Best Johnviola Podcasts (2025)

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IAP 398 Actor and Producer Antonio Cupo Talks Hallmark Christmas Films, Career and Holiday Cheer! 1:15:31

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6d ago1:15:31

1:15:31

In this episode of the Italian American Podcast, Pat and co-host Mariana Gatto share a lighthearted and engaging conversation with actor and producer Antonio Cupo. A Canadian who spent ten years working in Rome, Cupo is best known for his roles in Hallmark Christmas films and is in the New York area for Christmas Con in New Jersey, where he is conn…

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IAP 397 Exploring the Italian Diaspora, Identity, and Cultural Legacy with Anthony Castelvecchi 55:54

13d ago55:54

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In this episode, we sit down with Anthony Castelvecchi to explore the Italian diaspora across the globe, with a particular focus on Latin and South America, where Italian immigration left a lasting mark on cultural identity. The conversation looks at how these migration waves influenced language, social customs, food, and community life, shaping id…

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IAP 396 A Decade of Stories, Heritage, and Humor: Our 10-Year Podcast Celebration 1:11:42

20d ago1:11:42

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Picture this: you're navigating the lively streets of Rome, reflecting on the friendships, quirks, and unexpected encounters that have colored our travels and conversations over the years. From memorable moments abroad to the stories that marked our earliest episodes, we trace the path that brought us to our podcast's 10-year milestone and the appr…

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IAP 395 Jason Anello on Creativity, Culture, and the Business of Being Italian American 1:04:40

27d ago1:04:40

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Renowned creative visionary Jason Anello joins us for a lively, insightful exploration of the intersections between Italian American culture and modern business. We open with stories from the alcohol industry—where compliance issues ultimately forced a project to relocate from New Jersey to Delaware—and use those moments to delve into the art of ca…

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IAP 394 Danilo Bonazza: From Ravenna to America — A Life in Mosaic 1:02:25

1M ago1:02:25

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Join us as we explore the world of mosaic artistry and the Italian American experience with master craftsman Danilo Bonazza. Known for his extraordinary creations, Danilo traces his journey from Ravenna—the historic capital of mosaics—to his career in the United States. With humor and insight, he reflects on Italian culture and the contrasts betwee…

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IAP 393 From South Jersey to the Frontlines: Culture, Community, and the Journey Toward Healing with Dr. Keith McNally 1:08:40

1M ago1:08:40

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Join us for a compelling conversation with Dr. Keith McNally—combat veteran, author, coach, and hiker—as we explore the intersections of culture, history, and mental health. We begin in South Jersey and Wilmington, Delaware, tracing the Italian influence in Ocean City and the socio-economic contrasts that shape life in the region. Along the way, we…

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IAP 392 Comedy, Coffee, and Culture: A Conversation with Mike Marino, "New Jersey's Bad Boy" 1:02:23

2M ago1:02:23

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Comedian Mike Marino, affectionately known as New Jersey's Bad Boy, brings his sharp wit and Italian American charm to our latest episode. Brandon Ficarra and I swap laughs over a hilarious mix-up with lost episodes and dive into the unpredictable world of podcasting. Mike shares candid insights on self-promotion, audience connection, and creative …

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IAP 391 The Italian Soul: Heritage, Faith, and Community with Judith Valente and Marianna Gatto 49:05

2M ago49:05

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Join us for a captivating conversation celebrating the vibrant tapestry of Italian and Italian American heritage. Our guest, Judith Valente, award-winning author of The Italian Soul, reflects on the contemplative spirituality, cultural traditions, and communal bonds that define Italian life. Guest host Marianna Gatto, Executive Director of the Ital…

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IAP 390 Federico Marchetti: Bridging Fashion, Technology, and Tradition 1:01:06

2M ago1:01:06

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From Ravenna to New York, the visionary entrepreneur reflects on innovation, identity, and the art of sustainable style. Visionary entrepreneur Federico Marchetti shares his remarkable journey from the quiet streets of Ravenna to the vibrant world of New York City. As we chat, he offers a vivid window into the Feast of All Feasts in Little Italy, d…

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IAP 389 Cristiana Dell'Anna on Naples, Mother Cabrini, and the Soul of Italian American Culture 1:00:22

2M ago1:00:22

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Cristiana Dell'Anna—celebrated for her cinematic flair and proud Neapolitan roots—brings vibrant energy to our latest deep dive into Italian American culture. We open with a whimsical idea: a Neapolitan-themed Sesame Street, setting the tone for a lively conversation that stretches from Abruzzo to Sicily. With humor and heart, we touch on everythin…

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IAP 388 Between Two Worlds: The Bello Bros and the Heart of the Italian Candian Story 1:25:09

3M ago1:25:09

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Experience the vibrant world of the Bello Brothers as they share their Italian Canadian upbringing and meteoric rise as TikTok sensations. Known for their humor and cultural insights, the brothers take us from the sun-drenched hills of Calabria to the cosmopolitan streets of Canada, reflecting on what it means to grow up between two worlds. Their e…

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IAP 387 Bridging Heritage and Academia: Italian American Identity with Dr. Fred Gardaphé 1:18:14

3M ago1:18:14

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Celebrated scholar Dr. Fred Gardaphé joins us in the studio to shed light on the vibrant tapestry of Italian American culture, identity, and scholarship. With warmth, humor, and memorable stories, Fred reflects on the moments that have shaped his journey—like how one of his books inspired our host's grandmother to embrace reading at the age of seve…

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IAP 386 Italian American Voices, the Hidden Threads of History with Don Caprio and Anthony Colombo 1:16:33

3M ago1:16:33

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What really happened on 9/11 when a New Jersey home became a frenzied trading floor as the World Trade Center went silent? Guest Don Capria takes us inside that day, connecting its ripple effects to Italian American heritage, family legacies, and the way history is remembered. From the golden age of radio to the rise of new media, we explore nostal…

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IAP 385 Brooklyn Bites and the Fight to Preserve Italian American Culinary Culture 1:15:38

3M ago1:15:38

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Can the charm of classic Italian American culture withstand the pace of a modern world? Giuseppe Falanga of Brooklyn Bites takes us inside beloved Brooklyn institutions like Ferdinando's and Bari Pork Store—businesses now threatened by the "Great Extinction" of traditional Italian shops. Through personal anecdotes and community stories, Giuseppe re…

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IAP 384 From Heritage to Hope: Exploring Italian Identity, Thalassemia, and Community Strength 46:11

3M ago46:11

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Have you ever wondered how your last name connects to your cultural identity? In this episode, hosts John Viola and Patrick O'Boyle, alongside co-host Dr. Marcella Martin, dive into the deep ties between Italian heritage and personal identity. The conversation takes a powerful turn with guests Janice Cenzoprano and Ralph Colasanti from the Cooley's…

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IAP 383 Summer in Portland: Food, Family, and Favor with Cathy Whims 1:11:18

4M ago1:11:18

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Join hosts John Viola, Patrick O'Boyle, and Dolores Alfieri Taranto as they welcome special guest Kathy Whims, acclaimed chef, restaurateur, and author of The Italian Summer Kitchen. Together, they dive into the joys of the Italian summer kitchen during a sizzling New York City heatwave. This lively conversation is a feast of humor, culinary wisdom…

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IAP 382 From Wedding Gift to Olive Groves 1:02:54

4M ago1:02:54

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Years ago, Laura and Pino Pugliano gifted bottles of olive oil at their wedding—never imagining it would inspire a thriving business. Our episode traces their heartfelt journey, where romance and tradition intertwine, from the charm of a small Italian town to the bustling enterprise they run today. As we explore their story, we also uncover the ric…

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IAP 381 Louie Lombardi and Don Capria on Film and Italian Cultural Legacy 1:04:33

4M ago1:04:33

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We step into the world of independent film with the release of Director's Cut, a project close to home, reflecting the passion, risks, and creative struggles that define the industry. Along the way, we explore the evolving landscape of streaming, AI, and the art of telling stories that stand out in an oversaturated market. One of the highlights of …

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IAP 380 Pastene the Italian-American Spirit with Mark Tosi 50:42

4M ago50:42

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From the bustling streets of New York City's Little Italy, we journey into the heart of Italian American culture—spotlighting Boston's unparalleled feast traditions. Special guest Mark Tosi, president and owner of the iconic Pastene brand, joins us to share the company's enduring legacy and deep ties to communities across North America. Together, w…

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IAP 379 Cherrye Moore on Art, Family, and Life: An American Mom in Southern Italy 1:03:09

5M ago1:03:09

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Join us for a vibrant and heartfelt conversation with Cherrye Moore—writer, art lover, and the self-proclaimed "Queen of the Cilento." In this lively episode, we dive into family dynamics, the joys and trials of parenting teenagers, and the cultural adjustments that come with raising a child in Southern Italy. As a docent at the Met, Cherrye brings…

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IAP 378 Discover the Hidden World of Bocce: Where Heritage Meets Heart 56:45

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Step into the world of bocce, a timeless Italian game where cultural tradition and competitive spirit come together—and discover how this beloved pastime has become a cornerstone of Italian American communities across the United States. Join us as we discuss the fascinating story of the game with the Bocce Bros and explore the personal histories an…

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IAP 377: Translating Identity: Steve Riggio on Sicily, Storytelling, & Il Beati Paoli 1:25:50

5M ago1:25:50

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Join us as we welcome the esteemed Steve Riggio, former CEO of Barnes & Noble, whose journey into Italian literature unfolds in our latest episode, recorded in the heart of Little Italy at Red Sauce Studio. Drawing on his deep Sicilian roots, Steve shares his passion for translating Italian classics, offering a rare window into the overlooked narra…

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IAP 376: Fostering International Connections Through Tradition and Innovation with Dawn Marie Hays 1:20:35

5M ago1:20:35

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What if the rich flavors of Italian American culture could speak the stories of centuries? This episode promises a delicious exploration of Italian American heritage, as John and Pat take you on a captivating journey through the heart of Little Italy in New York City. From the humorous mishaps with Sicilian garduna to the challenges of sourcing aut…

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IAP 375: Celebrating the 150th Annual Feast of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel in Hammonton, New Jersey! 1:04:03

6M ago1:04:03

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Join us as we journey through the vibrant world of Italian American feast traditions, focusing on the rich history and cultural significance of the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. This episode spotlights the oldest celebration of the feast in the United States, held in Hammonton, New Jersey. Louis Pantalone shares captivating stories about the I…

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IAP 374 Italian Canadian Gardening and Cultural Reflection with Anthony "The Young Nonno" 1:29:53

6M ago1:29:53

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This week, we're thrilled to welcome our special guest, Anthony—affectionately known as The Young Nono—joining us all the way from Toronto, Canada. Anthony brings a wealth of knowledge on agriculture, offering insightful tips on growing basil and how to prevent it from flowering in order to preserve its robust flavor. Our conversation delves into t…