Talking Business and LIfe (formerly Italian Impact Podcast)

This week, Steve Mancini and Claudio Reilsono interview Kim Lengling.  Kim is an author who shares her love of nature, animals, living with PTSD, and her mission of tossing Nuggets of Hope into the world through writing and her podcast, Let Fear Bounce.  She is also the lead author and coordinator of a collaborative 3-book series titled When Grace Found Me and two stand-alone anthologies, When Hope Found Me (released November 2022) and Paw Prints on the Couch (released August 2023).  Learn more about Kim here:  https://www.kimlenglingauthor.com/

This week, Steve Mancini and Claudio Reilsono interview Melissa Marinaro.  Melissa is the Director of the Italian American Program at the Senator John Heinz History Center where she oversees the Italian American artifact and archival collection, and manages the program’s community and educational outreach and public programs.  We will discuss a lot of topics related to her work at the Heinz history center and we recommend reaching out as there is much more information available through her office.

This week Steve Mancini and Claudio Reilsono interview a wonderful person, Stratton Nash.  Stratton is a very active member of the community but his current passion is a documentary, "Their Story", which chronicles the black history of Sewickley, PA where he grew up.  In this interview, he recounts a tremendous story about how such a diverse community was so cohesive, creating memories he holds dear nearly 60 years later.  Stratton is an incredibly positive and uplifting person that will leave an immediate impact on your life.

This week, Steve Mancini interviews Marta Cappellini from Passione Italiana.  As Marta says, "Italian is in my blood and teaching is in my heart."  This episode shows how you can turn your passion into a business and as a result, be truly successful.  Marta is truly passionate about what she does and as a result, her skills and passion make her one of the most sought after teachers of Italian in the world!  Learn more about Marta here:  https://www.passione-italiana.com/our-team/  

Steve Mancini and Claudio Reilsono interview former NFL player, Ron Coder.  Ron has a very interesting route into the NFL starting with high school in Japan!  Ron later went onto play at Penn State and then the NFL where he played for 5 seasons.  Ron is a dedicated family man who gives back to his community and in this episode, we are going to discuss the importance of perseverance but just as importantly, humility in service to others.  This is very inspirational episode we know you are going to enjoy.

This week, Steve Mancini and Claudio Reilsono interview Steve Vaccariello.  Steve is a world renowned photographer who has photographed some of the biggest names in the film and music industry.  However, Steve is also a very down to earth person who has succeeded not just because of his talent but by the way he treats people.  This is a great episode on learning how to treat people.  Learn more about Steve's work here:  https://www.stevevacc.com/  

This week, Steve Mancini and Claudio Reilsono interview the Kenyon College Hall of Famer, Tim Appleton.  Tim was selected selected by the Detroit Pistons in Round 8 with Pick 12 in the 1977 NBA Draft.  In this episode, Tim not only talks about his basketball career both in the US and overseas, but about how he overcame what should have been a career ending injury.  Tim shows how hard work and resilience can help anyone overcome any difficult situation in their life.

This week Steve Mancini and Claudio Reilsono interview Alex Guminski,  Alex is  a Pittsburgh native and the President of Pro Zone.  The Agency.  He is also a Licensed Contract Advisor and Agent for the NFL, CFL and FIBA has negotiated over $100M in performance compensation for his clients.  This episode we discuss his approach to managing the tough challenges of representing athletes.

This week Steve Mancini and Claudio Reilsono interview former professional football player and business and community leader, John Skorupan,  John played 8 seasons in the National Football League (NFL).  After retiring, John returned to Butler, Pennsylvania.  He settled in Cranberry Township, where he still resides and focuses on community leadership.  John has been a leader both on and off the field for decades and shares a lot of hard earned wisdom going all the way back to his Penn State football days.  There is a lot going on in this interview with a lot to take away!   To learn more about John, check out:  https://grokipedia.com/page/john_skorupan

This week Steve Mancini and Claudio Reilsono interview Fran Tunno.  Fran is a writer and essayist with articles published in The Huffington Post, The Los Angeles Times, The Pittsburgh Post Gazette, and The Glendale News Press. The story of her mom’s shining moment as a contestant on the Price is Right was featured on NPR’s Snap Judgment. Her story, “The Power of Pizza,” was selected for Writers Read’s Mother’s Day show in New York City in 2023.  Learn more about Fran and her work here:  https://www.frantunno.com/

This week, Steve Mancini and Claudio Reilsono interview the hosts from the Italian Steelers Nation Podcast.  This interview shows Italians are very much in tune with what is happening over here, especially in sports.  As such, they too are passionate about their teams, even their American football teams!  Follow the folks of Italian Steelers Nation here:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/880571820848120

This week, Steve Mancini and Claudio Reilsono interview Doland White.  Doland is a highly sought after speaker and leadership coach whose journey started more than 40 years ago in the trenches — fixing help-desk problems, engineering networks, and leading a boutique technology services firm as its President. From there, he stepped into sales leadership and carried a $200M quota, then into building thriving global services teams in 14 countries, then into the CEO seat where I grew a marketing company 3x, and later as COO, doubled an international training company into the high eight figures through the creation of a high-performing team.   Learn more about Doland at:  https://www.dolandwhite.com/about

This week, Steve Mancini interviews Gianluca Cinelli and Patrizia Piredda.  In this episode we have an absolutely enthralling conversation on the importance of people's stories.  Gianluca and Patrizia are leading an effort to continue capturing the stories of the post-world war generation and the effects of the war on them.  Remember, history has a ripple effect, even to today!  Learn more about their work here:  https://memogenenglish.wordpress.com/

This week, Steve Mancini and Claudio Reilsono interview one of the greatest basketball players to come out of western Pennsylvania, Baron "B.B." Flenory.  B.B. had an amazing career at Duquesne University in the Pittsburgh area and although his basketball career speaks for itself, it's the work he did after basketball that truly makes him one of the greats!  You're gonna love this episode and in the end, you're going to see what the true definition of selflessness really means.

This week, Steve Mancini and Claudio Reilsono interview Jodi Velazquez.  Jodi is an award winning author and her recent book, Know the Enemy: Preventing Weight Gain, Diabetes and Disease is a collection of 16 years of documenting her journey of helping her young daughter with diabetes management.  This is a powerful episode which shows how small decisions can have very important impacts!  Learn more about Jodi here:  https://jodivelazquez.com/about/

This week we interview the President of the 2025 USL Champion Pittsburgh Riverhounds.  In this episode, we talk everything from how to lead an organization to what makes a championship organization different from others.  

This week we interview a fantastic author Michael LoMonico. Mike's book, "Brooklyn to Yellowstone: A 1933 Civilian Conservation Corps Odyssey" is absolutely fantastic!

This week's episode has some great advice to get you ready for the holiday season.  We also have some interesting news for our listeners so , we're very excited to share this week's episode.  Lastly, be sure to check out:  https://stephenmanciniproductions.com/ and reach out, we would love to hear from you!

This week we interview David Angeron.  David is an Author & Certified Sport Psychology Coach / Certified Stress Management Coach that educates athletes on the mental aspects of achieving excellence in sport.  He is also the founder of John Melvin University...yes, he founded a very successful university and in this episode we're going to talk about how faith and hard work can make anything possible!

This week we interview Tim Carrico.  Tim is a retired executive who will provide some of the best leadership advice you will hear.  He has been leading people and organizations for decades and knows exactly how to succeed.   This is an excellent episode for anyone who wants to understand what makes some people more effective than others in leadership roles.

This week we interview Richard Martini.  Rich is a highly successful American film director, producer, screenwriter and freelance journalist.  Rich has directed numerous films and documentaries such as You Can't Hurry Love, which featured the debut of Bridget Fonda, and his most recent  documentary, Hacking the Afterlife.  In this episode, we talk everything from film to culture and  hear some of Rich's incredible advice on everything from film to life.  Learn more about Rich here:  https://www.richardmartini.com/new-page 

This week you get two incredible guests!  We are very lucky to have 2x Super Bowl winning champion, former Pittsburgh Steeler, Robin Cole Sr. and his son, the great Dr. Robin Cole Jr. who recently published, "Lessons From Behind the Steel Curtain: From Steel to Strategy to Sentience".  This episode will teach you a lot about leadership and truly motivate you to be a better person, you'll absolutely love it!  To get a copy of the book, please check out:  https://www.amazon.com/Lessons-Behind-Steel-Curtain-Sentience/dp/B0FX7R2KQW

This week we meet an absolutely wonderful person, a proud Italian-American, family man, successful businessman and just a great guest for us, Mike Embrescia.  Mike represents all of the 1.2 million residents of Allegheny County and embodies what we all want from our leaders.  In this episode, we talk about what those early influences were that made him who he is today.  Learn more about Mike here but tune in as this is just a fantastic interview!  https://mikeembrescia.com/meet-mike/

This week's guest is author and screenwriter Mike DeLucia.   Mike is very passionate about representing Italians in a far more favorable light than is typically seen  in movies/shows.  His latest work, Time Passages: Echoes of Troy, is a wonderful, must read story of time travel and is absolutely a book you won't want to put down!  You can find out more about Mike and his works here:  https://www.booksbymikedelucia.com/

This week we interview Ron Vrana.  Ron is a successful marketing and scouting professional who is now working to reimagine golf!  This is a very entertaining episode with a tremendous amount of knowledge being shared.  Absolutely a must listen to episode,  Learn more about Ron's ROTAGO Team Golf vision here:  https://www.rotagogolf.com/

This week's guest, Mike Battalini, is the President and CEO of The Pittsburgh Wealth Management Group.  We talk to Mike about the impact his Italian upbringing had on his success as a businessman.  Mike also offers some very good advice on what to look for when it comes to deciding on how to choose a good financial consultant.  There is a lot of good wisdom you can takeaway from this episode.  You can learn more about Mike here:  https://michaelbattalini.com/

This week we interview a very wonderful guest, Suzie Jackson.  Suzie is a few generations removed from her family in Italy but that doesn't stop her from being passionate about the Italian culture.  In fact, Suzie's sister currently lives in Rome and sings opera!  Suzie is also passionate about helping others and in this episode we are going to talk about an upcoming fundraiser wherein her sister will come from Rome to do a special concert.  For more information on the upcoming event, please check out:  https://www.heraldstaronline.com/news/community/2025/09/opera-concert-to-benefit-nonprofit/ To learn more about the non-profit, you can check them out here:  https://www.hbsteubenville.org/ Or follow them here:  https://m.facebook.com/hbsteubenville/

This week we interview a very special guest, Nick Fiorentino.  Nick has a passion for Italian culture and shows it by running one of the most popular social media campaigns to promote Italian culture in the Pittsburgh area.  This is a great episode and Nick's passion and exuberance really shine through!  Follow Nick here on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/pittsburghitalians412/

This week Claudio and I interview the great Ray 'Boom Boom' Mancini.  Ray reflects on everything from his multiple careers to current projects.  He also provide some very powerful insight on how to be successful and it has nothing to do with luck.

This week I interview international opera singer and Pittsburgh native, Kevin Glavin.  Kevin dreamt of smoking cigars and singing in lounge acts in Vegas but ended up performing opera with the world's best opera singers, including the great Luciano Pavarotti.  We have an absolute fantastic time and in fact, you may even hear a little singing in this episode...

This week, the great Claudio Reilsono returns for a very wonderful conversation but first, I start with Paul Cosentino.  Paul has been a musician for over 30 years and currently plays with the fantastic and very talented Boilermaker Jazz Band.  We have a wonderful time talking everything from Sicily to music!  Check out Paul and the Boilermaker Jazz Band here:  www.boilermakerjazzband.com

This week I am joined by the very successful entertainer, Nick Ferraro.  Nick is known for many things, a talented musician, actor, screen writer and much more but he was also dubbed "The Philly Elvis" by none other than Bruce Springsteen on October 19th, 2009 at the Spectrum in Philadelphia PA.  In fact, in the 2013 documentary titled "Springsteen & I", Nick's story is a part of the film.  Check out Nick Ferraro & the All Stars performing "Born to Run" here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pz9A0J88uuA  

This week we come back from our break with an absolute music legend, Don Aliquo Sr.  Don has been doing this for nearly 80 years!  He's played with some of the greats and shares some incredible stories and advice from his very storied career.  You can still catch Don out there entertaining so be sure to check him out at:  https://donaliquo-sr.com/

This week I am joined by international singer and professional tour guide, Marco Fiorante.  Marco and I have an absolutely wonderful conversation on how to appreciate your culture while accepting your new home country.  We also discuss his singing career...what a great voice!  Check him out here on his website:  https://www.marcofiorante.com/videos/ or listen to his music here:  https://music.apple.com/us/artist/marco-fiorante/1145892188  

This week I interview the co-President of the Italian Genealogical Group, Richard Graziano.  In this episode Richard shares several personal stories as well as some great advice on how to research one's roots.  The past is a true definer of who we are now, so it is very important to know it.  In addition, it is very important that we start now before the lines are broken and we are unable to find out our true past!  To learn more, visit their website here:  https://www.italiangen.org/

This week's guest is the great Samuele Bozzolla.  Samuele is grandson of the late opera singer Ezio Fortunato Pinza, famous for his starring role in the Broadway hit, "South Pacific", and son of the great opera singer and  Claudia Pinza Bozzolla.  In this episode we talk everything from Luciano Pavarotti, his mothers work with various opera singers, to war stories from his father.  Samuele also give talks on the various regions of Italy, his next talk called, "Hidden Gems of Southern Italy"  will be at Assumption Church 55 N. Sprague Avenue in McGovern Hall, PA on June 19 at 7:00 pm.

What a wonderful episode!  Glenn and I have a very good conversation about memories and what the difference is between living in the past and remembering the past.  Glenn has been slowly gathering memories and writing them down so he can pass them on to his family, what a great idea!  Tune in to understand more about why we need to record and pass down to the next generation.

Wanted to get your Italian citizenship but worried about changes in the law?  Never fear!  This week I was able to interview Marco Permunian.  Marco is an attorney and founder of the Italian Citizenship Assistance group.  In this interview he provides invaluable assistance and clarity on the new laws.  You can also check out his podcast which focuses on citizenship questions here:  https://italiancitizenshipassistance.com/the-italian-citizenship-podcast/

Nobel Prize winner, Louis Ignarro, is my guest this week.  Lou and I discuss how a first generation Italian-American can grow up to win a Nobel Prize!  What a tremendous story.  Learn more about Lou and his research which is literally saving lives here:  https://www.drignarro.com/ I am also very blessed to have Melissa Marinaro, Director, Italian American Program at the Senator John Heinz History Center and Mary Ferro, author of the book, "From Calabria to Carnegie: Music for Bread".  Mary will be doing a book signing at the Heinz History center on May 22, 2025 so please be sure to stop on by!  Learn more about Mary and the event here:  https://www.heinzhistorycenter.org/event/from-calabria-to-carnegie-music-for-bread/  

This week's episode has two very special guests.  Lou Bruno, author and proud Italian-America.  His most recent work, The Love of San Demetrio, is an absolutely wonderful story of his experience in connecting the past to the present.  Please check out his book here:  https://www.byloubruno.com/ Lauren Ronayne is a driving force behind the San Rocco Foundation's annual parade.  For 100 years this procession has remained strong and in this interview, we're going to learn why and how to keep it that way.  To learn more check out the San Rocco Foundation here and oh, let's meet up at the event:  https://www.sanroccofoundation.org/  

This week I interview Michael Troiani, owner of PaPa Js Twin Plaza Restaurant in Pittsburgh.  Michael is passionate about Italian culture but his dedication to authentic Italian cooking is above reproach.  Michael and I talk a lot but you can tell his passion and knowledge about Italian cooking are something he holds very dear.   This is a great episode and you're going to learn a lot of things about 'pasta' you just never knew!

In this week's episode, I interview the great voice man and vice-president of the United Lodges of Pittsburgh, Tony Colega.  Tony and I talk about his work with the United Lodges, everything from bocce in the mountains to the Italian restaurant tour.  If you are looking for some ideas to revitalize your group, this is a great episode to tune into.

This week I interview Mary Menniti.  Mary enjoyed a close relationship with both her maternal and paternal immigrant grandparents.  As a result, she learned to cherish the memories of gardening!  This week's interview is very powerful as we discuss this dying experience of simple gardening but also how the advent of large corporations has changed everything about farming, even down to the seeds we use.  There are some very important points made in this interview and you'll find out very quickly it is not just about growing a few plants in the back yard.

The big 100 and what a guest to have for it!  This week, I interview author, businessman, philanthropist, and basically all around great guy, Nick Vizzoca.  Nick is a Pittsburgh native, first-generation son of Italian immigrants, and survivor of childhood cancer but more importantly, he is a leader and someone who understands people.  Nick and I talk a lot of things but in this episode, we touch on some topics I usually avoid.  Strap in and enjoy, this is absolutely a great episode for the big 100!  Thanks Nick and thank you, the listeners, for all of the support over the past 2 years.   To learn more about Nick, check out his bio here:  https://www.nick-vizzoca.com/#HOME  

This week I interview the co-host of the "Italian American Stories Podcast", Stephanie Detton.  Stephanie and I have an absolute wonderful time talking about a myriad of things.  When she is not researching stories, she is busy teaching and spending time with friends and family but she absolutely entertains us with some incredible stories from history related to some very interesting Italian characters!  You can listen to her here:   https://www.italianamericanstories.com/  

This week, I interview the great musician Stephen 'Stefano' Pishner of the band AMICI.  Stephen has been doing this for a long time, beginning his exciting musical voyage of artistic discovery at the early age of 9 years old.  Having played to a million listeners, you will definitely appreciate the passion and talent he brings to his work.  To follow AMICI or hear their music, check them out here:  https://www.amiciwv.com/ or follow/listen to them on the following streaming services: Instagram @stefanopish   iTunes link for Amici https://music.apple.com/gb/artist/amici/1536501155 iTunes link for Stephen https://music.apple.com/us/artist/stephen-pishner/1490661723

This week I have the great pleasure of interviewing Bill Sunseri, owner of the Pennsylvania Macaroni Co. here in the Strip District of Pittsburgh. Penn Mac, as it is known, has a nearly 120 year history here.  In this episode we talk about how losing traditional Italian businesses takes away from the community.  Definitely worth a listen and if you are in the area. stop by and tell Bill I said hello...and remember the secret room in the back...you'll have to tune in to learn more!

This week I interview Domenico Mariani.  This is exactly why I do the show!!!  Domenico's story about his family from the war is incredible.  Never mind the fact that Domenico spent 30 years in law enforcement and has his own incredible memories.  There are just some incredible, incredible stories from his history in this episode...please tune in and use this as a reason to go ask YOUR family members about their distant relatives.  If you'd like to appear on the show or have a story of your own, reach out to me at: [email protected]  

This week I have 2 segments with 2 very different, but fantastic, guests.  How lucky can I get!  First, I interview the great Sam Bozzolla.  Sam is the grandson of the famous Italian actor Ezio Pinza.  In this segment we talk Sam's famous roots to the proper way to begin enjoying opera!  This was such a great interview, I will have Sam back soon.  Also, if you want to reach out to Sam directly, feel free to email him at [email protected] Next, I interview the team from The Lion's Den @ 213 podcast.  Adam Pacecca, Nando Elpuce, and Joe Griffo.  This is an exciting interview and these guys clearly have a voice for things Italian.  You can listen to them on all major streaming services, so check them out:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lions-den-213/id1715575015  

This week, I interview the great Robert Campana!  Robert is the founder of Stop Italian Sounding ® (SIS).  He tells the story of Italian food and beverage products on social media platforms by creating awareness on the differences between real and Italian sounding food & beverage products.  We talk everything from how to pronounce food names to the importance of Italian history.  This is a wonderful conversation that is just filled with great little stories and fun-facts.  Find out more about Robert on the site:  https://stopitasounding.com/