Italian Impact Weekly Podcast

This week we interview Dr. Alan Perry a professor of Italian Studies at Gettysburg College. This interview provides a fascinating look into why we continue to celebrate our Italian heritage. We also discuss various facets regarding the Italian Prisoners of War who were kept here in the US. This is a very insightful and enjoyable interview that you will definitely want to share.

In this weeks episode we discuss the upcoming documentary - Fedeltà. A very inspiring look at the experience of Italian Prisoners of War who came to America as "prisoners" but left as soldiers! It has an expected release date of early July 2024: Catch the trailer and feel free to support this wonderful documentary: https://www.gofundme.com/f/documentary-on-letterkenny-italian-service-unit?copy-link=1

This week we interview Pat Pecora. With strong roots garnered through his Italian family traditions, Pat takes this approach to his players. As a result, he has been very successful. In fact, he is nine halls of fame: Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame-East Boro Chapter (1994), Cambria County Sports (1998) West Liberty State (W.Va.) College Halls of Fame (1998), Pennsylvania Wrestling Coaches Hall of Fame (2001), NCAA Division II Wrestling Hall of Fame (2003), Pitt-Johnstown Athletics Hall of Fame (2015), Western Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame (2016), Pennsylvania Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame (2017), and the Pittsburgh Chapter of the Italian-American Sports Hall of Fame (2021). This is a great interview where the importance of having a strong family background is shown to help make you successful in any endeavor.

This week we interview Bruce Wawrzyniak. Bruce is the host and creator of Catholic Sports Radio. He was born and baptized Catholic, has spent the majority of his professional career working in sports, and is a veteran broadcaster and podcaster. In fact, Bruce worked for ten seasons for a National Hockey League team doing public relations, the last six of which he served concurrently as the Director of Public Relations for the pro indoor lacrosse team that the organization also operated. ...and yes, Bruce is Italian too! :-) You can listen to Bruce here: https://catholicsportsradio.net/

In this week's episode, we interview Jack Teitz, the President of the Western Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame. Jack is a former Big-10 referee with a lot of interesting stories, as well as being the President, Jack provides a lot of entertainment in this episode. As was mentioned in the show, if you are interested in learning more about the upcoming awards dinner, visit the website at: https://westernpasportshof.org/awards-dinner

This week we interview Anna Harsh. Anna is an expert on traditional Italian folk dances, among other dance styles. As she states, "I am a dancer, writer and a creative soul." In this interview we talk about how she travels throughout Italy to learn various dance styles and then shares this knowledge through classes, her books, and instruction. This is a wonderful interview and you will be very surprised to learn about the true differences among Italian and Italian -American dance styles. Feel free to visit her website to learn more: https://www.annaharsh.com/ ...and tell her, Claudio and Steve sent you!

AJ is back with his latest song, "Lucky Loser". One we think is heading to the charts...check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOrO8ac1ZisAnd, And, as usual, this is a wonderful interview with a true up and coming star who is passionate about both his faith and his Italian culture. Enjoy the interview, then go enjoy the song!

John took over Quaker Valley basketball in 1987. However, he was more than just a coach. He was a mentor and leader with a real goal of making better people, not just better basketball players. John shares his winning strategy and some great insight into how to lead. He shares memorable experiences about his Italian heritage as well as his coaching career. John is a winner in every sense.

Coach DiDonato is the head football coach for Grove City College. He is very passionate about Italian culture, his faith, and his family. He is also a very powerful motivational speaker. In this interview, Andrew gives the listeners a real perspective on how to stay grounded regardless of the circumstances. Andrew is a true winner, not just on the field, but in life!

In this episode, we review our 1 year anniversary and make a special announcement for our loyal radio listeners...

Nick Redondo is the owner of Friendship Perk and Brew. A local Pittsburgh guy and veteran, Nick is bringing back the small business/community appeal via his family-friendly business. This is a great interview which can hopefully inspire others to start thinking in a new light about the kind of businesses we want to see more of. For more information, check out Nick's site: https://perkandbrew.net/

In this week's episode, Steve and Claudio interview Pat Mendicino. Pat is the owner of Mendicino Foods located in the heart of Pittsburgh, PA. This interview presents a lot of fun topics but really, what is your favorite style sauce? We know you're going to enjoy this week's episode!

John Perrotto is a journalist who has written for The Beaver County Times, the Baseball Prospectus, DKPittsburghsports.com, and the Basketball Prospectus. He is a member of the Baseball Writers' Association of America and a voter in the Baseball Hall of Fame election. Karen Ionta is the school president for Kennedy Catholic Schools. In this interview, Karen provides wonderful insight into the power of Catholic education. This is a don't miss interview to better understand what a Catholic education actually means.

In this week's episode, we interview Michael Pizzuto. Michael is an up and coming wine importer who specializes in various regional Italian wines. In this episode we talk everything from these regional wines to cured meats. As always, it is a fun and entertaining episode!

In this week's episode we interview two very special guests: Dorina Lantella and Bill Ronayne. Dorina is a Wife of 1, Mamma of 6 (5 boys and 1 girl!) Chef, Soccer Coach/Trainer, Artist, Lover of all things Italian especially Roseto, the best place in the world and a good cappuccino with friends! She also teaches authentic Italian cooking and offers custom tours to Italy. For more information, check out her site: www.dorinaskitchen.com Our second guest was Bill Ronayne. Bill runs the Mario Lanza museum in Philadelphia. For more information, check out the site here: https://www.mariolanzainstitute.org/museum-info/

This week we have the please to interview Pat Benincasa. Pat is a first-generation Italian American woman, visual artist, art educator and podcaster. She has received national and international recognition for her work and been awarded National Percent for Art, and General Services Administration (GSA) Art In Architecture commissions. Her selected work is archived in the Minnesota Historical Society. Find out more about Pat and view her wonderful work at: https://www.patbenincasa-art.com/

This week we interview Bob Sorrentino. Bob began researching his family roots in 2008 beginning with his great-grandfather’s calling card brought from Italy by his paternal grandmother Maria Luigia Piromallo. In 2018, he decided to share his experiences in a blog and in 2020 created his podcast Italian Roots and Genealogy. Bob firmly believes that our ancestors want to be found and shares fascinating stories from others who believe the same. To learn more about Bob's work, check out his blog and podcast at: https://italianrootsandgenealogy.buzzsprout.com/ https://italianroots.beehiiv.com/

In this week's episode, we brought in a very successful author and speaker who has spent over 25 years working with different entrepreneurs, business owners, and executives - Jeff Getty. His most recent book, "The Descent is the Real Climb" is a #1 international best seller. This interview presents a lot of very valuable information and hopefully, will help you become more successful in any of your endeavors.

This week we interview the GREAT Michael Cavalieri! Michael is an Actor and Writer/Director originally from New York. Michael made his Acting Debut starring opposite Academy Award-winner Hilary Swank in Columbia Pictures, “The Next Karate Kid.” Since that debut, he has had supporting roles in numerous features including acclaimed Director Walter Hill’s “Last Man Standing,” starring Bruce Willis and Christopher Walken. His Directorial Debut “Ritornato” which he also stars in was awarded a special grant by the Russo Brothers, the Directors of Avengers: Endgame (the highest grossing film of all time), the National Italian American Foundation and the Italian Sons and Daughters of America. It was shot in four and a half days for less than eight thousand dollars and has gone on to win several film festivals worldwide. "Ritornato" was the only Sicilian-American film chosen for the prestigious Taormina Film Festival in Sicily.

In this week's episode, we interview the great Papamutes! Papamutes is from the Pittsburgh area and has a wonderful podcast where he has interviewed some fantastic guests. We spend an hour with Papamutes discussing everything from Pittsburgh's little Italy to his start in podcasting. Again, it's a truly entertaining episode we know you will enjoy.