This episode is a rerelease from our archives, originally published on New Year’s Eve, and shared again as we ring in the new year.

On December 31, 1915, in Douglas, Alaska, a shocking murder took place in broad daylight—one that newspapers at the time described as “one of the most cold-blooded murders to ever occur in the North.” The victim was Mike Defino, an Italian immigrant whose life ended outside a saloon after a bitter dispute over money turned deadly.

In this archival episode of Italian American Stories Podcast, we revisit the tragic story of Defino’s murder, the dramatic manhunt that followed through the snow, and the disturbing details revealed during a rare early-20th-century autopsy. The case ultimately took a strange turn when the accused killer was declared mentally unfit to stand trial, leaving justice unresolved.

This episode explores:

• The New Year’s Eve murder of Mike Defino in 1915

• Italian immigrants working in Alaska’s mining communities

• Early territorial laws, arrests, and life in remote Alaska

• Graphic autopsy reporting from historical newspapers

• A murder case that ended without a trial

This rerelease is part of our effort to bring important stories from the archives back into focus—stories that remind us how much history can be hidden in a single headline.

📰 Found in print. Remembered in story.

🎙️ Italian American Stories Podcast
Hosted by Stephanie & Sandy

Every Christmas, Denver’s Civic Center glows with thousands of lights — a tradition generations have grown up with. But few people know the name of the man behind it.

In this special Christmas Day episode, Stephanie and Sandy tell the remarkable story of John Malpiede, an Italian American electrician whose creativity, perseverance, and love for his city transformed Denver into a national symbol of holiday magic. Born to immigrants from Potenza, Italy, John spent nearly four decades as Denver’s city electrician, quietly shaping the city’s skyline — from Union Station chandeliers to the Civic Center Christmas lights that drew crowds from across the country.

Through the Great Depression, World War II, devastating fires, tight budgets, and even a shocking wiretapping scandal that briefly put his career and reputation on the line, John never stopped finding ways to bring beauty and joy to Denver. His work reflected not just technical skill, but heart — salvaging materials, inventing solutions, and believing that even in hard times, a city deserved light.

This episode explores John’s family roots, his rise as Denver’s “Christmas lights man,” the controversy that nearly derailed his career, and the legacy he ultimately left behind — one that still shines every holiday season.

A story of resilience, community, and quiet craftsmanship, Episode 81 is a reminder that history is often shaped by people working behind the scenes… flipping switches, climbing ladders, and lighting the way.

In this chilling two-part series, Stephanie and Sandy take listeners deep into one of Colorado’s darkest and most unsettling Italian American cases—the life and crimes of Antonio Neroni, a man who lived under many names…and left just as many tragedies behind.

Born in Italy in 1877, Neroni’s violent past began shockingly early—and followed him across the ocean to the rugged company towns of southern Colorado. By the early 1900s, “Tony Bava,” as he called himself, had settled in Florence, where mysterious disappearances began to ripple through the community: a housekeeper, a farmhand, and two brothers who were also his business partners.

When charred bones, burned clothing, and a blood-stained axe were discovered on his property, the quiet farming town erupted into fear, superstition, and rage. Crowds gathered. Psychic visions were reported. And investigators unearthed horrors along the Arkansas River and beneath Neroni’s farmhouse cellar that stunned even seasoned lawmen.

In Part 1, we cover: • Neroni’s violent beginnings in Italy • The world of Colorado coal towns in the early 1900s • The sudden disappearances surrounding his small Florence farm • Disturbing discoveries that turned rumor into terror • Neroni’s chilling confessions…and contradictions • His unhinged escape attempts and increasing instability

This is a story filled with mystery, hysteria, community fear, and a growing body count—one that captured headlines across the country and had Colorado wondering whether they were facing a murderer, a madman, or something far worse.

Join us as we unravel the first half of the shocking case of Antonio Neroni, Colorado’s forgotten nightmare.

Stay tuned next week for Part 2, where we dive into the trial, the hunt for the final missing man, and the explosive conclusion of this unbelievable story.

✨ AVAILABLE NOW — Episode 77: Christina Minutillo ✨

Our newest episode is officially LIVE — and trust me, you don’t want to miss this one.

Today, I sit down with Christina Minutillo — podcaster, traveler, cookbook author, and a woman whose passion for Italian roots has completely transformed her life.

From uncovering her family’s hidden history in tiny villages outside Naples… To filming 300-person neighborhood feasts… To traveling the world cooking with locals… To hosting her very first roots-travel experience in her ancestral town…

Christina’s story is one of heritage, mystery, courage, and rediscovery.

We talk about: 🇮🇹 What it feels like to walk the streets of your ancestors 🍝 The power of food and community 🏘️ Why small Italian towns hold a magic we’ve lost ✈️ How travel helped her conquer fear 📚 The inspiration behind her cookbook Cooking with Italian Roots 🕵🏻‍♀️ And the emotional mystery she uncovered about her great-grandfather — one that still needs solving…

If you love Italian American stories, family mysteries, travel, or just hearing someone speak from the heart… this episode is for you.

🎧 Listen now to Episode 77: Christina Minutillo — available on all platforms.

In this episode of Italian American Stories Podcast, Stephanie sits down with historian and teacher Cassie Ferraiuolo, whose master’s thesis “Little Italy Colusa: The Forgotten Neighborhood” uncovers the remarkable Italian roots of a small California town.

What began as a quest to document Colusa’s past became a deeply personal journey through Cassie’s own family history — one filled with resilience, community, hard work, and even a touch of mystery. From Calabrian immigrants who risked everything to build new lives in agriculture, to the chain migration that shaped the town, and the whispers of Prohibition wine, secret societies, and a century-old murder case — Cassie brings Colusa’s hidden stories vividly to life.

Together, Stephanie and Cassie reflect on what it means to preserve small-town Italian American history, why ordinary people are never truly ordinary, and how every forgotten street corner holds a story waiting to be told.

🎧 Listen now and rediscover a piece of Italian American history that almost slipped away.

Connect with Cassie

Instagram: @cassiolo 

Email:  colusaitalians@gmail.com. 

Episode 75: Veterans Day – John Basilone

In honor of Veterans Day and the 250th birthday of the United States Marine Corps, this episode pays tribute to one of the greatest heroes in Marine Corps and Italian American history — Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone.

Join Stephanie and her husband Jared, a proud U.S. Marine veteran, as they share the incredible story of a man whose courage, humility, and sacrifice became legendary. From his humble beginnings as the son of Italian immigrants in New Jersey, to his heroic actions on Guadalcanal and ultimate sacrifice on Iwo Jima, Basilone’s story embodies the spirit of honor, courage, and commitment.

Stephanie and Jared reflect on the enduring bond between John and his wife Lena, his deep devotion to his fellow Marines, and the lasting legacy that continues to inspire generations.

This heartfelt Veterans Day episode is a moving reminder of the price of freedom — and a salute to all who have served.

🎖️ Listen now to honor the life and legacy of Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone — the Marine who became a legend.

🎙️ 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:

⁠mariomonterosso.com⁠

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.

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 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 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 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!

In this episode, we uncover the story of Julius Cesar Carrera, or JC—a brilliant and largely overlooked figure in American history. An educator, mineralogist, professor, and pioneer in the mining industry of the western United States, JC also founded a college and gained worldwide recognition for his expertise. Join us as we bring his incredible accomplishments and contributions to light, exploring the life of an Italian American who shaped history yet remains under appreciated.

In honor of Veterans Day, I’m joined by my husband Jared, a Marine veteran, as we pay tribute to Italian American hero Neil Iovino. Together, we explore Neil’s story, his bravery, and his remarkable service. Join us for this heartfelt episode as we recognize the courage and sacrifices of our veterans, reflecting on what their legacies mean to us and the Italian American community.

Get ready for a spooky, fun-filled Halloween special! In this episode, we dive into lighthearted stories of Italian Americans celebrating Halloween, from mischievous pranks to a woman balancing a pail of beer on her head, and even a mysterious creature lurking in a tree. Plus, Mom shares her favorite Halloween costume, and we reminisce about Halloween memories from my childhood. Join us for laughter, nostalgia, and a dash of Halloween spirit!

In this episode, we explore the tragic and mysterious story of 5-year-old Sammy Sabell from Denver’s Little Italy. In 1928, the close-knit Italian community came together to search for Sammy after he vanished. Despite their efforts, his body was discovered five days later, raising more questions than answers. Strange tips and events surrounding the case continue to baffle, making this story a haunting piece of Denver’s history.

In this episode, we chat with Danielle Fusco, a talented Italian American artist. Danielle shares how her deep connection to both creative expression and spirituality has shaped her journey. From her unique healing practices to her Italian heritage, we explore how her background influences her work. Listen as Danielle inspires us with her insights into the intersection of art, empowerment, and inner healing.

Danielle's biography and contact information. 

Danielle Marie Fusco is a New York-based dancer, choreographer, aerialist, and shamanic healer with a diverse career. She is a dancer with Alessandra Belloni and I Giullari di Piazza and has performed & choreographed for Off-Broadway productions like *Tink*, *The Anthem*, and *The Vanity*. Danielle has appeared at prestigious events such as the NY Innovative Theatre Awards and NY Musical Festival. She has performed with renowned artist/companies like Dzul Dance, Noemi LeFrance, Graham 2, Luigi Jazz Dance Legacies, FINI Dance NY and many more. She participated in PEACE Grant and was awarded the Hupstate Circus Residency with Circus Culture. She was awarded The Italian Dance Award for "Best Dancer" at Fini Dance Festivals in Calabria Italy. Her performance in *Night of 1000 Stevies* was Time Out's #1 Critics Pick. She has also performed immersive art installations with Darrell Thorne. Currently, Danielle is focusing on contemporary productions of Southern Italian dance & shamanism and was a guest artist with Allegro Dance in Pittsburg debuting “Il Rituale”. Her artistry continues to leave a lasting impact on dance and community outreach.For more about Danielle, visit her website:  ⁠www.daniellemariefusco.com⁠ and she has 2 instagram accounts @american.strega and @daniellemariefusco

• Website:  ⁠www.daniellemariefusco.com⁠

• Email:  ⁠Daniellemariefusco@gmail.com

In this episode, we sit down with Anna Harsh, the founder and artistic director of Allegro Dance Company. As a professional dancer, award-winning choreographer, and author, Anna shares her passion for preserving traditional Italian dances. We explore her journey as an Italian American artist, her research trips to Italy, and how she uses dance to celebrate her heritage. Don't miss this inspiring conversation about culture, creativity, and the art of storytelling through dance!

In this episode of The Italian American Stories Podcast, we explore the fascinating life of Ann Corio, an iconic burlesque performer who became a star during the 1930s and 1940s. Known for her talent and charisma on stage, Ann’s career in burlesque made her a household name. But beyond her performances, she remained deeply rooted in her Italian American heritage, always putting family first.

We dive into her strong, traditional family upbringing and the incredible lengths she went to, like taking her mother back to Italy to reconnect with their homeland. Join us as we uncover the life of a woman who balanced fame with family devotion, preserving her legacy both on and off the stage.

Our Paesani Tale comes from Alexander in Rhode Island. Instagram handle @italianfarmusari