Hosts Jessica Spiegel (italyexplained.com) and Rebecca Winke (brigolante.com) discuss all things Italy, from culture and language to food and travel tips. We're joined by a different Italy expert as a guest each week.
Episode 62: Dreaming of Italy with Kathy McCabe & Rebecca Winke
In this episode, hosts Sara and Jessica talk with Kathy McCabe and Rebecca Winke about their work on the upcoming PBS series, "Dream of Italy."
Episode 61: Getting Educated About Italian Wine with Hande Leimer
In this episode, hosts Sara and Jessica talk with sommelier Hande Leimer about Italian wine.
Episode 60: Digging into Roman Archaeology with Darius Arya
In this episode, hosts Sara and Jessica talk with archaeologist Darius Arya about what lies underfoot in Rome and elsewhere in Italy.
Episode 59: Understanding the Italian Mafia with John Dickie
In this episode, hosts Sara and Jessica talk with historian and author John Dickie about organized crime, the mafia, in Italy.
Episode 58: Dream of Venice with Charles Christopher
In this episode, hosts Sara and Jessica talk with photographer Charles Christopher about his new book, "Dream of Venice," with some surprising insights about Venice, IKEA, and Los Angeles.
Episode 57: “Extra Virginity: the Sublime & Scandalous World of Olive Oil” with Tom Mueller
Hosts Sara and Jessica talk about flooding in Italy, Berlusconi's resignation and what's next for the Italian government. Then we speak with special guest Tom Mueller about his upcoming book on the "sublime and scandalous world of olive oil."
Episode 56: The Genius of a Place with Sarah Marder
We speak to filmmaker Sarah Marder about her documentary ""The Genius of a Place"" about the town of Cortona and the concept of sustainable development, the weekend riots in Rome, and George Clooney finally opens up about his evening with Silvio Berlusconi.
Episode 55: The History of Rome with Mike Duncan
Hosts Sara, Jessica, and Michelle talk about the Italian economy being downgraded, Wikipedia Italia's blackout, and an award-winning Italian chef working for McDonald's. Then we speak with special guest Mike Duncan, the host of the History of Rome podcast, about his podcast and his love of Roman history.
Episode 54: Cucina Povera with Pamela Sheldon Johns
Hosts Sara and Michelle update you on the Amanda Knox trial, Berlusconi, earthquake prosecutions and speak with author Pamela Sheldon Johns about her new cookbook Cucina Povera and the influence of post-war Tuscany on its cuisine.
Episode 53: Cinque Terre & Liguria Tips with Megan McCaffrey-Guerrera
Hosts Sara and Jessica are back with a couple announcements, news of Berlusconi's true feelings about Italy, an Italian town declaring independence, and a drop in the number of weddings in the country. Then we speak with special guest Megan McCaffrey-Guerrera about traveling in the Cinque Terre and Liguria.