Little Italy Podcast & Little Italy of LA Podcast

Ever wonder why you’ll pick up the phone to call a friend and that same friend was literally about to call you? Or you’re on the subway, and you keep spotting the same person?

Please join us today in conversation with Dr. Bernard Beitman, who wrote the book, “Meaningful Coincidences, How and Why Synchronicity and Serendipity Happen.” The book is a fascinating read about coincidences, what they mean to us, and the bigger picture in life and the universe. Dr. Beitman has spent his career researching coincidences, and what he’s discovered will make you question if what happens in life is a coincidence or part of a bigger plan.

Tune in to our conversation with #Dr. Beitman, here on #DeborahKobyltLIVE on all video and audio platforms. And please invite your friends to join, too. #DeborahZaraKobylt

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@bernardbeitman #DrCoincidence #author #Psychiatrist #Coincidences # serendipity

Please welcome to our show, Erin Runnion, founder of The Joyful Child Foundation, formed in memory of her beautiful daughter, Samantha, who was abducted and murdered when she was just five years old.

Joyful Child is dedicated to preventing crimes against children through programs that empower them, and adults, through training. Their aim is to protect young people from all forms of abuse, violence, and exploitation, including harassment, sexual abuse, trafficking, and abduction.

What Erin has done is remarkable, and she has become a friend to the show. Please hear her story, and all she’s done to help protect children for nearly two decades now. 

Thank you for joining us, Erin, and for fighting to keep our children safe. Please find our full interview on all video and audio platforms of #DeborahKobyltLIVE. #DeborahZaraKobylt  

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@erinrunnion @thejoyfulchild #BeBraveBeSafe #TheJoyfulChild #childsafety

#preventioneducation #samantharunnion #thejoyfulchildfoundation

Author Joseph Orazi has always been interested in stories about the struggles of Italian immigrants, and he joins our show to discuss his latest book, “L’AMERICA,” which chronicles three immigrants from different regions in Southern Italy, exploring their stories of hope and resilience.
Joseph has been a student of the Italian America journey for as far back as he can remember, and in 2005, he wrote the award-winning documentary, “Prisoners Among Us, describing the internment of Italians in WWII. 
In addition to writing numerous TV and radio commercials, Joe was also a staff writer for the popular soap, Ryan’s Hope. His song, Rescue You, Rescue Me, received a 2016 nomination for the American Songwriting Award. Let’s just say there’s a lot to talk about, including his Italian upbringing.
Join us on all video and audio platforms of #DeborahKobyltLIVE and #LittleItalyPodcast, and please invite your friends, too.
 We appreciate the support.
#DeborahZaraKobylt -

#JoeOrazi #Author #Italiannovel #italianamerican #ItalianHeritage #LittleItalyPodcast

When celebrating #ItalianHeritageMonth, I enjoy highlighting the rich cultural heritage and history of the Italian and Italian American people, particularly art, music, literature, architecture, and of course the stories surrounding them.

Today we interview Mariana Gatto, creator of the Italian American Museum of Los Angeles, located near Olivera St. in DTLA, housed inside the oldest remaining structure in the area, built in 1908. It’s a treasure, complete with an original speak easy door from the prohibition days.

The #IAMLA is a gem, packed with stories of the Italian American journey to this country, complete with in depth stories and research into each exhibit. There are revolving exhibits, such as the one about women’s needlework from the Italian diaspora, called, Woven Lives. Next month, the Pinocchio exhibit, A Real Boy: The Story of Pinocchio, which is sure to be a hit, as this story has been told to generations and still enthralls young and old.

There’s a new interactive app, too, featuring some of your favorite Italians telling their stories. Mariana talks anout her vision, how she created this gem of a museum, we talk about her life growing up Italian in Los Angeles, and so much more.

Please join us on #DeborahKobyltLIVE and #LittleItalyPodcast on all video and audio platforms, and invite your friends, Italian or not. This story is for everyone. Thanks for tuning in🇮🇹 #DeborahZaraKobylt

@italianamericanmuseumofla @gattolosangeles #iatalianmuseum #italianculture #americanitalian #LittleItalyLosAngeles #LittleItalyLA #LittleItalyodcast #italian #italianhistory #italianstories #littleitalyla

“This isn’t a job. Hospitality is a vocation,” says #NickRimedio, GM of the trendy #LaPeerHotel in #BeverlyHills, and soon, Nick will join the #WHollywood.
We spoke with Nick on #DeborahKobyltLIVE and our #LittleItalyPodcast, and he told what what’s helped him become a success: his NONNA (and of course hard work!) Nick credits his #Italian #grandma with giving him the discipline and confidence to do anything in life, and we talk about some of the non-traditional routes he’s taken to get to where he is today, and it started in the kitchen.
Join us for our conversation with Nick, LIVE on all of our video and audio platforms, and invite your friends, too. Sometimes, the path to success isn’t an Ivy business school, but it’s the schooling we get from our families that give us the edge. #DeborahZaraKobylt

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@nickrimedio #hotels #hospitality #lepeerhotel #weho #travel #losangeles #luxuryhotel  #hotel #hospitality #inspiration #podcast

Growing up in NJ, stories about the mob often led the news. It was terrifying, but peaked one’s curiosity at the same time. And being of Italian decent, it was the topic of many conversations

Today on my #LittleItalyPodcast and #DeborahKobyltLIVE, I speak with James Pierre, author, “GAMBINO: The Rise,” and also Ken Atchity, film producer and literary manager who’s turned many best sellers into successful films.

Pierre got the idea for the book when he witnessed something as a child - a mob hit - and told no one until he decided to write about it as an adult. He talks about growing up in NY, and calls himself “a student of all things mafia,” and his knowledge past and present is astounding, as is his story.

Ken has been behind some of the Hollywood’s most successful films, and says this story has “Godfather” potential with its rich history and cultural perspective.

James and Ken both join us for our interview. I hope you’ll tune in, and invite your friends, too, available on all video and audio podcast platforms. #DeborahZaraKobylt

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#KennethAtchity #memoir #filmmaking #autobiography #Interview #reading #author #writing #storymerchantbooks #Books #publishing

Please welcome Maestro #CarloPonti, joining us to discuss the opening of his Los Angeles Virtuosi Orchestra 2022/23 Season this week. 

When Maestro phoned me yesterday, I was so honored to be able to discuss with our audience the critical work he does to bring music education to young people through his LAV Orchestra. Our interview with Mr. Ponti airs on all #DeborahKobyltLIVE and #LittleItalyPodcast platforms. 

All proceeds from the Los Angeles Virtuoso Orchestra goes toward music education programs to ensure young people have the opportunity to study music in schools and elsewhere, regardless of economics, and we will be discussing this today. 

Of course, we will also talk about Mr. Ponti’s early days, growing up with legendary mom, #SophiaLoren his dad, film producer Carlo Ponti, Sr, and younger brother, Eduardo, also a filmmaker. 

The Los Angeles Virtuosi Orchestra premieres its upcoming season this Friday, Sept. 30, at the Theater Raymond Kabbaz. Carlo Ponti and the Orchestra look forward to sharing an exciting lineup of performances, featuring emerging young soloists who will make their debut with LAV’s world-class musicians, LIVE. 

Go to lavirtuosi.org for more information. I hope you’ll join me, as I’m honored to be attending. 

#DeborahZaraKobylt

Meet Vanessa Racci, a 38-year-old jazz and cabaret singer, influenced at a young age by legendary performers Dean Martin, Connie Francis, and Frank Sinatra when her grandfather played their music around the house. And that’s when she got the bug to perform.

But Vanessa almost didn’t pursue her dreams, because her traditional family influenced to pursue a more “stable career.” And that’s where her story begins. 

After working in the corporate world, Vanessa decided to ditch the 9-5, train, and go on the road. Since then, she’s been singing with some of the greatest performers of our time, and loving every minute.

She joins us today on #DeborahKobyltLIVE and the #LittleItalyPodcast to encourage others to listen to their inner voice, and not someone else’s. Because that’s why we’re here, to flourish with the gifts we were born with. 

Please find our show on all video and audio platforms, and invite your friends, too. We appreciate your support. #DeborahZaraKobylt

@vanessaracci #vanessaracci #italianamericansingers #Italianjazz #vintagetunes #jazzmusic #jazzsinger #retrojazz #italianamericanmusic

Meet John Di Domenico, or should I say, Austin Powers, Jay Leno, Donald Trump, Dr. Phil, and so many other impressions John does of some of the most famous people on the planet.

John is an actor, comedian, writer, impressionist and he’s crazy good. So good in fact, and he’s in such demand around the globe, that we’re lucky we got him for our podcast. And did you see him on the cover of Los Angeles Magazine or on Conan doing his impressions? Amazing.

John grew up in an Italian-American household, and he has lots to share with us about growing up Italian. We talk about his he got his start, how he channels his famous subjects, and so much more. 

This will be a fun interview, and I’m glad you’ll all be along for the ride. Join us on #DeborahKobyltLIVE, #LittleItalyPodcast and #LittleItalyOfLAPodcast on all video and audio platforms. 

Thanks for tuning in, and please invite your friends, too.

@thejohnnydshow #comedian #johndidomenico #actor #impressionist #organicpodcast #artistpodcast  #toppodcast #Standup #Standupcomedy

Have you ever wondered how A-listers always have such amazing hair? Then tune in to our show with celeb hairstylist Marco Pelusi, who is behind some of the best-known heads in Hollywood.
 
Marco is a globally-recognized hair color authority and owner of Marco Pelusi Studio West Hollywood. He was born in Pittsburg, and comes from a long line of hairstylists from his dad to his uncle, and when Marco realized Pittsburg wasn’t his thing, the family stood behind him and supported his launch in West Hollywood.
 
He credits his supportive family and strong Italian background for who is today, and shares some charming stories about growing up Italian in Pittsburgh, along with working on some pretty famous heads, from supermodel Carol Alt to actor James Brolin (I asked about Barbra).

Tune in LIVE and on demand, on all video and audio platforms of #DeborahKobyltLIVE, @LittleItalyPodcast and @LittleItalyOfLAPodcast. Please invite your friends to join us, too🇮🇹

@marcopelusi #HaircolorAuthority #CelebrityHairstylist #MarcoPelusiStudio #haircolor #haircolorspecialist#hairstylists #marcopelusi #LittleItalyPodcast #ItalianAmerican #ItalianTalent