What Lights Us Up

Christina Minutillo
  • 5.0(12개의 평가)
  • 기업 운영
  • 매월 업데이트

Are you ready to uncover what truly lights you up? Join Christina each month on What Lights Us Up as she dives into heartfelt conversations with passionate people who’ve turned their dreams into reality. Through inspiring stories of purpose, creativity, and courage, you’ll be reminded that joy isn’t just a feeling—it’s a direction. Start your journey to joyful living. Follow the show on Instagram www.instagram.com/whatlightsusup For more information about Christina and the show: www.christinaminutillo.com/whatlightsusuppodcast/

  1. #37: Take the Leap: Lauri Schmidt on Turning a Solo Safari into a Life of Freedom and Adventure

    4월 6일

    #37: Take the Leap: Lauri Schmidt on Turning a Solo Safari into a Life of Freedom and Adventure

    What if the thing you can’t stop thinking about is actually pointing you toward the life you’re meant to live? Tune in to learn how trusting a feeling, taking small steps, and redefining success can lead to freedom, confidence, and a life that truly lights you up. Lauri Schmidt is the founder of Safari Lauri, a travel company sparked by a single solo trip to Africa that lit her up and inspired her to share that magic with others. Lauri shares how following that feeling led her to leave a long corporate career and build a life centered around travel, adventure, and freedom. From solo travel to small-group safaris, Lauri offers practical tips on financial independence, pursuing your passions, and creating experiences that open doors to perspective, presence, and connection. If you’ve ever felt stuck, uninspired, or caught waiting for the “right” time, this episode is a reminder to take one step toward what lights you up. Lauri reminds us that life is short—and sometimes the bravest thing you can do is to book the trip and trust the feeling that keeps calling you forward. Your Dream Safari Starts Here: https://safarilauri.com Follow Lauri on Instagram: @safari_lauri Connect with Christina: https://christinaminutillo.com

    40분
  2. #36: Gather at the Table: Remi Attia on Creating Joy Through Hospitality

    3월 2일

    #36: Gather at the Table: Remi Attia on Creating Joy Through Hospitality

    What if the simplest way to reconnect—with yourself, your roots, and the people you love—was to gather around the table? Tune in to explore how food, tradition, and thoughtful hosting can transform everyday moments into meaningful experiences rooted in culture, memory, and joy. Remi Attia is founder of The Nosh Table, a brand dedicated to creating playful, beautiful tableware and tablescapes that spark connection and conversation. Remi shares the story of building her brand inspired by her Jewish and Italian roots and the vibrant gatherings that shaped her childhood. From colorful napkins printed with Italian and Jewish phrases to modern heirloom pieces designed to bring people together, Remi’s work is built around one core belief: hospitality should nourish both the stomach and the soul. Christina and Remi bond over their shared love for the Italian culture and the deep cultural importance of the table—exploring how Italians express love through food, stories of ancestral towns, grandmothers setting unforgettable tables, and how reconnecting with tradition can be profoundly grounding in a chaotic modern world. Together, they reflect on why Italy continues to captivate us: the craftsmanship, the small-scale artistry, time-honored rituals, and the way food ties us to memory through taste, smell, and shared experience. If you’ve ever felt called to slow down, honor where you come from, or bring more meaning and warmth into your everyday life, this episode is a reminder that the table is where it all begins. Remi reminds us that there’s always a reason to celebrate—and that joy can begin with something as simple as inviting one person over for a meal. Explore The Nosh Table: thenoshtable.com Follow The Nosh Table on Instagram: @thenoshtable Connect with Christina: christinaminutillo.com

    42분
  3. #35: Ignite Your Italian Way of Life: Giorgio Arcamone on Slow Tourism in Italy

    2월 1일

    #35: Ignite Your Italian Way of Life: Giorgio Arcamone on Slow Tourism in Italy

    What if the key to reconnecting with yourself is to slow down—and learn to live the Southern Italian way? Tune in to explore how Italy’s work–life balance and daily rhythms can reshape your perspective, your purpose, and your sense of self. Giorgio Arcamone, founder of Vicus, is building a passion-driven startup dedicated to offering slow-living travel experiences for remote workers—designed to help regenerate small villages in Southern Italy, beginning with his home island of Ischia where his Italian roots run deep. In this episode, Giorgio shares the story behind his project in Ischia: a labor of love inspired by his late grandmother and rooted in 20 years of imagining a different kind of tourism—one that invites you to pause, breathe, and truly feel the world around you. Christina and Giorgio connect over their shared passion for helping people reconnect with their roots, traditions, and the grounding rhythm of Italian life. Their conversation explores what it means to truly live slow, disconnect from performance culture, and remember who you are through food, people, and place. Together, they reflect on the contrast between fast-paced American life and the soulful slowness of Southern Italy—discovering what we can learn from the Neapolitan way of living: hospitality that feels like home, connection over productivity, and the small daily rituals that bring us back to joy. They explore how food heritage, ancestral identity, and the natural cadence of Southern Italy can radically reshape how we work, live, and experience meaning. If you’ve ever wondered how to experience the Italian way of life, this episode is your invitation to slow down, return to your roots, and reimagine what joy can look like in your everyday life. Explore the Vicus Travel Experiences: https://vicus.it Follow Giorgio on Instagram: @giorgio_arcamone Connect with Christina: https://christinaminutillo.com

    48분
  4. #34: Color Your Life: Sara Joy Annapolen on the Art of Joyful Reinvention

    1월 5일

    #34: Color Your Life: Sara Joy Annapolen on the Art of Joyful Reinvention

    What if the key to joy is giving yourself permission to change—and create from a place of authenticity? Tune in to hear how letting yourself evolve, follow curiosity, and create from the heart can open the door to deeper joy and purpose. Artist Sara Joy Annapolen shares her journey of pivoting from creating wearable joy to a life rooted in art, community, and meaning. From launching a resortwear line to painting murals and exploring her Jewish heritage through modern art, Sara’s story is a masterclass in trusting the unknown and letting passion lead the way. Christina and Sara reflect on choosing joy in everyday life—how slowing down, having fun, and leaning into what lights you up can shift everything. They talk about the art of pivoting in midlife, creating community through creativity, and how honoring your roots (whether through food, art, or tradition) helps preserve connection across generations. If you’ve ever questioned what’s next, felt the fear of starting over, or longed to create more joy in your life, this episode will remind you that joy isn’t a destination—it’s something you can choose and create every day. Follow Sara Joy @shopsarajoy Explore Her World of Art at shopsarajoy.com Connect with Christina at christinaminutillo.com

    40분
  5. #33: Write Your Story: Janna Tamargo on Finding Authenticity Through Food, Culture & What Lights You Up

    2025. 12. 01.

    #33: Write Your Story: Janna Tamargo on Finding Authenticity Through Food, Culture & What Lights You Up

    What if the most authentic version of yourself is waiting to be uncovered through food, travel, and the stories we share around the table? Tune in to explore how embracing curiosity, following your gut, and daring to ask deeper questions can guide you back to your authenticity—and your purpose. Janna Tamargo, sociologist, media entrepreneur, and founder of AuthenticFood.com, shares the unexpected path that led her to pursue a PhD in sociology to study what makes food truly “authentic.” From spontaneous dinners with airline crews in Milan to teaching food studies in Rome, Janna’s story is a reminder that depth, connection, and joy are often found in the least expected places. Christina and Janna talk about building community through food, what it means to share tradition, and how authenticity can be a personal, evolving experience. Janna opens up about the turning point that inspired her to launch her platform, how she collects stories from around the world, and why our obsession with authenticity reveals something deeper about who we are. If you’ve ever felt lit up by a meal, wondered how to connect with locals while traveling, or wanted to live more authentically but didn’t know where to start—this episode is for you. Janna’s insights will leave you craving meaningful conversation, off-the-beaten-path adventures, and the courage to live out your authenticity. Sign up for the weekly newsletter at: AuthenticFood.com Follow Authentic Food on Instagram: @authenticfoodinsta Follow Janna Tamargo on Instagram: @jannatamargo Connect with Christina: https://christinaminutillo.com

    45분
  6. #32: Discover Your Italian American Roots: Marianna Gatto on History, Heritage & the Power of Purpose

    2025. 11. 03.

    #32: Discover Your Italian American Roots: Marianna Gatto on History, Heritage & the Power of Purpose

    What if your roots held the key to your passion—and your path forward? In this heartfelt episode, recorded inside the Italian American Museum of Los Angeles, Christina sits down with historian, author, and museum director Marianna Gatto, whose lifelong love for her Italian heritage has fueled decades of work preserving the stories of Italian Americans in LA—stories often left untold. Marianna shares how growing up in a diverse Los Angeles neighborhood sparked a deep curiosity about her family’s past—one that ultimately became her calling. That calling led her to restore a crumbling historic building and transform it into a vibrant cultural institution, honoring the legacies of those who came before her. Her journey from educator to historian and cultural advocate is a testament to what happens when we follow the spark within. Christina and Marianna explore the power of reconnecting with your roots, the magic of storytelling, and how honoring the past can illuminate your purpose. Marianna shares powerful insights about resilience, faith, and the unseen hands that guide us when we step into our purpose. If you're looking for inspiration to create something meaningful, reconnect with your heritage, or rediscover what lights you up—this conversation is a heartfelt reminder that our past often holds the key to our future. Visit the Italian American Museum of Los Angeles: https://www.iamla.org Follow the Italian American Museum of Los Angeles on Instagram @italianamericanmuseumofla Follow the Italian American Museum of Los Angeles on Facebook @iamofla Buy a signed copy of The Italian Americans of Los Angeles: https://losangeleslittleitaly.com Find the book at I AM BOOKS in Boston Follow Marianna Gatto on Instagram @gattolosangeles Connect with Christina: https://christinaminutillo.com

    34분
  7. #31: Unearth Hidden Stories: Stephanie Detton on Finding Passion and Purpose Through Italian American History

    2025. 10. 06.

    #31: Unearth Hidden Stories: Stephanie Detton on Finding Passion and Purpose Through Italian American History

    Ever wonder how stories from the past can guide your path today? Tune in to discover how uncovering buried family histories, long-forgotten newspaper clippings, and everyday heroes can spark your sense of connection, curiosity, and courage to follow what lights you up. Stephanie Detton, host and creator of the Italian American Stories Podcast, is on a mission to bring forgotten stories of Italian Americans—past and present—back to life. What started as a personal passion for exploring her own family history has grown into a living archive of voices that honor ancestors, preserve heritage, and help families rediscover their roots. Christina and Stephanie dive deep into what it means to celebrate those who came before us, the joy of breathing new life into forgotten stories, and the power of human connection that bridges generations. They even bond over the quirks of being only children and the shared pride they find in Italian American culture. If you’re searching for your creative spark, curious about your heritage, or simply need a reminder that storytelling connects us all, this episode will inspire you to slow down, listen, and share the stories that bind us together. Explore the Italian American Stories Website Follow the Italian American Stories Podcast on Instagram Listen to the Italian American Stories Podcast on Spotify Connect with Christina at: https://christinaminutillo.com

    32분
  8. #30: Find Your Recipe for Joy: Michele Di Pietro on Building a Brand by Cooking from the Heart

    2025. 09. 08.

    #30: Find Your Recipe for Joy: Michele Di Pietro on Building a Brand by Cooking from the Heart

    Ever wonder what the secret ingredient to finding joy is? Tune in to feed your soul and get the inspiration you need to reconnect with your roots, follow your creative calling, and rediscover joy in everyday moments. In this episode, Christina sits down with Michele Di Pietro—better known to her followers as Mangia with Michele—a cookbook author, food writer, recipe developer, professional chef, and culinary consultant who shares her journey from a successful career in public accounting and how that led to a transformative international assignment that became the spark that led her to embracing her true passion in the culinary world and ultimately to building a brand centered on heritage, heart, and flavor. Together, Christina and Michele explore the deep emotional power of food—the way it connects us to our past, our people, and ourselves. They dive into the Italian tradition of gathering around the table, the joy of sharing meals, and how scents and flavors can bring back powerful memories. Michele’s story is a reminder that joy often begins with a single choice to listen to your inner voice. When we pause, share, and savor life—one bite at a time—we find the recipe for something truly meaningful. Mangia with Michele and Get on the List: https://mangiawithmichele.com Follow Mangia with Michele on Instagram Follow Mangia with Michele on Facebook Subscribe to Mangia with Michele on You Tube Buy Michele’s Cookbook on Amazon Connect with Christina at: https://christinaminutillo.com

    39분
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소개

Are you ready to uncover what truly lights you up? Join Christina each month on What Lights Us Up as she dives into heartfelt conversations with passionate people who’ve turned their dreams into reality. Through inspiring stories of purpose, creativity, and courage, you’ll be reminded that joy isn’t just a feeling—it’s a direction. Start your journey to joyful living. Follow the show on Instagram www.instagram.com/whatlightsusup For more information about Christina and the show: www.christinaminutillo.com/whatlightsusuppodcast/

정보

  • 제작진
    Christina Minutillo
  • 방송 연도
    2023년 - 2026년
  • 에피소드
    38
  • 등급
    무삭제판
  • 저작권
    © Christina Minutillo
  • 웹사이트 보기
    What Lights Us Up

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