Claudia Callisto - The Good Italian Girl and friends
Based her best selling book "The Good Italian Girl" Claudia Callisto invites her fellow ethnic friends to join her for an Italian coffee catch up and share stories about life growing up with their immigrant parents. We reflect on both the highs and lows of our cultural experience and how it has shaped us as the strong and resilient ethnic women we are today and how it has influenced our own parenting style and life..
Tue, April 22, 2025
The Moli Girls
What happens when four extraordinary women, fondly known as the Moli Girls, share their stories of cultural pride and community? Meet Claudia Callisto as she hosts a heartfelt conversation exploring what it means to be part of the vibrant Molinara community in Adelaide, South Australia. Born to immigrant parents from Molinara, Italy, the Molli Girls offer a rich tapestry of memories and traditions that define their unique identity, from family gatherings at the cherished Molinara Club to the spirited sports competitions that brought them all together. Listeners will journey through the cherished traditions and evolving cultural dynamics that have shaped the Molinara community across generations. The Moli Girls paint a vivid picture of life within this tight-knit group, highlighting the cherished bonds and shared experiences that have stood the test of time. From the significance of the Molinara Club in fostering these connections to the heartfelt stories of community festivals and linguistic exploration, each chapter sheds light on the profound sense of belonging and unity among Molinarezes, drawing connections between their past and future. As the conversation unfolds, Claudia and the Moli Girls contemplate the challenges of preserving the club's legacy amidst generational shifts and changing lifestyles. Brought to you by Shining Light
S2 E5 · Wed, October 09, 2024
Standing Tall: Teresa Dall’Acqua Leonardi’s Triumphs in the Face of Adversity
I'm delighted to introduce Teresa Dall’Acqua Leonardi OAM to our podcast series. Teresa shares her remarkable life journey, filled with both triumphs and challenges, including one of her proudest moments: receiving the Order of Australia Medal in 2009. This prestigious honour is a rare achievement for an Italian woman within the Italian-Australian community. Teresa’s story begins when she arrived in Australia as a young child, a refugee with her Italian parents, who fled Asmara in East Africa (formerly an Italian colony) due to civil unrest between the Black and White communities. Settling in Adelaide, Teresa dedicated her life to volunteering, particularly within the Italian community and various other organisations. Helping others has always been central to her nature, calling, and passion. At a young age, Teresa began teaching English to newly arrived immigrants, helping them assimilate into Australian society. She later worked in the disability sector and the funeral industry. Beyond her professional roles, Teresa has been deeply involved in many community projects, such as the early development of Carnevale and the Italian Festival. She continues to serve on community boards and Italian associations to this day. Throughout her life, Teresa has faced many challenges, yet she remains a beacon of strength and resilience. Her message to all women is clear: stand tall, remain strong, and never let life's difficulties bring you down. Teresa is a true role model for Italian-Australian women across generations, and her inspiring insights shared in this podcast offer valuable lessons for us all. Chapters: (00:00) The Good Italian Girl podcast focuses on first generation daughters of immigrant parents (01:21) Theresa Delacolonardi was born in East Africa in 1947 (05:29) You were born in Eritrea and which was an italian colony (08:46) So, what's your most favourite thing about your italian culture (09:58) So if you were to think about your most favorite thing about italian culture (14:40) You went to intermediate and then did leaving and leaving honours in Adelaide (16:28) You taught migrant education teachers for 24 years and many have become businesswomen (23:13) You worked in the funeral industry for 37 years. That's a long time (26:34) A funeral today is just so different to it was when you first started (27:09) In those days, condolences were taken at the cemetery (28:42) Claudia has lost two husbands by self inflicted or illness (31:15) Claudia says people often feel intruding at funerals (35:54) It's predominantly a southern italian tradition, which naturally... (36:14) There are many regrets associated with dying, according to Bronnie Ware (38:34) Far more liberated nowadays to express your feelings, says Claudio (40:00) I wish I stayed in touch with my friends. As I said, we have friends that come through our l
S2 E4 · Sat, August 17, 2024
Resilience, Tradition, and Leadership: Anna's Journey
In this heartfelt episode of The Good Italian Girl and Friends , Claudia Callisto warmly welcomes her long-time friend Anna for a deeply engaging conversation. Together, they delve into their shared experiences as first-generation daughters of Italian immigrants in Australia, reflecting on the unique blend of challenges and joys that shaped their upbringing. With vivid anecdotes, Anna paints a touching picture of her family's journey, highlighting the sacrifices made by her parents and the significance of maintaining cultural traditions in their new homeland. Anna opens up about her personal journey, starting with her early memories of growing up in a tight-knit Italian-Australian community. She shares how her parents, determined for their children to achieve more than they had, were instrumental in shaping her path. Her mother, in particular, was a guiding force, instilling in her a strong sense of family and duty. Despite initial reservations, Anna stepped out of her comfort zone at the age of 40 to pursue a passion for public service, running for local council elections with Campbelltown Council. To her delight, she won in her first campaign and has since been re-elected multiple times. Now, 14 years later, Anna holds a respected position as the deputy mayor, making a significant impact on her community. Throughout the episode, Anna reflects on how her cultural heritage has given her the resilience and strength to face life's challenges with positivity. Her story is not just one of personal triumph but also a testament to the enduring influence of cultural values and family traditions. Don't miss out on this inspiring episode filled with laughter, nostalgia, and valuable insights into the Italian-Australian experience. Tune in to The Good Italian Girl and Friends and join Coralie and Anna as they explore the power of tradition, the importance of family, and the courage it takes to step into leadership. Chapters: (00:00) Good Italian Girl podcast features first generation daughters of immigrant parents (01:31) Anna Nadlaid joins us on Green Hill Road this morning (01:46) Now please introduce yourself and how we know each other (02:17) John was part of the first generation of his family born in Australia (07:46) My parents were very hard workers. Market gardening was six and a half days a week (12:09) So how hard was it growing up in Australia at that time? (14:12) You actually mentioned about the dinner table. But was it a bit like in your home (16:27) Maria says her favourite memory growing up was dancing with her dad (20:44) Your favourite Italian song is el tul Mondo by Claudio Villa (21:01) So growing up in the younger days, in the eighties and nineties (23:17) Both your families come from the same village in Italy (27:11) That's how we used to meet people back in the day (27:35) What was you
S2 E3 · Sat, May 18, 2024
The Barefoot Woman
Today on the Good Italian Girl and Friends podcast we meet another Australian – Italian first generation daughter from Adelaide named Maria who also runs a side hustle called The Barefoot Woman… yes folks she loves going barefoot at home to help her feel grounded. Her business services however is something totally different in that she provides Malocchio removal, Tarot card readings, Business and House energy cleanses and Astrology. I was fascinated with the fact that this younger modern ethnic girl has inherited the art of Malocchio removal from her Italian-born Nonna and Mother and I not only had to try her services for myself but also interview her on my podcast. The belief in the evil eye, or "malocchio," is a fascinating aspect of Italian folklore and tradition. While its origins can be traced back to ancient times, the belief in the evil eye remains prevalent in modern Italian culture. In Italian folklore, it is believed that certain individuals have the power to harm others by merely looking at them with envy or jealousy. This harmful gaze is believed to cause misfortune, illness, or other forms of bad luck. To protect against the evil eye, various talismans, amulets, and rituals have been used throughout history. The mixing of oil and water is also a traditional method used in Italian folklore to check for the presence of the evil eye or a curse. The logic behind this tradition is based on the belief that the evil eye or negative energy can disrupt the natural harmony and balance of a person's life, causing illness, misfortune, or bad luck. For more information about the service provided by Maria contact her via instagram@thebarefootwoman Brought to you by Shining Light
S2 E2 · Wed, September 27, 2023
The Australian – Italian Travel Podcast Series – Planning your overseas trip with your Australian Children to visit the Italian relatives and tour Europe: Part 2
Join me, your host Claudia Callisto, as I sit down with my good friends Luisa and Laura for an intimate chat about our unique travel experiences as first-generation Australian-Italians. We explore the fascinating journey of travelling overseas to visit Italian relatives and discuss if it's a rite of passage for Australian-Italian children. We share our funny and challenging moments, our favourite locations and sites, and provide some practical tips for planning a destination overseas. In this fascinating discussion, Luisa and Laura open up about their recent trip to Europe and the incredible coastal region of Bibione. We discuss the challenges they faced while travelling, the meticulous research and planning involved, and how the trip impacted their children. The girls share their experiences of travelling at different stages of their children's lives, and the benefits they have seen from these experiences. They also share the importance of introducing their children to their ancestral homeland. Listen in as we discuss the art of packing efficiently for a family trip, and share strategies for only taking the essentials. We also touch on the importance of taking direct flights to save money and the significance of factoring in check-in and check-out times when planning flights. Finally, we chat about the importance of maintaining connections with our Italian relatives and how these connections have shaped our identity. Whether you're planning your own trip to Italy or just love to travel, this episode is packed with valuable insights and hilarious stories. --------- EPISODE CHAPTERS --------- (0:00:04) - Australian-Italian Travel Podcast Series We discuss Italian relatives, first-gen Australian-Italian experiences, funny and difficult moments, and practical tips for overseas travel. (0:11:46) - Traveling in Europe and Tour Experiences Luisa and Laura discussed their trip to Bibione, the challenges of travelling with six people, and Luisa’s research and planning. (0:23:50) - European Trips' Impact on Children Luisa and Laura discuss reconnecting with family, travelling with their own and other families, and planning trips to Europe with their children. (0:33:55) - Experiences in Italy Luisa and Laura share their experiences travelling, shopping, people watching, and funny stories with their kids. (0:39:50) - Packing Tips for Traveling Luisa and Laura share travel tips, such as packing, pre-ordering snacks, and utilising lounge benefits. (0:45:02) - Travel Packing Tips and Strategies Packing efficiently for a family trip, taking direct flights, and humorous stories are discussed. (0:57:05) - Challenges of Traveling and Maintaining Connections Luisa and Laura discuss efficient packing, amusing shopping trips, and introducing their kids to their ancestral homeland. (1:07:38) - Practical Tips and Cultural Insights Luisa and Laura
S2 E1 · Mon, September 11, 2023
The Australian – Italian Travel Podcast Series - Visiting the Italian relatives with your Australian born children: Part 1
The Australian – Italian Travel Podcast Series - Visiting Italian relatives with your Australian-born children This new podcast series is about our family generation going travelling to Europe/ Italy and touring the amazing sites and visiting the Italian relatives and returning to your parent’s paese. Why do you think we still have this pull back to Italy to visit family with our kids? Is this an Australian–Italian rite of passage thing do you think? Is it our responsibility as the first-generation children of immigrant parents to show the following generations where their grandparents come from? This new Travel Podcast series was instigated by a conversation with Claudia and her girlfriends who also recently returned from their European holiday in July about their similar and different experiences travelling overseas with their families. This podcast is a light-hearted conversation about travelling with your family overseas. including practical and insightful conversations about the things you wished you knew before you travelled to Europe, what parts of your schedule worked well, the funny and difficult moments, locations and sites that were most loved by the family and why, how visiting the relatives made your kids feel, the kids reaction to places in Europe and now upon reflection the things you would do differently next time or advice you would give other families. The first episode is joined by Claudia’s friends Julia, Bianca and Margaret who also recently returned from their family overseas holiday in July 2023 with their families. Brought to you by Shining Light
S1 E17 · Sat, May 20, 2023
Celebrate The Inner "Giussa": with International Giussa Day with Claudia Callisto
Welcome to a new episode of The Good Italian Girl and Friends Podcast with Claudia, Callisto who is bringing to Adelaide International Giussa Day on the 2nd of June 2023. This episode focuses on Claudia's new concept and event, International Gisussa Day. Claudia views herself as a proud Giussa and International Giussa Day is an opportunity for her to share her culture and celebrate her heritage with her audience. Through the event, people of all backgrounds can come together to learn about her culture and experience the joy of embracing their own. This event is all about acknowledging the amazingness of their culture and inspiring and supporting each other. The event is female only and is a way to remember the feeling of connecting with their Giussa besties in the 80s. A Giussa is described as a kind-hearted, hardworking, and brave woman who loves to celebrate and connect. They also have their own inner magic and sprinkle their cultural and Australian-Italian heritage. Most Giussa's also love 80s music as it is a reminder of simpler times when they laughed a lot and didn’t take life too seriously. Ultimately, International Giussa Day is a way to celebrate and embrace the unique qualities of Giussa and their inner Giussa. A Giussa is a term originating from Adelaide, Australia, describing a community of female immigrants who grew up with strict family values and cultural expectations. This event is a chance for Giussa's to come together, learn from each other, collaborate, and inspire the next generation of children. This event is a reminder of the strength of the Giussa community and how they are always there to support each other through good and bad times. Brought to you by Shining Light
Bonus · Wed, May 17, 2023
Italian Glory Boxes of Love
In this episode of the good Italian girl and friends, Claudia and her sister Laura talk about the upcoming event, Italian glory boxes of love. A unique exhibition curated by two Adelaidean Italian sisters displaying a collection of precious ‘glory box’ items that Italian migrant mothers prepared for their female children growing up in Australia. Each item will have its own unique family story attached. These items link us back to our childhood and represent their homeland traditions, their talent as embroiderers and seamstresses and the future hope for their female children. Now a lost tradition within our Adelaide Italian community, we can only Wonder in amazement at this significant historical tradition, the family stories and the beautiful items that were carefully selected, packed and stored in glory boxes. Many daughters still hold on to these items, despairing at what will become of them if their story is lost. Brought to you by Shining Light
Bonus · Thu, May 11, 2023
Bonus Episode: Radio interview with Stefano from Radio Italiana 531 Adelaide
Stefano interviews Claudia Callisto, Writer and Performer, in English on the occasion of her new Cabaret show scheduled at the Fringe 2023 entitled "Italian Love is a Battlefield", taken from her bestseller "The Good Italian Girl". Brought to you by Shining Light
S1 E14 · Wed, February 22, 2023
Bonus Episode: Radio interview with Mark Aiston from Radio Italia Uno 87.6FM
On this bonus episode, Claudia Callisto, the bestselling author of the good Italian girl speaks to Mark Astion from Radio Italia Uno 87.6 FM, Adelaide about her fringe show growing up in an ethnic household, her book a new podcast series. Brought to you by Shining Light
S1 E12 · Tue, January 17, 2023
The Italian workplace girlfriend Anna, Mary and Claudia
Claudia's Italian work girlfriends Anna and mary talk about Italian wedding traditions from the 1960s/1970s and how things have changed over the generations. Brought to you by Shining Light
S1 E13 · Tue, January 17, 2023
Oldest sister chat: Laura and Claudia
Claudia interviews her older sister Laura who played a big part in their childhood as the oldest daughter and her responsibility to assist our parents in looking after her younger siblings while they worked. Born in Belgium and immigrating to Australia with our parents at the age of 5 they discuss their family life together, their parent's dreams for them all, growing up in a family of four girls and the expectations placed on them. Now as mothers themselves and still a close family unit they discuss how they have imparted their cultural values to their own children. This podcast interview was taped on Claudia’s birthday and discussing family life and their individual cultural experiences were special for both sisters. Brought to you by Shining Light
S1 E11 · Tue, January 17, 2023
The Comaras:- Secret Guests and Claudia.
Another funny podcast with Claudia and her fellow Italian Adelaide girlfriends and school mums laughing and talking about the ethnic girlfriend connections and how their family lives have flourished spending time together as fellow Italian families and supporting each other. The conversation is a typical ethnic female conversation and gathering where everyone is talking at once, finishing sentences and adding their opinion in and all the while laughing out loud. The guest also talked about how their children are their greatest achievement and how they have implemented the Italian cultural values into their family lives without the “strictness “that impacted their lives as immigrant daughters. They also discuss the importance of maintaining our Italian culture and the values that our parents have imparted to us for themselves and their families. Brought to you by Shining Light
S1 E10 · Fri, January 13, 2023
The Good Italian Girl Presents Italian Love is a Battlefield. Fringe Show
Based on her bestselling book "The Good Italian Girl" Claudia Callisto presents a culturally orientated comedy performance infused with 80s music on the battles ethnic females faced with their immigrant parents to simply leave their homes to spread their wings and dance to 80s music with their friends. Despite these battles, theses experiences made our generation the strong, resilient and the family focused women we are today. Now mothers ourselves we are negotiating similar but different battles with our own children & discovering that they do not realise how lucky they actually have it compared to our generation. Lets embrace the positive cultural experiences we've had instilled into us, and pass on those traditions to our children, providing a sense of belonging and freedom from guilt Book Tickets by clicking the link below https://adelaidefringe.com.au/fringetix/the-good-italian-girl-presents-italian-love-is-a-battlefield-af2023 Brought to you by Shining Light
S1 E9 · Thu, January 05, 2023
Italian Born School Friend:- Antonella and Claudia
Antonella and Claudia are high school friends who recently reunited in Adelaide. Antonella migrated to Adelaide with her family at the age of 12. She discusses her immersion into her new Australian high school and the lifelong friends she made with other Italian daughters of immigrant parents. They discuss how her parent's decision to immigrate and her Italian heritage have greatly influenced her life destiny and passion. Now living in Melbourne, she owns an immersion travel agency and brings groups of people back to her hometown in Umbria to share her love of the Italian culture and the unique traditions and language her country town has to offer. Antonella and Claudia also talk extensively about all things growing up as ethnic women in Adelaide and the positive aspects of their culture passed onto their children Brought to you by Shining Light
S1 E8 · Thu, January 05, 2023
Soul Sister & School Mum:- Kate and Claudia
Claudia interviews her “school mum” girlfriend Kate who is also a mental health nurse working with the youth. They discuss their own concerns they have as mothers of boys and the topic of mental health for kids within the current social media environment. Kate discusses her own challenges growing up as an ambitious and headstrong daughter of immigrant parents, her career dreams and how they both navigated the cultural expectations placed on them by their parents. Now both mothers of boys, they discuss their version of ethnic parenting strategies within their own families and how they ensure their own children are free to live their own lives but still maintain what cultural and ethnic family values they expect from them. Brought to you by Shining Light
S1 E7 · Thu, January 05, 2023
Adelaide Italian girlfriends:- Gina, Maria, Ida, Costanza and Claudia
Another funny podcast with Claudia and her fellow Italian Adelaide girlfriends laughing and talking about life as daughters of Italian immigrant parents. They discuss the concept of whether they were actually able to achieve it all – corporate career, motherhood and being that perfect Italian wife like their immigrant mothers or did they all end up simply exhausted. The guests talk about what Italian cultural activities they currently enjoy and the things they love about their Italian culture including the Italian Christmas food traditions. They laugh together about what life was like growing up in the 80s, the efforts they made to leave the house to go out and have fun and still meet their curfew. Brought to you by Shining Light
S1 E5 · Mon, December 26, 2022
The 3 Sisters:- Carla, Livia, Tonia and Claudia
A very funny episode filled with banter and constant laughter as Claudia interviews another family of sisters. From the start of the podcast, you are also laughing out loud and you feel like you are physically sitting with them around the kitchen table listening to their stories. The beautiful sister connection comes through this unique episode as they interact, interrupt, laugh and share their antics growing up in an Italian family and how they also managed to enjoy life despite their dad's strictness. Brought to you by Shining Light
S1 E6 · Mon, December 26, 2022
Shining Light
We are Claudia and Diana; two sisters who form the brand Shining Light. Our inspiration for the business stemmed from the challenges we both faced in our lives from our IVF story. The emotions which accompany the infertility journey were very overwhelming and difficult at times, however through the use of journals and positive affirmations that we both adopted we were able to believe that we had the inner strength to overcome any challenge life threw at us. In the end we both ever so grateful and fortunate to be Mums of one child each … our Shining Lights. We are now navigating the territory of the teenage years and the influences that impact today’s youth. More than ever this focuses a light on the need to enhance our children to be resilient and confident with a strong sense of self-worth. In essence, our business Shining Light aims at providing inspiration and promoting positive affirmations to all individuals to help them shine in their journey. Most importantly we all need to love and accept ourselves and others just the way we are. As individual women, sisters and mothers our business mantra ultimately focuses on providing positive inspiration to all individuals including being kind to one self. For us our message is simply about: Supporting each other and each others dreams . We believe that when one shines we all shine Its about living your best life Its about never stop dreaming and letting your dreams being your wings Its about believing that you are never too old to start something new or have a new adventure Its about Its about being your awesome self and being true to yourself Its about acknowledging that life is complicated and that you have to learn to be happy right now and not wait for things to get better.. You simply need go just go ahead and take that chance …there is never a right time. Its about having happy thoughts and being kind to yourself and others Its about being yourself and accepting yourself as you who you and what size you are and ignoring negative comments from others Its about being responsible for your inner voice and making sure it is filled with constructive thoughts and not destructive thoughts that are filled with fear of failure . Its about taking a chance on things and giving it a go in life . Its about acknowledging that you will eventually get through the darkness and the light will shine again Its about when all else fails BREATHING in and out and give yourself a break and acknowledging your doing the best you can . To find out more go to www.shininglightcd.com.au Brought to you by Shining Light
S1 E3 · Mon, December 26, 2022
The Uni Giussa's:- Katarina, Effie, Sandra and Claudia
A very funny podcast where Claudia is reunited with her “Giussa” girlfriends from university. They met as young ambitious ethnic women and they developed a special supportive connection. During the podcast they laugh together about the fun times at University, going out clubbing in the 80s and reflecting on their culture and what influenced them throughout their lives as young women and now as mothers. A funny podcast filled with lots of laughter and funny stories growing up and the expectations that were placed on them as ethnic women and as daughters of Italian and Greek parents. The guests also have some wonderful insights into what cultural influences and wisdom they have imparted to their own children. Brought to you by Shining Light
Bonus · Mon, December 26, 2022
Claudia Callisto:- The best selling author of the good Italian girl
Born in Adelaide, Australia, to Italian immigrant parents, Claudia Callisto is an Amazon bestselling author and the co-founder of Shining Light, an organisation that provides women and children the tools to practice mindfulness, kindness and gratitude, as well as develop positive mindsets. Claudia is a wife and a mother to one child, Marcus. She is a passionate amateur photographer and loves ticking things off her bucket list. Claudia also loves spending time with her family and friends laughing, eating, and preparing rustic food to enjoy together. Brought to you by Shining Light
S1 E2 · Mon, December 26, 2022
Reunited with a good friend: - Angelina and Claudia
Angelina and Claudia are high school friends that were recently reunited. During the podcast, they reminisce and discuss how their lives progressed since leaving school and the memories as daughters of Italian immigrant parents growing up in a big Italian family in the 80s. They discuss what the Italian culture means to them and how it has influenced their life and what specific Italian cultural aspects they valued and have maintained. Now as their parents are getting older they discuss how family members can assist their parents in planning for their future environment and making life more comfortable for them as they grow older. Brought to you by Shining Light
Trailer · Mon, December 26, 2022
The Good Italian Girl Trailer
The Good Italian Girl and Friends Podcast: A Personal Story of Awakening and Redefining the Cultural Rules as an Australian-Italian Woman Claudia Callisto the best-selling author of the good Italian girl brings you her podcast series The Good Italian Girl and Friends. “I was determined not to simply be a good Italian girl. I was secretly dreaming big. Far bigger than what good Australian-Italian girls were expected to be. I wanted to have it all - travel the world, have a successful career and tick off everything on my bucket list. Plus, I'd get married, raise a big Italian family, and achieve all that other stuff I was pre-programmed to do. And no one was going to stop me!" The Good Italian Girl and Friends Podcast with your host Claudia Callisto. Brought to you by Shining Light
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