This week on Talking Business and Life, we sit down with former professional boxer “Baby” Joe Mesi, who retired from the ring with an undefeated record. When Joe’s boxing career came to an unexpected end, he was forced to step away from the sport that had defined so much of his life and begin an entirely new chapter.

In this inspiring conversation, Joe shares his journey beyond boxing and the lessons he learned about resilience, reinvention, and embracing new opportunities. His story is a powerful reminder that when one door closes, the next one that opens may lead somewhere even better.

Steve and Claudio have a wonderful time in this 2-part episode.  We begin with Rob Pirollo of the Spigno Club and end with Melissa E. Marinaro, and Enrico Grammaroli from the Heinz History Center.  A lot going on in this one so buckle up...  

Learn more about the Spigno Club here:

https://www.facebook.com/people/Spigno-Saturnia-Italo-American-Society-of-Pittsburgh/61564076462452/

Learn more about the upcoming screening at the Heinz History Center of Innocenti: The Innocent Ones.

https://www.heinzhistorycenter.org/event/innocenti-the-innocent-ones-film-screening/

Retirement isn't just about reaching a certain age—it's about creating the freedom and financial security to enjoy the life you've worked hard to build. But what does it really take to retire with confidence?

In this episode, Steve Mancini and Claudio Reilsono sit down with Mike Battalini, CEO of The Pittsburgh Wealth Management Group, to discuss the strategies, mindset, and planning that can help turn retirement goals into reality. Inspired by his father, Mark Battalini, a respected leader in the financial services industry, Mike has dedicated his career to helping individuals and families navigate the path to a secure, confident, and stress-free retirement.

Whether you're just beginning to save, approaching retirement, or already enjoying your retirement years, this conversation is filled with practical insights and valuable advice to help you make informed financial decisions.

Tune in for an informative discussion that could change the way you think about your financial future.  To learn more about Mike and reach out ot him, please check out his website here:  https://michaelbattalini.com/

This week, Steve Mancini and Claudio Reilsono sit down with former NBA and international basketball standout, and recent Coach of the Year for the Italian Sports Hall of Fame (Pittsburgh chapter) inductee, Mike Iuzzolino. Drawing on decades of experience as both a player and coach, Mike shares the qualities that define successful leadership on and off the court. From competing against some of the NBA's greatest legends to building winning teams from the sidelines, he discusses the importance of humility, confidence, resilience, and earning the respect of those you lead. Whether you're a sports fan, business professional, or aspiring leader, this episode offers valuable lessons that extend far beyond basketball.

This week, Steve Mancini and Claudio Reilsono sit down with the legendary Tom Pipkins. For 30 seasons, Tom held the WPIAL boys’ basketball all-time scoring record with an incredible 2,838 career points before continuing his playing career at Duquesne University.

But what makes Tom truly remarkable goes far beyond basketball. Today, he is known for his unwavering commitment to mentoring young people, giving back to his community, and helping countless youth develop into successful leaders. His story is one of purpose, service, and impact.

This is an inspiring and heartfelt conversation about leadership, mentorship, and the difference one person can make in the lives of others. Don’t miss one of the most uplifting interviews we’ve ever had on the show.

This week, Steve Mancini and Claudio Reilsono interview the legendary boxing promoter Jimmy Burchfield.  Jimmy, the president and CEO of CES Boxing and CES MMA, has promoted some of the biggest names in boxing and his humble upbringing, starting with his Italian roots, have taught him the meaning of treating people with respect and working hard in order ot be successful.  

This week, Steve Mancini and Claudio Reilsono interview the legendary pitcher, Jim Rooker.  Jim had a highly successful career as a professional baseball player, winning 103 games as a pitcher, and following up his playing career as an announcer for both the Pirates and on ESPN.  He is also famous for his line, "If we don't win this one, I don't think I'd want to be on that plane ride home. Matter of fact, if we lose this game, I'll walk back to Pittsburgh".  This is an absolutely highly entertaining episode!

This week, Steve Mancini and Claudio Reilsono interview Kim Lengling.  Kim is an author who shares her love of nature, animals, living with PTSD, and her mission of tossing Nuggets of Hope into the world through writing and her podcast, Let Fear Bounce.  She is also the lead author and coordinator of a collaborative 3-book series titled When Grace Found Me and two stand-alone anthologies, When Hope Found Me (released November 2022) and Paw Prints on the Couch (released August 2023).  Learn more about Kim here:  https://www.kimlenglingauthor.com/

This week, Steve Mancini and Claudio Reilsono interview Melissa Marinaro.  Melissa is the Director of the Italian American Program at the Senator John Heinz History Center where she oversees the Italian American artifact and archival collection, and manages the program’s community and educational outreach and public programs.  We will discuss a lot of topics related to her work at the Heinz history center and we recommend reaching out as there is much more information available through her office.

This week Steve Mancini and Claudio Reilsono interview a wonderful person, Stratton Nash.  Stratton is a very active member of the community but his current passion is a documentary, "Their Story", which chronicles the black history of Sewickley, PA where he grew up.  In this interview, he recounts a tremendous story about how such a diverse community was so cohesive, creating memories he holds dear nearly 60 years later.  Stratton is an incredibly positive and uplifting person that will leave an immediate impact on your life.