Italian Impact Podcast

IIW - Episode 42 - Bob ”Papamutes” Muto

In this week's episode, we interview the great Papamutes!   Papamutes is from the Pittsburgh area and has a wonderful podcast where he has interviewed some fantastic guests.  We spend an hour with Papamutes discussing everything from Pittsburgh's little Italy to his start in podcasting.  Again, it's a truly entertaining episode we know you will enjoy.

IIW - Episode 41 - Karen Haid

This week we interview the award-winning author, Karen Haid.  (https://karenhaid.com/)  Karen Haid is the award-winning author of Calabria: The Other Italy and continues her exploration of the bel paese with her latest book Basilicata: Authentic Italy. A fluent Italian speaker, she has spent many years in Southern Italy getting to know the people, their land and culture, which she brings to life in her vivid writing, praised by Publisher’s Weekly as “an intoxicating blend of humor, joy, and reverence.”   This is a very wonderful interview and we know you will enjoy it!

IIW - Episode 40 - Lou Paioletti

Hershey may be known for chocolate but it is also has a very proud Italian heritage which helped enable the success of the area.  For this week's episode, we interviewed a great historian who is very passionate about educating people with respect to the Italian contributions to 'Hershey PA'.  If you would like to learn more, Lou can be reached at:   lpaioletti@comcast.net
In addition, the Hershey History Center contains numerous artifacts related to the Italian experience in the Hershey, PA area.  You can check them out here at:  www.hersheyhistory.org.
Finally, we play a few interviews from our time at Today's Organic Market interviewing some very wonderful small business owners.
Cassandra Brown from Rosedale Food Pantry
Cathy Phillips, the store ambassador for Today's Organic Market

IIW - Episode 39 - Peter Belmonte

In this week's episode, we interview well-renowned author, Peter Belmonte.  Pete retired from the US Air Force after having served for twenty years, first as an enlisted man and then as an officer.  He is also a veteran of Operation Desert Storm.  Pete has written numerous historical books about Italian-Americans and their service such as Italian-Americans in World War II (2001),  Calabrian-Americans in the US Military During World War I, Volumes 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 (2017-2019), Chicago-Area Italians in World War I: A Case Study of Calabrians (Fonthill Media, 2019), and United States Army Depot Brigades in World War I (with Alexander F. Barnes, 2021), plus several other books.  This is a very interesting and informative episode that we know you will enjoy!

Italian Impact Weekly - Episode 38 - Amani D’Ambrosio

This week we interview Amani D'Ambrosio.  Amani is an up and coming golfer who has set a goal for himself to become a Major champion!  He is well on his way as a successful golfer with Barry University.  In this interview, we talk with Amani and learn about his approach but more importantly, what drives him.

Italian Impact Weekly - Episode 37 - Vince Papale

This week we interview the great Vince Papale.  It was 1976 when this 30 year old, a teacher and coach at his HS Alma mater, part-time bartender and die hard Eagles fan decided to act on a whim and a dare and entered the unprecedented public tryouts for his beloved Eagles.  He played 3 seasons with his beloved Philadelphia Eagles.  In 2006 Walt Disney Pictures continued their triumphant tradition of motivating sports stories with the release of INVINCIBLE. It’s a stirring football drama starring Mark Wahlberg as Vince Papale, an ordinary guy who, against all odds, takes his shot at every fan’s fantasy of going from the grandstands to the gridiron.  In this interview, we talk everything from sports to personal life and the movie to life after football.  Vince is a real life inspiration and we know you will enjoy this one!

Italian Impact Weekly - Episode 36 - Howard Mincone and Hank Edwardo

In this week's episode, we interview 2 great entertainers.  Howard Mincone is a comedian, juggler, quick-witted emcee, and much more.  Hank Edwardo is without a doubt one of the best accordionists in the area.  These 2 were absolutely wonderful to speak with and we know you will have a great time listening to this week's show!  So, sit back and be entertained.

Italian Impact Weekly - Episode 35 - Christopher Corchiani

In this week's episode, we interview the great Chris Corchiani.  Chris was selected by the Orlando Magic with the 9th pick of the 2nd round (36th overall) in the 1991 NBA draft and was the first NCAA Division I player to record 1,000 assists in a career.  He went on to play in the NBA as well as in Europe.  However, it's what he did after his playing career was over that truly demonstrates what a success Chris is.  Chris is a great family-man, proud of his Italian heritage, and a smart business leader who is very disciplined and inspirational to others.  We know you will enjoy this one!

Italian Impact Weekly - Episode 34 - Vince Ornato

This week's episode features Vince "the artist" Ornato from Pittsburgh.  Vince is a local Pittsburgh artist but studied and painted in many areas under the tutelage of several greats.  He also further honed his skills painting caricatures in Italy.  He has created some local masterpieces but more importantly, he has a life story that is its own masterpiece.  Enjoy this wonderful interview with one of Pittsburgh's great artists!

Italian Impact Weekly - Episode 33 - Horatio ‘Hersh’ Petrocelly and Melissa Marinaro

This week Claudio interviews two fantastic guests: Horatio ‘Hersh’ Petrocelly, owner and operator of the Olive Tap Pittsburgh Franchise.  A great interview that is more than just olive oil!  Hersh has some great stories and memories that we know you will enjoy.  The second guest is Melissa Marinaro, the curator of the Italian American Collection at the Senator John Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh.  Melissa gives a wonderful update on a lot of events happening at the history center which celebrate the Italian-America culture.  We hope you enjoy and we hope to see you at some of the events!