The CIAO DMV! Podcast: Italian-American Life in the DMV
This podcast is dedicated to all things Italian-American in the DMV aka DC, Maryland and Virginia. We focus on the Italian-American Experience -- from family stories, to little known history, to businesses, cultural events, etc. Mostly the good, but sometimes the not so good.
Although born and raised on the Lower East Side of NYC (think Chinatown/Little Italy), your host Joseph Barone has been living, working and raising a family in the DMV since June of 1991.
So, how did this podcast come about? Well we need to go back a few years.
In February of 2019, Joseph met Pete Blank (Pete's Points) at a training/learning conference in Florida. From that chance meeting, he learned that one way in which to get noticed as a thought leader or expert in your field is via podcasting. So, in October 2019, he launched his Foolish Thoughts by A Fool for Learning Podcast. The focus was on training/learning, business, consulting, etc., or whatever foolish thought came to his mind.
In 2025, Joseph was looking for a way to help promote the vast amount of philanthropic work undertaken by the Lido Civic Club of Washington DC.
As he was researching podcasts to reach out to, he discovered that although there were those who focused on Italians and Italian-Americans in NYC, Chicago, and other areas, there were really none in the DMV. And yes, the Italian American experience in the DMV is different from that of NYC, Boston, Philadelphia, etc. And so, CIAO DMV was born!
Episodes
Apr 21, 2026
Apr 21, 2026
29 min
In this episode, we continue to hear of Michael Riccardi's story of hard work, perseverance and seizing the opportunity when they arise.
#itlaianamerican #italianamericans #washingtondc #virginia #maryland #italian
Intro Music: Tu Vuo Fa L'Americano provided courtesy of Tony et Claudo on L'Ambiance Italienne (Vol. 2)
Apr 14, 2026
Apr 14, 2026
27 min
Do you want to hear a story of hard work, perseverance and seizing the opportunity when they arise? Then have a listen to Part One of my interview with Michael Riccardi.
#itlaianamerican #italianamericans #washingtondc #virginia #maryland #italian
Intro Music: Tu Vuo Fa L'Americano provided courtesy of Tony et Claudo on L'Ambiance Italienne (Vol. 2)
Mar 31, 2026
Mar 31, 2026
15 min
The Italian Festival held at Villa Rosa in Mitchellville, MD was a staple of Italian and Italian-American life in the DMV for many years. Have a listen to Ken Harris' recollections of the festival.
#italian #italianamerican #dmv #washingtondc #virginia #maryland
Intro Music: Tu Vuo Fa L'Americano provided courtesy of Tony et Claudo on L'Ambiance Italienne (Vol. 2)
Mar 24, 2026
Mar 24, 2026
29 min
In this special episode, I had the opportunity to speak with Richard DiLiberto, Jr., Esq. Mr. DiLiberto is the Chairman of the Delaware Commission on Italian Heritage and Culture.
#italian #italianamerican #dmv #washingtondc #virginia #maryland #delaware
Intro Music: Tu Vuo Fa L'Americano provided courtesy of Tony et Claudo on L'Ambiance Italienne (Vol. 2)
Mar 17, 2026
Mar 17, 2026
35 min
Have a listen as I speak with Dr. Daniel Stabile, who is the President of the National Council for the Promotion of the Italian Language in American Schools (COPILAS). COPILAS is a National non-profit organization dedicated to assisting individuals, associations and communities around the United States, desiring to introduce or broaden the study of Italian language and culture in their public and private schools, colleges and universities.
#itlaianamerican #italianamericans #washingtondc #virginia #maryland #italian
Intro Music: Tu Vuo Fa L'Americano provided courtesy of Tony et Claudo on L'Ambiance Italienne (Vol. 2)
Mar 3, 2026
Mar 3, 2026
11 min
The Italian Festival held at Villa Rosa in Mitchellville, MD was a staple of Italian and Italian-American life in the DMV for many years. Have a listen to Angelo Tenaglia's recollections of the festival.
#italian #italianamerican #dmv #washingtondc #virginia #maryland
Intro Music: Tu Vuo Fa L'Americano provided courtesy of Tony et Claudo on L'Ambiance Italienne (Vol. 2)
Feb 24, 2026
Feb 24, 2026
20 min
The Italian Festival held at Villa Rosa in Mitchellville, MD was a staple of Italian and Italian-American life in the DMV for many years. Have a listen to Enzo Ciancio's recollections of the festival.
#italian #italianamerican #dmv #washingtondc #virginia #maryland
Intro Music: Tu Vuo Fa L'Americano provided courtesy of Tony et Claudo on L'Ambiance Italienne (Vol. 2)
Feb 17, 2026
Feb 17, 2026
31 min
Recently, I interviewed Magma Space Founder and CEO Alessandro Stabile about his company and life in the DMV. Hear about his family, his journey to the DMV and what his company is doing to help make your life more efficient.
To learn more about Magma Space, go to https://www.magma-space.com/
#italian #italianamerican #dmv #washingtondc #virginia #maryland
Intro Music: Tu Vuo Fa L'Americano provided courtesy of Tony et Claudo on L'Ambiance Italienne (Vol. 2)
Feb 10, 2026
Feb 10, 2026
32 min
Phil Finelli is not only a native Washingtonian but has been a part of the Italian American Golf Open since the start. Have a listen to the story behind the Open and how it has helped the community of the years.
#italianamerican #washingtondc #italianamericans #dmv #maryland #virginia
Intro Music: Tu Vuo Fa L'Americano provided courtesy of Tony et Claudo on L'Ambiance Italienne (Vol. 2)
Feb 3, 2026
Feb 3, 2026
14 min
The Lido Civic Club of Washington, DC Scholarship Program has been in place since 2000. Since its inception, the Program has awarded over $1,400,000 to deserving students of Italian-American descent. Have a listen to Francesca Russo and her daughter Annalisa Russo, both of whom have received Lido Scholarships.
#itlaianamerican #italianamericans #washingtondc #virginia #maryland #italian
Intro Music: Tu Vuo Fa L'Americano provided courtesy of Tony et Claudo on L'Ambiance Italienne (Vol. 2)
This podcast is dedicated to all things Italian-American in the DMV aka DC, Maryland and Virginia. We focus on the Italian-American Experience -- from family stories, to little known history, to businesses, cultural events, etc. Mostly the good, but sometimes the not so good.
Although born and raised on the Lower East Side of NYC (think Chinatown/Little Italy), your host Joseph Barone has been living, working and raising a family in the DMV since June of 1991.
So, how did this podcast come about? Well we need to go back a few years.
In February of 2019, Joseph met Pete Blank (Pete's Points) at a training/learning conference in Florida. From that chance meeting, he learned that one way in which to get noticed as a thought leader or expert in your field is via podcasting. So, in October 2019, he launched his Foolish Thoughts by A Fool for Learning Podcast. The focus was on training/learning, business, consulting, etc., or whatever foolish thought came to his mind.
In 2025, Joseph was looking for a way to help the Lido Civic Club of Washington DC promote the vast amount of philanthropic work done for the community as a whole.
As he was researching podcasters to reach out to, he discovered that although there were those who focused on Italians and Italian-Americans in NYC, Chicago, and other areas, there were none in the DMV. And yes, the Italian American experience in the DMV is different from that of NYC, Boston, Philadelphia, etc. And so, CIAO DMV was born!