This week I am joined by the very successful entertainer, Nick Ferraro. Nick is known for many things, a talented musician, actor, screen writer and much more but he was also dubbed "The Philly Elvis" by none other than Bruce Springsteen on October 19th, 2009 at the Spectrum in Philadelphia PA. In fact, in the 2013 documentary titled "Springsteen &…

This week we come back from our break with an absolute music legend, Don Aliquo Sr. Don has been doing this for nearly 80 years! He's played with some of the greats and shares some incredible stories and advice from his very storied career. You can still catch Don out there entertaining so be sure to check him out at: https://donaliquo-sr.com/…

This week I am joined by international singer and professional tour guide, Marco Fiorante. Marco and I have an absolutely wonderful conversation on how to appreciate your culture while accepting your new home country. We also discuss his singing career...what a great voice! Check him out here on his website: https://www.marcofiorante.com/videos/ or…

This week I interview the co-President of the Italian Genealogical Group, Richard Graziano. In this episode Richard shares several personal stories as well as some great advice on how to research one's roots. The past is a true definer of who we are now, so it is very important to know it. In addition, it is very important that we start now before …

This week's guest is the great Samuele Bozzolla. Samuele is grandson of the late opera singer Ezio Fortunato Pinza, famous for his starring role in the Broadway hit, "South Pacific", and son of the great opera singer and Claudia Pinza Bozzolla. In this episode we talk everything from Luciano Pavarotti, his mothers work with various opera singers, t…

What a wonderful episode! Glenn and I have a very good conversation about memories and what the difference is between living in the past and remembering the past. Glenn has been slowly gathering memories and writing them down so he can pass them on to his family, what a great idea! Tune in to understand more about why we need to record and pass dow…

Wanted to get your Italian citizenship but worried about changes in the law? Never fear! This week I was able to interview Marco Permunian. Marco is an attorney and founder of the Italian Citizenship Assistance group. In this interview he provides invaluable assistance and clarity on the new laws. You can also check out his podcast which focuses on…

Nobel Prize winner, Louis Ignarro, is my guest this week. Lou and I discuss how a first generation Italian-American can grow up to win a Nobel Prize! What a tremendous story. Learn more about Lou and his research which is literally saving lives here: https://www.drignarro.com/ I am also very blessed to have Melissa Marinaro, Director, Italian Ameri…

This week's episode has two very special guests. Lou Bruno, author and proud Italian-America. His most recent work, The Love of San Demetrio, is an absolutely wonderful story of his experience in connecting the past to the present. Please check out his book here: https://www.byloubruno.com/ Lauren Ronayne is a driving force behind the San Rocco Fou…

This week I interview Michael Troiani, owner of PaPa Js Twin Plaza Restaurant in Pittsburgh. Michael is passionate about Italian culture but his dedication to authentic Italian cooking is above reproach. Michael and I talk a lot but you can tell his passion and knowledge about Italian cooking are something he holds very dear. This is a great episod…

In this week's episode, I interview the great voice man and vice-president of the United Lodges of Pittsburgh, Tony Colega. Tony and I talk about his work with the United Lodges, everything from bocce in the mountains to the Italian restaurant tour. If you are looking for some ideas to revitalize your group, this is a great episode to tune into.…

This week I interview Mary Menniti. Mary enjoyed a close relationship with both her maternal and paternal immigrant grandparents. As a result, she learned to cherish the memories of gardening! This week's interview is very powerful as we discuss this dying experience of simple gardening but also how the advent of large corporations has changed ever…

The big 100 and what a guest to have for it! This week, I interview author, businessman, philanthropist, and basically all around great guy, Nick Vizzoca. Nick is a Pittsburgh native, first-generation son of Italian immigrants, and survivor of childhood cancer but more importantly, he is a leader and someone who understands people. Nick and I talk …

This week I interview the co-host of the "Italian American Stories Podcast", Stephanie Detton. Stephanie and I have an absolute wonderful time talking about a myriad of things. When she is not researching stories, she is busy teaching and spending time with friends and family but she absolutely entertains us with some incredible stories from histor…

This week, I interview the great musician Stephen 'Stefano' Pishner of the band AMICI. Stephen has been doing this for a long time, beginning his exciting musical voyage of artistic discovery at the early age of 9 years old. Having played to a million listeners, you will definitely appreciate the passion and talent he brings to his work. To follow …

This week I have the great pleasure of interviewing Bill Sunseri, owner of the Pennsylvania Macaroni Co. here in the Strip District of Pittsburgh. Penn Mac, as it is known, has a nearly 120 year history here. In this episode we talk about how losing traditional Italian businesses takes away from the community. Definitely worth a listen and if you a…

This week I interview Domenico Mariani. This is exactly why I do the show!!! Domenico's story about his family from the war is incredible. Never mind the fact that Domenico spent 30 years in law enforcement and has his own incredible memories. There are just some incredible, incredible stories from his history in this episode...please tune in and u…

This week I have 2 segments with 2 very different, but fantastic, guests. How lucky can I get! First, I interview the great Sam Bozzolla. Sam is the grandson of the famous Italian actor Ezio Pinza. In this segment we talk Sam's famous roots to the proper way to begin enjoying opera! This was such a great interview, I will have Sam back soon. Also, …

This week, I interview the great Robert Campana! Robert is the founder of Stop Italian Sounding ® (SIS). He tells the story of Italian food and beverage products on social media platforms by creating awareness on the differences between real and Italian sounding food & beverage products. We talk everything from how to pronounce food names to the im…

Erica D’Arcangelo is a storyteller, author, and content creator with a passion for weaving narratives that reflect her Italian heritage and cultural roots. In August 2024, Erica published her debut book, A Story About Pizza, a historical fiction novel that delves into the life of her grandfather, an Italian immigrant and coal miner with dreams of o…

Warhola...Warhola...why does that ring a bell? Well, tune in to find out as I interview the great Jay Warhola who founded Warhola Video Productions, Inc. in 2001. Spoiler alert: Jay is also a cousin of Andy Warhol and we have some great conversation about a lot of topics! This is a don't miss episode. For more information on Jay Warhola, check out …

Francesco and Chrissy Pircio are a husband-and-wife duo that are passionate about their Italian culture and heritages, striving to create ways to help others who share the same passion. In this interview we talk Italian citizenship, Italian language, and their thoughts on what it means to be Italian. They have two projects to help others who are in…

This week I interview the great actor/filmmaker Joe Puglisi. His interest in acting began in earnest in 2012 and he has since appeared in both commercials and films. In 2017 he formed Little Italy Productions, LLC with his business partner and they wrote, acted in and produced their first film entitled "That's Amore" which was released in 2020. You…

Happy New Year! And what a great way to start with an incredible guest, Margaret Fontana! Margaret is a first generation Italian and a highly accomplished media executive renowned for her extensive expertise spanning various industries, including nonprofit, healthcare, film, media, television, technology, and digital-driven broadcast. She is also t…

Who said Italian American youths weren't interested in social organizations? In fact, this week I am joined by Andrew Speicher who helped start a new Italian-American organization called La Prossima. This is a group dedicated to rejuvenating the Italian culture here in American, specifically in Columbus Ohio, among younger folks. This is a great ep…

This week's guest is the very talented Vinny Fasline. Vinny is a quasi-Pittsburgh guy. He has been seen touring with comedians Dane Cook, Nick Swardson, Michael Rappaport, Drew Lynch and Jamie Kennedy. He Has performed at the New York Comedy Festival, Cabo Comedy Festival, Just For Laughs tour, and seen on ABC Fablife and CBS. He is has recently ac…

This week I interview the online sensation Elijah Santoro. Elijah is a very popular social media personality who is also moving up fast in the entertainment industry. Elijah and I talk the importance of following your dreams, staying faithful to your beliefs, and just being a good person because it will come back to you. You're definitely going to …

This week's guest is the great Toni Colella! Toni is the author of "Now We’re Talking … The Story of Theodore W. Case and Sound-on-Film”. A wonderful and fascinating story about Ted Case and his impact on the movie industry as we know it today. Of course, Toni and I also talk a few things about Italian tradition. To get your copy of this fascinatin…

The never dull Jimmy Denova is my guest this week and him and I have an absolute great time talking everything from Italian families to parking tickets! Jimmy is a very interesting personality from Pittsburgh who worked for years managing various foundations. This is an absolutely entertaining episode with some incredibly entertaining and enlighten…

Award winning author Karen Haid is back! In this week's episode we talk about Karen's books, Calabria: The Other Italy and Basilicata: Authentic Italy, as well as her incredible knowledge of Italian culture. Karen is well traveled and her passion for southern Italy is unmistakable. This is a fantastic episode for anyone interested in understanding …

This week I interview Pittsburgh's own, Michael Muto! Michael and I reflect on a topic near and dear to our hearts, Pittsburgh's Little Italy. Why do we still cal it that? Hmmm... Lots to unpack in this episode! Then we switch gears and talk cyber. Michael is an expert in cybersecurity and we talk about something that impacts every one of us! Tune …

This week's guest is Italian director, actor, filmmaker, and teacher, Luca Guardabascio. An award winning talent, Luca discusses his work and the passion he puts into all aspects of the film process. He has traveled the world showing his films which often focus on very difficult social issues but always leave us with a glimmer of hope. This is a wo…

This week I interviewed the great Gino Pesi! Gino is an actor/director/producer but currently works as the Film Commissioner, Executive Director, at the Pennsylvania Film Office. Gino is working tirelessly to support the film industry here in Pennsylvania and in this interview, we talk about a lot of benefits which are available for anyone interest…

This week I interview a very talented up and coming member of the entertainment industry - and his last name should ring a bell - Vincent Ruggieri! We talk everything from making films to a more serious topic of mental health. Proud of his Italian heritage, Vinny is a great guy who has been through a lot and shows just how we can overcome any obsta…

This week we flip the script a little. Payton Hostetler, the editor and one of the cameramen on the set of Fedeltà Soldati. Prigionieri, is in the studio to interview me at the same time I am interviewing him! It's a great time and we get to finally sit down and ask each other some good questions on the overall experience. So tune in, because this …

This week I interview the great voice over actor, Tony Ruggieri. Tony is coming off of his most recent production as the narrator for the international documentary, Fedeltà Soldati. Prigionieri. In this episode, Tony and I talk all things Italian as well as Tony's career and desire to continue his dream of acting. To follow Tony, you can find him h…

This week I interview Paolo Saltarello. We have a spirited conversation about everything from immigration to celebrating Columbus day. He hosts the Carosello Italiano Podcast with Paolo which offers a variety of Italian American melodies and classic American songs in Italian along with sharing information on Italian culture, including historical st…

This week I interview the great Anthony Giacchino! Anthony is an Oscar® & Emmy® award winning filmmaker living in Brooklyn, NY. His film, COLETTE, won Best Documentary Short Subject at the 2021 Academy Awards. We have a wonderful discussion on why and how Italian-American film makers can reshape America's perception of the Italian community. He is …

This week's guest is the great Joe Ingrassia! Joe is an Executive Board Member at the Columbus Piave Club, where he plays a vital role in welcoming new members and organizing memorable events. An avid foodie, Joe has a passion for culinary adventures, always on the lookout for new flavors and experiences. He's also a cocktail connoisseur, skilled i…

This week I had the privilege of interviewing Stephen Riggio. Stephen is the former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Barnes & Noble (2002-2012). For over forty years he was a key leader transforming the single flagship New York location into a national retailer that expanded into e-commerce and book publishing. He has served on the boards of the Na…

In this episode, I had the chance to interview one of the greats in Italian-American radio: Mr. Tony Marotta! Tony and I had a great conversation on everything from family to Italian music. Tony has been on the radio for decades, operating out of Cleveland. Tony knows what it takes to last in radio and having started at a young age, he is truly one…

This week I am joined by Chris Vaccaro. Chris is a journalist, an author of 10 books, a professor, a two-time Emmy Award winner and nine-time Edward R. Murrow Award winner. In this episode, we discuss the importance of Italian culture and how Chris rediscovered his roots and made it a priority to instill those Italian values he learned growing up i…

This week's guest is David Sciamanna. David is on the Board of Directors for the Historic Letterkenny Chapel and Franklin County Veterans and 9/11 Memorial Park Foundation. (https://www.veterantrailpa.org/) David and I discuss the story of the Letterkenny chapel in Chambersburg, PA. Built by Italian POW's during the second world war, it stands an i…

This week we interview the very talented, Danielle Pastin, both an accomplished opera singer and business owner. We talk to Danielle about how her Italian roots and upbringing shaped her career choice. Coming from a military and musical family that was very close, Danielle developed her passion for music and love for family. As her bio notes, "With…

This week I interview Ray Guarini, Director of the Italian Enclaves Historical Society. Ray and I had a wonderful discussion about how the old neighborhoods had a lasting impact on future generations, without even realizing it at the time. However, as the older generations have passed on, it is imperative the younger generations maintain and even s…

Finally! We have Philly Rich as our guest. A great guy with a sincere passion for the Italian culture and frankly, all things Italian. Join us this week for a very lively and passionate discussion about Italian culture, and even a little talk on 'Philly'.By Italian Impact Weekly

This week in keeping with our theme of supporting small businesses, we interview Mike and Jenny Modugno, the owners of The Bridgeside Market. These two have a love for the Italian culture and it shows in how they operate their business and treat customers. Filled with family traditions, they are the epitome of Italian culture.…

This week we had the opportunity to speak with Sean Stellato. Sean is a sports agent, motivational speaker, and author. It turns out, he is also a passionate family man and very proud of his Italian roots. Sean gives us a lot of insight into what makes him a very successful pro-athlete turned agent. Sean is also the author of 4th and Long The Odds:…

In this week's episode, we interview several small business owners. If you are in the Pittsburgh area, we encourage you to check them out: 1. Sam Tanner head of marketing the Juicery - check them out here at: https://www.juiceryatoakmont.com/ 2. Cassandra Ross owner of Wild Rosemary - https://www.instagram.com/wildrosemary_herbal/?img_index=1 3. Dr…

In this week's episode, we interview Tom Ficara. Tom is very proud of his Italian roots and has had a successful career in the entertainment business since the early 1970's. He has owned and operated the TVS Television Network, the fourth-oldest commercial broadcast network in the USA, since 1990. He also owns and has operated the RKO Unique Record…