James Conlon, ONE OF LA OPERA’S FINEST CONDUCTORS

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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. Conlon is one of classical music’s most recognized interpreters. We will be speaking with him about his early days in music and conducting, his influences, and how he earned a spot as one of the premiere influences in this genre. His finale with the LA Opera with Falstaff was simply jaw-dropping, an event that will be hard to replicate for even the most seasoned and decorated conductors. Mr. Conlon makes it look effortless, which is part of his magic, because his work and career are nothing short of extraordinary.

Please find our full interview with Mr. Conlon on all video and audio platforms of
#DeborahKobyltLIVE, #LittleItalyPodcast and #LittleItalyOfLAPodcast. I’m your host, #DeborahZaraKobylt, and it’s my pleasure to welcome you here.

Linda Stasi, Author, “The Descendant”

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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, following the
Barbera family from Sicily to the Colorado mines and eventually to the Mafia in
Brooklyn.

The story blends real history with folklore, and focuses on the resilience of the family,
particularly strong women, as they navigate poverty, violence, and the American
dream. Let’s just say it’s got all the right elements of adventure, crime, and magical
realism. I see a film here.

Throughout our interview, we will also discuss Staci’s Italian roots and the strong bond
we all share as Italians and Italian Americans. There’s something about Traci that I
totally relate to, perhaps it’s the journalist in me or the Italian family bonds. Whatever it
is, she’s got some incredible stories to share, and I’m thrilled to bring them to you.

Please find our full interview on all video and audio platforms of #DeborahKobyltLIVE,
#LittleItalyPodcast, #LittleItalyOfLAPodcast. I’m your host, #DeborahZaraKobylt, and it’s my pleasure to welcome you here.

Spencer Pratt, LA Mayoral Candidate & Former Reality TV Star

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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 streets every day to earn the trust of voters to be their next mayor.
Spencer, a USC grad, is passionate, well-spoken, and killed it in the recent LA
Mayoral debates against incumbent Mayor Bass and Councilwoman Nithya
Raman. He claims their progressive policies have turned Los Angeles into a
walking criminal and drug addicted city that was once the envy of the country,
a place where kids could play outside, walk to the local ice cream store and
feel safe. No more, and I can attest to that. Today, he joins us to tell us his plan
and vision to turn LA around. For anyone who claims a former reality TV star
can’t do the job, I welcome you to listen to our interview. Spencer is a father,
husband, son, and he loves his city. He’s a college grad who is outspoken and
has sensible and practice ideas on how to get this city back on track. And for
anyone who wants the same old politics, I hope you'll listen to our interview
and hear what Spencer has to say. He just might be what LA needs, because
we certainly don’t need more of the same.

Please join my full interview with Spencer on all video and audio platforms of
#DeborahKobyltLIVE. I’m your host, #DeborahZaraKobylt, and it’s my pleasure
to welcome you here.

Stephen Pishner, Italian American Member & Performer

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Stephen Pishner comes from a small coal mining town in West Virginia, yet he’s always has a deep pride for his Italian ancestry. He’s the founder of the band AMICI, which performs some of the most recognizable
Italian favorites throughout the country, in addition to performing top 40 hits. But it’s his knowledge of traditional Italian music that’s earned him a seat at the table as one of the most formidable musicians in the Italian genre.

What caught my attention about Stephen is his genuine love of Italian music and spreading that joy wherever he goes. He’s played in the Columbus Day Parade in NYC – not an easy gig to get – and has caught the
attention of some of the nations top musicians. Throughout our interview, we’ll also talk with Stephen about family, heritage, and the deep connection Italian Americans have to finding their roots, which Stephen has embarked upon.

He says researching his family history has shaped his understanding of identity, culture, and the legacy of being Italian. We’ll talk about the importance of preserving our collective Italian stories, honoring
past generations and keeping traditions alive. And for Stephen, it’s through music.

Where will he perform next? Listen to our interview to find out where you can enjoy AMICI. Our #DeborahKobyltLIVE & #LittleItalyPodcast are available on all video and audio podcast platforms. I’m your host, #DeborahZaraKobylt,
and it’s my pleasure to welcome you here.

John Kobylt, Award-Winning Talk Show and Podcast Host

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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 seems to have their take on the winners. But there’s one thing clear – our state and city are in trouble, and we need change. Fast. Crime, homelessness and drug addition is up, along
with gas and housing prices. What’s down? Jobs in the entertainment industry, and all the jobs created around it from food service to props.

We’re in trouble. Much the same way the auto industry left Detroit, same with Hollywood. And once it closes, it’s hard to bring it back. But there’s hope, and we’ll talk about that.

Please join me LIVE on all video and audio platforms of #DeborahKobyltLIVE.

I’m your host, #DeborahZaraKobylt, and it’s my pleasure to welcome you here.