Best Postcards From Italy Podcasts (2025)

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Shopping in Boutiques | Italian for Travelers | S2 Ep18 25:52

3h ago25:52

25:52

In today’s episode, we talk about the beautiful things money *can* buy in Italy’s department stores, artisanal shops and boutiques. Elisa also shares tips about typical store hours, VAT refunds and lots of vocabulary so you can literally shop til you drop all your Euros! But to get the most out of Italian for Travelers, head to our website and subs…

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Beaches, Bikes, Hikes and Spas in Italy | Italian for Travelers | S2 Ep17 29:56

7d ago29:56

29:56

In today’s episode, we head outdoors to the beach, hiking trails, bike paths, spas and more, experiencing Italy beyond its food, art and churches. Elisa also teaches us how to relax like an Italian and enjoy Italy’s famous beach culture and hot springs. But to get the most out of Italian for Travelers, head to our website and subscribe to our premi…

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Museums, Landmarks and Sightseeing in Italy | Italian for Travelers | S2 Ep16 27:35

14d ago27:35

27:35

In today’s episode, we learn about visiting cultural landmarks and etiquette for enjoying the art, history and natural beauty of Italy, from its museums to its churches. Elisa also teaches us how to talk about what we see, as well as tips about tickets, opening hours, tours and guides. But to get the most out of Italian for Travelers, head to our w…

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S3 Ep.16 - Radio Across Borders: The First Russian Voice in Venice with Regina & Katerina 39:07

19d ago39:07

39:07

In this episode, Monica meets two extraordinary women who brought the rhythm of the East to the heart of the lagoon. Katerina, from Russia, and Regina, from Kazakhstan, met by chance in Venice — and chose to stay. Together, they created Venetians (By Choice and By Occasion), the very first Russian-language radio show on Radio Ca' Foscari. Their sto…

1
Food Glossaries, Allergies and How to Order | Italian for Travelers | S2 Ep15 31:51

21d ago31:51

31:51

In today’s episode, Elisa prepares us for ordering a wide variety of foods with mini-glossaries for Italian specialties we might find in different eateries. We also learn helpful Italian vocabulary to communicate any food allergies, sensitivities and preferences when ordering a meal. But to get the most out of Italian for Travelers, head to our web…

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S3 Ep.15 - The Whole Story, Saving Venice: A Conversation with Erica Hill from CNN 44:33

26d ago44:33

44:33

In this special episode of Venice Talks, Monica sits down with journalist and CNN anchor Erica Hill, who recently hosted the powerful documentary Saving Venice as part of The Whole Story with Anderson Cooper. Together, they explore what it means to tell the story of a fragile, beloved city through an international lens. What happens when a global m…

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How to Eat Like an Italian | Italian for Travelers | S2 Ep14 40:49

28d ago40:49

40:49

In today’s episode, Elisa explains how eating in Italy is less about the food and more about the art, traditions and social aspects of the Italian culture. We learn about the categories of meals and snacks, as well as how to order food and coffee like an Italian. But to get the most out of Italian for Travelers, head to our website and subscribe to…

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Food, Eating and Restaurants in Italy | Italian for Travelers | S2 Ep13 33:11

1M ago33:11

33:11

Italian for Travelers, Episode 13 - the EATING IN ITALY episode. In today’s episode, we finally sink our teeth into the first of three episodes devoted to our favorite sport: eating in Italy! Together, we explore the delicious world of Italian cuisine, from kinds of restaurants to the typical courses you’ll find on a menu. Elisa also gives us essen…

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S3 Ep.14 - Saving Il Nuovo Trionfo: A Boat, A City, A Dream - A chat with Martino Rizzi 45:10

1M ago45:10

45:10

In this new episode of Venice Talks, Monica Cesarato steps aboard Il Nuovo Trionfo and speaks with Martino Rizzi, one of the founding members of the Compagnia della Marineria Tradizionale Il Nuovo Trionfo. Together, they recount the extraordinary story of Venice’s last great trabaccolo — a sturdy cargo boat of the Adriatic, lovingly restored to sai…

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Hotels and Accommodations | Italian for Travelers | S2 Ep12 31:10

1M ago31:10

31:10

In today’s episode, Kristi checks into a hotel, so we discuss a range of Italian accommodations, from farm stays to hotels and monasteries. We also learn vocabulary to ask about amenities and to resolve any issues that might come up during a stay, such as asking for more towels or fixing a broken faucet. But to get the most out of Italian for Trave…

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S3 Ep.13 - From Piazza San Marco: Designing Dreams in Precious Metal. A chat with Valeria Boncompagni 48:12

2M ago48:12

48:12

In this episode of Venice Talks, Monica Cesarato sits down with Valeria Boncompagni, the creative force behind one of Venice’s most intimate and soulful jewelry ateliers. Nestled under the arcades of Piazza San Marco, Valeria's workshop is a sanctuary of emotion, craftsmanship, and timeless beauty. A master of the ancient lost-wax casting technique…

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Gas and Parking | Italian for Travelers | S2 Ep11 27:48

2M ago27:48

27:48

In today’s episode, we take to the open road and learn how to fill up our tanks and find parking along our Italian adventure. We also talk about where and where NOT to park in and around historic city centers. But to get the most out of Italian for Travelers, head to our website and subscribe to our premium online course. You’ll get: A phone-friend…

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S3 Ep.12 - When Art Pollinates a City. A chat with Judi Harvest 57:12

2M ago57:12

57:12

In this captivating episode of Venice Talks, Monica sits down with internationally renowned artist Judi Harvest to explore the luminous, layered world she has built between Murano’s glass furnaces and Venice’s buzzing garden beehives. Judi shares how a brief trip to Venice decades ago became a lifelong journey — one that has shaped her art, her act…

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Cars and Driving | Italian for Travelers | S2 Ep10 32:37

2M ago32:37

32:37

In today’s episode, we learn all about driving in Italy and follow Kristi as she rents a car and stops for directions. Elisa also helps us decode Italian road signs and driving rules in Italy. But to get the most out of Italian for Travelers, head to our website and subscribe to our premium online course. You’ll get: A phone-friendly & clickable PD…

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Transportation | Italian for Travelers | S2 Ep9 30:08

2M ago30:08

30:08

In today’s episode, we dive into public transportation in Italy and learn about train travel, buses and more. Elisa prepares us to buy tickets, read time schedules and handle the occasional worker’s strike, so that it won’t derail your trip, figuratively, of course. But to get the most out of Italian for Travelers, head to our website and subscribe…

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S3 Ep.11 - From the UK to the Canals of Venice building boats 49:00

2M ago49:00

49:00

In this evocative episode of Venice Talks, Monica speaks to Laura Pritchard, a British-born artisan who swapped the foggy landscapes of the UK for the light and tides of Venice. Today, Laura is one of the few women working as a maestra d’ascia, a traditional boatbuilder shaping the iconic vessels of the lagoon with age-old tools and timeless care. …

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Directions, Landmarks and Sights | Italian for Travelers | S2 Ep8 34:13

2M ago34:13

34:13

In today’s episode, Elisa offers some simple tips to avoid falling for common tourist traps. We also learn how to ask for -- and listen for -- directions in Italian, especially when all roads *don’t* lead to Rome! But to get the most out of Italian for Travelers, head to our website and subscribe to our premium online course. You’ll get: A phone-fr…

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S3 Ep.10 - The Last Dockyard Brotherhood: Stories from Venice’s Mutual Aid Society 52:03

2M ago52:03

52:03

In this episode of Venice Talks, we sit down with Cesare Peris, president of the historic Società di Mutuo Soccorso fra Carpentieri e Calafati, a unique Venetian institution rooted in solidarity, shipbuilding, and memory. 🔑 In this episode, we explore: The fascinating origins and mission of one of Venice’s oldest mutual aid societies Who the carpen…

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Calendar Dates, Seasons and Weather | Italian for Travelers | S2 Ep7 30:23

3M ago30:23

30:23

In today’s episode, you’ll learn how to fill up your calendar with dates… literally! First, we follow our character Kristi through an outdoor Italian market and learn all about the days of the week, months, years and seasons. Then, Elisa teaches us how to make small talk about the weather. But to get the most out of Italian for Travelers, head to o…

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How to Tell Time | Italian for Travelers | S2 Ep6 31:54

3M ago31:54

31:54

In today’s episode, we learn how to tell time in Italian. Elisa shares typical opening and closing times in Italy and why travelers should get familiar with the 24 hour clock before an Italian getaway. But to get the most out of Italian for Travelers, head to our website and subscribe to our premium online course. You’ll get: A phone-friendly & cli…

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S3 Ep.9 - NoCDA – The Venetian Movement Against the Access Fee | Interview with Alessandro Tonin 45:20

3M ago45:20

45:20

Join us on Venice Talks as we dive deep into the story behind NoCDA (No Contributo D’Accesso a Venezia), the grassroots movement formed by Venetians standing against the controversial tourist access fee. In this episode, Monica interviews Alessandro Tonin, the creator of the NoCDA website and the visionary mind rallying locals to protect Venice’s a…

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Numbers and Money | Italian for Travelers | S2 Ep5 35:55

3M ago35:55

35:55

This one’s all about counting and money! Today, we learn to count from one to ten… and then all the way up to one billion. Then Elisa teaches us Italian vocabulary about money so we can spend those billions on fabulous Italian shoes and accessories. But to get the most out of Italian for Travelers, head to our website and subscribe to our premium o…

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Getting Acquainted | Italian for Travelers | S2 Ep4 31:47

3M ago31:47

31:47

Today, we begin to connect with Italians, both formally and informally, from exchanging names and phone numbers to basic questions. Elisa also teaches us the difference between the two popular ways of saying “I’m sorry” in Italian, and when to use each one. But to get the most out of Italian for Travelers, head to our website and subscribe to our p…

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Greetings and Introductions | Italian for Travelers | S2 Ep3 31:44

4M ago31:44

31:44

In today’s episode, we learn how to make friends and meet new people in Italy. Elisa gives us examples of informal and formal greetings, as well as the etiquette of hugs and kisses Italian-style. You’ll learn how to say hello and goodbye, introduce yourself, ask how someone is, and show off what a wonderful, curious traveler you are! Although these…

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S3 Ep.8 - Unveiling the Secrets of Murano Glass with Historian Michele Zampedri 56:44

4M ago56:44

56:44

In this fascinating new episode of Venice Talks, we dive deep into the rich history and artistry of Murano glass with Michele Zampedri, a renowned historian and expert on the subject from Vivarini srl, a amous furnace in Murano. Michele shares insights into the centuries-old traditions, unique techniques, and the evolution of Murano glass, a symbol…

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Essential Words & Phrases | Italian for Travelers | S2 Ep2 39:21

4M ago39:21

39:21

Today, we tackle some do’s and don’t’s for learning and speaking Italian as a traveler. Elisa congratulates you on the extensive Italian vocabulary that you probably didn’t realize that you already know. (Bravo!) And finally, we share 25 expressions and words that EVERY traveler to Italy needs to know. But to get the most out of Italian for Travele…

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Pronunciation & Alphabet | Italian for Travelers | S2 Ep1 40:40

4M ago40:40

40:40

Our Italian adventure begins with the basics: the Italian alphabet and pronunciation. If you’re planning a trip to Italy or want to refresh the Italian you learned in college, today is step one! In today’s episode, we learn the alphabet and Elisa gives us a basic pronunciation guide for Italian so that you can begin to practice sounding out all the…

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S3 Ep.7 - Living Venetian History: A Costume Adventure in Venice with Venice Dress up Experience 26:57

4M ago26:57

26:57

In this exciting new episode of Venice Talks, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Leontine Hamer, the creative mind behind the Venice Dress Up Experience. This incredible experience allows you to step into the world of Venetian history by dressing up in stunning, meticulously crafted costumes that transport you to a different time. I had the ch…

1
Trailer | Season 2 | Italian for Travelers 1:33

4M ago1:33

1:33

Ready to live La Dolce Vita without getting lost in grammar rules? Your favorite Italy-loving friends Elisa and Erin are back with a fresh season of episodes about the language and culture of Italy, especially for travelers! Italian for Travelers (Season 2 of the Postcards from Italy Podcast) is your go-to Italian language guide, designed especiall…

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S3 Ep.6 - Making Italy Home – Insights for a Smooth Transition with Smart Move Italy 45:00

6M ago45:00

45:00

In this episode of Venice Talks, Monica sits down with Samantha Wilson, the founder of Smart Move Italy, to discuss the realities of moving and living in Italy. With years of experience helping expats transition smoothly, Samantha shares her expertise on navigating bureaucracy, finding a home, and embracing Italian culture. Whether you're dreaming …

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S3 Ep.5 - Mano a Mano: Reviving Venetian Craftsmanship with The Place of Wonders & Londra Palace Venezia 51:33

6M ago51:33

51:33

In this episode of Venice Talks, Monica explores Mano a Mano, an inspiring initiative that bridges tradition and innovation in Venetian craftsmanship. Joining us are Michela Canzi Babini, Director of The Place of Wonders Foundation, and Alain Bullo, Maitre de Maison & General Manager of Londra Palace Venezia, to discuss how this project supports ar…

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S3 Ep.4 - Unmasking Venice Carnival 2025: What’s Next with Fabrizio D'Oria, Chief Operating Officer at Vela S.p.A 35:55

6M ago35:55

35:55

In this special episode of Venice Talks, Monica sits down with Fabrizio d'Oria, Chief Operating Officer of Vela Spa, the organization behind the Venice Carnival. Discover what goes into planning one of the world’s most iconic festivals and what’s in store for the 2025 edition! 🔹 Who organizes the Venice Carnival, and how is it brought to life? 🔹 Th…

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S3 Ep.3 - Crafting with Purpose - A Conversation with Stefania Giannici of Paperoowl 47:56

6M ago47:56

47:56

In this episode of Venice Talks, Monica sits down with Stefania Giannici, founder of Paperoowl, to explore the world of eco-friendly paper products. We dive into how Stefania ensures her creations respect both the environment and Venice's rich printing legacy. From sustainability in paper production to the art of bespoke, customized designs, Stefan…

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S3 Ep.2 - Venice Carnival 2025, Entry Tax & Literary Gems with Romena Brugnerotto 43:02

7M ago43:02

43:02

In this exciting episode of Venice Talks, Monica sits down with Romena Brugnerotto, the brilliant mind behind RominVenice. Together, they explore some of the most talked-about topics in Venice today. Key Highlights: 🎭 Venice Carnival 2025: Discover what makes this year's Carnival unique, with insights into new events, traditions, and must-see spect…

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S3 Ep.1 Shaping Venice: In Conversation with Councillor Simone Venturini 40:39

7M ago40:39

40:39

Join Monica for an insightful episode of Venice Talks as she sits down with Simone Venturini, Councillor for Social Cohesion, Residence Policies, Economic Development, Work, and Tourism. In this engaging discussion, they explore the delicate balance of preserving Venice’s rich cultural heritage while addressing modern challenges. Key Topics Covered…

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S2 Ep.31 - The Magic of Venice: Fashion, Art, and Il Ballo del Doge. A chat with Antonia Sautter 47:57

8M ago47:57

47:57

On this enchanting episode of Venice Talks, Monica sits down with the incomparable Antonia Sautter, a Venetian icon and creative force. From her intricate fashion designs to her visionary events, Antonia has become a symbol of Venice’s artistic spirit. Join us as we uncover the magic behind her world-renowned creations and her role as the founder o…

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S2 Ep.30 - Xmas Special Edition - A Venetian Christmas Feast: Recipes, History & Festive Traditions 36:48

8M ago36:48

36:48

Get ready to celebrate the holidays Venetian-style in this festive episode of Venice Talks! Monica takes you on a delightful journey through the flavors, traditions, and stories of Christmas in Venice, presenting a complete menu that’s sure to inspire your holiday table. Here’s what you’ll discover in this episode: A Full Venetian Christmas Menu: M…

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S2 Ep.29 - Fair B&B: Redefining Travel. A chat with Emanuele Dal Carlo 48:54

9M ago48:54

48:54

In this episode of Venice Talks, Monica sits down with Emanuele Dal Carlo, co-founder of Fair B&B, to discuss sustainable travel and its impact on local communities. 🌟 Key Highlights: How Fair B&B was born and the inspiration behind the platform How it stands apart from Airbnb with a focus on sustainability and fairness The mission to promote respo…

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S2 Ep.28 - Challenges Facing Venice's Lagoon: Insights from a Leading Researcher 44:47

9M ago44:47

44:47

In this episode of Venice Talks, Monica interviews Luca Zaggia, a first researcher and professor from the Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche - Istituto di Geoscienze e Georisorse (IGG-CNR) in Italy. They explore the urgent environmental issues threatening the lagoon of Venice and discuss the critical steps needed to protect this fragile ecosystem. …

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S2 Ep.27 - Unveiling Venice's Past: Insights from Venetian Historian Pieralvise Zorzi 50:43

11M ago50:43

50:43

In this episode of Venice Talks, Monica sits down with Pieralvise Zorzi, a renowned Venetian journalist, writer, and historian, whose lineage is rooted in one of Venice’s oldest families. Together, they explore the rich history of Venice, its transformation over the centuries, and what it means to belong to a legacy that stretches back through time…

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S2 Ep.26 - Venice Through Cocktails: Exploring Mixology with Venice Cocktail Tours 41:01

11M ago41:01

41:01

In this episode of Venice Talks, Monica chats with Romena Brugnerotto and Susan Schwartz from Venice Cocktail Tours about their innovative new tours dedicated to Venice's rich cocktail and mixology scene. Together, they explore: Venetian Mixology: Discover the city's avant-garde cocktail scene with visits to trendy lounges and hotel bars, where mix…

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S2 Ep.25 - Venice Noir: A New Chapter in the City's Literary Legacy with David Hewson 43:35

12M ago43:35

43:35

In this episode of Venice Talks, Monica sits down with David Hewson, a renowned British author known for his gripping mystery novels, to discuss the upcoming literary event, Venice Noir. Set against the enchanting backdrop of Venice, this one-day festival will take place in October 2024, bringing together fans of noir fiction and literary enthusias…

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S2 Ep.24 - Rehub: Upcycling Murano's Glass Waste with Matteo Silverio 46:34

12M ago46:34

46:34

In this episode of Venice Talks, Monica sits down with Matteo Silverio from Rehub Glass to explore how they are revolutionizing the upcycling of Murano's non-recyclable glass waste. Rehub's innovative approach transforms discarded materials into stylish, sustainable, and custom-made solutions. Here’s what you’ll learn: Sustainability in Action: How…

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S2 Ep.23 - Exploring Venice Sustainably: A Journey Through the Lagoon with Deep Blue 37:25

12M ago37:25

37:25

In this episode of Venice Talks, Monica chats with Francesco Pannoli, the visionary behind Deep Blue, a company dedicated to organizing boat tours in the Venetian lagoon. Key highlights from the conversation include: - Sustainable Tourism: How to explore Venice in a way that respects its fragile environment and cultural heritage. - Beyond the City:…

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S2 Ep.22 - Relight Venice: Reviving the True Art of Souvenirs with Michela Bortolozzi 37:57

1y ago37:57

37:57

In this episode of Venice Talks, Monica interviews Michela Bortolozzi to explore the inspiring mission of Relight Venice. They discuss: The Lost Art of Souvenirs: How mass tourism has diluted the meaning of traditional souvenirs in Venice and other cultural cities. Reviving Tradition: Michela’s vision to restore the true value of souvenirs by creat…

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S2 Ep.21 - The Power of Dance in Venice 44:17

1y ago44:17

44:17

In this episode of Venice Talks, Monica sits down with the accomplished dancer and educator, Isabella Moro. As a founding member of the Danzastorie Association in Venice, Isabella brings a wealth of experience and passion for dance, theater, and education. Here are the key notes from their conversation: Show Kew Notes: - Isabella's journey from stu…

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S2 Ep.20 - Preserving Venice's Heart with Claudio Vernier, President of Associazione Piazza San Marco 42:32

1y ago42:32

42:32

In this captivating episode of Venice Talks, Monica sits down with Claudio Vernier, President of Associazione Piazza San Marco. In this episode, they delve into the significance of Piazza San Marco and its crucial role in Venice's identity. Key Notes - Join Monica in an insightful conversation with Claudio Vernier, president of Associazione Piazza …

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S2 Ep.19 - Sara Longo on Becoming a Singer, Women for Freedom in Jazz, and Musical Icons 41:49

1y ago41:49

41:49

In this captivating episode of Venice Talks, host Monica engages in an enlightening conversation with the singer Sara Longo, as she shares her inspiring journey into becoming a singer and her artistic evolution over the years, offering listeners an intimate look into her artistic process and the passion driving her latest project. Key Notes: - Expl…

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S2 Ep.18 - A Journey Through Art with the Director of Museo Ca' Pesaro 38:32

1y ago38:32

38:32

In this captivating episode of Venice Talks, host Monica engages in an enlightening conversation with Elisabetta Barisoni, the distinguished director of Museo Ca' Pesaro in Venice. Together, they uncover the rich tapestry of history that has shaped the museum, explore the breadth and depth of its remarkable collection, discuss its pivotal role in t…

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S2 Ep.17 - Celebrating Artistic Excellence with Scuola Internazionale di Grafica 40:14

1y ago40:14

40:14

In this captivating episode of Venice Talks, Monica sits down with Lorenzo di Castro, the esteemed director of the Scuola Internazionale di Grafica in Venice. Join us as we delve into the unique features and rich history of this prestigious institution, which has been a cornerstone of artistic expression and education since its founding in 1969. Ke…

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