Every autumn, as the air gets crisper and the final leaves begin to fall, millions of devotees wait on bated breath for the arrival of one of the most beloved traditions in the world… the Hallmark Channel’s Countdown to Christmas! And on this week’s episode, we’re sitting down with two Italian Americans who have dedicated their lives to bringing this marathon of merriment to this loyal audience year after year!
Meet Candice DiLavore and Samantha DiPippo, two incredible Italian American execs at Hallmark Media who are weaving their devotion to family and tradition into these heartwarming films that have become an integral part of holiday traditions for so many.
Unlock the secrets of Italian American traditions and the behind-the-scenes magic of Hallmark Christmas movies as we serve up a feast of laughter and storytelling in today's spirited conversation and reflect on the profound impact Hallmark movies have on viewers, serving as a source of comfort and connection in challenging times.
Prepare for a heartwarming journey as we explore ritual, romance, and the impact of classic films on our own cinematic creations. We also share a personal encounter that's ripe for transformation into a Hallmark Christmas movie plot, proving that our Italian American heritage is an endless well of inspiration! Plus, indulge in our dream of filming in the picturesque towns of “La Bella Italia”, where the storylines are as rich and inviting as the landscapes.
Finally, we leave you with an appeal to support the Notorious POB at his annual Feast of Our Lady of Sacro Monte coming up on May 16-18 in Clifton, NJ. We’re hoping you will make a donation, or perhaps even come out and join us… where you may get the chance to meet a Paesana or two behind your favorite Hallmark Christmas Movies!
Visit the link in our story and bio to download and listen now!
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/italianamerican/supportIAP 323: Better in Basilicata? Rediscovering Roots & Revitalizing Villages: Your Future Home in Latronico
IAP 321: “The Struggle For Sicilian Independence” with Dr. Gaetano Cipolla
IAP 320: Teaching, Traveling, and Transforming Lives!
IAP 319: PaisanCon: Where Hollywood Meets Heritage!
IAP 318: Sent Here on a Higher Authority: The 15-Year Struggle to Bring “Cabrini” to the Big Screen
IAP 317: Meatballs & Memories on Wooster Square: One Family’s Devotion to New Haven’s Little Italy
IAP 316: Evviva San Giuseppe! The Aromas and Anecdotes of St. Joseph’s Day Weekend in New Orleans, Louisiana!
IAP 315: Filitalia International- Celebrating Italian Roots from Havana to the Heartland!
IAP 314: From Tax Ledgers to Teaching Triumphs - Maria Teresa Quaranta is One Special Educator!
IAP 313: Silk City Sonnets: Maria Mazziotti Gillan on Italian American Verse and Vitality
IAP 312: Unico National: A Century of Service Above Self
IAP 311: Italian American Future Leaders 2… The Next Generation!
IAP 310: Teach Your Kids Sicilian! With Special Guest Nick Panzarella
IAP 309: Are Italian Americans White? The Racial and Ethnic Categorization of Italian Americans.
IAP 308: Old School Genealogy is Analog and Awe Inspiring: a Conversation with Genealogist Maria Carparelli
IAP 307: More Than Just Ethnic Comedy! Sooshi Mango Comes to America
IAP 306: We All Say Buon Natale! Making Our 2023 Christmas Music Video with the Bloomfield Mandolin Orchestra
IAP 305: How Six Italian Brothers Shaped Modern America: Eduardo Montes-Bradley and His Search for the Piccirilli Brothers
IAP 304: “Who Stole The Panettone?” Gianluca Rottura on the Best Buys to Add to This Year’s Holiday Table
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