My Radio Interview

Sometimes it’s funny how things play out. I was participating in a book signing last weekend in Ft Pierce, with other members of the Treasure Coast Writers Guild. I met someone who was passing out flyers for the annual Italian Festival this winter. Once we began to talk, and he saw my book about Italy, I asked his name. “Jack,” he said.

“You’re not Jack Di Giorgio, are you?” I asked.

“Yes that’s me,” he said and smiled.

I had heard about Jack, who is Italian, from my insurance agent. He suggested I get in touch with him sometime, and told me that Jack hosts an Italian radio show, “Sabato Italiano,” every Saturday from 9 to 10:30 AM. He also manages this Italian Festival. Naturally I was interested.

So by coincidence, I meet this Jack Di Giorgio while I am selling books, and I discover he is from Bari. Before I know it, he invites me to appear on his radio show as his guest to talk about my book.  Of course I am thrilled, and yesterday we pre-recorded the show. Usually his shows are live, but since he is going to Italy soon, the show we recorded will air in two weeks.

I was excited, and Jack, as well as his engineer, Kenrick Thomas, who is also an author, both made me feel at ease. Jack even asked if I had a favorite song, and was only too happy to locate the CD for Kenrick to play prior to my segment.

When Jack began the show, he was speaking in Italian only, very fast, and even though he was on radio, and not able to be seen, he was using his hands as he spoke, in true Italian style. I loved it. He was so passionate and animated as he talked about the latest soccer games in Italy, and at least I was able to understand most of what he said. By the way, this enthusiastic Italian man from Bari is a huge Juventus fan, and Kenrick says he wears the yellow shirt every week! I was thrilled to be part of this.

I did get a little worried, though, that he was going to speak to me in Italian, and I might be expected to converse on air in Italiano. My Italian is OK but not that good, for sure. No worried, because he introduced me and then the interview was in English. I had a lot of fun, and want to thank Jack for the opportunity to be a guest on his show. I look forward to the Port St Lucie Festival Italiano in February.

You can listen to the interview on Saturday, November 9, 2013 when it will air locally on WIRA 1400 in Port St Lucie. To listen on the internet, click on www.WIRA1400AM.com. If you miss the morning show it will be re-broadcast in the afternoon at 1:00 o’clock on    www.Radio1NewYork.com.