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 wo…

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 interest…

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 obsta…

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 …

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 h…

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 st…

This week I interview the great Anthony Giacchino! Anthony is an Oscar® & Emmy® award winning filmmaker living in Brooklyn, NY. His film, COLETTE, won Best Documentary Short Subject at the 2021 Academy Awards. We have a wonderful discussion on why and how Italian-American film makers can reshape America's perception of the Italian community. He is …

This week's guest is the great Joe Ingrassia! Joe is an Executive Board Member at the Columbus Piave Club, where he plays a vital role in welcoming new members and organizing memorable events. An avid foodie, Joe has a passion for culinary adventures, always on the lookout for new flavors and experiences. He's also a cocktail connoisseur, skilled i…

This week I had the privilege of interviewing Stephen Riggio. Stephen is the former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Barnes & Noble (2002-2012). For over forty years he was a key leader transforming the single flagship New York location into a national retailer that expanded into e-commerce and book publishing. He has served on the boards of the Na…

In this episode, I had the chance to interview one of the greats in Italian-American radio: Mr. Tony Marotta! Tony and I had a great conversation on everything from family to Italian music. Tony has been on the radio for decades, operating out of Cleveland. Tony knows what it takes to last in radio and having started at a young age, he is truly one…

This week I am joined by Chris Vaccaro. Chris is a journalist, an author of 10 books, a professor, a two-time Emmy Award winner and nine-time Edward R. Murrow Award winner. In this episode, we discuss the importance of Italian culture and how Chris rediscovered his roots and made it a priority to instill those Italian values he learned growing up i…

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 i…

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…

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 s…

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'.Italian Impact Weekly

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.…

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:…

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…

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…

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 Count…

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 …

In this weeks episode we discuss the upcoming documentary - Fedeltà. A very inspiring look at the experience of Italian Prisoners of War who came to America as "prisoners" but left as soldiers! It has an expected release date of early July 2024: Catch the trailer and feel free to support this wonderful documentary: https://www.gofundme.com/f/docume…

This week we interview Pat Pecora. With strong roots garnered through his Italian family traditions, Pat takes this approach to his players. As a result, he has been very successful. In fact, he is nine halls of fame: Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame-East Boro Chapter (1994), Cambria County Sports (1998) West Liberty State (W.Va.) College Halls of …

This week we interview Bruce Wawrzyniak. Bruce is the host and creator of Catholic Sports Radio. He was born and baptized Catholic, has spent the majority of his professional career working in sports, and is a veteran broadcaster and podcaster. In fact, Bruce worked for ten seasons for a National Hockey League team doing public relations, the last …

In this week's episode, we interview Jack Teitz, the President of the Western Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame. Jack is a former Big-10 referee with a lot of interesting stories, as well as being the President, Jack provides a lot of entertainment in this episode. As was mentioned in the show, if you are interested in learning more a…

This week we interview Anna Harsh. Anna is an expert on traditional Italian folk dances, among other dance styles. As she states, "I am a dancer, writer and a creative soul." In this interview we talk about how she travels throughout Italy to learn various dance styles and then shares this knowledge through classes, her books, and instruction. This…

AJ is back with his latest song, "Lucky Loser". One we think is heading to the charts...check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOrO8ac1ZisAnd, And, as usual, this is a wonderful interview with a true up and coming star who is passionate about both his faith and his Italian culture. Enjoy the interview, then go enjoy the song!…

John took over Quaker Valley basketball in 1987. However, he was more than just a coach. He was a mentor and leader with a real goal of making better people, not just better basketball players. John shares his winning strategy and some great insight into how to lead. He shares memorable experiences about his Italian heritage as well as his coaching…

Coach DiDonato is the head football coach for Grove City College. He is very passionate about Italian culture, his faith, and his family. He is also a very powerful motivational speaker. In this interview, Andrew gives the listeners a real perspective on how to stay grounded regardless of the circumstances. Andrew is a true winner, not just on the …

In this episode, we review our 1 year anniversary and make a special announcement for our loyal radio listeners...Italian Impact Weekly

Nick Redondo is the owner of Friendship Perk and Brew. A local Pittsburgh guy and veteran, Nick is bringing back the small business/community appeal via his family-friendly business. This is a great interview which can hopefully inspire others to start thinking in a new light about the kind of businesses we want to see more of. For more information…

In this week's episode, Steve and Claudio interview Pat Mendicino. Pat is the owner of Mendicino Foods located in the heart of Pittsburgh, PA. This interview presents a lot of fun topics but really, what is your favorite style sauce? We know you're going to enjoy this week's episode!Italian Impact Weekly

John Perrotto is a journalist who has written for The Beaver County Times, the Baseball Prospectus, DKPittsburghsports.com, and the Basketball Prospectus. He is a member of the Baseball Writers' Association of America and a voter in the Baseball Hall of Fame election. Karen Ionta is the school president for Kennedy Catholic Schools. In this intervi…

In this week's episode, we interview Michael Pizzuto. Michael is an up and coming wine importer who specializes in various regional Italian wines. In this episode we talk everything from these regional wines to cured meats. As always, it is a fun and entertaining episode!Italian Impact Weekly

In this week's episode we interview two very special guests: Dorina Lantella and Bill Ronayne. Dorina is a Wife of 1, Mamma of 6 (5 boys and 1 girl!) Chef, Soccer Coach/Trainer, Artist, Lover of all things Italian especially Roseto, the best place in the world and a good cappuccino with friends! She also teaches authentic Italian cooking and offers…

This week we have the please to interview Pat Benincasa. Pat is a first-generation Italian American woman, visual artist, art educator and podcaster. She has received national and international recognition for her work and been awarded National Percent for Art, and General Services Administration (GSA) Art In Architecture commissions. Her selected …

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 …

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, …

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 Hi…

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.…

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, th…

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: lp…

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-Amer…

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.…

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…

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 ente…

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 …

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 master…

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 th…

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 matte…