Discover the untold stories and rich heritage of Italian American baseball as we welcome Joe Quagliano, Chris Vaccaro, and Carmine Gangone from the Italian American Baseball Foundation. You'll learn how the foundation is creating a vibrant community through events like Italian American heritage nights at major and minor league stadiums across the nation. Tune in to hear about recent celebrations at iconic venues like Yankee Stadium and upcoming events in cities like St. Louis and Boston that are making a significant impact by supporting scholarships and baseball development.

Learn the inspiring journey of the foundation's scholarship program, which began with scouting trips to Italy and has since evolved into a robust initiative helping young Italian players train in U.S. colleges. Our annual gala has grown from a modest gathering to a celebrated event, attracting hundreds of attendees, including notable ballplayers and sports executives, encapsulating the sense of community and shared love for baseball. Through these efforts, the foundation is not only fostering young talent but also creating lasting bonds among attendees.

Explore the historical and cultural connections between Italy and baseball, from the origin story in Nettuno, Lazio, to the dynamics of building Italy's national baseball team. Hear about the unique experiences at Italian baseball stadiums, the joy of hosting youth clinics, and the foundation's future plans, including scholarships, equipment donations, and college opportunities for Italian natives. This episode is packed with heartwarming stories, historical insights, and exciting future prospects that promise to deepen your appreciation for Italian baseball.

What happens when family expectations clash with personal desires? In our latest episode, we explore the powerful influence of family values and identity within Italian American communities. From the intense pressure to uphold family honor to the warmth and security provided by close family ties, we uncover stories that highlight both the joy and the challenges of maintaining cultural traditions. We discuss poignant tales of relationships strained by family embarrassment and the enduring pride in family-run businesses that form the backbone of Italian American society. Join us as we share hilarious and heartfelt anecdotes about the unique quirks of Italian American life, such as the overprotectiveness of Italian grandmothers and the cultural oddities of failed summer camps. We welcome Theresa DeCubellis to the conversation, emphasizing the importance of community and resilience in achieving success. As we wrap up, we invite you to engage with our show by sharing your own stories, thoughts, and experiences. Stay tuned for more joyful celebrations of Italian heritage and a special update from Pat’s postcards from Omaha. Celebrate with us the enduring spirit of family and community that defines Italian American life!

We are thrilled to feature Lauren Braun-Strumfels, the brilliant author of "Partners in Gatekeeping," who shares her fascinating journey into Italian culture and immigration. Together, we uncover the allure and complexity of Italian culture, drawing parallels to Lauren's personal experiences and discussing cultural obsessions that shape our lives. From Arthur Schwartz's Neapolitan cooking to Jhumpa Lahiri's insights, this conversation is rich with reflections on the continuous pull towards understanding and integrating with Italian heritage. Our episode takes a deep dive into the history of Italian American communities in the American South, particularly New Orleans. Discover the significant role of port cities in Italian migration and the challenges faced by immigrants as they navigated socio-political dynamics and racial tensions. We also touch on the Italian government's efforts in managing immigration and maintaining cultural connections for Italian children born abroad. Through historical narratives and personal reflections, this episode offers a comprehensive look at the Italian American experience and the enduring impact of Italian culture on both sides of the Atlantic.