
Little Italy Podcast & Little Italy of LA Podcast
Little Italy Podcast & Little Italy of LA Podcast celebrate Italians and Italian Americans who contribute to art, culture, science, travel, community, and more throughout the U.S., Los Angeles, and beyond. The show is created and hosted by Deborah Zara Kobylt, an award-winning journalist and proud Italian American living in Los Angeles, who grew up in NJ, NY, and Florida.
Episodes

Diana Giovinazzo, The Story of Three Sisters from 1940s Naples
Please welcome Diana Giovinazzo, author, "Daughters of Naples," whose newly-released historical fiction is inspired by the real-life Italian women who risked everything to fight for their homeland against Fascist domination and Nazism. It's a fascinating read, one I could not put down! The story centers around three Cozzolino sisters who navigate changing wartime dynamics that threaten to tear the

Andrew Cotto, The History of Little Italy in NYC
Award-winning author and co-founder/editor-in-chief of Appetito Magazine, #AndrewCotto, joins us to discuss the deep-rooted history of Italians and Italian Americans in New York through hard-work, grit, culture and their culinary expertise, literally taking over the food scene from the moment the Italians landed on our shores. When it was discovered that #LittleItaly was no longer included on the

Johnny Anello, Italian American Radio Founder & Musician
Please welcome infamous mandolin player #JohnnyAnello, also the founder of Italian American Radio, who joins us to talk about the history of Italians who came to this country through Ellis Island, settled primarily in #LittleItaly on the lower east side of Manhattan, and became the heart and soul of New York, building bridges, digging subway tracks and tunnels and anything else that needed to be d

Mike Crispi, President, The Italian American Civil Right League
Mike Crispi, president of The Italian American Civil Rights League, joins us to discuss the recent uproar over the Little Italy New York enclave being removed from the City's list of immigrant neighborhoods. Italians took notice and fought back. In fact, Crispi's resume reads as a man who has been fighting for justice much of his life as a political activist, frequent commentator, and talk show ho

Idanna Pucci, Co-Author, "Emilio Pucci"
Idanna Pucci's latest book, "Emilio Pucci: The Astonishing Odyssey of a Fashion Icon," is a biography co-authored by the niece of the famed designer along with her husband, Terence Ward. The narrative moves beyond Emilio Pucci's vibrant prints to uncover his harrowing experience during World War II and his role in postwar Italian reconstruction. Carefully detailed and researched by Idanna Pucci an

Linda Stasi, Author, "The Descendant"
Linda Stasi is synonymous with NY media royalty. She's a well known critic and columnist for the NY Post. She is also a familiar face on the NY1 News Channel, and has appeared on the Today Show, The View, CBS Morning Show, among others. And we're thrilled to have her join us to talk about her latest book The Descendant: a historical family saga based on her own Sicilian-American ancestors, followi

James Conlon, ONE OF LA OPERA'S FINEST CONDUCTORS
James Conlon is known as one of the most versatile and respected conductors of a generation, and throughout his career, has cultivated a vast symphonic, operatic, and choral repertoire. Today, we are honored to welcome him to our show. Since his 1974 debut with the NY Philharmonic, he has conducted virtually every major American and European symphony orchestra with precision. Needless to say, Mr.

Spencer Pratt, LA Mayoral Candidate & Former Reality TV Star
LA Mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt means business. He's pissed and wants to turn the city he grew up in to a city that functions without debilitating crime, drugs, homelessness, in addition to helping thousands of Angelenos cut through red tape so they can rebuild after losing their homes in the LA fires of 2025. It's a tall order, and he says he's fired up and wants the job. And he's working the

Stephen Pishner, Italian American Member & Performer
California and Los Angeles are at a crossroads, and it's up to each of us to determine the future of both our state and beloved city. Please welcome #JohnKobylt, host of the award-winning #JohnKobyltShow on #iheart radio and #kfiam640 powerhouse station, who joins us to talk about the gubernatorial and mayoral races here. Last week, candidates duked it out during scheduled debates, and everyone se

Monica Guerritore, Actor, "Anna"
Please welcome acclaimed actress Monica Guerritore to our show, who joins us to talk about her magnificent film, "Anna - The Untold Story" - about the life of legendary actress Anna Magnini, specifically set on the night of 1956 when Anna won the Academy Award for Best Actress for "The Rose Tattoo." She was the first Italian actress to win an Oscar. The film portrays Anna as a woman of immense str

Mike Marino, Actor, Comedian, Podcast Host
Please welcome one of the funniest guys in comedy today, Mike Marino, who hails from New Jersey, next to the town where I was born. Mike manages to turn circumstances from everyday life as a proud Italian-American into something we can all relate to - funny, relatable, ridiculous. He went on a campaign to "Make America Italian Again" which attracted a cult following. He hosts the popular podcast,

Suzanne Cope, for promo Italian Women Warriors
Today, I present an extraordinary true story for Women's History Month, written by Suzanne Cope, "Women Of War: The Italian Assassins, Spies, and Couriers Who Fought the Nazis." This is the untold story of the women who risked their lives to secretly pass messages, ammunition, and other secrets to help fight the Nazis who were occupying Italy in the 1940's. The book focuses on four women - in thei

Bruno Serato, Celebrity Chef
Bruno Serato, owner of the Anaheim White House Restaurant and founder of Caterina's Club, feeds literally thousands of children and families every day, and he's raising money so his Caterina's foundation can continue feeding literally thousands every day who would otherwise go hungry. And he joins us today to talk about it. Just last week, SoCal powerhouse radio station #KFIam640 (where my husband

Alexia Melocchi, Global Producer, Author, "The Art of Show Biz" & Producer, Little Studio Films
There's a lot of talk about the changes in Hollywood, a city that has been at the center of moviemaking and TV production for nearly a century. So we invited producer and writer Alexia Melocchi, who co-authored the book, "The Heart of Show Business," to talk about what's really happening in this city of dreams. Alexia will discuss in detail a road map to navigating how work is getting done in this

Simon Poole, MD & Amy Riolo, Authors, Managing Cholesterol for Dummies
Got high cholesterol? There's ways to manage it, and I'll be speaking with nutrition expert Amy Riolo & Dr. Simon Poole about their latest book, "Managing Cholesterol for Dummies." This is a comprehensive look into how we can manage cholesterol, inflammation, and oxidation levels in our bodies, in addition to addressing who might be at cardiovascular risk and how to safely manage it. The duo will

Claudio Santini, World-Renowned Artist & Photographer
Please welcome to our show internationally-acclaimed photographer, artist, and author Claudio Santini, whose thought-provoking work has inspired much reflection. When I visited Claudio in his Los Angeles studio recently, I felt I was in the presence of a true genius. His work spoke to me, including his latest collection, focused on capturing a quiet mental state to inspire a better humanity. Today

Pasquale Esposito, Acclaimed Tenor & Carlo Ponti, Famed Conductor, & LA Virtuosi Orchestra
When famed tenor and songwriter Pasquale Esposito was growing up in Naples, Italy, the music of Enrico Caruso would play throughout his house, inspiring him to sing at the local church in town. His dream was to come to America, to study and eventually perform. And that's exactly what he did. Fast forward twenty-five years, and Pasquale is now performing internationally to critical acclaim, and on

James Tumminia, Actor. Producer
Please welcome to our show James Tumminia, award-winning actor, producer, and lover of all things Italian, beloved for his role as Angelo in the TV series, "Melissa & Joey" and much more. And we'll be talking with James about his work and how he gets his fix of Italian food and culture in this great city of LA. As a kid growing up in an Italian-American neighborhood in Brooklyn, James Tumminia kne

Gregg Schwenk, Creator, Newport Beach Film Festival
We're so excited about this year's Newport Beach Film Festival from October 16-23, featuring over 100 film and 250 shorts from 32 countries. The festival opens with a screening of Richard Linklater's "Blue Moon" starring Ethan Hawke, Margaret Qualley, Bobby Canavalle and Andrew Scott. The closing night film will include a screening of Guillermo Del Toro's "Frankenstein," starring Jacob Elordi, Mia

Maura Fanti, PhD, Research Assoc. Leonard Davis School of Gerontology at USC
Want to live longer? It's all about our food. In fact, "we are what we eat" isn't just a phrase about weight. Maura Fanti, researcher at USC's longevity institute, has been connecting the benefits of calculated fasting and metabolism, inflammation, and a healthier life, and she says to live longer, we need to give our digestive system a break. Please welcome Maura to our show, who joins us to disc

Vicky Carabini, NIAF Regional VP & Chair of the Italian Studies Council at Chapman University
Italians are known for their vibrant culture worldwide, and when I hear the term, "it takes a village," I think of Vicky Colarossi Carabini, a woman who serves as her own village promoting Italian culture throughout Southern California. Please give a warm welcome to Vicky as one of our featured guests for Italian Heritage Month. Since 2007, Vicky Carabini has served as Ambassador to San Juan Capis

Dr. Cinzia Zuffada, President, ISSNAF & Former Deputy Chief Scientist, NASA/JPL
ine growing up in a small town in Sicily, dreaming of coming to America to open a restaurant, and surpassing all of your dreams? Chef Salvo Lo Castro did just that, where he began his culinary career at a young age in Sicily and now feeds the world from his NYC Soho restaurant, Casasalvo, considered a truly divine experience for the senses. Perhaps it's because Chef Salvo was formerly the lead che

Salvo Lo Castro, Former lead chef for the Vatican. Award winning Sicilian chef.
Imagine growing up in a small town in Sicily, dreaming of coming to America to open a restaurant, and surpassing all of your dreams? Chef Salvo Lo Castro did just that, where he began his culinary career at a young age in Sicily and now feeds the world from his NYC Soho restaurant, Casasalvo, considered a truly divine experience for the senses. Perhaps it's because Chef Salvo was formerly the lead

Davide Fiore, Director, A LITTLE FELLOW: The Legacy of A.P. Giannini
Sometimes, there are films that stay with us, and A LITTLE FELLOW: The Legacy of A.P. Giannini, directed by Davide Fiore, is one of those films, and I'm pleased to present Davide today on our #LittleItalyPodcast. Back in the day, banks were primarily for the wealthy, and the poor and working class immigrants often stashed their savings under a mattress. But at the turn of the 20th century, A.P.

Marianna Gatto, Author, The Italian Americans Of Los Angeles & Museum Director, IAMLA
Italians have shaped the culture of America throughout this great nation, and particularly here in Los Angeles. Please welcome to our show an expert in this field, Marianna Gatto, Director of the Italian American Museum of Los Angeles & Author, The Italian Americans Of Los Angeles. And let me tell you, this book is incredible and comprehensive. Marianna seems to have uncovered every inch of Italia

Antonello Pierro, Attorney & Italian Real Estate Expert
Whenever I return from Italy, where my family is from, I wonder why I don't get a place there for my family to enjoy. But I have no idea where to start, who to call, or what it involves. Please welcome Antonello Pierro, attorney and Italian real estate expert to our show, who can walk us through the steps on how it done. First up, purchasing property in Italy is different than buying a place in th

Barbara Pollastrini, Chef-owner, Da Barbara
Award-winning chef, @Barbara_Pollastrini, owner of @da_Barbara_P restaurant in Hollywood, has been cooking up masterpieces in the kitchen since she was a little girl in Rome. And dining at her restaurant here, it's easy to see why Appetito and Los Angeles Magazine named her one of the top Italian restaurants not to miss in LA. The entire experience is like being in someone's home. In fact, the kit

Valentina Castellani Quinn and Marvin Williams
It's been just 100 years since silent films were all the rage in Hollywood, followed by talkies, moving color, digital, and now AI. Please join me in welcoming two experts in the film world who join us to talk about the ever-changing world of Hollywood, Valentina Castellani Quinn, president of Quinn Studios Entertainment, and Marvin Williams, founder of Big M Entertainment Pictures, discussing the

Debora Medici-Guetta, Visual Artist, Women's Rights Advocate, Philanthropist
Debora Medici-Guetta has inspired me since the day I met her. I could feel her intense passion for her work, her support of women, and for being someone not afraid to talk about her journey in life. So won't you please welcome her to our show this incredibly talented photographer & photojournalist, graphic artist, and documentary filmmaker. Debora was born in Rome, and the first time she landed in

Emanuele Amendola, Director at the Italian Cultural Institute in Los Angeles
Please welcome to our show, the director of the Istituto Italiano di Cultura di LosAngeles, AKA the Italian Cultural Institute, Emanuele Amendola, and he joins us to discuss the mission of the @iiclosangeles in bringing cultural, scientific, academic, and culinary experiences that highlight everything authentic direct from Italy. The programs are all free, engaging, and open to everyone. Emanuele

Yvonne Scio, Writer & Director of Womeness; Actress & Model
As we continue to celebrate #InternationalWomensMonth, please welcome my guest, Yvonne Scio, actress, model, and the writer/director of the documentary, Womeness, which was just recently screened at the Italian Cultural Institute in Los Angeles to rave reviews! Yvonne, who was raised in Italy, is also known for her work in the 2006 version of The Pink Panther, in addition to Redline, and Rose Red

Christopher Gialanella, President/Publisher. Los Angeles Magazine|Orange Coast Magazine
ove LA Magazine? I don't miss an issue. How about Orange Coast, Pasadena, and SoCal Magazines for those folks living there? Well, the brains behind all of them is President and Publisher Christopher Gialanella, and I'm thrilled to welcome him to our shows today. Chris is from Livingston, New Jersey, and when I found that out, the two of us couldn't stop chatting about it because I went to the Livi

Tom Dreesen, Legendary Actor & Comedian; Italian Culture Enthusiast
Please join me in welcoming one of the most talented comics of a generation, Tom Dreesen, who's appeared on Carson over 60 times, toured with Sinatra for nearly 15 years, was half of the comedy team Tim and Tom (with Tim Reid), and has written a best-selling book, "Still Standing...My Journey from Streets and Saloons to the Stage, and Sinatra," that talks about it all, including when he found out

Valentina Castellani, President, Quinn Studios Entertainment and Malibu Fire Victim
Valentina Castellani Quinn, president of Quinn Studios Entertainment, has been living the American dream, arriving from Florence and making a formidable mark in Hollywood as an award-winning producer and filmmaker, with films "One Rock, Three Religions," "Wonderful Losers," "Augie," and others to her credit. She also recently signed a joint deal with Big M Entertainment Pictures and Sony Pictures

Chef Amy Riolo and Simon Poole, MD, authors, "Olive Oil for Dummies,"
Do you love olive oil? I do, and it's not just for cooking and eating. In fact, it's been used for everything from bathing to skin and hair care, too. But how does a person know what's the best type of olive oil to use, to consume, to cook with? Please welcome my friend and award-winning chef, Amy Riolo, and Dr. Simon Poole, to discuss their latest book, "Olive Oil for Dummies." In their latest b

Dr. Mary Reid Gaudio & Gino Gaudio. Filmmakers & Founders of the Tony Gaudio Foundation
Please join me in welcoming my friends, Dr. Mary Reid Gaudio and Gino Gaudio, filmmakers and founders of the Tony Gaudio Foundation, who joined us today to discuss the magnificent film they will soon debut about Oscar-winning cinematographer, Gaetano Gaudio, the first Italian-born filmmaker from Italy to win an Academy Award. And his story is fascinating. In 1906, Gaetano "Tony" Gaudio, a young m

Michelle Danner, Founder, The Creative Center for the Arts" & "The Los Angeles Acting Conservatory,
Michelle Danner, film director and founder, "The Creative Center for the Arts" & "The Los Angeles Acting Conservatory," has had a remarkable career in multiple areas of the arts, and she joins us today to talk about longevity, how the business is changing, and how a good story always rules. Michelle is behind some of the industry's most notable films, from "The Italians," "Miranda's Victim," and "

Alexo Wandael, Italian Director
Please welcome to our shows, Alexo Wandael, Italian film director, producer, and director based out of LA and NY, and he joins us to discuss an incredibly interesting project he's been working on called ITALIANY.US, where he photographs his subjects and black and white, all of them from Italy, and interviews them about the life they've created here in America. Why did they come here, what are thei

Alessandra Repini, Author, "The Italian Lady. The Book.
Please welcome our shows Alessandra Repini, who wrote, "THE ITALIAN LADY: The Perfect Guide To Making Yourself ever Cheerful, Classy and Admired." Alessandra talks about how to discover the "modern day dolce vita and enjoying it wherever you are in the world," which is another subtitle to her book. Have you ever noticed how Italian women always seem to look elegant, cook with finesse, and just see

Raffaella Valentini, Consul General of Italy in LA to discuss the Vespucci Ship
Please join me in welcoming Raffaella Valentini, our esteemed Consul General of Italy in Los Angeles, who joins us to discuss a monumental event that soon grace our shores at the Port of Los Angeles - the arrival of what's been called "the most beautiful ship in the world," the Amerigo Vespucci. The Vespucci is the historic and iconic training ship of the Italian Navy, and it will be accompanied b

Anna Harsh Title Director of Allegro Dance Company & Author
Please join me in welcoming Anna Harsh, author, professional dancer, award-winning choreographer, and founder of the Allegro Dance Company, a dance troupe that teaches and performs traditional dances of Italy, region by region. They perform throughout the country and internationally, and their work is absolutely spectacular! The mission of Allegro Dance Company is to preserve and perpetuate tradit

Marianna Cuomo Maier, Holistic Health & Wellness Coach, Founder of Grata Wellness
Please give a warm welcome to my guest, Marianna Cuomo Maier, certified health & wellness coach and founder of Grata Wellness, which helps people take charge of their health, find more joy in their lives, and often, she says, it starts with food. Marianna holds wellness workshops, meditation, and journaling groups at wellness events in support of finding our healthier, more balanced selves. And as

Ilaria Borrelli, Filmmaker, Women's Rights Activist, Mother.
Please welcome to our show the immensely talented Italian director and actress, Ilaria Borrelli, who is also a human rights activist. In fact, much of Ilaria's activism is reflected in her work, often with an emphasis on the rights of woman and young girls. I met Ilaria at the Italian Cultural Institute in Los Angeles, when she was speaking about her film, "The Goat," about an 11-year-old pregnant

Bunny Hull, Grammy® Award Winning Songwriter and vocalist. Founder & Executive Director Dream A World Education
Meet Bunny Hull. Bunny is a Grammy-winning singer-songwriter with 20 Gold and Platinum Certifications. She's the recipient of the GMA Dove Award, BMI Performance Award, Parents' Choice Awards, and that's not even why we're having her on our show today! Hull, who has also been inducted into the Women Songwriters Hall of Fame, joins us to talk about something truly dear to her heart, in addition to

Andrew Cotto, Award-Winning Novelist & Co-Founder, Appetito Magazine
Please join us in welcoming Andrew Cotto, co-founder and editor-in-chief of Appetito Magazine. Andrew is also an award-winning novelist of seven books, a regular contributor to the New York Times, and he loves all things Italy, particularly food and wine. His passion is to write and talk about it, and share his experiences so we can fall in love with the Italian way of living as he has. Andrew lik

Bryan & Stephanie Mazzarello, Filmmaker, "Make Me Italian"
Please welcome to our show, Bryan and Stephanie Mazzarello, creators of their brilliant short film, "Make Me Italian," which follows the story of an Italian-American man attempting to prove his Italian citizenship through ancestry so he can attain an Italian passport. The story is loosely based on Bryan's experience of getting his Italian passport, and it's quite a story. We talk with Bryan about

Andria Litto, Filmmaker, "My Father Moves Mountains"
Please welcome to our show the mega-talented writer, producer, and director Andria Litto, who joins us to discuss her magnificent documentary, "My Father Moves Mountains," about her dad, George Litto, who represented many of Hollywood's top writers who were black-listed during the McCarthy era and beyond. This is a fascinating film, with detailed interviews from actors, writers, and agents, with f

Ann Potenza, Producer/Creator "The War of Roses" play, & Event Producer
Please welcome to our show my dear friend, Ann Potenza, who is bringing an exceptional play to life in Los Angeles for the upcoming Women's History Month, called "The War of Roses - The Women. The Voices. The Vote." This is an important play that talks about the women suffragettes, and the play follows some of the most memorable names who were at the forefront to getting women out to vote. In fact

Raffaella Valentini, Consul General of Italy in Los Angeles
We are pleased to welcome to our show, Raffaella Valentini, esteemed Consul General of Italy in Los Angeles. Raffaella has years of experience having worked in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, overseeing projects promoted by Italy in the Balkins, North Africa, and Middle East. She's also worked at the Embassy's economic office in Albania and Cairo before coming to Los Angeles. Raffaella has keen i

Chef Bruno Serato, Anaheim White House Restaurant & Caterina's Club
It was an extraordinary day this week at Anaheim White House Restaurant, where Chef Bruno Serato opened his doors to raise money for his beloved Caterina's Club so Bruno and his team can feed near 25,000 kids and families in need every month! That's A LOT of Pasta! And we'll find out just how much was raised at yesterday's #PastaThon when we speak with him. Bruno has become a friend over the years

Rick Caruso, Entrepreneur, Philanthropist
Rick Caruso has become a household name, known as a mega-successful real-estate developer, philanthropist, and LA mayoral candidate, but I know him as the family man who has Sunday dinners with his family, no matter what's going on. And he credits much of that to his strong Italian roots. Please join me in welcoming Rick to our show, where we'll talk about some little-known facts about the man beh

Cristina Ferrare, Supermodel, TV Host, Author, Cancer Survivor, Influencer.
Please join me today as we welcome my beautiful friend, Cristina Ferrare - supermodel, New York Times best selling author, TV talk show host, chef, cancer survivor, mom, and much more. Cristina is of Italian descent, born to Renata and Tavio Ferrare, who was a butcher in Ohio. But they didn't stay in Ohio long, because Cristina's beauty was so blinding, she was signed by a top modeling agency in L

Lorenzo Lisi & Celestino Drago - Made In Italy Expo
Love Italian food, wine, fashion, accessories and more? Then you MUST listen to our show today, featuring Lorenzo Lisi, creator of the Nexxt - Made in Italy Expo, happening this week Oct. 19-22 at CRAFTED at the Port of Los Angeles. This is an extraordinary event featuring 120 of the finest vendors from Italy, there will be food tastings and more, and it's FREE! Also joining us will be the legenda

Eleonora Granata Jenkinson & Andrea Pallaoro - The Film MONICA
#Monica is a film worthy of an Oscar nomination, and I recently interviewed Eleonora Granata-Jenkinson, producer, and Andrea Pallaoro, director, about the making of this this beautiful movie. Monica is played Trace Lysette and Patricia Clarkson stars as her mother. The film is about a trans woman who was driven out of her home decades earlier because her family would not accept her life choice. Bu

Lynne Deutch, Evelyn Joan and Piero Addis
Today we celebrate Italian food and excellence in art. Please welcome to our show Evelyne Joan, owner of the infamous Mauro Cafe on Melrose, whose restaurant is as well known for its Italian cuisine as it is for supporting artists, which brings us to Lynne Deutch, also featured on our program. Lynne's photography of her travels throughout the island of Capri will be featured at Mauro's cafe beginn

Carlo Ponti, Los Angeles Virtuosi Orchestra
I'm thrilled to welcome our friend, Maestro #CarloPonti, joining us to discuss the opening of his Los Angeles Virtuosi Orchestra 2023/2024 Season this month. I'm passionate about music education, and Maestro Ponti has dedicated his time to raise money and awareness to bring music education to young people in schools through the work of his LAV Orchestra. All proceeds from the Los Angeles Virtuoso

Pat Lalama, Award-Winning Journalist
Kicking off Italian American Heritage Month with ABC's 20/20 Correspondent and friend, Pat Lalama, who joins our #LittleItalyPodcast to talk about growing up Italian, and how one talk from her dad, Nunzio, convinced her that she could do anything she set her sights on. Pat's family is from both northern and southern Italy, which she says was always complicated growing up. Life wasn't always easy,

Marianna Gatto, Taste of Italy & Founder,Italian American Museum of Los Angeles
Taste of Italy is back! Join us in DTLA on Sept. 23 for THE premiere Italian Food and Wine event in Los Angeles, featuring award-winning restaurants & wineries, fantastic LIVE entertainment, and some celeb guests, too! This is on of my favorite events in LA all year! Today, we speak with Taste of Italy creator and founder of the Italian American Museum of Los Angeles, Marianna Gatto, telling us al

Robert Alegrinni, NIAF's President
Please give a warm welcome to Robert Allegrini, the distinguished president of the National Italian American Foundation, which does tremendous work preserving and highlighting the image and legacy of Italian Americans (for which I am one). Robert joins our #LittleItalyPodcast and #LittleItalyOfLAPodcast to discuss NIAF's mission for the Italian-American Community throughout the U.S. and beyond, an

Lorenza Calamandrei, DJ, Music Producer, Composer
Lorenza Calamandrei is known around the world as one of the most creative DJ's, music producers, and songwriters of our time, and it's so exciting to welcome her to our shows today. Born in Florence to a family of trapeze artists, artists, and even a priest, Lorenza recalls her dad reading philosophy to her at a young age. And she always recalls loving music. She started in Italy as the first fema

Annalisa / Inanna, Singer, Co-Founder of Better Earth Media, Author of Acrotopia
Please welcome Annalisa Giolo, aka Inanna, who joins our show today to talk about how her singing and songwriting is completely inspired by what's happening here on earth. Inanna was born and raised in Italy, decided to make LA her home after she did a house swap and fell in love with Southern California, which inspired her songwriting and performing. As a nature and animal rights advocate, and fo

Joe Farruggio, famed pizza maker, entrepreneur, restauranteur, and author
Please welcome to our show famed pizza maker, entrepreneur, restauranteur, and author, Joe Farruggio, whose pizzas in the Georgetown section of DC are a favorite with some very famous residents in the White House to movie stars like Harrison Ford (who also played a U.S. President in one of his films). Joe's journey from Sicily is a story to be told, and he did just that in his book, "My Name Is Jo

voice of The Galaxy, Radio Host Joe Tutino
On our #LittleItalyPodcast today, we speak with the longtime play-by-play voice of The Galaxy, Joe Tutino. Joe grew up in San Diego, the son of Italian immigrant parents. He played soccer as a kid, and realized the way to stay in the sport was to become an announcer. And that's just what he did, taking a number of radio and writing jobs along the way. But in this business, that's what you do. Job

Stuart Waldner, Author of The Meatrix
Love MEAT? Well, Stuart Waldner joins our show today to talk about moving away from eating meat products not just for health, but for wealth. Keep reading, I'll explain. Stuart wrote "Escape The Meatrix" a well-researched account on how reducing meat in our diets can make our bodies and minds healthier, in addition to the earth, atmosphere, and health of other animals, too, which benefits the enti

Filmmaker Michel Shane
Filmmaker Michel Shane didn't envision himself as an activist, but circumstances in life brought him to a different place. The producer of "Catch Me If You Can" this time produced something even closer to his heart, "21 Miles In Malibu," and Michel joins us today to talk about it. The Pacific Coast Highway is a long, twisty, narrow stretch of road, it's beautiful but it's also dangerous. Michel kn

Michele Palermo
Michele Palermo was always a creative kid, dating back to her early years in Rome, and she joins us today to talk about her award-winning series, "Middlehood," which celebrates the comedy and drama of being in the MIDDLE of everything, especially mid-life. Michele has had an incredible life and career, working with so many industry giants from Martha Stewart, Peter Horton, and she currently teache

Dannie De Novo, lawyer, author, and "happiness" coach
Meet Dannie De Novo, lawyer, author, and "happiness" coach, but I assure you, her road to happiness wasn't paved with gold. Dannie wrote "Get In A Good Mood & Stay There," and "It's All Gravy, Recipes for Happiness," in addition to creating a successful coaching business on how to find your happy, which led to appearances on major TV Networks and shows. But life didn't start out this way. Growing

Vincent Paterson, Director and Choreographer
Ever wonder how #Madonna, #MichaelJackson, and so many iconic performers got their moves? Remember the crotch-grab? You can thank famed choreographer and now author Vincent Paterson for that, and he joins us today to talk about his incredible book, "Icons & Instincts." >>> >>> This is one of those "I can't put this down" kind of reads, believe me. Vincent and I will discuss so many of his brillian

Joe Orazi, Author, L'America
Author Joseph Orazi has always been interested in stories about the struggles of Italian immigrants, and he joins our show to discuss his latest book, "L'AMERICA," which chronicles three immigrants from different regions in Southern Italy, exploring their stories of hope and resilience. Joseph has been a student of the Italian America journey for as far back as he can remember, and in 2005, he wro

Mariana Gatto, creator of the Italian American Museum of Los Angeles
When celebrating #ItalianHeritageMonth, I enjoy highlighting the rich cultural heritage and history of the Italian and Italian American people, particularly art, music, literature, architecture, and of course the stories surrounding them. Today we interview Mariana Gatto, creator of the Italian American Museum of Los Angeles, located near Olivera St. in DTLA, housed inside the oldest remaining str

Nick Rimedio
"This isn't a job. Hospitality is a vocation," says #NickRimedio, GM of the trendy #LaPeerHotel in #BeverlyHills, and soon, Nick will join the #WHollywood. We spoke with Nick on #DeborahKobyltLIVE and our #LittleItalyPodcast, and he told what what's helped him become a success: his NONNA (and of course hard work!) Nick credits his #Italian #grandma with giving him the discipline and confidence to

James Pierre and Ken Atchity
Growing up in NJ, stories about the mob often led the news. It was terrifying, but peaked one's curiosity at the same time. And being of Italian decent, it was the topic of many conversations Today on my #LittleItalyPodcast and #DeborahKobyltLIVE, I speak with James Pierre, author, "GAMBINO: The Rise," and also Ken Atchity, film producer and literary manager who's turned many best sellers into su

Carlo Ponti
Please welcome Maestro #CarloPonti, joining us to discuss the opening of his Los Angeles Virtuosi Orchestra 2022/23 Season this week. When Maestro phoned me yesterday, I was so honored to be able to discuss with our audience the critical work he does to bring music education to young people through his LAV Orchestra. Our interview with Mr. Ponti airs on all #DeborahKobyltLIVE and #LittleItalyPod

Vanessa Racci: a 38-year-old jazz and cabaret singer.
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Marco Pelusi is the owner of Marco Pelusi Studio West Hollywood.
Have you ever wondered how A-listers always have such amazing hair? Then tune in to our show with celeb hairstylist Marco Pelusi, who is behind some of the best-known heads in Hollywood. Marco is a globally-recognized hair color authority and owner of Marco Pelusi Studio West Hollywood. He was born in Pittsburg, and comes from a long line of hairstylists from his dad to his uncle, and when Marco

Carlo Siliotto: Golden-Globe nominated film composer
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Silvia Chiave: Italy's Consul General in Los Angeles,
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Gary Vitti: Former Lakers Trainer,Author & Speaker
LOVE the LA Lakers? TThen you must join our interview with #GaryVitti, longtime athletic trainer at the #LALakers for 32 years, talking about ALL he's learned not just about being a trainer, but about life, relationships, hardships, winning, and losing. Did you know Gary started his career at the Univ of Portland where he set up a sports medicine program before he got THE call from the #Lakers t

Lucia Giardina: entrepreneur, actor, and founder of #LuciasKitchen.
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