A couple of years ago I had the amazing opportunity to create my own radio show for Dominican University of California’s Penguin Radio. Under the excellent guidance and with the enthusiastic encouragement of Leona George-Davidson, a Humanities and Cultural Studies major with a concentration in Communications, I developed and recorded a 10 episode radio program called, Strada Facendo which I hosted as my Italian alter-ego, “Matteo”. The programs showcase the Italian pop music that I have grown to love over the years, and also feature stories about Italy and some simple lessons on the Italian language by Dominican foreign language instructor Kate “Katerina” Rider. In some of the later episodes, some of my friends from Italy appear in promos for the show or to help Kate with a language lesson.  I have made all 10 episodes of the program available here.

Anyone considering a visit to Italy or who is trying to study the Italian language might want to give these programs a listen. I have found that by regularly listening to Italian music  I’ve been able to expand my vocabulary and improve my comprehension of the Italian. And there is some excellent music coming from this dynamic country!

The episodes below are presented in chronological order, from the first to last. Enjoy!

Episode 1: Benvenuto! (Welcome!)

Episode 2: Sognami (Dream of Me)

Episode 3: Baciami Stupido (Kiss Me, Stupid!)

Episode 4: Salute to the Music of Eros Ramazzotti

Episode 5: Strada Facendo (Along the Road of Life)

Episode 6: Duetti (Duets)

Episode 7: Bambini (Children)

Episode 8: Salute to the Music of Laura Pausini and Tiziano Ferro

Episode 9: La Forza Mia (The Power in Me)

Episode 10: Per Dirti Ciao (To Say Goodbye)