Award-winning musician and scholar Carlo Aonzo has made his love of the Italian classical mandolin his life's work.  Carolyn speaks with Carlo about how it all started and where he's taking it from here.

Denis Franceschini takes his 20 years of experience as Cipriani's Executive Chef to his own restaurant on New York's upper east side:  Bar Italia.  In this interview, Denis describes what drives him and defines him.  

Antonio Fini learned to fire dance in Calabria, Italy and continues to perfect it in New York City. Carolyn interviews Antonio about his fascination with fire and how it enhances his life.

Carolyn interviews author, lecturer and food historian Francine Segan about her book, The Opera Lovers Cookbook. Created in collaboration with New York City's Metropolitan Opera, the book includes rare photographs of Metropolitan productions, little known facts about composers and performers, hints for operatic entertaining and luscious recipes.

Alessandra describes how her critically acclaimed show, Techno Tarantella, transforms the ancient Italian healing ritual into a contemporary spectacular complete with fire and aerial dancing. 

A free transcript of this podcast is available. Just cut and paste the following link into your browser.

http://www.essenceofitaly.net/journal/2009/06/alessandra_belloni_part_2_tech.php

Carolyn speaks with Alessandra Belloni about the origins of the tarantella dance - a frenzied, wild, spinning expression of repressed emotion.  Used in ancient Italian ritual to expel the poison of the mythical bite of the tarantula, Alessandra teaches us how this ritual can heal us today.

A free transcript of this podcast is available. just cut and paste the following link into your browser.

http://www.essenceofitaly.net/journal/2009/06/alessandra_belloni_part_1_rhyt.php

TV and radio personality, food historian, author and lecturer Francine Segan weaves the delicious and little-known history of Italy's contributions to our love of chocolate. This podcast is best enjoyed on an empty stomach! Catch Francine live at the Westchester Italian Cultural Center in Tuckahoe, NY on April 21st.

A free transcript of this podcast is available. Just cut and paste the following link into your browser.

http://www.essenceofitaly.net/journal/2009/04/italy_and_chocolate_an_affair.php

Carolyn Masone interviews Frank Ingrasciotta, the star and creative force behind the critically acclaimed off-Broadway show. Frank candidly discusses how his upbringing as a first-generation Sicilian made him reject, and ultimately embrace, his Italian heritage.

Carolyn talks with Evelyn Rossetti at the Westchester Italian Cultural Center to learn some of the ins and outs of putting on an international art exhibit. Here, they focus on Ceramica Magnifica from Este, Italy and the works of Roberto Merelli from Venice.

Carolyn interviews Evelyn Rossetti and explores the history and many cultural programs available at the Center. Learn about the wine cellar, the theater, and their newest venture, a live broadcast on WFAS Radio 1230 AM, airing on the second Sunday of each month, beginning Dec. 14, 2008, from 10:00 a.m. -12:00 noon. If you're out of the Westchester area, listen live on the internet at www.wfasam.com.