The Italian American Podcast The Italian American Podcast

We are thrilled to welcome Mr. Ernie Rossi of E. Rossi Company to the newly minted Red Sauce Studio in the heart of Little Italy. With a legacy dating back to 1910, Ernie shares captivating stories about his family's significant contributions to Neapolitan music in America. From his grandfather's early days publishing sheet music to producing records, this episode offers a tribute to the enduring legacy of Italian culture in Little Italy.

Travel back with us to the nostalgic Italian American neighborhoods where cultural dynamics and traditions shaped everyday life. Ernie paints a vivid picture of how the family business evolved from a music-focused enterprise to a broader Italian American resource, emphasizing the cultural significance of traditional coffee pots like the Neapolitan flip coffee pot. Personal anecdotes, such as children being given coffee in their milk to keep them hyperactive, enrich our discussion of memories that continue to shape Italian American heritage today.

From our sit down with Ernie we explore kitchen mishaps, traditional Italian cookware, and share humorous stories about encounters with famous Italian Americans like Martin Scorsese and Connie Francis. As we wrap up, we dive into planning an Italian American Christmas album, including a playful debate about Dominic the Donkey and creating a new holiday hit. Join us for an episode brimming with rich history, personal connections, and a heartfelt celebration of Italian American culture.




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Join us in our latest episode as we celebrate the Italian American community and culture from our new Red Sauce Studio in Little Italy, Manhattan. We continue to look towards the future and are excited to see what new adventures we will have with our brand new studio.  In this episode we give thanks to those who have helped us get to where we are today.  Although the store is not finished, Red Sauce Studio is up and running!  Our passion for Italian American culture shines through as we discuss our growing collection of memorabilia and the importance of immersing ourselves in these cultural experiences as well as tackling some Italian American debates.   

In this episode we discuss the proper representation of the Italian American Barbie doll as well as why our studio was named “Red Sauce” and not “Red Gravy.”  We reminisce about the countless joyful hours spent personalizing our studio and the playful critique of dolls that sparked a fun conversation about cultural representation. Listen to our light-hearted discussions as we share the humorous struggles, family dynamics, and the quirky tastes that come with preserving our cultural heritage. We also delve into the pride of our heritage, from the dynamics between Italian diplomats and the community, to our creative journey in designing Italian American-themed apparel. With a nod to designers like Dolce & Gabbana and a sneak peek into our upcoming projects, this episode is a celebration of community spirit, cultural pride, and the joy of sharing our heritage with the world.

The future of The Italian American Podcast is here at Mulberry and Grand St!  




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Ciao Paesani and welcome to an exciting new era for the Italian American Podcast, because we are broadcasting from our brand new Red Sauce Studio in the heart of Little Italy, Manhattan. Join us as we celebrate this exciting new chapter with Pat, Rosella, John, and Dolores reuniting hours before the ribbon cutting ceremony that will officially open the new studio. We share our journey from makeshift setups to this beautiful new space, surrounded by the vibrant life of Little Italy. Our discussion kicks off with the joy of reuniting after time apart and the humorous evolution of our recording locations, from an office space, to a cardboard box, and even zoom land.



Get ready for a heated and passionate debate over the beloved and sometimes controversial red sauce restaurants. We explore the intricacies of Italian American cuisine, from the heavy use of sauce and mozzarella to the frying methods and oil choices that define our favorite dishes. Amidst the lively banter, we also reveal our favorite and least favorite red sauce dishes, and share personal anecdotes that highlight the impact of ingredient quality on traditional recipes.



As we transition from audio to video recordings, we reflect on the evolution and preservation of our Italian American culture. From cookbooks and culinary traditions to the significance of Little Italy and the impact of modern changes, we celebrate nearly a decade of the Italian American Podcast. Plus, enjoy our reflections on Little Italy's history, cultural significance, and the personal anecdotes that make this episode a heartfelt celebration of nearly a decade of the Italian American Podcast. Join us as we express our gratitude to our supportive community and look forward to many more conversations here at Red Sauce Studio!




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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/italianamerican/support

When our Paesani at ‘Growing Up Italian’ invited us to join them in celebrating their two millionth follower on Instagram, little did we know we’d end up in a conversation as enjoyable as the one we had with Sal “The Voice” Valentinetti!  One we enjoyed so much that we decided to share it with you, our loyal listeners, as the last audio-only episode of the Italian American Podcast! 

By the time this episode is released, we will have cut the green-white-and-red ribbon on our brand-new home Red Sauce Studio.  The fully integrated audio and video podcasting studio at the corner of Mulberry and Grand Streets at the heart of Manhattan’s Little Italy is going to allow us to bring you an all-new video version of our show beginning next week, but in the meantime, we hope you’ll enjoy this laugh-filled conversation with one of Italian America’s most talented, and likable, personalities! 

Join us as we sit down with the one-and-only Sal “The Voice” Valentinetti and our friends at ‘Growing Up Italian’ in this unexpected and unplugged episode!


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In recent years, the phenomenon of “One Euro Homes” has spread across Italy, as rural villages across “il Bel Paese” struggle to curb the steady population decline that is endemic in a country with constant urban flight and one of the world’s lowest birth rates.  But as these cheap property schemes have become a dime-a-dozen, there is one town in the heart of Italy’s most overlooked region that has done things a little differently… and with incredible results!

Join us as we journey to the charming town of Latronico.  In the southern region of Basilicata, this community of 4,000 inhabitants is located within the pristine Pollino National Park and surrounded by historic thermal baths and unspoiled nature.  We’ll check in with our old friends Vincenzo Castellano and Mariangela Tortorella, two of Latronico’s younger residents who are leading voices in the project called “La tua Casa a Latronico”… Your House in Latronico… a decade-old effort to redefine the concept of real estate in Latronico, and perhaps throughout the Italian regions.

Venturing into the realities of Italian real estate, we shed light on the nuances of purchasing homes in this picturesque town. From the excitement of discovering the affordable charm of turnkey properties to the familiar comforts sought by American buyers (air conditioning and jumbo fridges), our dialogue traverses the cultural differences that shape our living spaces and the cultural shifts accompanying this revival. 

Our guests share the emotional impact of seeing new life in once-dark homes, how new residents help longtime inhabitants appreciate their town with new eyes, and how local businesses adapt to cater to new American tastes.

Embark on a journey through the heart of Italy and the soul of Italian American identity with our heartfelt exploration of Latronico, its transformation, and a project that’s about more than just selling houses; it's about the stories that unfold within them!


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Every autumn, as the air gets crisper and the final leaves begin to fall, millions of devotees wait on bated breath for the arrival of one of the most beloved traditions in the world… the Hallmark Channel’s Countdown to Christmas! And on this week’s episode, we’re sitting down with two Italian Americans who have dedicated their lives to bringing this marathon of merriment to this loyal audience year after year!



Meet Candice DiLavore and Samantha DiPippo, two incredible Italian American execs at Hallmark Media who are weaving their devotion to family and tradition into these heartwarming films that have become an integral part of holiday traditions for so many.



Unlock the secrets of Italian American traditions and the behind-the-scenes magic of Hallmark Christmas movies as we serve up a feast of laughter and storytelling in today's spirited conversation and reflect on the profound impact Hallmark movies have on viewers, serving as a source of comfort and connection in challenging times. 



Prepare for a heartwarming journey as we explore ritual, romance, and the impact of classic films on our own cinematic creations. We also share a personal encounter that's ripe for transformation into a Hallmark Christmas movie plot, proving that our Italian American heritage is an endless well of inspiration! Plus, indulge in our dream of filming in the picturesque towns of “La Bella Italia”, where the storylines are as rich and inviting as the landscapes. 



Finally, we leave you with an appeal to support the Notorious POB at his annual Feast of Our Lady of Sacro Monte coming up on May 16-18 in Clifton, NJ.  We’re hoping you will make a donation, or perhaps even come out and join us… where you may get the chance to meet a Paesana or two behind your favorite Hallmark Christmas Movies!



Visit the link in our story and bio to download and listen now!


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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/italianamerican/support