Italian Impact Podcast

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 

IIW - Episode 92 - Jay Warhola

Warhola...Warhola...why does that ring a bell?  Well, tune in to find out as I interview the great Jay Warhola who founded Warhola Video Productions, Inc. in 2001.   Spoiler alert:  Jay is also a cousin of Andy Warhol and we have some great conversation about a lot of topics!  This is a don't miss episode.  For more information on Jay Warhola, check out his site at:   https://warholaproductions.com/about/

IIW - Episode 91 - Cittadinanza! Francesco and Chrissy

Francesco and Chrissy Pircio are a husband-and-wife duo that are passionate about their Italian culture and heritages, striving to create ways to help others who share the same passion.  In this interview we talk Italian citizenship, Italian language, and their thoughts on what it means to be Italian.  They have two projects to help others who are in need of everything from translation to better improving their language skills.  You can contact them at: ciao@footstepsthroughtimeinitaly.com ...and be sure to check out their website here: https://footstepsthroughtimeinitaly.com/
 
 
 

IIW - Episode 90 - Joe Puglisi

This week I interview the great actor/filmmaker Joe Puglisi.  His interest in acting began in earnest in 2012 and he has since appeared in both commercials and films. In 2017 he formed Little Italy Productions, LLC with his business partner and they wrote, acted in and produced their first film entitled "That's Amore" which was released in 2020.  You can view it on Amazon Prime: https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B08LZRPJKV/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r

IIW - Episode 89 - Margaret Fontana

Happy New Year!  And what a great way to start with an incredible guest, Margaret Fontana!  Margaret is a first generation Italian and a highly accomplished media executive renowned for her extensive expertise spanning various industries, including nonprofit, healthcare, film, media, television, technology, and digital-driven broadcast.  She is also the Founder of another popular online community and blog called Italian American Girl with over 45,000 members across various social media networks.  Also, in 2024 Margaret assumed the role of Executive Director for the New Jersey Italian Heritage Commission.   This is a great interview and really a great way to start the new year.

IIW - Episode 88 - Andrew Speicher

Who said Italian American youths weren't interested in social organizations?  In fact, this week I am joined by Andrew Speicher who helped start a new Italian-American organization called La Prossima.  This is a group dedicated to rejuvenating the Italian culture here in American, specifically in Columbus Ohio, among younger folks.  This is a great episode but really important if you are a member of any social group struggling to get younger folks engaged.  To learn more about La Prossima, check out there site here:  https://laprossima.us/about

IIW - Episode 87 - Vinny Fasline

This week's guest is the very talented Vinny Fasline.  Vinny is a quasi-Pittsburgh guy.  He has been seen touring with comedians Dane Cook, Nick Swardson, Michael Rappaport, Drew Lynch and Jamie Kennedy.  He Has performed at the New York Comedy Festival, Cabo Comedy Festival, Just For Laughs tour, and seen on ABC Fablife and CBS.  He is has recently acted in a show called Outta Pocket, a TV Pilot called Friend Zone, shot a short with Lisa Ann Walter called Just a Taste, and was seen on ABC’s talk show FABLife. This is a great episode guaranteed to make you laugh.  Check out the latest with Vinny on his site: http://vinnyfasline.com/home/