In this episode, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Cristina Clemente, whose story beautifully captures the richness of family, heritage, and community. Cristina is the daughter of Italian immigrant parents from the Campania region, a proud wife to Peter, a devoted mum of two, a Partner in an accounting firm, and a dedicated board member of the South Australian Italian Association.Our conversation was full of warmth and reflection. Cristina shared what it was like growing up in Adelaide, where her grandparents lived right next door—a blessing that gave her a deep appreciation of family life and traditions. She also opened up about her professional journey in accounting, her passion for community involvement, and the values she is now passing on to her children.One of the most heartfelt messages Cristina leaves us with is the importance of staying close to our parents and grandparents while we have the chance. By listening to their stories and learning from their experiences, we not only honour them but also gain a deeper understanding of the generations that came before us.Brought to you by Shining Light

<description>&lt;p&gt;In this episode, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Cristina Clemente, whose story beautifully captures the richness of family, heritage, and community. Cristina is the daughter of Italian immigrant parents from the Campania region, a proud wife to Peter, a devoted mum of two, a Partner in an accounting firm, and a dedicated board member of the South Australian Italian Association.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Our conversation was full of warmth and reflection. Cristina shared what it was like growing up in Adelaide, where her grandparents lived right next door—a blessing that gave her a deep appreciation of family life and traditions. She also opened up about her professional journey in accounting, her passion for community involvement, and the values she is now passing on to her children.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;One of the most heartfelt messages Cristina leaves us with is the importance of staying close to our parents and grandparents while we have the chance. By listening to their stories and learning from their experiences, we not only honour them but also gain a deeper understanding of the generations that came before us.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Brought to you by Shining Light&lt;/p&gt;</description>

In this episode, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Cristina Clemente, whose story beautifully captures the richness of family, heritage, and community. Cristina is the daughter of Italian immigrant parents from the Campania region, a proud wife to Peter, a devoted mum of two, a Partner in an accounting firm, and a dedicated board member of the South Australian Italian Association. Our conversation was full of warmth and reflection. Cristina shared what it was like growing up in...

Family, Heritage and Heart: A Conversation with Cristina Clemente

What is the essence of cultural heritage, and how does it shape the lives of those living between two worlds? Join us for an insightful journey as we gather at the Italian Centre in Adelaide, engaging with remarkable women. They share their poignant stories of migration, cultural preservation, and the strength of community. Hear firsthand the challenges they faced as young girls leaving Italy, and the sacrifices made to secure a better future for their children in Australia. Through their heartfelt tales, we uncover the enduring ties to their Italian roots and the rich traditions that bind generations.Explore the vibrant tapestry of Italian immigrant life as we delve into the cultural heritage and generational perspectives of families in Adelaide. Listen to the personal stories of individuals like Ima Polada, who was renamed Mary by a well-meaning headmaster, and her granddaughter Zara, who reflects on the privileges afforded by her ancestors&apos; hard work. The discussion highlights the importance of traditions such as cooking and playing games, like Scopa, in preserving identity and fostering community connections. Experience the resilience and adaptability that come with migration, and understand the delicate balance of maintaining one&apos;s roots while embracing a new future.How do parents navigate the complexities of ethnic identity while raising children in a multicultural society? Through engaging personal anecdotes, we examine the evolution of parenting styles, contrasting the disciplined upbringing of past generations with today&apos;s more adaptable approaches. Insights from guests like Louisa, Emma, and Gail reveal the deep impact of family values on instilling responsibility and tradition in the next generation. We wrap up with personal reflections on living one&apos;s best life, emphasising the significance of family, happiness, health, and community, as shared by our inspirational guests.Brought to you by Shining Light

<description>&lt;p&gt;What is the essence of cultural heritage, and how does it shape the lives of those living between two worlds? &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Join us for an insightful journey as we gather at the Italian Centre in Adelaide, engaging with remarkable women. They share their poignant stories of migration, cultural preservation, and the strength of community. Hear firsthand the challenges they faced as young girls leaving Italy, and the sacrifices made to secure a better future for their children in Australia. Through their heartfelt tales, we uncover the enduring ties to their Italian roots and the rich traditions that bind generations.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Explore the vibrant tapestry of Italian immigrant life as we delve into the cultural heritage and generational perspectives of families in Adelaide. Listen to the personal stories of individuals like Ima Polada, who was renamed Mary by a well-meaning headmaster, and her granddaughter Zara, who reflects on the privileges afforded by her ancestors&amp;apos; hard work. The discussion highlights the importance of traditions such as cooking and playing games, like Scopa, in preserving identity and fostering community connections. Experience the resilience and adaptability that come with migration, and understand the delicate balance of maintaining one&amp;apos;s roots while embracing a new future.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;How do parents navigate the complexities of ethnic identity while raising children in a multicultural society? &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Through engaging personal anecdotes, we examine the evolution of parenting styles, contrasting the disciplined upbringing of past generations with today&amp;apos;s more adaptable approaches. Insights from guests like Louisa, Emma, and Gail reveal the deep impact of family values on instilling responsibility and tradition in the next generation. We wrap up with personal reflections on living one&amp;apos;s best life, emphasising the significance of family, happiness, health, and community, as shared by our inspirational guests.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Brought to you by Shining Light&lt;/p&gt;</description>

What is the essence of cultural heritage, and how does it shape the lives of those living between two worlds?  Join us for an insightful journey as we gather at the Italian Centre in Adelaide, engaging with remarkable women. They share their poignant stories of migration, cultural preservation, and the strength of community. Hear firsthand the challenges they faced as young girls leaving Italy, and the sacrifices made to secure a better future for their children in Australia. Through the...

Live From SAIA - An Italian Afternoon Live Chat

Claudia Callisto &amp; Gina Marchetti are best friends and the dynamic hosts behind the women’s event “An Italian Afternoon.”Both born in Adelaide to Italian immigrant parents, Claudia and Gina are proud first-generation Italian-Australians on a heartfelt mission: to inspire their community to reconnect with their roots, celebrate their vibrant Italian traditions, and embrace the beauty of where they come from.Now, they’re bringing all the energy, laughter, and love live to you – sharing stories, culture, and friendship straight from the heart.Brought to you by Shining Light

<description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Claudia Callisto &amp;amp; Gina Marchetti&lt;/b&gt; are best friends and the dynamic hosts behind the women’s event &lt;em&gt;“An Italian Afternoon.”&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Both born in Adelaide to Italian immigrant parents, Claudia and Gina are proud first-generation Italian-Australians on a heartfelt mission: to inspire their community to reconnect with their roots, celebrate their vibrant Italian traditions, and embrace the beauty of where they come from.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Now, they’re bringing all the energy, laughter, and love &lt;em&gt;live&lt;/em&gt; to you – sharing stories, culture, and friendship straight from the heart.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Brought to you by Shining Light&lt;/p&gt;</description>

Claudia Callisto &amp; Gina Marchetti are best friends and the dynamic hosts behind the women’s event “An Italian Afternoon.” Both born in Adelaide to Italian immigrant parents, Claudia and Gina are proud first-generation Italian-Australians on a heartfelt mission: to inspire their community to reconnect with their roots, celebrate their vibrant Italian traditions, and embrace the beauty of where they come from. Now, they’re bringing all the energy, laughter, and love live to you – sharing st...

An Italian Afternoon Live Chat

What happens when four extraordinary women, fondly known as the Moli Girls, share their stories of cultural pride and community? Meet Claudia Callisto as she hosts a heartfelt conversation exploring what it means to be part of the vibrant Molinara community in Adelaide, South Australia.  Born to immigrant parents from Molinara, Italy, the Molli Girls offer a rich tapestry of memories and traditions that define their unique identity, from family gatherings at the cherished Molinara Club to the spirited sports competitions that brought them all together. Listeners will journey through the cherished traditions and evolving cultural dynamics that have shaped the Molinara community across generations. The Moli Girls paint a vivid picture of life within this tight-knit group, highlighting the cherished bonds and shared experiences that have stood the test of time.  From the significance of the Molinara Club in fostering these connections to the heartfelt stories of community festivals and linguistic exploration, each chapter sheds light on the profound sense of belonging and unity among Molinarezes, drawing connections between their past and future. As the conversation unfolds, Claudia and the Moli Girls contemplate the challenges of preserving the club&apos;s legacy amidst generational shifts and changing lifestyles. Brought to you by Shining Light

<description>&lt;p&gt;What happens when four extraordinary women, fondly known as the Moli Girls, share their stories of cultural pride and community? Meet Claudia Callisto as she hosts a heartfelt conversation exploring what it means to be part of the vibrant Molinara community in Adelaide, South Australia. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Born to immigrant parents from Molinara, Italy, the Molli Girls offer a rich tapestry of memories and traditions that define their unique identity, from family gatherings at the cherished Molinara Club to the spirited sports competitions that brought them all together.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Listeners will journey through the cherished traditions and evolving cultural dynamics that have shaped the Molinara community across generations. The Moli Girls paint a vivid picture of life within this tight-knit group, highlighting the cherished bonds and shared experiences that have stood the test of time. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;From the significance of the Molinara Club in fostering these connections to the heartfelt stories of community festivals and linguistic exploration, each chapter sheds light on the profound sense of belonging and unity among Molinarezes, drawing connections between their past and future.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;As the conversation unfolds, Claudia and the Moli Girls contemplate the challenges of preserving the club&amp;apos;s legacy amidst generational shifts and changing lifestyles. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Brought to you by Shining Light&lt;/p&gt;</description>

What happens when four extraordinary women, fondly known as the Moli Girls, share their stories of cultural pride and community? Meet Claudia Callisto as she hosts a heartfelt conversation exploring what it means to be part of the vibrant Molinara community in Adelaide, South Australia.    Born to immigrant parents from Molinara, Italy, the Molli Girls offer a rich tapestry of memories and traditions that define their unique identity, from family gatherings at the cherished Molinara Club...

The Moli Girls

I&apos;m delighted to introduce Teresa Dall’Acqua Leonardi OAM to our podcast series. Teresa shares her remarkable life journey, filled with both triumphs and challenges, including one of her proudest moments: receiving the Order of Australia Medal in 2009. This prestigious honour is a rare achievement for an Italian woman within the Italian-Australian community. Teresa’s story begins when she arrived in Australia as a young child, a refugee with her Italian parents, who fled Asmara in East Africa (formerly an Italian colony) due to civil unrest between the Black and White communities. Settling in Adelaide, Teresa dedicated her life to volunteering, particularly within the Italian community and various other organisations. Helping others has always been central to her nature, calling, and passion. At a young age, Teresa began teaching English to newly arrived immigrants, helping them assimilate into Australian society. She later worked in the disability sector and the funeral industry. Beyond her professional roles, Teresa has been deeply involved in many community projects, such as the early development of Carnevale and the Italian Festival. She continues to serve on community boards and Italian associations to this day. Throughout her life, Teresa has faced many challenges, yet she remains a beacon of strength and resilience. Her message to all women is clear: stand tall, remain strong, and never let life&apos;s difficulties bring you down. Teresa is a true role model for Italian-Australian women across generations, and her inspiring insights shared in this podcast offer valuable lessons for us all. Chapters:(00:00) The Good Italian Girl podcast focuses on first generation daughters of immigrant parents(01:21) Theresa Delacolonardi was born in East Africa in 1947(05:29) You were born in Eritrea and which was an italian colony(08:46) So, what&apos;s your most favourite thing about your italian culture(09:58) So if you were to think about your most favorite thing about italian culture(14:40) You went to intermediate and then did leaving and leaving honours in Adelaide(16:28) You taught migrant education teachers for 24 years and many have become businesswomen(23:13) You worked in the funeral industry for 37 years. That&apos;s a long time(26:34) A funeral today is just so different to it was when you first started(27:09) In those days, condolences were taken at the cemetery(28:42) Claudia has lost two husbands by self inflicted or illness(31:15) Claudia says people often feel intruding at funerals(35:54) It&apos;s predominantly a southern italian tradition, which naturally...(36:14) There are many regrets associated with dying, according to Bronnie Ware(38:34) Far more liberated nowadays to express your feelings, says Claudio(40:00) I wish I stayed in touch with my friends. As I said, we have friends that come through our life(44:25) Claudia has been volunteering with Radio Italiana for 40 years(48:56) The rewards in any community work is that you touch people&apos;s lives(50:03) Claudia was awarded the Order of Australia medal in 2009(54:03) What&apos;s your greatest wish for your children and grandchildren? I have two grandchildren(56:47) It starts with food, Claudia. It does, it does. I think the culture around food and traditions is important(01:01:23) Do you feel that we still have the old traditions remaining in our community(01:04:40) You&apos;ve had lots of difficulties in your life, but you forge aheadBrought to you by Shining Light

<description>&lt;p&gt;I&amp;apos;m delighted to introduce Teresa Dall’Acqua Leonardi OAM to our podcast series. Teresa shares her remarkable life journey, filled with both triumphs and challenges, including one of her proudest moments: receiving the Order of Australia Medal in 2009. This prestigious honour is a rare achievement for an Italian woman within the Italian-Australian community.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Teresa’s story begins when she arrived in Australia as a young child, a refugee with her Italian parents, who fled Asmara in East Africa (formerly an Italian colony) due to civil unrest between the Black and White communities. Settling in Adelaide, Teresa dedicated her life to volunteering, particularly within the Italian community and various other organisations. Helping others has always been central to her nature, calling, and passion.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;At a young age, Teresa began teaching English to newly arrived immigrants, helping them assimilate into Australian society. She later worked in the disability sector and the funeral industry. Beyond her professional roles, Teresa has been deeply involved in many community projects, such as the early development of Carnevale and the Italian Festival. She continues to serve on community boards and Italian associations to this day.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Throughout her life, Teresa has faced many challenges, yet she remains a beacon of strength and resilience. Her message to all women is clear: stand tall, remain strong, and never let life&amp;apos;s difficulties bring you down. Teresa is a true role model for Italian-Australian women across generations, and her inspiring insights shared in this podcast offer valuable lessons for us all.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Chapters:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;(00:00) The Good Italian Girl podcast focuses on first generation daughters of immigrant parents&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;(01:21) Theresa Delacolonardi was born in East Africa in 1947&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;(05:29) You were born in Eritrea and which was an italian colony&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;(08:46) So, what&amp;apos;s your most favourite thing about your italian culture&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;(09:58) So if you were to think about your most favorite thing about italian culture&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;(14:40) You went to intermediate and then did leaving and leaving honours in Adelaide&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;(16:28) You taught migrant education teachers for 24 years and many have become businesswomen&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;(23:13) You worked in the funeral industry for 37 years. That&amp;apos;s a long time&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;(26:34) A funeral today is just so different to it was when you first started&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;(27:09) In those days, condolences were taken at the cemetery&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;(28:42) Claudia has lost two husbands by self inflicted or illness&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;(31:15) Claudia says people often feel intruding at funerals&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;(35:54) It&amp;apos;s predominantly a southern italian tradition, which naturally...&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;(36:14) There are many regrets associated with dying, according to Bronnie Ware&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;(38:34) Far more liberated nowadays to express your feelings, says Claudio&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;(40:00) I wish I stayed in touch with my friends. As I said, we have friends that come through our life&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;(44:25) Claudia has been volunteering with Radio Italiana for 40 years&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;(48:56) The rewards in any community work is that you touch people&amp;apos;s lives&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;(50:03) Claudia was awarded the Order of Australia medal in 2009&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;(54:03) What&amp;apos;s your greatest wish for your children and grandchildren? I have two grandchildren&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;(56:47) It starts with food, Claudia. It does, it does. I think the culture around food and traditions is important&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;(01:01:23) Do you feel that we still have the old traditions remaining in our community&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;(01:04:40) You&amp;apos;ve had lots of difficulties in your life, but you forge ahead&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Brought to you by Shining Light&lt;/p&gt;</description>

I'm delighted to introduce Teresa Dall’Acqua Leonardi OAM to our podcast series. Teresa shares her remarkable life journey, filled with both triumphs and challenges, including one of her proudest moments: receiving the Order of Australia Medal in 2009. This prestigious honour is a rare achievement for an Italian woman within the Italian-Australian community.  Teresa’s story begins when she arrived in Australia as a young child, a refugee with her Italian parents, who fled Asmara in East Afric...

Standing Tall: Teresa Dall’Acqua Leonardi’s Triumphs in the Face of Adversity

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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