Italian Impact Weekly Podcast

Italian Impact Weekly Podcast

Italian Impact Weekly is a local radio show in the Pittsburgh area which streams live on a weekly basis. Claudio Reilsono and Steve Mancini have a great variety of guests. The show has a lot of impactful stories, with a very uplifting atmosphere. As they say, it is informative and entertaining at the same time!

Episodes

December 8, 2023 54 mins

This week we interview the award-winning author, Karen Haid.  (https://karenhaid.com/)  Karen Haid is the award-winning author of Calabria: The Other Italy and continues her exploration of the bel paese with her latest book Basilicata: Authentic Italy. A fluent Italian speaker, she has spent many years in Southern Italy getting to know the people, their land and culture, which she brings to life in her vivid writing, praised by Pub...

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Hershey may be known for chocolate but it is also has a very proud Italian heritage which helped enable the success of the area.  For this week's episode, we interviewed a great historian who is very passionate about educating people with respect to the Italian contributions to 'Hershey PA'.  If you would like to learn more, Lou can be reached at:   lpaioletti@comcast.net

In addition, the Hershey History Center contains numerous ar...

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November 16, 2023 55 mins

In this week's episode, we interview well-renowned author, Peter Belmonte.  Pete retired from the US Air Force after having served for twenty years, first as an enlisted man and then as an officer.  He is also a veteran of Operation Desert Storm.  Pete has written numerous historical books about Italian-Americans and their service such as Italian-Americans in World War II (2001),  Calabrian-Americans in the US Military During World...

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This week we interview Amani D'Ambrosio.  Amani is an up and coming golfer who has set a goal for himself to become a Major champion!  He is well on his way as a successful golfer with Barry University.  In this interview, we talk with Amani and learn about his approach but more importantly, what drives him.

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This week we interview the great Vince Papale.  It was 1976 when this 30 year old, a teacher and coach at his HS Alma mater, part-time bartender and die hard Eagles fan decided to act on a whim and a dare and entered the unprecedented public tryouts for his beloved Eagles.  He played 3 seasons with his beloved Philadelphia Eagles.  In 2006 Walt Disney Pictures continued their triumphant tradition of motivating sports stories with t...

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In this week's episode, we interview 2 great entertainers.  Howard Mincone is a comedian, juggler, quick-witted emcee, and much more.  Hank Edwardo is without a doubt one of the best accordionists in the area.  These 2 were absolutely wonderful to speak with and we know you will have a great time listening to this week's show!  So, sit back and be entertained.

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In this week's episode, we interview the great Chris Corchiani.  Chris was selected by the Orlando Magic with the 9th pick of the 2nd round (36th overall) in the 1991 NBA draft and was the first NCAA Division I player to record 1,000 assists in a career.  He went on to play in the NBA as well as in Europe.  However, it's what he did after his playing career was over that truly demonstrates what a success Chris is.  Chris is a great...

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This week's episode features Vince "the artist" Ornato from Pittsburgh.  Vince is a local Pittsburgh artist but studied and painted in many areas under the tutelage of several greats.  He also further honed his skills painting caricatures in Italy.  He has created some local masterpieces but more importantly, he has a life story that is its own masterpiece.  Enjoy this wonderful interview with one of Pittsburgh's great artists!

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This week Claudio interviews two fantastic guests: Horatio ‘Hersh’ Petrocelly, owner and operator of the Olive Tap Pittsburgh Franchise.  A great interview that is more than just olive oil!  Hersh has some great stories and memories that we know you will enjoy.  The second guest is Melissa Marinaro, the curator of the Italian American Collection at the Senator John Heinz History Cen...

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This week's episode is a very entertaining talk with motivational speaker and successful real estate investor, DJ Thielen.  DJ is a former pro baseball player who has seen life's highs and lows up close and personal.  In this episode, DJ talks about his Italian roots as well as providing his philosophy on how one can stay positive and upbeat no matter what life throws you.  This is a great episode and we're sure you're going to enj...
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September 14, 2023 55 mins

It's that time of year - fall.  That means football.  In this episode, Claudio and Steve talk about some of the best Italian-American football players.  They can't make it through the list, there's more than you think, but you'll love who they discuss and what makes that person such a favorite.  We hope you enjoy!

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This week we interview Patrick Campesi, an up and coming leader in the Italian-American community.  However, Patrick isn't located in your traditional areas known for having large numbers of Italian immigrants.  In fact, we learned just how deep those roots in the American south grow.  Also, Patrick is not only involved with local Italian-American organizations, such as being the President of his local ISDA lodge, he is also an int...

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This week we interview award winning producer/director Michael Angelo DiLauro.   He served as Director of the Academic Media Center and Associate Professor of Media Arts (2006-2018) and retired with Emeritus status at Robert Morris University.  His feature documentary film, “Prisoners Among Us: Italian American Identity and WWII”, was awarded the Grand Jury Prize for Best Documentary at the New York International F.F. and Montreal ...

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This week we interview Frank Di Piero who was born in Chicago and is of 100% Italian origin.  Frank is also the host of the wonderfully successful podcast "Keepin’ It Real with Frankie D".  This episode provides some great insight into how we can maintain the Italian culture when we are so far removed from our immigrant ancestors. 

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This week we have 2 great guests!  Armand Buzzelli, author of "Rosie's Red Sauce" and Director of Campus Recreation at Robert Morris University and Rocky Romano, a member of the Board of Directors for the "West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival".  This festival can draw as many as 100,000 people.  A lot of good conversation and you will be surprised just how big the West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival can be!  In fact, their s...

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This week, Claudio and Steve interview the great Wayde Marsico.  Wayde is the CEO of Marsico Sports Group and Mr. PA Football.   Per their website, In 2008, they hosted their first football combine, in 2010, they started the Mr. PA Football program, in 2013, they started the Mr. and Miss PA Basketball program, and in 2018, they started their first 7 on 7 football travel team.  Afterwards Claudio and Steve discuss the Annual Italian...

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This week's guest is David Finoli.  David was named the 2018 Pittsburgh Magazine's Best of the 'Burg Local Author of the Year and has written or contributed to 33 books.  This is a great interview which dives into everything about how eBooks have change publishing to David's approach to successful writing.  A truly entertaining and informative discussion!

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Claudio interviews Dom Perry.  One of his former baseball players but now the Office Managing Partner at Wessel and Company.  Claudio and Dom have a great conversation about how to handle challenges in order to be successful.

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Claudio interviews Cathy Phillips – Ambassador to Organic Market in Oakmont, PA.  Claudio and Cathy have a great time discussing her work and approach to organic markets.

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Claudio and Steve interview Anthony and Nicole Vigilante (successful business owners and proud residents of New Kensington, PA).  Anthony and Nicole are very passionate about their community and show the importance of investing in smaller communities that are struggling.  The result of their efforts, a more vibrant and enjoyable place to live for all!

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