Podcast

Exploring Italian Roots: A Journey Through Ancestry

In this conversation, Bob Sorrentino interviews Nick Cimino, who shares his journey of exploring his Italian roots and family history. Nick discusses his family’s migration from Sicily to the United States, the challenges of finding Italian products in Texas, and his passion for ancestry research. He recounts his experiences visiting Sicily, connecting with relatives, and helping others with their genealogy. The conversation highlights the importance of cultural connections and the joy of discovering family heritage.

For more information, check out Nick’s website Ancestor Puzzles and Facebook group Ancestor Puzzles

Nick’s grandfather was born in Lentini, Sicily.
The family migrated to Omaha due to labor demand.
Chain migration played a significant role in their settlement.
Nick’s interest in ancestry began with a family tree project.
He organized Zoom meetings during the pandemic for genealogy.
Nick visited Sicily in 2022 and connected with relatives.
He helps others with their ancestry research through Ancestor Puzzles.
Cultural connections are vital in understanding family history.
Nick’s wife has Native American roots and a rich family history.
The conversation emphasizes the joy of discovering one’s heritage.

Video

Podcast

Biography

Blood Type Ragu – A Sicilian Family Story

In 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

June 28, 2025 No Comments

Podcast

Researching Porticello Sicily

In this engaging conversation, Bob Sorrentino and Carlo Treviso delve into the rich history and culture of Sicily, exploring Carlo’s personal journey of discovering his Sicilian roots and the inspiration behind his novel, Siciliana. They discuss the process of writing historical fiction, the significance of female protagonists, and the importance of preserving Italian culture and traditions in America. Takeaways • Carlo’s journey to Sicily sparked his interest in writing. • Sicilian culture was not fully

January 17, 2025 No Comments

Podcast

Exploring Italian Roots Sicily and Chicago

Please welcome the esteemed author and storyteller, Tony Ardizzone, who generously sheds light on his Italian-American heritage and how it has influenced his intriguing stories. Embark on a journey that traverses from Tony’s father’s Sicilian roots and tales of his childhood, to the colourful streets of Rome, where his recent book In Bruno’s Shadow unfolds. Uncover how Tony’s father’s admirable work ethic, his aunts’ memorable cooking, and his own experiences of Italian-American culture shaped his

July 21, 2023 No Comments

Podcast

Unraveling Sicilian Secrets: The Story of the Sicilian Uprising in 1282

Join me as I chat with author Carlo Treviso about his Sicilian heritage and the inspiration behind his riveting book, Siciliana. We explore his dad’s immigration story from Porticello, Sicily to Milwaukee, Wisconsin in the 70s, and how his family may have been orphans. Delve into the fascinating history of Sicily and the true event of the Sicilian Vespers that inspired Carlo’s story. Listen in as we discuss Carlo’s DNA test results and the Spanish

June 9, 2023 No Comments

Adventure

Researching Castellammare Del Golfo Sicily

Celia Milano began her research 20 years ago before the internet tools we have today. Listen to how she contacted family by letter. We also discuss her three books. I was born in New York City and raised in Yonkers, New York. I have several degrees, including an Associate Degree in Applied Science and Technology from Thomas A. Edison State College in Trenton, NJ, a Bachelor Degree in Business Administration from Georgian Court University in

March 10, 2023 No Comments

Podcast

Researching Sicily — “The Lady of the Wheel”

In this episode I talk to Angelo Coniglio about his family research and his book “The Lady of the Wheel”. Angelo explains naming conventions of the abandoned children and how poorly they were treated. This is a story set in Racalmuto, Sicily in the late nineteenth century. As historical fiction, it deals with a heartbreaking aspect of parenting: the practice of of leaving unwanted children in a revolving door or wheel (ruota) of a church,

July 22, 2022 No Comments