The Italian American Podcast

Red Sauce Studio
  • 4.7 (374)
  • Society & Culture
  • Updated Weekly

The Italian American Podcast is the first and most engaging podcast dedicated to helping Italian Americans learn about and celebrate their brilliant heritage. We're obsessed with our heritage, and each week we'll discuss all things Italian American- including history and family traditions, genealogy, recipes, language, and more with smarts, heart, and a lot of laughs! We'll be joined by celebrity guests, experts, authors, and everyday Italian Americans for honest and thoughtful conversations digging deep into the "hows and whys" of who we are, and sharing the heart of the Italian American experience with the 25 million Americans lucky enough to have been born Italian! And, like all the best Italian American conversations, ours take place around the kitchen table- meaning every time you tune in you'll be entertained, educated, and brought right back to where you belong… amongst family!

  1. IAP 420 Calcio, Community, and the Loss of the World Cup Tradition

    3d ago

    IAP 420 Calcio, Community, and the Loss of the World Cup Tradition

    In this episode of the Italian American Podcast, John and Pat are joined by guest Peter Curto for a lively discussion on the cultural and emotional significance of soccer—especially Italian calcio—and the impact of Italy's absence from the World Cup. The conversation explores the sense of loss felt across Italian and diaspora communities as generations have missed the tradition of gathering with family and friends to watch the matches together. Reflecting on past tournaments, the hosts recall how those moments strengthened ties to heritage, identity, and community.   The episode also examines why Italy has struggled on the world stage in recent years. Peter Curto offers insight into the decline of domestic player development, the growing internationalization of Serie A, and the changing relationship younger generations have with sports and public life. Technological shifts, professionalized youth athletics, and evolving social habits have all contributed to the fading of the spontaneous communal celebrations that once defined World Cup summers.   As the conversation concludes, the hosts discuss ways to revive that spirit through youth soccer initiatives, Italian American tournaments, local community events, and digital platforms capable of reconnecting fans across distances. Nostalgic yet hopeful, the episode reflects on soccer's enduring ability to unite generations and sustain cultural identity even amid the pressures of modern life. HOSTED BY: John Viola  Patrick O'Boyle Marcella Martin SPECIAL GUEST: Peter Curto PRODUCED BY: Nicholas Calvello-Macchia

    1h 4m
  2. You Might Also Like: The Science of Happiness

    3d ago ·  Bonus

    You Might Also Like: The Science of Happiness

    Introducing How Cities Can Make Space for Awe from The Science of Happiness. Follow the show: The Science of Happiness A simple experiment turning a parking space into a parklet reveals how small changes to public spaces can spark connection, belonging, and awe.  Summary: What if even the smallest changes to our cities could transform how we feel and connect? In this episode of The Science of Happiness, we visit the site of San Francisco’s first parklet, and explore how reclaiming everyday spaces can invite people to pause, gather, and experience a sense of belonging. Scroll down for a transcription of this episode. Today’s Guests: BLAINE MERKER is an urban designer and public space advocate. He leads Gehl’s Enterprise & Corporations team. Learn more about Blaine here: https://www.gehlpeople.com/people/blaine-merker/ SETHA LOW is an anthropologist and Professor at City University of New York. She’s also the author of the book Why Public Space Matters, as well as many other books examining the social life of cities. Learn more about Setha here: https://www.gc.cuny.edu/people/setha-low This episode is supported by The Gambrell Foundation, who believe a great life grows from strong relationships, a sense of belonging, and moments of awe and wonder. Learn more about their work at gambrellfoundation.org Related Science of Happiness episodes: What Humans Can Learn From Trees: https://tinyurl.com/48te84ps How to Do Good for the Environment (And Yourself): https://tinyurl.com/5b26zwkx Are You Remembering the Good Times: https://tinyurl.com/483bkk2h Related Happiness Break episodes: How To Ground Yourself in Nature: https://tinyurl.com/25ftdxpm Pause to Look at the Sky: https://tinyurl.com/4jttkbw3 Experience Nature Wherever You Are, with Dacher: https://tinyurl.com/mrutudeh Follow us on Instagram: @ScienceOfHappinessPodWe’d love to hear about your experience with this practice! Share your thoughts at happinesspod@berkeley.edu or use the hashtag #happinesspod. Find us on Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/2p9h5aap Help us share Happiness Break! Leave a 5-star review and share this link: https://tinyurl.com/2p9h5aap Transcription: https://tinyurl.com/yr7m2zb5 DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to team@podroll.fm.

  3. IAP 419 Part 2 Body by Rigatoni: Bringing the Spirit of Napoli to America!

    May 31

    IAP 419 Part 2 Body by Rigatoni: Bringing the Spirit of Napoli to America!

    In this episode of the Italian American Podcast we continue our part 2 as John and Pat sit down with Nicole Ponti, founder of Body by Rigatoni, to explore the deeper cultural values that shape Italian and Italian American life. Drawing from her experiences between New Jersey and Southern Italy, Nicole reflects on how traditions of hospitality, beauty, ritual, and community continue to influence the way people gather, celebrate, and express themselves.   The conversation centers on the importance of intentional living within Italian culture, where presentation, dignity, and everyday rituals are seen not as luxuries, but as essential parts of life. From the way a table is set to the care placed into preparing coffee or sharing a meal, Nicole discusses how these practices create connection, meaning, and a sense of belonging across generations.   Together, Nicole, John, and Pat examine the growing contrast between the fast-paced casualness of modern American society and the enduring emphasis Italians place on aesthetics, etiquette, and presence. They also explore how globalization and modernization continue to challenge traditional customs on both sides of the Atlantic, while highlighting why preserving these values remains so important.   HER SOCIALS: Instagram: @bodybyrigatoni   BODYBYRIGATONI WEBSITE: https://www.bodybyrigatoni.com/   HOSTED BY: John Viola Patrick O'Boyle   SPECIAL GUEST: Nicole Ponti   PRODUCED BY: Nicholas Calvello-Macchia

    59 min
  4. IAP 419 Beauty, Belonging, and the Italian Art of Living with Nicole Ponti

    May 24

    IAP 419 Beauty, Belonging, and the Italian Art of Living with Nicole Ponti

    In this episode of the Italian American Podcast, John and Pat welcome Nicole Ponti, the creative force behind Body by Rigatoni, a lifestyle brand rooted in Italian and Italian American culture. Nicole reflects on her journey from Rutherford, New Jersey, to Naples, Italy, a connection that began with a chance visit and deepened through years of personal exploration. Drawing from her family's roots in Sorrento and Trentinara, as well as her experience working in an Italian American restaurant, she speaks about the enduring influence of hospitality, aesthetics, and tradition on her life and work. The conversation explores the importance of beauty and presentation in both Italian and Italian American culture, from carefully prepared coffee and fruit at home to the rituals and etiquette of the dinner table. Nicole explains how Body by Rigatoni emerged not simply as a brand, but as a celebration of family, culture, and creativity, shaped in large part by the artistic spirit and legacy of her late mother. Through ceramics, tableware, playlists, apparel, and curated experiences, the project seeks to embody an Italian-inspired way of life centered on style, warmth, and shared moments. The episode also examines broader cultural differences between American and Italian attitudes toward dignity, ritual, and everyday life. Nicole, John, and Pat discuss the growing casualness of American society, the persistence of aesthetic consciousness in Italian culture, and the pressures modernization and global trends place upon tradition on both sides of the Atlantic. At its heart, the discussion is about belonging, community, and the enduring value of creating meaningful and beautiful experiences for oneself and others. HER SOCIALS: Instagram: @bodybyrigatoni BODYBYRIGATONI WEBSITE: https://www.bodybyrigatoni.com/ HOSTED BY: John Viola Patrick O'Boyle SPECIAL GUEST: Nicole Ponti PRODUCED BY: Nicholas Calvello-Macchia

    49 min
  5. IAP 418 Preserving the Tarantella: Italian Folk Dance, Heritage, and Tradition

    May 16

    IAP 418 Preserving the Tarantella: Italian Folk Dance, Heritage, and Tradition

    In this episode of the Italian American Podcast, Patrick and Jenna explore the rich history and cultural significance of Italian folk dance, with a special focus on the tarantella and regional traditions across Italy. Patrick shares his journey from researching folk dance for his college thesis in the 1990s to founding the Allegro Dance Company, highlighting the challenges of preserving authentic traditions before the internet era. The conversation examines how regional dances reflect local history, community life, spirituality, and social customs—from the formal dances of Northern Italy to the improvisational traditions of the South. The hosts also discuss the role of music, costumes, and choreography in storytelling and cultural identity. The episode closes with an honest discussion about the challenges of preserving Italian folk traditions within Italian American communities and a call to support cultural organizations, performances, and educational projects that keep these traditions alive for future generations. HER BOOKS: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B09RHRNSF4?ccs_id=6088b4ab-a017-4a2f-9a6c-14cb03e8d748 HER WEBSITE: https://allegrodancecompany.net/director HOSTED BY: Patrick O' Boyle Jenna Esposito SPECIAL GUEST: Anna Harsh PRODUCED BY: Nicholas Calvello-Macchia

    1h 5m
  6. IAP 417 Sooshi Mango vs America: Tipping, Portions & Italian Chaos

    May 11

    IAP 417 Sooshi Mango vs America: Tipping, Portions & Italian Chaos

    In this episode of the Italian American Podcast, Pat and Brandon welcome Australian-Italian comedy trio Sooshi Mango for a lively conversation on cultural differences, food traditions, and the immigrant experience. They share stories from their world tour, including travels across the U.S. and their confusion over American tipping culture, while poking fun at language quirks like "autumn" vs. "fall" and oversized portions. Food and family traditions anchor the discussion, with nostalgic and comedic reflections on dishes like bacala, tripe, and pigs' feet—once everyday staples, now fading cultural touchstones. They also explore the challenge of preserving heritage across generations, highlighting how food and language shape identity. The conversation expands to the evolution of New York City, shifting demographics, and the impact of AI, along with candid takes on public safety and politics. It wraps on a playful note with jokes about a bacala documentary, favorite regional phrases, and a cheerfully off-key kazoo finale.   THEIR SOCIALS: Instagram:  @sooshimango @sooshimangopodcast Youtube:  @SooshiMango   Tiktok: @sooshimango Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sooshimango/ THEIR WEBSITE:  https://www.sooshimango.com/ THEIR UPCOMING TOUR DATES: 15TH of MAY New York, NY -The Town Hall 13TH OF MAY Calgary, AB -Werklund Centre 16 MAY Toronto, ON -Meridian Hall 17 MAY Montreal, QC -Olympia de Montréal  20 MAY Berlin, Ger -Urania Humboldtsaal   HOSTED BY: Patrick O'Boyle  Brandon Ficara  SPECIAL GUESTS: Sooshi Mango PRODUCED BY: Nicholas Calvello-Macchia

    1h 17m
  7. IAP 416 Italian Dual Citizenship, Pensions & Identity | Inside Patronato ACLI

    May 3

    IAP 416 Italian Dual Citizenship, Pensions & Identity | Inside Patronato ACLI

    *Disclaimer: We had some audio issues with this podcast. We apologize for this inconvenience*   In this episode of the Italian American Podcast, John and Patrick focus on the work of Stefano and Lorena of Patronato ACLI—a longstanding institution that assists Italians and Italian Americans navigating life between two countries. The conversation blends humor with lived experience, highlighting the organization's role in managing pensions, untangling bureaucratic hurdles, resolving inheritance issues, and bridging the legal and cultural divide between Italy and the United States. The guests, themselves recent arrivals, reflect a more complex and evolving phase of the Italian diaspora.   A central theme is the difficulty of navigating overlapping systems. The episode explores dual citizenship, shifting immigration patterns, and the legal frameworks governing taxation and pensions across borders. What emerges is a diaspora markedly different from earlier generations: once sustained by tight-knit family and community networks, it is now more individual, often highly educated, and less supported by cohesive institutions. The informal structures that once eased assimilation have largely faded.   The discussion broadens to questions of identity—language, cultural continuity, and the ambiguities faced by those of mixed heritage or shaped by internal migration within Italy. It returns, ultimately, to a single point: in an era defined by mobility and administrative complexity, institutions like Patronato ACLI remain indispensable—not only for navigating bureaucracy, but for preserving continuity and a sense of belonging across borders.   THEIR SOCIALS: Instagram: @patronatoacli_usa Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Patronato-ACLI-USA-New-York-61571035972495/ X: @patronatoacliIT   THEIR WEBSITE: https://patronatoacliusa.org/   HOSTED BY: John Viola Patrick O'Boyle   SPECIAL GUEST:  Patronato ACLI USA   PRODUCED BY: Atillio Balbo   EDITED BY: Nicholas Calvello-Macchia

    1h 11m
  8. IAP 415: Inside the Museo Italo Americano: Preserving Italian American Art & Culture

    Apr 25

    IAP 415: Inside the Museo Italo Americano: Preserving Italian American Art & Culture

    In this episode of the Italian American Podcast, John, Pat, and Marcella sit down with Museo Italo Americano president David Cincotta for a focused discussion on art, heritage, and community. The conversation opens with light banter about running a cultural podcast before turning to the museum's roots in North Beach and its evolution over nearly fifty years. Sincotta outlines plans for a move into a larger donated warehouse, enabling expanded exhibitions, programming, and educational outreach. The Museo stands out as one of the few Italian American institutions with a strong modern and contemporary art collection, showcasing both Italian and Italian American artists. The group underscores art as an often-overlooked dimension of Italian American identity, beyond the usual focus on food and festivals. They touch on exhibitions ranging from community-driven shows to opera anniversaries and regional cultural events, along with collaborations—including work with the San Francisco Opera—that reflect broad local support. Sincotta also addresses ongoing fundraising efforts and the realities of sustaining cultural institutions through philanthropy. The episode closes on the importance of preserving stories—through exhibitions, oral histories, and personal archives—and invites listeners to support and visit the Museo. The message is clear: institutions like the Museo Italo Americano remain vital as gathering places and stewards of Italian American culture.  THE MUSEUM'S SOCIALS: Instagram: @museoitaloamericano Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MuseoItaloAmericano   THEIR WEBSITE: https://sfmuseo.org/   HOSTED BY: John Viola Patrick O'Boyle Marcella Martin   SPECIAL GUEST: David Cincotta   PRODUCED BY: Nicholas Calvello-Macchia

    1h 3m
See All (432)

4.7
out of 5
374 Ratings

About

The Italian American Podcast is the first and most engaging podcast dedicated to helping Italian Americans learn about and celebrate their brilliant heritage. We're obsessed with our heritage, and each week we'll discuss all things Italian American- including history and family traditions, genealogy, recipes, language, and more with smarts, heart, and a lot of laughs! We'll be joined by celebrity guests, experts, authors, and everyday Italian Americans for honest and thoughtful conversations digging deep into the "hows and whys" of who we are, and sharing the heart of the Italian American experience with the 25 million Americans lucky enough to have been born Italian! And, like all the best Italian American conversations, ours take place around the kitchen table- meaning every time you tune in you'll be entertained, educated, and brought right back to where you belong… amongst family!

Information

You Might Also Like