IAP 377: Translating Identity: Steve Riggio on Sicily, Storytelling, & Il Beati Paoli
Release Date: 07/25/2025
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...
info_outline
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_outline
IAP 383 Summer in Portland: Food, Family, and Favor with Cathy Whims
The Italian American Podcast
Join hosts John Viola, Patrick O’Boyle, and Dolores Alfieri Taranto as they welcome special guest Kathy Whims, acclaimed chef, restaurateur, and author of The Italian Summer Kitchen. Together, they dive into the joys of the Italian summer kitchen during a sizzling New York City heatwave. This lively conversation is a feast of humor, culinary wisdom, and cultural reflections. From fresh pasta on the Amalfi cliffs to fried chicken in the American South, the group explores the delicious parallels between Southern Italy and the American South. Along the way, they share stories of family...
info_outline
IAP 382 From Wedding Gift to Olive Groves
The Italian American Podcast
Years ago, Laura and Pino Pugliano gifted bottles of olive oil at their wedding—never imagining it would inspire a thriving business. Our episode traces their heartfelt journey, where romance and tradition intertwine, from the charm of a small Italian town to the bustling enterprise they run today. As we explore their story, we also uncover the rich heritage of Vena di Maida, where Albanian and Italian cultures have coexisted since the 1400s. The Arbëreshë community, with its enduring language, customs, and recipes, illustrates how migration shaped Italy’s cultural mosaic of resilience...
info_outline
IAP 381 Louie Lombardi and Don Capria on Film and Italian Cultural Legacy
The Italian American Podcast
We step into the world of independent film with the release of Director’s Cut, a project close to home, reflecting the passion, risks, and creative struggles that define the industry. Along the way, we explore the evolving landscape of streaming, AI, and the art of telling stories that stand out in an oversaturated market. One of the highlights of this milestone episode is our conversation with the multi-talented Louie Lombardi. Known for his memorable roles on screen, Louie brings equal passion to his latest venture: Ava Lou’s pizza truck, which he runs with his daughter Ava. With...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outlineJoin 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 Sicily’s rich past—from its role as a historical crossroads to the legends of the Beati Paoli, a secretive brotherhood devoted to avenging injustice. We contrast their shadowy moral code with the mafia’s brutality, shedding light on the profound differences between folklore and criminal reality.
Along the way, we reflect on Sicily’s resilience, cultural pride, and pivotal political transformations, considering how these shape modern perceptions and fuel a renewed interest in the island’s legacy through literature and media.
As the episode concludes, we turn to Steve’s insights from his tenure at Barnes & Noble, celebrating the entrepreneurial spirit behind its rise. He speaks candidly about challenging stereotypes and upholding Italian American dignity in the face of enduring bias. Together, we underscore the value of real, heartfelt stories over fictionalized mafia tropes—stories that echo the shared experiences of our community.
Tune in for a moving exploration of culture, literature, and identity, woven into the vibrant tapestry of the Italian American experience.
WHERE TO BUY THE BOOK:
https://www.sicilianavengers.com/