Growing Up Italian American

In this engaging conversation, Bob Sorrentino and Carlo Treviso delve into the rich history and culture of Sicily, exploring Carlo’s personal journey of discovering his Sicilian roots and the inspiration behind his novel, Siciliana. They discuss the process of writing historical fiction, the significance of female protagonists, and the importance of preserving Italian culture and traditions in America. Takeaways • Carlo’s journey to Sicily sparked his interest in writing. • Sicilian culture was not fully

In this engaging conversation, Bob Sorrentino hosts Ted Lucarelli and Cindy Lombardo, who share their experiences and insights into their Italian heritage, family history, and the journey of discovering their roots. They discuss the challenges of researching family ancestry, the significance of name changes among immigrants, and their personal stories of connecting with their ancestral town of Torito, Italy. The conversation also touches on their travels to Italy, cultural differences, and the importance of family

In Italy, buying and wearing red underwear for New Year’s is a popular tradition believed to bring good luck and prosperity for the coming year. This custom is deeply rooted in Italian culture and is associated with the color red, which symbolizes fertility, love, and good fortune. The practice is thought to date back to ancient times when red was considered a powerful color capable of warding off evil spirits and misfortune. As New Year’s

In this conversation, the hosts and guests share their unique Christmas traditions from their respective cultures, focusing on the differences and similarities between Italian, English, and American customs. They discuss the significance of food, particularly the Italian-American tradition of the ‘seven fishes,’ and reminisce about their childhood memories of Christmas celebrations, including midnight mass and family gatherings. The conversation also touches on the impact of cultural identity and language on their holiday experiences. In this

Join us on a heartfelt exploration as George Gingerelli takes us on his remarkable journey of rediscovering his Italian heritage. Picture the scene: George and his sister, motivated by family lore and childhood stories, find themselves piecing together a family puzzle that spans continents and generations. Their emotional voyage led them back to Montescaglioso, Italy, where a century of lost connections was rekindled with newfound relatives. George’s narrative is not just about genealogy; it’s about

Uncover the remarkable journey of Italian heritage with brothers Michael and Chip Valleriano, who embarked on a quest to trace their family’s roots back to their great-grandfather’s migration from Italy to the United States. Their passion for genealogy shines through as they share insights from interviews with elder relatives, revealing the stories behind Ellis Island and how their family settled in Cleveland. You’ll learn about Chip’s dedication to preserving family stories and the significance of

In this engaging conversation, Bob Sorrentino and Dawn Matera-Corsi delve into the significance of heritage and family roots, particularly focusing on Italian culture. Dawn shares her family’s journey from Ischia to America and discusses her book, ‘Redeem Your Roots,’ which outlines seven keys to connecting with one’s heritage. The discussion emphasizes the importance of family stories, traditions, and the role of food and language in maintaining cultural connections. They also share humorous anecdotes about culinary

Reflecting on the resilience of our ancestors, this episode journeys through the vibrant narratives of Sicilian heritage and its cultural echoes in the Italian-American communities across the United States. Join us as we hear from Francesca and Manuel, whose roots connect them to Gela, Sicily, with Manuel sharing his role in preserving Italian culture as the president of the historic Italian Athletic Club in San Francisco. We also explore Jerry’s passionate involvement with the St.

Join us for an enlightening conversation with Lou Paioletti as we uncover the rich legacy of Italian-American heritage in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Lou takes us on a heartfelt journey, sharing his family’s migration story from Tuscany to Hershey, a town renowned for its chocolate but also a beacon of hope for countless Italian immigrants drawn by industrial opportunities. We explore how these families, including Lou’s ancestors, contributed significantly to Hershey’s industrial evolution, particularly in the stone