In this episode of The Italian American Podcast, Pat and Brandon are joined by Luke Petronella for a thoughtful discussion on Italian American identity across generations. They reflect on upbringing in New York and Philadelphia, touching on family traditions, changing forms of communication, and how events like AIDS and COVID shaped cultural perception. The contrast between analog childhoods and today's social media-driven world highlights new challenges for younger generations. Petronella, an emerging Italian American filmmaker and Russo Brothers Italian American Filmmaker Forum grant recipient, shares his creative path and discusses his mockumentary Luigi Lookalike, which explores identity through humor and family life. Emphasizing authenticity, he points to films like Rocky and Moonstruck as meaningful representations, while rejecting reductive stereotypes. He also reflects on reconnecting with family in Sicily and navigating themes of assimilation and belonging. The episode also highlights his work with Rescuing Leftover Cuisine, redistributing surplus food across New York City, and his involvement with the Italian American Future Leaders Conference. It concludes with an invitation to support Luigi Lookalike and engage with a new wave of Italian American storytelling. HIS SOCIALS: Instagram: @mellow_luke @rescuingleftovercuisine TikTok: luigi_lookalike rescuingleftovercuisine Facebook: Luke Petronella rescuingleftovercuisine LinkedIn: Luke Petronella rescuingleftovercuisine Website: rescuingleftovercuisine.org Events: April 26th Luigi Lookalike NYC Premiere https://partiful.com/e/MkCCcxoAvZEi2vUVZtjU?c=MTShNDtc May 12th Rescuing Leftover Cuisine's Spring Gala https://www.rescuingleftovercuisine.org/rlc-annual-gala HOSTED BY: Patrick O' Boyle Brandon Ficara SPECIAL GUEST: Luke Petronella PRODUCED BY: Nicholas Calvello-Macchia