Send us a text Lorraine LoRusso never imagined her sister's volunteer work would lead to an extraordinary reunion with long-lost family in Italy. Join us as Lorraine shares her heartfelt story of tracing her roots back to the charming town of Vallesaccarda. These discoveries, sparked by ship records and naturalization papers, not only rekindled fam…

Send us a text Imagine discovering that your family's story spans centuries and continents, connecting you to people and places you never knew existed. That's precisely the journey Rich Di Palma embarked upon, and he shares his remarkable experiences tracing his Italian roots in our latest episode. Rich recounts how his grandfather's Italian songs …

Send us a text Francesca La Torre, a first-generation American with deep Sicilian roots, brings a tapestry of fascinating stories that illuminate the Italian American experience. Raised in Oakland, California, Francesca shares the vibrant contrasts she encountered between her American upbringing and her family's rich Sicilian traditions. From her f…

Send us a text What if a single journey could unravel years of forgotten history? Join us as we uncover the mesmerizing tale of Italian immigrants in America with Joe Tucciarone, the insightful co-author of "Italians Swindled to New York." You'll be captivated by the story of nearly 3,000 Italians deceived into coming to the United States in 1872, …

Send us a text Could DNA testing revolutionize your understanding of family history? Join us as we uncover this fascinating topic with Andrew Martin, host of the Family Histories Podcast. Andrew’s unique show format, born out of the UK's lockdown in 2021, includes an interview, a life story, and a genealogical brick wall challenge. He shares how hi…

Send us a text What if you discovered a hidden chapter in your family's history that changed the way you see yourself? This episode features Joseph Walls, whose journey into genealogy was sparked by the emotional discovery of his grandfather's experiences as a prisoner of war during World War II. We explore how this revelation led Joseph to delve i…

Send us a text Ever wondered how far back your family roots can go? Join us for a remarkable journey into Italian ancestry and family history with our special guest, John Clarkin. After retiring in 2020, John embarked on a mission to honor his grandfather by tracing his lineage back to the early 1800s. Through civil and church records, John discove…

Send us a text Have you ever wondered what hidden stories lie in your family's past? In this emotional episode, we sit down with Gina Ciambella as she takes us on a poignant journey of discovery, tracing her Italian heritage from Michigan back to a small village near Naples. Gina unveils her father’s harrowing experiences during World War II, inclu…

Send us a text Ever wondered how tracing your roots could change your life? Our latest episode promises a captivating journey into ancestral migration and the unique stories of entrepreneurship that blossom from it. Rich takes us on an emotional adventure, sharing how his grandfather transitioned from coal mining in Calabria and Puglia to a thrivin…

Send us a text Have you ever wondered how discovering your family’s hidden past can shape your identity? Join us for an emotional and enlightening conversation with Steve Bruno as he takes us on his extraordinary journey of uncovering his Italian roots. Steve shares the poignant story of his grandfather and great aunt, orphaned at a young age, and …

Send us a text Have you ever wondered how your DNA connects you to ancient civilizations and far-off lands? Join us as we chat with Sal Provino from Australia, who shares his incredible journey of tracing his Italian roots. From his father’s courageous migration from Sicily to Australia in the 1950s to escape post-World War II hardships to his moth…

Send us a text Have you ever wondered how your last name might reveal fascinating details about your past? In this episode, we dive into the world of Italian surnames, exploring their origins and meanings, divided into four main categories. Discover how patronymics and matronymics, derived from the father's or mother's name, have deep roots in the …

Send us a text In part 1 Raffaele Fontanella explains the origins of surnames from the renaissance, how dialects impacted first names and surnames based on his book "Cognomi di Stabia". How the Romans used first names, surnames and nicknames. How the Germans named people and how that impacted Italian names. And an introduction to part 2 where he wi…

Send us a text Nicola DiGuglielmo's journey from Andretta, Italy to New Jersey is nothing short of remarkable. Picture a family driven by love and determination, uprooted from their small Italian hometown in search of a brighter future in America. Nicola reflects on his father's struggle to create opportunities in a land where none existed, and how…

Send us a text How can one family's compassion and resolve shape the destiny of an entire community? Join us as we sit down with Vincent Magano to uncover the awe-inspiring tale of Solomon and Esther Ueberall, whose extraordinary acts of kindness not only saved St. Lucy's Church but also saved lives during the darkest days of World War II. Through …

Send us a text Could you imagine uncovering your roots halfway around the world? This episode brings you the heartfelt story of Santo Marabella, who was born in Aosta, Italy, and adopted by a loving family in America. Santo sheds light on his early life at the Instituto Asistenza Materna e Infantile and the touching way his adoptive parents, Anna a…

Send us a text When John Vallillo lost his mother in 2005, he had no idea it would ignite a passionate journey into uncovering his Italian roots. Join us as John takes us through the meticulous process of tracing his great-grandfather Giovanni Vallillo's story, including the surprising discovery that Giovanni's name was altered at a cemetery in Cle…

Send us a text What happens when you mix age-old traditions with the passion of modern entrepreneurs? Join us as we uncover the inspiring story of Miriam Pugliese, co-owner of Nido di Seta, who left the bustle of Milan to breathe new life into Calabria’s ancient silk industry. Miriam, along with her partners Domenico and Giovanna, transformed a for…

Send us a text Unlock the secrets of Italian genealogy with our guest, John Ruscigno, whose passion for family history was sparked by the remarkable legacy of his 102-year-old grandfather. Faced with language barriers and misinformation, John shares his inspiring tale of perseverance, detailing how he turned to a research company and Ellis Island r…

Send us a text Unlock the secrets within your emotional DNA and transform your life with Judy Wilkins-Smith, our esteemed guest, as she guides us through the intricate layers of inherited emotional patterns. You'll discover how thoughts, feelings, and actions passed down through generations shape your decisions and behaviors today. By understanding…

Send us a text What if unraveling your family's past could lead you on an unexpected adventure across oceans and through centuries? Join us as Chris Francese, a passionate member of the Italian American Association of the Township of Ocean, recounts his incredible journey into his Italian lineage, all sparked by a simple school project. Through hea…

Send us a text Ready to uncover the rich tapestry of Italian and American genealogy? Join us as we embark on a fascinating journey with Jack and Mary Ciaccia, tracing Jack’s roots back to the regions of Taranto and Messina in Sicily, and Mary’s lineage to the early American settlers of Jamestown in 1608. Discover connections to notable figures like…

Send us a text Ever wondered what it takes to trace your family roots across continents and eras? Join us on an enthralling journey with our special guest, Stephanie Larimore, as she uncovers the layers of her multicultural heritage. From starting her genealogical quest with 23andMe to delving deep into Ancestry, Stephanie's adventure reveals rivet…

Send us a text What if your family's immigration story bypassed the iconic Ellis Island, heading straight to the sunny shores of San Diego? Join us as we sit down with Tom Cesarini, founder of Convivio, who uncovers his rich Sicilian heritage and shares his family's unique journey to America. From working in a macaroni factory to establishing a vib…

Send us a text Embark with Maggie Workman and me on a voyage through time as we trace our Italian lineages from the cobblestone streets of Onano, Viterbo to the bustling avenues of America. Our conversation meanders through generational tales that piece together a mosaic of our Italian-American identities, blending personal experiences with the bro…

Send us a text Embark on an ancestral odyssey with Katherine Pennavaria, whose blend of scholarly rigor and personal passion for genealogy unveils the remarkable layers of Italian history hidden within civil records. Our exploration takes you through the twists and tales of Katherine's Italian lineage, revealing how the meticulous documentation of …

Send us a text Embark with us on an intimate voyage into the heart of Italy's cultural tapestry, guided by Phil Micali of Philitaly. We weave through the narratives of Phil's ancestors, in regions steeped in tradition and history. The discovery of our roots takes on new meaning as we traverse the landscape of Molise, Basilicata, and Sicily, diving …

Send us a text Embarking on a genealogical quest that spans continents and centuries, I had the chance to sit down with Jim Rothgeb, the visionary behind Peek Into The Past. Together, we unraveled the threads of ancestry that connect us to the echoes of history, with Jim recounting his profound experience of holding artifacts that once belonged to …

Send us a text Have you ever been captivated by the stories of your ancestors, the journeys they embarked on, and the experiences that shaped their lives? In our latest episode, we're joined by Arnie Aranci, whose Italian-American roots are as rich and flavorful as the cuisine of his heritage. Arnie enthralls with tales of his father's migration fr…

Send us a text Embark on an intimate odyssey with our guest Regina Vighetto, as she unveils her family's vibrant migration tapestry from Italy to the coffee farms of São Paulo, Brazil. Her tale is one of resilience and discovery, and unearthing a narrative enriched by ancestral dreams and the quest for prosperity in a new world. As Regina shares he…

Send us a text Uncover the secrets of Penne as Antonio Baldacchini from the Council of Community Planning joins us for an enchanting exploration of Abruzzo's mesmerizing landscapes and historical tapestry. Step back in time to discover a town where the past lingers in the cobblestoned streets and the future blossoms from the community's vibrant cul…

Send us a text As distant cousins intertwined by Puerto Rican roots, Valerie Evans joins us to unravel the vibrant story of her dual Italian and Puerto Rican lineage. Our conversation traverses the multicultural neighborhoods of East Harlem, brushes through the historical cobblestones of Sannicandro di Bari and Salerno, and touches on the personal …

Send us a text Stepping through the cobblestone streets of my ancestral town, I was embraced by whispers of my past, the tales and traditions of my Italian heritage echoing around me. Now, I invite you to join Jerry Taverna and me through a riveting journey of discovery, from sulfur mines in Sicily and old family stories from Monopoli become living…

Send us a text My grandmother's laugh always had a way of transporting me to her tiny Italian village, a place I'd never been but felt I knew intimately through her stories. This week's episode is a heartfelt homage to the power of family narratives, where Peggy, Josephine, Becky, Frank, Mirella, Ed and I share our adventures in preserving these pr…

Send us a text Embarking on a nostalgic journey to the heart of Italian-American life, we sit down with Margaret Fontana, more affectionately known as the Italian American Girl. Her story unfolds like a rich tapestry woven with threads of cultural heritage and familial pride, offering an intimate glance at the Italian-American dream. Margaret's tal…

Send us a text Embark on an emotional journey through time as we sit down with the remarkable duo from Abruzzo Ancestors, Davide Castellucci and Giulia Scappaticccio, who bring the hidden narratives of Italian lineage to light. The rolling hills of Abruzzo, steeped in the heritage of Italy's emigrants, serve as the backdrop for tales that intertwin…

Send us a text Imagine being born to the wail of tornado sirens on a North Dakota nuclear missile base—that's the dramatic start to author Ryan Byrnes' incredible journey which he shares with us. His life, shaped by the wanderlust of a military family and rooted in a rich Italian heritage, unfolds in a narrative as compelling as his fiction. Ryan's…

Send us a text Every family has a story stitched into the fabric of America's diverse tapestry, but few recount it with the warmth and wisdom of Rock LaManna. As Rock takes us back to his childhood home in St. Paul, Minnesota, we're invited to the dinner table of an 11-child family, where faith and hard work aren't just values—they're the ingredien…

Send us a text Embark with me on a heartfelt odyssey that traces the waves of Italian immigration to Australia's sunny shores, anchored by my own family's saga. Hear how my Calabrese and Roman roots intertwine with the broader tapestry of the Italian community down under, including the brave journey of my grandfather in 1952. The stories of skilled…

Send us a text Have you ever sat at a family gathering, basking in the warm glow of shared stories and home-cooked meals, and wondered about the heroes who shaped those beside you? Get ready to embark on an intimate journey through the lives of Italian American podcasters as they unveil the cherished icons of their childhood. From the velvety voice…

Send us a text Embark on an emotional odyssey with Diane Marie Pisera as she recounts her voyage from the picturesque Italian region of Friuli Venezia Giulia to the bustling heartbeat of New York State. In her narratives of youthful summers spent in Calabria and the significant life shift of immigrating to America, Pisera's story is a vibrant canva…

Send us a text Ever wondered what it takes to immortalize your life's journey in the pages of a book? That's exactly the transformation I've undergone, shifting from the dizzying heights of Wall Street to the grounding realm of storytelling. In a candid revelation, I unfold the tapestry of my own narrative, sharing the epiphany that everyone has a …

Send us a text Embark with us and our esteemed guest, Anna Riggs, on a journey spanning continents and generations, as we trace the deep roots of her Italian lineage back to the quaint town of Ceglie Del Campo. Hannah's intimate narrative is more than a globe-trotting adventure; it's a heartfelt homage to her family's odyssey from Italy to Venezuel…

Send us a text As the new year unfolds, I'm thrilled to introduce our guest, author Diana DelRusso, who brings the rich tapestry of her Italian heritage right to our ears. Embark with us on a heartwarming journey tracing Diana's family roots from the pastoral landscapes of Pacentro, Italy, to their courageous pursuit of the American dream in the st…

Send us a text It's always hard to condense 50 hours of interviews into one episode. But here is the Best of 2023. Stepping into the past has never felt as intimate and revealing as when Mary Ann Maisano takes us through the winding roads of her father's taxi empire in Fort Lee. With a captivating blend of ingenuity and nostalgia, we learn how Joe'…

Send us a text Embark on a cultural odyssey with us as we sit down with Adriano Ippoliti, the maestro behind Diamante TV, the platform that's revolutionizing how we connect with Italian heritage. Adriano unveils how Diamante TV is more than just a streaming service; it's an interactive journey that captures the very essence of Italy. With personali…

Send us a text Prepare to be transported across continents and centuries as we unravel the rich tapestry of family histories. This episode takes us on a journey with Angelica Noonan, tracing her Italian lineage from the charming village of Campon Commune de Tambre to the vibrant corners of South America and eventually to the sprawling landscapes of…

Send us a text Join us as we open a time-capsule, revealing family histories, rich traditions, and compelling stories along with our distinguished guest, Mary Schultz. Her ancestral journey, sparked by her mother's passion, takes her from the humble beginnings in Up State NY to the heart of Sicily - Corleone, Italy. Mary helps us understand how the…

Send us a text Did you know that tracing your family roots can unlock a treasure trove of rich history? This episode takes you on a captivating journey through Italy and the United States, retracing the roots of the Paterno and Cappiello families. With the company of Carla Paternal Cappiello-Golden, we explore the significance of visiting ancestral…

Send us a text As Antonio D'Alfonso and I, Bob Sorrentino, traverse the intricate landscapes of Italian-Canadian identity, we invite you to join our heartfelt conversation. We share our own family stories of immigration, illuminating the unique cultural experiences that shape Italian Canadians. We journey through Montreal and Toronto, exploring the…