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.

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
May 25 · Bonus

You Might Also Like: A Better Way to Money

Introducing Career Uncertainty Is Normal. Here’s How to Thrive in It from A Better Way to Money. Follow the show: A Better Way to Money The career ladder you planned to climb? It’s looking a lot shakier these days. Host Jennifer Borget is joined by author Simone Stolzoff—author of The Good Enough Job and How to Not Know—to explore what building a career looks like when the old rules no longer apply and why learning to thrive in uncertainty might be the single most valuable skill you can build. Together, they unpack how to stay grounded when your work life shifts; why over-identifying with your job title is a liability; and how a strong financial plan gives you the foundation to take risks, make moves, and land on your feet. How to Not Know: The Value of Uncertainty in a World that Demands AnswersThe Good Enough Job: Reclaiming Life from Work Download your free Family Finances workbook and plan for a future you can’t predict TODAY: https://www.northwesternmutual.com/podcast/ Connect with Simone Simone’s website: https://simonestolzoff.com/ Connect with Northwestern Mutual Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/northwesternmutual Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/northwesternmutual/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/northwestern-mutual/ TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@northwesternmutual 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.
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
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
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
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
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
04/26/2025

Episode 5: Silvia Davi & Chris R. Vaccaro with Marco Mazzieri and Frank Catalanotto

In this episode of Renaissance Minds, we sit down with two icons of Italian and international baseball — Marco Mazzieri, President of the Federation of Italian Baseball and Softball, and Frank Catalanotto, current Hofstra manager, former MLB veteran, and Team Italy player. They share their journeys from the dugout to leadership roles, reflect on the growth of baseball in Italy, and discuss the future of the sport on the global stage — a powerful conversation about teamwork, tradition, and the mindset it takes to build champions. Renaissance Minds is sponsored by the Italian American Heritage Society of Long Island and recorded in studio at Hofstra University's WRHU.

30 min
03/19/2025

Episode 4: Silvia Davi & Chris R. Vaccaro with Ornella Fado

Listen to our latest episode of the Renaissance Minds podcast with television personality, producer, and creator of Brindiamo!, Ornella Fado. Hear about her journey in the U.S. as a TV host, launching the first TV SHOW about fine Italian eateries and lifestyles called Brindiamo! Let's toast as she celebrates 20 years of Broadcasting on NYC MEDIA. The shows are available to stream on TUBI TV, Amazon Prime, Xumo TV, Food TV, and the linear Brindiamo! Channel in Italy on Samsung TV Plus, Rakuten and LG Channel. Renaissance Minds is sponsored by the Italian American Heritage Society of Long Island and recorded in studio at Hofstra University's WRHU.

24 min
02/28/2025

Episode 3: Silvia Davi & Chris R. Vaccaro with Carlo Treviso

Tune into our latest Renaissance Minds podcast with Carlo Treviso, the author of Siciliana, a cinematic historical thriller novel set during the explosive 1282 Sicilian Vespers uprising. The story follows Aetna Vespiri, a young woman whose life is shattered by French oppressors, driving her to ignite a rebellion that will change Sicily forever. Inspired by his Sicilian heritage, Treviso weaves history, myth, and relentless action into a gripping tale of vengeance, resilience, and the fight for freedom – one that both honors the past and delivers an entertaining story on its own terms. Renaissance Minds is sponsored by the Italian American Heritage Society of Long Island and recorded in studio at Hofstra University's WRHU.

14 min
01/29/2025

Episode 2: Silvia Davi & Chris R. Vaccaro with Dr. Andrea Fedi

Dr. Andrea Fedi is the Director of the Center for Italian Studies at Stony Brook University. Dr. Fedi has been a faculty member at Stony Brook since 1994, following the completion of his PhD in Italian Studies from the University of Toronto. His academic journey at Stony Brook has spanned multiple departments, including European Languages, Cultural Studies, Comparative Literature, and, most recently, Languages & Cultural Studies. He joins Silvia Davi and Chris R. Vaccaro to talk about his research interests and Italian culture. Renaissance Minds is sponsored by the Italian American Heritage Society of Long Island and recorded in studio at Hofstra University's WRHU.

29 min
01/23/2025

Episode 1: Silvia Davi & Chris R. Vaccaro with Robert Campana

Robert Campana, Founder of Stop Italian Sounding, joins Silvia Davi and Chris R. Vaccaro on the first episode of Renaissance Minds for a fascinating discussion on his journey to build awareness of Italian food and beverage products. Learn what inspired this teacher and Italian-American influencer to build a community that promotes "real" Italian food products vs. "Italian-sounding" products while protecting the authenticity of the "Made in Italy" food label, traditions and lifestyle. We hope you enjoy this educational and entertaining segment. It will definitely make you hungry!

23 min

12 Episodes

3.7

out of 5

3 Ratings

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.

Creator

Silvia Davi and Chris R. Vaccaro
Years Active

2024 - 2026
Episodes

12
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© 2025
Show Website

Renaissance Minds