In this episode of The Italian American Podcast, we speak with Cassandra Santoro, who decided to take a big risk in the face of tragedy and, by doing so, changed her life for the better.

Santoro tells the story of how the deaths of both her father and grandfather inspired her to take a risk and move to Italy at the age of nineteen to learn about her heritage.  She talks about how rewarding her journey to Italy was and how it ultimately led to what she is doing today.

In our Italian American Stories Segment, we talk to Linda Mulé, Queen of the Order of The Sons of Italy Association for Nassau County, about the importance of engaging young Italian Americans and inspiring them to learn about their heritage.

Episode Quote

“Italy, and the spring and first love all together should suffice to make the gloomiest person happy.” – Bertrand Russell

Tweetables

• “You cannot get that connection to a family unless you just step on the ground and feel the energy.” – Cassandra Santoro on visiting Italy
• “It’s that family core that always stays with me.” – Cassandra Santoro on her Italian American upbringing
• “There are things that you can discover when you take trips that will make you feel at home” – Anthony Fasano on travel to Italy
• “It takes one person to get it going.” – Linda Mulé on keeping Italian American traditions going

About the guests…

Cassandra Santoro

Cassandra Santoro is the CEO and Founder of Travel Italian Style. As a personal trip
planner and luxury small group tour operator, Cassandra is an expert in slow travel and authentic and inspiring experiences throughout Italy. She also leads motivational talks and can most recently be found at TEDx DHBW Manhein.

Cassandra is currently working on her first series of writings on her love of Italy and lives between New York City and Italy. You can follow her adventures on Instagram at travelitalianstyle.

Linda Mulé

Linda Mulé is a young energetic American who assists on human rights cases and was recently crowned the Queen of The Order of The Sons of Italy Association for Nassau County.

 

Episode Sponsors 

The National Italian American Foundation

Resources Mentioned

Travel Italian Style
Oder of the Sons of Italy Association
Cassandra’s TEDx Talk