Idanna Pucci's latest book, "Emilio Pucci: The Astonishing Odyssey of a
Fashion Icon," is a biography co-authored by the niece of the famed designer
along with her husband, Terence Ward. The narrative moves beyond Emilio
Pucci's vibrant prints to uncover his harrowing experience during World War II
and his role in postwar Italian reconstruction.
Carefully detailed and researched by Idanna Pucci and her husband, this is an
inside look at an extraordinary story of bravery long before anyone knew
#EmilioPucci as the fashion artist he became. The authors recount Pucci's
capture, imprisonment, and torture by Nazis following a secret mission to
assist the opposition, and they explore his transition from war hero to fashion
icon, with details about his shop on the island of Capri. It's a captivating read,
in part because it comes first-hand from family members, most notably Idanna,
who grew up in the Pucci palace in Florence and later worked for her uncle at
his Saks Fifth Avenue boutique in New York. The biography draws from
intimate family sources, including personal diaries and declassified war
records.
Please join me in welcoming #IdannaPucci on all video and audio platforms of
#DeborahKobyltLIVE, #LittleItalyPodcast and the #LittleItalyOfLAPodcast. I'm
your host, #DeborahZaraKobylt, and it's my pleasure to welcome you here.

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.

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.