Welcome to another enchanting episode of La Befana's Table!

Dina is joined once again by the esteemed Dr. Gina Miele, professor of Italian and former director of the Coccia Institute for the Italian Experience in America.

Dr. Miele specializes in nineteenth and twentieth-century Italian folktales, with a particular focus on the works of Luigi Capuana and Italo Calvino.

Her current projects include an annotated translation of Luigi Capuana's complete collection of fairy tales and a study on extending the principles of the Reggio Emilia approach to education beyond early childhood to middle school, secondary school, and university settings. Additionally, she is the creative mind behind the Italian Mystics, Saints & Visionaries Oracle Deck, a captivating creation for individuals with Italian heritage or a deep love for all things Italian.

In this fascinating episode, Dina and Dr. Miele embark on an exploration of fairy tales and witches. Analyzing the dual nature of female characters, that are often represented as destructive and devouring

Challenging the traditional portrayal of women & witches as negative forces in fairy tales, Dr. Miele emphasizes the importance of considering alternative perspectives. Providing thought-provoking insights and references where listeners are invited to appreciate the complexity and richness that lies beyond conventional portrayals of witches in folklore.

Join Dina Gregory and Dr. Gina Miele on this mesmerizing journey into the realm of fairy tales and witches!

Learn more about Dr. Miele and her work here.

Key points of what we talked about:

2:23 Folkloric wisdom and fairy tales

4:24 Looking at the story from the perspective of the witch

7:01 Isolation and loneliness in the story

9:51 How to find a new way to connect

12:14 Becoming a storyteller

14:13 The magic of fairy tales

16:23 Living beyond your own personal story

Thanks so much for pulling up a seat at La Befana’s Table! 

If you found value and love listening to La Befana’s Table with Dina & Friends, please leave an honest review, and share with friends.

If you want episodes sent directly to your inbox as well as access to our monthly connection & expression hour. Be sure to subscribe to my substack dinagregory.substack.com

Welcome to another episode of La Befana’s Table!

Today, we have a truly remarkable guest joining us, Daniel Cascardo.

Daniel is a Detroit-based visual artist. His work has been described as a vibrant playground for the senses. Through his art, Daniel transports us to a realm where cultures converge and imagination takes flight.

In this episode, we delve into Daniel's story and discover the transformative power of art in his life. We will learn how he envisions his creations as vessels of emotion and connection, inspiring viewers to contemplate the human experience and embrace the beauty of diversity.

So, grab a seat at La Befana's Table, and let's celebrate the transformative power of art with Daniel Cascardo.

Learn more about Daniel and his art here.

Key points of what we talked about:

2:12 The start of Daniel’s artistic career

5:03 Working with kids and adults with disabilities

12:48 The role of imagination in healing the world

18:39 The negative aspects of imagination

21:58 Being grateful for what you have

25:15 What is a contemplative art practice

Thanks so much for pulling up a seat at La Befana’s Table! 

If you want episodes sent directly to your inbox as well as access to our monthly connection & expression hour. Be sure to subscribe to my substack dinagregory.substack.com

Today Eduardo Montes Bradley joins me at La Befana’s Table for a conversation exploring Italian American sculptors & their impact on public art & the American identity as well as the stories that help us see the world and our place in it through a larger lens.

Eduardo Montes Bradley is an award-winning filmmaker renowned for his extraordinary biographical portraits of artists, social activists, and scientists. Eduardo's ability to capture the essence of these remarkable individuals and their profound contributions has earned him well-deserved acclaim. Some of his recent works, such as "Daniel Chester French American Sculptor" and "Black Fiddler's," have captivated audiences with their compelling storytelling.

In this episode, we are privileged to delve into Eduardo Montes Bradley's most recent project, a remarkable documentary entitled "The Italian Factor." This thought-provoking film explores the lives and works of Italian American sculptors and their enduring impact on public art and the formation of the American identity. Through his discerning lens, Eduardo brings to light the remarkable stories and artistic achievements of these sculptors, shedding light on their profound influence.

Learn more about Eduardo here.

Watch more of his works here.

If you find value in listening to La Befana’s Table and want to support my work in the world, please leave an honest review on Apple, share with a friend, buy me a coffee or become a Supporting Subscriber

Welcome back to another episode of La Befana’s Table. 

From the many messages I received this week, it seems like you guys are enjoying some of these more intimate conversations between you and me. So I thought I'd have another one with you today. 

In today’s episode, we will explore the transformative power of creativity and the importance of bringing your gifts to the table. 

We delve into the profound connection between grief and creativity and how they can be catalysts for personal and collective healing.

I’ll also briefly read the Instagram post that inspired this episode. 

Key points of what we talked about:

1:08 A message from @inspiredtowrite, Amy McNee

3:22 Why Gifts and creativity are best friends

Thanks so much for pulling up a seat at La Befana’s Table! 

If you want episodes sent directly to your inbox as well as access to our monthly community and connection hours. Be sure to subscribe to my substack dinagregory.substack.com

If you found value and love listening to La Befana’s Table please leave an honest review Apple or Spotify, share with a friend, or consider becoming a Supporting Subscriber.

Welcome back to another episode of La Befana’s Table. 

In today’s episode, I invite you to bring your grief to the table.

Why? Cause it’s a normal part of being human.

We all experience it when we suffer a loss. It can be experienced after the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, the loss of a job, or any other major life transition. 

In this podcast episode, we’ll briefly discuss the different types of grief and the importance of making space for collective grief.

Grab Dina’s book, “Love at the Threshold” here:

Key points of what we talked about:

1:26 The different types of grief

3:13 The opportunity that grief brings to us

4:52 How can we bring our grief to the table

7:07 Collective grief needs a collective body to transform it

Thanks so much for pulling up a seat at La Befana’s Table! 

If you want episodes sent directly to your inbox as well as access to our monthly community and connection hours. Be sure to subscribe to my substack dinagregory.substack.com

If you found value and love listening to La Befana’s Table please leave an honest review Apple or Spotify, share with a friend, or consider becoming a Supporting Subscriber.

Welcome back to another episode of La Befana’s Table. 

In honor of Jazz Appreciation Month and Jazz Appreciation Day which is coming up on April 30, I'm sharing a conversation with you with our Jazzy Italian, Vanessa Racci.

Vanessa Racci is a singer, producer and voice teacher with over 25 years of professional performance experience.  She offers a range of shows that span jazz, theatre and Italian American music genres with unique show production, edutainment and a distinct retro image.

In this episode, Vanessa discusses how her Italian roots influence her music music that celebrates Italian American’s contributions to jazz.

She also blesses us with two songs from her current album “Jazzy Italian”!

Learn more about Vanessa and her music here.

Key points of what we talked about:

* 1:50 A clip of her song “At the Jazz Band Ball”

* 2:50 Vanessa’s journey to Italian music

* 5:36 The birth of her first album “Italian Fresca” or Fresh Italian

* 12:08 Bringing out the Italian American aspect of jazz

* 17:00 The balance in terms of preserving and sharing

* 22:53 Vanessa’s incredible rendition of the classic song “Volare”

Thanks so much for pulling up a seat at La Befana’s Table! 

If you want episodes sent directly to your inbox as well as access to our monthly community and connection hours. Be sure to subscribe to my substack dinagregory.substack.com

If you found value and love listening to La Befana’s Table please leave an honest review Apple or Spotify, share with a friend, or consider becoming a Supporting Subscriber.

So I just turned 42 and it got me contemplating the gift of not only human existence but the gift of human embodiment, and the gift that comes with the realization that I’m just one story among many in a cosmic legendary myth.

I hope you find this episode Soul nourishing.

Key points of the discussion:

1:52 The miracle of human existence and the beauty of becoming human

3:32 What I think is our purpose in life

5:00 The beauty of committing fully to life

Reminder: Gabriel Meyer from our last episode has a Sacred Playshop coming up on 4/22

Join Us for a Sacred Playshop

If you are in New York City area, you have the opportunity to partake in Gabriel Meyer’s sacred play shop where we learn how to bridge holiness and playfulness through an experience rooted in Kabbalah, and Sufism! 

Make sure you register for Gabriel's sacred playshop which is being offered on April 22, Upper West Side of New York City.

Register here

If you want episodes sent directly to your inbox as well as access to our monthly community and connection hours. Be sure to subscribe to my substack dinagregory.substack.com

If you found value and love listening to La Befana’s Table, please leave an honest review Apple, share with a friend, or consider becoming a Supporting Subscriber.

Welcome back to another episode of La Befana’s Table. Today Musician, Storyteller, Peacemaker, and Radical Creative, Gabriel Meyer joins me at La Befana’s Table for a conversation on bridging our longing for (w)holiness with playfulness.

Born in Cordoba, Argentina. Son of human rights champion Rabbi Marshall Meyer. Gabriel opens hearts and builds cross-cultural bridges through music, humor, and story celebrating Spirit. He travels the Globe performing his music, facilitates interfaith and multicultural playshops and ceremonies.

He has led rituals, concerts, and workshops with great success for thousands of people around the world (Israel, Europe, North, Central & South America, India, Australia & South Africa) in the past 20 years.

In today’s episode, Gabriel blesses us with two different songs which serve as a jumping point for a conversation that touches on liminal space, sharing our true voice through song, how to simply be present to to the miracle that is life.

Join Us for a Sacred Playshop

If you like what you hear and want to learn how to bridge holiness and playfulness through an experience rooted in Kabbalah, and Sufiism, make sure you register for Gabriel's sacred playshop which is being offered on April 22, Upper West Side of New York City.

Register here

Lear more about Gabriel here and his works. https://www.gabrielmeyerhalevy.com/en/home

Keypoints of what we discuss:

* 00:00 Liminal Grace song

* 06:19 Start of conversation

* 07:00 What liminality is for Gabriel

* 24:15 About the Sacred Playshop: A bridge between Playfulness and Sacredness

* 30:19 The importance of telling your story

* 37:25 We need to learn how to walk as gracefully as we talk

* 43:05 There’s a time for planning and there is a time to let go

* 01:07:00 Too much unconditional love and too much compassion don’t make you a hero

* 01:11:28 Human song

Thanks so much for pulling up a seat at La Befana’s Table! 

If you want episodes sent directly to your inbox as well as access to our monthly community and connection hours. Be sure to subscribe to my substack dinagregory.substack.com

If you found value and love listening to La Befana’s Table, please leave an honest review Apple or Spotify, share with a friend, or consider becoming a Supporting Subscriber.

Welcome back to another episode of La Befana’s Table! 

Today, we have here our special guest, Author, Raylene Abbott.

Raylene describes herself as a listener of the wind. A singer of green psalms written on the forest floor. A student of heart softening. Finder of Wayside Shrines, Collector of Medieval Recipes. And somehow with the Grace of God, she became an Author of Books. 

And in this episode, Dina talks with Author Raylene Abbott about her latest book, “Novenas For Now”.

This multi-layered book is filled with mystical stories, ancestral wisdom, traditional recipes and direct experiences with working with Novena practices.  

Find out more about Raylene’s written books here. 

Questions for Reflection:

Have you ever prayed a Novena? If you have what is the impact on your life? What are some practices that help you stay rooted? How do we become true gift-givers in this world?

Thanks so much for pulling up a seat at La Befana’s Table! 

If you want episodes sent directly to your inbox and & other perks such as access to our monthly community and connection hours. Be sure to subscribe to my substack dinagregory.substack.com

If you found value and love listening to La Befana’s Table, please leave an honest review & share with a friend.

Rate us on the Apple podcast:

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Welcome folks to another episode of La Befana’s Table.

Today Matt Mitler joins me in a conversation about searching for the sacred through the medium of theater.

Matt is an American actor who is also the founding director of Dzieci Theatre (the polish word for "children"). 

Integrating techniques garnered from such theatre masters as Jerzy Grotowski, Eugenio Barba and Peter Brook, ritual forms derived from Native American and Eastern spiritual disciplines, and an ethic based securely in Humanistic Psychology, Dzieci aims to create a theatre that is as equally engaged with personal transformation as it is with public presentations.

In this episode, Matt and I talk about their work, the Dzieci theatre and their upcoming Passion production in celebration of the Holy Week. 

More of what we talked about: 

* 2:30 Inviting an audience member into the piece

* 8:22 Meeting the audience

* 14:10 The power of the audience

* 24:52 Dealing with difficult participants

* 35:59 Finding projects you can be married to for life

* 45:25 Working with different spiritual communities

A Passion performance schedule 2023:

* Palm Sunday, April 2nd at 10:30 AM (as part of the morning service)

CHRIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH74 Park Avenue, Glen Ridge, NJ 07028

* Holy Tuesday, April 4th at 7:00 PMTHE CENTER AT WEST PARK165 West 86th Street, NY, NY 10024

* Maundy Thursday/Passover, April 6th at 7:00 PMTHE EPISCOPAL ACTOR’S GUILD1 East 29th Street, NY, NY 10016

* Good Friday, April 7th at 7:00 PMBOUGHTON PLACE150 Kisor Road, Highland, NY 12528

Whether Christian or Jew or Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, or Zen,A Passion appeals to the human spirit in everyone and our essential longing for communion.

Please join us.

$20 donationDoors open 15 minutes prior to the performance!

Notes On A PassionA Commentary by Matt Mitler

More of their schedules!

Next Fall

MAKBET

Out West!

Stay tuned for the touring schedule

(We’re seeking contacts for LA & SF venues!)

+

December 2023!

The Twenty-fifth Anniversaryof Dzieci’s Signature Creation

FOOLS MASS

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TDF shines a light on Dzieci, with this wonderful little video:

Meet the Theatre

If you have been touched in any way, shape or form by our work,please consider making a donation.Together, in communion, we will continueto bring meaning into art, and art into meaning.

Connect with Dzieci theatre: 

Dzieci workshops and performances are available for groups of all kinds, both secular and sacred.

* Dzieci’s Workshops: Dzieci Workshops

* Dzieci’s ministerial offerings: http://dziecitheatre.org/ministry-to-ministers/

* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dziecitheatre/

* Website: http://dziecitheatre.org/

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Thanks so much for pulling up a seat at La Befana’s Table! 

If you want episodes sent directly to your inbox and want access to our monthly community and connection hours. Be sure to subscribe to my substack dinagregory.substack.com

If you found value and love listening to La Befana’s Table, please leave an honest review, this helps people find my podcast. 

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