The Immigrant Experience: Stories from Sicily episode artwork

EPISODE · Jun 28, 2025 · 45 MIN

The Immigrant Experience: Stories from Sicily

from Italian Roots and Genealogy · host Bob Sorrentino

Send us a textIn this engaging conversation, Bob Sorrentino interviews Frank Ingrasciotta, the creator of 'Blood Type Ragu,' exploring themes of Italian heritage, family dynamics, and the immigrant experience. Frank shares his family's journey from Sicily to America, the challenges they faced, and the cultural nuances that shaped his identity. The discussion delves into the importance of storytelling in preserving family history, the differences in food traditions, and the emotional impact of reconnecting with family in Sicily. Frank's experiences highlight the resilience of immigrant families and the rich tapestry of Italian-American culture.Frank is the son of Sicilian immigrants from Mazzara del Vallo, Sicily.His family came to America in 1949 after World War II.Frank's father was born in America but returned to Sicily as a child.His mother struggled with homesickness after moving to America.Frank visited Sicily at the age of seven, gaining insight into his mother's life.He reconnected with family in Sicily after years of separation.Frank's one-man show, 'Blood Type Ragu,' explores his family stories.ABOUT THE SHOWBlood Type: RAGU is a hilarious and heartfelt coming-of-age story. A one-man play exploring a first-generation immigrant child’s delicate dance between searching for identity, embracing Sicilian roots, and understanding forgiveness. Writer/Performer Frank Ingrasciotta gives a tour-de-force portrayal of over 20 characters who live, love, and laugh, in this fast-paced journey that is not just a comedy, not just a drama — It’s family — and we all have one! ABOUT FRANKFRANK INGRASCIOTTA (writer/performer) Acting: Original Off-Broadway production of Godspell, Valley of the Dolls, Three Postcards, What Would Nora Ephron Say?, Dinner at 8, Edgar Degas in The Girl in the Blue Armchair, and the Pharaoh in Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at Lincoln Center. TV: Five years as Rene Buchanan’s head maître d’ on One Life to Live, other recurring roles on The Guiding Light, All My Children, ABC Afterschool Specials, and The Equalizer. Film: Featured roles in the award-winning SAG films Figs for Italo and Brooklyn in July directed by Bob Celli, presently touring the film festival circuit. Stream the Raguwww.bloodtyperagu.comTurnkey. The only thing you’ll lift are your spirits.Instacart - Groceries delivered in as little as 1 hour.Free delivery on your first order over $35.Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched!Start for FREEDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showPurchase my book "Farmers and Nobles" here or at Amazon.

Send us a textIn this engaging conversation, Bob Sorrentino interviews Frank Ingrasciotta, the creator of 'Blood Type Ragu,' exploring themes of Italian heritage, family dynamics, and the immigrant experience. Frank shares his family's journey from Sicily to America, the challenges they faced, and the cultural nuances that shaped his identity. The discussion delves into the importance of storytelling in preserving family history, the differences in food traditions, and the emotional impact of reconnecting with family in Sicily. Frank's experiences highlight the resilience of immigrant families and the rich tapestry of Italian-American culture.Frank is the son of Sicilian immigrants from Mazzara del Vallo, Sicily.His family came to America in 1949 after World War II.Frank's father was born in America but returned to Sicily as a child.His mother struggled with homesickness after moving to America.Frank visited Sicily at the age of seven, gaining insight into his mother's life.He reconnected with family in Sicily after years of separation.Frank's one-man show, 'Blood Type Ragu,' explores his family stories.ABOUT THE SHOWBlood Type: RAGU is a hilarious and heartfelt coming-of-age story. A one-man play exploring a first-generation immigrant child’s delicate dance between searching for identity, embracing Sicilian roots, and understanding forgiveness. Writer/Performer Frank Ingrasciotta gives a tour-de-force portrayal of over 20 characters who live, love, and laugh, in this fast-paced journey that is not just a comedy, not just a drama — It’s family — and we all have one! ABOUT FRANKFRANK INGRASCIOTTA (writer/performer) Acting: Original Off-Broadway production of Godspell, Valley of the Dolls, Three Postcards, What Would Nora Ephron Say?, Dinner at 8, Edgar Degas in The Girl in the Blue Armchair, and the Pharaoh in Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at Lincoln Center. TV: Five years as Rene Buchanan’s head maître d’ on One Life to Live, other recurring roles on The Guiding Light, All My Children, ABC Afterschool Specials, and The Equalizer. Film: Featured roles in the award-winning SAG films Figs for Italo and Brooklyn in July directed by Bob Celli, presently touring the film festival circuit. Stream the Raguwww.bloodtyperagu.comTurnkey. The only thing you’ll lift are your spirits.Instacart - Groceries delivered in as little as 1 hour.Free delivery on your first order over $35.Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched!Start for FREEDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showPurchase my book "Farmers and Nobles" here or at Amazon.

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The Immigrant Experience: Stories from Sicily

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This episode is 45 minutes long.

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This episode was published on June 28, 2025.

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Send us a textIn this engaging conversation, Bob Sorrentino interviews Frank Ingrasciotta, the creator of 'Blood Type Ragu,' exploring themes of Italian heritage, family dynamics, and the immigrant experience. Frank shares his family's journey from...

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