Italian Impact 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
 

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