What Lights Us Up

Hosted by Christina Minutillo

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Nov 2026

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About the show

Are you ready to uncover what truly lights you up? Join Christina each month on What Lights Us Up as she dives into heartfelt conversations with passionate people who’ve turned their dreams into reality. Through inspiring stories of purpose, creativity, and courage, you’ll be reminded that joy isn’t just a feeling—it’s a direction. Start your journey to joyful living. Follow the show on Instagram www.instagram.com/whatlightsusup For more information about Christina and the show: www.christinaminutillo.com/whatlightsusuppodcast/

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45 recent

November 2, 2026Episode 4437 min

#44: Find Your Belonging: Urmi Hossain on Finding Home with Italian Bengali Roots

What does home mean when you grow up between cultures? Tune in to hear how embracing all the parts of who we are and honoring where we come from can help us find a deeper sense of belonging and lead us home. Urmi Hossain is an author, speaker, mentor, and podcaster who explores identity, belonging, immigration, women’s empowerment, and personal growth. Urmi shares how moving between countries throughout her childhood shaped her understanding of home. From being born in Italy to being raised in a traditional Bengali family, Urmi shares how she found the courage to speak up, tell her story, and ultimately find a way to embrace both cultures as part of who she is. Together, Christina and Urmi explore what it means to grow up with multiple cultural identities and why belonging doesn’t always fit neatly within a nationality, a country, or a physical home. They talk about reconnecting with our roots, the feeling of walking the land of our ancestors, and how travel can expand our sense of home rather than take us away from it. If you've ever felt caught between cultures, wondered where you belong, or carried a longing for a place that feels like home, this conversation is a reminder that home may not be a single place we return to but instead a feeling we carry with us. Connect with Urmi on LinkedIn @urmihossain Listen to the Stories Beyond Borders Podcast Subscribe to Urmi on YouTube @urmihossain Get her Book: Discovering Your Identity: A Rebirth From Interracial Struggle Follow Urmi on Instagram @storiesbeyondborderspodcast @urmamio Connect with Christina at christinaminutillo.com

October 5, 2026Episode 4350 min

#43: Find Your Way Home: Maria Liotta on the Wines and Places of Origin of Southern Italy

What happens when you can’t find the information you’re looking for, so you decide to go find it—and write it yourself? Tune in to hear how listening to your heart and following your authentic self can lead you home. Maria Liotta, an Italian Wine Scholar and Certified Specialist of Wine, is the author of Places of Origin: Wines of Southern Italy , a book that brings to life the wines, history, and traditions of Campania, Calabria, Basilicata, and Puglia. Maria shares how growing up with a family history in wine sparked a lifelong passion and, while working on Wall Street, she became curious about why she couldn’t find more information about the wines of Southern Italy. From studying wine at night during her Wall Street career to traveling throughout Southern Italy’s DOP regions, Maria shares how not finding the stories and information she was looking for in New York led her to go find them herself, spending years traveling throughout the region and uncovering the stories behind the wines. Together, Christina and Maria explore the traditions of Southern Italy and why traveling beyond the major cities and into its villages can reveal the stories of the food, people, land, and wine that make each place unique. They talk about the winemakers preserving generations-old traditions, how wine can help us connect more deeply to the places we travel, and how following a passion can ultimately reconnect us to our ancestry and places of origin. If you've ever felt called to something without knowing exactly where it would lead, this conversation is a reminder to follow your curiosity, listen to your heart, and trust that the path may lead you somewhere unexpected—perhaps even home. Buy the book: Places of Origin: Wines of Southern Italy Follow Maria on Instagram: @DrinkSouthernItaly Email Maria: maria@italiangrapefan.com Connect with Christina: https://christinaminutillo.com

September 7, 2026Episode 4246 min

#42: Find Your Path Through Food: Chef Tara Punzone on Italian Roots, Plant-Based Cooking, and Community

What happens when you go against the grain, do things differently, and follow what lights you up? Tune in to hear how curiosity, courage, and staying true to yourself can lead you exactly where you're meant to be. Chef Tara Punzone is the chef and owner of Pura Vita, the first plant-based Italian restaurant of its kind in the United States, located in Los Angeles. She is also the author of Vegana Italiana , a cookbook that brings traditional Italian flavors to the plant-based table. Tara shares the moment that changed everything—watching a slaughterhouse video at just 10 years old and telling her Italian American family she would never eat meat again, a decision that eventually led her to becoming vegan and opening her groundbreaking restaurant. From growing up in a traditional Italian American family in Brooklyn to moving to Los Angeles, she reflects on the unexpected path that led her into the restaurant industry, despite her family’s hopes for a different direction. Together, Christina and Tara explore what happens when you leave behind a strong Italian American community—and how distance from your roots can deepen your connection to them in surprising ways. They discuss growing up with Italian traditions, creating joy through food, and why plant-based eating isn’t as far removed from Italian cuisine as it might seem. If you've ever felt pulled toward something different, questioned whether it's too late to change course, or wondered how to stay connected to your roots while creating your own path, this conversation is for you. Follow Chef Tara Punzone on Instagram: @cheftarapunzone Visit Pura Vita in Los Angeles: https://puravitalosangeles.com Follow Pura Vita on Instagram: @puravita_la Get Tara’s cookbook, Vegana Italiana: https://puravitalosangeles.com/vegana-italiana-cookbook Episode Thumbnail Photo by Giovanni Reda: @giovannireda Connect with Christina: https://christinaminutillo.com

August 3, 2026Episode 4149 min

#41: Find Your Cultural Oasis: Vincent Fauceglia on Building Italian American Community and Connection

What if the sense of home you’ve been missing isn’t something you have to go back to—but something you can create right where you are? Tune in to hear how reconnecting with your heritage, following what lights you up, and building community from the ground up can turn a cultural desert into your own oasis. Vincent Fauceglia is the founder and first president of the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America (OSDIA) Charlotte Lodge, where he has built a thriving Italian American community rooted in culture, connection, and tradition. From growing up in a strong Italian American community in Ohio to moving to what he describes as the “cultural desert” of Charlotte, Vincent faced a difficult chapter in his life. Through that experience, he discovered that creating a community around his Italian American roots helped him reconnect with his authentic self and find a path forward. Together, Christina and Vincent explore what it means to grow up in a cultural “oasis” and then find yourself searching for that same connection somewhere new. From hosting dinners and reviving traditions like bocce and Sunday meals, to building a community from scratch, they explore how culture, food, and shared experiences can bring people together in meaningful ways. If you’ve ever felt like you’re living in a cultural desert, this conversation will inspire you to find—or create—your own oasis. Follow Vincent on Instagram: @vfauceglia Follow Charlotte Sons & Daughters of Italy on Social Media: Instagram @cltosdia | Facebook CLT OSDIA Join or Find a Local Lodge: https://www.osdia.org Learn More About IAFL: https://www.iafuture.org Connect with Christina: https://christinaminutillo.com

July 6, 2026Episode 4042 min

#40: Let Yourself Be Guided: MaryAnn DiMarco on Intuition, Spirit Guides, and What Lights You Up

What if your grandmother’s recipe and your intuition are more connected than you think? Tune in to hear how trusting your intuition and embracing spiritual guidance can lead you toward a deeper sense of connection, joy, and messages from the other side. MaryAnn DiMarco is an internationally recognized spiritual teacher, bestselling author, and speaker known as The Medium Mentor . Her path wasn’t something she planned—it was something she felt. From growing up surrounded by spirituality to finally answering a deep inner calling later in life, MaryAnn shares how trusting that voice changed everything and led her to empower others to do the same. Together, Christina and MaryAnn reflect on their Italian American culture and family traditions. From stories of grandmothers guiding from the other side to channeling tips in Italian recipes, they explore how food and ritual can keep us connected to those who came before us. If you’ve ever wondered how to trust your intuition, recognize the signs guiding your path, or even recreate a lost family recipe, this episode is a reminder that you are more connected than you think—and that the answers you’re searching for have been with you all along. Visit MaryAnn’s Website: https://maryanndimarco.com Follow MaryAnn on Instagram: ⁠@maryannthemedium⁠ Buy The Guide(s) Deck { Here } Connect with Christina: https://christinaminutillo.com

June 1, 2026Episode 3945 min

#39: Travel to Creativity: Adele French on Experimenting with Surf, Art, and Reinvention

What if creativity isn’t just about talent — but about experimenting, showing up, and allowing our passions to shape who we become? Tune in to hear how embracing experimentation, exploring your passions, and following curiosity can transform your life and the way you show up in the world. Adele French is a well-traveled global citizen and stencil artist who blends surf culture, international influence, and creative expression into a life that bridges career and art. She shares her journey from navigating burnout and personal reinvention to creating space for art and a meaningful side hustle. From growing up in France, to finding a passion for art and surf in Australia, to navigating perimenopause, Adele’s story shows how experimenting with passion and purpose can shape who we are and who we’re becoming. Christina and Adele dive into how creativity and professional life don’t have to compete — they can complement one another. They explore burnout and the power of small steps in rediscovering what lights us up, the role of travel and new experiences in sparking inspiration, and how community and creative expression help us reconnect with ourselves. If you’ve ever wondered how creativity can help you reconnect with yourself or how to build a life that honors both practicality and passion, this episode is a reminder that experimentation and curiosity can lead to transformation.Creativity isn’t a destination — it’s a practice of discovery. Explore the Adele French Website: adelefrench.com Follow Adele on Instagram: @whoisadelefrench Connect with Christina: https://christinaminutillo.com

May 4, 2026Episode 3848 min

#38: Exploring the Italian Diaspora: Anthony Castelvecchi on Building the Oriundi Community

What if the food you eat, the stories you hear, and the traditions you grew up with are part of a bigger story — one that connects Italians across the world? Tune in to discover how curiosity about culture, heritage, and shared traditions can spark connection, wherever you are. Anthony Castelvecchi is the founder of Oriundi, a media project and Italian lifestyle brand connecting the global Italian diaspora to modern-day Italy. He shares his journey from the corporate world to building Oriundi, inspired by his Italian American upbringing and curiosity about his roots. From Italy to communities around the world, Anthony explores how traditions evolved — from Brazilian polenta to Argentine Milanese — reminding us that culture adapts, it doesn’t disappear. Christina and Anthony dive into what it means to preserve heritage while adapting to new places, the differences between Italian communities across the US and beyond, and how migration shapes food, traditions, and identity. They explore the power of food as a bridge between cultures and why knowing the history behind what we eat matters. If you’ve ever felt disconnected from your roots or wondered how to keep culture alive, this episode is a reminder that community begins with you. Preserving culture happens one connection at a time. Explore Oriundi Website: oriundi.info Follow Anthony on Instagram: @oriundi_ Follow Anthony on TikTok: @oriundi_ Follow Anthony on Facebook: @anthony.castelvecchi Subscribe to Oriundi on YouTube: @oriundigroup Connect with Christina: https://christinaminutillo.com

April 6, 2026Episode 3740 min

#37: Take the Leap: Lauri Schmidt on Turning a Solo Safari into a Life of Freedom and Adventure

What if the thing you can’t stop thinking about is actually pointing you toward the life you’re meant to live? Tune in to learn how trusting a feeling, taking small steps, and redefining success can lead to freedom, confidence, and a life that truly lights you up. Lauri Schmidt is the founder of Safari Lauri , a travel company sparked by a single solo trip to Africa that lit her up and inspired her to share that magic with others. Lauri shares how following that feeling led her to leave a long corporate career and build a life centered around travel, adventure, and freedom. From solo travel to small-group safaris, Lauri offers practical tips on financial independence, pursuing your passions, and creating experiences that open doors to perspective, presence, and connection. If you’ve ever felt stuck, uninspired, or caught waiting for the “right” time, this episode is a reminder to take one step toward what lights you up. Lauri reminds us that life is short—and sometimes the bravest thing you can do is to book the trip and trust the feeling that keeps calling you forward. Your Dream Safari Starts Here: https://safarilauri.com Follow Lauri on Instagram: @safari_lauri Connect with Christina: https://christinaminutillo.com

March 2, 2026Episode 3642 min

#36: Gather at the Table: Remi Attia on Creating Joy Through Hospitality

What if the simplest way to reconnect—with yourself, your roots, and the people you love—was to gather around the table? Tune in to explore how food, tradition, and thoughtful hosting can transform everyday moments into meaningful experiences rooted in culture, memory, and joy. Remi Attia is founder of The Nosh Table, a brand dedicated to creating playful, beautiful tableware and tablescapes that spark connection and conversation . Remi shares the story of building her brand inspired by her Jewish and Italian roots and the vibrant gatherings that shaped her childhood. From colorful napkins printed with Italian and Jewish phrases to modern heirloom pieces designed to bring people together, Remi’s work is built around one core belief: hospitality should nourish both the stomach and the soul. Christina and Remi bond over their shared love for the Italian culture and the deep cultural importance of the table—exploring how Italians express love through food, stories of ancestral towns, grandmothers setting unforgettable tables, and how reconnecting with tradition can be profoundly grounding in a chaotic modern world. Together, they reflect on why Italy continues to captivate us: the craftsmanship, the small-scale artistry, time-honored rituals, and the way food ties us to memory through taste, smell, and shared experience. If you’ve ever felt called to slow down, honor where you come from, or bring more meaning and warmth into your everyday life, this episode is a reminder that the table is where it all begins. Remi reminds us that there’s always a reason to celebrate—and that joy can begin with something as simple as inviting one person over for a meal. Explore The Nosh Table: thenoshtable.com Follow The Nosh Table on Instagram : @thenoshtable Connect with Christina: christinaminutillo.com

February 1, 2026Episode 3548 min

#35: Ignite Your Italian Way of Life: Giorgio Arcamone on Slow Tourism in Italy

What if the key to reconnecting with yourself is to slow down—and learn to live the Southern Italian way? Tune in to explore how Italy’s work–life balance and daily rhythms can reshape your perspective, your purpose, and your sense of self. Giorgio Arcamone, founder of Vicus, is building a passion-driven startup dedicated to offering slow-living travel experiences for remote workers—designed to help regenerate small villages in Southern Italy, beginning with his home island of Ischia where his Italian roots run deep. In this episode, Giorgio shares the story behind his project in Ischia: a labor of love inspired by his late grandmother and rooted in 20 years of imagining a different kind of tourism—one that invites you to pause, breathe, and truly feel the world around you. Christina and Giorgio connect over their shared passion for helping people reconnect with their roots, traditions, and the grounding rhythm of Italian life. Their conversation explores what it means to truly live slow, disconnect from performance culture, and remember who you are through food, people, and place. Together, they reflect on the contrast between fast-paced American life and the soulful slowness of Southern Italy—discovering what we can learn from the Neapolitan way of living: hospitality that feels like home, connection over productivity, and the small daily rituals that bring us back to joy. They explore how food heritage, ancestral identity, and the natural cadence of Southern Italy can radically reshape how we work, live, and experience meaning. If you’ve ever wondered how to experience the Italian way of life, this episode is your invitation to slow down, return to your roots, and reimagine what joy can look like in your everyday life. Explore the Vicus Travel Experiences: https://vicus.it Follow Giorgio on Instagram: @giorgio_arcamone Connect with Christina: https://christinaminutillo.com