Comedian Mike Marino, affectionately known as New Jersey's Bad Boy, brings his sharp wit and Italian American charm to our latest episode. Brandon Ficarra and I swap laughs over a hilarious mix-up with lost episodes and dive into the unpredictable world of podcasting. Mike shares candid insights on self-promotion, audience connection, and creative resilience—lessons that have shaped Brandon's comedic path and resonate with anyone navigating the entertainment industry.

We explore the rich tapestry of Italian American traditions, from Sunday dinners filled with the aroma of homemade gravy to the lighthearted "art" of collecting espresso cups from our travels. Along the way, we pay tribute to the iconic comedians who paved the way with humor, humility, and heart.

Our chat blends family tales, cultural quirks, and comedy gold—from staged Atlantic City arrests to my father's legendary tomato-sauce stash—while reflecting on the value of preserving those moments that keep us grounded. From Mike's upcoming performances to nostalgic nods to comedy greats, this episode celebrates humor, heritage, and the bonds forged through laughter and creativity.

HIS SOCIALS:

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

Instagram: @mikemarinolive

TikTok: @mikemarinolive

X: @MikeMarinoLive

Youtube: @MikeMarinoLive

HIS WEBSITE:

https://mikemarino.net/

Join us for a captivating conversation celebrating the vibrant tapestry of Italian and Italian American heritage. Our guest, Judith Valente, award-winning author of The Italian Soul, reflects on the contemplative spirituality, cultural traditions, and communal bonds that define Italian life.

Guest host Marianna Gatto, Executive Director of the Italian American Museum of Los Angeles, offers her unique perspective—sharing the challenges faced by the museum, including recent acts of vandalism, while highlighting the enduring resilience of the Italian American community.

Together, we journey through personal and familial stories—memories of places like Margaret Hague and Bayonne Hospital, and reflections on the deep sense of belonging found in Italian American neighborhoods. We explore how faith, tradition, and shared meals nurture not only individual well-being but also the collective joy of community life.

The discussion also touches on the Benedictine spirit that informs Valente's writing and worldview—the balance of work, prayer, and leisure that continues to shape modern approaches to mindfulness and meaning. As we rediscover the roots of Italianità, we are reminded that these enduring values—slowness, presence, and togetherness—offer a vital antidote to the hurried pace of contemporary living.

WHERE TO BUY THE BOOK:

https://a.co/d/3qKAWdf

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/216748467-the-italian-soul

HER SOCIALS:

Instagram: @judithvalente_author

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

From Ravenna to New York, the visionary entrepreneur reflects on innovation, identity, and the art of sustainable style.

Visionary entrepreneur Federico Marchetti shares his remarkable journey from the quiet streets of Ravenna to the vibrant world of New York City. As we chat, he offers a vivid window into the Feast of All Feasts in Little Italy, drawing playful contrasts with his hometown celebrations and humorously imagining a fusion of this street festival with New York Fashion Week. His story captures the search for belonging across cities—rooted in his formative years at Columbia Business School and his entrepreneurial triumphs in Milan, where he first married online technology with high fashion.

Federico recounts the challenges and innovations that defined his path at the intersection of fashion and technology. He pioneered Italian e-commerce, overcoming logistical hurdles while bringing Italian elegance into the digital age. His insights reveal a delicate balance between creativity and machine efficiency, as he champions the integration of AI with traditional craftsmanship to promote sustainability and preserve the longevity of luxury fashion.

Beyond business success—including the sale of his company for billions—Federico now devotes himself to initiatives that blend purpose with progress. His commitment to what he calls philanthropic industrialism reflects a desire to use innovation for good. Inspired by Giorgio Armani's harmony of creativity and discipline, Federico continues to shape the dialogue between culture, technology, and responsibility.

This conversation celebrates fashion, vision, and the enduring pursuit of meaningful creation in a rapidly changing world.

HIS SOCIALS

Instargam: @federicomarchetti

X: @fmarchetti

WHERE TO GET HIS BOOK

https://www.amazon.com/Geek-Chic-American-Dream-Italian/dp/B0DWLPDC4M