This Italian-American Life

This Italian-American Life is a weekly podcast hosted by Peter and Mike, two first-generation Italian-Americans sharing real stories from their lives, families, and culture. Navigating the push and pull between Italian roots and American life, they bring humor, heart, and a lot of personality to every episode. Expect lively conversations, cultural insights, and plenty of espresso-fueled nostalgia. Whether you're Italian-American or just love a good story, pull up a chair — you're part of the famiglia now.

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20 episodes
Updated Jun 16, 2025

Episodes20

Newest first

Jun 16, 2025 · 1 hr 1 min
024 - Accento Problems
On this episode, Peter and Mike reflect on how their parents’ thick Italian accents shaped their lives in America — from everyday misunderstandings to the creative ways they mangled their kids’ and spouses’ names. Ever had to explain that your brother-in-law’s name isn’t “Dork”? They have. And debuting this week: a brand new segment called “Voice-a-Mail-a” — where the guys try to decode their parents’ voicemails using only the unhinged auto-transcripts from voicemail apps. It’s part mystery, part language lesson, and all chaos. Subscribe for laughs, family vibes, and a lovingly exaggerated look at life between two cultures.👇 [Subscribe to This Italian-American Life on Substack] [Subscribe to This Italian-American Life on TikTok] [Subscribe to This Italian-American Life on Instagram] [Subscribe to This Italian-American Life on YouTube] This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tialife.substack.com
Jun 6, 2025 · 1 hr 6 min
023 - Regioni Italiane
In this episode, Peter and Mike take a spirited tour through the diverse regions of Italy, diving into how language, cuisine, and cultural stereotypes shift as you travel from north to south. From Venetian elegance to Sicilian chaos, they unpack the friendly (and not-so-friendly) rivalries that still shape Italian identity today. The guys also open up the Comments Cache to hear from listeners, react to some spicy takes, and, as always, Mike has a story—or two. This time he shares a tale from childhood involving a sneaky move gone wrong and getting caught red-handed. It’s part history lesson, part roast session, and fully Italian American. Mangia, listen, and enjoy! 🇮🇹🍝👞 Subscribe to This Italian American Life on Substack This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tialife.substack.com
May 28, 2025 · 23 min
Rigiocare 001 - Pilota
We're throwing it back to the very beginning with a replay of our very first episode! In this pilot of This Italian-American Life, Mike and Peter introduce themselves and share the story behind the show—how it all started, what it means to them, and what you can expect going forward. To kick things off, Mike tells the first of many classic stories: “The Flintstones Game.” Whether you're a longtime listener or just getting started, this episode is a great way to dive into the heart of our Italian-American experience. Subscribe to our Substack This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tialife.substack.com
May 21, 2025 · 2 hr 6 min
022 - Le Zie Pt 3 - il Finale
In the heartfelt finale of the series, Mike and Peter are joined by Peter’s wife, Sharon Marchiafava, for a powerful reflection on the stories shared in Le Zie Pt 1. Together, they revisit the enduring influence of the beloved aunts whose strength, humor, and wisdom defined their Italian-American upbringing. As the conversation unfolds, the trio shares new anecdotes and personal insights, delving into the cultural traditions and generational legacies passed down by these remarkable women. Don’t miss this moving tribute to the matriarchs who held it all together. Follow us on Substack and subscribe [here]! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tialife.substack.com
May 10, 2025 · 1 hr 32 min
021 - Le Zie Pt 2
In this reflective episode, Mike and Peter sit down with Christian Dolecki—Mike’s nephew—to unpack the stories and memories shared in the previous installment, Le Zie Pt 1. The trio dives deeper into the powerful matriarchal figures that shaped their Italian-American upbringing, with Christian offering fresh perspectives on the pivotal role of "le zie" (the aunts) in their family life. From humorous anecdotes to heartfelt remembrances, the conversation explores themes of generational wisdom, cultural tradition, and the unique bonds forged within extended Italian-American families. To follow us on Substack, Subscribe Here! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tialife.substack.com
May 2, 2025 · 45 min
020 - Siamo Tornati
After a year-long hiatus, the hosts of This Italian-American Life are back behind the mic with stories, laughs, and a lot of espresso-fueled energy. In this special comeback episode, the duo catches up on everything that’s happened since they last recorded—most notably, Peter got married, and Michael stood proudly by his side as best man. They share behind-the-scenes moments from the big day, reflect on what it means to be family (both by blood and by choice), and talk about how their Italian-American heritage shaped the celebration. It's a heartfelt, humorous reunion that sets the stage for a fresh season full of stories, traditions, and good conversation. The duo will be back next week to discuss episode 019 - Le Zie and give their long awaited thoughts on that interview. Stay tuned! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tialife.substack.com
May 10, 2024 · 1 hr 18 min
019 - Le Zie Pt 1
On this very special 2 part episode Peter sits down with Zia Tina, Zia Maria, and his own mother Zia Giovanna to discuss life in Sicily and moving to America*. Stick around to the end cause the guys have a special section to commemorate Mother's Day. Email us at This ItalianAmericanLife@gmail.com and let us know what you think and tell us your stories! *Some of this interview is in Italian and not translated. Apologies but we wanted to ensure that the original context was not lost for those who do understand. In the next episode we will translate and discuss further. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tialife.substack.com
Apr 29, 2024 · 1 hr 18 min
018 - Musica per Matrimoni
On this episode of TIAL, Peter and Michael discuss children's birthday parties, wedding planning, and wedding music. They get into their favorite American classics as well as some Italian songs that will wake up the crowd. As always they end with some listener email, including a shout out from old friends and new! Email us at thisitalianamericanlife@gmail.com and tell us what you think! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tialife.substack.com
Feb 26, 2024 · 1 hr 9 min
017 - La Grande Domanda
In this special episode, Peter and Mike have yet another special guest, Peter's new fiance Sharon! They discuss how the proposal went and how she feels about joining the family. The guys then discuss how their respective parents got married and the circumstances that led to their engagements. And it ends as always with the mailbag, including the first listener email not associated with the family! Quindi ascoltate! Email us at thisitalianamericanlife@gmail.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tialife.substack.com
Jan 23, 2024 · 1 hr 41 min
016 - Opening the Danny-Dex
On this special episode of T.I.A.L., we have our first in-person guest! Joining us from our new studio in Michael's dining room, Danny di Zio Pino (aka Danny and Annie Danny) regales us with stories of growing up Marchiafava, trips to his family farm in Arizona, and the infamous donkey minivan story! Plus Peter has a special game for Michael and Danny that just might get them in trouble, so listen up! If you have a story to share, send it over to ThisItalianAmericanLife@gmail.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tialife.substack.com
Dec 6, 2023 · 1 hr 10 min
015 - Peas and Corn and There's a my Shoes on...All Right!
On a very special edition of This Italian-American Life, Mike brings up one of his biggest bugaboos and most hated songs, the gibberish that is Prisencolinensinainciusol by Adriano Cellentano. Listen as they break it down in all its glory. After that they go into how TV streaming has become an issue for the older generation and of course...the mailbag! So listen up! The video to Mike's least favorite song: https://youtu.be/-VsmF9m_Nt8?si=wYH6kBaykf_mELsX This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tialife.substack.com
Nov 23, 2023 · 1 hr 19 min
014 - e Siamo Tornati
Welcome to This Italian-American Life where two first generation Italian-Americans tell stories about growing up with a big family. In the first episode in months, the guys catch each other up on whats been going on in their lives. Peter's new love, his vacation, and Mike's work and play life. Mike also tells a couple stories about his father's recent injury. Email us at thisitalianamericanlife@gmail.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tialife.substack.com
Jun 19, 2023 · 46 min
013 - La Canzone del Sole
Welcome to This Italian-American Life where two first generation Italian-Americans tell stories about growing up with a big family. This episode is all about music! Michael and Peter take you down memory lane with the music they grew up with, both in English and Italian. Mike tells "Agostino and the Beatles" and "Agostino sings along", so listen up! Show Links: Link to Dean Martin ashing on George Gobel on Carson: https://youtu.be/JzcMhH7txXE?t=782 Link to John Lennon Chuck Berry, and Yoko Ono "singing": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NgZiPO9V_aQ Michael's "Old School Italian" playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2mN0MtEq5cLM9iEtl4QV50?si=736e77598a7e4c78 Email us at thisitalianamericanlife@gmail.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tialife.substack.com
Jun 6, 2023 · 1 hr 2 min
012 - Amunninni in Sicilia
Welcome to This Italian-American Life where two first generation Italian-Americans tell stories about growing up with a big family. In this episode the guys start off talking about their move to recording on Sunday mornings, then discuss Sicily and how you can purchase a home there for just one Euro, and Mike tells "Traveling with Agostino". Plus the mail bag! Email us at thisitalianamericanlife@gmail.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tialife.substack.com
May 30, 2023 · 42 min
011 - Assistenza Clienti
Welcome to This Italian-American Life where two first generation Italian-Americans tell stories about growing up with a big family. In this episode the guys discuss how their parents dealt with customer service and how they handled their own customers. Mike tells "Customer Service Interpreter" and "Leafers". Email us at thisitalianamericanlife@gmail.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tialife.substack.com
May 19, 2023 · 46 min
010 - Sangue Mio - I Figli di Michele
On this edition of This Italian-American Life, the old boys are joined by Michael's two sons, Mateo and Santino. They share stories about going on trips and being silly with their dad while Michael tells "Agostino's Journal" and "The boys go to Florida". On top of that we have a special delivery from Damiano Marchiafava (Robbie's dad and Zio Vito's son). So listen up! Email us at thisitalianamericanlife@gmail.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tialife.substack.com
May 14, 2023 · 24 min
009 - Per Tutte le Mamme
On a special Mother's Day episode of This Italian-American Life, two self-proclaimed mamma's boys talk about the women that shaped and continue to shape their lives. Both Peter and Michael tell special stories about their own mothers and the extended family that raised them as well. Please enjoy and have a wonderful Mother's Day! Email us at ThisItalianAmericanLife@gmail.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tialife.substack.com
May 12, 2023 · 1 hr 43 min
008 - Quello con Robbie
Welcome to This Italian-American Life where two first generation Italian-Americans tell stories about growing up with a big family. In this episode the guys bring on their first guest, none other than cousin Robbie Marchiafava from Florida! The trio discuss how their lives have intertwined (or not) and share some great stories as well. Michael tells "Johnny Stick Shift", "Greg's Wind", and "Big Carbone Energy" while Robbie tells "Observing the Unicorn", "CIA Operative", and "Pinocchio in Venice". On top of that we have another great mailbag, so listen up! Email us at thisitalianamericanlife@gmail.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tialife.substack.com
May 5, 2023 · 1 hr 1 min
007 - Essere Imbarazzato
Welcome to This Italian-American Life where two first generation Italian-Americans tell stories about growing up with a big family. In this episode the guys talk about how their parents may have embarrassed them in front of friends or at school. Michael tells "Kiss Your Father" "Dump Truck Pick Up" and "Mateo's Recital". On top of that we have a very special mailbag, so listen up! Email us at thisitalianamericanlife@gmail.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tialife.substack.com
Apr 29, 2023 · 1 hr 6 min
006 - Questi Americani
Welcome to This Italian-American Life where two first generation Italian-Americans tell stories about growing up with a big family. In this episode the guys talk about how their parents dealt with the teachers and neighbors in their lives. Michael tells "Lawnmower Man" "Loose Change" "Mikel's Misadventures" and "Its a Hyundai". On top of that we have another mailbag, so listen up! Email us at thisitalianamericanlife@gmail.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tialife.substack.com

This Italian-American Life

024 - Accento Problems

023 - Regioni Italiane

Rigiocare 001 - Pilota

022 - Le Zie Pt 3 - il Finale

021 - Le Zie Pt 2

020 - Siamo Tornati

019 - Le Zie Pt 1

018 - Musica per Matrimoni

017 - La Grande Domanda

016 - Opening the Danny-Dex

015 - Peas and Corn and There's a my Shoes on...All Right!

014 - e Siamo Tornati

013 - La Canzone del Sole

012 - Amunninni in Sicilia

011 - Assistenza Clienti

010 - Sangue Mio - I Figli di Michele

009 - Per Tutte le Mamme

008 - Quello con Robbie

007 - Essere Imbarazzato

006 - Questi Americani