Best Italian Impact Weekly Podcasts (2025)

1
IIW - Episode 126 - Inspiration just for you! 46:20

Play Pause

14d ago46:20

46:20

This week's episode has some great advice to get you ready for the holiday season. We also have some interesting news for our listeners so , we're very excited to share this week's episode. Lastly, be sure to check out: https://stephenmanciniproductions.com/ and reach out, we would love to hear from you!…

1
IIW - Episode 125 - David Angeron 45:28

23d ago45:28

45:28

This week we interview David Angeron. David is an Author & Certified Sport Psychology Coach / Certified Stress Management Coach that educates athletes on the mental aspects of achieving excellence in sport. He is also the founder of John Melvin University...yes, he founded a very successful university and in this episode we're going to talk about h…

1
IIW - Episode 124 - Tim Carrico 41:04

1M ago41:04

41:04

This week we interview Tim Carrico. Tim is a retired executive who will provide some of the best leadership advice you will hear. He has been leading people and organizations for decades and knows exactly how to succeed. This is an excellent episode for anyone who wants to understand what makes some people more effective than others in leadership r…

1
IIW - Episode 123 - Richard Martini 51:45

1M ago51:45

51:45

This week we interview Richard Martini. Rich is a highly successful American film director, producer, screenwriter and freelance journalist. Rich has directed numerous films and documentaries such as You Can't Hurry Love, which featured the debut of Bridget Fonda, and his most recent documentary, Hacking the Afterlife. In this episode, we talk ever…

1
IIW - Episode 122 - Robin Cole Sr. and Dr. Robin Cole Jr. 1:00:00

2M ago1:00:00

1:00:00

This week you get two incredible guests! We are very lucky to have 2x Super Bowl winning champion, former Pittsburgh Steeler, Robin Cole Sr. and his son, the great Dr. Robin Cole Jr. who recently published, "Lessons From Behind the Steel Curtain: From Steel to Strategy to Sentience". This episode will teach you a lot about leadership and truly moti…

1
IIW - Episode 121 - Mike Embrescia 57:07

2M ago57:07

57:07

This week we meet an absolutely wonderful person, a proud Italian-American, family man, successful businessman and just a great guest for us, Mike Embrescia. Mike represents all of the 1.2 million residents of Allegheny County and embodies what we all want from our leaders. In this episode, we talk about what those early influences were that made h…

1
IIW - Episode 120 - Mike DeLucia 47:38

2M ago47:38

47:38

This week's guest is author and screenwriter Mike DeLucia. Mike is very passionate about representing Italians in a far more favorable light than is typically seen in movies/shows. His latest work, Time Passages: Echoes of Troy, is a wonderful, must read story of time travel and is absolutely a book you won't want to put down! You can find out more…

1
IIW - Episode 119 - Ron Vrana 1:01:34

3M ago1:01:34

1:01:34

This week we interview Ron Vrana. Ron is a successful marketing and scouting professional who is now working to reimagine golf! This is a very entertaining episode with a tremendous amount of knowledge being shared. Absolutely a must listen to episode, Learn more about Ron's ROTAGO Team Golf vision here: https://www.rotagogolf.com/…

1
IIW - Episode 118 - Mike Battalini 41:50

3M ago41:50

41:50

This week's guest, Mike Battalini, is the President and CEO of The Pittsburgh Wealth Management Group. We talk to Mike about the impact his Italian upbringing had on his success as a businessman. Mike also offers some very good advice on what to look for when it comes to deciding on how to choose a good financial consultant. There is a lot of good …

1
IIW - Episode 117 - Suzie Jackson 40:21

3M ago40:21

40:21

This week we interview a very wonderful guest, Suzie Jackson. Suzie is a few generations removed from her family in Italy but that doesn't stop her from being passionate about the Italian culture. In fact, Suzie's sister currently lives in Rome and sings opera! Suzie is also passionate about helping others and in this episode we are going to talk a…

1
IIW - Episode 116 - Nick Fiorentino 36:09

3M ago36:09

36:09

This week we interview a very special guest, Nick Fiorentino. Nick has a passion for Italian culture and shows it by running one of the most popular social media campaigns to promote Italian culture in the Pittsburgh area. This is a great episode and Nick's passion and exuberance really shine through! Follow Nick here on Instagram: https://www.inst…

1
IIW - Episode 115 - Ray 'Boom Boom' Mancini 1:05:53

4M ago1:05:53

1:05:53

This week Claudio and I interview the great Ray 'Boom Boom' Mancini. Ray reflects on everything from his multiple careers to current projects. He also provide some very powerful insight on how to be successful and it has nothing to do with luck.By Italian Impact Weekly

1
IIW - Episode 114 - Kevin Glavin 44:43

4M ago44:43

44:43

This week I interview international opera singer and Pittsburgh native, Kevin Glavin. Kevin dreamt of smoking cigars and singing in lounge acts in Vegas but ended up performing opera with the world's best opera singers, including the great Luciano Pavarotti. We have an absolute fantastic time and in fact, you may even hear a little singing in this …

1
IIW - Episode 113 - Paul Cosentino and Claudio Reilsono 1:27:43

4M ago1:27:43

1:27:43

This week, the great Claudio Reilsono returns for a very wonderful conversation but first, I start with Paul Cosentino. Paul has been a musician for over 30 years and currently plays with the fantastic and very talented Boilermaker Jazz Band. We have a wonderful time talking everything from Sicily to music! Check out Paul and the Boilermaker Jazz B…

1
IIW - Episode 112 - Nick Ferraro 57:04

5M ago57:04

57:04

This week I am joined by the very successful entertainer, Nick Ferraro. Nick is known for many things, a talented musician, actor, screen writer and much more but he was also dubbed "The Philly Elvis" by none other than Bruce Springsteen on October 19th, 2009 at the Spectrum in Philadelphia PA. In fact, in the 2013 documentary titled "Springsteen &…

1
IIW - Episode 111 - Don Aliquo Sr. 54:28

5M ago54:28

54:28

This week we come back from our break with an absolute music legend, Don Aliquo Sr. Don has been doing this for nearly 80 years! He's played with some of the greats and shares some incredible stories and advice from his very storied career. You can still catch Don out there entertaining so be sure to check him out at: https://donaliquo-sr.com/…

1
IIW - Episode 110 - Marco Fiorante 42:40

6M ago42:40

42:40

This week I am joined by international singer and professional tour guide, Marco Fiorante. Marco and I have an absolutely wonderful conversation on how to appreciate your culture while accepting your new home country. We also discuss his singing career...what a great voice! Check him out here on his website: https://www.marcofiorante.com/videos/ or…

1
IIW - Episode 109 - Richard Graziano 49:29

6M ago49:29

49:29

This week I interview the co-President of the Italian Genealogical Group, Richard Graziano. In this episode Richard shares several personal stories as well as some great advice on how to research one's roots. The past is a true definer of who we are now, so it is very important to know it. In addition, it is very important that we start now before …

1
IIW - Episode 108 - Samuele Bozzolla 42:43

7M ago42:43

42:43

This week's guest is the great Samuele Bozzolla. Samuele is grandson of the late opera singer Ezio Fortunato Pinza, famous for his starring role in the Broadway hit, "South Pacific", and son of the great opera singer and Claudia Pinza Bozzolla. In this episode we talk everything from Luciano Pavarotti, his mothers work with various opera singers, t…

1
IIW - Episode 107 - Glenn Beech 48:22

7M ago48:22

48:22

What a wonderful episode! Glenn and I have a very good conversation about memories and what the difference is between living in the past and remembering the past. Glenn has been slowly gathering memories and writing them down so he can pass them on to his family, what a great idea! Tune in to understand more about why we need to record and pass dow…

1
IIW - Episode 106 - Marco Permunian 35:16

7M ago35:16

35:16

Wanted to get your Italian citizenship but worried about changes in the law? Never fear! This week I was able to interview Marco Permunian. Marco is an attorney and founder of the Italian Citizenship Assistance group. In this interview he provides invaluable assistance and clarity on the new laws. You can also check out his podcast which focuses on…

1
IIW - Episode 105 - Lou Ignarro, Melissa Marinaro, and Mary Ferro 1:07:03

8M ago1:07:03

1:07:03

Nobel Prize winner, Louis Ignarro, is my guest this week. Lou and I discuss how a first generation Italian-American can grow up to win a Nobel Prize! What a tremendous story. Learn more about Lou and his research which is literally saving lives here: https://www.drignarro.com/ I am also very blessed to have Melissa Marinaro, Director, Italian Ameri…

1
IIW - Episode 104 Lou Bruno and Lauren Ronayne 1:14:27

8M ago1:14:27

1:14:27

This week's episode has two very special guests. Lou Bruno, author and proud Italian-America. His most recent work, The Love of San Demetrio, is an absolutely wonderful story of his experience in connecting the past to the present. Please check out his book here: https://www.byloubruno.com/ Lauren Ronayne is a driving force behind the San Rocco Fou…

1
IIW - Episode 103 - Michael Troiani 39:25

8M ago39:25

39:25

This week I interview Michael Troiani, owner of PaPa Js Twin Plaza Restaurant in Pittsburgh. Michael is passionate about Italian culture but his dedication to authentic Italian cooking is above reproach. Michael and I talk a lot but you can tell his passion and knowledge about Italian cooking are something he holds very dear. This is a great episod…

1
IIW - Episode 102 - Tony Colega 33:55

8M ago33:55

33:55

In this week's episode, I interview the great voice man and vice-president of the United Lodges of Pittsburgh, Tony Colega. Tony and I talk about his work with the United Lodges, everything from bocce in the mountains to the Italian restaurant tour. If you are looking for some ideas to revitalize your group, this is a great episode to tune into.…

1
IIW - Episode 101 - Mary Menniti 52:56

9M ago52:56

52:56

This week I interview Mary Menniti. Mary enjoyed a close relationship with both her maternal and paternal immigrant grandparents. As a result, she learned to cherish the memories of gardening! This week's interview is very powerful as we discuss this dying experience of simple gardening but also how the advent of large corporations has changed ever…

1
IIW - Episode 100 - Nick Vizzoca 55:24

9M ago55:24

55:24

The big 100 and what a guest to have for it! This week, I interview author, businessman, philanthropist, and basically all around great guy, Nick Vizzoca. Nick is a Pittsburgh native, first-generation son of Italian immigrants, and survivor of childhood cancer but more importantly, he is a leader and someone who understands people. Nick and I talk …

1
IIW - Episode 99 - Stephanie Detton 41:32

9M ago41:32

41:32

This week I interview the co-host of the "Italian American Stories Podcast", Stephanie Detton. Stephanie and I have an absolute wonderful time talking about a myriad of things. When she is not researching stories, she is busy teaching and spending time with friends and family but she absolutely entertains us with some incredible stories from histor…

1
IIW - Episode 98 - Stephen 'Stefano' Pishner 1:02:26

9M ago1:02:26

1:02:26

This week, I interview the great musician Stephen 'Stefano' Pishner of the band AMICI. Stephen has been doing this for a long time, beginning his exciting musical voyage of artistic discovery at the early age of 9 years old. Having played to a million listeners, you will definitely appreciate the passion and talent he brings to his work. To follow …

1
IIW - Episode 97 - Bill Sunseri 42:46

10M ago42:46

42:46

This week I have the great pleasure of interviewing Bill Sunseri, owner of the Pennsylvania Macaroni Co. here in the Strip District of Pittsburgh. Penn Mac, as it is known, has a nearly 120 year history here. In this episode we talk about how losing traditional Italian businesses takes away from the community. Definitely worth a listen and if you a…

1
IIW - Episode 96 - Domenico Mariani 43:03

10M ago43:03

43:03

This week I interview Domenico Mariani. This is exactly why I do the show!!! Domenico's story about his family from the war is incredible. Never mind the fact that Domenico spent 30 years in law enforcement and has his own incredible memories. There are just some incredible, incredible stories from his history in this episode...please tune in and u…

1
IIW - Episode 95 - Sam Bozzolla and the team from The Lion's Den @ 213 1:01:16

10M ago1:01:16

1:01:16

This week I have 2 segments with 2 very different, but fantastic, guests. How lucky can I get! First, I interview the great Sam Bozzolla. Sam is the grandson of the famous Italian actor Ezio Pinza. In this segment we talk Sam's famous roots to the proper way to begin enjoying opera! This was such a great interview, I will have Sam back soon. Also, …

1
IIW - Episode 94 - Robert Campana 39:39

10M ago39:39

39:39

This week, I interview the great Robert Campana! Robert is the founder of Stop Italian Sounding ® (SIS). He tells the story of Italian food and beverage products on social media platforms by creating awareness on the differences between real and Italian sounding food & beverage products. We talk everything from how to pronounce food names to the im…

1
IIW - Episode 93 - Erica D’Arcangelo 27:27

11M ago27:27

27:27

Erica D’Arcangelo is a storyteller, author, and content creator with a passion for weaving narratives that reflect her Italian heritage and cultural roots. In August 2024, Erica published her debut book, A Story About Pizza, a historical fiction novel that delves into the life of her grandfather, an Italian immigrant and coal miner with dreams of o…

1
IIW - Episode 92 - Jay Warhola 41:13

11M ago41:13

41:13

Warhola...Warhola...why does that ring a bell? Well, tune in to find out as I interview the great Jay Warhola who founded Warhola Video Productions, Inc. in 2001. Spoiler alert: Jay is also a cousin of Andy Warhol and we have some great conversation about a lot of topics! This is a don't miss episode. For more information on Jay Warhola, check out …

1
IIW - Episode 91 - Cittadinanza! Francesco and Chrissy 42:04

11M ago42:04

42:04

Francesco and Chrissy Pircio are a husband-and-wife duo that are passionate about their Italian culture and heritages, striving to create ways to help others who share the same passion. In this interview we talk Italian citizenship, Italian language, and their thoughts on what it means to be Italian. They have two projects to help others who are in…

1
IIW - Episode 90 - Joe Puglisi 34:38

12M ago34:38

34:38

This week I interview the great actor/filmmaker Joe Puglisi. His interest in acting began in earnest in 2012 and he has since appeared in both commercials and films. In 2017 he formed Little Italy Productions, LLC with his business partner and they wrote, acted in and produced their first film entitled "That's Amore" which was released in 2020. You…

1
IIW - Episode 89 - Margaret Fontana 45:09

12M ago45:09

45:09

Happy New Year! And what a great way to start with an incredible guest, Margaret Fontana! Margaret is a first generation Italian and a highly accomplished media executive renowned for her extensive expertise spanning various industries, including nonprofit, healthcare, film, media, television, technology, and digital-driven broadcast. She is also t…

1
IIW - Episode 88 - Andrew Speicher 36:11

1y ago36:11

36:11

Who said Italian American youths weren't interested in social organizations? In fact, this week I am joined by Andrew Speicher who helped start a new Italian-American organization called La Prossima. This is a group dedicated to rejuvenating the Italian culture here in American, specifically in Columbus Ohio, among younger folks. This is a great ep…

1
IIW - Episode 87 - Vinny Fasline 37:20

1y ago37:20

37:20

This week's guest is the very talented Vinny Fasline. Vinny is a quasi-Pittsburgh guy. He has been seen touring with comedians Dane Cook, Nick Swardson, Michael Rappaport, Drew Lynch and Jamie Kennedy. He Has performed at the New York Comedy Festival, Cabo Comedy Festival, Just For Laughs tour, and seen on ABC Fablife and CBS. He is has recently ac…

1
IIW - Episode 86 - Elijah Santoro 51:02

1y ago51:02

51:02

This week I interview the online sensation Elijah Santoro. Elijah is a very popular social media personality who is also moving up fast in the entertainment industry. Elijah and I talk the importance of following your dreams, staying faithful to your beliefs, and just being a good person because it will come back to you. You're definitely going to …

1
IIW - Episode 85 - Toni Colella 33:36

1y ago33:36

33:36

This week's guest is the great Toni Colella! Toni is the author of "Now We’re Talking … The Story of Theodore W. Case and Sound-on-Film”. A wonderful and fascinating story about Ted Case and his impact on the movie industry as we know it today. Of course, Toni and I also talk a few things about Italian tradition. To get your copy of this fascinatin…

1
IIW - Episode 84 - Jimmy Denova 48:30

1y ago48:30

48:30

The never dull Jimmy Denova is my guest this week and him and I have an absolute great time talking everything from Italian families to parking tickets! Jimmy is a very interesting personality from Pittsburgh who worked for years managing various foundations. This is an absolutely entertaining episode with some incredibly entertaining and enlighten…

1
IIW - Episode 83 - Karen Haid 35:28

1y ago35:28

35:28

Award winning author Karen Haid is back! In this week's episode we talk about Karen's books, Calabria: The Other Italy and Basilicata: Authentic Italy, as well as her incredible knowledge of Italian culture. Karen is well traveled and her passion for southern Italy is unmistakable. This is a fantastic episode for anyone interested in understanding …

1
IIW - Episode 82 - Michael Muto 50:57

1y ago50:57

50:57

This week I interview Pittsburgh's own, Michael Muto! Michael and I reflect on a topic near and dear to our hearts, Pittsburgh's Little Italy. Why do we still cal it that? Hmmm... Lots to unpack in this episode! Then we switch gears and talk cyber. Michael is an expert in cybersecurity and we talk about something that impacts every one of us! Tune …

1
IIW - Episode 81 - Luca Guardabascio 34:48

1y ago34:48

34:48

This week's guest is Italian director, actor, filmmaker, and teacher, Luca Guardabascio. An award winning talent, Luca discusses his work and the passion he puts into all aspects of the film process. He has traveled the world showing his films which often focus on very difficult social issues but always leave us with a glimmer of hope. This is a wo…

1
IIW - Episode 80 - Gino Pesi 49:05

1y ago49:05

49:05

This week I interviewed the great Gino Pesi! Gino is an actor/director/producer but currently works as the Film Commissioner, Executive Director, at the Pennsylvania Film Office. Gino is working tirelessly to support the film industry here in Pennsylvania and in this interview, we talk about a lot of benefits which are available for anyone interest…

1
IIW - Episode 79 - Vincent Ruggieri 35:42

1y ago35:42

35:42

This week I interview a very talented up and coming member of the entertainment industry - and his last name should ring a bell - Vincent Ruggieri! We talk everything from making films to a more serious topic of mental health. Proud of his Italian heritage, Vinny is a great guy who has been through a lot and shows just how we can overcome any obsta…

1
IIW - Episode 78 - Payton Hostetler 32:04

1y ago32:04

32:04

This week we flip the script a little. Payton Hostetler, the editor and one of the cameramen on the set of Fedeltà Soldati. Prigionieri, is in the studio to interview me at the same time I am interviewing him! It's a great time and we get to finally sit down and ask each other some good questions on the overall experience. So tune in, because this …

1
IIW - Episode 77 - Tony Ruggieri 40:46

1y ago40:46

40:46

This week I interview the great voice over actor, Tony Ruggieri. Tony is coming off of his most recent production as the narrator for the international documentary, Fedeltà Soldati. Prigionieri. In this episode, Tony and I talk all things Italian as well as Tony's career and desire to continue his dream of acting. To follow Tony, you can find him h…