Patrick and Lawrence sit down with Tony Cortello of the Italian American St. Joseph’s Society for a conversation rooted in history, heritage, and the Sicilian American experience in Louisiana. The episode explores the origins and evolution of the St. Joseph’s Day Parade in New Orleans, its cultural and religious significance, and how the tradition continues to bring generations of Italian Americans together in the Crescent City.

Tony shares his story of growing up Sicilian in South Louisiana and the strong family and community values that shaped his path. The conversation takes a personal turn as Patrick and Tony discover their shared roots in Poggioreale, Sicily, and reflect on the possibility that their families may be connected through the same small-town heritage that ties so many Sicilian Americans together.

The discussion also covers Tony’s years in New York and New Jersey, where he built and operated pizzerias, gaining firsthand experience in the Northeast’s Italian American food culture and business environment. He talks about what ultimately drew him back to New Orleans, the transition of returning home, and his role today in running Mid City Pizza while staying deeply involved in preserving and advancing Italian American traditions.

This episode is a mix of culture, entrepreneurship, faith, and identity, offering listeners a look at how history and family continue to shape the next generation of Italian American leaders in Louisiana.

The Italian American St. Joseph Society, founded in 1970, is a 501(c)(3) based in New Orleans and is one of the largest ethnic organizations in the Southeastern United States. IASJS gives back to the community through various charitable events and scholarships.

Their Annual Pasta Party & St Joseph’s Day Parade are the biggest St. Joseph’s Day celebrations in the country. You can be apart of the traditions on March 27th-28th, 2026. Please visit italianamericansociety.org or email them at iasjs_nola@outlook.com for more information. We hope to see you there!

IASJS Instagram: iasjs_nola

IASJS Facebook: Italian American St. Joseph's Society

Lawrence and Patrick sit down with Julianna Papa and Ashleigh Fonte of the Italian American St. Joseph’s Society to talk all things Sicilian, community, and New Orleans. We dive into the history and significance of the St. Joseph’s Day Parade coming up on March 28, 2026, their recent experience at the IAFL conference, and what it means to grow up as Sicilian Americans in Louisiana today. The conversation also covers the best food, traditions, and must-do experiences for anyone visiting New Orleans during St. Joseph’s season. A fun and authentic episode centered on culture, faith, and keeping our heritage alive.

The Italian American St. Joseph Society, founded in 1970, is a 501(c)(3) based in New Orleans and is one of the largest ethnic organizations in the Southeastern United States. IASJS gives back to the community through various charitable events and scholarships. Their Annual Pasta Party & St Joseph’s Day Parade are the biggest St. Joseph’s Day celebrations in the country. You can be apart of the traditions on March 27th-28th, 2026. Please visit italianamericansociety.org or email them at iasjs_nola@outlook.com for more information. We hope to see you there!

IASJS Instagram: iasjs_nola

IASJS Facebook: Italian American St. Joseph's Society

Negroni Nights is back for 2026. Lawrence talks duck hunting in Sportsman’s Paradise while Patrick shares how he popped the question. A fun, laid-back catch-up to kick off the year.

From food and festivals to parades, LSU, and the great outdoors, Lawrence and Patrick dive into why Louisiana earns its nickname as the Sportsman’s Paradise.

Lawrence and Patrick break down the ins and outs of dating in Italian-American culture, exploring traditions, expectations, and modern twists on family and relationships.

In the final episode of our Italian American Heritage Month series, Patrick and Lawrence look at where we stand today—and where we go from here. From fading traditions to a renewed sense of identity, they challenge young Italian Americans to reconnect with their roots, get involved in their local lodges and communities, and carry forward the legacy built by generations before them. This is a call to action: learn your history, speak your story, and make your mark as part of the Italian American future.

In this episode of Negroni Nights, Lawrence and Patrick start behind the screen—discussing how artificial intelligence is reshaping industries like finance and law. From predictive analytics on Wall Street to AI-assisted brief writing in the courtroom, we ask whether the machines are making our jobs easier or just raising the bar for what humans have to deliver.

Then we shift from algorithms to artistry with a look at Taylor Swift’s new era: “The Life of a Showgirl.” Is it commentary, reinvention, or marketing genius? We break down what it says about the modern American icon and how performance personas evolve in the age of spectacle.

So grab a Negroni, loosen the tie, and join us for a conversation that blends culture, cocktails, curiosity, and a steaming hot take—Bada Bing Bayou style.

In this third installment of our Italian American Heritage Month series, Patrick and Lawrence explore the post-WWII boom years when Italian America went mainstream. They trace how family kitchens turned spaghetti and meatballs into national staples, how crooners like Sinatra and Dino became icons, and how Italian Americans reshaped politics—from city halls to Capitol Hill. The episode dives into the cultural assimilation, pride, and contradictions that marked the journey from the old neighborhood to the American Dream, setting the stage for the modern Italian American identity.