Episodes

  • Vincent Paterson, Director and Choreographer
    Nov 2 2022

    Ever wonder how #Madonna, #MichaelJackson, and so many iconic performers got their moves? Remember the crotch-grab? You can thank famed choreographer and now author Vincent Paterson for that, and he joins us today to talk about his incredible book, “Icons & Instincts.”
    >>>
    >>> This is one of those “I can’t put this down” kind of reads, believe me. Vincent and I will discuss so many of his brilliant moves, like the one by Robin Williams in “Birdcage,” but we will also talk about the performers and what they were like behind the scenes. Vincent gives us a complete inside look to their most private moments. Can’t wait to talk with him, and even hear about some of the performers that were a challenge for him, too, and they’re some HUGE names as well.
    >>>
    >>> Join me on #DeborahKobyltLIVE on all audio and video platforms, and please invite your friends, too. We will also play this on our #LittleItalyPodcast as well (Vincent’s mom was Italian and we’ll be talking about that). We look forward to sharing his story with you. #DeborahZaraKobylt

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    47 mins
  • Author Joseph Orazi
    Oct 19 2022

    Author Joseph Orazi has always been interested in stories about the struggles of
    Italian immigrants, and he joins our show to discuss his latest book, “L’AMERICA,”
    which chronicles three immigrants from different regions in Southern Italy, exploring
    their stories of hope and resilience.
    Joseph has been a student of the Italian America journey for as far back as he can
    remember, and in 2005, he wrote the award-winning documentary, “Prisoners
    Among Us, describing the internment of Italians in WWII.
    In addition to writing numerous TV and radio commercials, Joe was also a staff writer
    for the popular soap, Ryan’s Hope. His song, Rescue You, Rescue Me, received a 2016
    nomination for the American Songwriting Award. Let’s just say there’s a lot to talk
    about, including his Italian upbringing.
    Join us on all video and audio platforms of #DeborahKobyltLIVE and
    #LittleItalyPodcast, and please invite your friends, too.
    We appreciate the support.
    #DeborahZaraKobylt

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    41 mins
  • Mariana Gatto, creator of the Italian American Museum of Los Angeles
    Oct 6 2022

    When celebrating #ItalianHeritageMonth, I enjoy highlighting the rich cultural heritage and history of the Italian and Italian American people, particularly art, music, literature, architecture, and of course the stories surrounding them.

    Today we interview Mariana Gatto, creator of the Italian American Museum of Los Angeles, located near Olivera St. in DTLA, housed inside the oldest remaining structure in the area, built in 1908. It’s a treasure, complete with an original speak easy door from the prohibition days.

    The #IAMLA is a gem, packed with stories of the Italian American journey to this country, complete with in depth stories and research into each exhibit. There are revolving exhibits, such as the one about women’s needlework from the Italian diaspora, called, Woven Lives. Next month, the Pinocchio exhibit, A Real Boy: The Story of Pinocchio, which is sure to be a hit, as this story has been told to generations and still enthralls young and old.

    There’s a new interactive app, too, featuring some of your favorite Italians telling their stories. Mariana talks anout her vision, how she created this gem of a museum, we talk about her life growing up Italian in Los Angeles, and so much more.

    Please join us on #DeborahKobyltLIVE and #LittleItalyPodcast on all video and audio platforms, and invite your friends, Italian or not. This story is for everyone. Thanks for tuning in🇮🇹 #DeborahZaraKobylt




    @italianamericanmuseumofla @gattolosangeles #iatalianmuseum #italianculture #americanitalian #LittleItalyLosAngeles #LittleItalyLA #LittleItalyodcast #italian #italianhistory #italianstories #littleitalyla

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    42 mins
  • Nick Rimedio
    Sep 29 2022


    “This isn’t a job. Hospitality is a vocation,” says #NickRimedio, GM of the trendy #LaPeerHotel in #BeverlyHills, and soon, Nick will join the #WHollywood.
    We spoke with Nick on #DeborahKobyltLIVE and our #LittleItalyPodcast, and he told what what’s helped him become a success: his NONNA (and of course hard work!) Nick credits his #Italian #grandma with giving him the discipline and confidence to do anything in life, and we talk about some of the non-traditional routes he’s taken to get to where he is today, and it started in the kitchen.
    Join us for our conversation with Nick, LIVE on all of our video and audio platforms, and invite your friends, too. Sometimes, the path to success isn’t an Ivy business school, but it’s the schooling we get from our families that give us the edge. #DeborahZaraKobylt

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    @nickrimedio #hotels #hospitality #lepeerhotel #weho #travel #losangeles #luxuryhotel  #hotel #hospitality #inspiration #podcast

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    20 mins
  • James Pierre and Ken Atchity
    Sep 29 2022

    Growing up in NJ, stories about the mob often led the news. It was terrifying, but peaked one’s curiosity at the same time. And being of Italian decent, it was the topic of many conversations


    Today on my #LittleItalyPodcast and #DeborahKobyltLIVE, I speak with James Pierre, author, “GAMBINO: The Rise,” and also Ken Atchity, film producer and literary manager who’s turned many best sellers into successful films.

    Pierre got the idea for the book when he witnessed something as a child - a mob hit - and told no one until he decided to write about it as an adult. He talks about growing up in NY, and calls himself “a student of all things mafia,” and his knowledge past and present is astounding, as is his story.

    Ken has been behind some of the Hollywood’s most successful films, and says this story has “Godfather” potential with its rich history and cultural perspective.

    James and Ken both join us for our interview. I hope you’ll tune in, and invite your friends, too, available on all video and audio podcast platforms. #DeborahZaraKobylt



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    #KennethAtchity #memoir #filmmaking #autobiography #Interview #reading #author #writing #storymerchantbooks #Books #publishing

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    27 mins
  • Carlo Ponti
    Sep 29 2022

    Please welcome Maestro #CarloPonti, joining us to discuss the opening of his Los Angeles Virtuosi Orchestra 2022/23 Season this week. 


    When Maestro phoned me yesterday, I was so honored to be able to discuss with our audience the critical work he does to bring music education to young people through his LAV Orchestra. Our interview with Mr. Ponti airs on all #DeborahKobyltLIVE and #LittleItalyPodcast platforms. 


    All proceeds from the Los Angeles Virtuoso Orchestra goes toward music education programs to ensure young people have the opportunity to study music in schools and elsewhere, regardless of economics, and we will be discussing this today. 


    Of course, we will also talk about Mr. Ponti’s early days, growing up with legendary mom, #SophiaLoren his dad, film producer Carlo Ponti, Sr, and younger brother, Eduardo, also a filmmaker. 


    The Los Angeles Virtuosi Orchestra premieres its upcoming season this Friday, Sept. 30, at the Theater Raymond Kabbaz. Carlo Ponti and the Orchestra look forward to sharing an exciting lineup of performances, featuring emerging young soloists who will make their debut with LAV’s world-class musicians, LIVE. 


    Go to lavirtuosi.org for more information. I hope you’ll join me, as I’m honored to be attending. 


    #DeborahZaraKobylt

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    29 mins
  • Vanessa Racci: a 38-year-old jazz and cabaret singer.
    Sep 15 2022

    Meet Vanessa Racci, a 38-year-old jazz and cabaret singer, influenced at a young age by legendary performers Dean Martin, Connie Francis, and Frank Sinatra when her grandfather played their music around the house. And that’s when she got the bug to perform.

    But Vanessa almost didn’t pursue her dreams, because her traditional family influenced to pursue a more “stable career.” And that’s where her story begins. 

    After working in the corporate world, Vanessa decided to ditch the 9-5, train, and go on the road. Since then, she’s been singing with some of the greatest performers of our time, and loving every minute.

    She joins us today on #DeborahKobyltLIVE and the #LittleItalyPodcast to encourage others to listen to their inner voice, and not someone else’s. Because that’s why we’re here, to flourish with the gifts we were born with. 

    Please find our show on all video and audio platforms, and invite your friends, too. We appreciate your support. #DeborahZaraKobylt

    @vanessaracci #vanessaracci #italianamericansingers #Italianjazz #vintagetunes #jazzmusic #jazzsinger #retrojazz #italianamericanmusic

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    30 mins
  • John Di Domenico
    Aug 24 2022

    Meet John Di Domenico, or should I say, Austin Powers, Jay Leno, Donald Trump, Dr. Phil, and so many other impressions John does of some of the most famous people on the planet.

    John is an actor, comedian, writer, impressionist and he’s crazy good. So good in fact, and he’s in such demand around the globe, that we’re lucky we got him for our podcast. And did you see him on the cover of Los Angeles Magazine or on Conan doing his impressions? Amazing.

    John grew up in an Italian-American household, and he has lots to share with us about growing up Italian. We talk about his he got his start, how he channels his famous subjects, and so much more. 

    This will be a fun interview, and I’m glad you’ll all be along for the ride. Join us on #DeborahKobyltLIVE, #LittleItalyPodcast and #LittleItalyOfLAPodcast on all video and audio platforms. 

    Thanks for tuning in, and please invite your friends, too.

    @thejohnnydshow #comedian #johndidomenico #actor #impressionist #organicpodcast #artistpodcast  #toppodcast #Standup #Standupcomedy

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    34 mins