In this episode of the Italian American Podcast, Dr. Maria Giura, acclaimed poet and memoirist, joins Marianne and Patrick for an intimate conversation centered on her new poetry collection, If We Still Lived Where I Was Born. Reading selected poems aloud, she evokes childhood memories above her family's Brooklyn pastry shop and the rituals of Sunday gatherings that shaped her imagination.

The discussion moves beyond nostalgia to the delicate art of writing about family while respecting privacy. Dr. Giura reflects on the weight of Italian American cultural expectations, the instinct to "keep things in the family," and the resolve required to tell one's story with honesty. She also speaks about the guidance of her mentor, poet Maria Mazziotti Gillan, and the particular challenges and rewards of working as both memoirist and poet within a close-knit community.

At its heart, the conversation considers the universal tension between loyalty and self-expression. Through memory, tradition, and careful craft, Dr. Giura demonstrates how personal history can be transformed into art that resonates across generations and cultures.

ABOUT THE GUEST:

Maria Giura PhD, Poet, Author, Workshop Leader

HER SOCIALS:

Instagram: @mariagiurawrites

Facebook: maria.giura.3975/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mgiura/

HER WEBSITE: Website: https://www.mariagiura.com/

HER EVENTS COMING UP:

Monday, February 23, 6:30 pm: Co-featuring with poet Linda Kleinbub. Phoenix Poetry Series, Shades of Green Pub, 125 E. 15th Street, New York, NY. See socials below.

Wednesday, March 25, 6:30 pm. Reading, Big Red Books, Nyack, NY https://www.bigredbooks.net/events/3930820260325

Thursday, May 14, 6 pm. Co-featuring. Italian American Writers Association @ Calandra Italian American Institute, 25 W 43rd St Suite 1700, New York, NY https://iawa.net/events/

SOCIALS FOR THE EVENTS SEE BELOW:

Feb 23 Event: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076398760395 AND https://www.instagram.com/the_phoenix_reading_series/ https://www.instagram.com/the_phoenix_reading_series/?hl=en https://www.facebook.com/lindakleinbub AND https://www.instagram.com/lindakleinbub/

March 25 Event: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092635875093 AND https://www.instagram.com/bigredbooks/ May 14 Event: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100071063499667 AND https://www.instagram.com/italianamericanwritersassoc/

HOSTS:

Patrick O'Boyle

Marianna Gatto

SPECIAL GUEST:

Maria Giura

PRODUCED BY:

Nicholas Calvello-Macchia