Best Bella Ciao Podcasts (2025)

1
S6 E2: A Transitional Phase w/Jessica Hodge 52:30

3h ago52:30

52:30

My first guest of the season is my friend Jessica Hodge, an Australian sommelier living in Paris. This episode turned out to be quite an interesting one because I initially expected Jess to share similar feelings and ideas about creating and embracing a life of living alone, even if it’s temporary. Well, listener, I was wrong. That said, I thorough…

1
Santa Lucia 3:13

25d ago3:13

3:13

Send us a text Dante and Laura Valtorta present the Neapolitan song, "Santa Lucia." Dante's MusicBy Dante P. Valtorta/ Laura P. Valtorta

1
S6 Ep 1: Me, Myself and Brie 35:20

14d ago35:20

35:20

And I'm back! To be honest, I thought the last episode published in June 2023 would be my last, but clearly I was wrong. When I started this podcast in 2018, I was in my early 30s grappling questions: "How can I survive this colossal life shift?", "What does survival even look like?" "Can I stay in Paris?" "Will I stay in Paris?" For all intents an…

1
There Is a Holy Land Called Palestine (For the Children of Gaza) 1:10

24d ago1:10

1:10

Dedicated to the children of Gaza, who have seen their friends killed in the streets, who fear death every minute, who no longer have families to go home to, who have seen the land they hold dear systematically turned into hell. To the hope that one day they might be able to grow up and have children of their own who will not know the sound of bomb…

1
From Paris with Love (and Wine and Food): Best of Dinner for One 1:15:14

2M ago1:15:14

1:15:14

It's been a long time since the last episode, but I’m back! From my Parisian kitchen to your ears, join me on a trip down memory lane with some of the best moments from the Dinner for One podcast.By Sutanya Dacres

1
Film Music -- un Soldato in Castigo 6:54

3M ago6:54

6:54

Send us a text I asked Dante to compose some film music, and he did. Here are two songs. Will I use them in my films? Maybe. Dante's MusicBy Dante P. Valtorta/ Laura P. Valtorta

1
Mind Your Business Sammies 30:25

3M ago30:25

30:25

In this episode of Mind Your Business, Leon interviews Sam and Tarah, the husband-and-wife duo behind Sammy's Burgers in Prescott. They share their story of transitioning from military life to running a family-owned burger joint, emphasizing the importance of balancing work with family time. The couple discusses their unique business model, communi…

1
Mario with Allied Electric 42:02

4M ago42:02

42:02

In this episode of Mind Your Business, host Leon interviews Mario from Allied Electric, based in Prescott, Arizona. Mario shares insights into the challenges of running a small business, the importance of providing excellent customer service, and how Allied Electric is growing rapidly by focusing on community needs. He also highlights the significa…

1
Juve Rodriguez Owner of Ciao Bella 18:29

5M ago18:29

18:29

In this episode of Mind Your Business Quad Cities, host Leon interviews Juve Rodriguez, owner of Ciao Bella restaurant in Prescott Valley. Juve shares his journey in the restaurant industry, discussing the challenges of rising food costs, labor wages, and maintaining quality in an ever-changing market. He also talks about the importance of portion …

1
Film Music - "Modern Breakfast," by Dante Valtorta 4:30

6M ago4:30

4:30

Send us a text After years of asking Dante to compose some original music for my films, he finally composed "Modern Breakfast" for me to use in my upcoming pilot -- Zoom Hit. Thanks, Dante! Dante's MusicBy Dante P. Valtorta/ Laura P. Valtorta

1
Inside Federica Formilli Fendi's Vintage Design Oasis 28:01

6M ago28:01

28:01

In the heart of Rome's Trastevere neighborhood is an enclave of amazign interior design. Triple F is Federica Formilli Fendi's passion project and should be national treasure. For years, Fendi has sought out vintage design pieces, and now she shares them with the public. Join Erica as she talks with Federica about her lifelong passion for vintage f…

1
American Crown Commercial Cleaning 31:48

7M ago31:48

31:48

In this episode, Donna Chamblee, owner of American Crown Commercial Cleaning, discusses the vital role of hood cleaning in preventing restaurant grease fires, compliance with NFPA code 96, and the challenges of hiring and retaining employees. She also covers recent regulatory changes in Arizona and the importance of educating restaurant owners on f…

1
Bringing contemporary art to Palermo with Francesco Pantaleone 30:32

7M ago30:32

30:32

“If you build it, they will come”; even if you have to fly them in yourself. This was Francesco Pantaleone’s mentality as he returned to his native Palermo after years in New York City to launch the city’s first contemporary art gallery. In this episode, Erica and Francesco talk about building an out-this-world constellation of contemporary art and…

1
Walks with Stephen Oddo 37:14

7M ago37:14

37:14

All roads lead to Rome, or start from here in the case of Walks, Italy's leader in small group tours. In this episode of Ciao Bella, Erica sits down with Stephen Oddo, co-founder and CEO of Walks, a tourism empire that marries modern “digitourism” with classic small group tours. Steven talks about entrepreneurship, the Walks philosophy, and how his…

1
Family Business Banfi Style 37:33

8M ago37:33

37:33

From Italy to America and back again, for Cristina Mariani May, co-CEO of Banfi, the wine business is 100% Italian and American. With a 100 year-old grasp on importing Italian goods to America, Banfi has also been producing one of the top Brunellos for nearlly five decades. In this episode, Erica heads to Castello Banfi near Montalcino to talk fami…

1
AES Electric 25:23

8M ago25:23

25:23

Welcome to Mind Ya Business, Quad Cities! Leon Moise sits down with Jeff from AES Electric and they discuss staffing, taxes and marketing what works and what doesn't!By Cast11

1
Talk Como to Me at Bellagio's Villa Serbelloni 41:01

8M ago41:01

41:01

Growing up in a historic five-star hotel on the shores of Lake Como, Jan Bucher is no stranger to the complexities and curiosities of luxury hospitality. As general manager of Bellagio’s Villa Serbelloni, Jan has accepted the four-generations-old torch that is running one of Como’s, and accordingly, the world’s, grandest hotels. Join Erica and Jan …

1
Italian popular song - "In Cerca di Te" - 3 ways 7:09

8M ago7:09

7:09

Send us a text We explore the 1944 song, "In Cerca di Te," by Gian Carlo Testoni and Eros Sciorilli. This song was mentioned in the 1960 masterpiece novel by Carlo Cassola - La Ragazza di Bube' - that explores the violent world in Italy right after World War II, before handguns were banned, and before social reforms were put in place to rescue the …

1
Up in Smoke BBQ 26:59

8M ago26:59

26:59

Welcome to Mind Ya Business, Quad Cities! Leon Moise sits down with Jason and Andie, owners of Up in Smoke BBQ. They are new to the Quad Cities, but not to barbecue.By Cast11

1
The Lady in the Palazzo at Venice's Violino d'Oro 33:36

9M ago33:36

33:36

Sara Maestrelli shares the journey from creation to design of Violino d'Oro, her family's new hotel in Venice. Hosts Erica Firpo talks with Sara Maestrelli about the intricate process of transforming historical buildings into modern hospitality spaces while preserving their heritage.Tune in to discover the secrets behind the lady in the palazzo and…

1
So You Want To Be A Digital Nomad in Italy? 19:06

9M ago19:06

19:06

News Flash: Italy has finally greenlit the Digital Nomad Visa! Your dreams of living in Italy are about to become reality. In this short episode, Thea Duncan, Italy relocation expert, joins Erica to break down what the new digital nomad visa is and what it means to you. For show notes and more visit Ciao Bella INSTAGRAM: @ericafirpo TWITTER @moscer…

1
Bella, Ciao - Italian Folk Song 3:32

9M ago3:32

3:32

Send us a text Dante plays "Bella, Ciao" on the trombone, and Laura and Dante attempt to sing it on April 25th to commemorate the Day of Liberation in Italy. Listen and enjoy! Dante's MusicBy Dante Bruno Valtorta/ Laura Puccia Valtorta

1
The Sicilian Inheritance and Jo PIazza 31:01

9M ago31:01

31:01

Murder, mayhem and Sicily, that's author Jo Piazza's stranger than fiction reality which inspired her to write her latest book "The Sicilian Inheritance". In this episode, Jo joins Erica to talk hill towns a 100-year-old family tale, and the best things in being Italian American. JoPiazza.com #TheSiclianInheritance For show notes and more visit Cia…

1
Tommaso Cecca and the Culture of Campari 52:47

10M ago52:47

52:47

In an industry where the brightest stars fall the fastest, Campari has been a constant. A landmark of culture and pioneer of innovation, the brand’s trademark location in Milan’s Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II embodies its legacy of quality, family, and, above all, italianità. Erica sits down with Tommaso Cecca, head mixologist of Camparino in Galle…

1
Panettone All Year With Chef Roy 33:53

10M ago33:53

33:53

Panettone passion, it's a thing. And chef Roy Shvartzapel elevates this passion into a mission to liberate panettone from its Christmas confinement. From his Southern California panettone production ThisisfromRoy, chef Roy is transforming panettone into a perennial pleasure. Grab a slice as Erica joins Roy to hear his panettone story and how he is …

1
Building Art Futures at Florence's Palazzo Strozzi 23:14

10M ago23:14

23:14

Palazzo Strozzi is an amazing Renaissance monument, and since the 2006 opening as Fondazione Palazzo Strozzi, it's an destination for blockbuster exhibits with a lean towards contemporary art. In this episode, Erica talks with General Director Arturo Galansino about Palazzo Strozzi, the importance of today's art in Florence, and the mesmerising Fal…

1
Davines' Davide Bollati Talks Sustainability and Beauty 31:07

10M ago31:07

31:07

Davide Bollati, the visionary behind Davines, shares the inspiring journey of transforming haircare to a sustainabiliity pioneer. With a passion for both beauty and environmental consciousness, Davide has redefined industry standards, pioneering eco-friendly practices and natural ingredients. Through his leadership, Davines has become synonymous wi…

1
Alpine Aperitivi with Meredith Erickson of DolaDira 29:14

11M ago29:14

29:14

On the heels of her celebrated cookbook, Alpine Cooking, author Meredith Erickson spent six years researching and conjuring a Dolomites-inspired aperitivo. The result is DolaDira, rhubarb and all natural Alpine ingredients inlcuding gentian and elderflower, plus a gorgeous visual campaign that captivated Erica from its corrugated bottle and vintage…

1
Music appreciation 5:55

11M ago5:55

5:55

Send us a text Dante sings the bass part of a church song. He and Laura discuss their musical tastes. Dante's MusicBy Dante P. Valtorta

1
Pioneering Sicily's Wine With Planeta 37:46

11M ago37:46

37:46

For five centuries, the Planeta family has been growing Sicily, Italy's largest island and a land of incredible wine, creativity and legend. Today, the 17-generation dynasty of Planeta is cultural hub of wine, food, contemporary art and hospitality. Travel to Menfi with Erica and meet Francesca Planeta for a conversation on family, winemaking and 3…

1
Slow Food, Fast Cars with Lara Gilmore 33:47

12M ago33:47

33:47

Slow Food, Fast Cars, and an incredible, nourishing culture. Erica welcomes back the fabulous Lara Gilmore to talk Modena. From the day Lara arrived in the Emilia Romagna city , it has been the source of inspiration for her. Lara and Erica catch up on her latest book Slow Food, Fast Cars, stories and recipes from Casa Maria Luigia (the luxury bed-a…

1
Dante's Music - Polyphony 4:39

12M ago4:39

4:39

Send us a text Dante and Laura experiment with the polyphony style of singing, inspired by the group Voce di Corsica. Dante's MusicBy Dante P. Valtorta/ Laura P. Valtorta

1
Deconstructing the Myths of Italy With Jenna Spray 40:58

1y ago40:58

40:58

From the outside looking in, there is a lot to be said about Italy, all of which changes when you've had the time to truly immerse yourself in the contemporary Bel Paese. In this episdoe, Ciao Bella production manager Jenna Spray turns the tables and grabs the mic for an interview with Erica and more about deconstructing the myths of Italy. For sho…

1
The Panettone Episode 30:43

1y ago30:43

30:43

If you tell you me you don’t like panettone (aka the Italian Christmas cake), then I’ll tell you that you’ve never had a true, artisanal panettone. This episode is a crazy converstaion about what makes panettone the best, how to eat and why it is iconic. Join Erica with Italy's very best panettone bakers Giovanni Giberti of Pavè Milano, Nicola Oliv…

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