Claudia Callisto - The Good Italian Girl and friends

In this vibrant role-reversal episode, Anastasia Lambis takes the interviewer’s chair to explore Claudia Callisto’s journey from author to proud Adelaide Fringe performer. What began as a book written in grief after the passing of Claudia’s father became something far greater — a cultural movement. When supporters encouraged her to “read it to us instead,” she unexpectedly found herself producing her very first Fringe show. Despite selling over 100 tickets, fear nearly stopped her from stepping on stage. Instead, she chose courage — and that decision reshaped her creative life. Now in her fourth Fringe season, Claudia presents Giuissas & Mario's The 80s Dance Party, Bringing Adelaide Together& Quiz Party — an interactive, high-energy celebration of the Italian-Australian and migrant sons and daughters of the 70s and 80s. The “Giuissas & Mario's” generation — big hair, midnight curfews, Rio’s nightclub, Madonna on repeat — represents a unique cultural moment in Adelaide’s history. Through music quizzes, themed dance segments, mini prizes and nostalgic storytelling, Claudia is creating more than a show. She’s creating a reunion. But beneath the fun lies something deeply meaningful. Claudia speaks openly about how 80s music has supported her through grief and ageing, acting as a time machine back to a stage of life filled with joy, possibility and confidence. She explores the concept of the “sandwich generation” — those caring for ageing parents while raising children — and why her generation’s story is often overlooked. While migrant parents’ journeys are documented, the daughters’ experience is rarely preserved. This episode is energetic, heartfelt and empowering — a reminder that celebration is healing, that culture evolves, and that sometimes the most powerful thing you can do for your community is turn up the music and dance. Brought to you by Shining Light

Growing up as a daughter of Greek immigrants in Adelaide meant learning the rules before you ever heard them spoken. The rules were subtle but powerful: Be careful, choose security, don’t draw too much attention to yourself, and above all, don’t take unnecessary risks. In this beautifully honest and story-driven conversation, Anastasia reflects on what it was like to grow up under those invisible expectations. While her parents loved and protected her fiercely, there was an unspoken understanding that stability mattered more than passion. Music became her quiet rebellion. From childhood memories of ABBA and Elvis playing in the background to a lifelong devotion to Prince, music was not just entertainment — it was identity, expression and possibility. Growing up without many material luxuries shaped her appreciation for creativity. With no record player at home, she would record albums onto cassette tapes at her godfather’s house. These small rituals built a deep emotional connection to storytelling and sound. Her creative journey began unexpectedly in 2011 with a simple food club idea. That experiment evolved into the blog Tempting Palates, then into social media influence, and eventually into reviewing and interviewing artists during the Adelaide Fringe. What began as food writing gradually expanded into music journalism — proof that passion grows when nurtured. Beneath the travel stories and backstage moments lies courage. Anastasia speaks openly about choosing security through banking and later working in a school — “good jobs” by cultural standards — before recognising that something still felt incomplete. When redundancy offered an exit, she chose growth over fear. Her parents’ panic reflected their generation’s survival mindset. But she chose fulfilment. This episode beautifully captures the tension so many Italian-Australian and Greek-Australian daughters understand: honouring your parents’ sacrifices while refusing to live inside their fears. From flying solo to London to see Nile Rodgers on her birthday, to travelling to the United States to attend concerts and meet artists, Anastasia reframed midlife as expansion rather than limitation. These were not just holidays — they were declarations of independence. The conversation also revisits Adelaide in the 80s and 90s — cousins as first friends, camping at Port Vincent, Victor Harbour picnics, nightclub culture, strict curfews and subtle control. There is humour, nostalgia and deep recognition. At its heart, this episode is about permission. No one gives it to you. You take it. Living your best life, for Anastasia, means travel, music, new experiences, stepping beyond comfort zones and refusing to shrink to make others comfortable. This is not rebellion against culture — it is evolution within it. Brought to you by Shining Light

This episode explores the lived experience of growing up between two worlds. Comm. Mariangela Stagnitti Ordine Della Stella D’Italia shares vivid memories of her childhood as a Sicilian girl navigating school, language barriers, and identity in Australia — including the moment her name was changed in the classroom, and how her mother fiercely reclaimed it. These early experiences shaped her lifelong commitment to culture and community. Mariangela speaks openly about generational legacy — the sacrifices made by parents and grandparents, and the responsibility carried by their children to honour and continue those stories. From maintaining language and traditions to ensuring younger generations understand where they come from, this conversation highlights how culture survives through intention, pride, and connection. The discussion also covers Mariangela’s extensive work in community leadership, migrant advocacy, and banking, including her role in supporting new arrivals and building global connections during COVID. She shares the emotional reality of leadership — the passion, the challenges, and the personal cost — with honesty and grace. At its heart, this episode is about identity. It’s about owning who you are, respecting the past, and creating a future that honours those who came before us. A powerful reminder that stories matter, names matter, and legacy lives through people. Guest Bio Comm. Mariangela Stagnitti Ordine Della Stella D’Italia is a highly respected Sicilian-Australian community leader, banking professional, and advocate for migrant education and women’s empowerment. With decades of experience supporting Italian and multicultural communities across Australia and internationally, she has played a significant role in community leadership, migrant advocacy, and financial education. In 2022, she was awarded the Ordine Della Stella D’Italia in recognition of her outstanding service to the Italian community. Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe and follow The Good Italian Girl and Friends Podcast to hear more meaningful conversations celebrating culture, community, and women’s voices. Brought to you by Shining Light

In this episode, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Cristina Clemente, whose story beautifully captures the richness of family, heritage, and community. Cristina is the daughter of Italian immigrant parents from the Campania region, a proud wife to Peter, a devoted mum of two, a Partner in an accounting firm, and a dedicated board member of the South Australian Italian Association. Our conversation was full of warmth and reflection. Cristina shared what it was like growing up in Adelaide, where her grandparents lived right next door—a blessing that gave her a deep appreciation of family life and traditions. She also opened up about her professional journey in accounting, her passion for community involvement, and the values she is now passing on to her children. One of the most heartfelt messages Cristina leaves us with is the importance of staying close to our parents and grandparents while we have the chance. By listening to their stories and learning from their experiences, we not only honour them but also gain a deeper understanding of the generations that came before us. Brought to you by Shining Light

Claudia Callisto & Gina Marchetti are best friends and the dynamic hosts behind the women’s event “An Italian Afternoon.” Both born in Adelaide to Italian immigrant parents, Claudia and Gina are proud first-generation Italian-Australians on a heartfelt mission: to inspire their community to reconnect with their roots, celebrate their vibrant Italian traditions, and embrace the beauty of where they come from. Now, they’re bringing all the energy, laughter, and love live to you – sharing stories, culture, and friendship straight from the heart. Brought to you by Shining Light

What is the essence of cultural heritage, and how does it shape the lives of those living between two worlds? Join us for an insightful journey as we gather at the Italian Centre in Adelaide, engaging with remarkable women. They share their poignant stories of migration, cultural preservation, and the strength of community. Hear firsthand the challenges they faced as young girls leaving Italy, and the sacrifices made to secure a better future for their children in Australia. Through their heartfelt tales, we uncover the enduring ties to their Italian roots and the rich traditions that bind generations. Explore the vibrant tapestry of Italian immigrant life as we delve into the cultural heritage and generational perspectives of families in Adelaide. Listen to the personal stories of individuals like Ima Polada, who was renamed Mary by a well-meaning headmaster, and her granddaughter Zara, who reflects on the privileges afforded by her ancestors' hard work. The discussion highlights the importance of traditions such as cooking and playing games, like Scopa, in preserving identity and fostering community connections. Experience the resilience and adaptability that come with migration, and understand the delicate balance of maintaining one's roots while embracing a new future. How do parents navigate the complexities of ethnic identity while raising children in a multicultural society? Through engaging personal anecdotes, we examine the evolution of parenting styles, contrasting the disciplined upbringing of past generations with today's more adaptable approaches. Insights from guests like Louisa, Emma, and Gail reveal the deep impact of family values on instilling responsibility and tradition in the next generation. We wrap up with personal reflections on living one's best life, emphasising the significance of family, happiness, health, and community, as shared by our inspirational guests. Brought to you by Shining Light

What happens when four extraordinary women, fondly known as the Moli Girls, share their stories of cultural pride and community? Meet Claudia Callisto as she hosts a heartfelt conversation exploring what it means to be part of the vibrant Molinara community in Adelaide, South Australia. Born to immigrant parents from Molinara, Italy, the Molli Girls offer a rich tapestry of memories and traditions that define their unique identity, from family gatherings at the cherished Molinara Club to the spirited sports competitions that brought them all together. Listeners will journey through the cherished traditions and evolving cultural dynamics that have shaped the Molinara community across generations. The Moli Girls paint a vivid picture of life within this tight-knit group, highlighting the cherished bonds and shared experiences that have stood the test of time. From the significance of the Molinara Club in fostering these connections to the heartfelt stories of community festivals and linguistic exploration, each chapter sheds light on the profound sense of belonging and unity among Molinarezes, drawing connections between their past and future. As the conversation unfolds, Claudia and the Moli Girls contemplate the challenges of preserving the club's legacy amidst generational shifts and changing lifestyles. Brought to you by Shining Light

I'm delighted to introduce Teresa Dall’Acqua Leonardi OAM to our podcast series. Teresa shares her remarkable life journey, filled with both triumphs and challenges, including one of her proudest moments: receiving the Order of Australia Medal in 2009. This prestigious honour is a rare achievement for an Italian woman within the Italian-Australian community. Teresa’s story begins when she arrived in Australia as a young child, a refugee with her Italian parents, who fled Asmara in East Africa (formerly an Italian colony) due to civil unrest between the Black and White communities. Settling in Adelaide, Teresa dedicated her life to volunteering, particularly within the Italian community and various other organisations. Helping others has always been central to her nature, calling, and passion. At a young age, Teresa began teaching English to newly arrived immigrants, helping them assimilate into Australian society. She later worked in the disability sector and the funeral industry. Beyond her professional roles, Teresa has been deeply involved in many community projects, such as the early development of Carnevale and the Italian Festival. She continues to serve on community boards and Italian associations to this day. Throughout her life, Teresa has faced many challenges, yet she remains a beacon of strength and resilience. Her message to all women is clear: stand tall, remain strong, and never let life's difficulties bring you down. Teresa is a true role model for Italian-Australian women across generations, and her inspiring insights shared in this podcast offer valuable lessons for us all. Chapters: (00:00) The Good Italian Girl podcast focuses on first generation daughters of immigrant parents (01:21) Theresa Delacolonardi was born in East Africa in 1947 (05:29) You were born in Eritrea and which was an italian colony (08:46) So, what's your most favourite thing about your italian culture (09:58) So if you were to think about your most favorite thing about italian culture (14:40) You went to intermediate and then did leaving and leaving honours in Adelaide (16:28) You taught migrant education teachers for 24 years and many have become businesswomen (23:13) You worked in the funeral industry for 37 years. That's a long time (26:34) A funeral today is just so different to it was when you first started (27:09) In those days, condolences were taken at the cemetery (28:42) Claudia has lost two husbands by self inflicted or illness (31:15) Claudia says people often feel intruding at funerals (35:54) It's predominantly a southern italian tradition, which naturally... (36:14) There are many regrets associated with dying, according to Bronnie Ware (38:34) Far more liberated nowadays to express your feelings, says Claudio (40:00) I wish I stayed in touch with my friends. As I said, we have friends that come through our life (44:25) Claudia has been volunteering with Radio Italiana for 40 years (48:56) The rewards in any community work is that you touch people's lives (50:03) Claudia was awarded the Order of Australia medal in 2009 (54:03) What's your greatest wish for your children and grandchildren? I have two grandchildren (56:47) It starts with food, Claudia. It does, it does. I think the culture around food and traditions is important (01:01:23) Do you feel that we still have the old traditions remaining in our community (01:04:40) You've had lots of difficulties in your life, but you forge ahead Brought to you by Shining Light

In this heartfelt episode of The Good Italian Girl and Friends, Claudia Callisto warmly welcomes her long-time friend Anna for a deeply engaging conversation. Together, they delve into their shared experiences as first-generation daughters of Italian immigrants in Australia, reflecting on the unique blend of challenges and joys that shaped their upbringing. With vivid anecdotes, Anna paints a touching picture of her family's journey, highlighting the sacrifices made by her parents and the significance of maintaining cultural traditions in their new homeland. Anna opens up about her personal journey, starting with her early memories of growing up in a tight-knit Italian-Australian community. She shares how her parents, determined for their children to achieve more than they had, were instrumental in shaping her path. Her mother, in particular, was a guiding force, instilling in her a strong sense of family and duty. Despite initial reservations, Anna stepped out of her comfort zone at the age of 40 to pursue a passion for public service, running for local council elections with Campbelltown Council. To her delight, she won in her first campaign and has since been re-elected multiple times. Now, 14 years later, Anna holds a respected position as the deputy mayor, making a significant impact on her community. Throughout the episode, Anna reflects on how her cultural heritage has given her the resilience and strength to face life's challenges with positivity. Her story is not just one of personal triumph but also a testament to the enduring influence of cultural values and family traditions. Don't miss out on this inspiring episode filled with laughter, nostalgia, and valuable insights into the Italian-Australian experience. Tune in to The Good Italian Girl and Friends and join Coralie and Anna as they explore the power of tradition, the importance of family, and the courage it takes to step into leadership. Chapters: (00:00) Good Italian Girl podcast features first generation daughters of immigrant parents (01:31) Anna Nadlaid joins us on Green Hill Road this morning (01:46) Now please introduce yourself and how we know each other (02:17) John was part of the first generation of his family born in Australia (07:46) My parents were very hard workers. Market gardening was six and a half days a week (12:09) So how hard was it growing up in Australia at that time? (14:12) You actually mentioned about the dinner table. But was it a bit like in your home (16:27) Maria says her favourite memory growing up was dancing with her dad (20:44) Your favourite Italian song is el tul Mondo by Claudio Villa (21:01) So growing up in the younger days, in the eighties and nineties (23:17) Both your families come from the same village in Italy (27:11) That's how we used to meet people back in the day (27:35) What was your career aspirations after school? Anna says she worked in insurance (34:36) It's about going outside your little comfort zone. Yeah. It's about exploring new places (39:18) What would you now tell your younger ethnic self in retrospect (40:37) Paul says if there's something you want to do, do it now (44:59) Anna says she never stood her ground when it came to her parents (46:28) Aggie says her Italian parents still influence her decisions in life (48:54) What do you feel is your responsibility now that your parents are ageing (53:41) My career in hockey ended and started and ended in one game (53:57) You were part of our glory box exhibition which opened in 2023 (58:50) The glory box exhibition highlights our mother's sacrifices for us (01:01:07) What do you love about serving our community? What's your favourite challenge (01:03:01) Claudia will be deputy mayor for Camptown city co Brought to you by Shining Light

Today on the Good Italian Girl and Friends podcast we meet another Australian – Italian first generation daughter from Adelaide named Maria who also runs a side hustle called The Barefoot Woman… yes folks she loves going barefoot at home to help her feel grounded. Her business services however is something totally different in that she provides Malocchio removal, Tarot card readings, Business and House energy cleanses and Astrology. I was fascinated with the fact that this younger modern ethnic girl has inherited the art of Malocchio removal from her Italian-born Nonna and Mother and I not only had to try her services for myself but also interview her on my podcast. The belief in the evil eye, or "malocchio," is a fascinating aspect of Italian folklore and tradition. While its origins can be traced back to ancient times, the belief in the evil eye remains prevalent in modern Italian culture. In Italian folklore, it is believed that certain individuals have the power to harm others by merely looking at them with envy or jealousy. This harmful gaze is believed to cause misfortune, illness, or other forms of bad luck. To protect against the evil eye, various talismans, amulets, and rituals have been used throughout history. The mixing of oil and water is also a traditional method used in Italian folklore to check for the presence of the evil eye or a curse. The logic behind this tradition is based on the belief that the evil eye or negative energy can disrupt the natural harmony and balance of a person's life, causing illness, misfortune, or bad luck. For more information about the service provided by Maria contact her via instagram@thebarefootwoman Brought to you by Shining Light

Join me, your host Claudia Callisto, as I sit down with my good friends Luisa and Laura for an intimate chat about our unique travel experiences as first-generation Australian-Italians. We explore the fascinating journey of travelling overseas to visit Italian relatives and discuss if it's a rite of passage for Australian-Italian children. We share our funny and challenging moments, our favourite locations and sites, and provide some practical tips for planning a destination overseas. In this fascinating discussion, Luisa and Laura open up about their recent trip to Europe and the incredible coastal region of Bibione. We discuss the challenges they faced while travelling, the meticulous research and planning involved, and how the trip impacted their children. The girls share their experiences of travelling at different stages of their children's lives, and the benefits they have seen from these experiences. They also share the importance of introducing their children to their ancestral homeland. Listen in as we discuss the art of packing efficiently for a family trip, and share strategies for only taking the essentials. We also touch on the importance of taking direct flights to save money and the significance of factoring in check-in and check-out times when planning flights. Finally, we chat about the importance of maintaining connections with our Italian relatives and how these connections have shaped our identity. Whether you're planning your own trip to Italy or just love to travel, this episode is packed with valuable insights and hilarious stories. --------- EPISODE CHAPTERS --------- (0:00:04) - Australian-Italian Travel Podcast Series We discuss Italian relatives, first-gen Australian-Italian experiences, funny and difficult moments, and practical tips for overseas travel. (0:11:46) - Traveling in Europe and Tour Experiences Luisa and Laura discussed their trip to Bibione, the challenges of travelling with six people, and Luisa’s research and planning. (0:23:50) - European Trips' Impact on Children Luisa and Laura discuss reconnecting with family, travelling with their own and other families, and planning trips to Europe with their children. (0:33:55) - Experiences in Italy Luisa and Laura share their experiences travelling, shopping, people watching, and funny stories with their kids. (0:39:50) - Packing Tips for Traveling Luisa and Laura share travel tips, such as packing, pre-ordering snacks, and utilising lounge benefits. (0:45:02) - Travel Packing Tips and Strategies Packing efficiently for a family trip, taking direct flights, and humorous stories are discussed. (0:57:05) - Challenges of Traveling and Maintaining Connections Luisa and Laura discuss efficient packing, amusing shopping trips, and introducing their kids to their ancestral homeland. (1:07:38) - Practical Tips and Cultural Insights Luisa and Laura plan trips, discuss homesteads, shopping at Gucci, and their travels to Bibione, Italy. Brought to you by Shining Light

The Australian – Italian Travel Podcast Series - Visiting Italian relatives with your Australian-born children This new podcast series is about our family generation going travelling to Europe/ Italy and touring the amazing sites and visiting the Italian relatives and returning to your parent’s paese. Why do you think we still have this pull back to Italy to visit family with our kids? Is this an Australian–Italian rite of passage thing do you think? Is it our responsibility as the first-generation children of immigrant parents to show the following generations where their grandparents come from? This new Travel Podcast series was instigated by a conversation with Claudia and her girlfriends who also recently returned from their European holiday in July about their similar and different experiences travelling overseas with their families. This podcast is a light-hearted conversation about travelling with your family overseas. including practical and insightful conversations about the things you wished you knew before you travelled to Europe, what parts of your schedule worked well, the funny and difficult moments, locations and sites that were most loved by the family and why, how visiting the relatives made your kids feel, the kids reaction to places in Europe and now upon reflection the things you would do differently next time or advice you would give other families. The first episode is joined by Claudia’s friends Julia, Bianca and Margaret who also recently returned from their family overseas holiday in July 2023 with their families. Brought to you by Shining Light

Welcome to a new episode of The Good Italian Girl and Friends Podcast with Claudia, Callisto who is bringing to Adelaide International Giussa Day on the 2nd of June 2023. This episode focuses on Claudia's new concept and event, International Gisussa Day. Claudia views herself as a proud Giussa and International Giussa Day is an opportunity for her to share her culture and celebrate her heritage with her audience. Through the event, people of all backgrounds can come together to learn about her culture and experience the joy of embracing their own. This event is all about acknowledging the amazingness of their culture and inspiring and supporting each other. The event is female only and is a way to remember the feeling of connecting with their Giussa besties in the 80s. A Giussa is described as a kind-hearted, hardworking, and brave woman who loves to celebrate and connect. They also have their own inner magic and sprinkle their cultural and Australian-Italian heritage. Most Giussa's also love 80s music as it is a reminder of simpler times when they laughed a lot and didn’t take life too seriously. Ultimately, International Giussa Day is a way to celebrate and embrace the unique qualities of Giussa and their inner Giussa. A Giussa is a term originating from Adelaide, Australia, describing a community of female immigrants who grew up with strict family values and cultural expectations. This event is a chance for Giussa's to come together, learn from each other, collaborate, and inspire the next generation of children. This event is a reminder of the strength of the Giussa community and how they are always there to support each other through good and bad times. Brought to you by Shining Light

In this episode of the good Italian girl and friends, Claudia and her sister Laura talk about the upcoming event, Italian glory boxes of love. A unique exhibition curated by two Adelaidean Italian sisters displaying a collection of precious ‘glory box’ items that Italian migrant mothers prepared for their female children growing up in Australia. Each item will have its own unique family story attached. These items link us back to our childhood and represent their homeland traditions, their talent as embroiderers and seamstresses and the future hope for their female children. Now a lost tradition within our Adelaide Italian community, we can only Wonderin amazement at this significant historical tradition, the family stories and the beautiful items that were carefully selected, packed and stored in glory boxes. Many daughters still hold on to these items, despairing at what will become of them if their story is lost. Brought to you by Shining Light

Stefano interviews Claudia Callisto, Writer and Performer, in English on the occasion of her new Cabaret show scheduled at the Fringe 2023 entitled "Italian Love is a Battlefield", taken from her bestseller "The Good Italian Girl". Brought to you by Shining Light

On this bonus episode, Claudia Callisto, the bestselling author of the good Italian girl speaks to Mark Astion from Radio Italia Uno 87.6 FM, Adelaide about her fringe show growing up in an ethnic household, her book a new podcast series. Brought to you by Shining Light

Another funny podcast with Claudia and her fellow Italian Adelaide girlfriends and school mums laughing and talking about the ethnic girlfriend connections and how their family lives have flourished spending time together as fellow Italian families and supporting each other. The conversation is a typical ethnic female conversation and gathering where everyone is talking at once, finishing sentences and adding their opinion in and all the while laughing out loud. The guest also talked about how their children are their greatest achievement and how they have implemented the Italian cultural values into their family lives without the “strictness “that impacted their lives as immigrant daughters. They also discuss the importance of maintaining our Italian culture and the values that our parents have imparted to us for themselves and their families. Brought to you by Shining Light

Claudia's Italian work girlfriends Anna and mary talk about Italian wedding traditions from the 1960s/1970s and how things have changed over the generations. Brought to you by Shining Light

Claudia interviews her older sister Laura who played a big part in their childhood as the oldest daughter and her responsibility to assist our parents in looking after her younger siblings while they worked. Born in Belgium and immigrating to Australia with our parents at the age of 5 they discuss their family life together, their parent's dreams for them all, growing up in a family of four girls and the expectations placed on them. Now as mothers themselves and still a close family unit they discuss how they have imparted their cultural values to their own children. This podcast interview was taped on Claudia’s birthday and discussing family life and their individual cultural experiences were special for both sisters. Brought to you by Shining Light

Based on her bestselling book "The Good Italian Girl" Claudia Callisto presents a culturally orientated comedy performance infused with 80s music on the battles ethnic females faced with their immigrant parents to simply leave their homes to spread their wings and dance to 80s music with their friends. Despite these battles, theses experiences made our generation the strong, resilient and the family focused women we are today. Now mothers ourselves we are negotiating similar but different battles with our own children & discovering that they do not realise how lucky they actually have it compared to our generation. Lets embrace the positive cultural experiences we've had instilled into us, and pass on those traditions to our children, providing a sense of belonging and freedom from guilt Book Tickets by clicking the link below https://adelaidefringe.com.au/fringetix/the-good-italian-girl-presents-italian-love-is-a-battlefield-af2023 Brought to you by Shining Light