In this episode of the Italian American Podcast, Dr. Maria Giura, acclaimed poet and memoirist, joins Marianne and Patrick for an intimate conversation centered on her new poetry collection, If We Still Lived Where I Was Born. Reading selected poems aloud, she evokes childhood memories above her family's Brooklyn pastry shop and the rituals of Sunday gatherings that shaped her imagination.

The discussion moves beyond nostalgia to the delicate art of writing about family while respecting privacy. Dr. Giura reflects on the weight of Italian American cultural expectations, the instinct to "keep things in the family," and the resolve required to tell one's story with honesty. She also speaks about the guidance of her mentor, poet Maria Masiotti Gillin, and the particular challenges and rewards of working as both memoirist and poet within a close-knit community.

At its heart, the conversation considers the universal tension between loyalty and self-expression. Through memory, tradition, and careful craft, Dr. Giura demonstrates how personal history can be transformed into art that resonates across generations and cultures.

ABOUT THE GUEST:

Maria Giura PhD, Poet, Author, Workshop Leader

HER SOCIALS:

Instagram: @mariagiurawrites

Facebook: maria.giura.3975/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mgiura/

HER WEBSITE: Website: https://www.mariagiura.com/

HER EVENTS COMING UP:

Monday, February 23, 6:30 pm: Co-featuring with poet Linda Kleinbub. Phoenix Poetry Series, Shades of Green Pub, 125 E. 15th Street, New York, NY. See socials below.

Wednesday, March 25, 6:30 pm. Reading, Big Red Books, Nyack, NY https://www.bigredbooks.net/events/3930820260325

Thursday, May 14, 6 pm. Co-featuring. Italian American Writers Association @ Calandra Italian American Institute, 25 W 43rd St Suite 1700, New York, NY https://iawa.net/events/

SOCIALS FOR THE EVENTS SEE BELOW:

Feb 23 Event: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076398760395 AND https://www.instagram.com/the_phoenix_reading_series/ https://www.instagram.com/the_phoenix_reading_series/?hl=en https://www.facebook.com/lindakleinbub AND https://www.instagram.com/lindakleinbub/

March 25 Event: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092635875093 AND https://www.instagram.com/bigredbooks/ May 14 Event: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100071063499667 AND https://www.instagram.com/italianamericanwritersassoc/

HOSTS:

Patrick O'Boyle

Marianna Gatto

SPECIAL GUEST:

Maria Giura

PRODUCED BY:

Nicholas Calvello-Macchia

On this episode of the Italian American Podcast, host Patrick O'Boyle convenes a distinguished panel at the Italian Cultural Institute in New York to explore the often-overlooked world of Neapolitan Renaissance art. Claudio, the Institute's director, outlines its mission to promote Italian culture across New York, Boston, and Philadelphia, strengthening ties between Italy and the Italian American community. Patrick shares the story of restoring forgotten masterpieces in Buccino, Salerno—an initiative sparked by an unexpected American connection and dedicated to reviving sacred works of art.

The discussion turns to innovation in preservation. Ivan describes how virtual reality and artificial intelligence are expanding access to cultural heritage, including the creation of digital twins of the Annunciation statues damaged in the 1980 Irpinia earthquake. These tools allow audiences to follow the restoration process step by step, illustrating how collaboration between Italian and American institutions can protect historic treasures.

Art historian Danielle Oteri offers a perspective on the Neapolitan Renaissance's neglected legacy, recalling how aristocratic patrons once commissioned major works for rural churches, bringing artistic excellence to everyday communities. Reflecting on emigration, loss, and renewal, the episode underscores how the Italian diaspora can help restore ancestral towns, making the past not only remembered but rebuilt.

LOCATION: Italian Cultural Institute, 686 Park Avenue, New York, NY.

THEIR SOCIALS:

Antonio Vincente Amendola

Instagram: @antoniovicenteamendola

Danielle Oteri

Her Website: https://www.feasttravel.com/

Instagram: @danielleoteri_italy

Youtube: @danielle-oteri

HOSTS:

Patrick O'Boyle

Danielle Oteri

SPECIAL GUESTS:

Antonio Vincente Amdenola

Claudio Pagliara

Ivan Allevi

PRODUCED BY: Nicholas Calvello-Macchia

In part 2 of episode 404, the conversation widens beyond personal history into the ethical, health, and cultural implications of plant-based Italian American cooking. Tara Punzone and the crew discuss industrial farming, ingredient integrity, and how modern food systems have altered both taste and tradition.

The episode touches on heritage-grain pasta, the role of quality olive oil and vegetables, and the generational shift toward more conscious eating—especially among younger Italian Americans reexamining what authenticity really means. Rather than nostalgia alone, the focus is on continuity: how tradition survives by adapting.

Thoughtful, funny, and candid, part 2 explores how Italian American cuisine can evolve responsibly—honoring its roots while responding to contemporary concerns—without losing its soul.

HER CREDENTIALS:

Tara Punzone

Author Vegana Italiana

Chef & Owner of Pura Vita

www.puravitalosangeles.com

HER SOCIALS:

Instagrams:

@cheftarapunzone

@puravita_la

ORDER HER BOOK VEGANA ITALIANA :

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/bo...

HOSTS:

Patrick O'Boyle

John Viola

Marcella Martin

SPECIAL GUEST:

Tara Punzone

PRODUCED BY:

Nicholas Calvello-Macchia