Italian Impact Podcast

This week I am joined by the very successful entertainer, Nick Ferraro.  Nick is known for many things, a talented musician, actor, screen writer and much more but he was also dubbed "The Philly Elvis" by none other than Bruce Springsteen on October 19th, 2009 at the Spectrum in Philadelphia PA.  In fact, in the 2013 documentary titled "Springsteen & I", Nick's story is a part of the film.  Check out Nick Ferraro & the All ...

This week I am joined by international singer and professional tour guide, Marco Fiorante.  Marco and I have an absolutely wonderful conversation on how to appreciate your culture while accepting your new home country.  We also discuss his singing career...what a great voice!  Check him out here on his website:  https://www.marcofiorante.com/videos/ or listen to his music here:  https://music.apple.com/us/artist/marco-fiorante/1145...

This week I interview the co-President of the Italian Genealogical Group, Richard Graziano.  In this episode Richard shares several personal stories as well as some great advice on how to research one's roots.  The past is a true definer of who we are now, so it is very important to know it.  In addition, it is very important that we start now before the lines are broken and we are unable to find out our true past!  To learn more, ...

This week's guest is the great Samuele Bozzolla.  Samuele is grandson of the late opera singer Ezio Fortunato Pinza, famous for his starring role in the Broadway hit, "South Pacific", and son of the great opera singer and  Claudia Pinza Bozzolla.  In this episode we talk everything from Luciano Pavarotti, his mothers work with various opera singers, to war stories from his father.  Samuele also give talks on the various regions of ...

Wanted to get your Italian citizenship but worried about changes in the law?  Never fear!  This week I was able to interview Marco Permunian.  Marco is an attorney and founder of the Italian Citizenship Assistance group.  In this interview he provides invaluable assistance and clarity on the new laws.  You can also check out his podcast which focuses on citizenship questions here:  https://italiancitizenshipassistance.com/the-itali...

Nobel Prize winner, Louis Ignarro, is my guest this week.  Lou and I discuss how a first generation Italian-American can grow up to win a Nobel Prize!  What a tremendous story.  Learn more about Lou and his research which is literally saving lives here:  https://www.drignarro.com/

I am also very blessed to have Melissa Marinaro, Director, Italian American Program at the Senator John Heinz History Center and Mary Ferro, author of t...

This week's episode has two very special guests.  Lou Bruno, author and proud Italian-America.  His most recent work, The Love of San Demetrio, is an absolutely wonderful story of his experience in connecting the past to the present.  Please check out his book here:  https://www.byloubruno.com/

Lauren Ronayne is a driving force behind the San Rocco Foundation's annual parade.  For 100 years this procession has remained strong and i...

This week I interview Mary Menniti.  Mary enjoyed a close relationship with both her maternal and paternal immigrant grandparents.  As a result, she learned to cherish the memories of gardening!  This week's interview is very powerful as we discuss this dying experience of simple gardening but also how the advent of large corporations has changed everything about farming, even down to the seeds we use.  There are some very importan...

The big 100 and what a guest to have for it!  This week, I interview author, businessman, philanthropist, and basically all around great guy, Nick Vizzoca.  Nick is a Pittsburgh native, first-generation son of Italian immigrants, and survivor of childhood cancer but more importantly, he is a leader and someone who understands people.  Nick and I talk a lot of things but in this episode, we touch on some topics I usually avoid.  Str...

This week I interview the co-host of the "Italian American Stories Podcast", Stephanie Detton.  Stephanie and I have an absolute wonderful time talking about a myriad of things.  When she is not researching stories, she is busy teaching and spending time with friends and family but she absolutely entertains us with some incredible stories from history related to some very interesting Italian characters!  You can listen to her here:...

This week, I interview the great musician Stephen 'Stefano' Pishner of the band AMICI.  Stephen has been doing this for a long time, beginning his exciting musical voyage of artistic discovery at the early age of 9 years old.  Having played to a million listeners, you will definitely appreciate the passion and talent he brings to his work.  To follow AMICI or hear their music, check them out here:  https://www.amiciwv.com/ or follo...

This week I have the great pleasure of interviewing Bill Sunseri, owner of the Pennsylvania Macaroni Co. here in the Strip District of Pittsburgh. Penn Mac, as it is known, has a nearly 120 year history here.  In this episode we talk about how losing traditional Italian businesses takes away from the community.  Definitely worth a listen and if you are in the area. stop by and tell Bill I said hello...and remember the secret room i...

This week I interview Domenico Mariani.  This is exactly why I do the show!!!  Domenico's story about his family from the war is incredible.  Never mind the fact that Domenico spent 30 years in law enforcement and has his own incredible memories.  There are just some incredible, incredible stories from his history in this episode...please tune in and use this as a reason to go ask YOUR family members about their distant relatives. ...

This week I have 2 segments with 2 very different, but fantastic, guests.  How lucky can I get!  First, I interview the great Sam Bozzolla.  Sam is the grandson of the famous Italian actor Ezio Pinza.  In this segment we talk Sam's famous roots to the proper way to begin enjoying opera!  This was such a great interview, I will have Sam back soon.  Also, if you want to reach out to Sam directly, feel free to email him at bozzolla59@...