In this episode of The Italian American Podcast, John and Pat welcome Erma Camporese —the self-styled "Queen of Graham Avenue" and "Love Doctor"—for a wide-ranging conversation steeped in neighborhood humor, inherited customs, and the unmistakable rhythm of Italian American life. What begins with tenants, cash rent, and "favorite tenant status" quickly becomes a vivid portrait of how close-knit communities transmit culture through stories, sayings, and shared memory.

Erma explores the world of malocchio as she learned it from her mother—its gestures, warnings, and protective rituals—arguing that the "evil eye" is more than superstition, with roots in Southern Italy and Eastern Christian tradition. Told with warmth and wit, these stories balance laughter with a serious respect for practices often misunderstood or dismissed.

The conversation then turns to Italian American mourning culture: "doom patrol" phone trees, funeral flower hierarchies, chapel politics, and ritual phrases like "she looks like she's sleeping." Along the way, Irma reflects on how her corner-of-the-neighborhood presence evolved into matchmaking and advice-giving, and why being the "Love Doctor" is ultimately about tending to souls, not just romance.

HER SOCIALS

Instagram: @ermacamporese

TikTok: @ermacamporese

HOSTS:

John Viola

Patrick O'Boyle

SPECIAL GUEST:

Erma Camporese

PRODUCED BY: Nicholas Calvello-Macchia

This holiday episode finds hosts John Viola, Patrick O' Boyle, Dr. Marcella Martin welcoming "La Befana" for a funny, warm conversation about the Epiphany gift-giver and Italian holiday traditions. The banter centers on coal, "naughty lists," and the idea that Befana—not Santa—was historically the one who brought gifts in many Italian homes.

Befana explains her roots in older seasonal and pagan imagery—sweeping out the old year and welcoming renewal—later blended with the Christian Epiphany story of the Magi on January 6. John and the gang touch on the liturgical calendar, modest stocking traditions of tangerines, sweets, and "sugar coal," and the Italian notion of bella figura as respect and preparedness rather than mere fashion.

The episode turns hands-on as Befana makes pasta, shares regional lore from Puglia and Sardinia, and swaps gifts with the hosts. It closes with a call for Italian Americans to keep their language and traditions alive through family rituals, children's activities, and community—using Befana as a joyful way to carry culture forward.

HOSTS:

John Viola

Patrick O'Boyle

Dr. Marcella Martin

SPECIAL GUEST:

La Befana (Viviana Altieri)

PRODUCED BY:

Nicholas Calvello-Macchia

This episode of the Italian American Podcast offers a rich and intimate look at the enduring legacy of women religious through a conversation with Sister Helen Sanchez, with hosts Patrick O'Boyle and Marianna Gato. Centered on the Religious Teachers Filippini—an Italian-founded order devoted to the education of girls and women—the episode blends personal vocation, immigrant history, and Catholic education into a single, compelling narrative.

Sister Helen recounts her path to religious life as a Puerto Rican woman entering an Italian order, and her years teaching in Italian-American parishes across New Jersey, Ohio, and beyond. The discussion explores how ethnic religious communities shaped Catholic schooling—preserving language, music, and devotion while adapting to new immigrant populations. These institutions emerge not merely as schools, but as cultural anchors for successive generations.

The conversation also honors the often-unseen heroism of the Filippini Sisters, from their educational mission to their wartime courage, including efforts to shelter Jews during World War II and the scholarly legacy documenting that work. Personal stories of sisterhood, aging communities, and vocational discernment are woven together with festive traditions, underscoring how faith, culture, and memory endure. Warm, thoughtful, and deeply human, this episode is a tribute to women religious and their quiet but lasting imprint on the Italian American story.

HOSTS:

Patrick O'Boyle

Marianna Gatto

SPECIAL GUEST:

Sister Helen Sanchez

PRODUCED BY: Nicholas Calvello-Macchia

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 connecting with fans and celebrating the holiday film season.

Cupo explains that while he began his career primarily as an actor, his work has increasingly shifted toward producing over the past decade. He attributes this change to Hallmark's high volume of productions, which naturally creates ongoing opportunities to develop and produce Christmas-themed romantic comedies.

He describes Hallmark movies as intentionally simple, uplifting, and designed to provide comfort and escapism without heavy themes. The discussion expands to the broader appeal of predictable, feel-good entertainment, contrasting it with the frustrations of modern streaming platforms and expressing nostalgia for a simpler television era. The segment concludes with Cupo noting that acting was not his original goal and that he entered the industry gradually through classes and small early roles.

HIS SOCIALS:

Instagram: @antoniocupo

X: antoniocupo

HOSTS:

Patrick O'Boyle

Marianna Gatto

SPECIAL GUEST:

Antonio Cupo

PRODUCED BY: Nicholas Calvello-Macchia

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 identities far beyond Italy's borders.

The discussion highlights core values that emerged from the Italo–South American experience, including strong family loyalty, resilience, pride in heritage, a deep connection to cuisine, and a disciplined work ethic. Passed down through generations, these traits continue to influence mindset, ambition, and personal standards in countries such as Argentina, Brazil, and Venezuela.

The episode also examines how social media is reconnecting diaspora communities, creating new ways to share history, preserve traditions, and build cultural bridges between Italy and its global descendants. This conversation ties directly into Anthony's work with Oriundi, an Instagram platform he founded to connect the Italian diaspora through cross-cultural, multilingual storytelling and original educational content.

HIS SOCIALS Instagram: @oriundi_

Youtube: @oriundigroup

TikTok: @oriundi_

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/oriundigroup

HOSTS:

John Viola

Patrick O'Boyle

SPECIAL GUEST:

Anthony Castelvecchi

PRODUCED BY:

Nicholas Calvello-Macchia

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 approach of our 400th show. It's a whirlwind of anecdotes, insights, and nostalgia for how it all began.

Amid the laughter, we turn to the heart of Italian American life with co-hosts John Viola, Patrick O'Boyle, and Dolores Alfieri Taranto. Our unscripted conversations span family traditions, the quest for the perfect rum cake, and the small but meaningful rituals that keep cultural identity alive. From humorous community stories to reflections on media portrayals, we explore how Italian American heritage continues to evolve while staying rooted in what matters most. Whether you love the bustle of dinner dances or prefer quiet nights at home, there's something here for every listener charting their own path through a changing cultural landscape.

From unexpected anniversary interruptions to the deep gratitude we feel for the bonds forged along the way, this episode becomes a celebration of resilience, humor, and shared experience. We revisit family dynamics, societal observations, and a fair share of comedic mishaps, marveling at the journey that carried us to this moment. As we toast to a decade of podcasting, we offer heartfelt thanks to our listeners and the vibrant community that continues to grow with us—proof that the adventure is far from over.

HOSTS:

John M. Viola

Patrick O'Boyle Dolores

Alfieri Taranto

PRODUCER: Nicholas Calvello-Macchia

DOLORES SOCIALS:

Instagram: @dolores_alfieri_taranto

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 carving out a niche and translating the American market to Italian partners. Through humor and candid reflection, Anello shows how authenticity can thrive even in the most complicated spaces.

Criticism, he reminds us, is inevitable—but often a sign that something is working. Drawing on ventures like Forking Tasty and his new Red Sauce project, Jason highlights the creative spark at the center of his work and the unexpected encouragement hidden in the reactions of so-called haters. From Paisani Pops, those pocket-sized Italian American lollipops, to the tradition of gifting homemade limoncello, our conversation celebrates the joy of making, sharing, and expressing cultural identity.

We travel from Italy's agricultural heritage to America's beloved red-sauce joints, reflecting on family roots in Lazio, the enduring charm of classic eateries, and the challenges they face today. Whether discussing design, hospitality, or the soul of a neighborhood restaurant, Anello underscores the lasting importance of genuine interaction and thoughtfully crafted experiences. The result is a heartfelt journey through tradition, innovation, and community—an ode to the creative spirit at the center of Italian American life.

HIS SOCIALS:

Instagram: @forkingtasty

Instagram: @janello

HIS WEBSITE:

https://www.theredsaucemap.com/

HOSTS:

John Viola

Patrick 0'Boyle

SPECIAL GUEST:

Jason Anello

Producer:

Nicholas Calvello-Macchia

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 between his northern heritage and the traditions of Southern Italian America, offering a fresh perspective on the diversity within the community.

We discuss the creative process behind some of Danilo's most notable works, from Vatican restoration to luxury swimming pools adorned with intricate designs. He describes the discipline required under Vatican protocols, the technical challenges of creating mosaics for submerged environments, and his pioneering project in Geneva—all accomplished in a pre-internet era that demanded ingenuity and experimentation.

The conversation also ranges into the imaginative and the aspirational, from the idea of a mosaic on the moon to Danilo's vision of opening a school dedicated to the craft. Throughout, we celebrate the enduring influence of Italian artistry and invite listeners to connect with Danilo on social media to experience his remarkable work firsthand.

HIS SOCIALS

Instagram: @artandmosaics

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

HIS WEBSITE: https://artandmosaics.com/

HOSTS: Patrick O' Boyle

Marchella Martin

Brandon Ficara

PRODUCER: Nicholas Calvello-Macchia