Talking Business and Life (formerly Italian Impact Podcast)

This week we interview award winning producer/director Michael Angelo DiLauro.   He served as Director of the Academic Media Center and Associate Professor of Media Arts (2006-2018) and retired with Emeritus status at Robert Morris University.  His feature documentary film, “Prisoners Among Us: Italian American Identity and WWII”, was awarded the Grand Jury Prize for Best Documentary at the New York International F.F. and Montreal F.F.  DiLauro’s “La Mia Strada” an ethnic journey, was screened at the Palestrina F.F. in Italy, Atlantic City F.F. and was awarded a Silver Medal from the Media Communications Association-International F.F.
https://prisonersamongusmovie.com/team

This week we interview Frank Di Piero who was born in Chicago and is of 100% Italian origin.  Frank is also the host of the wonderfully successful podcast "Keepin’ It Real with Frankie D".  This episode provides some great insight into how we can maintain the Italian culture when we are so far removed from our immigrant ancestors. 

This week we have 2 great guests!  Armand Buzzelli, author of "Rosie's Red Sauce" and Director of Campus Recreation at Robert Morris University and Rocky Romano, a member of the Board of Directors for the "West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival".  This festival can draw as many as 100,000 people.  A lot of good conversation and you will be surprised just how big the West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival can be!  In fact, their site notes: "Top-named entertainers can be found on the main stage during the Festival. Previous years, Festival goers have enjoyed such notables as Tony Danza, Kathy Mattea, Jo Dee Messina, Steve Augeri, Joey Dee and the Starliters, and Frankie Avalon - all free of charge to the public".   Thank you again to our 2 great guests.

This week, Claudio and Steve interview the great Wayde Marsico.  Wayde is the CEO of Marsico Sports Group and Mr. PA Football.   Per their website, In 2008, they hosted their first football combine, in 2010, they started the Mr. PA Football program, in 2013, they started the Mr. and Miss PA Basketball program, and in 2018, they started their first 7 on 7 football travel team.  Afterwards Claudio and Steve discuss the Annual Italian Sports Hall of Fame banquet for the Pittsburgh chapter which was recently held.  An interesting and very informative episode.

This week's guest is David Finoli.  David was named the 2018 Pittsburgh Magazine's Best of the 'Burg Local Author of the Year and has written or contributed to 33 books.  This is a great interview which dives into everything about how eBooks have change publishing to David's approach to successful writing.  A truly entertaining and informative discussion!

Claudio interviews Dom Perry.  One of his former baseball players but now the Office Managing Partner at Wessel and Company.  Claudio and Dom have a great conversation about how to handle challenges in order to be successful.

Claudio interviews Cathy Phillips – Ambassador to Organic Market in Oakmont, PA.  Claudio and Cathy have a great time discussing her work and approach to organic markets.

Claudio and Steve interview Anthony and Nicole Vigilante (successful business owners and proud residents of New Kensington, PA).  Anthony and Nicole are very passionate about their community and show the importance of investing in smaller communities that are struggling.  The result of their efforts, a more vibrant and enjoyable place to live for all!

Ok, time to bring on the kids and see what they think of this whole Italian culture thing.  This is a fun interview with Leandra Mancini, Ida Reilsono, and Salvatore Merante.  Listen as they show how young folks are indeed interested in their roots and keeping traditions alive.   You'll definitely enjoy this one!

This week we interview the great  Joe DeGuardia (Founder of The Law Offices of Joseph M. DeGuardia and Star Boxing).  Joe is a former boxer turned lawyer turned promoter...listen to this interview which truly inspires you to keep going.  Never quit.  This is a very inspirational interview and Joe brings a lot of hard life lessons.