Ever wondered how far back your family roots can go? Join us for a remarkable journey into Italian ancestry and family history with our special guest, John Clarkin. After retiring in 2020, John embarked on a mission to honor his grandfather by tracing his lineage back to the early 1800s. Through civil and church records, John discovered distant relatives and unearthed historical connections even dating back to the 1400s. He shares the heartfelt and often surprising revelations of his family’s roots in Faleria and the Campobasso region, offering a unique perspective on why many people only start exploring their heritage later in life. Listen as John recounts his multiple trips to Italy, particularly to the seemingly uneventful village of Faleria, which proved to be a goldmine of genealogical discoveries. From photographing headstones to delving into diocesan records in Civita Castellana and Nepi, John paints a vivid picture of the challenges and rewards inherent in genealogical research. Learn about the interconnected nature of families in small Italian towns and the classic immigrant experience of seeking opportunities in the US while supporting families back home. John’s humorous anecdotes and heartfelt reflections will transport you to the heart of Italian family life, both past and present. Immerse yourself in the cultural richness of Italy as John shares his experience creating a PowerPoint presentation that captivated his audience and earned recognition from the mayor. Discover the historical significance of Giuseppe Agnani’s book and the importance of preserving heritage, especially when original records have been lost. From tales of resilience during the fascist era and World War II to nostalgic memories of Italian-American neighborhoods in New York and Pittsburgh, this episode offers a rich tapestry of family heritage. Join us for an unforgettable exploration of Italian traditions, cultural history, and the vibrant community life that continues to thrive on shared experiences and human connections. Podcast Click here to join our group on Facebook Video

Have you ever wondered what hidden stories lie in your family’s past? In this emotional episode, we sit down with Gina Ciambella as she takes us on a poignant journey of discovery, tracing her Italian heritage from Michigan back to a small village near Naples. Gina unveils her father’s harrowing experiences during World War II, including his escape from a concentration camp truck and the tragic fate of her grandfather, Antonio, at the hands of German soldiers. Through meticulous research, Gina unearths surprising truths, revealing a legacy of resilience and bravery that has profoundly shaped her family. Love, cultural expectations, and familial resilience come alive as we recount the host’s mother’s incredible tale. From an arranged marriage that faced numerous obstacles to a whirlwind romance full of unexpected twists, her journey highlights the complexities of familial duty and personal choice. Despite job loss and immigration challenges, her parents’ love endured, leading to a 43-year marriage and the raising of four children in America. This narrative offers a captivating glimpse into the complexities of love and the strength it takes to overcome barriers. We also explore the charm and simplicity of European life, contrasting it with the American lifestyle. From the close-knit communities in small Italian towns to the emphasis on fresh, pesticide-free produce, we highlight the importance of preserving cultural heritage and maintaining connections to our roots. Reflecting on how these values can be passed down to future generations, we discuss the tranquility of towns like Scilla in Calabria and the lasting impact of family stories. Join us to appreciate the enduring passion for Italian culture and the significance of keeping our heritage alive for our children and grandchildren. 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.  

Have you ever wondered how discovering your family’s hidden past can shape your identity? Join us for an emotional and enlightening conversation with Steve Bruno as he takes us on his extraordinary journey of uncovering his Italian roots. Steve shares the poignant story of his grandfather and great aunt, orphaned at a young age, and the meticulous research that unearthed family members previously unknown. Through his quest, Steve brings to light the early immigration of his great-grandfather, Antonio, to America before 1900, and the cultural influences of their hometown Greci, Italy. In this heartfelt episode, we explore the reverence for a grandfather who made his mark in the medical field, and how genealogy research can forge surprising connections that enrich our lives. With plans to visit Italy, Steve reflects on the stark contrasts between Italian and American cultural values, especially the emphasis on family time, and the unique traits passed down through generations. Finally, we delve into the serendipitous nature of genealogical research and the unexpected connections it can bring. From the challenges of using tools like Ancestry.com to the joy of finding long-lost family photos, Steve’s journey emphasizes the importance of preserving and celebrating our ancestors’ legacy. This episode is a tribute to the joy of family discoveries and the fascinating stories that emerge, reminding us all of the rich tapestry of our heritage and the ongoing quest to honor it. Click here to join our group on Facebook 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.  

Have you ever wondered how your DNA connects you to ancient civilizations and far-off lands? Join us as we chat with Sal Provino from Australia, who shares his incredible journey of tracing his Italian roots. From his father’s courageous migration from Sicily to Australia in the 1950s to escape post-World War II hardships to his mother’s origins in Calabria, Sal paints a vivid picture of his family’s resilience and the cultural nuances that shape their identity. This episode promises an enriching exploration of family history that started long before the internet made genealogical research easier. Sal opens up about the surprising twists and turns in his genealogical quest, including captivating personal stories and the rich tapestry of ancestral DNA diversity in Italy. Discover how genetic influences from regions like Greece, the Middle East, and the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires have left their mark on family traits and historical roots. We touch upon the fascinating intermingling of cultures in places like Calabria and Sicily, offering a fresh perspective on ancient migrations and conquests. Through Sal’s anecdotes, you’ll get a sense of the shared human family and the diverse connections found through genetic testing. We also uncover the Norman influence in Sicilian history, where surnames tell amusing and poignant stories about their origins. Hear about Sal’s great-great-great-grandfather’s successful restaurant in Palermo and the dramatic shift in family fortunes due to a card game. Learn about the deep historical ties between the Kingdom of Sicily and the Plantagenet family, alongside the transformation of mosques into cathedrals in Palermo and Naples. From wartime survival stories to the post-World War II migration struggles of Italian immigrants, this episode captures the essence of preserving cultural heritage and the emotional ties that bind us to our roots. 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.

Have you ever wondered how your last name might reveal fascinating details about your past? In this episode, we dive into the world of Italian surnames, exploring their origins and meanings, divided into four main categories. Discover how patronymics and matronymics, derived from the father’s or mother’s name, have deep roots in the Middle Ages. We analyze the differences between the “di” and “de” variants, with examples such as the famous singer Pino Daniele, and the role these surnames played in identifying people. We then move on to toponyms, those surnames that tell the geographical history of people. Imagine migrants of the past, identified by the name of their place of origin, such as “di Napoli” or “Sorrentino.” We make an interesting comparison with common surnames in America such as Calabrese and Cosentino, highlighting the importance of geographical names in everyday life in the past. We also delve into the use of geographical names derived from local features, such as Fiume, and how these helped people identify themselves in an era without street names or house numbers. Hai mai pensato a come il tuo cognome potrebbe rivelare dettagli affascinanti sul tuo passato? In questa puntata, ci immergiamo nel mondo dei cognomi italiani, esplorando le loro origini e significati, suddivisi in quattro categorie principali. Scopri come i patronimici e matronimici, derivati dal nome del padre o della madre, abbiano radici profonde nel Medioevo. Analizziamo le differenze tra le varianti “di” e “de”, con esempi come il celebre cantante Pino Daniele, e il ruolo che questi cognomi giocavano nell’identificazione delle persone. Passiamo poi ai toponimi, quei cognomi che raccontano la storia geografica delle persone. Immagina i migranti di un tempo, identificati attraverso il nome del loro luogo di origine, come “di Napoli” o “Sorrentino”. Facciamo un interessante confronto con i cognomi comuni in America come Calabrese e Cosentino, mettendo in luce l’importanza dei nomi geografici nella vita quotidiana del passato. Approfondiamo anche l’uso di nomi geografici derivati da caratteristiche locali, come Fiume, e come questi elementi aiutassero le persone a identificarsi in un’epoca senza nomi di strade o numeri civici. 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.