Italian Impact Podcast

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
 

IIW - Episode 99 - Stephanie Detton

This week I interview the co-host of the "Italian American Stories Podcast", Stephanie Detton.  Stephanie and I have an absolute wonderful time talking about a myriad of things.  When she is not researching stories, she is busy teaching and spending time with friends and family but she absolutely entertains us with some incredible stories from history related to some very interesting Italian characters!  You can listen to her here:   https://www.italianamericanstories.com/
 

IIW - Episode 98 - Stephen 'Stefano' Pishner

This week, I interview the great musician Stephen 'Stefano' Pishner of the band AMICI.  Stephen has been doing this for a long time, beginning his exciting musical voyage of artistic discovery at the early age of 9 years old.  Having played to a million listeners, you will definitely appreciate the passion and talent he brings to his work.  To follow AMICI or hear their music, check them out here:  https://www.amiciwv.com/ or follow/listen to them on the following streaming services:
Instagram @stefanopish  
iTunes link for Amici https://music.apple.com/gb/artist/amici/1536501155
iTunes link for Stephen https://music.apple.com/us/artist/stephen-pishner/1490661723

IIW - Episode 97 - Bill Sunseri

This week I have the great pleasure of interviewing Bill Sunseri, owner of the Pennsylvania Macaroni Co. here in the Strip District of Pittsburgh. Penn Mac, as it is known, has a nearly 120 year history here.  In this episode we talk about how losing traditional Italian businesses takes away from the community.  Definitely worth a listen and if you are in the area. stop by and tell Bill I said hello...and remember the secret room in the back...you'll have to tune in to learn more!

IIW - Episode 96 - Domenico Mariani

This week I interview Domenico Mariani.  This is exactly why I do the show!!!  Domenico's story about his family from the war is incredible.  Never mind the fact that Domenico spent 30 years in law enforcement and has his own incredible memories.  There are just some incredible, incredible stories from his history in this episode...please tune in and use this as a reason to go ask YOUR family members about their distant relatives.  If you'd like to appear on the show or have a story of your own, reach out to me at: SManciniProductions@gmail.com
 

IIW - Episode 95 - Sam Bozzolla and the team from The Lion's Den @ 213

This week I have 2 segments with 2 very different, but fantastic, guests.  How lucky can I get!  First, I interview the great Sam Bozzolla.  Sam is the grandson of the famous Italian actor Ezio Pinza.  In this segment we talk Sam's famous roots to the proper way to begin enjoying opera!  This was such a great interview, I will have Sam back soon.  Also, if you want to reach out to Sam directly, feel free to email him at bozzolla59@yahoo.com
Next, I interview the team from The Lion's Den @ 213 podcast.  Adam Pacecca, Nando Elpuce, and Joe Griffo.  This is an exciting interview and these guys clearly have a voice for things Italian.  You can listen to them on all major streaming services, so check them out:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lions-den-213/id1715575015
 

IIW - Episode 94 - Robert Campana

This week, I interview the great Robert Campana!  Robert is the founder of Stop Italian Sounding ® (SIS).  He tells the story of Italian food and beverage products on social media platforms by creating awareness on the differences between real and Italian sounding food & beverage products.  We talk everything from how to pronounce food names to the importance of Italian history.  This is a wonderful conversation that is just filled with great little stories and fun-facts.  Find out more about Robert on the site:  https://stopitasounding.com/

IIW - Episode 93 - Erica D’Arcangelo

Erica D’Arcangelo is a storyteller, author, and content creator with a passion for weaving narratives that reflect her Italian heritage and cultural roots.  In August 2024, Erica published her debut book, A Story About Pizza, a historical fiction novel that delves into the life of her grandfather, an Italian immigrant and coal miner with dreams of opening a pizzeria. This book is just the beginning of Erica’s literary journey. In 2025, she will release a twelve-book children’s series exploring Italian culture and the art of pizza-making, starting with Pietro’s Pizza on February 9th, followed by two additional titles later in the year. Raised in a traditional Catholic Italian family, Erica’s stories often reflect her experiences growing up with a deep sense of family, culture, and food—values that are central to her writing and creative work.  To learn more about Erica, to include purchasing her books, check out: https://www.astoryaboutpizza.com or purchase her book here:  https://www.amazon.com/stores/Erica-DArcangelo/author/B0D8K62R5B