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In this episode of the Italian American Podcast, hosts John Viola and Dr. Marcella Martin broadcast from the heart of New York City's Little Italy during the 100th anniversary of the Feast of San Gennaro. They are joined by Naples-born singer-songwriter Livio Cori for a conversation about music, cultural identity, and the enduring ties between Italy and its diaspora. Against the backdrop of one of America's most iconic festivals, the conversation explores how traditions often take on new life within immigrant communities. While certain customs have evolved or faded in contemporary Italy, Italian Americans continue to preserve them through festivals, family traditions, and a deep sense of cultural pride. Livio reflects on a similar revival taking place in Italy, where younger generations are increasingly embracing their Southern Italian roots and Neapolitan music and culture are reaching audiences far beyond Naples. Drawing from his own career, Livio discusses the growing appreciation for regional culture and the challenge of remaining authentic in a fast-moving digital music industry. The conversation also considers how language, music, and community can bridge the distance between Italy and Italian Americans, connecting generations shaped by different experiences but united by a shared cultural heritage. HIS SOCIALS: Instagram: @liviocori Youtube:  @LivioCoriOfficial   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LivioCoriOfficial/ TikTok: @liviocori HIS MUSIC: Website: https://heartist.app/product/luntano/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/67ZKaYOA7fXtnWve33FcSX Youtube Music: https://music.youtube.com/channel/UC05sNuq-HGGExjDVgenCgQw Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/livio-cori/601184193 HOSTED BY: John Viola Marcella Martin SPECIAL GUEST:  Livio Cori PRODUCED BY Nicholas Calvello-Macchia

In this episode of the Italian American Podcast, John, Pat, and Marcella are joined by chef Matthew Cutolo for a lively conversation about Italian American food, family, and tradition. From sauce season and classic Jersey tomato varieties like Rutgers to Sunday dinners and family routines, they reflect on the customs that have connected Italian American families for generations. Matthew is the third-generation chef at Brooklyn's historic Gargiulo's Restaurant, an Italian American institution whose roots stretch back to 1907. He discusses the challenges of balancing tradition with modernity, preserving family recipes and hospitality, and keeping a century-old business thriving as neighborhoods, customers, and family celebrations continue to change. The conversation explores why heirloom restaurants like Gargiulo's are more than simply places to eat: they are living repositories of Italian American identity, hospitality, and shared memory. From changing neighborhoods and social media to sauce season and Sunday dinner, the episode celebrates the families keeping Italian American traditions alive while finding new ways to carry them into the future. HIS SOCIALS: Insta: @matthewcutolo Youtube:  @MatthewCutolo   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chefmatthewcutolo/ TikTok: @matthewcutolo HIS WEBSITE:  GARGIULIO'S SOCIALS Instagram: @gargiulosrestaurant Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GargiulosNY/ GARGIULIO'S WEBSITE: https://gargiulos.com/   WATCH THE FULL EPISODE ON PATREON https://www.patreon.com/italianamericanpodcast/posts/more-than-at-iap-170283225?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link HOSTED BY: John Viola Patrick O'Boyle Marcella Martin  SPECIAL GUEST:  Matthew Cutolo PRODUCED BY: Nicholas Calvello-Macchia

In this episode of the Italian American Podcast, hosts Pat, Rosella, and Marianna welcome guests Nonna Nunzia Caputo, and Alessia to the Red Sauce Studio in New York City for a conversation about the beloved tradition of handmade orecchiette and life in Bari Vecchia. Nonna Nunzia recalls learning to make pasta as a young girl under the watchful eye of her grandmother, when orecchiette was not simply a regional specialty but part of the rhythm of everyday family life and, for many, a means of survival. The conversation traces the remarkable transformation of Bari Vecchia from a poor and sometimes rough neighborhood into an international destination celebrated for its food, culture, and distinctive street life. Nunzia and Alessia reflect on how tourism and social media have brought worldwide attention to the women making pasta along its narrow streets, while also discussing the importance of preserving the authenticity of a tradition passed down from one generation to the next. The episode concludes with Nonna Nunzia demonstrating the art of making authentic orecchiette by hand, sharing the techniques and instinctive feel for the dough that come from a lifetime of experience. Through stories of family, hardship, hospitality, and change, the conversation celebrates the women of Bari Vecchia and a culinary tradition that continues to connect generations across Italy and the Italian diaspora.   NONNA NUNZIA SOCIALS: Instagram: @leorecchiettedinunzia Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nunzialapastaia/ TikTok: @nunzialapastaia Youtube:  @NunziaLaPastaia   HOSTED BY: Patrick O'Boyle Rosella Rago Marianna Gatto SPECIAL GUEST:  Nonna Nunzia   PRODUCED BY: Nicholas Calvello-Macchia

In this episode of the Italian American Podcast, hosts Pat and Marianna sit down in the heart of Little Italy with Cav. Dr. Gilda Battaglia Rorro Baldassari and Dr. Mary Rorro, a remarkable mother-daughter duo whose work has advanced Italian American culture, education, and heritage. At the center of the conversation is The Universality of Italian Heritage, an innovative K–16 curriculum developed by Cav. Dr. Gilda Battaglia Rorro Baldassari for the New Jersey Italian Heritage Commission. She shares how a promise made to the Pope at just 13 years old inspired a lifetime of advocacy and discusses the need for a broader understanding of Italian contributions to world culture beyond familiar figures and stereotypes. The conversation also explores family, cultural identity, the challenges facing educators, and the accomplishments of women in academia and diplomacy. Through personal stories, international experiences, and advice for younger generations, Cav. Dr. Gilda Battaglia Rorro Baldassari and Dr. Rorro offer a thoughtful look at the importance of preserving Italian heritage while ensuring its enduring place in education and culture. HOSTED BY: Patrick O'Boyle Marianna Gatto SPECIAL GUEST:  Cav. Dr. Gilda Battaglia Rorro Baldassari and Dr. Mary Rorro   PRODUCED BY: Nicholas Calvello-Macchia

In this episode of the Italian American Podcast, hosts John and Patrick are joined by Professor Jeffrey Louis Decker, author of Rebel Girl and the Godfather: New York City's Italians and the Fight for Civil Rights, for a fascinating exploration of Italian American involvement in the struggle for civil rights. At the center of the conversation are two compelling and very different figures: Mary Sansone, the formidable labor organizer and community activist, and Joe Colombo, the controversial founder of the Italian American Civil Rights League. Through their stories, Professor Decker examines competing visions of Italian American identity, activism, and advancement in twentieth-century New York. The conversation explores the stereotypes that shaped perceptions of Italian Americans, the role of labor and community organizing, and the political and cultural changes that transformed Italian American life from the Great Depression through the Reagan era. Along the way, John, Patrick, and Professor Decker consider questions of assimilation, coalition-building, ethnic identity, and what civil rights meant to different generations of Italian Americans.   HIS WEBSITE: Website: https://english.ucla.edu/people-faculty/decker-jeffrey-louis/ LINK:  Read an excerpt from Jeffrey Louis Decker's Rebel Girl and the Godfather: New York City's Italians and the Fight for Civil Rights at  https://www.book2look.com/book/hYftxSzwIK HOSTED BY: John Viola Patrick O'Boyle SPECIAL GUEST:  Jeffrey Louis Decker   PRODUCED BY: Nicholas Calvello-Macchia

In Part 2 of our conversation with legendary guitarist Al Di Meola, we explore some of his most memorable performances in Italy. Di Meola recalls playing on Mount Vesuvius, giving intimate concerts in private homes, and experiencing the extraordinary warmth and hospitality of Italian audiences. He also reflects on emotional visits to his family's ancestral towns, where performing became a deeply personal way to reconnect with his Italian heritage. Through stories of music, family, food, and tradition, Di Meola reveals why his experiences in Italy remain among the most meaningful of his remarkable career. The episode closes with laughter, gratitude, and an impromptu kazoo duet. HIS SOCIALS: Instagram: @official_aldimeola Facebook:   / aldimeolamusic   Youtube: ‪@OfficialAlDiMeola‬  X:@aldimeolamusic Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3bBWK... HOME EVENTS: https://aldimeola.com/pages/private-e... HIS MERCH: https://elusivedisc.com/search/?omnis... HIS TOUR: https://aldimeola.com/pages/tour   HOSTED BY: Patrick O'Boyle Jenna Esposito SPECIAL GUEST: Al Di Meola PRODUCED BY: Nicholas Calvello-Macchia

Grammy-winning guitarist Al Di Meola joins Jenna and Pat for a wide-ranging conversation about Italian heritage, family history, and his extraordinary musical career. They explore regional identity, genealogy, dual citizenship, and the immigration stories that connect generations of Italian Americans to their ancestral towns. Along the way, they reflect on the food and traditions rooted in Southern Italy that continue to shape Italian American life. Di Meola shares stories from a remarkable career, including collaborations with Luciano Pavarotti, Elton John, and Eric Clapton. He discusses the importance of melody and rhythm in Italian music, his early influences, the life-changing impact of The Beatles, and the golden age of vinyl and record stores. He also offers candid thoughts on how streaming has transformed the relationship between musicians and their audiences. The conversation turns especially personal as Di Meola recalls emotional visits to his family's ancestral towns in Italy and the hospitality he encountered there. From performing on Mount Vesuvius to intimate concerts in private homes, his stories reveal how music, family, food, and tradition carry memory across generations. The episode closes with laughter, gratitude, and an impromptu kazoo duet. HIS SOCIALS: Instagram: @official_aldimeola Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlDiMeolaMusic/ Youtube:  @OfficialAlDiMeola   X:@aldimeolamusic Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3bBWKHfpepPOychRNFzg4q?autoplay_ok=1 HOME EVENTS: https://aldimeola.com/pages/private-events HIS MERCH: https://elusivedisc.com/search/?omnisendContactID=673f6ef97594f17470dcb8dc&tag=clearaudio-al-di-meola&utm_source=email&utm_medium=social+media&utm_campaign=DiMeola-table-intro&utm_id=DiMeola-Table HIS TOUR: https://aldimeola.com/pages/tour   HOSTED BY: Patrick O'Boyle Jenna Esposito SPECIAL GUEST: Al Di Meola PRODUCED BY: Nicholas Calvello-Macchia

In this episode of the Italian American Podcast, John, Pat, and Mariana welcome wine writer and researcher Maria Liotta for a journey through the rich and often overlooked world of Southern Italian wine. Inspired by her encyclopedic work, Places of Origin: The Wines of Southern Italy, the conversation explores the wine traditions of Campania, Calabria, Basilicata, and Puglia, highlighting their native grape varieties, 65 Denominazione di Origine Protetta (DOP) appellations, and centuries-old winemaking practices—many with roots stretching back to Magna Graecia. The discussion traces the remarkable transformation of Southern Italy's wine industry. Once known primarily for bulk production and table wines, the region has become one of Italy's most exciting centers of quality winemaking. Along the way, the hosts examine the lasting impact of the phylloxera epidemic, the role of volcanic soils in preserving ancient vines, and the distinctive terroirs that set Southern Italian wines apart. They also encourage listeners to look beyond familiar labels like Pinot Grigio and Chianti to discover the extraordinary diversity of regions such as Puglia, Basilicata, Calabria, and Campania. Blending history, travel, and personal experience, Maria shares stories of remarkable producers, including the last winemaker on Capri, while reflecting on her own path from ophthalmologist and finance professional to respected wine researcher. Together, the hosts celebrate the hospitality of Southern Italian vintners, the importance of supporting small producers, and the enduring connection between wine, place, and cultural identity, inviting listeners to experience Southern Italy one bottle at a time. HER SOCIALS: Instagram: @drinksouthernitaly HER WEBSITE: https://www.winesofsouthernitaly.com/ HOSTED BY: John Viola Patrick O'Boyle SPECIAL GUEST: Maria Liotta   PRODUCED BY: Nicholas Calvello-Macchia

In this episode of the Italian American Podcast, hosts John, Pat, Marcella, and Brandon welcome musician and content creator December Rose for a lively conversation about Italian Canadian and Italian American identity, family traditions, and the evolving experience of the diaspora. Drawing on her upbringing in Montreal to Sicilian and Abruzzese parents, December shares humorous stories about strict family rules, generational dynamics, and the cultural quirks that unite Italian communities across North America. The discussion explores December's unexpected rise on social media after a viral video about her Sicilian heritage, leading to a broader conversation about preserving language, culture, and identity in the digital age. The hosts also compare Italian communities across Canada and the United States, examining language retention, immigration, and regional differences. Blending humor with thoughtful reflection, the episode celebrates the enduring strengths of Italian family life while considering how younger generations can honor tradition, embrace personal growth, and build healthier futures without losing sight of their roots. HER SOCIALS: Instagram: @decemberrosemusic TikTok: @decemberrosemusic Facebook: @decemberrosemusic Threads: @decemberrosemusic HER WEBSITE: https://www.decemberrosemusic.com EVENTS UPCOMING FOR HER: Socials for event(s): @italfestmtl on IG HER MERCH: https://shop.decemberrosemusic.com/?srsltid=AfmBOornmsUV4eGTFTNgMjRdFU7Dk6Rnj14B4_PR9PEBq0XXY6X-iXvl HOSTED BY: John Viola Patrick O'Boyle Brandon Ficara Marcella Martin SPECIAL GUEST: December Rose PRODUCED BY: Nicholas Calvello-Macchia

In this episode of the Italian American Podcast, hosts John, Marcella, and Pat sit down with Louis Lacarbonara, owner of Direct Kicks, a buy, sell, and trade sneaker store in Westchester County, New York. Louis shares how his entrepreneurial mindset was shaped by working in his family's pizzeria and launching small ventures as a kid, from selling pizza slices and gum to classmates to reselling sneakers online while attending Oklahoma State University. He reflects on the challenges of growing from an online business to multiple brick-and-mortar locations, overcoming obstacles such as flooding, legal disputes with landlords, and the constant demands of running a retail business. The conversation also explores the explosive growth of the resale market and the changing perception of secondhand goods. Louis explains how terms like "used," "pre-owned," and "vintage" influence consumer behavior, while discussing the appeal of collectible sneakers, Pokémon cards, Legos, and other hobby markets. The hosts examine how social media, limited releases, and scarcity fuel demand, and why collecting has become as much about identity and community as ownership. Throughout the episode, Louis emphasizes the importance of adaptability, persistence, and staying personally involved in every aspect of the business, from cleaning shoes to negotiating large collections. Drawing on lessons learned from family, college, and years of entrepreneurship, he offers practical insights into building a business that thrives through hard work, strong relationships, and a willingness to evolve with the market.   HIS SOCIALS: Instagram: @DirectKicks Facebook: Facebook.com/DirectKicks HIS WEBSITE: www.DirectKicks.com STORE ADDRESS: 236 Mamaroneck Ave, Mamaroneck NY 10543  HOSTED BY: John Viola Patrick O'Boyle Marcella Martin Special Guest: Louis Lacarboncara

In this episode of the Italian American Podcast, hosts Pat and Danielle Oteri welcome historian and author Andrew Novo to discuss his new novel, Where the Mountains Burn. The conversation begins with a lighthearted exchange about Italian heritage before turning to the importance of highlighting the intellectual, cultural, and historical contributions of Italian Americans beyond familiar stereotypes.   The discussion centers on Where the Mountains Burn, a novel inspired by the wartime experiences of Novo's grandfather, Rinaldo. Born in the United States but raised in Piemonte, Rinaldo witnessed the upheaval of Fascist Italy and ultimately joined the resistance as a partisan. Novo explores the hardships and moral complexities of wartime, while also reflecting on the lasting impact Rinaldo's experiences had on his family. Along the way, Pat and Danielle provide broader historical context on the Italian resistance and Italy's turbulent twentieth century.   The episode concludes with a conversation about the importance of historical fiction in preserving Italian and Italian American history. Pat, Danielle, and Andrew encourage listeners to support the humanities, read widely, and engage with the stories that continue to shape the community's understanding of the past. HOSTS: Patrick O'Boyle  Danielle Oteri SPECIAL GUESTS: Frank Ingrasciotta PRODUCED BY: Nicholas Calvello-Macchia

In this episode of the Italian American Podcast, hosts John and Pat welcome Addison Basile, a Georgetown graduate, Fulbright Scholar, and linguistics and psychology major, to discuss her passion for Italian language and culture. The conversation explores Italian American identity, the role of language in shaping belonging, and how Addison even used the podcast itself as part of her linguistic research. Addison reflects on tutoring Italian at Georgetown, which inspired her to launch the Instagram account "ciaoitaddy", where she shares accessible lessons on Italian language and culture. She also discusses the unique perspective of teaching as a non-native speaker and explains why curiosity, adaptability, and a willingness to make mistakes are essential to language learning. The episode concludes with a discussion of Addison's senior thesis, which examined how Italians perceive second-language speakers in everyday interactions. Her research found that genuine effort and a desire to communicate are often valued more than grammatical perfection. The hosts also highlight the importance of supporting young scholars and initiatives like Italian American Future Leaders to strengthen ties between Italy and the Italian American community.   HER SOCIALS: Instagram:@ciaoitsaddy Facebook:@ciaoitsaddy   Any Events that are coming up to note: - If anyone wants to do a collaboration with her (US or Italy) they can contact Addison at [email protected]   HOSTED BY: John Viola Patrick O'Boyle SPECIAL GUEST: Addison Basile PRODUCED BY: Nicholas Calvello-Macchia

The Italian American Podcast welcomes Larry Ruvo for a heartfelt conversation with hosts Marcella Martin and Pat. The episode begins by exploring Ruvo's family story, tracing the journey of his Italian Canadian and Italian American parents from Niagara Falls to Las Vegas, where they opened the Venetian Pizzeria, the city's first pizzeria. Along the way, Ruvo shares colorful memories of family life, Frank Sinatra's enduring loyalty to the restaurant, and an era when trust and a handshake were often the foundation of business.   The discussion then turns to Ruvo's extraordinary philanthropic work and the founding of the Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health in partnership with the Cleveland Clinic. Inspired by his father's battle with Alzheimer's disease and his mother's dedication as a caregiver, Ruvo explains the center's mission to advance research, improve patient care, and support families living with neurodegenerative diseases. He also highlights the center's iconic Frank Gehry-designed building, the impact of the Women's Alzheimer's Movement, and the growing importance of gender-specific research, early detection, caregiver support, and private philanthropy in the search for better treatments and, ultimately, a cure.   Throughout the conversation, Ruvo, Marcella, and Pat reflect on the enduring values of family, education, faith, and community, while considering the challenges of preserving Italian American identity across generations. Filled with humor, personal stories, and thoughtful insights, the episode is a moving reminder of how heritage, compassion, and generosity can leave a lasting impact on both individuals and society. HOSTS: Patrick O'Boyle  Marcella Martin SPECIAL GUEST: Larry Ruvo PRODUCED BY: Nicholas Calvello-Macchia

In this episode of the Italian American Podcast, hosts John and Pat are joined by Dan Marucci for a discussion of Joe DiMaggio's legendary 56-game hitting streak and its enduring place in both baseball history and Italian American culture. The conversation explores why many consider the record unbreakable and how DiMaggio became a source of pride for generations of Italian Americans. The hosts also reflect on his complex personality, sharing stories that reveal both his reserved nature and his acts of generosity.   The discussion examines how baseball has changed since DiMaggio's era. From specialized pitching staffs and a global talent pool to shifting media habits and shorter attention spans, the hosts consider whether any pursuit of a historic record could ever unite the country as DiMaggio's streak once did.   Marucci also discusses his novel, which imagines a modern Italian American ballplayer chasing DiMaggio's seemingly unreachable mark. The conversation expands to family traditions, food, gardening, and the importance of preserving Italian American stories, highlighting the enduring connection between sports, heritage, and community. HOSTED BY: John Viola Patrick O'Boyle SPECIAL GUEST: Daniel Marucci PRODUCED BY: Nicholas Calvello-Macchia

Few Italian Americans have shaped the United States as profoundly as A.P. Giannini, yet his name remains largely absent from the national conversation. In this episode of the Italian American Podcast, Pat, Marianna, and award-winning filmmaker Davide Fiore explore the remarkable life and legacy of the founder of the Bank of Italy, which later became Bank of America. Through the lens of Fiore's acclaimed documentary, they examine how Giannini revolutionized banking by extending financial opportunities to immigrants, working-class families, and women—groups often excluded from traditional institutions—and why his story deserves far greater recognition today.   The conversation also highlights Giannini's extraordinary vision and humanitarian spirit. Following the devastating 1906 San Francisco earthquake, he famously rescued the bank's assets and immediately began extending credit to help rebuild the city when others would not. His belief that banking should serve ordinary people helped fuel some of America's greatest achievements, including support for Walt Disney, the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge, and early investments in what would become Silicon Valley. Giannini's life offers a powerful example of entrepreneurship guided by responsibility, optimism, and service to the common good.   Beyond Giannini himself, the episode explores broader themes of Italian American identity, cultural memory, and the enduring ties between Italy and the United States. The hosts reflect on how traditions evolve across generations, how media shapes public perceptions, and why positive stories of Italian American achievement matter. It is a thoughtful conversation about heritage, innovation, and one man whose vision helped transform America while remaining largely forgotten by history. HIS SOCIALS: Instagram: @davidefiore_ig Facebook: @DavideFioreOfficialProfile Threads: @davidefiore_ig Vimeo: @davidefiore TikTok: @the_neurotic_auteur HIS WEBSITE: Website: www.davidefiore.tv, www.alittlefellowmovie.com HOSTED BY: Patrick O'Boyle