For many Italian American families, the story of an immigrant’s sacrifice usually begins in the years between 1880 and 1920, known as the Great Wave of Italian Immigration to the United States. But for 2,800 unfortunate souls, immigration to the “Land of Opportunity” came earlier, and at a much greater cost. Between late 1872 and early 1873, thousa...

Another holiday season has come and gone here in Italian America. The fishes have been served, the champagne has been popped, and the lentils have been eaten, so we’re kicking off the new year with the best thing we can think of to combat the post holiday blues… a collective therapy session! We’re getting together to share our reflections on this y...

It’s almost time to say “Buon Natale,” as Christmas is right around the corner! Since this is the final episode before the Feast of the Seven Fishes and Christmas arrive in earnest, we’re sending you into the holiday in style with our annual Italian American Podcast Christmas Special! In what has become a nice little tradition here at the Italian A...

“Yesterday, December 7, 1941— a date which will live in infamy— the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by the naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.” That iconic quote by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt announced the United States’ entry into World War II after the surprise military strike on the U.S. Naval ba...

For true Italian Americans, love really can blossom over the exchanging of caponata recipes. For Scott Tacinelli and Angie Rito, a shared passion for the tastes of Italian American life didn’t just lead to amore, but to marriage, a family, a Michelin-starred restaurant and their debut cookbook, Italian American, published by Clarkson Potter in Octo...

On November 14, the new Governor of New York Kathy Hochul, decided to eliminate the state’s Director of Italian American Affairs position. It just so happens that the director was one Dolores Alfieri Taranto, co-founder of the Italian American Podcast. What began with the Governor’s intention to eliminate the position as a whole has caused an unpre...

In an era of increasing efforts to respect all ethnicities, and as we watch the ways in which tasteless humor are being called into question, could the Desus & Mero on Showtime, and the people at Showtime Networks find any more low-brow and insulting ways to describe Italian people and culture? Particularly when the topic is one that means a lot to...

It starts with a simple philosophy — “Better teaching makes better students, and makes a better future.”  Today, a better future for Italy is the mission inspiring Nick Autiello and Andrea Pastorelli, two passionate Italians behind the early success of “Teach For Italy” (TFI). Built on the model of the highly-effective non-governmental organization...