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 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