When Kris Rini began researching his Italian family history, he had no idea it would lead him to living relatives in Calabria, the restoration of his family's original surname, and the emotional experience of becoming an Italian citizen.

In this episode, Kris shares how growing up in a close-knit Italian American family on Long Island sparked a lifelong curiosity about his heritage. What started as genealogy research eventually uncovered long-lost cousins in a small Calabrian village, unforgettable reunions in Italy, and a journey that forever changed the way he sees himself and his family's story.

We also talk about:

• Growing up in an Italian American household on Long Island
• The surprising truth behind his family's surname
• Researching Italian ancestors and tracing family records
• Finding living relatives in Calabria through social media
• The emotional experience of visiting his ancestral villages
• Navigating Italy's ever-changing citizenship laws
• Why preserving our family's stories matters for future generations

If you've ever wondered where your family came from—or dreamed of walking the same streets your ancestors once did—this conversation is a reminder that the journey is about much more than documents. It's about connection, belonging, and bringing your family's story back to life.

🇮🇹 Because every family has a story worth remembering.