Italian Impact Podcast

IIW - Episode 70 - David Sciamanna

This week's guest is David Sciamanna.  David is on the Board of Directors for the Historic Letterkenny Chapel and Franklin County Veterans and 9/11 Memorial Park Foundation. (https://www.veterantrailpa.org/)  David and I discuss the story of the Letterkenny chapel in Chambersburg, PA.  Built by Italian POW's during the second world war, it stands an important reminder for the importance of hope.  We also discuss the importance of keeping this story alive as well as other history before it is lost to time.  This is a fun and lively conversation!

IIW - Episode 69 - Danielle Pastin

This week we interview the very talented, Danielle Pastin, both an accomplished opera singer and business owner.  We talk to Danielle about how her Italian roots and upbringing shaped her career choice.  Coming from a military and musical family that was very close, Danielle developed her passion for music and love for family.   As her bio notes, "With her “lovely demeanor and irresistible creamy timbre”, soprano Danielle Pastin is in demand nationwide and abroad. Her wide-ranging repertoire encompasses the classical as well as the contemporary and she is equally at home in opera and concert." To learn more about Danielle, check out her website here:  https://www.daniellepastin.com/bio
 

IIW - Episode 68 - Ray Guarini

This week I interview Ray Guarini, Director of the Italian Enclaves Historical Society.  Ray and I had a wonderful discussion about how the old neighborhoods had a lasting impact on future generations, without even realizing it at the time.  However, as the older generations have passed on, it is imperative the younger generations maintain and even start new traditions which celebrate Italian culture or whatever culture you are a part of.  For more information in the Italian Enclaves Historical Society, visit their website:  https://italianenclaves.org/
Or follow them on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/ItalianEnclaves
 
 

IIW - Episode 67 - Philly Rich

Finally!  We have Philly Rich as our guest.  A great guy with a sincere passion for the Italian culture and frankly, all things Italian. Join us this week for a very lively and passionate discussion about Italian culture, and even a little talk on 'Philly'.

IIW - Episode 66 - Mike and Jenny Modugno

This week in keeping with our theme of supporting small businesses, we interview Mike and Jenny Modugno, the owners of The Bridgeside Market.  These two have a love for the Italian culture and it shows in how they operate their business and treat customers.  Filled with family traditions, they are the epitome of Italian culture.

IIW - Episode 65 - Sean Stellato

This week we had the opportunity to speak with Sean Stellato.  Sean is a sports agent, motivational speaker, and author.  It turns out, he is also a passionate family man and very proud of his Italian roots.  Sean gives us a lot of insight into what makes him a very successful pro-athlete turned agent.  Sean is also the author of 4th and Long The Odds: My Journey and No Backing Down, two books which are both about his life and sports. This is a another great guest and we know he will have tremendous impact in your life!

IIW - Episode 64 - Small Business Celebration

In this week's episode, we interview several small business owners.  If you are in the Pittsburgh area, we encourage you to check them out:
1. Sam Tanner head of marketing the Juicery - check them out here at:  https://www.juiceryatoakmont.com/
2. Cassandra Ross owner of Wild Rosemary -  https://www.instagram.com/wildrosemary_herbal/?img_index=1
3. Dr. Max Thomas & Dr.Mourad Jalloul of Maximum Health Center - https://maximumhealthcenter.com/about-us/
4. Mark Wyland trainer at Pittsburgh Training and Fitness Center - https://www.pghtrainingandfitness.com/
5. Jessie Renek of Project #1 Nutrition Sales Director - https://www.project1nutrition.com/
6. Dr Kevin Pawlowicz owner the Juicery - https://www.juiceryatoakmont.com/

IIW - Episode 63 - Tom Ficara

In this week's episode, we interview Tom Ficara.  Tom is very proud of his Italian roots and has had a successful career in the entertainment business since the early 1970's.  He has owned and operated the TVS Television Network, the fourth-oldest commercial broadcast network in the USA, since 1990. He also owns and has operated the RKO Unique Record Company since 1995.  In this episode Tom will share stories from his past as well as give listeners some unique perspectives into his success.

IIW - Episode 62 - Dr. Stephanie Longo

This week we interview the great Italian-American author, Dr. Stephanie Longo.  Stephanie shares her passion for the Italian culture and what inspired her to write several books.  We also learn of the rich traditions of Italians in Northeastern Pennsylvania.  Her books include:  Italians of Northeastern Pennsylvania (2004), Italians of Lackawanna County (2018) and Dunmore (2012).  This is a fun and exciting episode with a lot of interesting points made about the state of the Italian community in America in both past and present times.  To learn more about Stephanie, check out her website here:https://stephanielongowriter.com/
 

IIW - Episode 61 - Dr. Alan Perry

This week we interview Dr. Alan Perry a professor of Italian Studies at Gettysburg College.  This interview provides a fascinating look into why we continue to celebrate our Italian heritage.  We also discuss various facets regarding the Italian Prisoners of War who were kept here in the US.  This is a very insightful and enjoyable interview that you will definitely want to share.