Growing up in an Italian family, superstitions were as common as pasta on Sundays. Join us as we share the quirkiest tales of Italian superstitions in our part 2 of this episode! From the mysterious power of the evil eye, "il malocchio," to the peculiar rituals involving hidden horns and the mano cornuto hand gesture. We take you on a journey through Southern Italy's unique customs, unraveling the historical significance of protective charms like horns and salt. With a mix of humor and cultural insight, we explore how these traditions have survived and evolved over time, blending ancient beliefs with modern life.

Curious about the secret beliefs that bind Italian American communities together? Discover the intriguing intersection of folklore and faith as we welcome Agata De Santis and unravel the mysteries of the Malocchio, or evil eye, revealing how these age old traditions are intricately woven into daily life. This episode showcases an engaging start to our two-part series, beginning with light-hearted reflections on the evolution of our podcast and funny insights into our on-camera experiences. With humor and a touch of mischief, we imagine inviting critics from Italy over for a friendly chat, all while celebrating our cultural roots with laughter and love.

AGATA DE SANTIS SOCIALS

Her Website: https://www.redheadproductions.com/aboutus

The holiday season is upon us, and we're ushering it in with joy and music! A cherished family tradition of baking Italian Christmas cookies sparked a creative journey that has blossomed into our latest project: a complete Italian American Christmas album. Joined by our guest the remarkable Jenna Esposito, whose talents have shaped this festive musical creation, we reminisce about our past triumphs like "Twas, the Feast of the Seven Fishes" and last year's delightful "We All Say Buon Natale" music video. Jenna’s energy and passion shine through as we share our excitement for this year’s musical celebration, which promises to captivate hearts and bring communities together.

JENNA ESPOSITO LINKS

Insta: jenna_esposito

Her Website: https://www.jennaesposito.com/

LINKS TO PURCHASE THE ALBULM (CD): https://italianamericanpodcast.com/christmaseve/

There was a time when my grandmother's honey cookies were the highlight of every Christmas, their sweet aroma filling the kitchen and signaling the start of the festive season. Our latest episode of the Italian American Podcast takes you on a nostalgic journey with personal stories like these, unraveling the threads of Italian American traditions that bind our community together. From the meticulous selection of ricotta cheese to the unexpected pastina hoarding frenzy, we explore how the evolution of food trends has shaped our cultural practices. Despite shifting attitudes toward carbohydrates, the essence of Italian American cuisine continues to flourish in our kitchens and at our tables, celebrated through the joy of sharing and adapting cherished recipes.

FRANCESCO SEDITA SOCIALS

Website: https://www.francescosedita.com/

Instagram: mr_francesco

Facebook: Francesco Sedita

Can you truly savor the essence of Italian American culture through humor and storytelling? Join us as we, your hosts John Viola, Patrick O'Boyle, and Brandon Ficarra, promise to take you on a vibrant journey through the rich tapestry of Italian American identity. We welcome Salvatore "Off the Boat" Vella, as we celebrate Italian American Heritage Month. From outfit changes during double tapings to our efforts in engaging with diverse communities, discover how you can be a part of preserving our colorful traditions for future generations.

SAL OFF THE BOAT LINKS

Instagram: @salofftheboat

Youtube:  @salofftheboat6152 

Facebook: Sal off the Boat

Tiktok: salofftheboat

Comedy fans, get ready to laugh as we welcome back the hilarious Joe Avati, whose stories from his whirlwind show are nothing short of epic. From the peculiar connection between Italians and professional wrestling to his jet-setting gigs in Toronto, New Jersey, and Dubai, Joe gives us a peek into the often chaotic, yet endlessly entertaining life of a touring comedian. With a touch of his signature humor, he juxtaposes his travel experiences with the quirks of Italian airlines, painting a vivid picture of comedy, culture, and the fun quirks of Italian life.

Join us for a joyful celebration of Italian American culture and comedy in our latest episode as we sit down with the dynamic duo, Carlo Russo and Lou Greco of the Uncle Louie Variety Show. Broadcasting from the lively streets of New York City's Little Italy, we reminisce about the iconic Feast of San Gennaro and venture into our own humorous undertakings, including the launch of our t-shirt company, Retaliantpowercom. With laughter and nostalgia, we explore the comedic significance of the classic members only jacket and its place in Italian American fashion, showing how the Uncle Louie Variety Show has become a cultural phenomenon.

Danielle Oteri, a distinguished expert in Italian travel, brings her wealth of knowledge to our podcast as we celebrate the launch of her new project, the Tante Bellicose podcast. Join us as Danielle shares her passion for guiding travelers away from the crowded hubs of Florence, Venice, and Rome, leading them instead to Italy's hidden treasures, especially in the enchanting southern region of Cilento. Through her personalized travel consultations, Danielle reveals how to uncover Italy's lesser known gems and embrace authentic experiences that are often overshadowed by mass tourism.

Danielle Oteri Contacts

Instagram: @danielle.oteri

Facebook: Danielle Oteri

LINKS TO HER WEBSITES

Arthur Avenue Food Tours: https://www.arthuravenuefoodtours.com/

Feast travel: https://www.feasttravel.com/

Personal Website: https://www.danielleoteri.com/

Join us for a lively and engaging exploration of Italian American culture as we sit down with our esteemed guest, who brings along a delightful Chianti for a special tasting. Our producer Nicky even attempts to take over the iconic podcast introduction as we reflect on the enduring vibrancy of the Italian American community.