Leto Family Visit Our Shop Rich Leto talks about when and why he started researching his family from Calabria and Puglia and when they arrived in Philadelphia.  Also, what it was like growing up Italian in Philly. Podcast Click here to join our group on Facebook Video

Visit Our Shop Jim Pasto talks about the North End in the 1960’s and 1970’s, Mike’s Cannoli’s  And the Italian ladies cooking lunch in grammar school.  Also, his visit to Italy. Podcast Click here to join our group on Facebook Video

Visit Our Shop Bill Sallurday talks about his decades long research to find his paternal grandfather’s real surname.  Bill’s journey starts in Pennsylvania and finally takes him to San Cipriano.  Also, a great Mayflower story from his mom’s side. Be sure to check out Bill’s website The Wandering Spectator Podcast Click here to join our group on Facebook Video

Visit Our Shop Frank Marotta talks about growing up in Corona Queens and his book “Alterations To A Life Jacket” Seasoned New Yorker shares story of survival and self-discovery Born in Corona, Queens, Frank Marotta grew up in a four-room apartment with his family of eight. “I was born and raised on the mean streets of New York City in the 1950’s,” Marotta said. “Humble beginnings would be an understatement.” Marotta’s home life was rocky at best, and he suffered from the abuse and neglect surrounding him. As a result, Marotta spent the majority of his childhood planning how to escape his toxic and dysfunctional home. Unfortunately for Marotta, the scars of his childhood continued to haunt him even after leaving home, and the psychological trauma affected his ability to make sensible decisions as a young adult. In his new memoir, Alterations to a Life Jacket, Marotta recounts his constant struggles with insecurity, emotional and self-esteem issues. At 21, he married his first real girlfriend who was 11 years his senior and also had 2 children. By the time he was 23, he had 4 children. All this presented him with overwhelming mounting responsibilities. Over the years, Marotta’s demons persisted, yet he persevered. Now on the other side, after years of introspection and self-discovery, Marotta seeks to offer readers insight and guidance on how to face down adversity and not only survive but thrive. “I relate the ups and downs and twists and turns of my life, all the while trying to hold on to my morals, dignity and sanity,” Marotta said. “It’s time to let go of those early years of hopelessness and despair.” Podcast Click here to join our group on Facebook Video

Visit Our Shop Bob talks to Paula Zichinchi-Manning about her research in Italy and the US and finding roots in Sicily and Campania. With some very interesting US stories about US citizens losing their citizenship when marrying immigrants and a pirate ancestor. Podcast Click here to join our group on Facebook Video Montouri Churchmen Paula and GG Great Grandfather Baker Books Paula sign Antonio Montuori, Emilia and Elisa (2)