The Italian Radio Hour

This week on The Italian Radio Hour: PUGLIA, a culinary journey through the land, the ingredients, and the people with Flavia Giordano. We are traveling to Italy’s sun-drenched heel — la Puglia! — a land of whitewashed villages, olive groves, colorful markets, and centuries-old culinary traditions. Joining me is Flavia Giordano, tour guide, food educator, founder of Spaghetti ABC, and author of PUGLIA – A cooking journey through a land and its unique ingredients. In her book, Flavia takes us beyond recipes, revealing the story of ingredients, the rhythms of the land, and the rituals that shape Pugliese cuisine.

To learn more about Flavia's tours and order her book, visit: https://spaghettiabc.com/#italianradiohour #puglia #discoverpuglia #FlaviaGiordano#SpaghettiABC #pugliabook #pugliacuisine #pugliesefood#cucinapugliese #italiancooking #italianfoodculture #italianingredients #regionalitaly #VisitPuglia #PolignanoaMare#apuliancuisine #madeinpuglia #italianfoodlovers #foodstories#CulinaryJourney #MediterraneanLifestyle #foodpodcast#italypodcast #authorinterview #womeninfood #foodeducation#CulinaryHeritage #foodtraditions

Today on The Italian Radio Hour, we step into a trulyinnovative corner of the culinary world—one where tradition meets transformation. Our guest is Tara Punzone, acclaimed chef, owner of the first 100% plant-based Italian restaurant in the United States Pura Vita, and author of the vibrant cookbook Vegana Italiana.

Born and raised in a lively Italian family in Brooklyn, Taragrew up surrounded by the aromas, rituals, and deep cultural meaning of Italian cuisine. When she embraced a vegan lifestyle, she didn’t abandon those traditions—she reinvented them. With creativity, bold flavors, and respect for her heritage, Tara has crafted a culinary path that proves you can honor your roots while living in alignment with your values.

Today we’ll explore her journey, her philosophy, andpractical strategies for anyone curious about plant-forward cooking—from stocking a vegan Italian pantry to reimagining iconic dishes like carbonara, meatballs, and cannoli without sacrificing taste, texture, or nostalgia.

“Part love letter to Italy, part encyclopedia of plant-based technique, Vegana Italiana is a joyous celebration of food, family, and heart.

#ItalianRadioHour#IstitutoMondoItaliano #VeganaItaliana #TaraPunzone #PlantBasedItalian#VeganItalian #ItalianFoodReimagined #VeganChef #PlantBasedLifestyle#ItalianCuisine #BrooklynItalian #CucinaVegetale #VeganCooking #VeganPantry#BoldFlavors #FoodHeritage #ModernItalianCooking #SustainableEating#VeganFoodLovers #CrueltyFreeCooking #MangiaVegano #ItalianTraditionsReinvented#CucinaItaliana

This week on The Italian Radio Hour - Today, we have a very special episode where history, family, and the sweet traditions of Italian pastry come together. We are joined by Robert Zerilli, whose family founded the iconic Veniero’s Pasticceria in New York — a beloved institution for over a century. Alongside him is Germana Valentini, an award-winning Italian journalist and author, who has chronicled Italian-American life and the story of Veniero’s in her work.Together, they will take us on a journey through generations of Italian heritage, the art of pastry-making, and how one family business became a cultural landmark. Whether you’re a fan of cannoli, sfogliatelle, pignolata or curious about immigrant stories, or just love a good tale of tradition and perseverance, this episode is for you.”

#ItalianPastry #ItalianBakery #Venieros #EastVillageEats #NYCFoodie #ItalianDesserts #SweetTraditions #PastryLovers #OldNewYork #ItalianHeritage #ItalianFoodLovers#TheItalianRadioHour #PodcastEpisode #FoodHistoryPodcast #ItalianCulturePodcast #ItalianFoodPodcast #NYCFoodPodcast#franksinatra #BruceSpringsteen #CelebrityVisits #HistoricBakery #FamilyBusiness#foodielife #DessertLovers #Biscotti #CannoliLove #RicottaCheesecake #HistoricNYC #NYCFoodCulture

This week on The Italian Radio Hour: ABRUZZESE is a language, not a dialect What if you could finally say that what your grandparents from Abruzzo spoke wasn’t a dialect, but a language? How did the Abruzzese language develop, and what makes it unique?In this episode, I chat with Prof. Roberta D'Alessandro, Chair of Linguistics, Syntax and Language Variation, and Head of the Linguistics Division at Utrecht University. Originally from Abruzzo, she has devoted much of her research to studying what she calls the Abruzzese language — not a dialect.We explore:The development and characteristics of AbruzzeseThe linguistic and cultural differences between a dialect and a languageWhy this distinction matters for heritage, identity, and preservationIf you’re curious about the language your ancestors spoke or love Italian linguistic traditions, this episode is for you! We’d love to hear your stories and expressions — share what you grew up with!

Did you know that Triora is the village of witches? That Pacentro is the birthplace of Madonna's grandparents? That Spello hosts a yearly "infiorata"?

This week on The Italian Radio Hour - 🎙️ Join us for an enchanting journey through Italy’s hidden gems with Fiorello Primi, President of I Borghi più Belli d’Italia. From mountain hamlets to coastal villages and centuries-old traditions, we explore the beauty, culture and stories of Italy’s most beautiful small towns—and how you can connect with your roots and travel differently. 🇮🇹• What does it take for a village to join this prestigious network?• How can American Italian-heritage travellers discover authentic Italy’s “borghi”?• What’s new for the year of root tourism and beyond?Tune in and travel with us—no passport required.To learn more about the most beautiful "borghi" throughout Italy, visit:https://borghipiubelliditalia.it/en/borghi/

This week on The Italian Radio Hour - I am delighted to welcome Gabriel Zuchtriegel, Director of the Archaeological Park of Pompeii. Born in Germany, Dr. Zuchtriegel is one of the youngest ever to hold such a prestigious position in the world of archaeology. His work has breathed new life into Pompeii, one of the most extraordinary windows into the ancient world. His recent book, The Buried City—Unearthing the real Pompeii, Zuchtriegel takes the readers beyond the ruins, offering an intimate exploration of the daily lives, struggles, and dreams of those who once inhabited Pompeii.From the quarters of enslaved people to the myths of Dionysus, from sexuality in antiquity to reflections on how archaeology connects with today’s society, Dr. Zuchtriegel invites us to see Pompeii not as a frozen city of the past, but as a place that continues to speak powerfully to our present.Link to: The Buried City—Unearthing the real Pompeii https://a.co/d/eN9ve0GPompeii: La Citta' Incatata (Italian): https://a.co/d/i7WahpJParco Archelogico di Pompeii: https://share.google/0ckP36Md9gne23PSv

This week on The Italian Radio Hour - Today we’re diving into one of my favorite topics: what it really means to pack up your life, cross the ocean, and start fresh in a new country. For some, it’s chasing a dream, for others it’s a leap of faith — but for everyone, it’s life-changing.Joining me today are two wonderful guests whose stories beautifully mirror one another in different ways.First, we have Caroline Chirichella, an American who followed her heart and her dream all the way to Italy. She’s built a new life here, navigating the challenges and joys of being a foreigner in Italy while also reinventing herself professionally.And we also have Simona Pappalardo, born and raised in Italy, who made her own journey to the United States. Like Caroline, she discovered that living abroad reshaped her career path, her sense of self, and even how she sees both Italy and America.Together, we’re going to talk about fears and opportunities, what it really takes to start over in a new place, and how both of them define the ‘Italian dream’ and the ‘American dream’ from their unique perspectives. Think of this as a conversation among friends — honest, curious, and maybe even a little surprising.”

Today, I am very excited to welcome back The Italian Radio Hour Katie Parla. Her passport might say “Born in the USA” but her soul belongs to Rome. No one knows Rome better inside and out as a food er, culinary guide, and bestselling author, Katie has spent the last twenty years eating, researching, and, let’s be honest, obsessing over Rome’s food culture.

Her brand-new book, ROME: An Ode to Rome’s Food andCulture, is already available for preorder, and it’s packed with two decades of delicious discoveries.

Now, since I’m also from Rome, I thought — why not put ourknowledge to the test? So stay tuned, because today Katie and I are going head-to-head in a little friendly competition: Who Knows Rome Better?”

To learn more about Katie Parla's work, tours or preorder her latest book, visit: https://katieparla.com/

Today, I have the great pleasure of welcoming AntonioScasserra, Director of the MUVES – Museo delle Vestimenta inCampobasso, Molise. Unlike most museums, MUVES is not housed in an officialinstitution, but rather within the private residence of Antonio and his wife—atrue labor of love and preservation.
The museum safeguards an extraordinary collection of traditional dresses,antique photographs, jewelry, and accessories, with a particular focus onthe symbolism and rituals surrounding the bride’s preparation for marriage,known as the Parentezza.
Antonio and his wife themselves followed this tradition when they married,making their project not just cultural but also deeply personal. Their passionhas brought Molisan traditions to an international stage, most recently at the 2025Expo in Osaka, Japan, where the beauty and symbolism of these garmentsfascinated audiences far from Italy.
We’ll explore how Antonio’s journey began, the meaning behind these traditions,and the importance of preserving them for future generations.

Visit MUVES at: https://muves.it/

#MUVES #Molise #ItalianTraditions #ItalianWedding #Parentezza#MuseoDelleVestimenta #ItalianCulture #ItalyUncovered #OsakaExpo2025#PreservingHeritage

Think you know Italians?

Michelle Darren—actress, director, acting coach, and the creative force behind The Italians. Born to a Milanese mother and raised between cultures, Michelle has lived in New York and brings a unique lens to stories of identity, family,and what it means to be Italian and Italian American. She not only directed but also starred in The Italians, blending personal inspiration with universal themes.

The Italians is available on Prime https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B0DZRDR5G2/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r#MichelleDarren #TheItaliansFilm #IndieFilm #WomenInFilm #DirectorLife #ActingCoach #BehindTheScenes #italian #milano #ItalianStories #ItalianAmerican #prosecco #spaghetti #betrayal #forgiveness #love #lifeBetweenCultures #HeritageAndIdentity #ItaliansBeyondClichés
#MilanToNYC #ProudlyItalian