In this episode of the Italian American Stories Podcast , we’re joined by bestselling author and former CIA officer Carmen Amato for a conversation that weaves together heritage, history, and heart. Carmen shares the incredible story of her family’s roots in Serra San Bruno, Calabria, and how their journey to Rome, New York shaped her upbringing and inspired her historical fiction series, The Galliano Club . We talk about the real-life stories behind her richly layered characters, her grandfathe...
Jun 26, 2025•50 min•Ep. 59
In this heartfelt episode, I sit down with Louis G. Bruno Jr., author of The Love of San Demetrio , a powerful family memoir that spans continents and generations. Lou takes us on a journey from a small Italian village to the steel towns of western Pennsylvania, sharing the unforgettable story of his family’s immigration, perseverance, and the deep mysteries that lingered for nearly a century. To learn more about Lou and grab a copy of his book, visit www.byloubruno.com ....
Jun 19, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 58
In this episode of Italian American Stories , we explore the inspiring life of Denver’s own Kate Ferretti—an Italian American milliner who left her mark on the city’s fashion scene with creativity, grit, and heart. Born Henrietta Malnati to Italian immigrants who helped build the Colorado State Capitol, Kate grew up watching her mother sew Easter outfits and learned the value of hard work from a young age. After working under fashion icons like Madame Lily and Madame Rossi, she rose to fame in D...
Jun 12, 2025•31 min•Ep. 57
In this episode, we dive into one of the most unusual and stories we've come across —the case of little Alice Minto. In 1909 San Francisco, a young Italian American girl was found living in a Chinatown basement, speaking only Chinese, and clinging to a half-starved puppy. Newspapers called her a kidnapped child, a “white girl held captive,” but the truth was far more complicated. Was she stolen, sold, adopted, or abandoned? Through court records, adoption scandals, and public outcry, we follow A...
Jun 06, 2025•25 min•Ep. 56
In this strange-but-true tale from 1949 Milwaukee, Wisconsin, two Italian American women—Angelina Farrina and Mary Sanfelippo—find themselves at the center of a courtroom drama involving ghosts, burned money, and a fortune-telling scheme. When Mary believed spirits were haunting her tavern, she turned to Angelina, a so-called "sorceress," for help. What followed was nearly two decades of weekly payments meant to appease the dead... or so she was told. Was Angelina truly communicating with troubl...
Apr 25, 2025•18 min•Ep. 55
In this episode, we’re joined by the incredibly talented Bob Spiotto—actor, director, producer, and passionate Italian American storyteller. Bob shares his personal story growing up in a tight-knit Italian American family in Queens, NY, and how those roots still influence him today. From performing one-man shows as historical icons like Giuseppe Garibaldi, Michelangelo, and PT Barnum, to founding cultural clubs and paying tribute to unsung Italian American heroes, Bob uses theater as a powerful ...
Apr 10, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 54
In this special episode, we sit down with Dr. Louis Ignarro, a Nobel Prize-winning scientist with deep Italian American roots. Born to immigrant parents from Naples and Sicily, Dr. Ignarro shares how his upbringing in Brooklyn shaped his journey into the world of science. He reflects on his family’s traditions, his mother’s incredible cooking, and how curiosity led him from experimenting with firecrackers as a child to groundbreaking medical discoveries. Dr. Ignarro takes us through his fascinat...
Mar 20, 2025•29 min•Ep. 53
In this episode, we continue the incredible and dramatic story of Maria Barbella, the first woman in America sentenced to die in the electric chair. After public outcry and support from a determined countess, Maria was granted a second trial—one that would take a very different turn. Join us for the conclusion of Maria Barbella’s story—one filled with courtroom drama, surprising twists, and an unbelievable aftermath that kept her in the public eye long after the trial ended....
Mar 06, 2025•37 min•Ep. 52
Today, we dive into one of the most dramatic cases in Italian American history—the story of Maria Barbella , the first woman in America sentenced to die in the electric chair. Maria's story is one of love, betrayal, and justice in 1890s New York. After being deceived by Domenico Cataldo, a man who promised her marriage but instead brought her shame and heartbreak, Maria took matters into her own hands. What followed was a sensational murder trial that captivated the press, enraged the Italian Am...
Feb 20, 2025•42 min•Ep. 51
Happy Valentine’s Day! In this special episode, we’re bringing you a collection of historical love stories—some sweet, some dramatic, and some downright scandalous! First, we take you back to 1879 with a New York Herald article about Edward Zola and Adeline Ochetti, a real-life Romeo and Juliet who fled Italy for love—only for their romance to take a shocking turn in an American courtroom. Then, we travel to 1900 Leadville, Colorado, where two Italian miners fought for the heart of the same woma...
Feb 13, 2025•9 min•Ep. 50
In this special episode, we welcome the entire band Amici ! While we previously spoke with lead member Stephen Pishner, this time, the whole group joins us to share their journey. We dive into how they came together, their experience performing at the 2024 Columbus Day Parade, and their future plans. Plus, each band member shares a personal Italian American story, making this an episode filled with music, heritage, and friendship. Don't miss this lively and heartfelt conversation! Links below fo...
Feb 06, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 49
In this episode, we dive into the extraordinary life of Joseph Bona, a prominent Italian American mortician in Denver, Colorado. From his humble beginnings in Chicago to becoming the trusted undertaker for Buffalo Bill Cody, Joseph’s story is one of ambition, dedication, and a touch of humor. Discover his journey to Colorado, his rise in the funeral industry, and his colorful life filled with lavish parties, charitable acts, and an enduring love for his wife, Margaret. This episode is packed wit...
Jan 30, 2025•43 min•Ep. 48
In this episode, we uncover the story of Julius Cesar Carrera, or JC—a brilliant and largely overlooked figure in American history. An educator, mineralogist, professor, and pioneer in the mining industry of the western United States, JC also founded a college and gained worldwide recognition for his expertise. Join us as we bring his incredible accomplishments and contributions to light, exploring the life of an Italian American who shaped history yet remains underappreciated.
Jan 23, 2025•30 min•Ep. 47
It’s time for another installment of Tales from the Archives ! In this mini-episode, we dive into quirky and unexpected stories from old articles about Italian Americans. Hear about a man chased up a tree by a bull, two women furious over an unpainted kitchen, a heroic dog saving a family from danger, and a mysterious gunshot wound. These snapshots from history are too short for full episodes but too fascinating not to share. Join us for some quick, intriguing tales!
Jan 16, 2025•15 min•Ep. 46
In this deeply personal episode, we share a story brought to us by Chris Massari, a follower on Instagram, about the tragic murder of his great-aunt Augustina Massari. Witnessed by her younger brother, Mario—Chris’s grandfather—the event left a lasting mark on the family. We explore the details of the murder, the trial, and how this tragedy has rippled through generations, shaping the lives of Chris’s family. Tune in for a heartfelt and gripping episode about loss, resilience, and family legacy....
Jan 09, 2025•29 min•Ep. 45
Step back in time to 1930s North Denver’s Little Italy, where a shocking murder tested a family's strength. In this episode, we unravel the tragic story of Theresa Spanarella, who was killed by her jealous brother-in-law, Alex. The dramatic trial that followed revealed deep family conflicts, but despite the gravity of his crime, Alex served only a short sentence. Join us as we explore the impact of this devastating event on the family and the community.
Jan 02, 2025•46 min•Ep. 44
We've been on a break for the holidays, but thought we would re-release our first Christmas Special Episode! Merry Christmas, Everyone! Dive into the warmth of the season with our Christmas Special episode of Italian American Stories, where we unwrap the past through nostalgic newspaper articles. In this episode, we bring you the story of a woman reliving a cherished childhood memory where she treks through a snowstorm, determined to reach her aunt's house for the beloved Feast of the Seven Fish...
Dec 22, 2024•44 min•Ep. 43
In honor of Veterans Day, I’m joined by my husband Jared, a Marine veteran, as we pay tribute to Italian American hero Neil Iovino. Together, we explore Neil’s story, his bravery, and his remarkable service. Join us for this heartfelt episode as we recognize the courage and sacrifices of our veterans, reflecting on what their legacies mean to us and the Italian American community.
Nov 07, 2024•37 min•Ep. 42
Get ready for a spooky, fun-filled Halloween special! In this episode, we dive into lighthearted stories of Italian Americans celebrating Halloween, from mischievous pranks to a woman balancing a pail of beer on her head, and even a mysterious creature lurking in a tree. Plus, Mom shares her favorite Halloween costume, and we reminisce about Halloween memories from my childhood. Join us for laughter, nostalgia, and a dash of Halloween spirit!
Oct 31, 2024•19 min•Ep. 41
In this episode, we explore the tragic and mysterious story of 5-year-old Sammy Sabell from Denver’s Little Italy. In 1928, the close-knit Italian community came together to search for Sammy after he vanished. Despite their efforts, his body was discovered five days later, raising more questions than answers. Strange tips and events surrounding the case continue to baffle, making this story a haunting piece of Denver’s history.
Oct 24, 2024•40 min•Ep. 40
In this special "Paesani Tales" segment, we share the life story of Crescenzo Vigliotta, as told by his great-grandson, Alexander. Crescenzo was a devoted family man who worked tirelessly to support his loved ones. Known for his generosity, especially to the church, Crescenzo left a legacy of hard work, love, and faith. Join us as we celebrate the life of this remarkable Italian American and the values he passed down through the generations.
Oct 23, 2024•17 min
In this episode, we chat with Danielle Fusco, a talented Italian American artist. Danielle shares how her deep connection to both creative expression and spirituality has shaped her journey. From her unique healing practices to her Italian heritage, we explore how her background influences her work. Listen as Danielle inspires us with her insights into the intersection of art, empowerment, and inner healing. Danielle's biography and contact information. Danielle Marie Fusco is a New York-based d...
Oct 17, 2024•48 min•Ep. 39
In this episode, we sit down with Anna Harsh, the founder and artistic director of Allegro Dance Company. As a professional dancer, award-winning choreographer, and author, Anna shares her passion for preserving traditional Italian dances. We explore her journey as an Italian American artist, her research trips to Italy, and how she uses dance to celebrate her heritage. Don't miss this inspiring conversation about culture, creativity, and the art of storytelling through dance!
Oct 10, 2024•40 min•Ep. 38
In this episode, we sit down with Stephen Pishner, a proud Italian American with a deep passion for uncovering his family’s history. Stephen shares stories from his extensive research, which he’s turning into a book, and gives us a glimpse into the incredible journey of tracing his roots. But that’s not all—Stephen is also the frontman of the band Amici, and they’ll be performing on the red carpet during the Columbus Day parade in New York! Join us for a heartwarming conversation filled with sto...
Oct 03, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 37
In this episode of The Italian American Stories Podcast , we explore the fascinating life of Ann Corio, an iconic burlesque performer who became a star during the 1930s and 1940s. Known for her talent and charisma on stage, Ann’s career in burlesque made her a household name. But beyond her performances, she remained deeply rooted in her Italian American heritage, always putting family first. We dive into her strong, traditional family upbringing and the incredible lengths she went to, like taki...
Sep 26, 2024•32 min•Ep. 36
In this episode of the Italian American Stories Podcast, I sit down with Margaret Fontana, a dynamic leader who runs her own media company, hosts a podcast, and serves as the executive director of the New Jersey Italian Heritage Commission. Margaret shares her insights on the importance of preserving Italian American culture, and we dive into a heartfelt conversation about family traditions, heritage, and the future of our community. Throughout the episode, Margaret also shares some wonderful st...
Sep 19, 2024•52 min•Ep. 35
In this episode of the Italian American Stories Podcast, we bring you our very first video interview with none other than Danny Rossi, famously known as "The Hot Dog King." Danny, a Vietnam veteran and proud Italian American, shares his incredible journey from the battlefields of Vietnam to the streets of New York City, where he fought to keep his iconic hot dog business alive. Join us as Danny talks about his deep connection to his Italian American heritage, his upbringing, and the challenges h...
Sep 12, 2024•1 hr 34 min•Ep. 34
In this episode of the Italian American Stories Podcast, we explore the lives of Guido and Margaret Rossi, a remarkable couple who built an 800-acre cattle ranch in Oak Creek, Colorado. Guido, known for his quiet demeanor and sharp wit, and Margaret, a dedicated nurse and active community member, created a life filled with love, resilience, and a deep connection to their land. Together, they raised two adopted children and faced life's challenges, including moments of tragedy. Yet, their story i...
Aug 29, 2024•53 min•Ep. 33
In this special episode of the Italian American Stories Podcast, join us as we delve into the remarkable life of Amore Raso, an Italian immigrant who became a pioneering figure in Grand Junction, Colorado. His investment in the community's infrastructure paved the way for its growth and prosperity. Discover how Amore Raso not only built a foundation for his own success but also extended a helping hand to fellow Italians, aiding their settlement and integration into the area....
Aug 08, 2024•35 min•Ep. 32
Join us for our second "Tales from the Archives" episode! This special segment of the podcast will cover stories and articles that are too small for a full episode but still deserve to be told!
Aug 01, 2024•26 min•Ep. 31
