As we close the year and welcome the holiday season, Crave Italy presents the Season 7 finale—an episode filled with gratitude, tradition, and meaningful connection.

Hosted by Samantha Ferro, this special episode marks our final gathering before Christmas and the close of an unforgettable season.

We are honored to welcome back Viola Buitoni, celebrated chef, educator, and food writer, who prepares festive amaretti with almonds and pistachios, a recipe full of warmth, memory, and the spirit of Christmas.

The episode also features L'Angolo della Lingua Italiana with Arianna, celebrating the beauty of the Italian language, followed by a gentle mindfulness meditation with Coach Bruce Kittle—a perfect pause during this busy and reflective season. Season 7 has been a journey of inspiring voices, powerful stories, and deep cultural connections.

We are grateful to our guests, partners, and community for sharing this year with us.

Presented in partnership with: Consulate General of Italy in San Francisco Italian Cultural Institute (IIC) San Francisco Crave Italy Instagram: @crave.show TikTok: @craveitaly Website: craveshow.com Styling: Samantha Ferro styled by Alice Becker – alicebeckerinc.com Special Thanks: Mona Lisa San Francisco – monalisasf.com

🇮🇹 🇺🇸 About Crave Italy Crave Italy is a bilingual platform celebrating Italian language, culture, heritage, and innovation worldwide. ✨ Ci vediamo presto!

Stay tuned for Season 8 coming in 2026. Buone feste a tutti!

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/matrika/our-summer Night Dancer: Alex MakeMusic

Crave Italy: Celebrating tradition, heritage, and culture, while embracing a visionary look toward the future.

In this episode, host Samantha Ferro is joined by Viola Buitoni, a celebrated chef instructor and food writer, who shares her passion for Italian cuisine. Just in time for the holidays, Viola brings the flavors, stories, and warmth that make Italian food so special. 🍝

Next, we meet Maximilian Maksutovic and Praful Mathur, co-founders of Sarama — a smart collar that helps reveal how dogs feel, think, and communicate. Pre-order yours at www.withsarama.com

🐾 Presented in partnership with: Consulate General of Italy in San Francisco Italian Cultural Institute (IIC) San Francisco

Special acknowledgment to L'Angolo della Lingua Italiana with Arianna, in collaboration with the Consulate, for their dedication to promoting Italian language and culture throughout the Bay Area.

Crave Italy: Instagram: @crave.show TikTok: @craveitaly Website: https://craveshow.com Styling: Samantha styled by Alice Becker – alicebeckerinc.com Special Thanks: Mona Lisa San Francisco – monalisasf.com

🇮🇹 🇺🇸 About Crave Italy Crave Italy is a bilingual platform celebrating the Italian language, culture, and innovation worldwide.

💫 Subscribe to our channel to discover more stories connecting Italy and the world!

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/matrika/our-summer Night Dancer: Alex MakeMusic

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Maria Castellucci Moore — author, winemaker, and entrepreneur.

Maria is co-owner of Castellucci Napa Valley, a beautiful family estate rooted in Italian heritage and celebrated for its exceptional wines.

She's also the writer of Sofia in Rome and other children's books, encouraging kids to explore the world mindfully through all five senses.

In this episode, Maria shares her journey — from her Italian-American roots to winemaking in Napa Valley, the creative parallels between crafting wine and storytelling, and how she keeps tradition alive while building a modern path.

Also featured is L'Angolo della Lingua Italiana with Arianna, a segment by Crave Italy dedicated to promoting Italian language and culture throughout the Bay Area in collaboration with the Consulate General of Italy in San Francisco.

Host & Producer: Samantha Ferro Presented in partnership with: 🇮🇹 Consulate General of Italy in San Francisco — conssanfrancisco.esteri.it 🇮🇹 Italian Cultural Institute of San Francisco — iicsanfrancisco.esteri.it Styling:

👗 Samantha styled by Alice Becker — alicebeckerinc.com Special Thanks:

🙏 Mona Lisa San Francisco — monalisasf.com Connect with Samantha Ferro: Instagram: @samanthaferro_official LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/samanthaferro Crave Italy Social: Instagram: @crave.show TikTok: @craveitaly Website: www.craveshow.com

💫 Subscribe to discover more stories that connect Italy and the world. Support Crave Italy: At Crave Italy, we're an independent podcast dedicated to sharing stories, culture, tradition, innovation, and the beauty of our language. Every contribution helps us welcome inspiring guests, celebrate heritage, and bring communities together.

Support here: https://www.crave-podcast.com/general-8 #CraveItaly #ItalianCulture #ItalianAmerican #PodcastLife #Winemaking #NapaValley #ItalianHeritage #SofiaInRome #Storytelling #IndependentPodcast #CulturalConnections #WomenInWine #childrenbooks Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/matrika/our-summer Night Dancer: Alex MakeMusic

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Maria Castellucci Moore — author, winemaker, and entrepreneur. Maria is co-owner of Castellucci Napa Valley, a beautiful family estate rooted in Italian heritage and celebrated for its exceptional wines. S

he's also the writer of Sofia in Rome and other children's books, encouraging kids to explore the world mindfully through all five senses. In this episode, Maria shares her journey — from her Italian-American roots to winemaking in Napa Valley, the creative parallels between crafting wine and storytelling, and how she keeps tradition alive while building a modern path.

Also featured is L'Angolo della Lingua Italiana with Arianna, a segment by Crave Italy dedicated to promoting Italian language and culture throughout the Bay Area in collaboration with the Consulate General of Italy in San Francisco.

Host & Producer: Samantha Ferro Presented in partnership with: 🇮🇹 Consulate General of Italy in San Francisco — conssanfrancisco.esteri.it 🇮🇹 Italian Cultural Institute of San Francisco — iicsanfrancisco.esteri.it Styling:

👗 Samantha styled by Alice Becker — alicebeckerinc.com Special Thanks: 🙏 Mona Lisa San Francisco — monalisasf.com

Connect with Samantha Ferro: Instagram: @samanthaferro_official LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/samanthaferro Crave Italy Social: Instagram: @crave.show TikTok: @craveitaly Website: www.craveshow.com

💫 Subscribe to discover more stories that connect Italy and the world.

Support Crave Italy: At Crave Italy, we're an independent podcast dedicated to sharing stories, culture, tradition, innovation, and the beauty of our language. Every contribution helps us welcome inspiring guests, celebrate heritage, and bring communities together.

Support here: https://www.crave-podcast.com/general-8 #CraveItaly #ItalianCulture #ItalianAmerican #PodcastLife #Winemaking #NapaValley #ItalianHeritage #SofiaInRome #Storytelling #IndependentPodcast #CulturalConnections #WomenInWine #childrenbooks

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/matrika/our-summer Night Dancer: Alex MakeMusic

Exclusive Interview with America's "Presidential Tenor" Christopher D. Macchio Hosted by Journalist & Producer Samantha Ferro

In this standout episode of Crave Italy, journalist and host Samantha Ferro sits down with internationally renowned tenor Christopher D. Macchio, whose powerful voice and Italian heritage have made him one of the most compelling performers of his generation. Christopher shares how his career first began—revealing the early influences, training, and defining moments that shaped his artistry from childhood to the world stage.

He reflects on his deep connection to Italian culture, the roots that inform his vocal style, and the passion that fuels his emotional approach to storytelling through music.

The conversation offers rare insight into some of his most remarkable milestones, including the profound honor of performing at the U.S. Presidential Inauguration and serving as the headline artist at the Official White House Dinner honoring His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, hosted by President Donald J. Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, and distinguished Cabinet members.

Together, Samantha and Christopher explore creativity, discipline, vocal mastery, and the responsibility of carrying Italian musical tradition into the modern era. Christopher also shares his hopes for inspiring future generations and closes with a special live vocal performance. This deeply engaging and elegant interview reflects the mission of Crave Italy: elevating stories that connect Italy and the world through culture, art, heritage, and human expression.

🤝 Presented in Partnership With Consulate General of Italy in San Francisco https://conssanfrancisco.esteri.it/en/ Italian Cultural Institute (IIC) San Francisco https://iicsanfrancisco.esteri.it/

Special acknowledgment to L'Angolo della Lingua Italiana with Arianna, in collaboration with the Consulate, for their dedication to promoting Italian language and culture throughout the Consulate General's Bay Area jurisdiction.

🔗 Connect Christopher D. Macchio – Official Website https://www.christophermacchio.com/

Host – Samantha Ferro Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samanthaferro_official/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samanthaferro/ Crave Italy Instagram: @crave.show TikTok: @craveitaly Website: https://craveshow.com

Styling: Samantha styled by Alice Becker https://alicebeckerinc.com/

Special Thanks: Mona Lisa San Francisco – https://www.monalisasf.com/

🇮🇹 🇺🇸 About Crave Italy Crave Italy è una piattaforma bilingue che promuove la lingua, la cultura e l'innovazione italiana nel mondo.

💫 Subscribe to our channel to discover more stories that connect Italy and the world.

Music of Christopher Macchio used with permission of artist Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/matrika/our-summer

In this special episode of Crave Italy, journalist and host Samantha Ferro celebrates the Week of Italian Cuisine in the World.

We're joined—directly from Italy—by Viola Buitoni, chef instructor, food writer, and passionate ambassador of Italian culinary tradition, who shares a beautiful recipe from Italy while filming outdoors, bringing an authentic touch of home to the episode.

The journey continues with L'angolo della lingua italiana with Arianna, followed by a warm and heartfelt segment featuring a mother and son — a family celebrating their Italian heritage through a cherished traditional dessert that connects generations.

🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | iHeartRadio

🌐 Learn more: www.craveshow.com

🙏 Special Thanks & Partners Consulate General of Italy in San Francisco 🔗 conssanfrancisco.esteri.it/en Italian Cultural Institute of San Francisco 🔗 iicsanfrancisco.esteri.it

✨ Stay Connected 📸 Instagram: @crave.show 🎥 TikTok: @craveitaly 🌐 craveshow.com 👗 Styling: Samantha — wearing Alice Becker https://alicebeckerinc.com/

💫 Subscribe to discover more inspiring stories that connect Italy and the world.

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/matrika/our-summer

In this special episode of Crave Italy, journalist and host Samantha Ferro celebrates the Week of Italian Cuisine in the World.

We're joined—directly from Italy—by Viola Buitoni, chef instructor, food writer, and passionate ambassador of Italian culinary tradition, who shares a beautiful recipe from Italy while filming outdoors, bringing an authentic touch of home to the episode.

The journey continues with L'angolo della lingua italiana with Arianna, followed by a warm and heartfelt segment featuring a mother and son — a family celebrating their Italian heritage through a cherished traditional dessert that connects generations.

🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | iHeartRadio

🌐 Learn more: www.craveshow.com

🙏 Special Thanks & Partners Consulate General of Italy in San Francisco 🔗 conssanfrancisco.esteri.it/en Italian Cultural Institute of San Francisco 🔗 iicsanfrancisco.esteri.it

✨ Stay Connected 📸 Instagram: @crave.show 🎥 TikTok: @craveitaly 🌐 craveshow.com 👗 Styling: Samantha — wearing Alice Becker https://alicebeckerinc.com/

💫 Subscribe to discover more inspiring stories that connect Italy and the world.

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/matrika/our-summer

In this in-depth Stanford conversation, we explore the newest scientific breakthroughs in aging and longevity.

Dr. Andrea Cipriano explains how cellular aging works, what epigenetic reprogramming could mean for future health, and how science is reshaping our understanding of time, well-being, and human potential.

Host and journalist Samantha Ferro opens the episode by welcoming both Iacopo Gori, journalist and Chief Director of Corriere della Sera, and special guest Dr. Andrea Cipriano, PhD, a Stanford School of Medicine expert in cellular aging and longevity. Samantha and Iacopo lead the conversation together, exploring how our cells age, the difference between chronological and biological age, the promise of epigenetic reprogramming, what early development reveals about longevity, and how culture shapes our understanding of aging.

In Partnership With Consulate General of Italy in San Francisco Italian Cultural Institute of San Francisco L'Angolo della Lingua Italiana with Arianna

🇮🇹 Per maggiori informazioni, visita i link qui sotto. Resources 🇮🇹 Consulate General of Italy in San Francisco – conssanfrancisco.esteri.it/en

🇮🇹 Italian Cultural Institute – iicsanfrancisco.esteri.it

🎧 Watch & Listen ▶️ YouTube | 🍎 Apple Podcasts | 🎵 Spotify | ❤️ iHeartRadio

🔗 Learn more: https://www.crave-podcast.com Follow Us Instagram: @crave.show TikTok: @craveitaly

👉 Subscribe for more high-level stories and interviews exploring culture, innovation, and the future of Italy and America. 🇮🇹❤️🇺🇸

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/matrika/our-summer

As we close Italian Heritage Month, Crave Italy celebrates the voices and traditions that unite Italy and the United States.

Journalist & Host Samantha Ferro welcomes two remarkable guests — Matt Maiocco, award-winning journalist and longtime 49ers Insider for NBC Sports Bay Area, and his cousin Col. Gary Gutowsky (USAF, Ret.).

Matt shares his journey through sports journalism — and opens up about his family, legacy of roots, and deep connection to Italian heritage. Gary reflects on tradition, service, and the values that connect generations across continents.

This episode honors the pride of being Italian-American — a story of roots, resilience, and community.

Stay tuned for L'Angolo della Lingua Italiana with Arianna, celebrating the beauty of our language and culture.

Links & Resources

Consulate General of Italy in San Francisco: conssanfrancisco.esteri.it/en/ Italian Cultural Institute of San Francisco: iicsanfrancisco.esteri.it

Learn more: www.craveshow.com

Watch & Listen

YouTube | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | iHeartRadio Instagram & TikTok: @crave.show

Subscribe to discover more inspiring stories that connect Italy and the world.

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/matrika/our-summer

We're continuing our celebration of Italian Heritage Month!

Journalist Samantha Ferro welcomes l'Onorevole Francesca La Marca with a heartfelt message and an inspiring conversation with Lorenzo Barbagelata, a proud Italian-American from San Francisco, carrying forward his family's legacy and love for Italian culture.

Stay tuned for L'Angolo della Lingua Italiana with Arianna, honoring the beauty of our language and traditions.

Special thanks to l'Onorevole Francesca La Marca and to everyone who continues to keep Italian culture alive in our communities.

🤝 Resources & Partners 🇮🇹 Consulate General of Italy in San Francisco – conssanfrancisco.esteri.it/en 🇮🇹 Italian Cultural Institute – iicsanfrancisco.esteri.it

📺 Watch & Listen ▶️ YouTube – Crave Italy 🍎 Apple Podcasts | 🎵 Spotify | iHeartRadio 🌐 www.craveshow.com

✨ Follow & Stay Connected 📸 Instagram: @crave.show 🎥 TikTok: @craveitaly 💫 Hosted by: Samantha Ferro

💃 Styling by: Alice Becker Inc. 🍝 Special thanks to: Monalisa Mare e Monti Restaurant

👉 Subscribe and stay tuned for more stories celebrating culture, language, and the connection between Italy and America.

🇮🇹❤️🇺🇸 Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/matrika/our-summer