It's that time of year when the St Ali Italian Film Festival is happening across Australia. We were thrilled to have Italian Australian film director Angelo Pricolo as our guest in this episode. Angelo is the director of the very successful 2013 documentary 'Lygon Street Si Parla Italiano', narrated by Anthony LaPaglia. Angelo's new documentary is Signorinella: Little Miss, narrated by Greta Scacchi and is screening as part of the 2025 festival. We loved hearing about Angelo's inspiration to create this documentary which focuses on the experiences of Italian women who immigrated to Australia. This is a film that all Italian Australians will enjoy, definitely one to take your Mum, Zia or Nonna to.
For more details about the St Ali 2025 Italian Film Festival click the link below:
The ST. ALi Italian Film Festival is coming soon to cinemas!
Italian Film Festival on Instagram:
Italian Film Festival (@italianfilmfest) • Instagram photos and videos
Our guest this week is Tony Gorgone AKA DJ Gorgz. Tony is very well known in the Perth Italian Community and the Perth music scene. Tony is non stop, a busy father, he has his own hair salon 'Trenz' and he is the resident DJ at the Universal Bar where La Musica, a special night of Italian music happens regularly. It's a fantastic night and great for our community.
Thanks to this week's sponsor Antipasti Deli Cafe where Fabian and his team bring you your local slice of Italy in the heart of Yarraville. Specialising in homemade honest Italian food Antipasti Deli Cafe are known for their amazing coffee, mouthwatering panini, focaccia, salads, homemade gnocchi, arancini and more. With their range of high quality local products as well as incredible products straight from Italy, including wine, liquors, kitchen items and fresh flowers, Antipasti Deli Cafe has everything you need.
DJ Gorgz on Instagram:
DjGorgz Perth Dj (@djgorgz) • Instagram photos and videos
La Musica on Instagram:
(@lamusica_australia) • Instagram photos and videos
DJ Gorgz on Spotify:
Sotto Le Stelle - song and lyrics by DjGorgz, Donatella | Spotify
Antipasti Deli Cafe on Instagram:
Antipasti Deli Cafe (@antipastidelicafe) • Instagram photos and videos
This week we are chatting about the Mediterranean island country of Malta. Our guest Anthony Gauci is a Maltese Australian and we discussed the shared histories of Italy and Malta, as well as the many similarities Malta has with Italy, especially Sicily, such as cuisine, architecture and religion. Anthony is also the author of 'The Family of Valletta', a historical fiction novel set in Malta. You will hear more about the book in the episode and you can also click the links below:
Anthony of Instagram:
Thefamilyofvalletta (@thefamilyofvalletta) • Instagram photos and videos
Find the Family of Valletta on Amazon:
We have a very fun episode for our listeners this week! In this episode Massimo Corrente meets Justin Merendino. Both of these guests are well known passionate and proud Italian Australians in their 20's and each have joined us on the podcast previously, but with Massimo in Melbourne and Justin in Perth this was their first time chatting together! It won't be a surprise to hear that these guys become instant friends. We had a lot to talk about and a lot of laughs.
A big thanks to our sponsors for this week's episode- Melbourne Arancini. In 2016 husband and wife team Paul and Laura Muscara started Melbourne Arancini, supplying Melbourne and regional Victoria with handmade, delicious arancini made with the freshest ingredients. Arancini flavours range from traditional Bolognese Ragu, Four Cheese Broccolini, Pizzaiola, Arrabiata and fan favourite Chicken, Leek and Mushroom. They even do special flavours for the holiday season like Garlic Prawn Arancini. They really are Melbourne's best, made fresh. To hear more about Melbourne Arancini listen to the episode or click the links below.
Melbourne Arancini on Instagram:
Melbourne Arancini (@melbournearancini) • Instagram photos and videosMelbourne Arancini Website:
Massimo on Instagram:
Massimo Corrente (@masscorrente) • Instagram photos and videos
Justin on Instagram:
Justin (Giustino)Merendino (@justin_merendino_raywhite) • Instagram photos and videos
Previous episodes with Massimo:Episode 68: The Fully Sickest of Them All featuring Massimo Corrente - The Italian Australian Podcast | Podcast on Spotify
Previous episode with Justin:
Episode 99: Remember the name Justin Merendino - The Italian Australian Podcast | Podcast on Spotify
This week we are chatting about the region of Calabria. Our guest Francesco lives in Calabria and is a content creator who is passionate about bringing exposure to this beautiful region of Italy and assisting tourists to experience Calabria. Be sure to check out his page Akalabria, see the link below. With our Calabrese heritage this was an especially valuable chat for us and we loved getting an insight into Calabria in 2025.
Akalabria on Instagram:
Akalabria ®️ | Calabria Cultura Storie Turismo (@akalabria) • Instagram photos and videos
We had so much fun recording this week's episode as our guests are two of our Aunties, Aunty Grace and Aunty Mimma, sisters of our Dad Melo. We are very close with our Aunties and loved chatting with them about the importance of family, especially in Italian Australian culture. We heard some of their stories about growing up Italian Australian, their experiences at the family business, a fish and chip shop and they also shared some great tips for budgeting and running a household.
This episode will bring you the motivation you need to start speaking Italian. Our guest this week is Melissa Monteleone, a proud Italian Australian from Melbourne. We loved hearing Melissa describe her passion for her culture and we bonded over a shared Southern Italian heritage. We chatted about the way of life in Italy and the relaxed way of life over there. Melissa told us about what she has discovered about the value of studying Italian through the studies she is currently doing. If you have been thinking about improving your Italian language skills we hope this chat will bring you the inspiration you need.
This week we are talking about raising Italian Australian children, our guest Marco Petta is a new father but he isn't new to our podcast, having joined us in many previous episodes. It was wonderful to chat with him about this exciting new chapter in his life.
Find Marco on Insta:
Marco Petta (@marcopetta_doesthings) • Instagram photos and videos
More episodes with Marco:
Episode 31: Marco Petta talks Sanremo 2024 - The Italian Australian Podcast | Podcast on Spotify
Episode 57: Marco Petta always in the action - The Italian Australian Podcast | Podcast on Spotify
Our guest this week is Josephine, founder of Sydney based travel company Irpinia Escapes. We had a fantastic time chatting about visiting Italy and having an authentic travel experience, one that takes you beyond the usual hot spots. In addition to being a travel company, Irpinia Escapes provides assistance to travelers to reconnect to their relatives in Italy. Irpinia Escapes will take you to the Southern Italian region of Campania, close to Naples and the Amalfi Coast. Irpinia offers a peaceful break from the crowds. Listen to the episode to hear more and you can also click the links below:
Irpinia Escapes on Instagram:
Irpinia Escapes (@irpiniaescapes) • Instagram photos and videosIrpinia Escapes website:
Irpinia Escapes | Discover ancient cultures and new experiences
Our guest this week is Angie Mastrippolito, daughter of Italian Immigrants from Abruzzo who grew up among the sugar cane fields of far North Queensland. Le Seconde Inheriting the Unspoken A Second-Generation Immigrant Story is the book Angie has written about her story and the story of her family. It is fascinating and one that many Italian Australians will relate to. This story is deep and speaks of that which has remained unspoken, even to this day, in many families. This is a book every Italian Australian should read. It is available via the links below. Buy it for your mum, your brother, yourself, just make sure you get a copy!
Angie's website:
Amazon:
Amazon.com.au : le seconde inheriting the unspoken
Angie on Instagram:
In this episode we talked about immigration, mental health and in particular how it affects teenagers. Our guest is Federica Zamboni a psychologist and psychotherapist who immigrated to Perth as a teenager. We chatted about Federica's own experience and how her practice- Tailoring Therapy- has developed a program which focuses specifically on the needs of adolescents immigrating from Italy to Australia. Click on the links below for more details.
Tailoring Therapy on Instagram:
Perth Psychology✨Sexology✨Relationship Therapy✨ (@tailoringtherapy) • Instagram photos and videos
Tailoring Therapy website:
Tailoring Therapy | Relationship Therapy | Sex Therapy | Perth
We were thrilled to have Italian Australian icon and comedy legend Joe Avati join us for his second episode on the Italian Australian Podcast. It was great to catch up and hear what Joe has been up to, in particular the recent work he has been involved in with Italea, a platform dedicated to helping people rediscover their Italian origins.
Italea on Instagram:
Italea (@_italea) • Instagram photos and videos
This episode is proudly sponsored by 'Famous Biscuits.' Since 1992 Famous Biscuits has been a family business with three generations manufacturing and wholesaling premium Italian style sweet treats around Australian and New Zealand. Find them at your local independent supermarket.
Famous Biscuits on Instagram:
Famous Biscuits (@famousbiscuits) • Instagram photos and videosFamous Biscuits Website:
Music featured in this episode is by the incredibly talented Melbourne based musician Michael Cristiano. These tracks are from his recent album 'Mai Finira'
Web: Michael Cristiano | Official Website Michael Cristiano 24
Facebook: Michael Cristiano | FacebookInstagram: Michael Cristiano (@themichaelcristiano) • Instagram photos and videos
Spotify: Mai Finirà - Album by Michael Cristiano | Spotify
Apple Music: Michael Cristiano - Apple Music
We are excited and proud for this milestone!! For this episode we wanted to go back to where it all started, a brother and sister having a chat. We share some memories of our experiences since starting the podcast, the good, the bad and what we have learned along the way. It was great to look back at some of our previous guests, people we have met and friends and connections made. Thankyou to everyone who has been a part of the podcast and thanks to everyone who has provided support and encouragement. And, of course, a massive thank you to our listeners, without you all there is no podcast.
This episode is proudly sponsored by 'That Little Gelato Cart' They will bring the taste of Italy to your next event with real Italian gelato scooped fresh from their beautiful blush pink cart. Weddings, birthdays, corporate events- they make every moment sweeter.
Find them on Instagram:
That Little Gelato Cart (@thatlittlegelatocart) • Instagram photos and videos
And also at:
This was an incredibly fun episode to record with fellow a very proud Italian Australian, Perth's favourite real estate agent Justin Merendino!! We have a lot in common with Justin and hearing about his Italian heritage, being both Calabrese and Sicilian. Justin's passion for his culture is so strong and his regard for the language, including both dialects, is inspiring. We shared our thoughts of how important it is for ourselves and future generations to learn the traditions of their parents and Nonni so they can be passed down and carried on in the future. We also heard about Justin's personal story and how he started his successful career in real estate and how he incorporates his culture into his work.
Justin's instagram:
Justin (Giustino)Merendino (@justin_merendino_raywhite) • Instagram photos and videos
Tickets for La Dolce Vita:
Buy La Dolce Vita - Etta D’Elia Quintet tickets, WA 2025 | MoshtixWHAT'S ON | Duke Of George
We had a lovely time chatting with our guest in this episode Taysha Farrugia. Taysha is a young Italian Australian based in Melbourne who at just 14 years old is already on her way to becoming a successful singer and actress. You will hear 2 of her songs in this episode and you can find her music on Spotify via the links below. We love chatting with the next generation of Italian Australians and we are certain there are big things coming up in Taysha's career as a performer.
To follow Taysha on Instagram:
TAYSHA (@tayshafarrugia) • Instagram photos and videos
Dance take a chance on Spotify:
DANCE TAKE A CHANCE - song and lyrics by TAYSHA Farrugia | Spotify
Fearless on Spotify:
We loved chatting with fellow Italian Australian Daniele Foti-Cuzzola in this week's episode. Daniele has grown up with a strong connection to his Italian heritage and we had lots to chat about including language, food and spending time in Italy. Daniele's connection to his culture has influenced his professional life as a Creative Director. He now has his own studio named 'Studio Musaicu' and divides his time between Italy and Australia. It was very interesting to hear how Daniele makes it work for him. We also heard about the special children's book Daniele was inspired to write named 'Arrivera La Befana a Fremantle', a bi-lingual story about the Italian folklore legend of La Befana, what we loved most about this story is that it brings an Italian Australian perspective, the book is available for purchase via the link below.
Daniele's Instagram:Daniele Foti-Cuzzola (@daniele_foticuzzola) • Instagram photos and videos
Studio Musaicu Instagram
Studio Musaicu (@studiomusaicu) • Instagram photos and videosLa Befana children's book:
Our friend and return guest, the talented James Liotta is back ! We loved catching up with James and hearing about what he has been getting up to. We are looking forward to seeing James when he is back in Perth touring with the Uncle Louie Variety Show in July, see the links below for more details.
James also helped us answer an extremely important question- how much do you put in the Busta? Same as what they gave your sister? Do you allow for inflation? What about if it's a second wedding? Or what if the food was terrible? There was a lot to consider and discuss about this topic, it's a question that has been asked for years. We had a lot of laughs recording this one but we did also come up with some excellent advice in this episode, if this is something you have ever wondered about then be sure to listen in to what we have to say. If you still aren't satisfied with our answers then listen to the Italian American Podcast Episode 64- the guys did an episode on this very topic which is where we got our inspiration to answer this question from an Italian Australian perspective.
James Liotta:James Liotta (@jamesliottaentertainer) • Instagram photos and videos
Uncle Louie Tour dates:Tour - The Uncle Louie Variety Show
Italian American Podcast episode 64:IAP 64: POWER HOUR: How Much S... - The Italian American Podcast - Apple Podcasts
This was a very fun chat for us, we were joined by Lou Greco and Carlo Russo, the stars of The Uncle Louie Variety Show. They are comedians based in America and entertain millions with their hilarious videos on social media, they are also skilled stage performers and they are bringing their show to Australia this July with shows in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth, our friend- the talented and extremely funny James Liotta is supporting them and we can't wait to see him also. These shows are going to be epic and tickets are selling fast, don't miss out! See the links below for tickets to the shows and to follow the guys on social media. We loved chatting with Lou and Carlo to hear how The Uncle Louie Variety Show started. We also enjoyed discussing the shared experiences of Italian immigrants, there are so many similarities regardless of where they immigrated to and we love chatting with people in the Italian diaspora from all around the world.
Tour - The Uncle Louie Variety ShowThe Uncle Louie Variety Show (@the_uncle_louie_show) • Instagram photos and videosThe Uncle Louie Variety Show | Facebook
We are so grateful to our friend Elena Di Fiore for introducing us to our guest in this episode!!
In this episode we are joined by Elizabeth Rocca, an Italian Australian from Adelaide. Elizabeth's Instagram page 'Adelaide Gal' is dedicated to showcasing current events in Adelaide. She works as an MC and is a radio host for Radio Italiana 531 where she co-hosts 'Feel Good Friday' every Friday afternoon. She is also extremely passionate about her Italian Heritage and the three of us quickly bonded over our shared Calabrese and central Italian heritage. To see more of what Elizabeth is involved in and to listen in to her radio segment see the links below:
ADELAIDE GAL | Elizabeth (@_adelaidegal) • Instagram photos and videosElizabeth Rocca - Work With Elizabeth Rocca
Elizabeth & Stefano Feel Good Friday - Elizabeth & Stefano Feel Good Friday - Omny.fm
In this episode we chatted with Rosemary Gattuso, a trauma informed family mediator who has written an Inspiring self-help book 'It's Not You, it's Me. We quickly bonded with Rosemary- over our shared Calabrese heritage- including our stereotypical Calabrese appearances- and our love for spending time in Italy. Rosemary told us all about her time spent living in Italy to consolidate learning the Italian language. We also heard how Rosemary's professional experiences led her to write her book. The book is inspiring and it is definitely worth a read. To hear more about Rosemary and her book see the links below:
Rosemary Gattuso (@rosemarygattuso) • Instagram photos and videosRosemary Gattuso - Home
