Italian Impact Weekly Podcast Italian Impact Weekly

Hershey may be known for chocolate but it is also has a very proud Italian heritage which helped enable the success of the area.  For this week's episode, we interviewed a great historian who is very passionate about educating people with respect to the Italian contributions to 'Hershey PA'.  If you would like to learn more, Lou can be reached at:   lpaioletti@comcast.net
In addition, the Hershey History Center contains numerous artifacts related to the Italian experience in the Hershey, PA area.  You can check them out here at:  www.hersheyhistory.org.
Finally, we play a few interviews from our time at Today's Organic Market interviewing some very wonderful small business owners.
Cassandra Brown from Rosedale Food Pantry
Cathy Phillips, the store ambassador for Today's Organic Market

In this week's episode, we interview well-renowned author, Peter Belmonte.  Pete retired from the US Air Force after having served for twenty years, first as an enlisted man and then as an officer.  He is also a veteran of Operation Desert Storm.  Pete has written numerous historical books about Italian-Americans and their service such as Italian-Americans in World War II (2001),  Calabrian-Americans in the US Military During World War I, Volumes 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 (2017-2019), Chicago-Area Italians in World War I: A Case Study of Calabrians (Fonthill Media, 2019), and United States Army Depot Brigades in World War I (with Alexander F. Barnes, 2021), plus several other books.  This is a very interesting and informative episode that we know you will enjoy!

This week we interview Amani D'Ambrosio.  Amani is an up and coming golfer who has set a goal for himself to become a Major champion!  He is well on his way as a successful golfer with Barry University.  In this interview, we talk with Amani and learn about his approach but more importantly, what drives him.

This week we interview the great Vince Papale.  It was 1976 when this 30 year old, a teacher and coach at his HS Alma mater, part-time bartender and die hard Eagles fan decided to act on a whim and a dare and entered the unprecedented public tryouts for his beloved Eagles.  He played 3 seasons with his beloved Philadelphia Eagles.  In 2006 Walt Disney Pictures continued their triumphant tradition of motivating sports stories with the release of INVINCIBLE. It’s a stirring football drama starring Mark Wahlberg as Vince Papale, an ordinary guy who, against all odds, takes his shot at every fan’s fantasy of going from the grandstands to the gridiron.  In this interview, we talk everything from sports to personal life and the movie to life after football.  Vince is a real life inspiration and we know you will enjoy this one!

In this week's episode, we interview 2 great entertainers.  Howard Mincone is a comedian, juggler, quick-witted emcee, and much more.  Hank Edwardo is without a doubt one of the best accordionists in the area.  These 2 were absolutely wonderful to speak with and we know you will have a great time listening to this week's show!  So, sit back and be entertained.

In this week's episode, we interview the great Chris Corchiani.  Chris was selected by the Orlando Magic with the 9th pick of the 2nd round (36th overall) in the 1991 NBA draft and was the first NCAA Division I player to record 1,000 assists in a career.  He went on to play in the NBA as well as in Europe.  However, it's what he did after his playing career was over that truly demonstrates what a success Chris is.  Chris is a great family-man, proud of his Italian heritage, and a smart business leader who is very disciplined and inspirational to others.  We know you will enjoy this one!