Claudia Callisto - The Good Italian Girl and friends

Claudia Callisto
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Based her best selling book "The Good Italian Girl" Claudia Callisto invites her fellow ethnic friends to join her for an Italian coffee catch up and share stories about life growing up with their immigrant parents. We reflect on both the highs and lows of our cultural experience and how it has shaped us as the strong and resilient ethnic women we are today and how it has influenced our own parenting style and life..

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  1. EPISODE 1

    The Australian – Italian Travel Podcast Series - Visiting the Italian relatives with your Australian born children: Part 1

    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

    1h 20m

  2. EPISODE 2

    The Australian – Italian Travel Podcast Series – Planning your overseas trip with your Australian Children to visit the Italian relatives and tour Europe: Part 2

    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

    1h 9m

  3. EPISODE 3

    The Barefoot Woman

    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

    54 min

  4. EPISODE 4

    Resilience, Tradition, and Leadership: Anna's Journey

    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

    1h 9m

  5. EPISODE 5

    Standing Tall: Teresa Dall’Acqua Leonardi’s Triumphs in the Face of Adversity

    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

    1h 10m

  6. EPISODE 6

    The Moli Girls

    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

    1h 10m

  7. EPISODE 6

    An Italian Afternoon Live Chat

    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

    1h 6m

  8. EPISODE 7

    Live From SAIA - An Italian Afternoon Live Chat

    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

    39 min

  9. EPISODE 8

    Family, Heritage and Heart: A Conversation with Cristina Clemente

    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

    55 min
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Based her best selling book "The Good Italian Girl" Claudia Callisto invites her fellow ethnic friends to join her for an Italian coffee catch up and share stories about life growing up with their immigrant parents. We reflect on both the highs and lows of our cultural experience and how it has shaped us as the strong and resilient ethnic women we are today and how it has influenced our own parenting style and life..

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