Italian Impact Weekly Podcast

IIW - Episode 82 - Michael Muto

This week I interview Pittsburgh's own, Michael Muto!  Michael and I reflect on a topic near and dear to our hearts, Pittsburgh's Little Italy.  Why do we still cal it that?  Hmmm... Lots to unpack in this episode!  Then we switch gears and talk cyber.  Michael is an expert in cybersecurity and we talk about something that impacts every one of us!  Tune in, sit back, and enjoy the show!

IIW - Episode 81 - Luca Guardabascio

This week's guest is Italian director, actor, filmmaker, and teacher, Luca Guardabascio.  An award winning talent, Luca discusses his work and the passion he puts into all aspects of the film process.  He has traveled the world showing his films which often focus on very difficult social issues but always leave us with a glimmer of hope.  This is a wonderful conversation and I was honored to spend my time getting to know Luca.  To learn more about Luca and his work, check out his IMDB page here:  https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1029841/

IIW - Episode 80 - Gino Pesi

This week I interviewed the great Gino Pesi!  Gino is an actor/director/producer but currently works as the Film Commissioner, Executive Director, at the Pennsylvania Film Office.  Gino is working tirelessly to support the film industry here in Pennsylvania and in this interview, we talk about a lot of benefits which are available for anyone interested in doing a film project here in the state.  In addition, you guessed it, he is a proud Italian-American and in this interview we touch on a wide range of topics important to both of us.  This truly is one of the best interviews I've had the pleasure to conduct.  To see more of Gino's work, check out his IMDB film credits:  https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1213744/
 

IIW - Episode 79 - Vincent Ruggieri

This week I interview a very talented up and coming member of the entertainment industry - and his last name should ring a bell - Vincent Ruggieri!  We talk everything from making films to a more serious topic of mental health.  Proud of his Italian heritage, Vinny is a great guy who has been through a lot and shows just how we can overcome any obstacle that's thrown in front of us and be successful.  This is actually an episode that will make you feel better on all levels.  You can follow Vinny and his work to help support those suffering from mental health on his Instagram account at:  kbsh_247
Or, you can check out Vinny's bio here:  https://stephenmanciniproductions.com/team/

IIW - Episode 78 - Payton Hostetler

This week we flip the script a little.  Payton Hostetler, the editor and one of the cameramen on the set of Fedeltà Soldati. Prigionieri, is in the studio to interview me at the same time I am interviewing him!  It's a great time and we get to finally sit down and ask each other some good questions on the overall experience.  So tune in, because this one is a little different for sure.  To learn a little more about Payton, check out his bio here: 
https://stephenmanciniproductions.com/team/
 

IIW - Episode 77 - Tony Ruggieri

This week I interview the great voice over actor, Tony Ruggieri.  Tony is coming off of his most recent production as the narrator for the international documentary, Fedeltà Soldati. Prigionieri.  In this episode, Tony and I talk all things Italian as well as Tony's career and desire to continue his dream of acting.  To follow Tony, you can find him here:
https://www.facebook.com/tony.ruggieri.121
 

IIW - Episode 76 - Paolo Saltarello

This week I interview Paolo Saltarello.  We have a spirited conversation about everything from immigration to celebrating Columbus day.  He hosts the Carosello Italiano Podcast with Paolo which offers a variety of Italian American melodies and classic American songs in Italian along with sharing information on Italian culture, including historical stories of Italian American pioneers to present day stories.  For more information, check out his site here:
https://www.facebook.com/caroselloitalianoshow/
 

IIW - Episode 75 - Anthony Giacchino

This week I interview the great Anthony Giacchino!  Anthony is an Oscar® & Emmy® award winning filmmaker living in Brooklyn, NY.  His film, COLETTE, won Best Documentary Short Subject at the 2021 Academy Awards.  We have a wonderful discussion on why and how Italian-American film makers can reshape America's perception of the Italian community.  He is also in work on a fascinating podcast detailing the life of an amazing Italian-American crime fighter named Joe Petrosino.   I highly encourage you to check it out and support Anthony as this is one of those stories we shouldn't forget!  You can find more here:
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/anthony-giacchino_my-journey-to-preserve-petrosinos-story-activity-7238636669699043329-QQ6g
 

IIW - Episode 74 - Joe Ingrassia

This week's guest is the great Joe Ingrassia! Joe is an Executive Board Member at the Columbus Piave Club, where he plays a vital role in welcoming new members and organizing memorable events. An avid foodie, Joe has a passion for culinary adventures, always on the lookout for new flavors and experiences. He's also a cocktail connoisseur, skilled in crafting both classic and innovative drinks. In this episode, we have a great discussion about how to revive social clubs.  Obviously, we talk the usual stuff and get to know Joe but he provides some fantastic advice on how to revive the older social clubs.  Again, we need to preserve it for we lose it. 

IIW - Episode 73 - Stephen Riggio

This week I had the privilege of interviewing Stephen Riggio.  Stephen is the former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Barnes & Noble (2002-2012).  For over forty years he was a key leader transforming the single flagship New York location into a national retailer that expanded into e-commerce and book publishing.  He has served on the boards of the National Book Foundation, the National Down Syndrome Society, and is a founding member of the AHRC New York City Foundation Board.  In this week's episode, we discuss the importance of tracing one's roots and why this is important for everyone.  We also discuss Stephen's voyage of truly immersing himself into the Italian language, culminating in his translation of Luigi Natoli's classic Sicilian novel, I Beati Paoli, into English for the first time.  For more information on the novel feel free to visit:  https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/sicilian-avengers-luigi-natoli/1145136699