Step back in time to 1930s North Denver’s Little Italy, where a shocking murder tested a family's strength. In this episode, we unravel the tragic story of Theresa Spanarella, who was killed by her jealous brother-in-law, Alex. The dramatic trial that followed revealed deep family conflicts, but despite the gravity of his crime, Alex served only a short sentence. Join us as we explore the impact of this devastating event on the family and the community.

We've been on a break for the holidays, but thought we would re-release our first Christmas Special Episode! Merry Christmas, Everyone!

Dive into the warmth of the season with our Christmas Special episode of Italian American Stories, where we unwrap the past through nostalgic newspaper articles. 

In this episode, we bring you the story of a woman reliving a cherished childhood memory where she treks through a snowstorm, determined to reach her aunt's house for the beloved Feast of the Seven Fishes. 

And, to add a touch of humor to your holiday cheer, we close the episode with a chuckle-worthy exploration of the top ten gifts for Italian American children. Spoiler alert: These gifts are entirely fabricated, but they'll leave you in stitches as we imagine a world where bambini unwrap the most unexpected surprises.

May your holiday season be filled with laughter, warmth, and the joy of shared memories.

In this episode, we sit down with Stephen Pishner, a proud Italian American with a deep passion for uncovering his family’s history. Stephen shares stories from his extensive research, which he’s turning into a book, and gives us a glimpse into the incredible journey of tracing his roots. But that’s not all—Stephen is also the frontman of the band Amici, and they’ll be performing on the red carpet during the Columbus Day parade in New York! Join us for a heartwarming conversation filled with stories of family, tradition, and the power of music.

In this episode of the Italian American Stories Podcast, I sit down with Margaret Fontana, a dynamic leader who runs her own media company, hosts a podcast, and serves as the executive director of the New Jersey Italian Heritage Commission. Margaret shares her insights on the importance of preserving Italian American culture, and we dive into a heartfelt conversation about family traditions, heritage, and the future of our community.

Throughout the episode, Margaret also shares some wonderful stories from her own family, giving us a glimpse into the rich and vibrant world of Italian American life. Don't miss this inspiring discussion!

⁠margaretfontanamedia.com⁠

⁠www.njitalianheritage.org/about⁠

⁠margaretfontanamedia.com⁠

⁠@margfontana⁠ ⁠@mfmmedia⁠

⁠@italianamericangirl

In this episode of the Italian American Stories Podcast, we bring you our very first video interview with none other than Danny Rossi, famously known as "The Hot Dog King." Danny, a Vietnam veteran and proud Italian American, shares his incredible journey from the battlefields of Vietnam to the streets of New York City, where he fought to keep his iconic hot dog business alive.

Join us as Danny talks about his deep connection to his Italian American heritage, his upbringing, and the challenges he faced as both an entrepreneur and an advocate for veterans. His captivating stories of service in the US Marine Corps during Vietnam are both heartwarming and inspiring.

Tune in for an engaging and unforgettable conversation with Danny Rossi!

Danny’s Social Media

Email: newyorkhotdogking@gmail.com

Website:⁠newyorkhotdogsnyc.com⁠

Instagram: @nyhotdogs

Facebook: The Hot Dog King

TikTok:@nyhotdogs

YouTube:@TheNewYorkHotDogKing

⁠The New York Hot Dog King Book

In this special episode of the Italian American Stories Podcast, join us as we delve into the remarkable life of Amore Raso, an Italian immigrant who became a pioneering figure in Grand Junction, Colorado. His investment in the community's infrastructure paved the way for its growth and prosperity. Discover how Amore Raso not only built a foundation for his own success but also extended a helping hand to fellow Italians, aiding their settlement and integration into the area. 

Join us for our second "Tales from the Archives" episode! This special segment of the podcast will cover stories and articles that are too small for a full episode but still deserve to be told!

Join us for our first "Tales from the Archives" episode! This special segment of the podcast will cover stories and articles that are too small for a full episode but still deserve to be told! In this first episode, we tell stories about love, a heroic rescue from a sewer, and so much more!

Welcome to a special Mother’s Day edition of The Italian American Stories Podcast! Join us as we delve into the rich history of Italian mothers through the lens of old newspaper articles. In this episode, we’ll explore the timeless wisdom, love, and strength embodied by Italian mothers as we read and discuss articles from the past. From heartwarming anecdotes to cultural insights, we’ll uncover the multifaceted roles and traditions that have shaped generations of Italian American families.

So grab a cup of espresso, settle in, and celebrate Mother’s Day with us as we honor the remarkable women who have influenced our lives in ways both big and small.

Buona festa della mamma!

Join us on a journey through the dusty trails of the Wild West as we uncover the captivating life of Charles Siringo, a true Italian American legend. Born to Italian and Irish immigrant parents in 1855, Siringo's life story is a testament to the adventurous spirit of Italian Americans.

In this episode, we delve into Siringo's early years as a Texas cowboy, riding the range and facing the challenges of life on the open plains. But Siringo's story takes a thrilling turn when he joins the ranks of the legendary Pinkerton Detective Agency, becoming one of the most skilled and respected lawmen of his time.

Join us for a special New Year's episode that transports you to the frosty streets of Juneau, Alaska in 1915.

In this short yet captivating episode, we delve into the murder of Mike Defino. Follow us as we piece together the events leading up to the murder.

Tune in as we kick off the year with a tale that will send shivers down your spine and ignite your curiosity about the untold chapters of our heritage.

Join me and my special guest host, Jared a.k.a. my husband, as we explore the extraordinary journey of Clevio Massimo, a proud Italian-American whose relentless dedication and unyielding strength have taken him to the pinnacle of the strongman world. From humble beginnings rooted in Italian heritage to rising as a dominant force in the realm of strength athletics, Massimo's story embodies the perseverance and resilience deeply ingrained in the Italian-American identity.

In this Halloween special episode of the Italian American Stories Podcast, join us for a spine-tingling journey into the world of haunted houses and ghostly tales deeply rooted in Italian American history. We delve into a collection of unearthed stories pulled from historical newspapers that recount eerie encounters and chilling stories within the Italian American community.

In this episode, we explore the tragic events of the Walsenburg Massacre that took place in Walsenburg, Colorado in 1895, where a group of Italian immigrants were targeted and killed. We delve into the historical background, examining the social and cultural context of the time that contributed to the escalation of violence against the Italian community. Join us as we uncover the untold stories and seek to understand the complexities surrounding this dark chapter in history, specifically focusing on the Italian victims affected by this tragic event.In this episode, we explore the tragic events of the Walsenburg Massacre that took place in Walsenburg, Colorado in 1895, where a group of Italian immigrants were targeted and killed. We delve into the historical background, examining the social and cultural context of the time that contributed to the escalation of violence against the Italian community. Join us as we uncover the untold stories and seek to understand the complexities surrounding this dark chapter in history, specifically focusing on the Italian victims affected by this tragic event.

Come down south with me this week to the state of North Carolina! I can't wait to tell the sad and strange story about Concetto Formica. After Concetto war murdered in 1911, his body was mummified and put on display in a local funeral home for 61 years! That is until another Italian American came to his rescue. 

Welcome to The Found in Print: Italian American Stories Podcast. Join me as I dig through the newspapers of the past and look for the amazing, and sometimes forgotten, stories of Italian Americans. So, if you’re into all things Italian, don’t mind a bit of history, and enjoy storytelling; join me every week, as I revive the stories of the great Italian Americans that came before us.