This Italian-American Life

This Italian-American Life
  • 4.9 (15)
  • PERSONAL JOURNALS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

This Italian-American Life is a weekly podcast hosted by Peter and Mike, two first-generation Italian-Americans sharing real stories from their lives, families, and culture. Navigating the push and pull between Italian roots and American life, they bring humor, heart, and a lot of personality to every episode. Expect lively conversations, cultural insights, and plenty of espresso-fueled nostalgia. Whether you're Italian-American or just love a good story, pull up a chair — you're part of the famiglia now. tialife.substack.com

  1. 06/16/2025

    024 - Accento Problems

    On this episode, Peter and Mike reflect on how their parents’ thick Italian accents shaped their lives in America — from everyday misunderstandings to the creative ways they mangled their kids’ and spouses’ names. Ever had to explain that your brother-in-law’s name isn’t “Dork”? They have. And debuting this week: a brand new segment called “Voice-a-Mail-a” — where the guys try to decode their parents’ voicemails using only the unhinged auto-transcripts from voicemail apps. It’s part mystery, part language lesson, and all chaos. Subscribe for laughs, family vibes, and a lovingly exaggerated look at life between two cultures.👇 [Subscribe to This Italian-American Life on Substack] [Subscribe to This Italian-American Life on TikTok] [Subscribe to This Italian-American Life on Instagram] [Subscribe to This Italian-American Life on YouTube] This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tialife.substack.com

    1h 1m

  2. 06/06/2025

    023 - Regioni Italiane

    In this episode, Peter and Mike take a spirited tour through the diverse regions of Italy, diving into how language, cuisine, and cultural stereotypes shift as you travel from north to south. From Venetian elegance to Sicilian chaos, they unpack the friendly (and not-so-friendly) rivalries that still shape Italian identity today. The guys also open up the Comments Cache to hear from listeners, react to some spicy takes, and, as always, Mike has a story—or two. This time he shares a tale from childhood involving a sneaky move gone wrong and getting caught red-handed. It’s part history lesson, part roast session, and fully Italian American. Mangia, listen, and enjoy! 🇮🇹🍝👞 Subscribe to This Italian American Life on Substack This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tialife.substack.com

    1h 7m
  3. Rigiocare 001 - Pilota

    05/28/2025

    Rigiocare 001 - Pilota

    We're throwing it back to the very beginning with a replay of our very first episode! In this pilot of This Italian-American Life, Mike and Peter introduce themselves and share the story behind the show—how it all started, what it means to them, and what you can expect going forward. To kick things off, Mike tells the first of many classic stories: “The Flintstones Game.” Whether you're a longtime listener or just getting started, this episode is a great way to dive into the heart of our Italian-American experience. Subscribe to our Substack This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tialife.substack.com

    23 min

  4. 05/21/2025

    022 - Le Zie Pt 3 - il Finale

    In the heartfelt finale of the series, Mike and Peter are joined by Peter’s wife, Sharon Marchiafava, for a powerful reflection on the stories shared in Le Zie Pt 1. Together, they revisit the enduring influence of the beloved aunts whose strength, humor, and wisdom defined their Italian-American upbringing. As the conversation unfolds, the trio shares new anecdotes and personal insights, delving into the cultural traditions and generational legacies passed down by these remarkable women. Don’t miss this moving tribute to the matriarchs who held it all together. Follow us on Substack and subscribe [here]! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tialife.substack.com

    2h 7m

  5. 05/10/2025

    021 - Le Zie Pt 2

    In this reflective episode, Mike and Peter sit down with Christian Dolecki—Mike’s nephew—to unpack the stories and memories shared in the previous installment, Le Zie Pt 1. The trio dives deeper into the powerful matriarchal figures that shaped their Italian-American upbringing, with Christian offering fresh perspectives on the pivotal role of "le zie" (the aunts) in their family life. From humorous anecdotes to heartfelt remembrances, the conversation explores themes of generational wisdom, cultural tradition, and the unique bonds forged within extended Italian-American families. To follow us on Substack, Subscribe Here! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tialife.substack.com

    1h 32m

  6. 05/02/2025

    020 - Siamo Tornati

    After a year-long hiatus, the hosts of This Italian-American Life are back behind the mic with stories, laughs, and a lot of espresso-fueled energy. In this special comeback episode, the duo catches up on everything that’s happened since they last recorded—most notably, Peter got married, and Michael stood proudly by his side as best man. They share behind-the-scenes moments from the big day, reflect on what it means to be family (both by blood and by choice), and talk about how their Italian-American heritage shaped the celebration. It's a heartfelt, humorous reunion that sets the stage for a fresh season full of stories, traditions, and good conversation. The duo will be back next week to discuss episode 019 - Le Zie and give their long awaited thoughts on that interview. Stay tuned! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tialife.substack.com

    45 min
  7. 019 - Le Zie Pt 1

    05/10/2024

    019 - Le Zie Pt 1

    On this very special 2 part episode Peter sits down with Zia Tina, Zia Maria, and his own mother Zia Giovanna to discuss life in Sicily and moving to America*. Stick around to the end cause the guys have a special section to commemorate Mother's Day. Email us at This ItalianAmericanLife@gmail.com and let us know what you think and tell us your stories! *Some of this interview is in Italian and not translated. Apologies but we wanted to ensure that the original context was not lost for those who do understand. In the next episode we will translate and discuss further. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tialife.substack.com

    1h 18m
  8. 018 - Musica per Matrimoni

    04/29/2024

    018 - Musica per Matrimoni

    On this episode of TIAL, Peter and Michael discuss children's birthday parties, wedding planning, and wedding music. They get into their favorite American classics as well as some Italian songs that will wake up the crowd. As always they end with some listener email, including a shout out from old friends and new! Email us at thisitalianamericanlife@gmail.com and tell us what you think! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tialife.substack.com

    1h 18m
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4.9
out of 5
15 Ratings

About

This Italian-American Life is a weekly podcast hosted by Peter and Mike, two first-generation Italian-Americans sharing real stories from their lives, families, and culture. Navigating the push and pull between Italian roots and American life, they bring humor, heart, and a lot of personality to every episode. Expect lively conversations, cultural insights, and plenty of espresso-fueled nostalgia. Whether you're Italian-American or just love a good story, pull up a chair — you're part of the famiglia now. tialife.substack.com

Information

  • Creator
    This Italian-American Life
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    25
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © This Italian American Life
  • Show Website
    This Italian-American Life