In this strange-but-true tale from 1949 Milwaukee, Wisconsin, two Italian American women—Angelina Farrina and Mary Sanfelippo—find themselves at the center of a courtroom drama involving ghosts, burned money, and a fortune-telling scheme. When Mary believed spirits were haunting her tavern, she turned to Angelina, a so-called "sorceress," for help. What followed was nearly two decades of weekly payments meant to appease the dead... or so she was told.

Was Angelina truly communicating with troubled spirits—or running an elaborate con? Join us as we explore this eerie and emotional story of faith, fear, and the deep bond of family caught in the middle of the supernatural and the suspicious.

In this episode, we’re joined by the incredibly talented Bob Spiotto—actor, director, producer, and passionate Italian American storyteller. Bob shares his personal story growing up in a tight-knit Italian American family in Queens, NY, and how those roots still influence him today.

From performing one-man shows as historical icons like Giuseppe Garibaldi, Michelangelo, and PT Barnum, to founding cultural clubs and paying tribute to unsung Italian American heroes, Bob uses theater as a powerful way to bring history—and heritage—to life.

We talk about humor, heritage, storytelling, and the special kind of magic that happens when passion meets purpose.

🪑 Plus, you’ll hear about the special table from his childhood holidays that still sits in his office!

This episode is full of laughs, wisdom, and inspiration—and a reminder that storytelling keeps our culture alive.

In this special episode, we sit down with Dr. Louis Ignarro, a Nobel Prize-winning scientist with deep Italian American roots. Born to immigrant parents from Naples and Sicily, Dr. Ignarro shares how his upbringing in Brooklyn shaped his journey into the world of science. He reflects on his family’s traditions, his mother’s incredible cooking, and how curiosity led him from experimenting with firecrackers as a child to groundbreaking medical discoveries.

Dr. Ignarro takes us through his fascinating career, including his research on nitric oxide—a molecule that plays a crucial role in heart health—and the moment he received the Nobel Prize in Medicine. We also talk about his love for model trains, fast cars, and the scientific approach he brings to cooking (his cannoli, he promises, is out of this world!).

Join us as we celebrate an Italian American success story that proves that curiosity, determination, and a little bit of red sauce can take you far.

Listen now and be inspired by Dr. Ignarro’s incredible journey!

In this episode, we continue the incredible and dramatic story of Maria Barbella, the first woman in America sentenced to die in the electric chair. After public outcry and support from a determined countess, Maria was granted a second trial—one that would take a very different turn. Join us for the conclusion of Maria Barbella’s story—one filled with courtroom drama, surprising twists, and an unbelievable aftermath that kept her in the public eye long after the trial ended.

Today, we dive into one of the most dramatic cases in Italian American history—the story of Maria Barbella, the first woman in America sentenced to die in the electric chair.

Maria's story is one of love, betrayal, and justice in 1890s New York. After being deceived by Domenico Cataldo, a man who promised her marriage but instead brought her shame and heartbreak, Maria took matters into her own hands. What followed was a sensational murder trial that captivated the press, enraged the Italian American community, and raised serious questions about justice for immigrant women.

In this episode, we explore Maria’s early life, her complicated relationship with Cataldo, and the fateful day that changed everything. With twists and turns that shocked the nation, Maria’s case is far from over. Stay tuned for Part 2!

Happy Valentine’s Day! In this special episode, we’re bringing you a collection of historical love stories—some sweet, some dramatic, and some downright scandalous!

First, we take you back to 1879 with a New York Herald article about Edward Zola and Adeline Ochetti, a real-life Romeo and Juliet who fled Italy for love—only for their romance to take a shocking turn in an American courtroom.

Then, we travel to 1900 Leadville, Colorado, where two Italian miners fought for the heart of the same woman, hoping to win her hand by striking it rich.

And finally, we wrap up with a heartwarming newspaper tidbit from Massachusetts that’s perfect for the holiday.

Join us for a mix of love, rivalry, and unexpected twists as we celebrate Valentine’s Day—Italian American style! 💌🎙️

In this special episode, we welcome the entire band Amici! While we previously spoke with lead member Stephen Pishner, this time, the whole group joins us to share their journey. We dive into how they came together, their experience performing at the 2024 Columbus Day Parade, and their future plans. Plus, each band member shares a personal Italian American story, making this an episode filled with music, heritage, and friendship. Don't miss this lively and heartfelt conversation!

Links below for Amici

italiawv@gmail.com

amiciwv.com

https://music.apple.com/gb/artist/amici/1536501155

https://youtu.be/U-Avf2eTLuU?si=SbyJUtgG6r-4n9ZX

In this episode, we dive into the extraordinary life of Joseph Bona, a prominent Italian American mortician in Denver, Colorado. From his humble beginnings in Chicago to becoming the trusted undertaker for Buffalo Bill Cody, Joseph’s story is one of ambition, dedication, and a touch of humor. Discover his journey to Colorado, his rise in the funeral industry, and his colorful life filled with lavish parties, charitable acts, and an enduring love for his wife, Margaret.

This episode is packed with fascinating details, including the story of Buffalo Bill's controversial burial and the unique charm of Italian wheat lights decorating the Bona home during Christmas.

Join us for this incredible tale of a man who left a lasting legacy in Denver and beyond!