Episodes

  • Linda Stasi, Author, "The Descendant"
    May 27 2026

    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.

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    43 mins
  • James Conlon, ONE OF LA OPERA'S FINEST CONDUCTORS
    May 27 2026

    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.

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    47 mins
  • Spencer Pratt, LA Mayoral Candidate & Former Reality TV Star
    May 21 2026

    LA Mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt means business. He's pissed and wants to turn the city he grew up in to a city that functions without debilitating crime, drugs, homelessness, in addition to helping thousands of Angelenos cut through red tape so they can rebuild after losing their homes in the LA fires of 2025. It's a tall order, and he says he's fired up and wants the job. And he's working the streets every day to earn the trust of voters to be their next mayor. Spencer, a USC grad, is passionate, well-spoken, and killed it in the recent LA Mayoral debates against incumbent Mayor Bass and Councilwoman Nithya Raman. He claims their progressive policies have turned Los Angeles into a walking criminal and drug addicted city that was once the envy of the country, a place where kids could play outside, walk to the local ice cream store and feel safe. No more, and I can attest to that. Today, he joins us to tell us his plan and vision to turn LA around. For anyone who claims a former reality TV star can't do the job, I welcome you to listen to our interview. Spencer is a father, husband, son, and he loves his city. He's a college grad who is outspoken and has sensible and practice ideas on how to get this city back on track. And for anyone who wants the same old politics, I hope you'll listen to our interview and hear what Spencer has to say. He just might be what LA needs, because we certainly don't need more of the same. Please join my full interview with Spencer on all video and audio platforms of #DeborahKobyltLIVE. I'm your host, #DeborahZaraKobylt, and it's my pleasure to welcome you here.

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    33 mins
  • Stephen Pishner, Italian American Member & Performer
    May 13 2026

    California and Los Angeles are at a crossroads, and it's up to each of us to determine the future of both our state and beloved city. Please welcome #JohnKobylt, host of the award-winning #JohnKobyltShow on #iheart radio and #kfiam640 powerhouse station, who joins us to talk about the gubernatorial and mayoral races here. Last week, candidates duked it out during scheduled debates, and everyone seems to have their take on the winners. But there's one thing clear - our state and city are in trouble, and we need change. Fast. Crime, homelessness and drug addition is up, along with gas and housing prices. What's down? Jobs in the entertainment industry, and all the jobs created around it from food service to props. We're in trouble. Much the same way the auto industry left Detroit, same with Hollywood. And once it closes, it's hard to bring it back. But there's hope, and we'll talk about that. Please join me LIVE on all video and audio platforms of #DeborahKobyltLIVE. I'm your host, #DeborahZaraKobylt, and it's my pleasure to welcome you here.

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    32 mins
  • Monica Guerritore, Actor, "Anna"
    Apr 1 2026

    Please welcome acclaimed actress Monica Guerritore to our show, who joins us to
    talk about her magnificent film, "Anna - The Untold Story" - about the life of legendary
    actress Anna Magnini, specifically set on the night of 1956 when Anna won the
    Academy Award for Best Actress for "The Rose Tattoo."
    She was the first Italian actress to win an Oscar. The film portrays Anna as a woman
    of immense strength and passion, navigating her private struggles and memories
    while wandering the streets of Rome.
    Monica wrote, directed, and also stars in the film, offering a rich portrayal of Anna the
    person as opposed to the cinema icon. It's an incredible story, told from the heart,
    and so beautifully acted by Monica, I was left speechless. I wanted to understand
    Monica's process in capturing the story of Anna, as well as her keen interest. The film,
    which debuted in Los Angeles for International Women's Day, also stars Tommaso
    Ragno, Beatrice Granno, and Lucia Mascino.
    I love a story about strong women, particularly Italian women. Today, I not only
    interview one - Monica - we talk about one as well - Anna.
    Please join me 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. Please share with your friends and family
    as well.

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    54 mins
  • Mike Marino, Actor, Comedian, Podcast Host
    Apr 1 2026

    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.

    @mikemarinolive #comedy #mikemarino #standup

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    46 mins
  • Suzanne Cope, for promo Italian Women Warriors
    Mar 18 2026

    Today, I present an extraordinary true story for Women's History Month, written by Suzanne Cope, "Women Of War: The Italian Assassins, Spies, and Couriers Who Fought the Nazis."

    This is the untold story of the women who risked their lives to secretly pass messages, ammunition, and other secrets to help fight the Nazis who were occupying Italy in the 1940's. The book focuses on four women - in their early 20s - who would do their work on bicycle and on foot, carrying messages in a loaf of bread or hiding munitions in their overcoats, and risking their lives to do it.

    This is a hidden chapter of Italian history — women of the Resistance who fought Fascism and Nazi occupation while living their everyday lives. And what they did mattered, as told by author and journalist Suzanne Cope, who conducted meticulous research for this book. The women highlighted here carried notes, transported weapons, organized strikes, and committed acts of extraordinary bravery, yet their stories had been overlooked for decades. Until now. In fact, these stories are perhaps more significant as women face challenges around the world to stand up for their rights and freedom.

    Please find my full conversation with Suzanne Cope on all video and audio platforms of #DeborahKobyltLIVE, #LittleItalyPodcast, and #LittleItalyOfLAPodcast.

    I'm your host, #DeborahZaraKobylt, and I thank you for joining us.

    @suzannecope_phd #WomenOfWar #ItalianResistance #WomenInWWII
    #ItalianWomen #FeministHistory

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    43 mins
  • Bruno Serato, Celebrity Chef
    Dec 10 2025

    Bruno Serato, owner of the Anaheim White House Restaurant and founder of
    Caterina's Club, feeds literally thousands of children and families every day, and he's
    raising money so his Caterina's foundation can continue feeding literally thousands
    every day who would otherwise go hungry. And he joins us today to talk about it.
    Just last week, SoCal powerhouse radio station #KFIam640 (where my husband hosts
    the #JohnKobyltShow), teamed up with Bruno, Smart & Final, Wendy's, and De Cecco
    pasta to raise money and bunches of pasta and sauce so Bruno could continue doing
    what he does best - feeding hungry people. And the mission has been affectionately
    called #Pastathon.
    Already, they've raised close to $1-million dollars, and the campaign is still going, and
    he'll talk about how you can help. Now that's A LOT of Pasta!
    Bruno has become a friend over the years, and many of us call him a saint. His
    generosity was inspired by his mom, Caterina, who gave him the inspiration to feed
    hungry children in nearby Anaheim. He took the challenge, and so many years later,
    he's been recognized by Time Magazine, CNN Heros, the Pope, and others around the
    globe.
    We will talk with Bruno about his humble beginnings before moving to the United
    States, where his restaurant quickly became a fixture in Southern California. But he's
    faced plenty of tough times, too, like when his restaurant burned to the ground a few
    years ago, and his first thought was, "how will I feed the children." He rebuilt, and came
    back stronger than ever.
    Please join me in welcoming Bruno Serato on all audio and video platforms of
    #DeborahKobyltLIVE, #LittleItalyPodcast, and our #LittleItalyOfLAPodcast. I'm your
    host, #DeborahZaraKobylt, and I thank you for joining me.

    Hashtags / Mentions @serato7 @caterinas_club #powerofpasta #sirbrunoserato #fightpoverty #fighthunger

    #kidsinneed #familyinneed #orangecounty #california #losangeles

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    32 mins