Italian Impact Podcast

IIW - Episode 45 - Bob Sorrentino

This week we interview Bob Sorrentino.  Bob began researching his family roots in 2008 beginning with his great-grandfather’s calling card brought from Italy by his paternal grandmother Maria Luigia Piromallo. In 2018, he decided to share his experiences in a blog and in 2020 created his podcast Italian Roots and Genealogy. Bob firmly believes that our ancestors want to be found and shares fascinating stories from others who believe the same.
To learn more about Bob's work, check out his blog and podcast at:
https://italianrootsandgenealogy.buzzsprout.com/
https://italianroots.beehiiv.com/

IIW - Episode 44 - Jeff Getty

In this week's episode, we brought in a very successful author and speaker who has spent over 25 years working with different entrepreneurs, business owners, and executives - Jeff Getty.  His most recent book, "The Descent is the Real Climb" is a #1 international best seller.  This interview presents a lot of very valuable information and hopefully, will help you become more successful in any of your endeavors.  

IIW - Episode 43 - Michael Cavalieri

This week we interview the GREAT Michael Cavalieri!  Michael is an Actor and Writer/Director originally from New York.  Michael made his Acting Debut starring opposite Academy Award-winner Hilary Swank in Columbia Pictures, “The Next Karate Kid.”  Since that debut, he has had supporting roles in numerous features including acclaimed Director Walter Hill’s “Last Man Standing,” starring Bruce Willis and Christopher Walken.  His Directorial Debut “Ritornato” which he also stars in was awarded a special grant by the Russo Brothers, the Directors of Avengers: Endgame (the highest grossing film of all time), the National Italian American Foundation and the Italian Sons and Daughters of America.  It was shot in four and a half days for less than eight thousand dollars and has gone on to win several film festivals worldwide.  "Ritornato" was the only Sicilian-American film chosen for the prestigious Taormina Film Festival in Sicily. 

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.