Italian Impact Podcast

Italian Impact Weekly - Episode 32 - DJ Thielen

This week's episode is a very entertaining talk with motivational speaker and successful real estate investor, DJ Thielen.  DJ is a former pro baseball player who has seen life's highs and lows up close and personal.  In this episode, DJ talks about his Italian roots as well as providing his philosophy on how one can stay positive and upbeat no matter what life throws you.  This is a great episode and we're sure you're going to enjoy it!

Italian Impact Weekly - Episode 31

It's that time of year - fall.  That means football.  In this episode, Claudio and Steve talk about some of the best Italian-American football players.  They can't make it through the list, there's more than you think, but you'll love who they discuss and what makes that person such a favorite.  We hope you enjoy!

Italian Impact Weekly - Episode 30 - Patrick Campesi

This week we interview Patrick Campesi, an up and coming leader in the Italian-American community.  However, Patrick isn't located in your traditional areas known for having large numbers of Italian immigrants.  In fact, we learned just how deep those roots in the American south grow.  Also, Patrick is not only involved with local Italian-American organizations, such as being the President of his local ISDA lodge, he is also an international real estate consultant.  In this episode, we discuss many topics with Patrick such as immigrants from Italy who went to the southern US and worked the fields to buying property in Italy.  Please tune in and if you enjoy, feel free to share! 

Italian Impact Weekly - Episode 29 - Michael Angelo DiLauro

This week we interview award winning producer/director Michael Angelo DiLauro.   He served as Director of the Academic Media Center and Associate Professor of Media Arts (2006-2018) and retired with Emeritus status at Robert Morris University.  His feature documentary film, “Prisoners Among Us: Italian American Identity and WWII”, was awarded the Grand Jury Prize for Best Documentary at the New York International F.F. and Montreal F.F.  DiLauro’s “La Mia Strada” an ethnic journey, was screened at the Palestrina F.F. in Italy, Atlantic City F.F. and was awarded a Silver Medal from the Media Communications Association-International F.F.
https://prisonersamongusmovie.com/team

Italian Impact Weekly - Episode 28 - Frank Di Piero

This week we interview Frank Di Piero who was born in Chicago and is of 100% Italian origin.  Frank is also the host of the wonderfully successful podcast "Keepin’ It Real with Frankie D".  This episode provides some great insight into how we can maintain the Italian culture when we are so far removed from our immigrant ancestors. 

Italian Impact Weekly - Episode 27 - Armand Buzzelli and Rocky Romano

This week we have 2 great guests!  Armand Buzzelli, author of "Rosie's Red Sauce" and Director of Campus Recreation at Robert Morris University and Rocky Romano, a member of the Board of Directors for the "West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival".  This festival can draw as many as 100,000 people.  A lot of good conversation and you will be surprised just how big the West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival can be!  In fact, their site notes: "Top-named entertainers can be found on the main stage during the Festival. Previous years, Festival goers have enjoyed such notables as Tony Danza, Kathy Mattea, Jo Dee Messina, Steve Augeri, Joey Dee and the Starliters, and Frankie Avalon - all free of charge to the public".   Thank you again to our 2 great guests.

Italian Impact Weekly - Episode 26 - Wayde Marsico

This week, Claudio and Steve interview the great Wayde Marsico.  Wayde is the CEO of Marsico Sports Group and Mr. PA Football.   Per their website, In 2008, they hosted their first football combine, in 2010, they started the Mr. PA Football program, in 2013, they started the Mr. and Miss PA Basketball program, and in 2018, they started their first 7 on 7 football travel team.  Afterwards Claudio and Steve discuss the Annual Italian Sports Hall of Fame banquet for the Pittsburgh chapter which was recently held.  An interesting and very informative episode.

Italian Impact Weekly - Episode 25 - David Finoli

This week's guest is David Finoli.  David was named the 2018 Pittsburgh Magazine's Best of the 'Burg Local Author of the Year and has written or contributed to 33 books.  This is a great interview which dives into everything about how eBooks have change publishing to David's approach to successful writing.  A truly entertaining and informative discussion!

Italian Impact Weekly - Episode 24 - Dom Perry

Claudio interviews Dom Perry.  One of his former baseball players but now the Office Managing Partner at Wessel and Company.  Claudio and Dom have a great conversation about how to handle challenges in order to be successful.

Italian Impact Weekly - Episode 23 - Cathy Phillips

Claudio interviews Cathy Phillips – Ambassador to Organic Market in Oakmont, PA.  Claudio and Cathy have a great time discussing her work and approach to organic markets.