Send us a Text Message. Could you imagine uncovering your roots halfway around the world? This episode brings you the heartfelt story of Santo Marabella, who was born in Aosta, Italy, and adopted by a loving family in America. Santo sheds light on his early life at the Instituto Asistenza Materna e Infantile and the touching way his adoptive parents, Anna and Sam Marabella, revealed his adoption to him. We also dive into the historical context of the "baby scoop" era, during which thousands of Italian babies found new homes in America, adding a layer of emotional and historical depth to Santo ..read more

Send us a Text Message. When John Vallillo lost his mother in 2005, he had no idea it would ignite a passionate journey into uncovering his Italian roots. Join us as John takes us through the meticulous process of tracing his great-grandfather Giovanni Vallillo's story, including the surprising discovery that Giovanni's name was altered at a cemetery in Cleveland. John’s emotional connection to his heritage and thrilling moments of discovery—likened to the adventures of Indiana Jones—will captivate anyone intrigued by genealogy and family history. Our conversation with John also transports us ..read more

Send us a Text Message. Unlock the secrets of Italian genealogy with our guest, John Ruscigno, whose passion for family history was sparked by the remarkable legacy of his 102-year-old grandfather. Faced with language barriers and misinformation, John shares his inspiring tale of perseverance, detailing how he turned to a research company and Ellis Island records for his breakthrough. Experience the thrilling moments of discovery at the Family History Center and learn how John transitioned from physical film to a comprehensive online database, making invaluable genealogical records accessible ..read more

Send us a Text Message. Unlock the secrets within your emotional DNA and transform your life with Judy Wilkins-Smith, our esteemed guest, as she guides us through the intricate layers of inherited emotional patterns. You'll discover how thoughts, feelings, and actions passed down through generations shape your decisions and behaviors today. By understanding and tracing your family tree, significant family events, and their influence on your current life, you gain the power to reshape your destiny and alter your emotional DNA. Ever wondered why you might feel compelled to trace your ancestry o ..read more

Send us a Text Message. What if unraveling your family's past could lead you on an unexpected adventure across oceans and through centuries? Join us as Chris Francese, a passionate member of the Italian American Association of the Township of Ocean, recounts his incredible journey into his Italian lineage, all sparked by a simple school project. Through heartfelt conversations with his grandparents, Chris traces his roots back to towns like Tremonti, Pietro da Fusi, Salerno, and Sessa Aurunca, highlighting how starting genealogical research with family elders can open up a treasure trove of hi ..read more

Send us a Text Message. Ready to uncover the rich tapestry of Italian and American genealogy? Join us as we embark on a fascinating journey with Jack and Mary Ciaccia, tracing Jack’s roots back to the regions of Taranto and Messina in Sicily, and Mary’s lineage to the early American settlers of Jamestown in 1608. Discover connections to notable figures like Daniel Boone and President Polk shape their family stories. We promise you’ll walk away with a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of our ancestries and the vibrant tales they tell. But our exploration doesn't stop with genealog ..read more

Send us a Text Message. Ever wondered what it takes to trace your family roots across continents and eras? Join us on an enthralling journey with our special guest, Stephanie Larimore, as she uncovers the layers of her multicultural heritage. From starting her genealogical quest with 23andMe to delving deep into Ancestry, Stephanie's adventure reveals riveting tales of her Italian war bride grandmother, an American soldier grandfather, and their unique blend of Italian and Chinese ancestry. Her storytelling will captivate you with tales of bravery, migration, and the serendipitous moments that ..read more

Send us a Text Message. What if your family's immigration story bypassed the iconic Ellis Island, heading straight to the sunny shores of San Diego? Join us as we sit down with Tom Cesarini, founder of Convivio, who uncovers his rich Sicilian heritage and shares his family's unique journey to America. From working in a macaroni factory to establishing a vibrant enclave in Little Italy, Tom's memories paint a vivid picture of the immigrant experience, filled with both challenges and triumphs. Explore the intricate world of dual citizenship and family heritage, as we reflect on our grandparents ..read more

Send us a Text Message. Embark with Maggie Workman and me on a voyage through time as we trace our Italian lineages from the cobblestone streets of Onano, Viterbo to the bustling avenues of America. Our conversation meanders through generational tales that piece together a mosaic of our Italian-American identities, blending personal experiences with the broader narrative of Italian migration. The echoes of our ancestors' footsteps resonate in this episode, as Maggie delves into her genealogical discoveries and I share my Neapolitan legacy, which extend beyond the well-trodden paths of New York ..read more

Send us a Text Message. Embark on an ancestral odyssey with Katherine Pennavaria, whose blend of scholarly rigor and personal passion for genealogy unveils the remarkable layers of Italian history hidden within civil records. Our exploration takes you through the twists and tales of Katherine's Italian lineage, revealing how the meticulous documentation of Napoleon's era and the detailed narratives of church chronicles can offer more than just names and dates. They sketch out occupations, social relationships, and the societal pulse of bygone times. This episode is a tapestry of historical in ..read more