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Join Bob Sorrentino in this captivating conversation as he dives into a heartfelt journey with Annette Gina and Ernesto, three lifelong residents of Corona, Queens! They share treasured tales from their childhood, family ties, and the lively spirit of community life in Corona. This engaging dialogue explores the rich cultural heritage of the Italian community, the influence of local politics, and the remarkable transformations within the neighborhood over the years. Through their personal anecdotes, they celebrate the essence of community, identity, and the enduring bonds of family and friends.

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In this engaging conversation, Bob Sorrentino interviews Egizia Santilli Brown, who shares her remarkable journey from childhood in Italy to her life in Canada. Egizia discusses her experiences growing up in a small Italian town, the vibrant festivals that marked her childhood, and the challenges of immigrating to a new country. She emphasizes the importance of community, family traditions, and the preservation of cultural identity through language and food. Egizia's passion for teaching Italian and sharing her heritage shines through as she reflects on her life and the lessons learned along the way.

• Her childhood in Italy was marked by simplicity and community, with shared resources among neighbors.
• Festivals in Italy were vibrant and community-oriented, with parades and celebrations that brought everyone together.
• Immigrating to Canada at a young age, Egizia faced the challenges of adapting to a new culture and language.
• She became a translator for her family and community, helping others navigate life in Canada.
• Egizia's experiences reflect the strong ties of family and community in Italian culture.
• The importance of preserving cultural traditions, such as food and language, is emphasized throughout her story.
• Learning Italian involves understanding the nuances of pronunciation and grammar, which can be challenging for non-native speakers.
• Egizia's passion for teaching Italian stems from her desire to share her heritage with others.
• The conversation highlights the differences between life in Italy and North America, particularly in terms of community and family dynamics.

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In this engaging conversation, Bob Sorrentino and Anthony Castelvecchi delve into the rich tapestry of Italian roots and genealogy. They explore personal family histories, the impact of immigration, and the significance of DNA testing in uncovering ancestral connections. The discussion also highlights the importance of traveling to Italy to connect with one's heritage and offers valuable advice for young people interested in researching their family history. Throughout the conversation, the hosts share anecdotes and insights that reflect the deep cultural ties and stories that shape Italian-American identity.

Takeaways

• The significance of last names in understanding family heritage.
• Exploring multiple regions of Italy can reveal diverse ancestry.
• Immigration stories provide context to family histories.
• DNA testing can uncover unexpected family connections.
• Traveling to Italy enhances the understanding of one's roots.
• Engaging with family members can yield valuable historical insights.
• Genealogy research often requires detective work and patience.
• Local communities in Italy can offer connections to family history.
• Understanding the historical context of immigration is crucial.
• Everyone has a unique story worth discovering.

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In this engaging conversation, Bob Sorrentino interviews director and actress Michelle Danner, exploring her journey from New York to Los Angeles, her film 'The Italians', and the importance of family and cultural heritage. Danner shares insights on acting, the significance of food in Italian culture, and her experiences in filmmaking, emphasizing the need for actors to learn their craft. The discussion also touches on personal stories about family, love, and the creative process behind her films.

• New York accents can add depth to characters.
• The film 'Italians' explores family love and forgiveness.
• Michelle's great-grandmother influenced her deeply.
• Food plays a central role in Italian family gatherings.
• Acting requires learning and understanding the craft.
• Shooting on film offers a unique experience.
• Cultural heritage shapes storytelling in film.
• Family dynamics can be both chaotic and loving.
• The importance of finding one's audience in film.
• Art and heart are intertwined in creative expression.

The craft of acting is as alluring as it is mysterious, and it takes a being of great passion, insight, and determination in order to succeed.  But to teach acting – to inspire creative souls to successfully harvest those tools – requires an even greater commitment, to bring out the best in each and every actor one encounters.

            That passion and commitment are the hallmarks of the career of filmmaker, acting coach, and performer Michelle Danner, for decades one of the industry’s most respected and successful teachers, and now a successful director who continues to grow and expand her creative universe, hoping to set an example for her students and peers.  “The important thing is to keep growing as an artist, to keep raising the bar for yourself,” explains Danner.  “In order to be passionate, you have to keep expanding, you have to keep growing, you have to keep pushing yourself.”

For Danner that meant the release of the courtroom drama “Miranda’s Victim” in 2023, wrapping production on the comedy “The Italians,” and beginning production on a new film in Italy. 

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In this engaging conversation, Bob Sorrentino speaks with Tom DeSimone about their Italian roots, family histories, and the fascinating stories that come from tracing ancestry. They discuss the importance of talking to older family members, the challenges of genealogy research, and the cultural connections that shape their identities. Tom shares personal anecdotes about his family's migration to America, the role of churches in accessing historical records, and the surprising discoveries he made while researching his lineage. The conversation also touches on the significance of language and the desire to reconnect with Italian heritage through travel and learning.

• Talk to the oldest people in your family for insights.
• Genealogy research can reveal surprising family connections.
• Churches can be valuable resources for historical records.
• Family names often repeat across generations, complicating research.
• Traveling to Italy can deepen your connection to your roots.
• Understanding family migration patterns is crucial in genealogy.
• Language plays a significant role in cultural identity.
• Recording family stories can preserve history for future generations.
• Asking the right questions is key in genealogy research.
• Family traditions and stories shape our understanding of identity.

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In this engaging conversation, Bob Sorrentino interviews Frank Ingrasciotta, the creator of 'Blood Type Ragu,' exploring themes of Italian heritage, family dynamics, and the immigrant experience. Frank shares his family's journey from Sicily to America, the challenges they faced, and the cultural nuances that shaped his identity. The discussion delves into the importance of storytelling in preserving family history, the differences in food traditions, and the emotional impact of reconnecting with family in Sicily. Frank's experiences highlight the resilience of immigrant families and the rich tapestry of Italian-American culture.

• Frank is the son of Sicilian immigrants from Mazzara del Vallo, Sicily.
• His family came to America in 1949 after World War II.
• Frank's father was born in America but returned to Sicily as a child.
• His mother struggled with homesickness after moving to America.
• Frank visited Sicily at the age of seven, gaining insight into his mother's life.
• He reconnected with family in Sicily after years of separation.
• Frank's one-man show, 'Blood Type Ragu,' explores his family stories.

ABOUT THE SHOW

Blood Type: RAGU is a hilarious and heartfelt coming-of-age story. A one-man play exploring a first-generation immigrant child’s delicate dance between searching for identity, embracing Sicilian roots, and understanding forgiveness. Writer/Performer Frank Ingrasciotta gives a tour-de-force portrayal of over 20 characters who live, love, and laugh, in this fast-paced journey that is not just a comedy, not just a drama — It’s family — and we all have one! 

ABOUT FRANK

FRANK INGRASCIOTTA (writer/performer) Acting: Original Off-Broadway production of Godspell, Valley of the Dolls, Three Postcards, What Would Nora Ephron Say?, Dinner at 8, Edgar Degas in The Girl in the Blue Armchair, and the Pharaoh in Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at Lincoln Center. TV: Five years as Rene Buchanan’s head maître d’ on One Life to Live, other recurring roles on The Guiding Light, All My Children, ABC Afterschool Specials, and The Equalizer. Film: Featured roles in the award-winning SAG films Figs for Italo and Brooklyn in July directed by Bob Celli, presently touring the film festival circuit. 

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In this conversation, Bob Sorrentino interviews Pasquale Pacicca from visit Reggio Calabria, discussing the rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and culinary delights of the region. They explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on tourism, the importance of genealogy, and the unique experiences Calabria offers compared to other Italian regions. Pasquale shares personal anecdotes and insights into the hospitality and genuine nature of Calabrian people, emphasizing the need for accurate information when researching family connections.

• Calabria boasts an unspoiled coastline and rich landscapes.
• The region is known for its genuine culinary traditions.
• Hospitality in Calabria is deeply rooted in its history.
• Calabria has significant Greek historical influences.
• Post-pandemic tourism in Calabria faces unique challenges.
• Genealogy research requires accurate information to be successful.
• Many villages in Calabria are experiencing depopulation.
• Calabrian cuisine is heavily influenced by local fish and agriculture.
• Cultural heritage is a vital aspect of Calabria's identity.
• Personal experiences shape the understanding of Calabria's true essence.

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In this conversation, Bob Sorrentino interviews Tess Martin, who shares her journey of exploring her Italian heritage and family history. Tess discusses her background, her family's migration from Italy to America, and the unique visa that allowed her to live in the Netherlands. She delves into her genealogical research, uncovering family secrets and connections that reveal the complexities of her ancestry. The conversation highlights the importance of historical context in understanding family migration and the personal stories that shape our identities. In this conversation, Tess and Bob Sorrentino delve into the intricacies of family history research, exploring the challenges and rewards of uncovering ancestral roots. They discuss the significance of cultural heritage, the complexities of women's stories in genealogy, and the impact of nobility on family narratives. The conversation also touches on the economic decline of small towns and the thrill of the genealogical hunt, emphasizing the importance of persistence in research.

Sound Bites

• "You can Google the DAFT visa."
• "We found a document that changed our search."
• "The word mega in Genovese means medicinal."
• "Just start Googling stuff. Stuff shows up."
• "You have to come back in six months."
• "I want to know how these people lived."
• "It's fascinating to see what you see."
• "They still hold on to it, yeah."
• "It's a treasure hunt, you know."

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In this conversation, Bob Sorrentino interviews Dominic Arresta, a young Italian American who has recently embarked on a journey to uncover his family history. Dominic shares his experiences of discovering his roots, the challenges he faced, and the importance of preserving family stories and cultural heritage. He discusses the role of technology in genealogy, the significance of connecting with relatives in Italy, and the impact of his findings on his identity. The conversation highlights the excitement of exploring one's ancestry and the value of keeping traditions alive for future generations.

• "I built a family tree and found a bunch of interesting documents."
• "I found a bunch of newspaper articles."
• "I wish I would have done it earlier."
• "It's nice to still have some contact with them over there."
• "I think we’re chosen in some way to do that."
• "The resources are out there."
• "It's so difficult to just read the old Italian cursive."

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In this conversation, Bob Sorrentino interviews Paula Gambarota, an associate professor at Rutgers University, about her Italian roots, family history, and the impact of immigration on identity. They discuss the historical context of American Naples during WWII, and personal stories from that era. Paula shares her research on the occupation of Naples and her future projects, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and storytelling.

Turnkey. The only thing you’ll lift are your spirits.

Support the show

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