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This week on The Italian Radio Hour - "Only in America could the son of an uneducated carpenter receive the Nobel Prize in Medicine". This is how Dr. Louis Ignarro, Nobel Prize Laureate for his research on Nitric Oxide premises his interview when asked if anyone is his family was a scientist, doctor, a pharmacist or else.On Oct 12, 1998 at noon, while boarding a plane from NY to go to Naples to present at a conference, he receives a call from a friend. The call is shortly after aborted by a demanding flight attendant: "Sir, we need to take off".What was the content of the phone call? Did Dr. Ignarro realize that it would change the rest of his life?Not only, did Dr. Ignarro receive the Nobel prize but his research was also at the base of a drug for erectile dysfunction that eventually, also earned his the nickname of "The Father of Viagra", a nickname that he got accustomed to but one that his Sicilian mother didn't really appreciate.In his 80s, Dr. Ignarro is the testament of a healthy and happy live, sharing his secret but not so secret "recipe" based on science and clearly explained in his publications "Dr. NO - The Discovery that Led to a Nobel Prize and Viagra (where "NO" cleverly stands for Nitric Oxide") and "NO more heart diseases" both available on Amazon.Fun Fact n. 1: Dr. Ignarro is also proud of holding the title of being the only Nobel Prize Laureate with a Model Railroad, a hobby that he shared with his father from the age of 8.Fun fact n. 2: The Nobel Prizes are awarded in Stockholm on December 10th, the anniversary of Alfred Nobel’s death in 1896. Fun Fact: Every December 10th, I celebrate my being awarded the Nobel Prize with a glass of Dom Pérignon Champagne.To learn more about Dr. Ignarro's work and publications: https://www.drignarro.com/
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This week on The Italian Radio Hour - Today, I have the joy of welcoming someone whose presence is as vibrant as her memories—Mary Ferro. A beloved music teacher, performer, and storyteller at heart, Mary is also the author of the newly published memoir From Calabria to Carnegie, Music for Bread.
With deep roots in Pittsburgh’s Italian-American community, Mary’s life has been shaped by song, tradition, and the incredible women who came before her. She once danced with the folk group I Campagnoli and has spent her life nurturing the power of music—not just as an art, but as a connection to heritage. She’ll be presenting her book at the Heinz History Center on May 22nd, and we’re lucky to get a preview of the passion and heart behind the pages today.The book "From Calabria to Carnegie" is available on Amazon.https://a.co/d/dGpwR4UTo register for the event at the Heinz History Center on May 22nd at 6pm here is the link: https://www.heinzhistorycenter.org/event/from-calabria-to-carnegie-music-for-bread/
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This week on The Italian Radio Hour - Shy of a few days from opening its fifth location, today, I am joined by a Pittsburgh icon—Sam Patti, founder and owner of La Prima Espresso. For over three decades, La Prima has been more than just a coffee shop—it’s been a cultural hub, a gathering place, and a symbol of Italian heritage in the heart of the Strip District. But Sam’s story goes beyond espresso. He is also an independent scholar of Italian American studies, having close ties to the University of Calabria. In today’s episode, we’ll explore the journey of a man whose love for coffee is deeply rooted in tradition, community, and identity. We’ll talk about what La Prima represents for the city of Pittsburgh, the evolution of Italian American identity, and how Sam continues to inspire new generations to stay connected to their roots.Tickets to COFFEE EXPLORATION Experience: https://www.istitutomondoitaliano.org/coffee-exploration.html#/orVisit www.laprima.com to get La Prima coffee at your door
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Today, I had the privilege of speaking with Stefano Consiglio, the President of Fondazione CON IL SUD, an organization dedicated to fostering social innovation and sustainable development in Southern Italy. Since its establishment in 2006, the foundation has played a crucial role in empowering local communities, supporting social enterprises, and revitalizing underutilized resources, including properties confiscated from organized crime.
From education and youth employment to social inclusion and cultural preservation, Fondazione CON IL SUD has been a driving force in addressing some of the most pressing challenges facing the South. Recently, the foundation has been involved in remarkable initiatives such as the support for caregivers, the repurposing of confiscated properties, and even the creation of a school for Presepe artisans, in collaboration with NIAF.
"Dove c'era la criminalità, ora c'è la comunità".To learn more about Fondazione con il Sud, please visit:https://www.fondazioneconilsud.it/en/
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This week on The Italian Radio Hour: Fasten your seatbelts!1000 Miglia Experience Florida and The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) teamed up to bring the iconic car race to the US.Few events capture the essence of Italian excellence, elegance, and innovation quite like the 1000 Miglia. A symbol of style, precision, and sheer automotive passion, this legendary race has transcended borders to make its thrilling debut in the United States. And behind this incredible achievement stand two distinguished leaders in the world of hospitality and cultural diplomacy: Massimo Cicatiello and Robert Allegrini.Massimo Cicatiello, a visionary force behind the 1000 Miglia experience, has played a pivotal role in ensuring that this race is not just about speed, but about the celebration of history, beauty, and craftsmanship. He brings to the table a deep understanding of what makes this event so iconic.Joining us is Robert Allegrini, President of the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF), an organization dedicated to preserving and promoting Italian heritage in the United States. With a distinguished career in luxury hospitality and cultural leadership, Robert has been instrumental in bringing the spirit of Italy to American audiences in ways that are both meaningful and unforgettable. Together, these two powerhouses have successfully orchestrated the first-ever 1000 Miglia Experience in Florida, a groundbreaking moment that merged tradition with cutting-edge technology, high performance with high culture. Today, we dive into the journey of bringing this iconic race across the Atlantic, the challenges, the triumphs, and the unforgettable moments that made history.
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This week on The Italian Radio Hour - The 21st edition of the Italian Film Festival Usa is opening soon in selected cities throughout the United States to bring contemporary Italian movies to the public free, in the original language with English subtitles.Today, I have the pleasure of speaking with Lina Insana, Associate Professor of Italian at the University of Pittsburgh and Chair of the Italian Film Festival USA - Pittsburgh committee and Chiara Montera, Teaching Assistant Professor in Italian in the Department of French and Italian at the University of Pittsburgh as well.With their expertise in Italian culture and cinema, they play an important role in bringing contemporary Italian films to the Pittsburgh community. As the festival prepares to kick off on March 28th in Pittsburgh, we’ll dive into this year’s film selection, the themes that emerge, and the impact of Italian cinema on local audiences.To learn more about movie dates and locations, visit the Festival website at:https://italianfilmfests.org/
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This week on The Italian Radio Hour - Meet Adriana Gandolfi, an esteemed Italian anthropologist whose research has illuminated the cultural heritage of Abruzzo. Through her numerous publications, she has explored the region’s traditions, customs, and material culture, particularly its craftsmanship. Her book "Ori e Argenti d'Abruzzo" delves into the rich artistic history of gold and silverwork, revealing its deep connections to identity, devotion, and social structures.Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with her to discuss her work, the traditions of Abruzzo, and the significance of her research on regional artistry
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This week on The Italian Radio Hour: Honor your Mother and your Grandmother!
As we are celebrating International Women's Day on March 8th, we are bringing two Pittsburgh personalities whose work strongly impacts our local communities: Mid-Atlantic Emmy Award nominated journalist Natalie Bencivenga, editor, columnist, and radio host, and Rosa Verdiglione Davis, Executive Director of POWER (Pennsylvania Organization for Women in Early Recovery), a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping women reclaim their lives from addiction.
Together we discuss their work and how they use their voice to uplift and empower communities and minorities.
We will also honor two very special women in their lives, Natalie's Italian grandmother Carmella Zaccari, and Rosa's mother Giacomina Verdiglione (for most "Jackie") and how their upbringing and outlook on life has been highly influenced by them.
So on March 8th, honor all the women in your life, starting from your mother and grandmothers!
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This week on The Italian Radio Hour - How much of the creation of America comes from the Romans? The connections are simply fascinating.And thanks to the the New Jersey Italian Heritage Committee, students can now experience a stimulating curriculum that is both universal and also preserves the worldwide cultural legacy of Italy. By integrating exciting and rich resources, schools now have a solid and well developed curriculum K-12 with lessons plans that infuse both Italian and Italian American material that meet all DOE Core Curriculum Content Standards, and are equally rewarding and stimulating for teachers, students, and the entire community. To tell us more about the Italian Heritage Curriculum, I am joined by Cav. Gilda Rorro Baldassarri, Ed.D Chair, Curriculum Development Committee, and Margaret Fontana, Executive Director of the NJ Italian Heritage Commission. To learn more, visit: https://www.njitalianheritage.org/heritage-curriculum/On Saturday March 22nd, New Jersey Italian Heritage Commission Presents “Jazz Italian Style” Spring Conference 2025 An Educational Journey into the Italian Influence on JazzRutgers College Avenue Student Center, New Brunswick, NJMore information here: https://www.njitalianheritage.org/new-jersey-italian-heritage-commission-presents-jazz-italian-style-spring-conference-2025-an-educational-journey-into-the-italian-influence-on-jazz/
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This week on The Italian Radio Hour - Who doesn't love a fresh, crunchy, not overly sweet sfogliatella? Are you also a big fan of the city of "Napoli"?Well, if you answered "yes" to either or both questions you are going to LOVE THIS EPISODE!Naples isn’t just a place; it’s an experience. It’s the sound of scooters weaving through narrow streets, the sight of laundry hanging between colorful buildings, the laughter of friends gathered for an espresso, and the irresistible scent of fresh pastries in the air. And if there’s one pastry that represents Naples, it’s the sfogliatella—crispy, flaky, and filled with history.To take us on this delicious journey, I’m joined by someone who knows Naples like the back of his hand—Flavio Cali, owner of Sfogliate e Sfogliatelle, one of the most famous pastry shops in the city. Flavio isn’t just a master of the art of Neapolitan pastries—he’s also a storyteller, a custodian of tradition, and someone who embodies the warmth and spirit of Naples. Today, we’ll talk about his passion for pastry, what it means to be truly Neapolitan, local superstitions, hidden gems of the city, and much more!"So, whether you’re listening from afar or strolling through the streets of Naples yourself, get ready to dive into the magic of this incredible city, grab an espresso or a sfogliatella.Next time you go to Naples, stop to say "Hi" to Flavio at Sfogliate e Sfogliatelle, located at:Via San Gregorio Armeno 24 80138 Napolihttps://sfogliateesfogliatelle.it/
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This week on The Italian Radio Hour: Say "I do" in Italy with style!
Valentine's Day is tomorrow and many will be "popping" the question.
This week, I had the pleasure to speak with the dynamic duo Nicole Bono, and Tano Mina, founders of Bono Events International.
GAETANO (aka) Tano is a seasoned cheese and wine sommelier, Nicole, whose unique upbringing, split between New York City and Florence, bring their shared passion for culture, travel, and gastronomy to craft unforgettable experiences for their clients.
Whether you are planning to get married in Italy or wanting to experience travel that transcends the Ordinary, Nicole Tano will do all the work of planning an amazing trip. The only thing that you'll need to do is to pack your suitcase and go!
Andiamo!
https://youtu.be/Y0Iw1-LLAo8
@followers #italy #GettingMarriedInItaly #luxury #travel #cheese #wine -
This week on The Italian Radio Hour - What would happen if a landslide suddenly destroyed part of an ancient city and its immense patrimony?Join me in this fascinating conversation is Mark Dietrick Director of Services of Case Technologies.Since 2016, Case Technologies along with Volterra-Detroit Foundation and Autodesk have been working in Volterra, (Tuscany) with experts in 3Dreality capture technology, aerial and ground-based photogrammetry to record the city’s archaeological sites and artefacts. Volterra is a historic hilltop town in Tuscany, Italy, renowned for its ancient charm, rich history, and stunning vistas. Here's a closer look at the city:Historical Significance• Etruscan Origins: Volterra dates back to the 8th century BCE and was an important center of the Etruscan civilization. Remnants of this era include the Etruscan walls, gates, and the Acropolis, which houses ancient temple ruins.• Roman Influence: During Roman times, Volterra flourished, evidenced by landmarks like the Roman Theater, built in the 1st century BCE.• Medieval Heritage: In the Middle Ages, the city became a center for art, trade, and religion. The Palazzo dei Priori, built in 1208, is one of Italy's oldest civic buildings and a testament to this period.This collaborative group is made up of architects, surveyors, 3D specialists, engineers, and historians from different organizations and countries.The long-term objective is to create a complete digital document of Volterra’s sites using 3D tools and methodologies, to preserve these assets digitally and improve both archaeological and architectural research.To learn more about this project, visit:https://volterra-detroit.org/category/news/
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This week on The Italian Radio Hour: For all the bread makers out there (professional and aspiring), this episode is for you (but also everyone else)!Do you know that in Italy there is a National Association of Bread Testers (INAP - Istituto Nazionale Assaggiatori Pani)?I had the true pleasure to speak at length with its President, Walter Cricri', who recently returned from a very important food expo in Milan called Golosaria, where he illustrated breads of Calabria, local grains and in this conversation, he takes us on a journey on how to discern, and appreciate bread, from smell, to color, to consistency, and much more!And don't forget to listen to the very end of the interview where Walter Cricrì tells us how bread originated from a kiss!https://youtu.be/5DtgCpQgYL0Don't forget to share and subscribe to The Italian Radio Hour on YouTube or where you catch your favorite podcasts! It's FREE!
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This week on The Italian Radio Hour - Holidays decorations have long been packed up. Daily routines have returned to be frantic but how do we build up and keep the spirit of kindness, gratitude, love, and acceptance all year around? Today, I have the pleasure of speaking with Alessandro Grazioli, a passionate storyteller and cultural advocate hailing from Bergamo, Italy. Alessandro is the author of Il Gomitolo della Befana, a beautifully illustrated children’s book that weaves a magical tale about the Befana and her luminous yarn spun from the dust of the Christmas star. His work not only captures the hearts of young readers but also inspires creative adaptations, such as a dance performance brought to life by the ON-STAGE school of Bergamo.Beyond his literary achievements, Alessandro is deeply involved in promoting culture and community through his role as president of the Torre Gentile APS association. He is also an active contributor to SocialBG, a platform where he shares his thoughts on culture and society, fostering a connection with his local community.Join me as we explore Alessandro’s creative journey, his inspirations, and the impact of his work in bringing the spirit of the holidays.To watch our episode together on SEILATV, "Aspettando l'Epifania":https://youtu.be/01Fdt2HhxMo?si=Ph5Alx1tTUpf7sRxTo learn more about Alessandro and read his stories and articles:https://lovemc2.com/
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This week on The Italian Radio Hour - For this first episode of 2025, we want to share a very special story. Meet Gessica Mancini, mother of three from a small town in Tuscany, called Cerreto Guidi.Ten years ago, Gessica was diagnosed with Parkinson. The medications that she was put on, would leave her sleepless at night, wondering what her life and the ones of their children would be with the progressions of her disease.Instead of simply tossing and turning in bed, she decided to pick up an old hobby of hers: crocheting.Cerreto Guidi is well known for its Nativity Set competition held every year, which features the most creative nativity sets, placed in the most unexpected locations. On suggestion of her best friend, Gessica entered the contest with her creations of the holy family, and when her sleepless nights almost made her quit, her daughter picked up mom's put away work and said: "Are you going to quit mom?".That was enough of a motivation to pull thru the finish line and that perseverance paid off. Gessica won first prize.Fast forwarding ten years later.Gessica has continued crocheting and has managed to recreate the entire town of Cerreto Guidi, including the Medici Villa (7,000 steps!!!), buildings of the town in great details, and villagers, who actually feature the real people of the town. In addition, a group called "Le Dame dell'Unicinetto" was created, a group of women from all over that have also contributed to this amazing display with some of their work.And how is Gessica's Parkinson now?Watch the interview to find out!Follow the FB page of Le Dame dell'Uncinetto to plan your own visit to this display that is open all year around and how you can support their mission.https://www.facebook.com/ledamedelluncinetto/
Recommended to watch VIDEO INTERVIEW https://youtu.be/VlZjHnC9Wdk
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This week on The Italian Radio Hour - The Italian Americans of Los Angeles represent a very vibrant community of artists, agriculturalists, dreamers and outlaws, pioneers, and powerbrokers who have shaped every single facet of the Southern California megalopolis for two centuries but, still overlooked in both local and Italian American histories.Marianna Gatto, historian and Executive Director of the Italian American Museum of Los Angeles, brings those stories, those pioneers, those dreams alive and provides great points of reflection and comparison to understand this very varied American mosaic.Over one hundred images, including many never before published, help illustrate this impressive multi-layered history.To learn more, visit: https://losangeleslittleitaly.com/
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Is owning property in Italy in your 2025 New Year Resolutions (or somewhere down the road)?Well, stop dreaming and start planning, as your Italian property journey awaits.In this episode, we catch up with our good friend and property consultant Nikki Taylor of Italy-Property Consulting. Nikki is an Australian-born property consultant transitioned herself from a career in investment banking to embrace the Italian lifestyle and is now dedicated to making the dream of living in Italy accessible to others by offering a suite of service and comprehensive guidance to successfully navigate Italy's real estate market and even monetizing properties through rentals.Nikki is a 3 times Amazon bestselling author and has featured in world class publications such as Forbes, Entrepreneur and Millionaire magazines as well being featured in HGTV’s Mediterranean Life, where she helps an American couple find their dream home in Italy.With over €5 million in successful property deals facilitated in 2023 (to date), Nikki and her team have the experience and knowledge to help you achieve your Italian property dream.Also, curious to learn about some interesting and unusual events that happened during Nikki's house hunting trips?Then, don't miss her latest book: Get Nikki's captivating and informative new book: "The Bumpy Road to La Dolce Vita - Confessions of Italian Property Consultant".To learn more about how to make your dream of owning property in Italy, visit:https://italy-propertyconsulting.com/https://youtu.be/HkzedfIjYp0
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This week on The Italian Radio Hour: Italian American Holiday Traditions with Chris Fennimore from WQED and Laura Magone from The Wedding Cookie Table CommunityI’m thrilled to have had the the opportunity welcome two extraordinary guests who share a deep love for food, family, and culture to talk about their Holiday traditions.Chris Fennimore is a celebrated television personality, cookbook author, and storyteller who has been bringing families together through food. A smiling face and a distinct voice that has entered people's home for decades.Laura Magone is an accomplished entrepreneur and advocate for preserving culinary traditions, especially those rooted in Italian-American heritage. She is the creator and administrator of The Wedding Cookie Table Community FB page which currently counts 325K members. Together, they embody the heart and soul of food as a connector of people and a keeper of memories and today, we get to know them a little better. Enjoy the episode! Subscribe to @The Italian Radio Hour on Youtube or where you get your favorite podcasts.It all FREE!Happy Holidays to you all!
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This week on The Italian Radio Hour - In a shattered post WWII Italy, the Vatican instituted an orphan program that brought thousands of Italian children to the US to be adopted by American Catholics were eager to make the different in the lives of those Italian children coming from a very impoverished country. They thought they were saving orphans. They were wrong.Most of the children were not orphans. They were the children of unwed mothers who had been pressured into giving up their child by their families and a powerful church. Today, thousands of American adoptees are still struggling to piece together their lost lives, decades after the Vatican's orphan program ended in 1970.New York author Maria Laurino, an acclaimed, essayist, and journalist known for her insightful explorations of Italian-American identity, culture, and history takes us on herpersonal journey of examining her dual identity starting with her book: Were You Always an Italian?, which examines stereotypes and cultural heritage, to The Italian Americans: A History, a companion book to the PBS series of the same name to her latest book "The Price of Children" where Laurino sheds light on the Vatican's orphan program, after having examined and research hundreds of documents that enabled Laurino to piece together what happened between 1950 and 1970, when the Church sent thousands of children born out of wedlock, or later simply a parent who couldn't provide care, to America on orphan visas. . Laurino also indicates that mothers were deliberately misled by doctors and lawyers to sign consent forms which ultimately took the children away from their birth mothers forever. Those documents would be sealed for 100 years, under the Vatican law.Laurino's poignant storytelling and astonishing investigative work create a powerful picture of what religion and government together can do to silence women. Laurino's book might leave readers angry at times but also hopeful that shedding light on this hidden story can help us avoid repeating the past.If you are or know someone who fell under this program, you are encouraged to contact Maria Laurino via her website: https://www.marialaurino.com/
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This week on The Italian Radio Hour - This week, after another successful week of Italian Cuisine in the World, we caught up with Roberta Marini del Plano, the New York Delegate of Accademia della Cucina Italiana.From virtual Carnevale dinners to promotion of healthy eating to the youth, to regional publications by the Accademia to Roberta's very own recipe for a tasty Thanksgiving turkey, this episode will leave you hungry and more informed.Follow the Accademia:https://www.accademiaitalianadellacucina.it/en/#italianfood #italia #Accademiadellacucinaitaliana
- Visa fler
