Have you ever been captivated by the stories of your ancestors, the journeys they embarked on, and the experiences that shaped their lives? In our latest episode, we're joined by Arnie Aranci, whose Italian-American roots are as rich and flavorful as the cuisine of his heritage. Arnie enthralls with tales of his father's migration from the picturesque Italian countryside to the United States, his consequential return as a soldier in World War II, and the heartwarming romance that blossomed with his mother, a war bride from Livorno. Each anecdote Arnie shares is a thread in the vibrant tapestry ..read more

Embark on an intimate odyssey with our guest Regina Vighetto, as she unveils her family's vibrant migration tapestry from Italy to the coffee farms of São Paulo, Brazil. Her tale is one of resilience and discovery, and unearthing a narrative enriched by ancestral dreams and the quest for prosperity in a new world. As Regina shares her genealogical saga, I can't help but interweave my own pursuit of Italian citizenship, which sparked a genealogy fervor that mirrors her and her husband’s scholarly endeavors in the field at BYU-Idaho. Together, we journey through the poignant realizations that co ..read more

Uncover the secrets of Penne as Antonio Baldacchini from the Council of Community Planning joins us for an enchanting exploration of Abruzzo's mesmerizing landscapes and historical tapestry. Step back in time to discover a town where the past lingers in the cobblestoned streets and the future blossoms from the community's vibrant culture and commitment to sustainability. We chat about Penne's rich history, from its pre-Roman roots to the artistic revolutions of the Renaissance, and dig into the unique cultural events that make this town more than just a dot on the map. With Antonio's insight ..read more

As distant cousins intertwined by Puerto Rican roots, Valerie Evans joins us to unravel the vibrant story of her dual Italian and Puerto Rican lineage. Our conversation traverses the multicultural neighborhoods of East Harlem, brushes through the historical cobblestones of Sannicandro di Bari and Salerno, and touches on the personal transformations ignited by a family accident and the consequential search for identity. Valerie’s account of her mother's life and her quest to reveal her mysterious Southern Italian father’s past sheds light on the intimate struggles many face in piecing together ..read more

Stepping through the cobblestone streets of my ancestral town, I was embraced by whispers of my past, the tales and traditions of my Italian heritage echoing around me. Now, I invite you to join Jerry Taverna and me through a riveting journey of discovery, from sulfur mines in Sicily and old family stories from Monopoli become living chapters of our rich collective history. Jerry unveils the profound impact his ancestry has had on his life, which led to his involvement in Mike Cavalieri's film premiere, an homage to the struggles and triumphs of the Italian spirit. With laughter and a few une ..read more

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 t ..read more

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 summ ..read more

Embark on an emotional journey through time as we sit down with the remarkable duo from Ribuzzo 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 t ..read more

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 ..read more

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 paren ..read more