Italian American Stories Podcast
A podcast that rediscovers the forgotten stories of Italian Americans in the newspapers of the past.
Recent Episodes
April 25, 2025
Episode 55: Two Women and a Ghost
In this strange-but-true tale from 1949 Milwaukee, Wisconsin, two Italian American women—Angelina Farrina and Mary Sanfelippo—find themselves at the center of a courtroom drama involving ghosts, burned money, and a fortune-te...
April 9, 2025
Episode 54: Interview with Bob Spiotto
In this episode, we’re joined by the incredibly talented Bob Spiotto—actor, director, producer, and passionate Italian American storyteller. Bob shares his personal story growing up in a tight-knit Italian American family in ...
March 19, 2025
Episode 53: Dr. Louis Ignarro
In this special episode, we sit down with Dr. Louis Ignarro, a Nobel Prize-winning scientist with deep Italian American roots. Born to immigrant parents from Naples and Sicily, Dr. Ignarro shares how his upbringing in Brookly...
March 5, 2025
Episode 52: Maria Barbella Part 2
In this episode, we continue the incredible and dramatic story of Maria Barbella, the first woman in America sentenced to die in the electric chair. After public outcry and support from a determined countess, Maria was grante...
Feb. 20, 2025
Episode 51: Maria Barbella - Part 1
Today, we dive into one of the most dramatic cases in Italian American history—the story of Maria Barbella , the first woman in America sentenced to die in the electric chair. Maria's story is one of love, betrayal, and justi...
Feb. 13, 2025
Episode 50: Valentine's Day Special 2025
Happy Valentine’s Day! In this special episode, we’re bringing you a collection of historical love stories—some sweet, some dramatic, and some downright scandalous! First, we take you back to 1879 with a New York Herald artic...
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About the Hosts
Stephanie Detton
Stephanie is the creator and co-host of the Italian American Stories Podcast. When she is not researching stories, she is busy teaching and spending time with friends and family!
Sandra
Sandra is the co-host of the Italian American Stories Podcast. When she is not recording for the podcast, she enjoys spending time with family!