Send us a text Embark with Maggie Workman and me on a voyage through time as we trace our Italian lineages from the cobblestone streets of Onano, Viterbo to the bustling avenues of America. Our conversation meanders through generational tales that piece together a mosaic of our Italian-American identities, blending personal experiences with the broader narrative of Italian migration. The echoes of our ancestors' footsteps resonate in this episode, as Maggie delves into her genealogical discoveri...
May 26, 2024•51 min•Season 5Ep. 20
Send us a text Embark on an ancestral odyssey with Katherine Pennavaria, whose blend of scholarly rigor and personal passion for genealogy unveils the remarkable layers of Italian history hidden within civil records. Our exploration takes you through the twists and tales of Katherine's Italian lineage, revealing how the meticulous documentation of Napoleon's era and the detailed narratives of church chronicles can offer more than just names and dates. They sketch out occupations, social relation...
May 23, 2024•1 hr•Season 5Ep. 19
Send us a text Embark with us on an intimate voyage into the heart of Italy's cultural tapestry, guided by Phil Micali of Philitaly . We weave through the narratives of Phil's ancestors, in regions steeped in tradition and history. The discovery of our roots takes on new meaning as we traverse the landscape of Molise, Basilicata, and Sicily, diving into the emotional odyssey that is genealogical exploration. Phil's personal journey, set against the backdrop of family tragedy, imparts a profound ...
May 18, 2024•55 min•Season 5Ep. 18
Send us a text Embarking on a genealogical quest that spans continents and centuries, I had the chance to sit down with Jim Rothgeb, the visionary behind Peek Into The Past. Together, we unraveled the threads of ancestry that connect us to the echoes of history, with Jim recounting his profound experience of holding artifacts that once belonged to his ancestors in England. While I unveiled my own Italian lineage leading to historical figures, we also shed light on the disparate nature of record-...
May 10, 2024•35 min•Season 5Ep. 17
Send us a text Have you ever been captivated by the stories of your ancestors, the journeys they embarked on, and the experiences that shaped their lives? In our latest episode, we're joined by Arnie Aranci, whose Italian-American roots are as rich and flavorful as the cuisine of his heritage. Arnie enthralls with tales of his father's migration from the picturesque Italian countryside to the United States, his consequential return as a soldier in World War II, and the heartwarming romance that ...
Apr 23, 2024•39 min•Season 5Ep. 16
Send us a text Embark on an intimate odyssey with our guest Regina Vighetto, as she unveils her family's vibrant migration tapestry from Italy to the coffee farms of São Paulo, Brazil. Her tale is one of resilience and discovery, and unearthing a narrative enriched by ancestral dreams and the quest for prosperity in a new world. As Regina shares her genealogical saga, I can't help but interweave my own pursuit of Italian citizenship, which sparked a genealogy fervor that mirrors her and her husb...
Apr 22, 2024•46 min•Season 5Ep. 15
Send us a text Uncover the secrets of Penne as Antonio Baldacchini from the Council of Community Planning joins us for an enchanting exploration of Abruzzo's mesmerizing landscapes and historical tapestry. Step back in time to discover a town where the past lingers in the cobblestoned streets and the future blossoms from the community's vibrant culture and commitment to sustainability. We chat about Penne's rich history, from its pre-Roman roots to the artistic revolutions of the Renaissance, an...
Apr 20, 2024•16 min•Season 5Ep. 14
Send us a text As distant cousins intertwined by Puerto Rican roots, Valerie Evans joins us to unravel the vibrant story of her dual Italian and Puerto Rican lineage. Our conversation traverses the multicultural neighborhoods of East Harlem, brushes through the historical cobblestones of Sannicandro di Bari and Salerno, and touches on the personal transformations ignited by a family accident and the consequential search for identity. Valerie’s account of her mother's life and her quest to reveal...
Apr 12, 2024•1 hr•Season 5Ep. 13
Send us a text Stepping through the cobblestone streets of my ancestral town, I was embraced by whispers of my past, the tales and traditions of my Italian heritage echoing around me. Now, I invite you to join Jerry Taverna and me through a riveting journey of discovery, from sulfur mines in Sicily and old family stories from Monopoli become living chapters of our rich collective history. Jerry unveils the profound impact his ancestry has had on his life, which led to his involvement in Mike Cav...
Mar 29, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Season 5Ep. 12
Send us a text My grandmother's laugh always had a way of transporting me to her tiny Italian village, a place I'd never been but felt I knew intimately through her stories. This week's episode is a heartfelt homage to the power of family narratives, where Peggy, Josephine, Becky, Frank, Mirella, Ed and I share our adventures in preserving these precious legacies. They unveil their personal quests—from essays capturing the essence of our ancestors to children's books that whisk young readers to ...
Mar 18, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Season 5Ep. 11
Send us a text Embarking on a nostalgic journey to the heart of Italian-American life, we sit down with Margaret Fontana, more affectionately known as the Italian American Girl . Her story unfolds like a rich tapestry woven with threads of cultural heritage and familial pride, offering an intimate glance at the Italian-American dream. Margaret's tales of Reggio Calabria, the land of her ancestors, and the enduring tradition of family homes passed down through generations, serve as a poignant bac...
Mar 11, 2024•44 min•Season 5Ep. 10
Send us a text Embark on an emotional journey through time as we sit down with the remarkable duo from Abruzzo Ancestors, Davide Castellucci and Giulia Scappaticccio, who bring the hidden narratives of Italian lineage to light. The rolling hills of Abruzzo, steeped in the heritage of Italy's emigrants, serve as the backdrop for tales that intertwine food, memories, and the indelible bonds of family. Giulia's culinary delights at her bed and breakfast offer a taste of history, while Davide's prow...
Feb 25, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Season 5Ep. 9
Send us a text Imagine being born to the wail of tornado sirens on a North Dakota nuclear missile base—that's the dramatic start to author Ryan Byrnes' incredible journey which he shares with us. His life, shaped by the wanderlust of a military family and rooted in a rich Italian heritage, unfolds in a narrative as compelling as his fiction. Ryan's quest for connection leads him from the vast American plains to the vibrant streets of Brooklyn. The heart of our conversation beats to the rhythm of...
Feb 19, 2024•37 min•Season 5Ep. 8
Send us a text Every family has a story stitched into the fabric of America's diverse tapestry, but few recount it with the warmth and wisdom of Rock LaManna. As Rock takes us back to his childhood home in St. Paul, Minnesota, we're invited to the dinner table of an 11-child family, where faith and hard work aren't just values—they're the ingredients to a life well-lived. His tales of an Italian-Polish household reveal a microcosm of the immigrant experience, punctuated by his mother's entrepren...
Feb 09, 2024•51 min•Season 5Ep. 7
Send us a text Embark with me on a heartfelt odyssey that traces the waves of Italian immigration to Australia's sunny shores, anchored by my own family's saga. Hear how my Calabrese and Roman roots intertwine with the broader tapestry of the Italian community down under, including the brave journey of my grandfather in 1952. The stories of skilled workers and those who came with little but hope in their pockets are all part of this rich narrative. Revel in the art of storytelling that keeps our...
Jan 31, 2024•35 min•Season 5Ep. 6
Send us a text Have you ever sat at a family gathering, basking in the warm glow of shared stories and home-cooked meals, and wondered about the heroes who shaped those beside you? Get ready to embark on an intimate journey through the lives of Italian American podcasters as they unveil the cherished icons of their childhood. From the velvety voice of Dean Martin to the resilient figures of their own lineage, our podcast hosts Bob Sorrentino, Frank DiPiero, Claudio Reilsono and Steve Mancini int...
Jan 29, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Season 5Ep. 5
Send us a text Embark on an emotional odyssey with Diane Marie Pisera as she recounts her voyage from the picturesque Italian region of Friuli Venezia Giulia to the bustling heartbeat of New York State. In her narratives of youthful summers spent in Calabria and the significant life shift of immigrating to America, Pisera's story is a vibrant canvas of nostalgia, love, and the enduring spirit of an immigrant's journey. Her recent engagement in the cobblestoned town of Tropea adds yet another hea...
Jan 21, 2024•29 min•Season 5Ep. 4
Send us a text Ever wondered what it takes to immortalize your life's journey in the pages of a book? That's exactly the transformation I've undergone, shifting from the dizzying heights of Wall Street to the grounding realm of storytelling. In a candid revelation, I unfold the tapestry of my own narrative, sharing the epiphany that everyone has a riveting tale to tell and the birth of my venture to encapsulate these legacies. We venture into the delicate craft of biography and memoir writing, p...
Jan 19, 2024•32 min•Season 5Ep. 3
Send us a text Embark with us and our esteemed guest, Anna Riggs, on a journey spanning continents and generations, as we trace the deep roots of her Italian lineage back to the quaint town of Ceglie Del Campo. Hannah's intimate narrative is more than a globe-trotting adventure; it's a heartfelt homage to her family's odyssey from Italy to Venezuela, and finally to the United States in 1955. Wrapped in the nostalgia of a Catholic school's corridors and the sanctity of orchard-laden convents, Han...
Jan 13, 2024•46 min•Season 5Ep. 2
Send us a text As the new year unfolds, I'm thrilled to introduce our guest, author Diana DelRusso, who brings the rich tapestry of her Italian heritage right to our ears. Embark with us on a heartwarming journey tracing Diana's family roots from the pastoral landscapes of Pacentro, Italy, to their courageous pursuit of the American dream in the steel mills and railroads of Pennsylvania. We uncover the stark contrasts between shepherd life and industrial America, while diving into the intimate s...
Jan 05, 2024•52 min•Season 5Ep. 1
Send us a text It's always hard to condense 50 hours of interviews into one episode. But here is the Best of 2023. Stepping into the past has never felt as intimate and revealing as when Mary Ann Maisano takes us through the winding roads of her father's taxi empire in Fort Lee. With a captivating blend of ingenuity and nostalgia, we learn how Joe's Taxi became the heartbeat of a community, all before the digital age. As we traverse these charming tales, you'll also find yourself amidst the laug...
Dec 27, 2023•59 min•Season 4Ep. 61
Send us a text Embark on a cultural odyssey with us as we sit down with Adriano Ippoliti, the maestro behind Diamante TV, the platform that's revolutionizing how we connect with Italian heritage. Adriano unveils how Diamante TV is more than just a streaming service; it's an interactive journey that captures the very essence of Italy. With personalized content that reaches into the depths of historical documentaries, culinary adventures, and travel shows, listeners are invited to immerse themselv...
Dec 24, 2023•4 min•Season 4Ep. 60
Send us a text Prepare to be transported across continents and centuries as we unravel the rich tapestry of family histories. This episode takes us on a journey with Angelica Noonan, tracing her Italian lineage from the charming village of Campon Commune de Tambre to the vibrant corners of South America and eventually to the sprawling landscapes of the United States. As we peruse her family photos and learn about their migration story, we uncover the beauty of preserving family traditions and th...
Dec 18, 2023•50 min•Season 4Ep. 59
Send us a text Join us as we open a time-capsule, revealing family histories, rich traditions, and compelling stories along with our distinguished guest, Mary Schultz. Her ancestral journey, sparked by her mother's passion, takes her from the humble beginnings in Up State NY to the heart of Sicily - Corleone, Italy. Mary helps us understand how the evolution of names can unravel mysteries of our past - an adventure sure to kindle the genealogist within you. As we traverse from New York City to S...
Dec 08, 2023•48 min•Season 4Ep. 58
Send us a text Did you know that tracing your family roots can unlock a treasure trove of rich history? This episode takes you on a captivating journey through Italy and the United States, retracing the roots of the Paterno and Cappiello families. With the company of Carla Paternal Cappiello-Golden, we explore the significance of visiting ancestral villages, contrasting impressions of Naples and Bari, and the process of obtaining dual citizenship. Carla and I share our personal experiences visit...
Dec 01, 2023•1 hr 4 min•Season 4Ep. 57
Send us a text As Antonio D'Alfonso and I, Bob Sorrentino, traverse the intricate landscapes of Italian-Canadian identity, we invite you to join our heartfelt conversation. We share our own family stories of immigration, illuminating the unique cultural experiences that shape Italian Canadians. We journey through Montreal and Toronto, exploring the representation of different Italian regions, and delve into the often complex relationship between language and identity. Embarking on a deeper explo...
Nov 24, 2023•57 min•Season 4Ep. 56
Send us a text Witness a riveting journey back in time as we shed light on the incredible saga of Italian-American immigration. In an engaging tête-à-tête with Dominic Candeloro, a scholar of Italian American history and culture, we dive deep into this often untold tale. Drawing from the fascinating narrative of Candeloro's own father, an illegal immigrant who fought tooth and nail to gain citizenship during World War II, we piece together the profound impact of the war on the Italian American c...
Nov 19, 2023•53 min•Season 4Ep. 55
Send us a text Join us on a captivating journey with our guest, Sarah Nielsen, as she unveils her family's rich Italian heritage and their migration to Australia post World War II. Sarah takes us back in time, sharing the challenges her grandfather faced as a young man in his early 20s, leaving Italy to build a new life Down Under. Discover the profound impact he made on the Italian community in Australia and the intriguing process of ancestral land ownership, as Sarah's great-grandfather carved...
Nov 10, 2023•1 hr•Season 4Ep. 54
Send us a text We set sail on a fascinating voyage through time, guided by our guest, Heath Orcutt-Abert. With Italian roots running deep, Heath unveils enthralling tales of her family's immigration from Castagna, Calabria, Italy to the U.S. in the 1880s. We venture through their journey of adaptation and survival in a new country, reflecting on the gripping tales from the novel 'Umbertina', authored by none other than her mother's first cousin, Helen Barolini. As Heath peels back the layers of ...
Nov 04, 2023•46 min•Season 4Ep. 53
Send us a text Imagine this: you're sixteen, flipping through an old book of remembrance when a dormant curiosity awakens inside you, setting you on a lifelong journey of discovery. This was precisely the catalyst for our guest, Marcus Flansburg, who was captivated by his LDS grandmother's book and embarked on an incredible expedition into Italian genealogy. From uncovering online Italian civil records to enrolling in BYU Idaho's family history research program, and transitioning from a law enfo...
Oct 28, 2023•58 min•Season 4Ep. 52
