In this heartfelt episode of The Good Italian Girl and Friends Podcast, Claudia Callisto shares an intimate reading from her published chapter in Anthologia II: A Collection of Stories by Women. Anthologia II brings together the voices of twenty-two women and celebrates truth, courage, connection and the complexity of womanhood.Claudia’s chapter, Between Two Worlds, is a deeply personal reflection on growing up as the Australian-born daughter of Italian immigrant parents. She explores what it felt like to live between two cultures: the traditional Italian world of family, duty, respect and cultural expectations, and the Australian world of independence, self-expression and personal choice.Through her reading, Claudia reflects on the pressure many Italian and ethnic women feel to be the “good daughter”, the caretaker, the one who holds everyone together. She speaks honestly about the invisible cultural rules that shaped her life, while also acknowledging the strength, resilience, family connection and cultural pride that came from her upbringing.The chapter also moves into one of the most personal chapters of Claudia’s life: the sudden passing of her husband, John. With honesty and courage, Claudia shares her experience of grief, widowhood, solo parenting and learning to live between the world she had with John and the world she now has without him beside her.At its heart, this episode is about culture, grief, love, legacy and becoming. It is for Italian women, ethnic women, migrant daughters and anyone who has ever felt caught between who they were expected to be and who they are still becoming.Brought to you by Shining Light

<description>&lt;p&gt;In this heartfelt episode of The Good Italian Girl and Friends Podcast, Claudia Callisto shares an intimate reading from her published chapter in Anthologia II: A Collection of Stories by Women. Anthologia II brings together the voices of twenty-two women and celebrates truth, courage, connection and the complexity of womanhood.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Claudia’s chapter, Between Two Worlds, is a deeply personal reflection on growing up as the Australian-born daughter of Italian immigrant parents. She explores what it felt like to live between two cultures: the traditional Italian world of family, duty, respect and cultural expectations, and the Australian world of independence, self-expression and personal choice.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Through her reading, Claudia reflects on the pressure many Italian and ethnic women feel to be the “good daughter”, the caretaker, the one who holds everyone together. She speaks honestly about the invisible cultural rules that shaped her life, while also acknowledging the strength, resilience, family connection and cultural pride that came from her upbringing.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The chapter also moves into one of the most personal chapters of Claudia’s life: the sudden passing of her husband, John. With honesty and courage, Claudia shares her experience of grief, widowhood, solo parenting and learning to live between the world she had with John and the world she now has without him beside her.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;At its heart, this episode is about culture, grief, love, legacy and becoming. It is for Italian women, ethnic women, migrant daughters and anyone who has ever felt caught between who they were expected to be and who they are still becoming.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Brought to you by Shining Light&lt;/p&gt;</description>

In this heartfelt episode of The Good Italian Girl and Friends Podcast, Claudia Callisto shares an intimate reading from her published chapter in Anthologia II: A Collection of Stories by Women. Anthologia II brings together the voices of twenty-two women and celebrates truth, courage, connection and the complexity of womanhood. Claudia’s chapter, Between Two Worlds, is a deeply personal reflection on growing up as the Australian-born daughter of Italian immigrant parents. She explores what i...

Between Two Worlds, Again - from a daughter of Italian immigrant parents to a widow finding her way. 

In this episode of The Good Italian Girl and Friends Podcast, host Claudia Callisto welcomes Angela Forgione and Rosalie Gleason into the studio. After years of interviewing Claudia on their own radio programme, the tables are turned as Claudia invites them to share their personal stories, memories and reflections.Angela and Rosalia open up about what it was like arriving in Australia as young Italian girls, growing up between two cultures and feeling the pressure to fit into Australian society while still honouring their Italian family values. They share honest and moving stories about school, language barriers, strict parents, family expectations, cultural identity and the feeling of living in two very different worlds.The conversation also explores the strength and courage of their parents, who left everything behind to give their families a better life. With humour, warmth and honesty, Angela and Rosalia reflect on the challenges of being young Italian women, from not being allowed to go out, to navigating education, careers, dating, weddings and independence.At its heart, this episode is about connection, culture and courage. It is a celebration of Italian-Australian women who carried the weight of tradition, found their place in a new country and eventually discovered the power of embracing who they truly are.Brought to you by Shining Light

<description>&lt;p&gt;In this episode of &lt;b&gt;The Good Italian Girl and Friends Podcast&lt;/b&gt;, host &lt;b&gt;Claudia Callisto&lt;/b&gt; welcomes &lt;b&gt;Angela Forgione and Rosalie Gleason&lt;/b&gt; into the studio. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;After years of interviewing Claudia on their own radio programme, the tables are turned as Claudia invites them to share their personal stories, memories and reflections.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Angela and Rosalia open up about what it was like arriving in Australia as young Italian girls, growing up between two cultures and feeling the pressure to fit into Australian society while still honouring their Italian family values. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;They share honest and moving stories about school, language barriers, strict parents, family expectations, cultural identity and the feeling of living in two very different worlds.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The conversation also explores the strength and courage of their parents, who left everything behind to give their families a better life. With humour, warmth and honesty, Angela and Rosalia reflect on the challenges of being young Italian women, from not being allowed to go out, to navigating education, careers, dating, weddings and independence.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;At its heart, this episode is about connection, culture and courage. It is a celebration of Italian-Australian women who carried the weight of tradition, found their place in a new country and eventually discovered the power of embracing who they truly are.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Brought to you by Shining Light&lt;/p&gt;</description>

In this episode of The Good Italian Girl and Friends Podcast, host Claudia Callisto welcomes Angela Forgione and Rosalie Gleason into the studio.  After years of interviewing Claudia on their own radio programme, the tables are turned as Claudia invites them to share their personal stories, memories and reflections. Angela and Rosalia open up about what it was like arriving in Australia as young Italian girls, growing up between two cultures and feeling the pressure to fit into Australia...

The Daughters of Migration: Angela and Rosalia’s Story about Family, Culture and Finding Your Voice

In this vibrant role-reversal episode, Anastasia  Lambis takes the interviewer’s chair to explore Claudia Callisto’s journey from author to proud Adelaide Fringe performer. What began as a book written in grief after the passing of Claudia’s father became something far greater — a cultural movement. When supporters encouraged her to “read it to us instead,” she unexpectedly found herself producing her very first Fringe show. Despite selling over 100 tickets, fear nearly stopped her from stepping on stage. Instead, she chose courage — and that decision reshaped her creative life.Now in her fourth Fringe season, Claudia presents Giuissas &amp; Mario&apos;s The 80s Dance Party, Bringing Adelaide Together&amp; Quiz Party — an interactive, high-energy celebration of the Italian-Australian and migrant sons and daughters of the 70s and 80s. The “Giuissas &amp; Mario&apos;s” generation — big hair, midnight curfews, Rio’s nightclub, Madonna on repeat — represents a unique cultural moment in Adelaide’s history. Through music quizzes, themed dance segments, mini prizes and nostalgic storytelling, Claudia is creating more than a show. She’s creating a reunion.But beneath the fun lies something deeply meaningful. Claudia speaks openly about how 80s music has supported her through grief and ageing, acting as a time machine back to a stage of life filled with joy, possibility and confidence. She explores the concept of the “sandwich generation” — those caring for ageing parents while raising children — and why her generation’s story is often overlooked. While migrant parents’ journeys are documented, the daughters’ experience is rarely preserved.This episode is energetic, heartfelt and empowering — a reminder that celebration is healing, that culture evolves, and that sometimes the most powerful thing you can do for your community is turn up the music and dance.Brought to you by Shining Light

<description>&lt;p&gt;In this vibrant role-reversal episode, Anastasia  Lambis takes the interviewer’s chair to explore Claudia Callisto’s journey from author to proud Adelaide Fringe performer. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;What began as a book written in grief after the passing of Claudia’s father became something far greater — a cultural movement. When supporters encouraged her to “read it to us instead,” she unexpectedly found herself producing her very first Fringe show. Despite selling over 100 tickets, fear nearly stopped her from stepping on stage. Instead, she chose courage — and that decision reshaped her creative life.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Now in her fourth Fringe season, Claudia presents Giuissas &amp;amp; Mario&amp;apos;s The 80s Dance Party, Bringing Adelaide Together&lt;em&gt;&amp;amp; Quiz Party&lt;/em&gt; — an interactive, high-energy celebration of the Italian-Australian and migrant sons and daughters of the 70s and 80s. The “Giuissas &amp;amp; Mario&amp;apos;s” generation — big hair, midnight curfews, Rio’s nightclub, Madonna on repeat — represents a unique cultural moment in Adelaide’s history. Through music quizzes, themed dance segments, mini prizes and nostalgic storytelling, Claudia is creating more than a show. She’s creating a reunion.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;But beneath the fun lies something deeply meaningful. Claudia speaks openly about how 80s music has supported her through grief and ageing, acting as a time machine back to a stage of life filled with joy, possibility and confidence. She explores the concept of the “sandwich generation” — those caring for ageing parents while raising children — and why her generation’s story is often overlooked. While migrant parents’ journeys are documented, the daughters’ experience is rarely preserved.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This episode is energetic, heartfelt and empowering — a reminder that celebration is healing, that culture evolves, and that sometimes the most powerful thing you can do for your community is turn up the music and dance.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Brought to you by Shining Light&lt;/p&gt;</description>

In this vibrant role-reversal episode, Anastasia  Lambis takes the interviewer’s chair to explore Claudia Callisto’s journey from author to proud Adelaide Fringe performer.  What began as a book written in grief after the passing of Claudia’s father became something far greater — a cultural movement. When supporters encouraged her to “read it to us instead,” she unexpectedly found herself producing her very first Fringe show. Despite selling over 100 tickets, fear nearly stopped her...

Giuissas & Marios  The 80s Dance Party Bringing Adelaide Together

Growing up as a daughter of Greek immigrants in Adelaide meant learning the rules before you ever heard them spoken. The rules were subtle but powerful: Be careful, choose security, don’t draw too much attention to yourself, and above all, don’t take unnecessary risks. In this beautifully honest and story-driven conversation, Anastasia reflects on what it was like to grow up under those invisible expectations. While her parents loved and protected her fiercely, there was an unspoken understanding that stability mattered more than passion.Music became her quiet rebellion.From childhood memories of ABBA and Elvis playing in the background to a lifelong devotion to Prince, music was not just entertainment — it was identity, expression and possibility. Growing up without many material luxuries shaped her appreciation for creativity. With no record player at home, she would record albums onto cassette tapes at her godfather’s house. These small rituals built a deep emotional connection to storytelling and sound.Her creative journey began unexpectedly in 2011 with a simple food club idea. That experiment evolved into the blog Tempting Palates, then into social media influence, and eventually into reviewing and interviewing artists during the Adelaide Fringe. What began as food writing gradually expanded into music journalism — proof that passion grows when nurtured.Beneath the travel stories and backstage moments lies courage. Anastasia speaks openly about choosing security through banking and later working in a school — “good jobs” by cultural standards — before recognising that something still felt incomplete. When redundancy offered an exit, she chose growth over fear. Her parents’ panic reflected their generation’s survival mindset. But she chose fulfilment.This episode beautifully captures the tension so many Italian-Australian and Greek-Australian daughters understand: honouring your parents’ sacrifices while refusing to live inside their fears.From flying solo to London to see Nile Rodgers on her birthday, to travelling to the United States to attend concerts and meet artists, Anastasia reframed midlife as expansion rather than limitation. These were not just holidays — they were declarations of independence.The conversation also revisits Adelaide in the 80s and 90s — cousins as first friends, camping at Port Vincent, Victor Harbour picnics, nightclub culture, strict curfews and subtle control. There is humour, nostalgia and deep recognition.At its heart, this episode is about permission.No one gives it to you. You take it.Living your best life, for Anastasia, means travel, music, new experiences, stepping beyond comfort zones and refusing to shrink to make others comfortable.This is not rebellion against culture — it is evolution within it.Brought to you by Shining Light

<description>&lt;p&gt;Growing up as a daughter of Greek immigrants in Adelaide meant learning the rules before you ever heard them spoken. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The rules were subtle but powerful: Be careful, choose security, don’t draw too much attention to yourself, and above all, don’t take unnecessary risks. In this beautifully honest and story-driven conversation, Anastasia reflects on what it was like to grow up under those invisible expectations. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;While her parents loved and protected her fiercely, there was an unspoken understanding that stability mattered more than passion.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Music became her quiet rebellion.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;From childhood memories of ABBA and Elvis playing in the background to a lifelong devotion to Prince, music was not just entertainment — it was identity, expression and possibility. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Growing up without many material luxuries shaped her appreciation for creativity. With no record player at home, she would record albums onto cassette tapes at her godfather’s house. These small rituals built a deep emotional connection to storytelling and sound.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Her creative journey began unexpectedly in 2011 with a simple food club idea. That experiment evolved into the blog &lt;em&gt;Tempting Palates&lt;/em&gt;, then into social media influence, and eventually into reviewing and interviewing artists during the Adelaide Fringe. What began as food writing gradually expanded into music journalism — proof that passion grows when nurtured.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Beneath the travel stories and backstage moments lies courage. Anastasia speaks openly about choosing security through banking and later working in a school — “good jobs” by cultural standards — before recognising that something still felt incomplete. When redundancy offered an exit, she chose growth over fear. Her parents’ panic reflected their generation’s survival mindset. But she chose fulfilment.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This episode beautifully captures the tension so many Italian-Australian and Greek-Australian daughters understand: honouring your parents’ sacrifices while refusing to live inside their fears.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;From flying solo to London to see Nile Rodgers on her birthday, to travelling to the United States to attend concerts and meet artists, Anastasia reframed midlife as expansion rather than limitation. These were not just holidays — they were declarations of independence.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The conversation also revisits Adelaide in the 80s and 90s — cousins as first friends, camping at Port Vincent, Victor Harbour picnics, nightclub culture, strict curfews and subtle control. There is humour, nostalgia and deep recognition.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;At its heart, this episode is about permission.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;No one gives it to you. You take it.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Living your best life, for Anastasia, means travel, music, new experiences, stepping beyond comfort zones and refusing to shrink to make others comfortable.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This is not rebellion against culture — it is evolution within it.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Brought to you by Shining Light&lt;/p&gt;</description>

Growing up as a daughter of Greek immigrants in Adelaide meant learning the rules before you ever heard them spoken.  The rules were subtle but powerful: Be careful, choose security, don’t draw too much attention to yourself, and above all, don’t take unnecessary risks. In this beautifully honest and story-driven conversation, Anastasia reflects on what it was like to grow up under those invisible expectations.  While her parents loved and protected her fiercely, there was an unspok...

Living the Life We Were Never Taught to Choose: Anastasia Lambis 

This episode explores the lived experience of growing up between two worlds. Comm. Mariangela Stagnitti Ordine Della Stella D’Italia shares vivid memories of her childhood as a Sicilian girl navigating school, language barriers, and identity in Australia — including the moment her name was changed in the classroom, and how her mother fiercely reclaimed it. These early experiences shaped her lifelong commitment to culture and community.Mariangela speaks openly about generational legacy — the sacrifices made by parents and grandparents, and the responsibility carried by their children to honour and continue those stories. From maintaining language and traditions to ensuring younger generations understand where they come from, this conversation highlights how culture survives through intention, pride, and connection.The discussion also covers Mariangela’s extensive work in community leadership, migrant advocacy, and banking, including her role in supporting new arrivals and building global connections during COVID. She shares the emotional reality of leadership — the passion, the challenges, and the personal cost — with honesty and grace.At its heart, this episode is about identity. It’s about owning who you are, respecting the past, and creating a future that honours those who came before us. A powerful reminder that stories matter, names matter, and legacy lives through people.Guest BioComm. Mariangela Stagnitti Ordine Della Stella D’Italia is a highly respected Sicilian-Australian community leader, banking professional, and advocate for migrant education and women’s empowerment. With decades of experience supporting Italian and multicultural communities across Australia and internationally, she has played a significant role in community leadership, migrant advocacy, and financial education. In 2022, she was awarded the Ordine Della Stella D’Italia in recognition of her outstanding service to the Italian community.Enjoyed this episode?Subscribe and follow The Good Italian Girl and Friends Podcast to hear more meaningful conversations celebrating culture, community, and women’s voices.Brought to you by Shining Light

<description>&lt;p&gt;This episode explores the lived experience of growing up between two worlds. &lt;b&gt;Comm. Mariangela Stagnitti Ordine Della Stella D’Italia&lt;/b&gt; shares vivid memories of her childhood as a Sicilian girl navigating school, language barriers, and identity in Australia — including the moment her name was changed in the classroom, and how her mother fiercely reclaimed it. These early experiences shaped her lifelong commitment to culture and community.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Mariangela speaks openly about generational legacy — the sacrifices made by parents and grandparents, and the responsibility carried by their children to honour and continue those stories. From maintaining language and traditions to ensuring younger generations understand where they come from, this conversation highlights how culture survives through intention, pride, and connection.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The discussion also covers Mariangela’s extensive work in community leadership, migrant advocacy, and banking, including her role in supporting new arrivals and building global connections during COVID. She shares the emotional reality of leadership — the passion, the challenges, and the personal cost — with honesty and grace.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;At its heart, this episode is about identity. It’s about owning who you are, respecting the past, and creating a future that honours those who came before us. A powerful reminder that stories matter, names matter, and legacy lives through people.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Guest Bio&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Comm. Mariangela Stagnitti Ordine Della Stella D’Italia&lt;/b&gt; is a highly respected Sicilian-Australian community leader, banking professional, and advocate for migrant education and women’s empowerment. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;With decades of experience supporting Italian and multicultural communities across Australia and internationally, she has played a significant role in community leadership, migrant advocacy, and financial education. In 2022, she was awarded the &lt;b&gt;Ordine Della Stella D’Italia&lt;/b&gt; in recognition of her outstanding service to the Italian community.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Enjoyed this episode?&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Subscribe and follow The Good Italian Girl and Friends Podcast&lt;/b&gt; to hear more meaningful conversations celebrating culture, community, and women’s voices.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Brought to you by Shining Light&lt;/p&gt;</description>

This episode explores the lived experience of growing up between two worlds. Comm. Mariangela Stagnitti Ordine Della Stella D’Italia shares vivid memories of her childhood as a Sicilian girl navigating school, language barriers, and identity in Australia — including the moment her name was changed in the classroom, and how her mother fiercely reclaimed it. These early experiences shaped her lifelong commitment to culture and community. Mariangela speaks openly about generational legacy — the ...

From the Village to the World: One Woman’s Community Journey

Based her  best selling book "The Good Italian Girl" Claudia Callisto invites her fellow ethnic friends to join her for an Italian coffee catch up and share stories about life growing up with their immigrant parents. We reflect on both the highs and lows of our cultural experience and how it has shaped us as the strong and resilient ethnic women we are today and how it has influenced our own parenting style and life..

Claudia Callisto - The Good Italian Girl and friends

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