The Italian Radio Hour

This week on The Italian Radio Hour - I have the privilege of welcoming one of the most influential voices in Italian American studies: Anthony Julian Tamburri.A scholar, educator, administrator, and cultural advocate, Anthony has dedicated decades of work to elevating Italian and Italian American literature, cinema, language, and identity on the national and international stage.He is Distinguished Professor and Dean of the John D. Calandra Italian American Institute at Queens College, CUNY—an institution that has grown tremendously under his leadership. His scholarship spans more than 20 books, numerous edited volumes, and hundreds of essays on subjects ranging from semiotics to cinema, diaspora identity, and language politics. Anthony is also known for his work as a public intellectual—producing interviews, public programs, and cultural conversations that bridge academia and the broader Italian American community.Today we’ll explore his latest book, Gli Americani Italiani: cultura e società, a fascinating work—written entirely in Italian—that pushes us to rethink what we mean by “Italian identity” in today’s global, multilingual, and multicultural context. And of course, knowing Anthony, we can expect not only deep insights but also wonderful stories, vivid memories, and reflections on the past, present, and future of our community.To learn more about Anthony Tamburri's work, visit: http://www.anthonyjuliantamburri.org/#AnthonyTamburri #ItalianAmericanStudies #ItalianIdentity #DiasporaCulture #GliAmericaniItaliani#ItalianRadioHour #IstitutoMondoItaliano #ItalianAmericanCulture #StoriaItaloAmericana #Italianita #CulturaItaliana #ItalianAmericanHeritage #IdentityAndCulture #podcastinterview #AuthorInterview #ItalianBooks #LibriItaliani #CulturaESocietà #AcademicVoices #ItalianAmericanVoices #Storytelling #HeritageAndIdentity #ProudlyItalianAmerican #ItalianDiaspora #OurItalianStories #LaNostraStoria

This week on The Italian Radio Hour - Welcome to a special edition of The Italian Radio Hour, presented in collaboration with Istituto Mondo Italiano in celebration of the Week of Italian Cuisine in the World. This year, we invite you to travel with us beyond the well-trodden tourist paths and into the heart of ancient Italian food traditions—those flavors, stories, and techniques that many first-time visitors to Italy might never encounter, yet are among the most precious treasures of our culinary heritage.Today, we bring you to the extraordinary island of Sardinia, a land of rugged beauty, deep silence, age-old rituals, and a cuisine that is as tied to its landscapes as it is to its people.In the first half of the episode, we welcome Luca Floris, a young artisan and explorer who is dedicated to preserving one of the rarest pastas in the world: Su Filindeu — “the threads of God.” Only a handful of people on Earth know how to make it, and I was fortunate enough to spend three days learning this extraordinary craft with him. Luca’s journey intertwines tradition, adventure, Sardinian identity, and a deep personal philosophy beautifully expressed in his book Sa Sebaba Mea, dalla tradizione alle Mucadores.In the second half, we continue our exploration of Sardinia with Alessandra Guigone, author of the newly published Enogastronomic Encyclopedia of Sardinia, a monumental work that captures the island’s flavors, stories, rituals, landscapes, and cultural soul.So sit back, relax, and let us guide you into a world of ancient pasta, unforgettable landscapes, and Sardinia’s culinary wisdom.

This week on The Italian Radio Hour: PUGLIA, a culinary journey through the land, the ingredients, and the people with Flavia Giordano. We are traveling to Italy’s sun-drenched heel — la Puglia! — a land of whitewashed villages, olive groves, colorful markets, and centuries-old culinary traditions. Joining me is Flavia Giordano, tour guide, food educator, founder of Spaghetti ABC, and author of PUGLIA – A cooking journey through a land and its unique ingredients. In her book, Flavia takes us beyond recipes, revealing the story of ingredients, the rhythms of the land, and the rituals that shape Pugliese cuisine. To learn more about Flavia's tours and order her book, visit: https://spaghettiabc.com/#italianradiohour #puglia #discoverpuglia #FlaviaGiordano#SpaghettiABC #pugliabook #pugliacuisine #pugliesefood#cucinapugliese #italiancooking #italianfoodculture #italianingredients #regionalitaly #VisitPuglia #PolignanoaMare#apuliancuisine #madeinpuglia #italianfoodlovers #foodstories#CulinaryJourney #MediterraneanLifestyle #foodpodcast#italypodcast #authorinterview #womeninfood #foodeducation#CulinaryHeritage #foodtraditions

Today on The Italian Radio Hour, we step into a trulyinnovative corner of the culinary world—one where tradition meets transformation. Our guest is Tara Punzone, acclaimed chef, owner of the first 100% plant-based Italian restaurant in the United States Pura Vita, and author of the vibrant cookbook Vegana Italiana.Born and raised in a lively Italian family in Brooklyn, Taragrew up surrounded by the aromas, rituals, and deep cultural meaning of Italian cuisine. When she embraced a vegan lifestyle, she didn’t abandon those traditions—she reinvented them. With creativity, bold flavors, and respect for her heritage, Tara has crafted a culinary path that proves you can honor your roots while living in alignment with your values.Today we’ll explore her journey, her philosophy, andpractical strategies for anyone curious about plant-forward cooking—from stocking a vegan Italian pantry to reimagining iconic dishes like carbonara, meatballs, and cannoli without sacrificing taste, texture, or nostalgia.“Part love letter to Italy, part encyclopedia of plant-based technique, Vegana Italiana is a joyous celebration of food, family, and heart.#ItalianRadioHour#IstitutoMondoItaliano #VeganaItaliana #TaraPunzone #PlantBasedItalian#VeganItalian #ItalianFoodReimagined #VeganChef #PlantBasedLifestyle#ItalianCuisine #BrooklynItalian #CucinaVegetale #VeganCooking #VeganPantry#BoldFlavors #FoodHeritage #ModernItalianCooking #SustainableEating#VeganFoodLovers #CrueltyFreeCooking #MangiaVegano #ItalianTraditionsReinvented#CucinaItaliana

This week on The Italian Radio Hour - Today, we have a very special episode where history, family, and the sweet traditions of Italian pastry come together. We are joined by Robert Zerilli, whose family founded the iconic Veniero’s Pasticceria in New York — a beloved institution for over a century. Alongside him is Germana Valentini, an award-winning Italian journalist and author, who has chronicled Italian-American life and the story of Veniero’s in her work.Together, they will take us on a journey through generations of Italian heritage, the art of pastry-making, and how one family business became a cultural landmark. Whether you’re a fan of cannoli, sfogliatelle, pignolata or curious about immigrant stories, or just love a good tale of tradition and perseverance, this episode is for you.”#ItalianPastry #ItalianBakery #Venieros #EastVillageEats #NYCFoodie #ItalianDesserts #SweetTraditions #PastryLovers #OldNewYork #ItalianHeritage #ItalianFoodLovers#TheItalianRadioHour #PodcastEpisode #FoodHistoryPodcast #ItalianCulturePodcast #ItalianFoodPodcast #NYCFoodPodcast#franksinatra #BruceSpringsteen #CelebrityVisits #HistoricBakery #FamilyBusiness#foodielife #DessertLovers #Biscotti #CannoliLove #RicottaCheesecake #HistoricNYC #NYCFoodCulture

This week on The Italian Radio Hour: ABRUZZESE is a language, not a dialect What if you could finally say that what your grandparents from Abruzzo spoke wasn’t a dialect, but a language? How did the Abruzzese language develop, and what makes it unique?In this episode, I chat with Prof. Roberta D'Alessandro, Chair of Linguistics, Syntax and Language Variation, and Head of the Linguistics Division at Utrecht University. Originally from Abruzzo, she has devoted much of her research to studying what she calls the Abruzzese language — not a dialect.We explore:The development and characteristics of AbruzzeseThe linguistic and cultural differences between a dialect and a languageWhy this distinction matters for heritage, identity, and preservationIf you’re curious about the language your ancestors spoke or love Italian linguistic traditions, this episode is for you! We’d love to hear your stories and expressions — share what you grew up with!

Did you know that Triora is the village of witches? That Pacentro is the birthplace of Madonna's grandparents? That Spello hosts a yearly "infiorata"?This week on The Italian Radio Hour - 🎙️ Join us for an enchanting journey through Italy’s hidden gems with Fiorello Primi, President of I Borghi più Belli d’Italia. From mountain hamlets to coastal villages and centuries-old traditions, we explore the beauty, culture and stories of Italy’s most beautiful small towns—and how you can connect with your roots and travel differently. 🇮🇹• What does it take for a village to join this prestigious network?• How can American Italian-heritage travellers discover authentic Italy’s “borghi”?• What’s new for the year of root tourism and beyond?Tune in and travel with us—no passport required.To learn more about the most beautiful "borghi" throughout Italy, visit:https://borghipiubelliditalia.it/en/borghi/

This week on The Italian Radio Hour - I am delighted to welcome Gabriel Zuchtriegel, Director of the Archaeological Park of Pompeii. Born in Germany, Dr. Zuchtriegel is one of the youngest ever to hold such a prestigious position in the world of archaeology. His work has breathed new life into Pompeii, one of the most extraordinary windows into the ancient world. His recent book, The Buried City—Unearthing the real Pompeii, Zuchtriegel takes the readers beyond the ruins, offering an intimate exploration of the daily lives, struggles, and dreams of those who once inhabited Pompeii.From the quarters of enslaved people to the myths of Dionysus, from sexuality in antiquity to reflections on how archaeology connects with today’s society, Dr. Zuchtriegel invites us to see Pompeii not as a frozen city of the past, but as a place that continues to speak powerfully to our present.Link to: The Buried City—Unearthing the real Pompeii https://a.co/d/eN9ve0GPompeii: La Citta' Incatata (Italian): https://a.co/d/i7WahpJParco Archelogico di Pompeii: https://share.google/0ckP36Md9gne23PSv

This week on The Italian Radio Hour - Today we’re diving into one of my favorite topics: what it really means to pack up your life, cross the ocean, and start fresh in a new country. For some, it’s chasing a dream, for others it’s a leap of faith — but for everyone, it’s life-changing.Joining me today are two wonderful guests whose stories beautifully mirror one another in different ways.First, we have Caroline Chirichella, an American who followed her heart and her dream all the way to Italy. She’s built a new life here, navigating the challenges and joys of being a foreigner in Italy while also reinventing herself professionally.And we also have Simona Pappalardo, born and raised in Italy, who made her own journey to the United States. Like Caroline, she discovered that living abroad reshaped her career path, her sense of self, and even how she sees both Italy and America.Together, we’re going to talk about fears and opportunities, what it really takes to start over in a new place, and how both of them define the ‘Italian dream’ and the ‘American dream’ from their unique perspectives. Think of this as a conversation among friends — honest, curious, and maybe even a little surprising.”

Today, I am very excited to welcome back The Italian Radio Hour Katie Parla. Her passport might say “Born in the USA” but her soul belongs to Rome. No one knows Rome better inside and out as a food er, culinary guide, and bestselling author, Katie has spent the last twenty years eating, researching, and, let’s be honest, obsessing over Rome’s food culture.Her brand-new book, ROME: An Ode to Rome’s Food andCulture, is already available for preorder, and it’s packed with two decades of delicious discoveries.Now, since I’m also from Rome, I thought — why not put ourknowledge to the test? So stay tuned, because today Katie and I are going head-to-head in a little friendly competition: Who Knows Rome Better?”To learn more about Katie Parla's work, tours or preorder her latest book, visit: https://katieparla.com/

Today, I have the great pleasure of welcoming AntonioScasserra, Director of the MUVES – Museo delle Vestimenta inCampobasso, Molise. Unlike most museums, MUVES is not housed in an officialinstitution, but rather within the private residence of Antonio and his wife—atrue labor of love and preservation.The museum safeguards an extraordinary collection of traditional dresses,antique photographs, jewelry, and accessories, with a particular focus onthe symbolism and rituals surrounding the bride’s preparation for marriage,known as the Parentezza.Antonio and his wife themselves followed this tradition when they married,making their project not just cultural but also deeply personal. Their passionhas brought Molisan traditions to an international stage, most recently at the 2025Expo in Osaka, Japan, where the beauty and symbolism of these garmentsfascinated audiences far from Italy.We’ll explore how Antonio’s journey began, the meaning behind these traditions,and the importance of preserving them for future generations.Visit MUVES at: https://muves.it/#MUVES #Molise #ItalianTraditions #ItalianWedding #Parentezza#MuseoDelleVestimenta #ItalianCulture #ItalyUncovered #OsakaExpo2025#PreservingHeritage

Think you know Italians? Michelle Darren—actress, director, acting coach, and the creative force behind The Italians. Born to a Milanese mother and raised between cultures, Michelle has lived in New York and brings a unique lens to stories of identity, family,and what it means to be Italian and Italian American. She not only directed but also starred in The Italians, blending personal inspiration with universal themes. The Italians is available on Prime https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B0DZRDR5G2/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r#MichelleDarren #TheItaliansFilm #IndieFilm #WomenInFilm #DirectorLife #ActingCoach #BehindTheScenes #italian #milano #ItalianStories #ItalianAmerican #prosecco #spaghetti #betrayal #forgiveness #love #lifeBetweenCultures #HeritageAndIdentity #ItaliansBeyondClichés#MilanToNYC #ProudlyItalian

This week on The Italian Radio Hour: Isabella Dalla Ragione, known as Italy’s “Fruit Detective,” has spent her life uncovering forgotten varieties of pears,apples, figs, and cherries—sometimes by reading the brushstrokes of Renaissance paintings as botanical clues. Through her foundation Archeologia Arborea,she has revived hundreds of ancient fruit trees, safeguarding biodiversity and cultural memory for future generations.Today, we talked about your journey, the origins of Archeologia Arborea, and why preserving these ancient varieties matters not only to our past, but also to the future of food, and how everyone, especially the communities of Italians living outside Italy have an important role in preserving tradition, memory, and saving heirloom varieties.https://archeologiaarborea.it/

This week on The Italian Radio Hour - Today, I am joined by award-winning filmmaker Peter Miller, whose work has consistently brought stories of cultural icons, history, and the human spirit to the screen. In his documentaries from Sacco & Vanzetti, to Frank Lloyd Wright to the most recent “Marcella”, Peter often spotlights subjects whose lives resonate far beyond their own fields. In his latest work "Marcella", a documentary celebrating the life and legacy of Marcella Hazan, the Italian cook and teacher who revolutionized the way Americans understood and cooked Italian food, Peter captures not just Marcella’s extraordinary career, but also the warmth, determination, and passion that made her a beloved figure around the world.In our conversation, Peter shares more about the making of the documentary, the many layers to Marcella from her background as a scientist in Italy to her move to NYC and her reengineering Italian food with the ingredients available to her in the new world.Peter and his wife did have a personal encounter with Marcella. How did that work out for them?Tune in and find out yourself! You can watch "Marcella" at home on several streaming platforms. Please, visit: https://marcellafilm.com/watch/

BUON FERRAGOSTO a tutti from The Italian Radio Hour!In this week's episode, The Italian Garden Project and FIG FEST (Sept 14th) with Mary Menniti.Today, I’m especially excited to welcome someone I not only admire for her work but also know personally — Mary Menniti, the founder of The Italian Garden Project. Mary has made it her mission to celebrate and preserve the traditions of Italian-American backyard gardening, where food, family, and culture are all deeply rooted in the soil. Through her work, she has documented countless gardens, shared stories that connect generations, and inspired many to rediscover the joy of growing their own food. She’s also the mastermind behind Pittsburgh’s beloved Fig Fest, a delicious celebration of one of Italy’s most treasured fruits. Today, we’ll talk about Mary’s background, how this beautiful project began, how it has blossomed, and what’s next — along with a few memories from her own Italian-American upbringing.If you are in the Pittsburgh area, you can purchase tickets to FIG FEST on Sept 14th online at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/figfest-2025-tickets-1474749347999

This week on The Italian Radio Hour, we welcome Carmen Amato—an award-winning author whose gripping Galliano Club series brings the gritty world of Italian-American life during Prohibition roaring back to life. Carmen grew up in Rome, New York, surrounded by stories—especially those told by her grandfather, a deputy sheriff whose tales could rival any crime novel. But Carmen’s own journey is just as captivating—from small-town Italian-American roots to a career as a CIA intelligence officer, and now as a celebrated author. We’ll talk about how her heritage shaped her storytelling, how real-life experiences fed her fiction, and what she hopes readers discover about the Italian-American immigrant experience through her work.

This week on The Italian Radio Hour - What if learning a new language didn’t have to be a struggle? What if your brain already knew how to learn—if only someone could show you how to unlock it?Today, I am joined by Elisabetta Maccani, a neurolanguage coach from Trento, Italy, who blends neuroscience, coaching, and education to transform how we learn languages.Seen our common experience helping people learning Italian for decades, we talk about brain-friendly techniques, bust common language learning myths, and explore the emotional and cultural side of communication. Plus, Elisabetta shares how her Northern Italian roots and love of learning shaped her international journey.Whether you're a polyglot, a language learner, or just curious about how the brain works—this conversation will change the way you think about language forever.🎙️So, stay tuned for this mind-expanding episode!You can learn more about Elisabetta on her website: https://www.elisabettamaccani.com/

This week on The Italian Radio Hour: LivTours: Let your Dreams begin!Planning a trip to Italy? Travelling with children? Want a memorable trip? Concerned about overturism?This and much more in our conversation with Kristin Karstensdotter, co-founder of Liv Tours, the boutique tour company she launched in Rome with her husband, Angelo Carotenuto. Originally from the Nordic countries, Kristin’s journey to the Eternal City is a story of adventure, culture, and connection—one that led her not only to Italy, but to building a business that helps travelers experience the country in a deeply personal way. With their guiding motto "Let your dreams begin," Liv Tours is about more than sightseeing—it’s about creating meaningful, memorable moments. Warning: This episode might urge you to book a trip to Italy right away but not don’t worry! Not need to call a doctor. Call LivTours! No side effects expected, only long-term memories.https://youtu.be/J-dkpD0fYrwLivTours #Rome #italy #travelingwithkids

This week on The Italian Radio Hour - Few names evoke the enchantment of Italy quite like Frances Mayes. The best-selling author of Under the Tuscan Sun invited us all into her life in Cortona, a town she helped put on the literary map. Through her lyrical prose, we’ve wandered olive groves, savored local feasts, and rediscovered the meaning of home and belonging. Today, we welcome Frances back—not only as a beloved author and cultural guide—but as a newly honored Italian citizen. We’ll talk about her latest work A Great Marriage, dive into her early memories, explore what continues to inspire her, and hear what life is like at Bramasole these days—alongside her husband Ed and their award-winning olive oil.To learn more about Frances Mayes proliferous career, and enjoy her weekly newsletter, visit: https://francesmayesbooks.com/#books

This week on The Italian Radio Hour: Women of the Mafia with Prof. Felia Allum (University of Bath).Over the last twenty-five years, there has been a growing debate about the role of women in Italian Mafias. Prof. Allum's research challenges traditional narratives that portray mafia women solely as passive figures or victims. Instead, she explores their active roles within criminal organizations, whether as enforcers, financial managers, or silent power brokers. Through her work, she sheds light on how gender dynamics shape mafia structures and how women navigate these criminal worlds while also dealing with societal expectations.Prof. Allum has published extensively on the subject, including books and academic articles that delve into the intersection of gender, crime, and politics. Her research is particularly significant in the context of law enforcement efforts to dismantle mafia organizations, as understanding women's roles can provide new strategies for combating organized crime.https://youtu.be/mxa2cigMXvA