Shows
The Journey of My Mother's SonSanto D. Marabella – Il Mio Posto a TavolaIn this episode of the Journey of My Mother’s Son podcast, I talk with Santo Marabella. I was honored to have the opportunity to have my old friend from Berks County, Santo, on my show. We have been friends for over fifteen years now. We first got to know each other when we both served on the board of the Berks County Visitors Bureau and through volunteering with the Reading Filmfest. However, I never really knew Santo’s story of how he arrived in the United States until recently. It is an incredible story, and again, I feel h...2025-05-3051 min
Adoption: The Making of Me. An Oral History of Adoptee StoriesSanto: The Journey to BelongDr. Santo D. Marabella, born in a Catholic orphanage in Aosta, Italy, and flown to the United States just one week shy of his first birthday, was one of over 3700 Italian-born children adopted by Italian American parents between 1951 and 1969. Known as the “Baby Scoop” era, tens of thousands of Italian unwed mothers were forced to give their children up for adoption, leaving behind generations of children devastated by their perceived abandonment.Though he was the treasured only child of his adoptive parents, Santo was bullied by his peers and struggled from an early age to fit in a...2025-03-0458 min
Italian Roots and GenealogyBorn in Italy adopted in America Santo Marabella's Heartfelt Journey of Adoption and ReunionSend us a textCould you imagine uncovering your roots halfway around the world? This episode brings you the heartfelt story of Santo Marabella, who was born in Aosta, Italy, and adopted by a loving family in America. Santo sheds light on his early life at the Instituto Asistenza Materna e Infantile and the touching way his adoptive parents, Anna and Sam Marabella, revealed his adoption to him. We also dive into the historical context of the "baby scoop" era, during which thousands of Italian babies found new homes in America, adding a layer of emotional and...2024-07-2647 min
Mornings with MikeMwM - Tuesday, 4/16On this Tuesday Mornings with Mike, the guys discuss last night's Phillies walk-off win, no jury duty for Bob, a mom's over the top requirements for a babysitter, CBS angered Billy Joel fans, Bluey scared parents, plus Tom Rader & Santo Marabella join them in-studio.2024-04-161h 58
Office Hours with The Practical Prof®... and Friends!Revitalizing Communities - One Main Street at a Time!In today's podcast, The Practical Prof®, Dr. Santo D. Marabella, talks with friend, Mark Ratcliffe, about his vision for West Reading, Pennsylvania, with a look at how far they've come since establishing their organization 23 years ago, and where they are headed.Ratcliffe is an experienced Main Street Manager who creates activity within a downtown revitalization area and utilizes historic preservation as an integral foundation for core area economic development. He is responsible for the development and promotion of the Main Street Program and its events in West Reading, PA. Support the showOffice Ho...2023-05-1920 min
Office Hours with The Practical Prof®... and Friends!Pole Dancing & Empowering WomenIn today's episode, The Practical Prof®, Dr. Santo D. Marabella talks with long-time friend and artistic collaborator, Rachel Skye, about how she empowers women through pole dancing and other creative dance.Rachel Skye is the Fearless Creator of Studio Spin and the Fierce Confidence signature program. As a lifelong teacher at heart, she opened Studio Spin in 2013 to teach confidence to women through pole dance. Nine and a half years later, the studio has grown to offer a variety of creative dance and empowering experiences to all genders.For more information and to learn more a...2023-03-1320 min
EASY ViewpointsCaring for An Aging Population / When the Guilty are Marked as InnocentSegment 1:Guests: Dr. Santo D. Marabella, author, Lessons of Caring: Inspiration and Support for Caregivers; Erik Stoll, co-director, film, America.We discuss the ups and downs of caregiving in a world that can feel isolating and hard to navigate. https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/ Segment 2:Guest: Sarah Weinman, writer, author, Scoundrel: How a Convicted Murderer Persuaded the Women Who Loved Him, the Conservative Establishment, and the Courts to Set Him Free. We discuss the story of one American man in the 1950’s who was able to dupe millions and get released from prison. https://www.nytimes.com/column/crime2022-03-2727 min
Office Hours with The Practical Prof®... and Friends!Valentines Day Hugs and Kisses with Barbara HerndonIn today's episode, The Practical Prof®, Dr. Santo D. Marabella talks with his long-time friend, author and screenwriter, Barbara Herndon, about her new book, YOU'RE THE HUGS TO MY KISSES.Barbara Herndon is a New York Times bestselling children’s book author and editor. She began her career in children’s television, writing and producing the hit animated series Rugrats and The Wild Thornberrys. Barbara resides in Michigan.For more information and to purchase, YOU'RE THE HUGS TO MY KISSES, click this link on Amazon.Support the showOffice...2022-02-1422 min
Office Hours with The Practical Prof®... and Friends!Think Like a BankIn today's episode, The Practical Prof®, Dr. Santo D. Marabella talks with his new friend, Sarry Ibrahim, about the challenges of personal finance.Sarry Ibrahim is financial planner and member of the Bank On Yourself Organization. He helpsreal estate investors, business owners, and full time employees grow safe and predictable wealthregardless of market conditions using a financial strategy that has been around for over 160years.Sarry started this journey when he was in grad school completing his MBA. He worked forcompanies like Allstate, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Healthspring, and Humana beforefounding Financial Asset Protection, a financial se...2021-10-1927 min
Office Hours with The Practical Prof®... and Friends!Clean Juice for Body & SpiritIn today's episode, The Practical Prof®, Dr. Santo D. Marabella talks with his friend (and former student), Landon Eckles, about the healthy food company he and his wife, Kat, started.Landon Eckles found himself at a crossroads in life. After spending five years in sales and management in the pharmaceutical industry in his early career, Landon moved into a Managing Partner role for Rose Rock Group, a global investment management firm specializing in Asia specific projects, in 2012. Although this career was exciting, the weeks of international travel required for the position was not conducive to a healthy an...2021-09-1533 min
Office Hours with The Practical Prof®... and Friends!Are You Positive?In today's episode, The Practical Prof®, Dr. Santo D. Marabella talks with his friend (and colleague), Katie P. Desiderio, about being and living in positivity!Dr. Katie P. Desiderio counts her blessings starting with the people in her life, which guides her approach to work where her sole focus is on every organization's most important asset -- you!She is among the 2% of the population known as an INFJ, according to the MBTI, and she embraces her top five Strengths Quest identifiers of relator, individualization, strategic, ideation, and maximizer. After working for several years in c...2021-08-3126 min
Office Hours with The Practical Prof®... and Friends!Collaborate in the WorkplaceIn this conversation, producer and host, Dr. Santo D. Marabella, The Practical Prof®, speaks with seasoned Human Resource professional, Tracy Grajewski, Chief Human Resources Officer, Juniata College.Grajewski, long-time friend of The Prof, has had extensive experience dealing with human resource challenges in pharma, healthcare, and now higher ed. She shares her perspective on why collaboration is a good internal business strategy, in addition to one that works well in "playing with other companies in the same sandbox."For more information or to suggest an episode topics, email: OfficeHours@ThePracticalProf.com© 2021 Marabella Enterprises, LLC...2021-06-1527 min
Office Hours with The Practical Prof®... and Friends!Supporting Mental Health in the Workplace with LanguageIn this conversation, producer and host, Dr. Santo D. Marabella, The Practical Prof®, speaks with respected mental health advocate and editor, Harold A. Maio, about the important role language can play in stigmatizing mental health and the simple, but powerful ways we can stop doing that!According to TapIntoIt.net, Harold A Maio is a long time mental health advocate whose main focus is language, the words we employ, the effect those words have. His advocacy has carried him to many states, the White House and invitations to speak in Berlin, London, and Ottawa. His work can be...2020-11-2727 min
Office Hours with The Practical Prof®... and Friends!Community Theatre: Celebrating a Milestone with Reading Community PlayersToday, we pay tribute to Reading Community Players (RCP), a not-for-profit community theatre in Reading, PA, celebrating it's 100th Anniversary. In this episode, producer and host, Dr. Santo D. Marabella, The Practical Prof®, is joined by Iris Bellman, long-time theatre collaborator and friend. Iris made her debut on RCP's stage at 4 years old, and her tenure endured some 40 years long, ending with the birth of her son, Nick. Marabella and Bellman discuss their affection and experiences with Reading Community Players, their "theatre alma mater." For more information or to suggest an episode topics, email: OfficeHours@ThePracticalProf.com...2020-10-0830 min
Office Hours with The Practical Prof®... and Friends!MicroAggressionsThis episode discusses microaggressions, the usually unintentional offensive remarks or acts based on our unconscious bias. In this episode, producer and host, Dr. Santo D. Marabella, The Practical Prof®, is joined by Tim Wortham, Jr, Eastern University, who co-hosts. Their topic is MicroAggressions and their guests include Tychelle M. Graham, BA, MSW, Diversity Educator/Facilitator, and Lizza Robb, MSW, Redshift Leadership. This episode features the audio track of the video series BlackStory, Episode 2: MicroAggressions, also produced by Marabella Enterprises, LLC. Here is the link to the video episode: https://youtu.be/frzka-CHoqoFor more information or to s...2020-09-1526 min
The Lisa ShowCaregiving, Music Therapy, Making More Money, Floral Arranging, Social Change, Best HeadphonesSanto Marabella talks about helping caregivers, Kim Sena Moore explains music therapy, Tori Dunlap gives salary negotiation tips, Miriam Housley talks about floral arranging, Karen and Lee Shackleford discuss how media effects social change, Lauren Dragan talks about the best headphones.2020-07-141h 45
The Lisa ShowCaregiving, Music Therapy, Making More Money, Floral Arranging, Social Change, Best HeadphonesCaring for Caregivers (0:00:00) Do you have aging parents? Relatives with debilitating mental health issues? Disabled loved ones? Then you know the challenges that accompany caregiving. Studies show that 40%of caregivers report high psychological, emotional, physical, and financial stress. Giving your time, effort, emotion, and money to care for another human being-who may even be the one who is supposed to be caring for you-is taxing on the mind and body. But how can we properly care for others if we ourselves are overwhelmed? Dr. Santo Marabella, author of “The Lessons of Caring: Inspiration & Support for the Caregiver,” joins us to di...2020-07-141h 45
Get Inspired Project – Inspired LeadershipInspired Leadership – Dr. Santo D. Marabella“. . . I am so inspired by the way first responders locally and around the world are just doing what they do and taking decisive action.”2020-05-0100 min
Get Inspired Project – Inspired LeadershipInspired Leadership – Dr. Santo D. Marabella“. . . I am so inspired by the way first responders locally and around the world are just doing what they do and taking decisive action.”2020-05-0109 min
Office Hours with The Practical Prof®... and Friends!The Personal Impact of COVID "It's Not the Flu"This is our latest episode in a series devoted to the impact of COVID-19 on various industries and their workers. In this episode, it gets personal. Dr. Santo D. Marabella, The Practical Prof®, talks with his friend, Lindsay Eshelman, Founder & CEO, The Recit Group, a brand narrative development and consulting company. Lindsay who tested positive for COVID-19, shares her experience and insights about symptoms, testing, tracing and stopping the virus. They also talk about business and life in a post-COVID era.This episode is dedicated to Marabella's aunt, a nursing home resident who passed from the virus. May sh...2020-04-2730 min
Office Hours with The Practical Prof®... and Friends!Small Businesses in the PandemicThis is our latest episode in a series devoted to the impact of COVID-19 on various industries and their workers. Today, we're looking at small business. Dr. Santo D. Marabella, The Practical Prof®, talks with his friend, Bonnie Sussman Versace, consultant, trainer and author. Bonnie, through her company, FocusedLLC, works to help her clients, many small businesses, navigate the unprecedented situations facing businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Bonnie offers practical suggestions to keep working and look ahead, beyond the crisis. Support the showOffice Hours with The Practical Prof®... and Friends is a production of Marabel...2020-03-3029 min
A Touch of GreyCarole Marks with Janice Clark Johnston (Midlife Maze)When you find yourself lost in the midlife maze after a significant loss in your life, you realize that certain plans may not work out for you. You still can choose hope. You can turn yourself to move forward in a positive direction. Carole Marks with Janice Clark Johnston (Midlife Maze) Part 1Segment 3: Carole Marks with Dr. Santo Marabella (The Practical Prof) The Practical Prof's mission is to help employees and their employers renew their spirit and recharge their energy so employee satisfaction and productivity can flourish once again. Written specifically to inspire, challenge complacency and provide effective practical strategies to...2020-03-2300 min
Office Hours with The Practical Prof®... and Friends!Artists & Entertainers in the PandemicThe times we are living in are challenging to say the least. For the next few episodes will be looking at the impact of COVID-19 on various industries and their workers. First up, the arts and entertainment. Dr. Santo D. Marabella, The Practical Prof®, talks with his friend, actor, writer and filmmaker, Tim Carr, about what it's like being an artist during these uncertain times. In this conversation, Tim and Santo want to inspire you, support you and make you chuckle.Support the showOffice Hours with The Practical Prof®... and Friends is a production of Mar...2020-03-2334 min
Office Hours with The Practical Prof®... and Friends!Being Your Own ValentineWhy is it so difficult for us to acknowledge what we're good at? Most of us seem to have no problem identifying and beating ourselves up about our weaknesses, so why is the opposite not true? This is the conversation Dr. Santo D. Marabella, The Practical Prof®, has with his friend, Ms. Ellyn Longacre, Counselor, MA. Enjoy the conversation and be your own Valentine!Support the showOffice Hours with The Practical Prof®... and Friends is a production of Marabella Enterprises, a multi-media education and entertainment company. The Practical Prof® Website. 2020-02-1739 min
Office Hours with The Practical Prof®... and Friends!Happy! Merry! Happy!Celebrate everyone's Holiday this Year! Enjoy this Season's Greeting from, Dr. Santo D. Marabella, The Practical Prof®Support the showOffice Hours with The Practical Prof®... and Friends is a production of Marabella Enterprises, a multi-media education and entertainment company. The Practical Prof® Website. 2019-12-2314 min
Office Hours with The Practical Prof®... and Friends!Celebrating Differences at Work'Tis the season... to celebrate differences. Not just to tolerate them, but to truly celebrate what the late New York Congresswoman, Shirley Chisholm, called the "great salad bowl" that America is. In this episode, Dr. Santo D. Marabella, The Practical Prof®, talks with his friend, Amy Young, theatre artist and educator, about her experiences celebrating diversity and differences.Support the showOffice Hours with The Practical Prof®... and Friends is a production of Marabella Enterprises, a multi-media education and entertainment company. The Practical Prof® Website. 2019-12-1629 min
Office Hours with The Practical Prof®... and Friends!Making Employee Acknowledgement MeaningfulDr. Santo D. Marabella, The Practical Prof®, talks with his Friend, Craig Poole, Reading Hospitality and DoubleTree by Hilton Reading Hotel, about what makes employee acknowledgement meaningful.Instacart - Groceries delivered in as little as 1 hour.Free delivery on your first order over $35.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showOffice Hours with The Practical Prof®... and Friends is a production of Marabella Enterprises, a multi-media education and entertainment company. The Practical Pr...2019-11-1826 min
Office Hours with The Practical Prof®... and Friends!Celebrating National Family Caregiver MonthDr. Santo D. Marabella, The Practical Prof®, talks with his friend, Kyle Ruffin, Metro Philadelphia marketing and media consultant, about her journey in caregiving with her mother, Paula, who suffered three major strokes.Instacart - Groceries delivered in as little as 1 hour.Free delivery on your first order over $35.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showOffice Hours with The Practical Prof®... and Friends is a production of Marabella Enterprises, a multi-media ed...2019-11-0433 min
Office Hours with The Practical Prof®... and Friends!Introducing... Office Hours with The Practical Prof®Dr. Santo D. Marabella, The Practical Prof®, is excited to launch his podcast series, Office Hours. He will discuss challenges and success in the workplace around people centered issues such as empathy, authenticity, integrity and mindfulness and others that promote his philosophy, "Manage with a Heart, in ways that feed the Spirit!" Plus, find out how you can be a guest on the show and get guidance from this workplace advisor and teacher. Enjoy!Support the showOffice Hours with The Practical Prof®... and Friends is a production of Marabella Enterprises, a multi-media education and enter...2019-10-2101 minThe Lisa ShowAirline Frustrations, Possibility Mom, Fall Hair Trends, Mothers and Daughters, Care for Caregivers, Screen CleaningAirline Frustration (0:00:00) Have you ever been here? You’re running out the door two-hours ahead to make sure you are at the airport at the right time, the airport security line is never-ending, and on top of that, you’ve packed your favorite soap into your carry on and have to throw it away because it’s three ounces too big. Once you’re inside the gate, you find out that your flight has been delayed and you will miss your connecting flight. This description is enough to induce cold sweats for anyone who has had an experience remotely...2019-10-111h 41The Lisa ShowAirline Frustrations, Possibility Mom, Fall Hair Trends, Mothers and Daughters, Care for Caregivers, Screen CleaningChristine Sarkis gives travel advice, Lisa Canning talks about being a mother, Michelle Lindsay discusses fall hair trends, Bessie Fletcher teaches how to resolve conflict with a daughter, Santo Marabella explains how to care for caregivers, Jeff and Cole talk about this week's newest movies2019-10-111h 41
It's Personal with Toni ReeceIt's Personal - A conversation about "Caring" with Santo D. MarabellaToni Reece sits down with Santo D. Marabella to talk about the lessons that he has learned while caring for his parents. Santo speaks about what has surprised him the most about this journey with his parents and in a particularly touching moment describes what has inspired him about this journey. Santo has also written about caregiving in his new book - The Lessons of Caring. This interview is a must-see for anyone who has been or is in a caregiving role.2019-04-0519 min
It's Personal with Toni ReeceIt's Personal - A conversation about "Caring" with Santo D. MarabellaToni Reece sits down with Santo D. Marabella to talk about the lessons that he has learned while caring for his parents. Santo speaks about what has surprised him the most about this journey with his parents and in a particularly touching moment describes what has inspired him about this journey. Santo has also written about caregiving in his new book - The Lessons of Caring. This interview is a must-see for anyone who has been or is in a caregiving role.2019-04-0500 minIt's Personal with Toni ReeceIt's Personal - A conversation about "Caring" with Santo D. MarabellaToni Reece sits down with Santo D. Marabella to talk about the lessons that he has learned while caring for his parents. Santo speaks about what has surprised him the most about this journey with his parents and in a particularly touching moment describes what has inspired him about this journey. Santo has also written about caregiving in his new book - The Lessons of Caring. This interview is a must-see for anyone who has been or is in a caregiving role.2019-04-0500 min
NASW Social Work TalksSupport for CaregiversOur guest Santo D. Marabella, MBA, DSW (a.k.a., The Practical Prof®) is an author, playwright, filmmaker, speaker and educator. He's the author of "The Lessons of Caring: Inspiration and Support for Caregivers." Dr. Marabella talks about the lessons he's learned while caring for his aging parents, and how the book can help people in a similar situation. Read the show notes to learn more2018-12-1824 min
Chamber SpotlightChamber Spotlight | Meet Santo Marabella from Marabella, LLCSanto Marabella talks to Karen Marsdale from the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance about his journey in Berks County and how connecting with the community is always a cycle and how to reinvent yourself to keep it fresh. Marabellas is an excellent instrument to the Arts and Film community in Berks County.2018-08-0611 min
Chamber SpotlightChamber Spotlight | Meet Santo Marabella from Marabella, LLCSanto Marabella talks to Karen Marsdale from the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance about his journey in Berks County and how connecting with the community is always a cycle and how to reinvent yourself to keep it fresh. Marabellas is an excellent instrument to the Arts and Film community in Berks County.2018-08-0600 min
Brad Weisman-How you show up!Showing up with heart - Meet Santo Marabella - Part TwoBrad talks to Santo about his amazing resume of diverse accomplishments and learns what is at the center of how Santo shows up for his family and community. This is an interview not to be missed. Part two of a great interview!2016-01-1600 minBrad Weisman-How you show up!Showing up with heart!- Meet Santo Marabella - Part OneBrad talks to Santo about his amazing resume of diverse accomplishments and learns what is at the center of how Santo shows up for his family and community. This is an interview not to be missed.2016-01-0800 min
Go Greater Reading!Making Movies in Greater Reading - Meet Dr. Santo D. MarabellaGuest Host Toni Reece talks to Dr. Santo D. Marrabella about Reading Film and making movies in Greater Reading!2014-05-1600 min