What do coal mines, TikTok, and pizza have in common? In this heartfelt and hunger-inducing episode, James sits down with author and entrepreneur Erica D’Arcangelo to explore the incredible story behind her family's 60-year-old pizzeria in Western Pennsylvania.
Erica shares how a return home during her father’s heart surgery rekindled her purpose in marketing, inspired her to tell her family's immigrant story, and ultimately led to the creation of a children’s book, a coloring book, and a video series celebrating family-owned pizzerias.
From her grandfather’s journey from coal miner to pizzeria founder, to the viral success of their pizza-cutting videos, this conversation is packed with themes of resilience, legacy, and the power of doing work that truly matters.
Episode Title:
A Story About Pizza: Erica D’Arcangelo on Legacy, Risk & Reinvention
Chapter Markers:-
[00:00] Intro & Pizza Warning – Get a snack first!
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[01:00] Coming Home – Erica returns to help her dad after heart surgery.
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[03:00] Rebuilding the Family Business – A pizzeria restored and a legacy reignited.
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[05:00] TikTok and a Million Views – The moment a pizza video changed everything.
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[07:00] The Real Story Begins – A trip to Italy and rediscovering heritage.
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[08:30] Coal Mines and Dreams – Her grandfather’s incredible immigration story.
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[10:00] Finding Purpose in Marketing Again – From burnout to meaning.
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[12:00] Launching the Book and Video Projects – Creativity fueled by connection.
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[14:00] The Origin of the Pizzeria – Buying a building and baking a dream.
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[17:00] Anchored by Legacy – What the business means to the family.
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[20:00] The Pineapple Debate – The DiAngelo stance.
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[23:00] The Evolution of Pizza and Crust Talk – Mike’s Pie vs. OG style.
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[25:00] Lessons from Writing a Book – What Erica learned in the process.
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[27:00] A True Joyful Rebellion – Turning family history into personal purpose.
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Book Website: AStoryAboutPizza.com
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The Pizzeria: Darc’s Pizza – darcspizza.com
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Follow on Instagram: @astoryaboutpizza
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Children’s Book & Coloring Book: Available now on AStoryAboutPizza.com
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TikTok: @astoryaboutpizza
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Recommended Pizza Spot in FL: ROA Pizza, Clearwater/Tampa area
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