Italian Impact Weekly Podcast

IIW - Episode 61 - Dr. Alan Perry

This week we interview Dr. Alan Perry a professor of Italian Studies at Gettysburg College.  This interview provides a fascinating look into why we continue to celebrate our Italian heritage.  We also discuss various facets regarding the Italian Prisoners of War who were kept here in the US.  This is a very insightful and enjoyable interview that you will definitely want to share.

IIW - Episode 60 - The Documentary - Fedeltà: Prisoner. Soldier.

In this weeks episode we discuss the upcoming documentary - Fedeltà.  A very inspiring look at the experience of Italian Prisoners of War who came to America as "prisoners" but left as soldiers!  It has an expected release date of early July 2024:
Catch the trailer and feel free to support this wonderful documentary:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/documentary-on-letterkenny-italian-service-unit?copy-link=1
 
 

IIW - Episode 59 - Pat Pecora

This week we interview Pat Pecora.  With strong roots garnered through his Italian family traditions, Pat takes this approach to his players.  As a result, he has been very successful.  In fact, he is nine halls of fame:  Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame-East Boro Chapter (1994), Cambria County Sports (1998) West Liberty State (W.Va.) College Halls of Fame (1998), Pennsylvania Wrestling Coaches Hall of Fame (2001), NCAA Division II Wrestling Hall of Fame (2003), Pitt-Johnstown Athletics Hall of Fame (2015), Western Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame (2016), Pennsylvania Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame (2017), and the Pittsburgh Chapter of the Italian-American Sports Hall of Fame (2021).  This is a great interview where the importance of having a strong family background is shown to  help make you successful in any endeavor. 

IIW - Episode 58 - Bruce Wawrzyniak

This week we interview Bruce Wawrzyniak.  Bruce is the host and creator of Catholic Sports Radio.  He was born and baptized Catholic, has spent the majority of his professional career working in sports, and is a veteran broadcaster and podcaster. In fact, Bruce worked for ten seasons for a National Hockey League team doing public relations, the last six of which he served concurrently as the Director of Public Relations for the pro indoor lacrosse team that the organization also operated.   
...and yes, Bruce is Italian too!  :-)
You can listen to Bruce here:  https://catholicsportsradio.net/

IIW - Episode 57 - Jack Teitz

In this week's episode, we interview Jack Teitz, the President of the Western Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame.  Jack is a former Big-10 referee with a lot of interesting stories, as well as being the President, Jack provides a lot of entertainment in this episode. 
As was mentioned in the show, if you are interested in learning more about the upcoming awards dinner, visit the website at:  https://westernpasportshof.org/awards-dinner
 

IIW - Episode 56 - Anna Harsh

This week we interview Anna Harsh.  Anna is an expert on traditional Italian folk dances, among other dance styles.   As she states, "I am a dancer, writer and a creative soul."   In this interview we talk about how she travels throughout Italy to learn various dance styles and then shares this knowledge through classes, her books, and instruction.  This is a wonderful interview and you will be very surprised to learn about the true differences among Italian and Italian -American dance styles.
Feel free to visit her website to learn more:  https://www.annaharsh.com/
...and tell her, Claudio and Steve sent you!

IIW - Episode 55 - AJ Raggs

AJ is back with his latest song, "Lucky Loser".  One we think is heading to the charts...check it out here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOrO8ac1ZisAnd, 
And, as usual, this is a wonderful interview with a true up and coming star who is passionate about both his faith and his Italian culture.  Enjoy the interview, then go enjoy the song!

IIW - Episode 54 - Coach John Gaetano

John took over Quaker Valley basketball in 1987.  However, he was more than just a coach.  He was a mentor and leader with a real goal of making better people, not just better basketball players.  John shares his winning strategy and some great insight into how to lead.  He shares memorable experiences about his Italian heritage as well as his coaching career.  John is a winner in every sense.

IIW - Episode 53 - Coach Andrew DiDonato

Coach DiDonato is the head football coach for Grove City College.  He is very passionate about Italian culture, his faith, and his family.  He is also a very powerful motivational speaker.  In this interview, Andrew gives the listeners a real perspective on how to stay grounded regardless of the circumstances.  Andrew is a true winner, not just on the field, but in life!

IIW - Episode 52 - 1 Year Later

In this episode, we review our 1 year anniversary and make a special announcement for our loyal radio listeners...