My grandmother’s laugh always had a way of transporting me to her tiny Italian village, a place I’d never been but felt I knew intimately through her stories. This week’s episode is a heartfelt homage to the power of family narratives, where Peggy, Josephine, Becky, Frank, Mirella, Ed and I share our adventures in preserving these precious legacies. They unveil their personal quests—from essays capturing the essence of our ancestors to children’s books that whisk young readers to the cobblestone streets of Italy—each story is a brushstroke on the canvas of our shared history. As we navigate the poignant tales of our panel members, the conversation naturally weaves through the importance of capturing the wisdom of our elders before it’s too late. We touch on the technological advances that help us immortalize these stories and discuss the emotional weight of documenting family lore. The diverse methods of storytelling presented by our guests, like cookbooks sprinkled with poetry and genealogical pursuits on digital platforms, remind us all of the threads that connect us to our past and the urgency of keeping them intact. Venturing into the individuality of Italian heritage, we feel the pulse of ancient dialects and the resilience of immigrant communities. Mirella’s family saga during World War II paints a vivid picture of survival and new beginnings, while our panelists reflect on the importance of cultural memory and the efforts to sustain it amidst changing landscapes. As our episode closes, we extend an open invitation to you, our listeners, to explore your own family tapestry, and share in the deeper conversation of who we are and where we come from. Teddy Bianco goes to Italy Travel to Italy for kids https://amzn.to/3IISUM0 Through a Childs Eyes German bombs fell on the enchanting village of San Pietro Infine, destroying homes. https://amzn.to/3Tl0kdw  Growing Up Italian Great stories about growing up Italian in America https://amzn.to/3TCSYTY  My North End Family Stories Peggy writes about her family who settled in Boston’s Italian enclave, the North End. https://amzn.to/3x9b6Mc  Life’s Journey Based on the real-life experiences of the author’s paternal grandmother. https://amzn.to/490BYeE  Farmers and Nobles Read about my research story and how to begin your family research. https://amzn.to/3vjjSH9 Podcast Click here to join our group on Facebook Video For over twenty-five years, Dawn has helped people create a dolce vita by connecting to their purpose and by continuing their legacy.  

Embarking on a nostalgic journey to the heart of Italian-American life, we sit down with Margaret Fontana, more affectionately known as the Italian American Girl. Her story unfolds like a rich tapestry woven with threads of cultural heritage and familial pride, offering an intimate glance at the Italian-American dream. Margaret’s tales of Reggio Calabria, the land of her ancestors, and the enduring tradition of family homes passed down through generations, serve as a poignant backdrop to our conversation, inviting you to rediscover the scenic landscapes of Southern Italy and the cherished summer experiences that shape our Italian-American worldview. As we taste our way through the regional flavors of Italian cuisine, the resilience and hope emblematic of our immigrant forebears come alive. Margaret recounts her father’s post-war emigration to Newark, New Jersey, and the strength it took to forge a new path in a foreign land. The vivid family narratives continue with homage paid to the matriarchs who tightly held onto their Italian roots while nurturing an American identity. These stories of hardship, ambition, and the relentless pursuit of the American dream not only resonate with those of Italian heritage but echo the universal experiences of families who have bridged the gap between old and new worlds. Our episode culminates in a reflection on the vital role of media in preserving and educating about our Italian-American heritage, a task Margaret has passionately undertaken. We delve into the transformative power of storytelling and community building, essential threads that bind the tapestry of our shared cultural identity. As we look forward with excitement to reconnecting with family and friends in anticipation of the summer, we invite you to join us in this episode, where memories intertwine with aspirations, and the Italian spirit continues to thrive within the heart of the American experience. Margaret Fontana is a highly accomplished media executive renowned for her extensive expertise spanning various industries, including nonprofit, healthcare, film, media, television, technology, and digital-driven broadcast. Her career boasts a remarkable track record of accomplishments and a storied reputation in these diverse fields. Margaret is also the Founder of The Filmmaker Forum, an online resource and community for aspiring and experienced arts, media and filmmaking professionals. Students are welcome as well. In keeping with her cultural first generation Italian roots, Margaret is also the Founder of another popular online community and blog called Italian American Girl with over 45,000 members across various social media networks. The community has become an online networking resource for many Italian Americans to share educational stories, history, ancestry traditions and connections. Margaret also features celebrities, musicians and filmmakers on the blog. In her “free” time, Margaret acts as a guest speaker and influencer while regularly presenting and teaching on media topics at Rider University and national digital conferences including Advertising Week in New York City Margaret is the host of the self produced podcast called, The Margaret Fontana Media Podcast The podcast covers topics from media, marketing, public relations, film, production, business, lifestyle and more. She features guests from the entertainment, design, lifestyle, style, culinary, cultural, wellness, business, & media industries. (Available on iTunes, Spotify and other digital platforms– Search ‘Margaret Fontana Media’ ) Margaret leads marketing and public relations for the The Ashley Lauren Foundation, which provides hope & help for children with cancer throughout New Jersey. Podcast Click here to join our group on Facebook Video For over twenty-five years, Dawn has helped people create a dolce vita by connecting to their purpose and by continuing their legacy.  

Embark on an emotional journey through time as we sit down with the remarkable duo from Abruzzo Ancestors, Davide Castellucci and Giulia Scappaticccio, who bring the hidden narratives of Italian lineage to light. The rolling hills of Abruzzo, steeped in the heritage of Italy’s emigrants, serve as the backdrop for tales that intertwine food, memories, and the indelible bonds of family. Giulia’s culinary delights at her bed and breakfast offer a taste of history, while Davide’s prowess in genealogical sleuthing helps clients stitch together their fragmented pasts. Together, they remind us that the essence of who we are is intricately woven into the stories of those who came before us. Imagine stumbling upon an artifact at a flea market that spins your world into an enthralling 15-year quest, or discovering your forebearers’ connections to Spanish nobility and the daring escapades of Italian brigands. Our conversation navigates these ancestral waters, charting the surprising ties between past and present. It’s a reminder that our mannerisms, dreams, and very identities may have deeper roots than we ever imagined, and these roots reveal themselves through the careful excavation of historical documents and family legends. Transformations abound, not only in the personal revelations of our guests’ clients but also in the charming conversion of Casale Centurione from an ancient homestead to a haven for seekers of heritage. As we look ahead to Abruzzo Ancestors’ upcoming project, we discuss the convergence of legal hurdles and emotional connections that accompany the quest for Italian citizenship and the reclaiming of one’s heritage. Listen in for a heartfelt exploration of identity, belonging, and the timeless allure of discovering where we come from. Abruzzo Ancestors Casale Centrione  Podcast Click here to join our group on Facebook Video For over twenty-five years, Dawn has helped people create a dolce vita by connecting to their purpose and by continuing their legacy.  

Imagine being born to the wail of tornado sirens on a North Dakota nuclear missile base—that’s the dramatic start to author Ryan Byrnes’ incredible journey which he shares with us. His life, shaped by the wanderlust of a military family and rooted in a rich Italian heritage, unfolds in a narrative as compelling as his fiction. Ryan’s quest for connection leads him from the vast American plains to the vibrant streets of Brooklyn. The heart of our conversation beats to the rhythm of resilience, a common thread in military family stories that Ryan captures with eloquence. He recounts the solace found in the written word amidst frequent relocations and the profound impact of military psychologists in the wake of 9/11. Transitioning to tales of bygone eras, Ryan offers a glimpse into his upcoming book, “My Dear Antonio,” a love letter to his great-grandparents’ enduring romance from Partinico Sicily to Tunis to Brooklyn, following the success of his first publication, “Royal Beauty Bright.” Our episode sails across the Atlantic as Ryan charts a course for Italy, eager to explore the country’s  allure and to trace the lineage that compels his passion for storytelling. He muses on the benefits of Italian citizenship for his descendants and the tangible connection one feels when stepping onto ancestral soil. With the upcoming release of “My Dear Antonio,” Ryan invites readers and listeners alike on a voyage through time, embracing the stories that bind us and the lands that call us home. Ryan Byrnes Writes Available now on Amazon. Click the photo. Podcast Click here to join our group on Facebook Video For over twenty-five years, Dawn has helped people create a dolce vita by connecting to their purpose and by continuing their legacy.  

Every family has a story stitched into the fabric of America’s diverse tapestry, but few recount it with the warmth and wisdom of Rock LaManna. As Rock takes us back to his childhood home in St. Paul, Minnesota, we’re invited to the dinner table of an 11-child family, where faith and hard work aren’t just values—they’re the ingredients to a life well-lived. His tales of an Italian-Polish household reveal a microcosm of the immigrant experience, punctuated by his mother’s entrepreneurial flair and his father’s journey from newspaper seller to a successful businessman. The legacy of Rock’s parents is a beacon for anyone seeking to marry tradition with innovation. Transitioning from familial anecdotes to entrepreneurial insights, Rock shares the contours of his own business voyage. From the inception of his second company, he narrates the challenges that come with self-funding and the cultural ethos inherited from his father, Carlos. His emotional pilgrimage to Italy and an audience with the Pope marks a turning point, unveiling the true wealth of life beyond business success. It’s an intimate look at the crossroads where personal values intersect with professional endeavors, offering a roadmap for entrepreneurs navigating their own paths. Finally, our conversation ventures into the lessons Rock imparts through LaManna Consulting Group and his book, “They Named You Right.” It’s here that entrepreneurs can unearth ‘Rocks Diamonds,’ his Ten Commandments for business success, blending spiritual and strategic guidance. His planned journey to Japan, respect for Japanese craftsmanship, and the significance of having the right team underscore the importance of precision and intention in business and life. Connect with Rock to access a treasury of experience that promises to guide, inspire, and transform your entrepreneurial journey. #puglia www.lamannacounsultinggroup.com www.theynamedyouright.com Podcast Click here to join our group on Facebook Video For over twenty-five years, Dawn has helped people create a dolce vita by connecting to their purpose and by continuing their legacy.