The Italian Radio Hour

By Viviana AltieriSociety & Culture

The Italian Radio Hour episodes

March 07, 2025 Honor your mother and your grandmother!
This week on The Italian Radio Hour: Honor your Mother and your Grandmother!
As we are celebrating International Women's Day on March 8th, we are bringing two Pittsburgh personalities whose work strongly impacts our local communities: Mid-Atlantic Emmy Award nominated journalist Natalie Bencivenga, editor, columnist, and radio host, and Rosa Verdiglione Davis, Executive Director of POWER (Pennsylvania Organization for Women in Early Recovery), a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping women reclaim their lives from addiction.
Together we discuss their work and how they use their voice to uplift and empower communities and minorities.
We will also honor two very special women in their lives, Natalie's Italian grandmother Carmella Zaccari, and Rosa's mother Giacomina Verdiglione (for most "Jackie") and how their upbringing and outlook on life has been highly influenced by them.
So on March 8th, honor all the women in your life, starting from your mother and grandmothers!
https://youtu.be/ubodTumrfKs
56 min
February 27, 2025 Italian Heritage Curriculum: Promoting Italian Culture in New Jersey
This week on The Italian Radio Hour - How much of the creation of America comes from the Romans? The connections are simply fascinating.And thanks to the the New Jersey Italian Heritage Committee, students can now experience a stimulating curriculum that is both universal and also preserves the worldwide cultural legacy of Italy. By integrating exciting and rich resources, schools now have a solid and well developed curriculum K-12 with lessons plans that infuse both Italian and Italian American material that meet all DOE Core Curriculum Content Standards, and are equally rewarding and stimulating for teachers, students, and the entire community. To tell us more about the Italian Heritage Curriculum, I am joined by Cav. Gilda Rorro Baldassarri, Ed.D Chair, Curriculum Development Committee, and Margaret Fontana, Executive Director of the NJ Italian Heritage Commission. To learn more, visit: https://www.njitalianheritage.org/heritage-curriculum/On Saturday March 22nd, New Jersey Italian Heritage Commission Presents “Jazz Italian Style” Spring Conference 2025 An Educational Journey into the Italian Influence on JazzRutgers College Avenue Student Center, New Brunswick, NJMore information here: https://www.njitalianheritage.org/new-jersey-italian-heritage-commission-presents-jazz-italian-style-spring-conference-2025-an-educational-journey-into-the-italian-influence-on-jazz/
57 min
February 20, 2025 Sfogliatella - The History of Naples thru this iconic Neapolitan pastry
This week on The Italian Radio Hour - Who doesn't love a fresh, crunchy, not overly sweet sfogliatella? Are you also a big fan of the city of "Napoli"?Well, if you answered "yes" to either or both questions you are going to LOVE THIS EPISODE!Naples isn’t just a place; it’s an experience. It’s the sound of scooters weaving through narrow streets, the sight of laundry hanging between colorful buildings, the laughter of friends gathered for an espresso, and the irresistible scent of fresh pastries in the air. And if there’s one pastry that represents Naples, it’s the sfogliatella—crispy, flaky, and filled with history.To take us on this delicious journey, I’m joined by someone who knows Naples like the back of his hand—Flavio Cali, owner of Sfogliate e Sfogliatelle, one of the most famous pastry shops in the city. Flavio isn’t just a master of the art of Neapolitan pastries—he’s also a storyteller, a custodian of tradition, and someone who embodies the warmth and spirit of Naples. Today, we’ll talk about his passion for pastry, what it means to be truly Neapolitan, local superstitions, hidden gems of the city, and much more!"So, whether you’re listening from afar or strolling through the streets of Naples yourself, get ready to dive into the magic of this incredible city, grab an espresso or a sfogliatella.Next time you go to Naples, stop to say "Hi" to Flavio at Sfogliate e Sfogliatelle, located at:Via San Gregorio Armeno 24 80138 Napolihttps://sfogliateesfogliatelle.it/
1 hr 41 min
February 13, 2025 Say "I do" in Italy with style!
This week on The Italian Radio Hour: Say "I do" in Italy with style!
Valentine's Day is tomorrow and many will be "popping" the question.
This week, I had the pleasure to speak with the dynamic duo Nicole Bono, and Tano Mina, founders of Bono Events International.
GAETANO (aka) Tano is a seasoned cheese and wine sommelier, Nicole, whose unique upbringing, split between New York City and Florence, bring their shared passion for culture, travel, and gastronomy to craft unforgettable experiences for their clients.
Whether you are planning to get married in Italy or wanting to experience travel that transcends the Ordinary, Nicole Tano will do all the work of planning an amazing trip. The only thing that you'll need to do is to pack your suitcase and go!
Andiamo!
https://youtu.be/Y0Iw1-LLAo8
@followers #italy #GettingMarriedInItaly #luxury #travel #cheese #wine
58 min
February 06, 2025 Digital Preservation of Volterra (TUSCANY) with Mark Dietrick
This week on The Italian Radio Hour - What would happen if a landslide suddenly destroyed part of an ancient city and its immense patrimony?
Join me in this fascinating conversation is Mark Dietrick Director of Services of Case Technologies.
Since 2016, Case Technologies along with Volterra-Detroit Foundation and Autodesk have been working in Volterra, (Tuscany) with experts in 3D
reality capture technology, aerial and ground-based photogrammetry to record the city’s archaeological sites and artefacts.
Volterra is a historic hilltop town in Tuscany, Italy, renowned for its ancient charm, rich history, and stunning vistas. Here's a closer look at the city:
Historical Significance
• Etruscan Origins: Volterra dates back to the 8th century BCE and was an important center of the Etruscan civilization. Remnants of this era include the Etruscan walls, gates, and the Acropolis, which houses ancient temple ruins.
• Roman Influence: During Roman times, Volterra flourished, evidenced by landmarks like the Roman Theater, built in the 1st century BCE.
• Medieval Heritage: In the Middle Ages, the city became a center for art, trade, and religion. The Palazzo dei Priori, built in 1208, is one of Italy's oldest civic buildings and a testament to this period.
This collaborative group is made up of architects, surveyors, 3D specialists, engineers, and historians from different organizations and countries.
The long-term objective is to create a complete digital document of Volterra’s sites using 3D tools and methodologies, to preserve these assets digitally and improve both archaeological and architectural research.
To learn more about this project, visit:
https://volterra-detroit.org/category/news/
52 min
January 28, 2025 Italian Association of Bread Tester with Walter Cricri'
This week on The Italian Radio Hour: For all the bread makers out there (professional and aspiring), this episode is for you (but also everyone else)!Do you know that in Italy there is a National Association of Bread Testers (INAP - Istituto Nazionale Assaggiatori Pani)?I had the true pleasure to speak at length with its President, Walter Cricri', who recently returned from a very important food expo in Milan called Golosaria, where he illustrated breads of Calabria, local grains and in this conversation, he takes us on a journey on how to discern, and appreciate bread, from smell, to color, to consistency, and much more!And don't forget to listen to the very end of the interview where Walter Cricrì tells us how bread originated from a kiss!https://youtu.be/5DtgCpQgYL0Don't forget to share and subscribe to The Italian Radio Hour on YouTube or where you catch your favorite podcasts! It's FREE!
2 hr 2 min
January 21, 2025 The leaning tower of Torre Gentile with Alessandro Grazioli
This week on The Italian Radio Hour - Holidays decorations have long been packed up. Daily routines have returned to be frantic but how do we build up and keep the spirit of kindness, gratitude, love, and acceptance all year around?
Today, I have the pleasure of speaking with Alessandro Grazioli, a passionate storyteller and cultural advocate hailing from Bergamo, Italy. Alessandro is the author of Il Gomitolo della Befana, a beautifully illustrated children’s book that weaves a magical tale about the Befana and her luminous yarn spun from the dust of the Christmas star. His work not only captures the hearts of young readers but also inspires creative adaptations, such as a dance performance brought to life by the ON-STAGE school of Bergamo.
Beyond his literary achievements, Alessandro is deeply involved in promoting culture and community through his role as president of the Torre Gentile APS association. He is also an active contributor to SocialBG, a platform where he shares his thoughts on culture and society, fostering a connection with his local community.
Join me as we explore Alessandro’s creative journey, his inspirations, and the impact of his work in bringing the spirit of the holidays.
To watch our episode together on SEILATV, "Aspettando l'Epifania":
https://youtu.be/01Fdt2HhxMo?si=Ph5Alx1tTUpf7sRx
To learn more about Alessandro and read his stories and articles:
https://lovemc2.com/
58 min
January 13, 2025 The healing power of the Nativity of Cerreto Guidi (TUSCANY)
This week on The Italian Radio Hour - For this first episode of 2025, we want to share a very special story. Meet Gessica Mancini, mother of three from a small town in Tuscany, called Cerreto Guidi.
Ten years ago, Gessica was diagnosed with Parkinson. The medications that she was put on, would leave her sleepless at night, wondering what her life and the ones of their children would be with the progressions of her disease.
Instead of simply tossing and turning in bed, she decided to pick up an old hobby of hers: crocheting.
Cerreto Guidi is well known for its Nativity Set competition held every year, which features the most creative nativity sets, placed in the most unexpected locations. On suggestion of her best friend, Gessica entered the contest with her creations of the holy family, and when her sleepless nights almost made her quit, her daughter picked up mom's put away work and said: "Are you going to quit mom?".
That was enough of a motivation to pull thru the finish line and that perseverance paid off. Gessica won first prize.
Fast forwarding ten years later.
Gessica has continued crocheting and has managed to recreate the entire town of Cerreto Guidi, including the Medici Villa (7,000 steps!!!), buildings of the town in great details, and villagers, who actually feature the real people of the town. In addition, a group called "Le Dame dell'Unicinetto" was created, a group of women from all over that have also contributed to this amazing display with some of their work.
And how is Gessica's Parkinson now?
Watch the interview to find out!
Follow the FB page of Le Dame dell'Uncinetto to plan your own visit to this display that is open all year around and how you can support their mission.
https://www.facebook.com/ledamedelluncinetto/
Recommended to watch VIDEO INTERVIEW https://youtu.be/VlZjHnC9Wdk
24 min
December 27, 2024 The Italian Americans of Los Angeles: A History with Marianna Gatto
This week on The Italian Radio Hour - The Italian Americans of Los Angeles represent a very vibrant community of artists, agriculturalists, dreamers and outlaws, pioneers, and powerbrokers who have shaped every single facet of the Southern California megalopolis for two centuries but, still overlooked in both local and Italian American histories.
Marianna Gatto, historian and Executive Director of the Italian American Museum of Los Angeles, brings those stories, those pioneers, those dreams alive and provides great points of reflection and comparison to understand this very varied American mosaic.
Over one hundred images, including many never before published, help illustrate this impressive multi-layered history.
To learn more, visit: https://losangeleslittleitaly.com/
39 min
December 21, 2024 Turn owning your DREAM PROPERTY in Italy into reality with Nikki Taylor
Is owning property in Italy in your 2025 New Year Resolutions (or somewhere down the road)?Well, stop dreaming and start planning, as your Italian property journey awaits.In this episode, we catch up with our good friend and property consultant Nikki Taylor of Italy-Property Consulting. Nikki is an Australian-born property consultant transitioned herself from a career in investment banking to embrace the Italian lifestyle and is now dedicated to making the dream of living in Italy accessible to others by offering a suite of service and comprehensive guidance to successfully navigate Italy's real estate market and even monetizing properties through rentals.Nikki is a 3 times Amazon bestselling author and has featured in world class publications such as Forbes, Entrepreneur and Millionaire magazines as well being featured in HGTV’s Mediterranean Life, where she helps an American couple find their dream home in Italy.With over €5 million in successful property deals facilitated in 2023 (to date), Nikki and her team have the experience and knowledge to help you achieve your Italian property dream.Also, curious to learn about some interesting and unusual events that happened during Nikki's house hunting trips?Then, don't miss her latest book: Get Nikki's captivating and informative new book: "The Bumpy Road to La Dolce Vita - Confessions of Italian Property Consultant".To learn more about how to make your dream of owning property in Italy, visit:https://italy-propertyconsulting.com/https://youtu.be/HkzedfIjYp0
51 min