It’s been 15 years since the premiere of MTV’s Jersey Shore. At the time, the show stirred up mixed feelings: It irritated locals, offended media members, and even bothered the state’s highest elected official. It was also a bona fide sensation. Even after everyone’s anger and fake tans have faded away, there’s still a lot to learn from the battle...

There was a time when my grandmother’s honey cookies were the highlight of every Christmas, their sweet aroma filling the kitchen and signaling the start of the festive season. Our latest episode of the Italian American Podcast takes you on a nostalgic journey with personal stories like these, unraveling the threads of Italian American traditions t...

Can you truly savor the essence of Italian American culture through humor and storytelling? Join us as we, your hosts John Viola, Patrick O’Boyle, and Brandon Ficarra, promise to take you on a vibrant journey through the rich tapestry of Italian American identity. We welcome Salvatore “Off the Boat” Vella, as we celebrate Italian American Heritage...

Comedy fans, get ready to laugh as we welcome back the hilarious Joe Avati, whose stories from his whirlwind show are nothing short of epic. From the peculiar connection between Italians and professional wrestling to his jet-setting gigs in Toronto, New Jersey, and Dubai, Joe gives us a peek into the often chaotic, yet endlessly entertaining life o...

Join us for a joyful celebration of Italian American culture and comedy in our latest episode as we sit down with the dynamic duo, Carlo Russo and Lou Greco of the Uncle Louie Variety Show. Broadcasting from the streets of NYC’s Little Italy, we reminisce about the iconic Feast of San Gennaro and venture into our own humorous undertakings, includin...

Danielle Oteri, a distinguished expert in Italian travel, brings her wealth of knowledge to our podcast as we celebrate the launch of her new project, the Tante Belle Cose podcast. Join us as Danielle shares her passion for guiding travelers away from the crowded hubs of Florence, Venice, and Rome, leading them instead to Italy’s hidden treasures,...

What if your favorite Italian desserts could be given an American twist without losing their authentic charm? Join us on a culinary voyage as we explore the tantalizing fusion of Italian and American baking traditions, from nostalgic Sicilian pastries to the beloved rainbow cookies that have become a staple across diverse cultural settings. We’ll a...

"My Italy Story," written by Joseph Gallo, starring Michael Notardonato, is a nostalgic exploration of family, heritage and the ties that bind us. Spurred by pleas to help reunite his fractured family, a young man quits his job as a New York account executive and travels to Vallata — the tiny Italian town of his ancestors. Not until he returns home...

Join us as we sit down with Zia Mena, a cherished friend and neighbor, who paints a vivid picture of traditional Italian wedding customs and rural life in Vadola. Her reminiscences offer a window into a simpler time when love meant waiting for a husband to return from America and weddings were intimate affairs marked by cultural nuances. We delve i...

Vanessa Racci, the beloved jazzy Italian, takes center stage as we paint vivid portraits of Italian American music icons Bobby Darin and Connie Francis. Our heart beats with excitement as Vanessa unveils her latest passion project, “Forbidden Love,” a mini musical poised to captivate audiences with its debut at Yorktown Stage in Westchester, New Yo...