Italian Impact Podcast

IIW - Episode 109 - Richard Graziano

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, visit their website here:  https://www.italiangen.org/

IIW - Episode 108 - Samuele Bozzolla

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 Italy, his next talk called, "Hidden Gems of Southern Italy"  will be at Assumption Church 55 N. Sprague Avenue in McGovern Hall, PA on June 19 at 7:00 pm.

IIW - Episode 107 - Glenn Beech

What a wonderful episode!  Glenn and I have a very good conversation about memories and what the difference is between living in the past and remembering the past.  Glenn has been slowly gathering memories and writing them down so he can pass them on to his family, what a great idea!  Tune in to understand more about why we need to record and pass down to the next generation.

IIW - Episode 106 - Marco Permunian

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-italian-citizenship-podcast/

IIW - Episode 105 - Lou Ignarro, Melissa Marinaro, and Mary Ferro

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 the book, "From Calabria to Carnegie: Music for Bread".  Mary will be doing a book signing at the Heinz History center on May 22, 2025 so please be sure to stop on by!  Learn more about Mary and the event here:  https://www.heinzhistorycenter.org/event/from-calabria-to-carnegie-music-for-bread/
 

IIW - Episode 104 Lou Bruno and Lauren Ronayne

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 in this interview, we're going to learn why and how to keep it that way.  To learn more check out the San Rocco Foundation here and oh, let's meet up at the event:  https://www.sanroccofoundation.org/
 

IIW - Episode 103 - Michael Troiani

This week I interview Michael Troiani, owner of PaPa Js Twin Plaza Restaurant in Pittsburgh.  Michael is passionate about Italian culture but his dedication to authentic Italian cooking is above reproach.  Michael and I talk a lot but you can tell his passion and knowledge about Italian cooking are something he holds very dear.   This is a great episode and you're going to learn a lot of things about 'pasta' you just never knew!

IIW - Episode 102 - Tony Colega

In this week's episode, I interview the great voice man and vice-president of the United Lodges of Pittsburgh, Tony Colega.  Tony and I talk about his work with the United Lodges, everything from bocce in the mountains to the Italian restaurant tour.  If you are looking for some ideas to revitalize your group, this is a great episode to tune into.

IIW - Episode 101 - Mary Menniti

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 important points made in this interview and you'll find out very quickly it is not just about growing a few plants in the back yard.

IIW - Episode 100 - Nick Vizzoca

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.  Strap in and enjoy, this is absolutely a great episode for the big 100!  Thanks Nick and thank you, the listeners, for all of the support over the past 2 years.   To learn more about Nick, check out his bio here:  https://www.nick-vizzoca.com/#HOME