Renaissance Minds

Silvia Davi and Chris R. Vaccaro
  • 3.7 (3)
  • Society & Culture

Renaissance Minds gets inside the minds of today's biggest thinkers. Co-hosts Silvia Davi and Chris R. Vaccaro are pursuing modern-day Renaissance individuals from all walks of life. These are complex thinkers and masters of their crafts, often balancing several high-profile responsibilities. We want to tell the story of their multidimensional lives and journeys to educate and inspire you, the listener.

  1. Jun 20

    Episode 2: Renaissance Minds Podcast with guest Tommaso Vitale, Capelli Sport

    On the latest episode of Renaissance Minds, Silvia Davi and Chris R. Vaccaro sat down with Tommaso Vitale, Corporate Strategy Manager at Capelli Sport, an endurance athlete, and a community builder, for a conversation about what it really means to think and perform across disciplines. From his global journey from Italy to New York, to translating high-level strategy into real business impact, Tommaso shares how discipline from marathons and Ironman races shapes his approach to leadership, resilience, and execution. We also dive into his work with at Two Bridges FC and the role of sport in creating opportunity and strengthening communities.

    23 min
  2. You Might Also Like: MrBallen Podcast: Strange, Dark & Mysterious Stories

    Jun 20 ·  Bonus

    You Might Also Like: MrBallen Podcast: Strange, Dark & Mysterious Stories

    Introducing Defies Explanation Vol. II from MrBallen Podcast: Strange, Dark & Mysterious Stories. Follow the show: MrBallen Podcast: Strange, Dark & Mysterious Stories Today’s podcast will feature 2 stories about unexplainable phenomena. The audio from both of these stories has been pulled from our main YouTube channel, which is just called "MrBallen," and has been remastered for today's podcast. Story names, previews & links to original YouTube videos: #2 -- "Two Faced" -- A man is filled with a deep sense of foreboding after a ghastly sight in his mirror (Original YouTube link -- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T6m1ImVG1MQ) #1 -- "Make It Rain" -- An inmate has an incredibly weird ability (Original YouTube link -- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BXd2m_4oBuY)   You can WATCH all new & exclusive MrBallen podcast episodes on my YouTube channel, just called "MrBallen" - https://www.youtube.com/c/MrBallen If you want to reach out to me, contact me on Instagram, Twitter or any other major social media platform, my username on all of them is @mrballen Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. 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. May 25

    Renaissance Minds: Season 2, Episode 1 featuring Andrew Cotto

    On this episode of Renaissance Minds, Silvia Davi and Chris R. Vaccaro sit down with Andrew Cotto, the Editor-in-Chief of Appetito Magazine, novelist, and journalist, for a rich conversation at the intersection of food, culture, and storytelling. From his roots in Brooklyn to building a career across fiction and culinary media, Andrew shares how place, identity, and narrative shape his voice. We explore the vision behind Appetito, the evolving global conversation around Italian cuisine, especially in light of its recent UNESCO recognition and the role of food media in both preserving tradition and embracing innovation. A thoughtful dialogue on heritage, storytelling, and why Italian food today is about far more than what's on the plate.

    23 min

  4. 12/29/2025

    Episode 10: Silvia Davi & Chris R. Vaccaro with Riccardo Riboni & Viola Migliori

    For our final Renaissance Minds podcast episode of 2025, we were delighted to spotlight the co-founders of CulturaPaths, Riccardo Riboni and Viola Migliori, the visionaries behind an innovative Milan-based roots tourism company that blends in-depth genealogical research with fully customized travel experiences. Leveraging Italy's unique distinction as the country with the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites, along with a global diaspora that traces its roots to all 20 Italian regions, CulturaPaths is redefining how families reconnect with their heritage. Their mission is to help individuals uncover their ancestry and experience the towns, traditions, and culture of their origins through personalized, meaningful travel itineraries. Tune in as Silvia and Chris sit down with: Riccardo Riboni, a passionate traveler and food enthusiast from Milan, whose professional background in economics and management spans global, multicultural organizations. Riccardo's vision is rooted in uncovering Italy's countless hidden treasures beyond the well-known tourist destinations. By bridging the gap created by Italy's worldwide diaspora, he aims to create lasting value, strengthening connections to identity, roots, and heritage across borders. Viola Migliori is naturally curious and creative, with an international background shaped by living and working in several countries across various roles in the tourism industry. Through CulturaPaths, Viola seeks to help others cultivate a deeper sense of belonging by reconnecting with their ancestors and places of origin. Her vision centers on uniting people with their Italian heritage while promoting sustainable, authentic, and responsible travel experiences. We are also proud to share that @Renaissance_Minds' Silvia Davi recently joined the CulturaPaths Advisory Board, helping to raise awareness of this compelling cultural concept and transformative travel experience. To learn more or explore partnership opportunities, please reach out at renmindspress@gmail.com.

    23 min

  5. 12/12/2025

    Episode 9: Silvia Davi & Chris R. Vaccaro with Salvatore Bono

    This episode of Renaissance Minds, Salvatore Bono joins Silvia Davi and Chris R. Vaccaro to talk about his podcast CURVA MUNDIAL, which was nominated for Best International Podcast at the Football Content Awards. Bono is a first-generation Italian American who grew up on Long Island and now lives in New York City. With roots spanning across Sicily, he proudly embraces his heritage and the culture of the island. A 2006 graduate of Quinnipiac University, Sal is an award-winning, Emmy-nominated reporter and the creator and host of the internationally recognized soccer podcast CURVA MUNDIAL, nominated for Best International Podcast at the Football Content Awards in England. A lifelong lover of music, film, and sport, Sal has built a career blending storytelling across all three. When he's not stressing over the Azzurri or his beloved AC Milan, he can be found roaming the streets of New York City—usually with a pastry and an espresso in hand.

    39 min

  6. 09/16/2025

    Episode 8: Silvia Davi & Chris R. Vaccaro with Alessandro Gherardi

    With the official soccer season underway, tune into our latest Renaissance Minds podcast featuring Alessandro Gherardi from Serie A. As Head of Marketing & Commercial for Serie A's business in North America, discover the exciting elements of Alessandro's role as he oversees Serie A's regional business in the U.S., with a focus on commercial growth and impactful activations.  Born in Bologna, Italy, and coming to NY as a student, Alessandro is a NYU graduate, who formerly managed on-air marketing for the Premier League on NBC among other things.

    39 min

  7. 06/11/2025

    Episode 7: Silvia Davi & Chris R. Vaccaro with Andrea Previati

    ⚽ NEW EPISODE: From chasing the pro dream in Italy, to competing in New York, and now working in an Italian professional club, Silvia Davi and Chris R. Vaccaro sat down with Andrea Previati, brand amplification and engagement coordinator for Juventus, to hear about his incredible journey from student-athlete to working with soccer legends, and his transition to a brand engagement role at the iconic Juventus Football Club. Our latest episode of the Renaissance Minds podcast features his insights on global brand strategy, fan engagement, and offers advice for students, athletes, sports enthusiasts, and Juventus supporters worldwide. Renaissance Minds is sponsored by the Italian American Heritage Society of Long Island and recorded in studio at Hofstra University's WRHU.

    31 min

  8. 05/13/2025

    Episode 6: Silvia Davi & Chris R. Vaccaro with Gina Antoniello

    The latest episode of Renaissance Minds features a behind-the-scenes discussion with NYU Professor Gina Antoniello from the Tisch Institute for Global Sport. Listen about Professor Antoniello's dynamic career and expertise as a leading educator in the global business of sports, which now reaches a yearly record high of $170 billion in revenue. On a more personal note, co-hosts Silvia Davi and Chris R. Vaccaro explore Gina's unique projects, including her "calcio curriculum," perspectives on culture, and how being a first-generation Italian-American has influenced her career. Renaissance Minds is sponsored by the Italian American Heritage Society of Long Island and recorded in studio at Hofstra University's WRHU.

    15 min
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Ratings & Reviews

3.7
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Renaissance Minds gets inside the minds of today's biggest thinkers. Co-hosts Silvia Davi and Chris R. Vaccaro are pursuing modern-day Renaissance individuals from all walks of life. These are complex thinkers and masters of their crafts, often balancing several high-profile responsibilities. We want to tell the story of their multidimensional lives and journeys to educate and inspire you, the listener.

Information

  • Creator
    Silvia Davi and Chris R. Vaccaro
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025
  • Show Website
    Renaissance Minds

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