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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.

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In this engaging conversation, Bob Sorrentino interviews Mimma Scinardo from Taormina, Sicily, exploring the rich history, culture, and culinary delights of the region. Mimma shares insights on the best times to visit, the unique attractions of Taormina, and the significance of Sicilian identity. She also discusses her journey in running a bed and breakfast and her passion for helping visitors connect with their roots in Sicily.

• Taormina is a historic city with a rich cultural heritage.
• Spring and autumn are the best times to visit Sicily.
• The ancient theater and public gardens are must-see attractions in Taormina.
• Sicilian identity is strong, with locals identifying as Sicilian first.
• Mimma runs a bed and breakfast, offering personalized experiences for guests.
• Sicilian cuisine features unique dishes like arancini and almond wine.
• Mimma's book provides a guide for American tourists visiting Sicily.
• The local community is close-knit, celebrating important events together.
• Mima teaches cooking classes, sharing traditional Sicilian recipes.
• Direct flights from New York to Catania make travel to Sicily easier.

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

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In this conversation, Bob Sorrentino interviews Charlie and Steve Bongiorno about their Italian roots and family history. They share stories of their ancestors' immigration to the United States, cultural traditions, language, and personal experiences in Stromboli. The discussion highlights the transformation of Stromboli from a primitive island to a celebrity destination, reflecting on the changes over generations. In this engaging conversation, the speakers share their experiences of living in Italy, exploring their cultural roots, and reflecting on family heritage. They discuss the challenges and joys of adapting to a new culture, the significance of family connections, and the fascinating stories that shape their identities. The dialogue highlights the importance of understanding one's ancestry and the impact of cultural immersion on personal growth.

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In this engaging conversation, jazz singer Vanessa Racci shares her journey of exploring her Italian heritage and how it intertwines with her passion for jazz music. From her family's roots in Puglia to her experiences growing up in New York, Vanessa reflects on the rich history of Italian Americans in jazz and the importance of preserving this cultural legacy. She discusses her musical projects that aim to revive Italian classics through jazz arrangements and highlights the significance of family traditions and food in shaping her identity. The conversation also touches on the broader context of Italian American culture and the unique experiences of Italian immigrants in the United States.

https://vanessaracci.com/

Sound Bites

• "I had family from Puglia."
• "I wanted to keep his memory alive."
• "I wanted to reinvent the Italian classics."
• "There’s such a rich history."
• "I love it. I'm able to do what I love."
• "I think it’s deeper than that."
• "I think it’s magical."

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In this conversation, Bob Sorrentino engages with Dr. Gilda Rorro and Dr. Mary Rorro, a mother-daughter duo, to explore their Italian heritage and the significance of family roots. They share personal stories of immigration, the importance of reconnecting with their Italian roots, and the generational differences in experiencing Italian identity. The discussion also highlights the role of food in Italian culture, the challenges of preserving heritage for future generations, and the contributions of Italians to American culture. The Rorros emphasize the need for education initiatives to promote Italian heritage and ensure that future generations appreciate their cultural background.

NJ Italian Heritage Commission

Takeaways

• The importance of reconnecting with one's roots.
• Food serves as a vital connection to culture.
• Generational differences shape the experience of Italian identity.
• Preserving heritage is crucial for future generations.
• Education initiatives are necessary to promote Italian culture.
• Personal stories of immigration highlight resilience and struggle.
• Cultural contributions of Italians are often overlooked.
• Family gatherings around food foster community and love.
• Experiences in Italy can be life-changing and enriching.
• The warmth of Italian culture is a source of pride.

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

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The conversation explores the life and experiences of Rocco Scolamacchia, who grew up in Toritto, Italy, during the mid-20th century. It delves into his childhood memories, the impact of World War II on his family, the struggles of survival during difficult times, and the importance of family connections and genealogy. With his daughter Lisa the discussion highlights the cultural heritage and legacy that shapes their identities today. In this engaging conversation, the speakers delve into their family histories, cultural traditions, and the rich culinary heritage of their Italian roots. They share personal anecdotes about family gatherings, local customs like Baker's Night, and the challenges of tracing genealogy. The discussion also touches on the nuances of dialects in Italy, the significance of family names, and the importance of maintaining connections across generations. The speakers express pride in their heritage and the unique flavors of their hometown, highlighting the role of food in their cultural identity.

• Rocco left Torito at the age of 24 in 1960.
• Toritto had limited amenities during Rocco's childhood.
• World War II brought significant challenges to families in Torito.
• Rocco's father served as a guard for the King of Italy.
• Rocco's family experienced the effects of bombings during the war.
• Food scarcity led to black market activities during the war.
• Wild chicory was a common food source during tough times.
• Genealogy plays a crucial role in understanding family history.
• Family connections are deeply rooted in shared experiences.
• Heritage and legacy are important aspects of their identity. Family connections are deeply rooted in shared memories and traditions.
• Baker's Night is a cherished cultural tradition that brings families together during Christmas.
• Local delicacies, such as sausages, hold significant cultural value and are hard to find outside Italy.
• Genealogy research can be challenging, especially when accessing church records.
• Maintaining family ties across generations is essential for preserving cultural heritage.
• Dialect differences in Italy can create barriers in communication, even among Italians.
• Family names often carry deep significance and reflect personal histories.
• Culinary experiences are a vital part of cultural identity and heritage.
• The internet plays a crucial role in connecting families and preserving traditions.
• Pride in one's heritage is expressed through language, food, and family stories.

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

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It was an honor and privilege to interview Nobel Laureate Dr. Ignarro. From humble Italian roots to a breakthrough medical discovery. 

In this enlightening conversation, Dr. Lou Ingnarro shares his Italian heritage, family history, and the journey that led him to win the Nobel Prize in medicine. He discusses the significance of nitric oxide in health and medicine, its discovery, and its impact on various medical treatments, including Viagra. Lou emphasizes the importance of curiosity and education in pursuing a career in science, reflecting on his upbringing and the influence of his parents. The conversation also touches on the challenges of obtaining Italian citizenship and the personal connections to his roots.

• Lou Ingnato's family hails from Napoli and Sicilia.
• He was awarded the Nobel Prize in medicine in 1998.
• Nitric oxide is crucial for cardiovascular health.
• Curiosity played a significant role in Lou's scientific journey.
• Education can come from personal motivation, not just formal schooling.
• Lou's parents never attended school, yet they inspired his success.
• Nitric oxide has applications in treating erectile dysfunction and hypertension.
• Exercise and diet can boost nitric oxide levels in the body.
• Lou has visited Italy over 50 times since winning the Nobel Prize.
• He published a memoir titled 'Dr. No' about his life and discoveries.

• "I am known as the father of Viagra."
• "You can boost nitric oxide with exercise."
• "You need to be curious in life."
• "Curiosity is key to scientific discovery."
• "My parents never went to school."

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In this conversation, Bob Sorrentino interviews Anthony Taddeo from the Italian musical group Allaboara. They discuss Anthony's Italian heritage, family roots, and the traditions that shaped his identity. The conversation delves into the discovery of Italian folk music, the formation of Allaboara, and the cultural impact of their performances. They explore regional variations in Italian folk music, the instruments used, and the evolution of the genre. The discussion highlights the importance of preserving cultural practices and the audience's emotional connection to the music.

• Family traditions play a significant role in shaping identity.
• Italian folk music is diverse and rich in history.
• Allaboaro aims to preserve and revitalize Italian folk music.
• Audience reactions often highlight emotional connections to the music.
• Regional dialects in Italian folk music can be challenging for audiences.
• The importance of storytelling in performances is emphasized.
• There is a growing interest in reviving traditional practices in Italy.

Sound Bites

• "Italian culture has always been at the core of my identity."
• "There's so much more to Italian folk music than I thought.""
• "I felt so moved by the performance."
• "This project is really about preserving our culture."
• "Folk music speaks to the human experience."

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

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In this conversation, Bob Sorrentino interviews Phil DiNovo, the founder and executive director of the American Italian Heritage Museum. They discuss Phil's Italian background, the journey of Italian immigrants, the values and traditions that have been passed down through generations, and the importance of preserving Italian heritage. Phil shares insights about the establishment of the museum, community engagement, and the significance of collecting and preserving artifacts that represent Italian culture. The conversation highlights the contributions of Italian Americans and the need to instill a sense of heritage in younger generations.

Takeaways

• Phil's family has roots in Sicily, with grandparents immigrating in the early 1900s.
• The importance of hard work and frugality in Italian American families.
• Italian Americans have a rich cultural heritage that needs to be preserved.
• The role of family and community in maintaining traditions is crucial.
• Phil founded the American Italian Heritage Museum to educate and celebrate Italian culture.
• The museum offers various programs and events to engage the community.
• Italian Americans have made significant contributions to American history.
• Collecting artifacts is essential for preserving Italian heritage.
• It's important to ask family members about their stories and heritage.
• The conversation emphasizes the need for younger generations to appreciate their cultural roots.

Sound Bites

• "We have family all the way over to California."
• "Italian Americans, I think, are pretty good savers."
• "It's your job to teach the young."
• "We need to learn more about our heritage."
• "We owe them so much."
• "You never know who's going to walk through the door."
• "People don't realize that they're Italian Jews."

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

Support the show

Purchase my book "Farmers and Nobles" here or at Amazon.