Today, we dive into one of the most dramatic cases in Italian American history—the story of Maria Barbella, the first woman in America sentenced to die in the electric chair.

Maria's story is one of love, betrayal, and justice in 1890s New York. After being deceived by Domenico Cataldo, a man who promised her marriage but instead brought her shame and heartbreak, Maria took matters into her own hands. What followed was a sensational murder trial that captivated the press, enraged the Italian American community, and raised serious questions about justice for immigrant women.

In this episode, we explore Maria’s early life, her complicated relationship with Cataldo, and the fateful day that changed everything. With twists and turns that shocked the nation, Maria’s case is far from over. Stay tuned for Part 2!

Happy Valentine’s Day! In this special episode, we’re bringing you a collection of historical love stories—some sweet, some dramatic, and some downright scandalous!

First, we take you back to 1879 with a New York Herald article about Edward Zola and Adeline Ochetti, a real-life Romeo and Juliet who fled Italy for love—only for their romance to take a shocking turn in an American courtroom.

Then, we travel to 1900 Leadville, Colorado, where two Italian miners fought for the heart of the same woman, hoping to win her hand by striking it rich.

And finally, we wrap up with a heartwarming newspaper tidbit from Massachusetts that’s perfect for the holiday.

Join us for a mix of love, rivalry, and unexpected twists as we celebrate Valentine’s Day—Italian American style! 💌🎙️

In this special episode, we welcome the entire band Amici! While we previously spoke with lead member Stephen Pishner, this time, the whole group joins us to share their journey. We dive into how they came together, their experience performing at the 2024 Columbus Day Parade, and their future plans. Plus, each band member shares a personal Italian American story, making this an episode filled with music, heritage, and friendship. Don't miss this lively and heartfelt conversation!

Links below for Amici

[email protected]

amiciwv.com  

https://music.apple.com/gb/artist/amici/1536501155

https://youtu.be/U-Avf2eTLuU?si=SbyJUtgG6r-4n9ZX

In this episode, we dive into the extraordinary life of Joseph Bona, a prominent Italian American mortician in Denver, Colorado. From his humble beginnings in Chicago to becoming the trusted undertaker for Buffalo Bill Cody, Joseph’s story is one of ambition, dedication, and a touch of humor. Discover his journey to Colorado, his rise in the funeral industry, and his colorful life filled with lavish parties, charitable acts, and an enduring love for his wife, Margaret.

This episode is packed with fascinating details, including the story of Buffalo Bill's controversial burial and the unique charm of Italian wheat lights decorating the Bona home during Christmas.

Join us for this incredible tale of a man who left a lasting legacy in Denver and beyond!

In this episode, we uncover the story of Julius Cesar Carrera, or JC—a brilliant and largely overlooked figure in American history. An educator, mineralogist, professor, and pioneer in the mining industry of the western United States, JC also founded a college and gained worldwide recognition for his expertise. Join us as we bring his incredible accomplishments and contributions to light, exploring the life of an Italian American who shaped history yet remains underappreciated.

It’s time for another installment of Tales from the Archives! In this mini-episode, we dive into quirky and unexpected stories from old articles about Italian Americans. Hear about a man chased up a tree by a bull, two women furious over an unpainted kitchen, a heroic dog saving a family from danger, and a mysterious gunshot wound. These snapshots from history are too short for full episodes but too fascinating not to share. Join us for some quick, intriguing tales!

In this deeply personal episode, we share a story brought to us by Chris Massari, a follower on Instagram, about the tragic murder of his great-aunt Augustina Massari. Witnessed by her younger brother, Mario—Chris’s grandfather—the event left a lasting mark on the family. We explore the details of the murder, the trial, and how this tragedy has rippled through generations, shaping the lives of Chris’s family. Tune in for a heartfelt and gripping episode about loss, resilience, and family legacy.

Step back in time to 1930s North Denver’s Little Italy, where a shocking murder tested a family's strength. In this episode, we unravel the tragic story of Theresa Spanarella, who was killed by her jealous brother-in-law, Alex. The dramatic trial that followed revealed deep family conflicts, but despite the gravity of his crime, Alex served only a short sentence. Join us as we explore the impact of this devastating event on the family and the community.

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.