From The Godfather to Goodfellas, Cabrini to My Cousin Vinny, this episode of Bada Bing Bayou is all about the films that defined—and sometimes distorted—Italian American identity. We break down the classics, the clichés, and the cultural impact of seeing our stories on the big screen. Which movies got it right? Which ones made us cringe? And which ones had us saying, “That’s just like my uncle Tony!” Grab some popcorn (or a meatball) and join us for a cinematic stroll through Italian America.

For Italian Americans, restaurants aren’t just places to eat—they’re community hubs, family legacies, and living history.

In this episode, we dig into the world of Italian American restaurants—both the ones we grew up in and the ones still holding it down today. We talk red-checkered tablecloths, handwritten menus, kitchen chaos, and the pride (and pressure) of serving culture on a plate.

Whether it’s your uncle’s pizzeria, your Nonna’s recipes, or that neighborhood spot where everyone’s “family,” this one’s for the places that fed more than just our stomachs.

🍝 Come hungry.
⚜️ Leave full—of stories, laughs, and maybe a few meatballs.

In our first deep dive, we’re sharing our story—where we come from, what shaped us, and why we started this podcast in the first place.

From growing up Italian American in South Louisiana to navigating identity, family expectations, and tradition, this episode sets the table for everything Bada Bing Bayou is about. We talk about the foods we grew up on, the phrases we still hear in our heads, and the values that stuck with us—whether we wanted them to or not.

It’s personal. It’s funny. It’s heartfelt.
And it’s just the beginning.

🇮🇹⚜️ Pull up a chair, pass the bread, and get to know us.