Episode 86: Rick Futia — An Italian American Story of Survival & Comeback

At 17 years old, Rick Futia’s life changed in an instant.

What began as a summer day at the lake ended in a devastating accident that left him paralyzed. But that is only the beginning of this story.

In Episode 86, we sit down with Rick and his nephew, Jag Jefferson — author of Rickicello — to talk about survival, reinvention, and what it truly means to live boldly after everything changes. From Rick’s bodybuilding days and teenage confidence… to the shocking accident that altered his future… to the unexpected “rockstar” comeback that followed, this episode is filled with honesty, humor, and heart.

We also dive deep into Rick’s Italian American roots — from Calabria to upstate New York to San Jose — and the remarkable story of his grandmother, who left her family behind in Italy and crossed an ocean alone, pregnant and unable to speak English, to build a new life in America.

This is a story about:
• Family loyalty
• Immigrant sacrifice
• Reinvention after tragedy
• Confidence, charisma, and resilience
• And a life that refused to be defined by one moment

If you’d like to read the full story, Rick’s biography Rickicello is available at rickbio.com, where you can purchase the book, audiobook, and special editions directly.

Some stories fade with time. Others demand to be told.

This is one of them.

🎧 Listen now to Episode 86 of the Italian American Stories Podcast.