In this conversation, Bob Sorrentino interviews Lisa Gagliardo about her Italian roots and family history. Lisa shares her family’s immigration story, cultural traditions, and the challenges faced by her ancestors. The discussion highlights the importance of ancestry research and the connection to Italian heritage, as well as the experiences of growing up Italian American. Lisa reflects on her discoveries and aspirations to visit her family’s hometown in Italy, emphasizing the significance of maintaining cultural identity and family connections. Takeaways Lisa’s family has deep Italian roots, with ancestors from Campania and Calabria. Her great-grandmother’s immigration story showcases the determination of immigrants. Life in New York City for her family included unique anecdotes and challenges. Cultural traditions, such as Sunday pasta, have been preserved in her family. Growing up Italian American has shaped Lisa’s identity and connection to Italy. Ancestry research has revealed important family history and connections. Lisa’s grandmother can understand the Napolitan dialect, showcasing cultural ties. The conversation reflects on the impact of immigration on family dynamics. Lisa expresses a desire to visit her family’s hometown in Italy. The importance of food and culinary traditions in maintaining cultural identity. Sound Bites “The culinary tradition has stayed.” “I never knew these women existed.” “I love the story about the evil eye.” Podcast Click here to join our group on Facebook Video

In this conversation, chef, author, and filmmaker Margie Raimondo shares her journey from a successful career in high tech to embracing her Italian roots through cooking. After a life-changing experience during 9/11, Margie reevaluated her life and moved to Arkansas, where she discovered a vibrant Italian community. She reflects on her childhood in an immigrant neighborhood, the importance of family traditions, and her culinary journey that took her to Italy, where she learned the art of cooking and food preservation. Margie’s story is a testament to the power of food, family, and cultural heritage. In this engaging conversation, the speakers explore the joys of culinary exploration, particularly within the Mediterranean lifestyle. They discuss the health benefits of fresh, local food, the importance of family connections through cooking, and the techniques that make Mediterranean cuisine unique. The conversation also touches on the significance of preserving culinary traditions, especially in Sicily, where farming practices are deeply rooted in history. The speakers share personal anecdotes that highlight the role of food in creating lasting memories and fostering connections among family and friends. http://www.urbanafarmstead.net/ https://www.goinsidesicily.com/s/stories Margie had a ticket for the plane involved in 9/11. The experience prompted her to reevaluate her life. She discovered a large Italian community in Arkansas. Her family has roots in Sicily and Campania. Growing up, her family emphasized fresh ingredients and cooking. Margie’s childhood was filled with food, laughter, and family. She transitioned to a culinary career after living abroad. Margie learned to break down fish while working on a fishing boat. She emphasizes the importance of food preservation. Her heart is full as she connects with her roots through cooking. Culinary exploration can be a joyful experience, especially for young people. The Mediterranean lifestyle promotes health through fresh, local food and active living. Family connections are strengthened through shared cooking experiences. Cooking techniques, such as making stocks and pasta, are essential for Mediterranean cuisine. Documenting culinary traditions helps preserve cultural heritage. Eating together fosters communication and connection among family members. The importance of using hands in cooking adds love and passion to the food. Fresh ingredients and local sourcing enhance the quality of meals. Food serves as an equalizer, bringing people together across cultures. Memories associated with food can create a deep emotional connection. Sound Bites “This was a wake-up call for me.” “I want to connect back to my roots.” “My heart is full again.” “I learned how to break down any size fish.” “That’s the real key to the whole thing.” “Chase the laughter.” “Cooking is a way to connect with family.” “Eating is a celebration of life.” “You never cook alone.” “Food is such an equalizer.” Podcast Click here to join our group on Facebook Video

In this conversation, Bob Sorrentino interviews Ernesto Milani, who shares his family’s migration story from Italy to the United States, particularly focusing on the early Italian immigrants in America. They discuss the correspondence between family members across the ocean, the establishment of Italian settlements in the Southern United States, and the significant role of mutual aid societies in supporting Italian immigrants. Ernesto also shares the poignant story of Rosa, an Italian immigrant who became a storyteller in America, highlighting the experiences of women in the immigrant narrative. Ernesto’s Website http://ernestomilani.it  Takeaways Ernesto’s family migrated from Northern Italy to America in the 1890s. Many Northern Italians settled in various parts of the United States, not just New York. Letters from family members provide valuable insights into immigrant life. Emotional connections are maintained through correspondence across generations. The Sunnyside Plantation was a unique settlement for Italian immigrants in the South. Many Italians faced significant challenges adapting to agricultural practices in America. The legacy of Italian families continues to thrive in the South today. Researching family history can uncover fascinating stories and connections. The experience of Italian immigrants varied greatly depending on their region of origin. Maintaining family ties was crucial for many Italian immigrants, despite geographical distances. 5% of the population in Cugionno was born in the States. Rosa’s story illustrates the immigrant experience and resilience. Women’s roles in immigration are often overlooked in history. Sports played a crucial role in Italian American identity. Yogi Berra’s legacy connects generations of Italian Americans. Mutual aid societies were vital for immigrant support. Cultural heritage is essential to understanding identity. Storytelling is a powerful tool for preserving history. Genealogy connects individuals to their ancestral roots. Personal journeys of exploration enrich our understanding of immigration. Podcast Click here to join our group on Facebook Video

In this conversation, Bob Sorrentino interviews Kristen Hertzog about her journey of relocating from the United States to Italy, exploring her family heritage, the challenges of obtaining dual citizenship, and the cultural differences she has encountered. Kristen shares her experiences of living in a small Italian village, the bureaucratic hurdles she faced, and the importance of language in building relationships. They also discuss the romanticized view of Italian life versus the reality, and how both Italian-Americans and Italians perceive each other’s cultural identities. Kristen emphasizes the significance of preserving ancestral stories through her YouTube channel, which documents her experiences and insights. Kristen Hertzog is a YouTube Influencer from Pennsylvania currently living in Sicily and documenting her experiences as an Italian-American applying for citizenship.  Check out her YouTube channel. ANYWHEREWITHKRISTEN Takeaways  Both sides of my family are from Italy. The dual citizenship process is not for the weak of heart. Living in Italy is different from visiting as a tourist. Cultural expectations can lead to misunderstandings. Language is key to building relationships in Italy. The Italian bureaucracy can be challenging to navigate. It’s important to be flexible and patient with the process. Creating authentic content helps share real experiences. Preserving ancestral stories is vital for future generations. Italian-Americans often romanticize their heritage. Podcast Click here to join our group on Facebook Video

In this engaging conversation, Bob Sorrentino and Daniel Niemiec delve into the intricate world of genealogy, exploring Daniel’s extensive research into his family history, which includes over 90,000 ancestors. They discuss migration patterns, the significance of family connections, and the emotional weight of discovering both extraordinary and tragic family stories. Daniel shares insights from his research, including the challenges of tracing lineage, the impact of historical events on family dynamics, and the fascinating tales of families with numerous children. The conversation highlights the importance of revisiting research to uncover hidden stories and the unique experiences of Italian-American families. In this conversation, Daniel Niemiec shares insights into genealogy, focusing on late-life parenthood, the importance of thorough research, and the dynamics of family relationships across generations. He discusses the significance of checking records beyond typical age limits, the fascinating statistics surrounding marriages, and the stories behind centenarians. The conversation also touches on the complexities of family dynamics, including age gaps and the preservation of genealogical research for future generations. Takeaways Daniel Niemiec has traced over 90,000 ancestors in his family tree. Genealogy research often reveals unexpected family connections and stories. Migration patterns significantly influenced where families settled in America. Revisiting old research can uncover errors and new insights. Extreme family sizes were common in historical contexts, with some families having over 20 children. Tragic family histories, such as losing all children before their first birthday, highlight the challenges of past generations. Multiple marriages were not uncommon, reflecting the realities of life in earlier times. Late fatherhood is a fascinating aspect of family history, with some men fathering children well into their 80s. The importance of documenting family stories to preserve history for future generations. Genealogy is a journey of discovery that connects individuals to their roots. Late-life parenthood was more common than assumed. Research should extend beyond typical age limits. Age gaps in relationships can be significant. Shortest recorded marriage was just seven days. Centenarians are more common in America than Italy. Family dynamics can lead to unusual generational relationships. Thorough research can uncover surprising family stories. Preserving genealogical data is crucial for future generations. Understanding family history can clarify complex relationships. Genealogy research can reveal unexpected connections. Podcast Click here to join our group on Facebook Video