Renaissance Minds: Season 2, Episode 1 featuring Andrew Cotto

Renaissance Minds: Season 2, Episode 1 featuring Andrew Cotto

On this episode of Renaissance Minds, Silvia Davi and Chris R. Vaccaro sit down with Andrew Cotto, the Editor-in-Chief of Appetito Magazine, novelist, and journalist, for a rich conversation at the intersection of food, culture, and storytelling. From his roots in Brooklyn to building a career across fiction and culinary media, Andrew shares how place, identity, and narrative shape his voice. We explore the vision behind Appetito, the evolving global conversation around Italian cuisine, especially in light of its recent UNESCO recognition and the role of food media in both preserving tradition and embracing innovation. A thoughtful dialogue on heritage, storytelling, and why Italian food today is about far more than what's on the plate.

Episode 10: Silvia Davi & Chris R. Vaccaro with Riccardo Riboni & Viola Migliori

For our final Renaissance Minds podcast episode of 2025, we were delighted to spotlight the co-founders of CulturaPaths, Riccardo Riboni and Viola Migliori, the visionaries behind an innovative Milan-based roots tourism company that blends in-depth genealogical research with fully customized travel experiences. Leveraging Italy's unique distinction as the country with the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites, along with a global diaspora that traces its roots to all 20 Italian regions, CulturaPaths is redefining how families reconnect with their heritage. Their mission is to help individuals uncover their ancestry and experience the towns, traditions, and culture of their origins through personalized, meaningful travel itineraries. Tune in as Silvia and Chris sit down with: Riccardo Riboni, a passionate traveler and food enthusiast from Milan, whose professional background in economics and management spans global, multicultural organizations. Riccardo's vision is rooted in uncovering Italy's countless hidden treasures beyond the well-known tourist destinations. By bridging the gap created by Italy's worldwide diaspora, he aims to create lasting value, strengthening connections to identity, roots, and heritage across borders. Viola Migliori is naturally curious and creative, with an international background shaped by living and working in several countries across various roles in the tourism industry. Through CulturaPaths, Viola seeks to help others cultivate a deeper sense of belonging by reconnecting with their ancestors and places of origin. Her vision centers on uniting people with their Italian heritage while promoting sustainable, authentic, and responsible travel experiences. We are also proud to share that @Renaissance_Minds' Silvia Davi recently joined the CulturaPaths Advisory Board, helping to raise awareness of this compelling cultural concept and transformative travel experience. To learn more or explore partnership opportunities, please reach out at renmindspress@gmail.com.

Episode 9: Silvia Davi & Chris R. Vaccaro with Salvatore Bono

This episode of Renaissance Minds, Salvatore Bono joins Silvia Davi and Chris R. Vaccaro to talk about his podcast CURVA MUNDIAL, which was nominated for Best International Podcast at the Football Content Awards. Bono is a first-generation Italian American who grew up on Long Island and now lives in New York City. With roots spanning across Sicily, he proudly embraces his heritage and the culture of the island. A 2006 graduate of Quinnipiac University, Sal is an award-winning, Emmy-nominated reporter and the creator and host of the internationally recognized soccer podcast CURVA MUNDIAL, nominated for Best International Podcast at the Football Content Awards in England. A lifelong lover of music, film, and sport, Sal has built a career blending storytelling across all three. When he's not stressing over the Azzurri or his beloved AC Milan, he can be found roaming the streets of New York City—usually with a pastry and an espresso in hand.

Episode 8: Silvia Davi & Chris R. Vaccaro with Alessandro Gherardi

With the official soccer season underway, tune into our latest Renaissance Minds podcast featuring Alessandro Gherardi from Serie A. As Head of Marketing & Commercial for Serie A's business in North America, discover the exciting elements of Alessandro's role as he oversees Serie A's regional business in the U.S., with a focus on commercial growth and impactful activations. Born in Bologna, Italy, and coming to NY as a student, Alessandro is a NYU graduate, who formerly managed on-air marketing for the Premier League on NBC among other things.

Episode 7: Silvia Davi & Chris R. Vaccaro with Andrea Previati

⚽ NEW EPISODE: From chasing the pro dream in Italy, to competing in New York, and now working in an Italian professional club, Silvia Davi and Chris R. Vaccaro sat down with Andrea Previati, brand amplification and engagement coordinator for Juventus, to hear about his incredible journey from student-athlete to working with soccer legends, and his transition to a brand engagement role at the iconic Juventus Football Club. Our latest episode of the Renaissance Minds podcast features his insights on global brand strategy, fan engagement, and offers advice for students, athletes, sports enthusiasts, and Juventus supporters worldwide. Renaissance Minds is sponsored by the Italian American Heritage Society of Long Island and recorded in studio at Hofstra University's WRHU.