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 resilience—lessons that have shaped Brandon's comedic path and resonate with anyone navigating the entertainment industry.

We explore the rich tapestry of Italian American traditions, from Sunday dinners filled with the aroma of homemade gravy to the lighthearted "art" of collecting espresso cups from our travels. Along the way, we pay tribute to the iconic comedians who paved the way with humor, humility, and heart.

Our chat blends family tales, cultural quirks, and comedy gold—from staged Atlantic City arrests to my father's legendary tomato-sauce stash—while reflecting on the value of preserving those moments that keep us grounded. From Mike's upcoming performances to nostalgic nods to comedy greats, this episode celebrates humor, heritage, and the bonds forged through laughter and creativity.

HIS SOCIALS:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mikemarinolive

Instagram: @mikemarinolive

TikTok: @mikemarinolive

X: @MikeMarinoLive

Youtube: @MikeMarinoLive

HIS WEBSITE:

https://mikemarino.net/

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 Italian American Museum of Los Angeles, offers her unique perspective—sharing the challenges faced by the museum, including recent acts of vandalism, while highlighting the enduring resilience of the Italian American community.

Together, we journey through personal and familial stories—memories of places like Margaret Hague and Bayonne Hospital, and reflections on the deep sense of belonging found in Italian American neighborhoods. We explore how faith, tradition, and shared meals nurture not only individual well-being but also the collective joy of community life.

The discussion also touches on the Benedictine spirit that informs Valente's writing and worldview—the balance of work, prayer, and leisure that continues to shape modern approaches to mindfulness and meaning. As we rediscover the roots of Italianità, we are reminded that these enduring values—slowness, presence, and togetherness—offer a vital antidote to the hurried pace of contemporary living.

WHERE TO BUY THE BOOK:

https://a.co/d/3qKAWdf

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/216748467-the-italian-soul

HER SOCIALS:

Instagram: @judithvalente_author

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JudithValenteAuthor

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, drawing playful contrasts with his hometown celebrations and humorously imagining a fusion of this street festival with New York Fashion Week. His story captures the search for belonging across cities—rooted in his formative years at Columbia Business School and his entrepreneurial triumphs in Milan, where he first married online technology with high fashion.

Federico recounts the challenges and innovations that defined his path at the intersection of fashion and technology. He pioneered Italian e-commerce, overcoming logistical hurdles while bringing Italian elegance into the digital age. His insights reveal a delicate balance between creativity and machine efficiency, as he champions the integration of AI with traditional craftsmanship to promote sustainability and preserve the longevity of luxury fashion.

Beyond business success—including the sale of his company for billions—Federico now devotes himself to initiatives that blend purpose with progress. His commitment to what he calls philanthropic industrialism reflects a desire to use innovation for good. Inspired by Giorgio Armani's harmony of creativity and discipline, Federico continues to shape the dialogue between culture, technology, and responsibility.

This conversation celebrates fashion, vision, and the enduring pursuit of meaningful creation in a rapidly changing world.

HIS SOCIALS

Instargam: @federicomarchetti

X: @fmarchetti

WHERE TO GET HIS BOOK

https://www.amazon.com/Geek-Chic-American-Dream-Italian/dp/B0DWLPDC4M

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 everything from the sacred Sunday pot of gravy to iconic places like "Sopranoland," tracing the indelible mark Italian culture has left on the American imagination. Cristiana's reflections on Southern Italy add both authenticity and emotional depth, making this episode as engaging as it is heartfelt.

Our journey through Naples moves beyond culture into the city's boundless culinary creativity. Listeners are treated to the chaotic charm of a true Neapolitan kitchen—complete with a turkey baster pressed into heroic service while crafting the perfect rum baba. This story captures the ingenuity and joyful improvisation that define Campania's spirit, showing how resourcefulness in the kitchen mirrors the resilience of its people. Along the way, we also explore the evolution of American identity, paying tribute to figures like Mother Cabrini as we weave together personal anecdotes and historical threads that celebrate a shared heritage.

The conversation then turns reflective, examining how Italian culture is portrayed in modern media—from the raw realism of Gomorrah to the poignant storytelling of The King of Laughter. We consider how film and television shape, challenge, and sometimes distort the Italian image abroad. With a nod to the global revival of Italian cinema, we close with cautious optimism for its continued recognition and artistic growth. Ending on a lighthearted note, we share tales of on-set meals and the laughter that binds us—reminding listeners that, through all its transformations, the Italian American legacy endures: rich in passion, creativity, and community.

HER SOCIALS:

Instagram: @cristianadellanna_official

Facebook: Cristiana Dell'Anna

X: @CrisDellAnna

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 engaging stories reveal how life as children of Italian immigrants has resonated globally, especially during the pandemic, offering a heartfelt and humorous look at the immigrant experience and the power of TikTok in shaping modern cultural storytelling.

Journey across time and borders as we explore historical reflections and sociopolitical landscapes — from the serene pace of Canadian life to the vibrant energy of New York City. Together, we unpack the evolving dynamics of immigration, the shifting ideal of the "American Dream," and the socio-economic challenges that shaped Italy during the euro's introduction and its lasting impact on migration patterns. Our discussion also savors the rich tapestry of Italian cuisine, tracing how traditional flavors have blended with global influences to create new culinary expressions. Through these threads runs the bittersweet narrative of migration, modernization, and the enduring quest for cultural belonging.

Join us as we celebrate the intersection of technology, creativity, and heritage, exploring how young Italians in North America are preserving their roots in an increasingly interconnected world. From the nuances of regional dialects to shifting perceptions between Europe and North America, the Bello Bros illuminate a world where old traditions meet new realities — capturing the evolving spirit of Italian identity across generations.

THEIR SOCIALS:

Instagram: @thebellobros

Youtube: @thebellobros

X: thebellobros

Snapchat: thebellobros

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 seventy. Together, we explore the delightful intersections of food, literature, and family traditions, while honoring the indelible mark Italian Americans have left on both the United States and their ancestral homeland.

Our conversation also delves into the challenges Italian American scholars face in bridging cultural heritage with academic pursuits. From dismantling stereotypes to embracing one's roots, Fred shares insights into the ongoing journey of weaving heritage into academic life. Beyond anecdotes, we spotlight the vital role of philanthropy in advancing Italian American studies and the ongoing efforts to preserve this cultural legacy for generations to come.

We expand the lens to consider the Italian diaspora worldwide, examining how heritage continues to flourish in communities across Argentina, Brazil, and beyond. With candor, Fred discusses the evolution of Italian American studies, emphasizing the importance of engaging younger generations and leveraging modern tools—like social media—to spark curiosity and connection. Join us for a lively and enlightening exploration that celebrates the complexities and joys of Italian American identity, academia, and community.

HIS BOOKS

https://www.thriftbooks.com/a/fred-l-gardaph/225367/?srsltid=AfmBOoqFR9f2dB61OX4m0ckifDpSPhW_owQWX6iBDHSBvAd-VX3jo_c9

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 nostalgia, generational shifts, and the mysteries that bind families together—stories laced with conspiracy, unsolved crimes, and the power of community activism. Don shares his unique perspective on how culture and technology intersect across time.

Together with Anthony Colombo, we revisit the Italian American Civil Rights League, challenge stereotypes about organized crime, and reveal the murky overlap of government, crime, and community. This episode is a layered journey through memory, resilience, and the enduring pursuit of truth and justice.

ANTHONY COLOMBO'S SOCIALS

Instagram: @anthonycolombolegal

HIS WEBSITE: www.colombobook.com

DON CAPRIA SOCIALS

Instagram: @doncapria

TikTok: @doncapria

Facebook: doncapria

X: @doncapria110

HIS WEBSITE:

www.onetencrew.com

www.colombobook.com

EVENTS: DARK EXPO oct 24 & 25

COLOMBO BOOK:

Colombobook.com https://www.directorscutmovie.com/store

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 reveals the urgency of preserving these cultural landmarks while painting a vivid picture of Brooklyn's changing landscape.

Our journey then extends beyond Brooklyn to Edmonton's Little Italy, reborn as Piazza Italia. Here we discovered rare kitchenware, indulged in authentic treats, and connected instantly with the local Italian community. These experiences sparked the creation of Brooklyn Bites, a social media brand built on passion for culinary storytelling, creative partnership, and the joy of turning personal interests into a thriving endeavor.

Together, we explore the importance of tradition, authenticity, and craftsmanship in Italian American food culture. From nostalgic meals in Brooklyn to culinary adventures abroad, our conversation underscores how storytelling and community support can keep heritage alive. With Giuseppe's infectious energy, we invite listeners to take an active role in sustaining these culinary treasures for future generations.

THEIR SOCIALS

Instagram: @brooklynbitess

TikTok: @brooklynbitess

Facebook: BrooklynBitess

X: Brooklynbites

Threads: @brooklymbitess

THEIR COOKBOOK:

https://found.us/creators/brooklynbitess?code=brooklynbitess&fbclid=PARlRTSAM6Yz1leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABpwE7OjQli2trmtR6389YHTZHAobTacHNxsVbSyOPpJnDrjHomR0DHlKQMcoq_aem_jysG8uf5UhHS02ua7TUUJQ