Italian Impact Podcast

IIW - Episode 85 - Toni Colella

This week's guest is the great Toni Colella!  Toni is the author of "Now We’re Talking … The Story of Theodore W. Case and Sound-on-Film”.  A wonderful and fascinating story about Ted Case and his impact on the movie industry as we know it today.  Of course, Toni and I also talk a few things about Italian tradition.  To get your copy of this fascinating book, you can order it here from Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/Now-Were-Talking-Sound-Film/dp/1410795152

IIW - Episode 84 - Jimmy Denova

The never dull Jimmy Denova is my guest this week and him and I have an absolute great time talking everything from Italian families to parking tickets!  Jimmy is a very interesting personality from Pittsburgh who worked for years managing various foundations.  This is an absolutely entertaining episode with some incredibly entertaining and enlightening moments.

IIW - Episode 83 - Karen Haid

Award winning author Karen Haid is back!  In this week's episode we talk about Karen's books, Calabria: The Other Italy and Basilicata: Authentic Italy, as well as her incredible knowledge of Italian culture.  Karen is well traveled and her passion for southern Italy is unmistakable.  This is a fantastic episode for anyone interested in understanding how exciting and wonderful the road less traveled can be.  To learn more about Karen or to order her books, you can check out her sites here:  https://karenhaid.com/  or https://www.calabriatheotheritaly.com/
 

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/