In this episode of The Italian American Podcast, Pat and Brandon are joined by Luke Petronella for a thoughtful discussion on Italian American identity across generations. They reflect on upbringing in New York and Philadelphia, touching on family traditions, changing forms of communication, and how events like AIDS and COVID shaped cultural perception. The contrast between analog childhoods and today’s social media-driven world highlights new challenges for younger generations.

Petronella, an emerging Italian American filmmaker and Russo Brothers Italian American Filmmaker Forum grant recipient, shares his creative path and discusses his mockumentary Luigi Lookalike, which explores identity through humor and family life. Emphasizing authenticity, he points to films like Rocky and Moonstruck as meaningful representations, while rejecting reductive stereotypes. He also reflects on reconnecting with family in Sicily and navigating themes of assimilation and belonging.

The episode also highlights his work with Rescuing Leftover Cuisine, redistributing surplus food across New York City, and his involvement with the Italian American Future Leaders Conference. It concludes with an invitation to support Luigi Lookalike and engage with a new wave of Italian American storytelling.

HIS SOCIALS:

Instagram: @mellow_luke

@rescuingleftovercuisine

TikTok:

luigi_lookalike

rescuingleftovercuisine

Facebook:

Luke Petronella

rescuingleftovercuisine

LinkedIn:

Luke Petronella

rescuingleftovercuisine

 

Website:

rescuingleftovercuisine.org

 

Events:

April 26th Luigi Lookalike NYC Premiere

https://partiful.com/e/MkCCcxoAvZEi2vUVZtjU?c=MTShNDtc

May 12th Rescuing Leftover Cuisine’s Spring Gala

https://www.rescuingleftovercuisine.org/rlc-annual-gala

 

HOSTED BY:

Patrick O’ Boyle

Brandon Ficara

 

SPECIAL GUEST:

Luke Petronella

 

PRODUCED BY:

Nicholas Calvello-Macchia