Diana Giovinazzo, The Story of Three Sisters from 1940s Naples

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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 their family apart. Set in 1940s Naples under Mussolini’s regime, it’s got all the elements of survival, sisterhood, romance, and shifting loyalties during the time of Italian resistance, a complicated time in the history of Italia.

We will speak with Diana about the historical significance behind this book, and the research that went behind it. A self-proclaimed “history nerd,” Diana enjoys writing about historical fiction based in Italy, and has achieved high acclaim for her previous novels. She is also the creator of the Wine, Women, and Words Podcast, a weekly show featuring interviews with authors over a glass of wine! Love this!

Please find my full interview with Diana 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.

Mike Crispi, Italian American Civil Rights League & Little Italy NY Advocate

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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 host. And this topic made the top of his list.

Cristi points out that much of New York – from the skyscrapers to underground tunnels, was built on the backs of Italian immigrant laborers, many of them settling into the lower east side of Manhattan, commonly referred to as #LittleItaly, so he joins us today to talk about the history of the people there and how it matters today. It’s a lesson in history that many might not know, and one that should not be forgotten.

Please join us today 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.

Johnny “Mandolin” Anello, Italian American Radio founder

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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 done to help make the City of New York great.

Johnny has had a decorated career as a musician, performing LIVE throughout NY and the entire tri-state area, but particularly in Little Italy, New York. In fact, he will be opening this year for the 100th anniversary of the San Gennaro Festival in NY, a terrific honor. Needless to say, Johnny knows much about current life in New York’s Little Italy, in addition to its rich history. And since the recent uproar over Little Italy not being included in the map of immigrant communities in NYC, he’s got a lot to say about it.

Johnny also founded Italian American Radio, and we’ll be talking about that, too. He’s a terrific preservationist of all things Italian, and I’m honored to speak with him today.

Please find my full discussion with Johnny “Mandolin” Anello 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.

Andrew Cotto, Co-Founder of Appetito Magazine & Award-Winning Author

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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 map of immigrant communities in NYC, Italians stood up and fought back for their ancestors to be recognized for their contributions to making NY and America prosperous.
Andrew has written extensively for the New York Times, Appetito, Condé Nast Traveler, Italy magazine, and others, and has extensive knowledge of Italians in NY,and he joins us today to talk about that and the strong sense of pride Italian Americans continue to fight for, including the history Italians want to make sure is not forgotten.
Please join us on all video and audio platforms of #DeborahKobyltLIVE, #LittleItalyPodcast, and #LittleItalyOfLAPodcast. I’m your host, #DeborahZaraKobylt, and it’s an honor to have you with us.

The Unspoken Rules Women Face in Broadcast Journalism

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My interview with Alexis Melocchi, host of “The Art of Showbiz Podcast.” This time, I was interviewed, so the tables were turned. I talked about my early career, the struggles, what it taught me. Also about some of the major newsmakers I’ve covered from presidents to the Supreme Court, the Oscars, fires, trials, and more. Hope you’ll listen!
#DeborahZaraKobylt
#DeborahKobyltLIVE

Idanna Pucci, Co-Author, “Emilio Pucci”

Deborah Kobylt Live, Little Italy of LA

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 and her husband, this is an inside look at an extraordinary story of bravery long before anyone knew #EmilioPucci as the fashion artist he became. The authors recount Pucci’s capture, imprisonment, and torture by Nazis following a secret mission to assist the opposition, and they explore his transition from war hero to fashion icon, with details about his shop on the island of Capri. It’s a captivating read, in part because it comes first-hand from family members, most notably Idanna, who grew up in the Pucci palace in Florence and later worked for her uncle at his Saks Fifth Avenue boutique in New York. The biography draws from
intimate family sources, including personal diaries and declassified war records.

Please join me in welcoming #IdannaPucci on all video and audio platforms of #DeborahKobyltLIVE, #LittleItalyPodcast and the #LittleItalyOfLAPodcast. I’m your host, #DeborahZaraKobylt, and it’s my pleasure to welcome you here.

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”

Deborah Kobylt Live, Little Italy of LA

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.

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.

Mike Marino, Actor, Comedian, Podcast Host

Deborah Kobylt Live, Little Italy of LA

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, “Live From My Mother’s Basement,” which is literally recorded in the basement of the home where he grew up. In fact, with the recent death of his parents, he bought the house, and starts each morning taking us on a LIVE walk around the neighborhood, sharing his thoughts of the day. And these days, there’s a lot to share.

While performing on a cruise ship last year, he became ill. Doctors found a tumor in his brain which they removed. Now he’s on another campaign – to get healthy with the help of his beautiful fiancée, Heather. He’s currently also working on a new TV special with the working title, “Mike Marino: Back 2 School,” and he’s back performing LIVE this week, so check his social for deets.

Mike has performed at the Comedy Store, Laugh Factory, Carnegie Hall, and he’s entertained veterans for which he earned the USO Bob Hope Comedy Award. He’s also a successful actor, having appeared on Frazier and so many other shows and commercials. He’s got a lot to share, not only about comedy, but about loss, family, being Italian, and his recent health scare that literally knocked him off his feet.

Please find my full conversation with #MikeMarino 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.

And congrats, Mike, for being inducted into the N.J. Comedy Hall of Fame.