On this episode, Peter and Mike reflect on how their parents’ thick Italian accents shaped their lives in America — from everyday misunderstandings to the creative ways they mangled their kids’ and spouses’ names. Ever had to explain that your brother-in-law’s name isn’t “Dork” ? They have. And debuting this week: a brand new segment called “Voice-a-Mail-a” — where the guys try to decode their parents’ voicemails using only the unhinged auto-transcripts from voicemail apps. It’s part mystery, pa...
Jun 16, 2025•1 hr 1 min
In this episode, Peter and Mike take a spirited tour through the diverse regions of Italy, diving into how language, cuisine, and cultural stereotypes shift as you travel from north to south. From Venetian elegance to Sicilian chaos, they unpack the friendly (and not-so-friendly) rivalries that still shape Italian identity today. The guys also open up the Comments Cache to hear from listeners, react to some spicy takes, and, as always, Mike has a story—or two. This time he shares a tale from chi...
Jun 06, 2025•1 hr 7 min
We're throwing it back to the very beginning with a replay of our very first episode! In this pilot of This Italian-American Life , Mike and Peter introduce themselves and share the story behind the show—how it all started, what it means to them, and what you can expect going forward. To kick things off, Mike tells the first of many classic stories: “The Flintstones Game.” Whether you're a longtime listener or just getting started, this episode is a great way to dive into the heart of our Italia...
May 28, 2025•23 min
In the heartfelt finale of the series, Mike and Peter are joined by Peter’s wife, Sharon Marchiafava, for a powerful reflection on the stories shared in Le Zie Pt 1 . Together, they revisit the enduring influence of the beloved aunts whose strength, humor, and wisdom defined their Italian-American upbringing. As the conversation unfolds, the trio shares new anecdotes and personal insights, delving into the cultural traditions and generational legacies passed down by these remarkable women. Don’t...
May 21, 2025•2 hr 7 min
In this reflective episode, Mike and Peter sit down with Christian Dolecki—Mike’s nephew—to unpack the stories and memories shared in the previous installment, Le Zie Pt 1 . The trio dives deeper into the powerful matriarchal figures that shaped their Italian-American upbringing, with Christian offering fresh perspectives on the pivotal role of "le zie" (the aunts) in their family life. From humorous anecdotes to heartfelt remembrances, the conversation explores themes of generational wisdom, cu...
May 10, 2025•1 hr 32 min
After a year-long hiatus, the hosts of This Italian-American Life are back behind the mic with stories, laughs, and a lot of espresso-fueled energy. In this special comeback episode, the duo catches up on everything that’s happened since they last recorded—most notably, Peter got married, and Michael stood proudly by his side as best man. They share behind-the-scenes moments from the big day, reflect on what it means to be family (both by blood and by choice), and talk about how their Italian-Am...
May 02, 2025•45 min•0Ep. 20
On this very special 2 part episode Peter sits down with Zia Tina, Zia Maria, and his own mother Zia Giovanna to discuss life in Sicily and moving to America*. Stick around to the end cause the guys have a special section to commemorate Mother's Day. Email us at This ItalianAmericanLife@gmail.com and let us know what you think and tell us your stories! *Some of this interview is in Italian and not translated. Apologies but we wanted to ensure that the original context was not lost for those who ...
May 10, 2024•1 hr 18 min
On this episode of TIAL, Peter and Michael discuss children's birthday parties, wedding planning, and wedding music. They get into their favorite American classics as well as some Italian songs that will wake up the crowd. As always they end with some listener email, including a shout out from old friends and new! Email us at thisitalianamericanlife@gmail.com and tell us what you think! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus epis...
Apr 29, 2024•1 hr 18 min
In this special episode, Peter and Mike have yet another special guest, Peter's new fiance Sharon! They discuss how the proposal went and how she feels about joining the family. The guys then discuss how their respective parents got married and the circumstances that led to their engagements. And it ends as always with the mailbag, including the first listener email not associated with the family! Quindi ascoltate! Email us at thisitalianamericanlife@gmail.com This is a public episode. If you wo...
Feb 26, 2024•1 hr 10 min
On this special episode of T.I.A.L., we have our first in-person guest! Joining us from our new studio in Michael's dining room, Danny di Zio Pino (aka Danny and Annie Danny) regales us with stories of growing up Marchiafava, trips to his family farm in Arizona, and the infamous donkey minivan story! Plus Peter has a special game for Michael and Danny that just might get them in trouble, so listen up! If you have a story to share, send it over to ThisItalianAmericanLife@gmail.com This is a publi...
Jan 23, 2024•1 hr 41 min
On a very special edition of This Italian-American Life, Mike brings up one of his biggest bugaboos and most hated songs, the gibberish that is Prisencolinensinainciusol by Adriano Cellentano. Listen as they break it down in all its glory. After that they go into how TV streaming has become an issue for the older generation and of course...the mailbag! So listen up! The video to Mike's least favorite song: https://youtu.be/-VsmF9m_Nt8?si=wYH6kBaykf_mELsX This is a public episode. If you would li...
Dec 06, 2023•1 hr 11 min
Welcome to This Italian-American Life where two first generation Italian-Americans tell stories about growing up with a big family. In the first episode in months, the guys catch each other up on whats been going on in their lives. Peter's new love, his vacation, and Mike's work and play life. Mike also tells a couple stories about his father's recent injury. Email us at thisitalianamericanlife@gmail.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get ac...
Nov 23, 2023•1 hr 19 min
Welcome to This Italian-American Life where two first generation Italian-Americans tell stories about growing up with a big family. This episode is all about music! Michael and Peter take you down memory lane with the music they grew up with, both in English and Italian. Mike tells "Agostino and the Beatles" and "Agostino sings along", so listen up! Show Links: Link to Dean Martin ashing on George Gobel on Carson: https://youtu.be/JzcMhH7txXE?t=782 Link to John Lennon Chuck Berry, and Yoko Ono "...
Jun 19, 2023•47 min
Welcome to This Italian-American Life where two first generation Italian-Americans tell stories about growing up with a big family. In this episode the guys start off talking about their move to recording on Sunday mornings, then discuss Sicily and how you can purchase a home there for just one Euro, and Mike tells "Traveling with Agostino". Plus the mail bag! Email us at thisitalianamericanlife@gmail.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get a...
Jun 06, 2023•1 hr 2 min
Welcome to This Italian-American Life where two first generation Italian-Americans tell stories about growing up with a big family. In this episode the guys discuss how their parents dealt with customer service and how they handled their own customers. Mike tells "Customer Service Interpreter" and "Leafers". Email us at thisitalianamericanlife@gmail.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tialife.substack.com...
May 30, 2023•42 min
On this edition of This Italian-American Life, the old boys are joined by Michael's two sons, Mateo and Santino. They share stories about going on trips and being silly with their dad while Michael tells "Agostino's Journal" and "The boys go to Florida". On top of that we have a special delivery from Damiano Marchiafava (Robbie's dad and Zio Vito's son). So listen up! Email us at thisitalianamericanlife@gmail.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers ...
May 19, 2023•46 min
On a special Mother's Day episode of This Italian-American Life, two self-proclaimed mamma's boys talk about the women that shaped and continue to shape their lives. Both Peter and Michael tell special stories about their own mothers and the extended family that raised them as well. Please enjoy and have a wonderful Mother's Day! Email us at ThisItalianAmericanLife@gmail.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ...
May 14, 2023•24 min
Welcome to This Italian-American Life where two first generation Italian-Americans tell stories about growing up with a big family. In this episode the guys bring on their first guest, none other than cousin Robbie Marchiafava from Florida! The trio discuss how their lives have intertwined (or not) and share some great stories as well. Michael tells "Johnny Stick Shift", "Greg's Wind", and "Big Carbone Energy" while Robbie tells "Observing the Unicorn", "CIA Operative", and "Pinocchio in Venice"...
May 12, 2023•1 hr 44 min
Welcome to This Italian-American Life where two first generation Italian-Americans tell stories about growing up with a big family. In this episode the guys talk about how their parents may have embarrassed them in front of friends or at school. Michael tells "Kiss Your Father" "Dump Truck Pick Up" and "Mateo's Recital". On top of that we have a very special mailbag, so listen up! Email us at thisitalianamericanlife@gmail.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other...
May 05, 2023•1 hr 2 min
Welcome to This Italian-American Life where two first generation Italian-Americans tell stories about growing up with a big family. In this episode the guys talk about how their parents dealt with the teachers and neighbors in their lives. Michael tells "Lawnmower Man" "Loose Change" "Mikel's Misadventures" and "Its a Hyundai". On top of that we have another mailbag, so listen up! Email us at thisitalianamericanlife@gmail.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other...
Apr 29, 2023•1 hr 6 min
In this episode Michael and Peter talk about the card games our family played (and plays). Michael tells "Violent Kids Songs" and "Don't Interrupt Me". That plus the mailbag! Email us at ThisItalianAmericanLife@gmail.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tialife.substack.com...
Apr 22, 2023•37 min
In this episode Michael and Peter talk about the houses they grew up in. Michael tells "The Gift List" and "Dammi la Luce" while Peter tells a story about growing up with non-Italian friends. That and the mailbag too! Email us at ThisItalianAmericanLife@gmail.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tialife.substack.com...
Apr 13, 2023•1 hr 1 min
On this episode, Peter finds the ship Nonna departed to America on and tells us all about it. Michael tells "Ding-a-ling" and "Mamma swears", plus we have some mail! If you have any stories you'd like to tell please email us at thisitalianamericanlife@gmail.com External Links: http://web.archive.org/web/20180311064348/https://maritimematters.com/2010/04/conte-biancamano-decked/ https://www.italianliners.com/conte-biancamano-en This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with othe...
Apr 06, 2023•38 min
In the second episode of This Italian-American Life, Mike and Peter start with the matriarch of the family Giuseppina Rosalia Marchiafava (nee Tripi) aka "Grandma Baby". They tell her life story from her beginnings in PA, not be allowed to go home, and raising the family we are getting to know. If you do have any additional information and would like to reach out, please email us at ThisItalianAmericanLife@gmail.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribe...
Apr 01, 2023•36 min
In the pilot episode of This Italian-American Life, Mike and Peter let you get to know them a bit and Mike tells the first of many stories, "The Flintstones Game". This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tialife.substack.com
Mar 23, 2023•23 min
