Celebrated scholar Dr. Fred Gardaphé joins us in the studio to shed light on the vibrant tapestry of Italian American culture, identity, and scholarship. With warmth, humor, and memorable stories, Fred reflects on the moments that have shaped his journey—like how one of his books inspired our host’s grandmother to embrace reading at the age of seventy. Together, we explore the delightful intersections of food, literature, and family traditions, while honoring the indelible mark Italian Americans have left on both the United States and their ancestral homeland.

Our conversation also delves into the challenges Italian American scholars face in bridging cultural heritage with academic pursuits. From dismantling stereotypes to embracing one’s roots, Fred shares insights into the ongoing journey of weaving heritage into academic life. Beyond anecdotes, we spotlight the vital role of philanthropy in advancing Italian American studies and the ongoing efforts to preserve this cultural legacy for generations to come.

We expand the lens to consider the Italian diaspora worldwide, examining how heritage continues to flourish in communities across Argentina, Brazil, and beyond. With candor, Fred discusses the evolution of Italian American studies, emphasizing the importance of engaging younger generations and leveraging modern tools—like social media—to spark curiosity and connection. Join us for a lively and enlightening exploration that celebrates the complexities and joys of Italian American identity, academia, and community.

HIS BOOKS

https://www.thriftbooks.com/a/fred-l-gardaph/225367/?srsltid=AfmBOoqFR9f2dB61OX4m0ckifDpSPhW_owQWX6iBDHSBvAd-VX3jo_c9

What really happened on 9/11 when a New Jersey home became a frenzied trading floor as the World Trade Center went silent? Guest Don Caprio takes us inside that day, connecting its ripple effects to Italian American heritage, family legacies, and the way history is remembered.

From the golden age of radio to the rise of new media, we explore nostalgia, generational shifts, and the mysteries that bind families together—stories laced with conspiracy, unsolved crimes, and the power of community activism. Don shares his unique perspective on how culture and technology intersect across time.

Together with Anthony Colombo, we revisit the Italian American Civil Rights League, challenge stereotypes about organized crime, and reveal the murky overlap of government, crime, and community. This episode is a layered journey through memory, resilience, and the enduring pursuit of truth and justice.

ANTHONY COLOMBO’S SOCIALS

Instagram: @anthonycolombolegal

HIS WEBSITE: www.colombobook.com

DON CAPRIA SOCIALS

Instagram: @doncapria

TikTok: @doncapria

Facebook: doncapria

X: @doncapria110

HIS WEBSITE:

www.onetencrew.com

www.colombobook.com

EVENTS: DARK EXPO oct 24 & 25

COLOMBO BOOK:

Colombobook.com https://www.directorscutmovie.com/store

Can the charm of classic Italian American culture withstand the pace of a modern world? Giuseppe Falanga of Brooklyn Bites takes us inside beloved Brooklyn institutions like Ferdinando’s and Bari Pork Store—businesses now threatened by the “Great Extinction” of traditional Italian shops. Through personal anecdotes and community stories, Giuseppe reveals the urgency of preserving these cultural landmarks while painting a vivid picture of Brooklyn’s changing landscape.

Our journey then extends beyond Brooklyn to Edmonton’s Little Italy, reborn as Piazza Italia. Here we discovered rare kitchenware, indulged in authentic treats, and connected instantly with the local Italian community. These experiences sparked the creation of Brooklyn Bites, a social media brand built on passion for culinary storytelling, creative partnership, and the joy of turning personal interests into a thriving endeavor.

Together, we explore the importance of tradition, authenticity, and craftsmanship in Italian American food culture. From nostalgic meals in Brooklyn to culinary adventures abroad, our conversation underscores how storytelling and community support can keep heritage alive. With Giuseppe’s infectious energy, we invite listeners to take an active role in sustaining these culinary treasures for future generations.

THEIR SOCIALS

Instagram: @brooklynbitess

TikTok: @brooklynbitess

Facebook: BrooklynBitess

X: Brooklynbites

Threads: @brooklymbitess

THEIR COOKBOOK:

https://found.us/creators/brooklynbitess?code=brooklynbitess&fbclid=PARlRTSAM6Yz1leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABpwE7OjQli2trmtR6389YHTZHAobTacHNxsVbSyOPpJnDrjHomR0DHlKQMcoq_aem_jysG8uf5UhHS02ua7TUUJQ

Have you ever wondered how your last name connects to your cultural identity? In this episode, hosts John Viola and Patrick O’Boyle, alongside co-host Dr. Marcella Martin, dive into the deep ties between Italian heritage and personal identity.

The conversation takes a powerful turn with guests Janice Cenzoprano and Ralph Colasanti from the Cooley’s Anemia Foundation, who guide us through the genetic story of thalassemia. Together, we trace its Mediterranean roots, its links to malaria zones, and even its surprising historical connections to explorers like Marco Polo.

Through a moving firsthand account, we hear what it was like to grow up with thalassemia in its early days of treatment — from demanding regimens to the life-changing arrival of oral chelators. Along the way, we highlight the often-unsung community heroes: organizations like Sons of Italy and UNICO, whose unwavering advocacy and support have been vital in this journey.

We also revisit the grassroots philanthropy that helped pave the way for today’s progress, celebrating figures like Joe Polari and Pat Acasella whose tireless efforts fueled awareness and research. Patient advocacy and breakthroughs in genetic therapy point toward a hopeful future, where advanced treatments could transform patient care.

Join us for an episode rich with history, resilience, and community spirit — a testament to how cultural identity and collective action can shape both personal journeys and medical advancement.

THEIR SOCIALS

Instagram: @cooleysanemia

TikTok: tiktok.com/cooleysanemia

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CooleysAnemiaFoundation

X: @cooleysanemia

Threads: @cooleysanemia

LinkedIn: Cooley’s Anemia Foundation

THEIR WEBSITE:

Thalassmia.org

NOTES FROM THE FOUNDATION: Our Thalassemia Care Walk Fundraiser is ongoing throughout the year.

Check bit.ly/CAFCareWalk25 for upcoming walks in your city or simply to donate and help us find a universal cure for all patients.

Care Walk T-shirts are available at bit.ly/CAFCareWalk25 with registration!

Join hosts John Viola, Patrick O’Boyle, and Dolores Alfieri Taranto as they welcome special guest Kathy Whims, acclaimed chef, restaurateur, and author of The Italian Summer Kitchen. Together, they dive into the joys of the Italian summer kitchen during a sizzling New York City heatwave.

This lively conversation is a feast of humor, culinary wisdom, and cultural reflections. From fresh pasta on the Amalfi cliffs to fried chicken in the American South, the group explores the delicious parallels between Southern Italy and the American South. Along the way, they share stories of family traditions, baptisms, and even the joy of home-raised chickens—all steeped in deep Neapolitan roots.

Kathy shares her journey of bringing authentic Italian flavors to Portland through her celebrated restaurants and cookbooks. Her dedication to seasonality, stunning recipes, and watercolor illustrations make her new book an inspiring addition to any kitchen.

Expect laughs over technical glitches, warm interruptions, and heartfelt stories as the hosts and guest celebrate the liberating aspects of aging, the universal comfort of Italian cuisine, and the enduring power of food to bring people together.

HER WEBSITE: https://nostrana.com/team-member/cathy/

HER SOCIALS:

Instagram: @cathywhims

X: @cathywhims

Years ago, Laura and Pino Pugliano gifted bottles of olive oil at their wedding—never imagining it would inspire a thriving business. Our episode traces their heartfelt journey, where romance and tradition intertwine, from the charm of a small Italian town to the bustling enterprise they run today.

As we explore their story, we also uncover the rich heritage of Vena di Maida, where Albanian and Italian cultures have coexisted since the 1400s. The Arbëreshë community, with its enduring language, customs, and recipes, illustrates how migration shaped Italy’s cultural mosaic of resilience and continuity.

Our journey then turns to Calabria’s lush olive groves, where the ancient art of olive oil production still thrives. From its sacred uses in Rome to its place at modern tables, olive oil remains a timeless symbol of nourishment and identity. We highlight its health benefits, economic role, and the importance of sustainability—challenging listeners to value authentic, high-quality oils that honor Italy’s agricultural legacy.

CICCIO'S OLIVES SOCIALS

Instagram: @cicciosolives

YouTube: @cicciosolives

X: @CicciosOlives

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CicciosOlives/

THEIR WEBSITE: https://cicciosolives.com/

We step into the world of independent film with the release of Director’s Cut, a project close to home, reflecting the passion, risks, and creative struggles that define the industry. Along the way, we explore the evolving landscape of streaming, AI, and the art of telling stories that stand out in an oversaturated market.

One of the highlights of this milestone episode is our conversation with the multi-talented Louie Lombardi. Known for his memorable roles on screen, Louie brings equal passion to his latest venture: Ava Lou’s pizza truck, which he runs with his daughter Ava. With humor and heart, he shares the lessons of family entrepreneurship — from teaching financial savvy across generations to navigating the cultural quirks of language, tradition, and taste.

In a twist that bridges past and present, we also reveal new developments surrounding the Italian American Civil Rights League, adding another layer of cultural and historical significance to this episode.

No celebration would be complete without reflecting on the craft of filmmaking itself. We discuss the collaborative spirit required to bring independent visions to life, the strategies behind modern marketing, and personal stories from our own creative journeys.

Louis Lombardi SOCIALS:

Instagram: @louislombardi

TikTok: @louislombardi

Facebook: @louislombardi

X: @louislombardi

HIS WEBSITE:

www.louislombardi.com www.directorscutmovie.com

LINK TO DIRECTOR'S CUT https://www.directorscutmovie.com/store

Don Capria SOCIALS:

Instagram: @doncapria

TikTok: @doncapria

Facebook: doncapria

X: @doncapria110

HIS WEBSITE:

www.onetencrew.com www.colombobook.com

EVENTS:

DARK EXPO oct 24 & 25

Colombobook.com

From the bustling streets of New York City’s Little Italy, we journey into the heart of Italian American culture—spotlighting Boston’s unparalleled feast traditions. Special guest Mark Tosi, president and owner of the iconic Pastene brand, joins us to share the company’s enduring legacy and deep ties to communities across North America. Together, we celebrate the vibrant spirit of Boston’s feasts while reflecting on the decline of similar traditions elsewhere.

We explore surprising trends in the Italian-American food industry, from the pandemic-era revival of beloved staples like pasta and pastina to the unexpected return of discontinued favorites. Along the way, we unpack the behind-the-scenes realities of supermarket shelf space and SKU management, underscoring why supporting artisanal brands is essential to preserving culinary heritage.

Our conversation also delves into the dynamics of family-owned businesses—the balance between honoring tradition and embracing innovation, the weight of generational responsibility, and the personal stories that keep these enterprises alive. This episode is a celebration of family meals, cultural identity, and the authentic flavors that connect generations and define the Italian-American experience.

PASTENE'S WEBSITE:

https://www.pastene.com/

SOCIALS:

Insta: @pasteneusa

X: @PasteneUSA

Facebook: The Pastene Company