and humorously imagining a fusion of this street festival with New York Fashion Week. His story captures the search for belonging across cities—rooted in his formative years at Columbia...
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IAP 389 Cristiana Dell’Anna on Naples, Mother Cabrini, and the Soul of Italian American Culture
The Italian American Podcast
Cristiana Dell'Anna—celebrated for her cinematic flair and proud Neapolitan roots—brings vibrant energy to our latest deep dive into Italian American culture. We open with a whimsical idea: a Neapolitan-themed Sesame Street, setting the tone for a lively conversation that stretches from Abruzzo to Sicily. With humor and heart, we touch on everything from the sacred Sunday pot of gravy to iconic places like “Sopranoland,” tracing the indelible mark Italian culture has left on the American imagination. Cristiana’s reflections on Southern Italy add both authenticity and emotional depth,...
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IAP 388 Between Two Worlds: The Bello Bros and the Heart of the Italian Candian Story
The Italian American Podcast
Experience the vibrant world of the Bello Brothers as they share their Italian Canadian upbringing and meteoric rise as TikTok sensations. Known for their humor and cultural insights, the brothers take us from the sun-drenched hills of Calabria to the cosmopolitan streets of Canada, reflecting on what it means to grow up between two worlds. Their engaging stories reveal how life as children of Italian immigrants has resonated globally, especially during the pandemic, offering a heartfelt and humorous look at the immigrant experience and the power of TikTok in shaping modern cultural...
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IAP 387 Bridging Heritage and Academia: Italian American Identity with Dr. Fred Gardaphé
The Italian American Podcast
Celebrated scholar Dr. Fred Gardaphé joins us in the studio to shed light on the vibrant tapestry of Italian American culture, identity, and scholarship. With warmth, humor, and memorable stories, Fred reflects on the moments that have shaped his journey—like how one of his books inspired our host’s grandmother to embrace reading at the age of seventy. Together, we explore the delightful intersections of food, literature, and family traditions, while honoring the indelible mark Italian Americans have left on both the United States and their ancestral homeland. Our conversation also delves...
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IAP 386 Italian American Voices, the Hidden Threads of History with Don Caprio and Anthony Colombo
The Italian American Podcast
What really happened on 9/11 when a New Jersey home became a frenzied trading floor as the World Trade Center went silent? Guest Don Capria takes us inside that day, connecting its ripple effects to Italian American heritage, family legacies, and the way history is remembered. From the golden age of radio to the rise of new media, we explore nostalgia, generational shifts, and the mysteries that bind families together—stories laced with conspiracy, unsolved crimes, and the power of community activism. Don shares his unique perspective on how culture and technology intersect across...
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IAP 385 Brooklyn Bites and the Fight to Preserve Italian American Culinary Culture
The Italian American Podcast
Can the charm of classic Italian American culture withstand the pace of a modern world? Giuseppe Falanga of Brooklyn Bites takes us inside beloved Brooklyn institutions like Ferdinando’s and Bari Pork Store—businesses now threatened by the “Great Extinction” of traditional Italian shops. Through personal anecdotes and community stories, Giuseppe reveals the urgency of preserving these cultural landmarks while painting a vivid picture of Brooklyn’s changing landscape. Our journey then extends beyond Brooklyn to Edmonton’s Little Italy, reborn as Piazza Italia. Here we...
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IAP 384 From Heritage to Hope: Exploring Italian Identity, Thalassemia, and Community Strength
The Italian American Podcast
Have you ever wondered how your last name connects to your cultural identity? In this episode, hosts John Viola and Patrick O’Boyle, alongside co-host Dr. Marcella Martin, dive into the deep ties between Italian heritage and personal identity. The conversation takes a powerful turn with guests Janice Cenzoprano and Ralph Colasanti from the Cooley’s Anemia Foundation, who guide us through the genetic story of thalassemia. Together, we trace its Mediterranean roots, its links to malaria zones, and even its surprising historical connections to explorers like Marco Polo. Through a moving...
info_outlineWe 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 power as a cultural glue for younger generations, even as we contrast the preservation of dialects in the United States with their decline in Italy. Drawing parallels with the Irish migration experience, we reflect on the deep-rooted connections that continue to bind Italy and its diaspora.
Our journey then shifts focus to the educational challenges faced by the Italian American community. We spotlight the pressing need for financial investment in language and historical education, particularly within universities in the tri-state area. As resources for foreign languages dwindle and funding remains scarce, we stress the importance of overcoming stereotypes by fostering a deeper understanding of Italian history and culture. With a call to unity, we advocate for a collective effort to sustain and promote Italian heritage amidst a rapidly globalizing world.
Finally, we venture into the contentious realm of Italian citizenship laws and the opportunities for cultural engagement they present. We dissect the complexities of Italy's current policies and the frustrations they create for Italian Americans seeking citizenship. By exploring roots tourism and its potential to bridge connections with ancestral lands, we emphasize the importance of authentic cultural experiences. Along the journey, personal stories and insights reveal the profound sense of belonging that can emerge when Italian Americans reconnect with their roots. Join us as we navigate these multifaceted issues, aiming to inspire a deeper appreciation for the rich tapestry of Italian identity.