We loved chatting with fellow Italian Australian Daniele Foti-Cuzzola in this week's episode. Daniele has grown up with a strong connection to his Italian heritage and we had lots to chat about including language, food and spending time in Italy. Daniele's connection to his culture has influenced his professional life as a Creative Director. He now has his own studio named 'Studio Musaicu' and divides his time between Italy and Australia. It was very interesting to hear how Daniele makes it work for him. We also heard about the special children's book Daniele was inspired to write named 'Arrivera La Befana a Fremantle', a bi-lingual story about the Italian folklore legend of La Befana, what we loved most about this story is that it brings an Italian Australian perspective, the book is available for purchase via the link below.

Daniele's Instagram:Daniele Foti-Cuzzola (@daniele_foticuzzola) • Instagram photos and videos

Studio Musaicu Instagram

Studio Musaicu (@studiomusaicu) • Instagram photos and videosLa Befana children's book:

Arrivera La Befana A Fremantle?

Our friend and return guest, the talented James Liotta is back ! We loved catching up with James and hearing about what he has been getting up to. We are looking forward to seeing James when he is back in Perth touring with the Uncle Louie Variety Show in July, see the links below for more details.

James also helped us answer an extremely important question- how much do you put in the Busta? Same as what they gave your sister? Do you allow for inflation? What about if it's a second wedding? Or what if the food was terrible? There was a lot to consider and discuss about this topic, it's a question that has been asked for years. We had a lot of laughs recording this one but we did also come up with some excellent advice in this episode, if this is something you have ever wondered about then be sure to listen in to what we have to say. If you still aren't satisfied with our answers then listen to the Italian American Podcast Episode 64- the guys did an episode on this very topic which is where we got our inspiration to answer this question from an Italian Australian perspective.

James Liotta:James Liotta (@jamesliottaentertainer) • Instagram photos and videos

Uncle Louie Tour dates:Tour - The Uncle Louie Variety Show

Italian American Podcast episode 64:IAP 64: POWER HOUR: How Much S... - The Italian American Podcast - Apple Podcasts

This was a very fun chat for us, we were joined by Lou Greco and Carlo Russo, the stars of The Uncle Louie Variety Show. They are comedians based in America and entertain millions with their hilarious videos on social media, they are also skilled stage performers and they are bringing their show to Australia this July with shows in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth, our friend- the talented and extremely funny James Liotta is supporting them and we can't wait to see him also. These shows are going to be epic and tickets are selling fast, don't miss out! See the links below for tickets to the shows and to follow the guys on social media. We loved chatting with Lou and Carlo to hear how The Uncle Louie Variety Show started. We also enjoyed discussing the shared experiences of Italian immigrants, there are so many similarities regardless of where they immigrated to and we love chatting with people in the Italian diaspora from all around the world.

Tour - The Uncle Louie Variety ShowThe Uncle Louie Variety Show (@the_uncle_louie_show) • Instagram photos and videosThe Uncle Louie Variety Show | Facebook

We are so grateful to our friend Elena Di Fiore for introducing us to our guest in this episode!!

In this episode we are joined by Elizabeth Rocca, an Italian Australian from Adelaide. Elizabeth's Instagram page 'Adelaide Gal' is dedicated to showcasing current events in Adelaide. She works as an MC and is a radio host for Radio Italiana 531 where she co-hosts 'Feel Good Friday' every Friday afternoon. She is also extremely passionate about her Italian Heritage and the three of us quickly bonded over our shared Calabrese and central Italian heritage. To see more of what Elizabeth is involved in and to listen in to her radio segment see the links below:

ADELAIDE GAL | Elizabeth (@_adelaidegal) • Instagram photos and videosElizabeth Rocca - Work With Elizabeth Rocca

Elizabeth & Stefano Feel Good Friday - Elizabeth & Stefano Feel Good Friday - Omny.fm

In this episode we chatted with Rosemary Gattuso, a trauma informed family mediator who has written an Inspiring self-help book 'It's Not You, it's Me. We quickly bonded with Rosemary- over our shared Calabrese heritage- including our stereotypical Calabrese appearances- and our love for spending time in Italy. Rosemary told us all about her time spent living in Italy to consolidate learning the Italian language. We also heard how Rosemary's professional experiences led her to write her book. The book is inspiring and it is definitely worth a read. To hear more about Rosemary and her book see the links below:

Rosemary Gattuso (@rosemarygattuso) • Instagram photos and videosRosemary Gattuso - Home

It was an absolute pleasure to chat with Australian Idol Grand Finalist Gisella Colletti and her father Luke. Gisella is incredibly talented with an impressive vocal range and a powerful stage presence. We loved hearing Gisella tell us about her journey with Australian Idol, including having Marcia Hines surprise her at her house and performing with fellow Italian Australian, Tina Arena.

It was easy to see that the Colletti family is very close knit and value their Italian Australian Identity. Luke and Gisella recounted their 2023 trip to Italy and we discussed the special experience of visiting your ancestral areas in Italy. Gisella is the next generation of Italian Australians and we are so proud of her and the others like her who stay connected to their culture and acknowledge the sacrifices of those who immigrated.

We were so excited to chat with this week's guest, Melbourne based internationally best selling author Jenna Lo Bianco. We are big fans of Jenna's work, reading her books will instantly make you feel as though you are in Italy. This is why are so happy to share her story with our listeners, if you haven't read her books yet then get your hands on one ASAP, you will not be disappointed! (see link below)

A proud Italian Australian like us, Jenna told us about her passion for Italy and the Italian language and how this took her on a path to become an Italian teacher. In addition to this, Jenna found herself inspired to write a romantic comedy novels. Jenna told us her full story, from beginning to write, to challenges and several rejections. Perseverance and hard work ultimately paid off with a three book deal with major publishing house Pan MacMillan. Jenna's books are popular with people all around the world but Italian Australian readers will definitely find an extra special connection with these books.

To find out more about Jenna be sure to follow her on Instagram- see the link below:Jenna Lo Bianco (@the.italian.teacher) • Instagram photos and videos

Jenna's books be purchased in several stores and online here: The Italian Marriage: The hottest fake marriage in Umbria : Bianco, Jenna Lo: Amazon.com.au: Books

We are joined by return guest, our friend Mario Daviddi for a chat about how April 25th has a double significance for Italian Australians. We both learned a lot in this episode and enjoyed discussing how for Italian Australians April 25th is especially significant as we have a connection to this day through our Italian Heritage and also through our country of birth/adopted country.

This date marks both Anzac Day in Australia and other parts of the world, and Liberation Day (Festa della Liberazione) in Italy. Anzac Day marks the anniversary of the first campaign of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) whose soldiers experienced major losses at Gallipoli during the first world war. Liberation Day in Italy celebrates the liberation of Italy from the fascists and German Nazis in 1945.

Mauro is our friend who we call upon for his wealth of knowledge in Italian history- our listeners may remember our previous chat with Mauro about Central Italy Episode 63: Does Central Italy exist? - The Italian Australian Podcast | Podcast on Spotify

In this episode we continue our chat about how Italian immigrants were viewed in terms of race and how this shapes our experience in current times. Looking back in time, the cultural landscape of Australia was very different than in present times. The White Australia Policy was in effect during the post war era when many Italians were immigrating to Australia.

There was a lot to discuss and was worthy of a long chat so this episode is Part 2, if you didn't listen to Part 1 be sure to go back and listen before starting Part 2. Episode 88: Are Italians ‘really’ white ? Featuring Anthony Locascio- Part 1 - The Italian Australian Podcast | Podcast on Spotify

Comedian Anthony Locascio is back to chat with us in this episode. Anthony is a well known and very talented Australian comedian with Italian and Greek heritage, our listeners will remember the chat we had with Anthony last year Episode 62: Are Greeks and Italians the same? Featuring Anthony Locascio - The Italian Australian Podcast | Podcast on SpotifyIt was great to chat with him again and hear about what he has been up to, especially his recent time performing in Canada and the USA. This time Anthony is back with us for a chat about how Italian immigrants were viewed in terms of race. Looking back in time, the cultural landscape of Australia was very different than in present times. The White Australia Policy was in effect during the post war era when many Italians were immigrating to Australia. There was a lot to discuss and was worthy of a long chat so this episode is Part 1, be sure to listen in next week for Part 2.