A Story About Pizza- Erica D’Arcangelo on Legacy, Risk & Reinvention

Episode Summary:

What do coal mines, TikTok, and pizza have in common? In this heartfelt and hunger-inducing episode, James sits down with author and entrepreneur Erica D’Arcangelo to explore the incredible story behind her family's 60-year-old pizzeria in Western Pennsylvania.

Erica shares how a return home during her father’s heart surgery rekindled her purpose in marketing, inspired her to tell her family's immigrant story, and ultimately led to the creation of a children’s book, a coloring book, and a video series celebrating family-owned pizzerias.

From her grandfather’s journey from coal miner to pizzeria founder, to the viral success of their pizza-cutting videos, this conversation is packed with themes of resilience, legacy, and the power of doing work that truly matters.

 

Episode Title:

A Story About Pizza: Erica D’Arcangelo on Legacy, Risk & Reinvention

Chapter Markers:

1. [00:00] Intro & Pizza Warning – Get a snack first!

2. [01:00] Coming Home – Erica returns to help her dad after heart surgery.

3. [03:00] Rebuilding the Family Business – A pizzeria restored and a legacy reignited.

4. [05:00] TikTok and a Million Views – The moment a pizza video changed everything.

5. [07:00] The Real Story Begins – A trip to Italy and rediscovering heritage.

6. [08:30] Coal Mines and Dreams – Her grandfather’s incredible immigration story.

7. [10:00] Finding Purpose in Marketing Again – From burnout to meaning.

8. [12:00] Launching the Book and Video Projects – Creativity fueled by connection.

9. [14:00] The Origin of the Pizzeria – Buying a building and baking a dream.

10. [17:00] Anchored by Legacy – What the business means to the family.

11. [20:00] The Pineapple Debate – The DiAngelo stance.

12. [23:00] The Evolution of Pizza and Crust Talk – Mike’s Pie vs. OG style.

13. [25:00] Lessons from Writing a Book – What Erica learned in the process.

14. [27:00] A True Joyful Rebellion – Turning family history into personal purpose.

Links and Resources:

• Book Website: AStoryAboutPizza.com

• The Pizzeria: Darc’s Pizza – darcspizza.com

• Follow on Instagram: @‌astoryaboutpizza

• Children’s Book & Coloring Book: Available now on AStoryAboutPizza.com

• TikTok: @‌astoryaboutpizza

• Recommended Pizza Spot in FL: ROA Pizza, Clearwater/Tampa area