We've been on a break for the holidays, but thought we would re-release our first Christmas Special Episode! Merry Christmas, Everyone!

Dive into the warmth of the season with our Christmas Special episode of Italian American Stories, where we unwrap the past through nostalgic newspaper articles.

In this episode, we bring you the story of a woman reliving a cherished childhood memory where she treks through a snowstorm, determined to reach her aunt's house for the beloved Feast of the Seven Fishes.

And, to add a touch of humor to your holiday cheer, we close the episode with a chuckle-worthy exploration of the top ten gifts for Italian American children. Spoiler alert: These gifts are entirely fabricated, but they'll leave you in stitches as we imagine a world where bambini unwrap the most unexpected surprises.

May your holiday season be filled with laughter, warmth, and the joy of shared memories.

In honor of Veterans Day, I’m joined by my husband Jared, a Marine veteran, as we pay tribute to Italian American hero Neil Iovino. Together, we explore Neil’s story, his bravery, and his remarkable service. Join us for this heartfelt episode as we recognize the courage and sacrifices of our veterans, reflecting on what their legacies mean to us and the Italian American community.

Get ready for a spooky, fun-filled Halloween special! In this episode, we dive into lighthearted stories of Italian Americans celebrating Halloween, from mischievous pranks to a woman balancing a pail of beer on her head, and even a mysterious creature lurking in a tree. Plus, Mom shares her favorite Halloween costume, and we reminisce about Halloween memories from my childhood. Join us for laughter, nostalgia, and a dash of Halloween spirit!

In this episode, we explore the tragic and mysterious story of 5-year-old Sammy Sabell from Denver’s Little Italy. In 1928, the close-knit Italian community came together to search for Sammy after he vanished. Despite their efforts, his body was discovered five days later, raising more questions than answers. Strange tips and events surrounding the case continue to baffle, making this story a haunting piece of Denver’s history.

In this special "Paesani Tales" segment, we share the life story of Crescenzo Vigliotta, as told by his great-grandson, Alexander. Crescenzo was a devoted family man who worked tirelessly to support his loved ones. Known for his generosity, especially to the church, Crescenzo left a legacy of hard work, love, and faith. Join us as we celebrate the life of this remarkable Italian American and the values he passed down through the generations.

In this episode, we chat with Danielle Fusco, a talented Italian American artist. Danielle shares how her deep connection to both creative expression and spirituality has shaped her journey. From her unique healing practices to her Italian heritage, we explore how her background influences her work. Listen as Danielle inspires us with her insights into the intersection of art, empowerment, and inner healing.

Danielle's biography and contact information.

Danielle Marie Fusco is a New York-based dancer, choreographer, aerialist, and shamanic healer with a diverse career. She is a dancer with Alessandra Belloni and I Giullari di Piazza and has performed & choreographed for Off-Broadway productions like *Tink*, *The Anthem*, and *The Vanity*. Danielle has appeared at prestigious events such as the NY Innovative Theatre Awards and NY Musical Festival. She has performed with renowned artist/companies like Dzul Dance, Noemi LeFrance, Graham 2, Luigi Jazz Dance Legacies, FINI Dance NY and many more. She participated in PEACE Grant and was awarded the Hupstate Circus Residency with Circus Culture. She was awarded The Italian Dance Award for "Best Dancer" at Fini Dance Festivals in Calabria Italy. Her performance in *Night of 1000 Stevies* was Time Out's #1 Critics Pick. She has also performed immersive art installations with Darrell Thorne. Currently, Danielle is focusing on contemporary productions of Southern Italian dance & shamanism and was a guest artist with Allegro Dance in Pittsburg debuting “Il Rituale”. Her artistry continues to leave a lasting impact on dance and community outreach.For more about Danielle, visit her website:  www.daniellemariefusco.com and she has 2 instagram accounts @american.strega and @daniellemariefusco

In this episode, we sit down with Anna Harsh, the founder and artistic director of Allegro Dance Company. As a professional dancer, award-winning choreographer, and author, Anna shares her passion for preserving traditional Italian dances. We explore her journey as an Italian American artist, her research trips to Italy, and how she uses dance to celebrate her heritage. Don't miss this inspiring conversation about culture, creativity, and the art of storytelling through dance!

In this episode, we sit down with Stephen Pishner, a proud Italian American with a deep passion for uncovering his family’s history. Stephen shares stories from his extensive research, which he’s turning into a book, and gives us a glimpse into the incredible journey of tracing his roots. But that’s not all—Stephen is also the frontman of the band Amici, and they’ll be performing on the red carpet during the Columbus Day parade in New York! Join us for a heartwarming conversation filled with stories of family, tradition, and the power of music.

In this episode of The Italian American Stories Podcast, we explore the fascinating life of Ann Corio, an iconic burlesque performer who became a star during the 1930s and 1940s. Known for her talent and charisma on stage, Ann’s career in burlesque made her a household name. But beyond her performances, she remained deeply rooted in her Italian American heritage, always putting family first.

We dive into her strong, traditional family upbringing and the incredible lengths she went to, like taking her mother back to Italy to reconnect with their homeland. Join us as we uncover the life of a woman who balanced fame with family devotion, preserving her legacy both on and off the stage.

Our Paesani Tale comes from Alexander in Rhode Island. Instagram handle @italianfarmusari

In this episode of the Italian American Stories Podcast, I sit down with Margaret Fontana, a dynamic leader who runs her own media company, hosts a podcast, and serves as the executive director of the New Jersey Italian Heritage Commission. Margaret shares her insights on the importance of preserving Italian American culture, and we dive into a heartfelt conversation about family traditions, heritage, and the future of our community.

Throughout the episode, Margaret also shares some wonderful stories from her own family, giving us a glimpse into the rich and vibrant world of Italian American life. Don't miss this inspiring discussion!

margaretfontanamedia.com

www.njitalianheritage.org/about

margaretfontanamedia.com

@margfontana
@mfmmedia

@italianamericangirl