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A little permission. A little push. And maybe the reminder you’ve been waiting for. What are we waiting for—and what might happen if we just went? In this subscriber-only episode of What Lights Us Up, I share the solo road trip I almost talked myself out of—and what happened when I finally just went. I drove more than 2,000 miles from Los Angeles to The Gorge in Washington to see Dave Matthews, something that had been on my bucket list for years. Along the way, I discovered unexpected connections, new adventures, and a few lessons about doing the things we want—even when the timing isn’t perfect. In this episode, you’ll get: Permission to do something you’ve been putting off, without waiting for someone else’s availability or approval. Clarity around recognizing when you’re making something more complicated than it needs to be. Momentum to take one small, doable step toward something that’s been on your list. Possibility through the reminder that solo doesn’t have to mean lonely. Practical ideas for making a big adventure feel more manageable. Perspective that an experience doesn’t have to be perfect to be worth doing. Thank you for supporting What Lights Us Up. Your subscription makes these personal stories, reflections, and behind-the-scenes episodes possible. I hope this episode gives you the permission—and maybe the push—to think about what you’ve been putting off and ask yourself: What might happen if I just went? What would you like to hear more about? Send me a note through my website or leave a comment on the Substack post. I’d love to hear what you’re curious about and I’ll make it my next episode!

What happens when you can’t find the information you’re looking for, so you decide to go find it—and write it yourself? Tune in to hear how listening to your heart and following your authentic self can lead you home. Maria Liotta, an Italian Wine Scholar and Certified Specialist of Wine, is the author of Places of Origin: Wines of Southern Italy, a book that brings to life the wines, history, and traditions of Campania, Calabria, Basilicata, and Puglia. Maria shares how growing up with a family history in wine sparked a lifelong passion and, while working on Wall Street, she became curious about why she couldn’t find more information about the wines of Southern Italy. From studying wine at night during her Wall Street career to traveling throughout Southern Italy’s DOP regions, Maria shares how not finding the stories and information she was looking for in New York led her to go find them herself, spending years traveling throughout the region and uncovering the stories behind the wines. Together, Christina and Maria explore the traditions of Southern Italy and why traveling beyond the major cities and into its villages can reveal the stories of the food, people, land, and wine that make each place unique. They talk about the winemakers preserving generations-old traditions, how wine can help us connect more deeply to the places we travel, and how following a passion can ultimately reconnect us to our ancestry and places of origin. If you've ever felt called to something without knowing exactly where it would lead, this conversation is a reminder to follow your curiosity, listen to your heart, and trust that the path may lead you somewhere unexpected—perhaps even home. Buy the book: Places of Origin: Wines of Southern Italy Follow Maria on Instagram: @DrinkSouthernItaly Email Maria: [email protected] Connect with Christina: https://christinaminutillo.com

People often ask me how I afford to travel so much, especially when I’m traveling solo. My answer? I can’t afford not to. In this subscriber-only solo episode of What Lights Us Up, I’m sharing how I make travel work for me—from how I plan and budget for a trip to where I save, where I splurge, how I find flight deals, and the choices I make to keep traveling. I’ll share some of the strategies I’ve picked up along the way, plus what solo travel has taught me about spending money on the experiences that matter most to me. Thank you for supporting What Lights Us Up. Your subscription makes these personal stories, reflections, and behind-the-scenes episodes possible. I hope this episode gives you a few ideas for your own travels—and maybe the push you need to start planning that trip you’ve been thinking about. What would you like to hear more about? Send me a note through my website or leave a comment on the Substack post. I'd love to hear what you're curious about.

What happens when you go against the grain, do things differently, and follow what lights you up? Tune in to hear how curiosity, courage, and staying true to yourself can lead you exactly where you're meant to be. Chef Tara Punzone is the chef and owner of Pura Vita, the first plant-based Italian restaurant of its kind in the United States, located in Los Angeles. She is also the author of Vegana Italiana, a cookbook that brings traditional Italian flavors to the plant-based table. Tara shares the moment that changed everything—watching a slaughterhouse video at just 10 years old and telling her Italian American family she would never eat meat again, a decision that eventually led her to becoming vegan and opening her groundbreaking restaurant. From growing up in a traditional Italian American family in Brooklyn to moving to Los Angeles, she reflects on the unexpected path that led her into the restaurant industry, despite her family’s hopes for a different direction. Together, Christina and Tara explore what happens when you leave behind a strong Italian American community—and how distance from your roots can deepen your connection to them in surprising ways. They discuss growing up with Italian traditions, creating joy through food, and why plant-based eating isn’t as far removed from Italian cuisine as it might seem. If you've ever felt pulled toward something different, questioned whether it's too late to change course, or wondered how to stay connected to your roots while creating your own path, this conversation is for you. Follow Chef Tara Punzone on Instagram: @cheftarapunzone  Visit Pura Vita in Los Angeles: https://puravitalosangeles.com Follow Pura Vita on Instagram: @puravita_la Get Tara’s cookbook, Vegana Italiana: https://puravitalosangeles.com/vegana-italiana-cookbook Episode Thumbnail Photo by Giovanni Reda: @giovannireda Connect with Christina: https://christinaminutillo.com

In this first subscriber-only solo episode of What Lights Us Up, I'm taking you behind the scenes of volunteering at one of Connecticut's beloved Italian feasts, where I spent two days helping make the famous pizzelles alongside generations of volunteers. From showing up after a red-eye flight to meeting the women who have quietly preserved these family traditions for decades, this experience became about much more than fried dough. It became a reflection on Italian American heritage, the people who carry it forward, and why preserving these traditions matters. Thank you for supporting What Lights Us Up. Your subscription makes these personal stories and reflections possible. I'd love to hear what traditions have been passed down in your own family and which ones you hope will continue for generations to come.

What if the sense of home you’ve been missing isn’t something you have to go back to—but something you can create right where you are? Tune in to hear how reconnecting with your heritage, following what lights you up, and building community from the ground up can turn a cultural desert into your own oasis. Vincent Fauceglia is the founder and first president of the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America (OSDIA) Charlotte Lodge, where he has built a thriving Italian American community rooted in culture, connection, and tradition. From growing up in a strong Italian American community in Ohio to moving to what he describes as the “cultural desert” of Charlotte, Vincent faced a difficult chapter in his life. Through that experience, he discovered that creating a community around his Italian American roots helped him reconnect with his authentic self and find a path forward. Together, Christina and Vincent explore what it means to grow up in a cultural “oasis” and then find yourself searching for that same connection somewhere new. From hosting dinners and reviving traditions like bocce and Sunday meals, to building a community from scratch, they explore how culture, food, and shared experiences can bring people together in meaningful ways. If you’ve ever felt like you’re living in a cultural desert, this conversation will inspire you to find—or create—your own oasis. Follow Vincent on Instagram: @vfauceglia Follow Charlotte Sons & Daughters of Italy on Social Media: Instagram @cltosdia | Facebook CLT OSDIA Join or Find a Local Lodge: https://www.osdia.org Learn More About IAFL: https://www.iafuture.org Connect with Christina: https://christinaminutillo.com

What if your grandmother’s recipe and your intuition are more connected than you think? Tune in to hear how trusting your intuition and embracing spiritual guidance can lead you toward a deeper sense of connection, joy, and messages from the other side. MaryAnn DiMarco is an internationally recognized spiritual teacher, bestselling author, and speaker known as The Medium Mentor. Her path wasn’t something she planned—it was something she felt. From growing up surrounded by spirituality to finally answering a deep inner calling later in life, MaryAnn shares how trusting that voice changed everything and led her to empower others to do the same. Together, Christina and MaryAnn reflect on their Italian American culture and family traditions. From stories of grandmothers guiding from the other side to channeling tips in Italian recipes, they explore how food and ritual can keep us connected to those who came before us. If you’ve ever wondered how to trust your intuition, recognize the signs guiding your path, or even recreate a lost family recipe, this episode is a reminder that you are more connected than you think—and that the answers you’re searching for have been with you all along. Visit MaryAnn’s Website: https://maryanndimarco.com Follow MaryAnn on Instagram: ⁠@maryannthemedium⁠ Buy The Guide(s) Deck {Here}  Connect with Christina: https://christinaminutillo.com

What if creativity isn’t just about talent — but about experimenting, showing up, and allowing our passions to shape who we become? Tune in to hear how embracing experimentation, exploring your passions, and following curiosity can transform your life and the way you show up in the world.  Adele French is a well-traveled global citizen and stencil artist who blends surf culture, international influence, and creative expression into a life that bridges career and art. She shares her journey from navigating burnout and personal reinvention to creating space for art and a meaningful side hustle. From growing up in France, to finding a passion for art and surf in Australia, to navigating perimenopause, Adele’s story shows how experimenting with passion and purpose can shape who we are and who we’re becoming. Christina and Adele dive into how creativity and professional life don’t have to compete — they can complement one another. They explore burnout and the power of small steps in rediscovering what lights us up, the role of travel and new experiences in sparking inspiration, and how community and creative expression help us reconnect with ourselves.  If you’ve ever wondered how creativity can help you reconnect with yourself or how to build a life that honors both practicality and passion, this episode is a reminder that experimentation and curiosity can lead to transformation.Creativity isn’t a destination — it’s a practice of discovery. Explore the Adele French Website: adelefrench.com Follow Adele on Instagram: @whoisadelefrench Connect with Christina: https://christinaminutillo.com

What if the food you eat, the stories you hear, and the traditions you grew up with are part of a bigger story  — one that connects Italians across the world? Tune in to discover how curiosity about culture, heritage, and shared traditions can spark connection, wherever you are.  Anthony Castelvecchi is the founder of Oriundi, a media project and Italian lifestyle brand connecting the global Italian diaspora to modern-day Italy. He shares his journey from the corporate world to building Oriundi, inspired by his Italian American upbringing and curiosity about his roots. From Italy to communities around the world, Anthony explores how traditions evolved — from Brazilian polenta to Argentine Milanese — reminding us that culture adapts, it doesn’t disappear. Christina and Anthony dive into what it means to preserve heritage while adapting to new places, the differences between Italian communities across the US and beyond, and how migration shapes food, traditions, and identity. They explore the power of food as a bridge between cultures and why knowing the history behind what we eat matters. If you’ve ever felt disconnected from your roots or wondered how to keep culture alive, this episode is a reminder that community begins with you. Preserving culture happens one connection at a time. Explore Oriundi Website: oriundi.info Follow Anthony on Instagram: @oriundi_ Follow Anthony on TikTok: @oriundi_ Follow Anthony on Facebook: @anthony.castelvecchi Subscribe to Oriundi on YouTube: @oriundigroup Connect with Christina: https://christinaminutillo.com

What if the thing you can’t stop thinking about is actually pointing you toward the life you’re meant to live? Tune in to learn how trusting a feeling, taking small steps, and redefining success can lead to freedom, confidence, and a life that truly lights you up. Lauri Schmidt is the founder of Safari Lauri, a travel company sparked by a single solo trip to Africa that lit her up and inspired her to share that magic with others. Lauri shares how following that feeling led her to leave a long corporate career and build a life centered around travel, adventure, and freedom. From solo travel to small-group safaris, Lauri offers practical tips on financial independence, pursuing your passions, and creating experiences that open doors to perspective, presence, and connection. If you’ve ever felt stuck, uninspired, or caught waiting for the “right” time, this episode is a reminder to take one step toward what lights you up. Lauri reminds us that life is short—and sometimes the bravest thing you can do is to book the trip and trust the feeling that keeps calling you forward. Your Dream Safari Starts Here: https://safarilauri.com Follow Lauri on Instagram: @safari_lauri Connect with Christina: https://christinaminutillo.com

What if the simplest way to reconnect—with yourself, your roots, and the people you love—was to gather around the table? Tune in to explore how food, tradition, and thoughtful hosting can transform everyday moments into meaningful experiences rooted in culture, memory, and joy. Remi Attia is founder of The Nosh Table, a brand dedicated to creating playful, beautiful tableware and tablescapes that spark connection and conversation. Remi shares the story of building her brand inspired by her Jewish and Italian roots and the vibrant gatherings that shaped her childhood. From colorful napkins printed with Italian and Jewish phrases to modern heirloom pieces designed to bring people together, Remi’s work is built around one core belief: hospitality should nourish both the stomach and the soul. Christina and Remi bond over their shared love for the Italian culture and the deep cultural importance of the table—exploring how Italians express love through food, stories of ancestral towns, grandmothers setting unforgettable tables, and how reconnecting with tradition can be profoundly grounding in a chaotic modern world. Together, they reflect on why Italy continues to captivate us: the craftsmanship, the small-scale artistry, time-honored rituals, and the way food ties us to memory through taste, smell, and shared experience. If you’ve ever felt called to slow down, honor where you come from, or bring more meaning and warmth into your everyday life, this episode is a reminder that the table is where it all begins. Remi reminds us that there’s always a reason to celebrate—and that joy can begin with something as simple as inviting one person over for a meal. Explore The Nosh Table: thenoshtable.com Follow The Nosh Table on Instagram: @thenoshtable Connect with Christina: christinaminutillo.com

What if the key to reconnecting with yourself is to slow down—and learn to live the Southern Italian way? Tune in to explore how Italy’s work–life balance and daily rhythms can reshape your perspective, your purpose, and your sense of self. Giorgio Arcamone, founder of Vicus, is building a passion-driven startup dedicated to offering slow-living travel experiences for remote workers—designed to help regenerate small villages in Southern Italy, beginning with his home island of Ischia where his Italian roots run deep. In this episode, Giorgio shares the story behind his project in Ischia: a labor of love inspired by his late grandmother and rooted in 20 years of imagining a different kind of tourism—one that invites you to pause, breathe, and truly feel the world around you. Christina and Giorgio connect over their shared passion for helping people reconnect with their roots, traditions, and the grounding rhythm of Italian life. Their conversation explores what it means to truly live slow, disconnect from performance culture, and remember who you are through food, people, and place. Together, they reflect on the contrast between fast-paced American life and the soulful slowness of Southern Italy—discovering what we can learn from the Neapolitan way of living: hospitality that feels like home, connection over productivity, and the small daily rituals that bring us back to joy. They explore how food heritage, ancestral identity, and the natural cadence of Southern Italy can radically reshape how we work, live, and experience meaning. If you’ve ever wondered how to experience the Italian way of life, this episode is your invitation to slow down, return to your roots, and reimagine what joy can look like in your everyday life. Explore the Vicus Travel Experiences: https://vicus.it Follow Giorgio on Instagram: @giorgio_arcamone Connect with Christina: https://christinaminutillo.com

What if the key to joy is giving yourself permission to change—and create from a place of authenticity? Tune in to hear how letting yourself evolve, follow curiosity, and create from the heart can open the door to deeper joy and purpose. Artist Sara Joy Annapolen shares her journey of pivoting from creating wearable joy to a life rooted in art, community, and meaning. From launching a resortwear line to painting murals and exploring her Jewish heritage through modern art, Sara’s story is a masterclass in trusting the unknown and letting passion lead the way. Christina and Sara reflect on choosing joy in everyday life—how slowing down, having fun, and leaning into what lights you up can shift everything. They talk about the art of pivoting in midlife, creating community through creativity, and how honoring your roots (whether through food, art, or tradition) helps preserve connection across generations. If you’ve ever questioned what’s next, felt the fear of starting over, or longed to create more joy in your life, this episode will remind you that joy isn’t a destination—it’s something you can choose and create every day. Follow Sara Joy @shopsarajoy Explore Her World of Art at shopsarajoy.com Connect with Christina at christinaminutillo.com

What if the most authentic version of yourself is waiting to be uncovered through food, travel, and the stories we share around the table? Tune in to explore how embracing curiosity, following your gut, and daring to ask deeper questions can guide you back to your authenticity—and your purpose. Janna Tamargo, sociologist, media entrepreneur, and founder of AuthenticFood.com, shares the unexpected path that led her to pursue a PhD in sociology to study what makes food truly “authentic.” From spontaneous dinners with airline crews in Milan to teaching food studies in Rome, Janna’s story is a reminder that depth, connection, and joy are often found in the least expected places. Christina and Janna talk about building community through food, what it means to share tradition, and how authenticity can be a personal, evolving experience. Janna opens up about the turning point that inspired her to launch her platform, how she collects stories from around the world, and why our obsession with authenticity reveals something deeper about who we are. If you’ve ever felt lit up by a meal, wondered how to connect with locals while traveling, or wanted to live more authentically but didn’t know where to start—this episode is for you. Janna’s insights will leave you craving meaningful conversation, off-the-beaten-path adventures, and the courage to live out your authenticity. Sign up for the weekly newsletter at: AuthenticFood.com Follow Authentic Food on Instagram: @authenticfoodinsta Follow Janna Tamargo on Instagram: @jannatamargo Connect with Christina: https://christinaminutillo.com

What if your roots held the key to your passion—and your path forward? In this heartfelt episode, recorded inside the Italian American Museum of Los Angeles, Christina sits down with historian, author, and museum director Marianna Gatto, whose lifelong love for her Italian heritage has fueled decades of work preserving the stories of Italian Americans in LA—stories often left untold. Marianna shares how growing up in a diverse Los Angeles neighborhood sparked a deep curiosity about her family’s past—one that ultimately became her calling. That calling led her to restore a crumbling historic building and transform it into a vibrant cultural institution, honoring the legacies of those who came before her. Her journey from educator to historian and cultural advocate is a testament to what happens when we follow the spark within. Christina and Marianna explore the power of reconnecting with your roots, the magic of storytelling, and how honoring the past can illuminate your purpose. Marianna shares powerful insights about resilience, faith, and the unseen hands that guide us when we step into our purpose. If you're looking for inspiration to create something meaningful, reconnect with your heritage, or rediscover what lights you up—this conversation is a heartfelt reminder that our past often holds the key to our future. Visit the Italian American Museum of Los Angeles: https://www.iamla.org Follow the Italian American Museum of Los Angeles on Instagram @italianamericanmuseumofla Follow the Italian American Museum of Los Angeles on Facebook @iamofla Buy a signed copy of The Italian Americans of Los Angeles: https://losangeleslittleitaly.com Find the book at I AM BOOKS in Boston Follow Marianna Gatto on Instagram @gattolosangeles Connect with Christina: https://christinaminutillo.com