In this edition of Tales from the Archives, Stephanie and Sandy share a collection of fascinating, quirky, and heartfelt Italian American stories pulled from old newspapers across the country. From a young immigrant girl mistaking New York’s Trinity Church doors for a saint’s shrine, to six unfortunate monkeys lost in a Nashville fire, to the hidden talent of a sculptor in Riverside, California—each story offers a glimpse into everyday lives of the past.

You’ll meet fiery saloon keeper Mary Panzano of Memphis, whose broom made headlines, and Celeste Kari of Chicago, the remarkable “Nut Queen” who built a thriving business empire after being widowed as a young mother. Along the way, there’s also young love, courtroom comedy involving missing pants, and more odd headlines that remind us just how colorful history can be.

Join us as we dust off these forgotten clippings and bring to life the small but unforgettable fragments of Italian American history.

In this episode of Italian American Stories Podcast, Stephanie and Sandy step up to the plate with the trailblazing story of Lucille Colacito, a Colorado-born Italian American who made history in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League during World War II.

From her childhood in Denver’s Little Italy to her days as a catcher for the Kenosha Comets, Lucille broke barriers and became the first woman from Denver to reach the softball “big leagues.” Along the way, she balanced the expectations of the 1940s—where women ballplayers were trained in etiquette as much as batting—while proving her talent on the field.

Lucille’s journey didn’t end with baseball; she went on to win state softball championships, earn a hole-in-one as a golfer, and receive recognition in both the Denver Metro Amateur Softball Hall of Fame and the Baseball Hall of Fame’s Women in Baseball exhibit.

Her career may have been short, but her impact was powerful—paving the way for future generations of women athletes. ⚾✨

In 1929, Detroit was rocked by the brutal Evangelista Massacre. Italian immigrant and mystic healer Benny Evangelista was found beheaded in his basement beside a bizarre shrine, while his wife and four children were murdered upstairs.

Cults, curses, and countless theories followed—but the case remains unsolved to this day.

Join us as we uncover the strange life, mysterious practices, and haunting legacy of one of Detroit’s most shocking crimes.

In this heartwarming episode, we sit down with Richard Leto, author of My Italian American Roots. Rich shares the remarkable story behind a dusty cardboard box filled with family documents and photos—a box that sat untouched for decades until it revealed a priceless family legacy. From Philadelphia’s historic Little Italy to the villages of Calabria and Puglia, Rich takes us through his journey of rediscovery, honoring the generations who came before him.

We talk about the power of physical artifacts, the evolution of genealogy from microfilm to social media, and the emotional journey of bringing hidden stories to light. Whether you're an avid researcher, a proud Italian American, or someone who loves stories that connect us to our roots—this episode is for you.

📚 Find Rich’s book on Amazon

@south_philly.rich

In this special episode, we sit down with the incredibly talented Michelle Danner—acclaimed actress, director, acting coach, and the creative force behind the heartfelt new film The Italians. Michelle opens up about the making of this beautiful and deeply personal movie, inspired in part by her own fiery and unforgettable Italian mother.

We dive into how The Italians came to life—from its origins as a stage play to its transformation into a feature film featuring a dynamic ensemble cast including Rob Estes, Abigail Breslin, and Matthew Daddario. Michelle shares behind-the-scenes stories, touching moments from set, and why food (and lots of it!) played such a big role in the filmmaking process.

Whether you’ve seen The Italians or are about to hit “play” on Amazon, this episode is a beautiful reflection on family, identity, and the power of story.

🎧 Don’t forget to rate and review The Italians on Amazon, Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb to help support independent film!

https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B0DZRDR5G2/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r

@theitaliansmovie

In this episode, I’m joined by Bob Sorrentino, host of the Italian Roots and Genealogy podcast and author of Farmers and Nobles. Bob shares his incredible journey tracing his Italian ancestry—from humble farming origins in Bari to a noble lineage that includes dukes, princesses, and even a pope!

We talk about how a simple calling card sparked years of genealogical research, the powerful forces that seem to guide us back to our roots, and the emotional moments of walking in the footsteps of his ancestors. Bob also shares tips and resources for listeners wanting to start their own journey, including the value of Facebook groups, cemetery visits, DNA testing, and familysearch.org.

Whether you're a genealogy lover, history buff, or just curious about your own roots, you’ll love this heartfelt and inspiring conversation. 🇮🇹

📚 Grab Bob’s book Farmers and Nobles on Amazon
🎧 Follow his podcast Italian Roots and Genealogy on YouTube or your favorite podcast app
👥 Join the Italian Roots and Genealogy Facebook group to connect with others on the same journey

https://www.italiangenealogy.blog/

In this special episode, we’re joined by Marianna Gatto — historian, educator, and Executive Director of the Italian American Museum of Los Angeles. Marianna shares stories from her remarkable book Italian Americans of Los Angeles, offering a deep dive into the overlooked history of Italian immigrants in California.

We talk about her personal ties to Colorado’s Italian roots, the surprising early history of Italians in LA, the influence of women like auto-racing pioneer Nina Vita Italiano, and how preservation and storytelling can reshape our understanding of identity.

Whether you're from Denver, Los Angeles, or anywhere in between, this conversation is a reminder of how powerful our connections — and our stories — truly are.

📚 Learn more about Marianna and her book at www.mariannagatto.com
🏛️ Explore the Italian American Museum of Los Angeles at www.iamla.org

Instagram: @gattolosangeles

In this episode of the Italian American Stories Podcast, we’re joined by bestselling author and former CIA officer Carmen Amato for a conversation that weaves together heritage, history, and heart. Carmen shares the incredible story of her family’s roots in Serra San Bruno, Calabria, and how their journey to Rome, New York shaped her upbringing and inspired her historical fiction series, The Galliano Club.

We talk about the real-life stories behind her richly layered characters, her grandfather’s colorful days as a deputy sheriff during Prohibition, and the shocking family secret she uncovered only after her grandmother’s death. Carmen also shares how a local knitting club brought her novels to life with custom yarns and patterns—and how beer, yes beer, just might inspire her next project.

Whether you’re a history buff, a lover of Italian American tales, or a reader in search of your next favorite book, this episode is full of warmth, surprises, and stories that stay with you.

📚 Learn more about Carmen and her books at carmenamato.net

@authorcarmenamato

https://geni.us/GalClubpaper

https://www.facebook.com/authorcarmenamato

https://mysteryahead.substack.com

https://frominwoodout.com/travel-guide-galliano-club-thrillers-rome-new-york/

https://orderisda.org/culture/literature/from-stories-to-saga-a-deputy-sheriff-during-prohibition/