In this episode, Stephanie sits down with the remarkable Pat Benincasa — an artist, author, educator, and podcaster whose life and work beautifully bridge creativity, heritage, and history.
From her early years in Detroit’s Italian American community to her breathtaking glass and steel sculptures, Pat has always seen her life as a canvas — each experience a brushstroke honoring the past. She shares stories from her book My Calabria: The Land Between Here and There, exploring how a single burned book of Italian love poems sparked a deep dive into her family’s immigrant journey and the powerful presence of her ancestors.
Together, Stephanie and Pat discuss art, teaching, podcasting, and the enduring connection between Italian Americans and their roots. With humor, wisdom, and heart, Pat reminds us that we are never alone — our ancestors walk beside us, guiding every step.
💬 “Know where you come from and you’ll know who you are.”
You can buy Pat's book from Apple Books or on her website https://www.patbenincasa-art.com/ebooks
In this episode of Italian American Stories, Stephanie sits down with author Don Ladolcetta, whose heartfelt novels preserve the legacies of his family on both sides of the Atlantic. Don shares the inspiration behind his books, Hannah, the Lighthouse Girl of Newfoundland and A Brooklyn Tale, stories that weave together family history, immigrant struggles, cultural heritage, and a touch of fiction to bring the past vividly to life.
From the hardships of Southern Italy and the dangerous journey through Ellis Island, to the challenges of starting over in Brooklyn’s Italian neighborhoods, Don recounts his ancestors’ resilience, sacrifice, and determination to create a better life for future generations. Along the way, he reflects on the importance of recording family stories, the mix of truth and imagination that shapes his writing, and the message of hope and perseverance that runs through his work.
If you’ve ever wondered about your own family’s immigrant journey, or why preserving these stories matters, this conversation will inspire you to ask the questions, record the memories, and honor the sacrifices that made your life possible.
🎙️ Bonus Episode: Mamma, That’s All Right — Italians in the American South
In this bonus episode of Italian American Stories, Stephanie sits down with director Valentina Signorelli and Italian musicians Luca Chiappara and Mario Monterosso to discuss their new documentary, Mamma, That’s All Right, which debuted at the National Italian American Foundation’s 50th Anniversary Gala in Washington, D.C.
The film follows Luca and Mario as they journey from Italy to the American South, tracing their pursuit of the American Dream through music, friendship, and culture. Set against the backroads of Nashville and Memphis, the story bridges two worlds, Sicily and Tennessee, through rhythm, heritage, and heart.
With a special cameo by Priscilla Presley, this conversation explores the shared soul between Italian passion and Southern sound, and the beauty of chasing dreams far from home. As Mario puts it best, “My family gave me my roots but rock and roll gave me my wings.”
Check out more information about the film at www.daitona.it
Follow Valentina, Luca and Mario
Valentina:
Instagram - @cosmopolitan_londoner
Luka:
https://lucachiappara.com/
Instagram - @luca.chiappara
Facebook: “Luca Chiappara Music” page
Mario:
Instagram - @marioredmount
Facebook page “Mario Monterosso Music”
In this heartfelt episode of Italian American Stories, Stephanie welcomes Cindy Hollenbeck, a Navy veteran, writer, and proud Italian American who takes us on a deeply personal journey through her family’s past. From uncovering long-hidden truths in old newspapers and genealogical records to growing up in her father’s leather shop in Binghamton, Cindy shares how family secrets, resilience, and hard work shaped her life.
Cindy reflects on her father’s artistry as a cobbler, the challenges of an unconventional childhood, and the devastating loss of her beloved brother Tony, whose memory continues to inspire her memoir, Leather Soul. Along the way, she reminds us of the importance of preserving family history, embracing our heritage, and finding strength in even the most painful chapters of life.
This moving conversation is a celebration of resilience, identity, and the enduring power of storytelling within the Italian American community.
In the dramatic conclusion of our four-part series, we follow the twists and turns of Angelina Garramone’s murder trial in early 20th-century Denver. From shocking testimony about cruelty in Concetta Forgione’s past, to accusations of witchcraft, forged checks, and family betrayals, this final chapter brings the story of Maria LaGuardia’s death into sharp focus.
We uncover how witnesses, including Concetta, Stella, and even Angelina’s husband Luigi, shaped the case, how the Italian community reacted, and how newspaper portrayals of Angelina reflected the prejudices of the time. The verdict may have sealed her fate, but questions still linger about motive, justice, and what truly became of Angelina after prison.
Join us as we close the book on one of Colorado’s most haunting Italian American stories.
Episode 69: Angelina Garramone – Part 3
The story of La Diavola Rossa takes a darker turn in Part 3 of our Angelina series. After years of scams, trials, and whispers of violence, Angelina becomes entangled in the disappearance and murder of Maria LaGuardia—a 65-year-old woman from Denver’s Little Italy who spent her life searching for her missing husband.
In this episode, we follow Maria’s tragic final days, the chilling details of her murder, and the shocking confessions that implicated Angelina and others in the crime. From coded gestures of silence to gruesome superstitions, this chapter reveals just how deep fear of Angelina ran in her community.
Join us as we uncover the testimony, the drama, and the haunting aftermath of one of Denver’s most notorious cases.
🎧 Italian American Stories Podcast – Bringing Our Ancestors’ Stories to Life
In this second installment of Angelina Garramone’s story, we unravel the darker side of a woman whose schemes went far beyond fraud and forgery. When two Italian women, Dorinda Cellante and Maria LaGuardia, disappeared from Denver’s Italian colony in 1910, suspicion began to swirl around Angelina.
This episode dives deep into the shocking murder of Dorinda, her tumultuous life, dramatic divorces, and tragic end. From bizarre newspaper depictions and courtroom battles to chilling evidence like forged deeds and handwriting quirks, we explore how Angelina’s cleverness and cruelty left a lasting mark on the community.
Join us as we continue peeling back the layers of one of Denver’s most infamous Italian American stories—a tale of power, manipulation, and murder.
In this special re-release, we return to the story that first sparked the creation of the Italian American Stories Podcast, the scandalous and fascinating life of Angelina Garramone.
Born in Potenza, Basilicata, Angelina arrived in Denver’s Little Italy as a young girl and grew into one of the most talked about figures in the community. Known both as a fortune teller and the “Queen of Little Italy,” her story blends family tragedy, fiery scandals, and elaborate real estate scams that preyed on her own community. From a dramatic courtroom confrontation to schemes involving forged deeds and even piano rentals, Angelina’s life was filled with ambition, controversy, and intrigue.
Join us as we revisit one of our favorite Italian American stories packed with newspaper drama, community feuds, and the early signs of crimes that would eventually define Angelina’s legacy. This is part one of a multi-episode series uncovering the rise of one of Denver’s most notorious Italian American women.
🎙️ Christina and the Whitefish with Author & Filmmaker Stephen Vittoria
In this episode, I sit down with filmmaker and author Stephen Vittoria to explore his powerful new novel, Christina and the Whitefish. Set in 1994 Asbury Park, the story follows Christina, a young Gulf War veteran, and the Whitefish, a disabled Vietnam veteran, as their lives intersect in a tale of trauma, resilience, and redemption.
Stephen shares how his Italian American roots, decades in filmmaking, and personal family history shaped the novel. Together, we discuss the struggles of veterans across generations, the impact of PTSD, the healing power of human connection, and how fiction can shine a light on the costs of war.
It’s a heartfelt conversation that blends history, culture, and storytelling—one you won’t want to miss.
✨ Christina and the Whitefish is available now wherever books are sold.
https://stephenvittoria.com
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
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
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/
In this heartfelt episode, I sit down with Louis G. Bruno Jr., author of The Love of San Demetrio, a powerful family memoir that spans continents and generations. Lou takes us on a journey from a small Italian village to the steel towns of western Pennsylvania, sharing the unforgettable story of his family’s immigration, perseverance, and the deep mysteries that lingered for nearly a century.
To learn more about Lou and grab a copy of his book, visit www.byloubruno.com.
In this episode of Italian American Stories, we explore the inspiring life of Denver’s own Kate Ferretti—an Italian American milliner who left her mark on the city’s fashion scene with creativity, grit, and heart.
Born Henrietta Malnati to Italian immigrants who helped build the Colorado State Capitol, Kate grew up watching her mother sew Easter outfits and learned the value of hard work from a young age. After working under fashion icons like Madame Lily and Madame Rossi, she rose to fame in Denver as a talented hatmaker with clients ranging from society women to the legendary Molly Brown.
Kate’s story is one of joy and heartbreak—from becoming a mother to Denver’s first triplets to experiencing unimaginable loss. But through it all, she poured her heart into her craft, building a thriving millinery business right in the heart of Little Italy.
Join us as we remember the woman whose handmade hats turned heads, shaped trends, and brought a touch of Paris to North Denver.
In this episode, we dive into one of the most unusual and stories we've come across —the case of little Alice Minto. In 1909 San Francisco, a young Italian American girl was found living in a Chinatown basement, speaking only Chinese, and clinging to a half-starved puppy. Newspapers called her a kidnapped child, a “white girl held captive,” but the truth was far more complicated.
Was she stolen, sold, adopted, or abandoned? Through court records, adoption scandals, and public outcry, we follow Alice’s tangled journey through the foster care system, social prejudice, and cultural misunderstanding.
Join us as we explore the strange case of Alice Minto.
