Best Passion For Italy Travel Podcasts (2024)

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644a Underappreciated Paris Museums; Many Lives of the Louvre; Cote d'Azur 52:00

21h ago52:00

52:00

Get ideas for visiting some of Paris' unique, under-appreciated small museums, as well as tips for tackling its massive grande dame, the Louvre — and an author's insights into the former palace's remarkable history. And French tour guides tell us what they love best about the cities along the Mediterranean's sparkling Cote d'Azur. For more informat…

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293: Why Wine Growing a Nail-Biter Experience with Sophie Menin, Co-Author of a Year in the Vineyard 39:03

3d ago39:03

39:03

Why do many wineries plant roses at the end of each vine row? What does bee activity tell you about a vineyard? What does it mean for winemakers to have an "aesthetic vision"? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with author Sophie Menin. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks Gi…

1
760 Sweet Southern Treats; Ben Franklin and Me; Nearby Travels 52:00

8d ago52:00

52:00

Get a taste of the hearty, homespun cuisine of the American South from a writer who has documented our nation through the foods we celebrate. Then hear about a man's quest to trace the travels of Ben Franklin — and to uncover the founder's life lessons. And listen in as callers recount meaningful travel experiences close to home in North America. F…

1
292: Why Wildfire Smoke Taint in Wine Intensifies as it Ages with Dr. Wes Zandberg 45:38

10d ago45:38

45:38

Should we, as consumers, be concerned about buying wines from regions which have experienced wildfires? Why does smoke taint intensify as a wine ages? How can wineries mitigate the risk of producing smoke-tainted wine? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with researcher Wes Zandberg. You can find the wines we discussed…

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529b Newfoundland with Alan Doyle; Rick Mercer's Canada Day; Drink Dat New Orleans 52:00

15d ago52:00

52:00

A Newfoundland musician lets us in on the sights he recommends to best enjoy the rugged beauty of his Atlantic island home. Then an award-winning Canadian TV personality shares his own favorite places and things to enjoy across Canada. Plus, a culinary historian raises a glass to New Orleans and unveils how to appreciate the history of America's mo…

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The Great Beer Gardens of Bavaria, Germany 48:19

15d ago48:19

48:19

Scott chats with Franz Hofer, an expert on German beer culture, about the charm of the beer gardens in Germany's Bavaria region and why they are so much more than just a place to have a beer. Franz gives a quick history lesson of these heavenly al fresco drinking spots before serving up tips on some of the best beer gardens to see during your next …

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Raffaella Valentini, Consul General of Italy in LA to discuss the Vespucci Ship 21:20

17d ago21:20

21:20

Please join me in welcoming Raffaella Valentini, our esteemed Consul General of Italy in Los Angeles, who joins us to discuss a monumental event that soon grace our shores at the Port of Los Angeles - the arrival of what’s been called “the most beautiful ship in the world,” the Amerigo Vespucci. The Vespucci is the historic and iconic training ship…

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Anna Harsh, Director of Allegro Dance Company & Author 27:39

17d ago27:39

27:39

Please join me in welcoming Anna Harsh, author, professional dancer, award-winning choreographer, and founder of the Allegro Dance Company, a dance troupe that teaches and performs traditional dances of Italy, region by region. They perform throughout the country and internationally, and their work is absolutely spectacular! The mission of Allegro …

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291: How Wildfires Affect the Taste of Your Wine with Dr. Wes Zandberg 47:10

17d ago47:10

47:10

What are the main causes of wildfires in wine country? Which two weather-based factors are the strongest predictors of the severity of wildfires each season? What impact do wildfires have on the taste of your wine, and why is it difficult to predict whether smoke-exposed grapes will, in fact, produce tainted wine? In this episode of the Unreserved …

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759 Bowen Island, BC; Alaska Beyond the Cruise Ports; Iceland Summer 52:00

22d ago52:00

52:00

Hear about the slower pace of life on Bowen Island, just offshore from bustling Vancouver, British Columbia. Then get tips for exploring Alaska beyond its cruise ship ports. And vicariously experience a summer hike across Iceland's dramatic backcountry. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archiv…

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290: Ontario Wines, the Women Behind Them and at the Forefront with Jennifer Wilhelm 55:23

24d ago55:23

55:23

What is agri-tourism and why did people begin to embrace the farming experience? Why don't Ontarians drink as much of our own wine as other provinces or countries? How did one woman lead the charge for biodynamic and organic wines in Canada? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with author Jennifer Wilhelm. You can find…

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758 Reasons to Scuba Dive; Italy's Amalfi Coast; England's SW Coast Path 52:00

29d ago52:00

52:00

Hear from a scuba diving enthusiast how the scenery beneath the surface can be breathtaking in unexpected ways. Then get tips from a tour guide for enjoying Italy's gorgeous Amalfi Coast in spite of the crowds. And discover how you can enjoy a ramble on one of England's most popular hiking trails, the South West Coast Path. For more information on …

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Lena Prima, Jazz Singer, Recording Artist, & Daughter of Jazz Legend Louis Prima 39:45

1M ago39:45

39:45

Please welcome to our show one of the most dynamic jazz performers of our time, Lena Prima, daughter of jazz great Louis Prima, who has clearly carved out a name for herself in New Orleans and around the globe for her electrifying stage performances and albums. I grew up with Louis Prima’s music playing in our Italian household. My parents, aunts, …

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289: Celebrating Women in Wine with Jennifer Wilhelm & Andrea Brambila 1:04:49

1M ago1:04:49

1:04:49

Are you curious about the untold stories of the legendary women who helped create the Ontario wine industry and who also shaped its future? Wine might lead people to work in the wine industry, but what sustains a lifetime career beyond that? Why don’t we celebrate people while they’re alive, but instead wait to express those heartfelt thoughts in a…

1
757 Portugal's Algarve; Spain's Costa del Sol; Vanishing Traditions of Asia 52:00

1M ago52:00

52:00

The Iberian Peninsula takes center stage as tour guides tell us what they like best about the scenic Algarve region of Portugal, and recommend where to find the charming parts of Spain's crowded and touristy Costa del Sol. Plus, futurist Kevin Kelly tells us what traditional aspects of Asia have impressed him the most over fifty years of photo jour…

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288: Heroic Italian Wines & the Future of Italy's Wines with Marc Millon 47:19

1M ago47:19

47:19

What is a heroic wine? Which emerging trends will shape the taste of Italian wine in the next decade? How has Italian art and architecture directly influenced its wines? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with author Marc Millon. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks Giveaway …

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756 Resurrecting Roman Rubble; Plovdiv, Bulgaria; European Travel Serendipity 52:00

1M ago52:00

52:00

A self-described "Rome nerd" helps us picture what it was like to live in the Roman Empire and explains how much we can learn about the era from its now 2,000-year-old rubble. Then a tour guide from Bulgaria sings the praises of its cultural capital, Plovdiv — one of the oldest cities in Europe, possibly in the whole world. And listeners share sere…

1
Marianna Cuomo Maier Title Holistic Health & Wellness Coach, Founder of Grata Wellness 32:07

2M ago32:07

32:07

Please give a warm welcome to my guest, Marianna Cuomo Maier, certified health & wellness coach and founder of Grata Wellness, which helps people take charge of their health, find more joy in their lives, and often, she says, it starts with food. Marianna holds wellness workshops, meditation, and journaling groups at wellness events in support of f…

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Ilaria Borrelli, Filmmaker, Women’s Rights Activist, Mother. 39:50

2M ago39:50

39:50

Please welcome to our show the immensely talented Italian director and actress, Ilaria Borrelli, who is also a human rights activist. In fact, much of Ilaria’s activism is reflected in her work, often with an emphasis on the rights of woman and young girls. I met Ilaria at the Italian Cultural Institute in Los Angeles, when she was speaking about h…

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287: Italy in a Wine Glass: The Story of Italy Through Its Wines with Marc Millon 1:12:37

2M ago1:12:37

1:12:37

Which almost-forgotten grape Italian varieties deserve more recognition? What might surprise you about the stories and wines from Campania? What makes wine such a great narrative vehicle throughout history? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with author Marc Millon. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.n…

1
755 Soldier Poets of WWI; Village Turkey 52:00

2M ago52:00

52:00

Historian, novelist, and legendary editor Michael Korda invites us to look back on World War I through the eyes of its soldier poets, whose works — often composed in the trenches — offer an unusually personal and uncensored perspective on the horrors of "the war to end all wars." And a Turkish tour guide takes listener calls while offering advice f…

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286: Mixing Business and Pleasure; Authenticity and Forgery in Art and Wine with Bianca Bosker 40:29

2M ago40:29

40:29

How are innovators making art and wine more engaging and accessible? What is it about the art and wine worlds that makes business and pleasure often one and the same? Is authenticity in art important? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with author Bianca Bosker. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.natal…

1
754 Central Europe; Norway’s Prosperity; Somali Pirates 52:00

2M ago52:00

52:00

Rick and his senior writer discuss why so much of what Americans have long called "Eastern Europe" is better termed "Central Europe," especially with the Cold War now several decades behind us. Then a tour guide from Oslo explains how Norway cleverly uses its oil-industry revenues to maintain a flourishing society. And German-American journalist Mi…

1
JoJami Tyler, Owner of Fancy PantsGardens. Kitchen Garden Coach. 36:38

2M ago36:38

36:38

Love to garden and eat fresh veggies and fruits but have no idea how to start, what to plant or when to plant? Have you tried gardening but didn’t quite have the touch? Well, this is a must-listen to show, because our guest can turn anyone into an expert gardener who can enjoy fresh, home-grown food all year long! Meet JoJami Tyler, a kitchen garde…

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285: The Obsessive Passions and Parallels Between Art & Wine with Bianca Bosker, Author of Get the Picture and Cork Dork 42:20

2M ago42:20

42:20

Why are people with obsessive natures often drawn to both wine and art? How does strategic snobbery create deliberate barriers to entry into the art and wine worlds? What does it mean to stay in the work or to stay with the wine? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with author Bianca Bosker. You can find the wines we d…

1
367a Driving in Europe; Getting Around Ireland; Exploring Provence 52:00

2M ago52:00

52:00

A pair of tour-bus drivers offer their expert tips on what to expect when navigating the highways of Europe. Then we discuss ideas for exploring two of Europe's most scenic regions: the lush Irish countryside and the floral landscapes and villages of southern France — and pop into a Dublin pub for a wee sing-along. For more information on Travel wi…

1
Andrew Cotto, Award-Winning Novelist & Co-Founder, Appetito Magazine 49:05

2M ago49:05

49:05

Please join us in welcoming Andrew Cotto, co-founder and editor-in-chief of Appetito Magazine. Andrew is also an award-winning novelist of seven books, a regular contributor to the New York Times, and he loves all things Italy, particularly food and wine. His passion is to write and talk about it, and share his experiences so we can fall in love wi…

1
Zibby Owens, Author, “Blank,” & Owner, Zibby’s Bookshop 47:40

2M ago47:40

47:40

Please welcome to our show a woman who appears to have more hours in her day than the rest of us, Zibby Owens. Zibby is an award-winning author who will join us to talk about her latest book, “Blank.” She also hosts an award-winning DAILY podcast, Moms Don’t Have Time To Read Books. In addition, she owns and operates Zibby’s Bookshop in Santa Monic…

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284: Spanish Wine Pairings + Cookbook Creation Secrets with Barbara Scott-Goodman 32:34

2M ago32:34

32:34

Why do Spanish wines pair well with earthy, savoury dishes? How does food photography affect the cost of a cookbook? How can you set yourself up for success as an aspiring food or drink writer? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with author Barbara Scott-Goodman. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nata…

1
753 German Views; Mudlarking the Thames 52:00

2M ago52:00

52:00

A German journalist shares some timely thoughts on what his fellow citizens find appealing about America, as well as his insights into the intriguing differences between our two societies. Then a London "mudlarker" who searches the River Thames at low tide for buried objects describes how discarded items can connect us with life in the Victorian er…

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283: Challenging Wine Matches with Barbara Scott-Goodman, Author of Wine Time: 70+ Recipes for Simple Bites That Pair Perfectly with Wine 28:59

2M ago28:59

28:59

Can you pair pickled foods with wine, or will their vinegarized flavours ruin the wine? Which wines pair best with soft-shell crab? What goes into great food photography, whether in a magazine or cookbook? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with author Barbara Scott-Goodman. You can find the wines we discussed at http…

1
752 Amsterdam Canals; The Last Island; Coimbra 52:00

3M ago52:00

52:00

A Dutch guide invites us to imagine a day on the water exploring Amsterdam's iconic canals. Then a historian shares what little we know of the elusive Sentinelese — likely the most isolated, least contacted people on earth — and what he learned by traveling to nearby islands in the Bay of Bengal. And a tour guide from Portugal tells us why the vene…

1
282: Wine Sulphites, Mindful Drinking and Marketing Alcohol on The Erica Diamond Podcast 38:13

3M ago38:13

38:13

Should you avoid wine with sulphites? What are some of the important differences in the way wine is marketed to men versus women? How can you practice mindful drinking without giving up the wine you love? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm being interviewed by Erica Diamond on The Erica Diamond Podcast. You can find the wines …

1
All Things Amsterdam With an Authentic Canal Boat Captain 40:50

3M ago40:50

40:50

Scott is joined by Neil Robinson, comedian and co-founder of canal boat tour company Those Dam Boat Guys to talk about why Amsterdam is such an awesome city. Neil gives his local advice for visiting, including tips on waterside bars, under-the-radar attractions and food to try in the city. Show notes & links to places discussed can be found here: h…

1
751 Eyewitness to Climate Change; Endangered Eating; Shakespeare in Stratford and South Sudan 52:00

3M ago52:00

52:00

Celebrate Earth Day by considering the ways you can address climate change at home, with practical advice from a scientist who's seen its effects around the world. Then hear from a culinary historian about the crops, farm animals, and agricultural traditions that we risk losing in America. And mark Shakespeare's birthday by learning how his works h…

1
Stan Zimmerman, Author. "The Girls: From Golden to Gilmore chronicles" 51:48

3M ago51:48

51:48

Please welcome to our show, Stan Zimmerman, author, “The Girls: From Golden to Gilmore. Stories about all the wonderful women I’ve worked with...and Roseanne.” Let’s just say Stan has worked with them all, and is a prime example of someone living his dream by living his truth. Stan Zimmerman grew up a self-proclaimed gawky Jewish kid from the subur…

1
David Richman, Author, “Cycle of Lives" - a Journey Through the Emotional Chaos of Cancer" 47:58

3M ago47:58

47:58

David Richman was once an overweight, sedentary smoker who was jolted into making big changes in his life. Now an entrepreneur, athlete, public speaker, and author, David joins us to discuss his latest book, “Cycle of Lives,” which chronicles the stories of 15 people, five-thousand miles, and the journey through the emotional upheaval of cancer tha…

1
281: Splendid Vin Jaune, Jura Wine 's Wild Variety and Mysterious Grapes of the French Alps with Wink Lorch 43:21

3M ago43:21

43:21

What makes Vin Jaune from France's Jura region so special? What can you discover about the diversity of wine coming out of Jura and the French Alps? What are some insider tips for planning a journey to the French Alps? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with author Wink Lorch. You can find the wines we discussed at ht…

1
591a Polynesian Explorers; Northern Greece; Greek to Me 52:00

3M ago52:00

52:00

We admire the seafaring prowess of the Polynesians and hear how a cultural faux pas led to Captain James Cook's fateful encounter with 18th-century Hawaiians. Then tour guides from Athens and Thessaloniki recommend attractions to visit in northern Greece, and The New Yorker’s "Comma Queen," Mary Norris, explains what an appreciation for Greek langu…

1
Dr. Connie McReynolds, Author, "Solving the ADHD Riddle: 42:05

3M ago42:05

42:05

Often, some doctors and teachers were advocates of using medicine to quiet the child diagnosed with ADHD, but we now know that may not be the best option. Remember all the talk about how Ritalin could quiet a busy mind? Well, medicine is not longer the first choice to help people with ADHD succeed and lead happy, productive lives, and today we’re t…

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280: Wines of Jura and the French Alps with Wink Lorch: From Ski Resorts to Worldwide Sensation 49:36

3M ago49:36

49:36

What is it about wines from the French Alps and Jura that makes them so different from any other wine region in the world? How has climate change impacted wines in the region? How did their perception as “ski resort wines” negatively impact Jura and Savoie wineries? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with author Wink …

1
Exploring Portugal By Rail & Local Lisbon Travel Tips 28:49

3M ago28:49

28:49

Scott is joined by travel writer Joana Taborda to talk about the fun of exploring her home country of Portugal by rail and to discuss some of her favorite Portuguese travel destinations. Then, Joana shares some tips for making the most of your time in Lisbon, including advice on craft breweries, scenic overlooks and the best month to visit. Show no…

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750 Mini Italian Lesson; Geography of Genius; Timbuktu Haircut 52:00

3M ago52:00

52:00

We learn some surprisingly useful Italian phrases from one of Italy's most popular newspaper columnists, then consider why certain places have fostered more than their share of world-changing innovations, and hear about Timbuktu's history as an important center for scholarship. Plus, we find out about the thrill of dropping in on a choir practice i…

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279: Dazzling Beaujolais Food Pairings and Wild Indigenous Yeast Flavours with Natasha Hughes 38:22

3M ago38:22

38:22

Why are Beaujolais wines so versatile when it comes to food pairing? How are younger producers bringing renewed optimism to Beaujolais? What is indigenous fermentation, and how does it contribute to the complexity of Beaujolais wines? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Master of Wine and author, Natasha Hughes. Y…

1
749 Totally Eclipsed; Mekong Paddle Pilgrim; Strange Food 52:00

4M ago52:00

52:00

A nature filmmaker and self-proclaimed "umbraphile" shares tips for viewing the next total solar eclipse, when the moon will cast its otherworldly shadow on a narrow band across North America on April 8 — and explains why he thinks it’s worth a trek to the totality zone. Then the "Paddle Pilgrim" returns to tell us about the unexpected challenges a…

1
Amy Riolo and Dr. Simon Poole 52:50

4M ago52:50

52:50

Have you thought of taking weight loss drugs? Seems as though everywhere you turn, people are jumping on the craze, but perhaps there’s another way to control our weight and health, and today we speak with our dear friend, chef and acclaimed author, Amy Riolo, along with her colleague, Dr. Simon Poole, MD, who collaborated on the “Diabetes for Dumm…

1
A Toast to Hungarian Wine and Budapest 30:53

4M ago30:53

30:53

Scott is joined by Gábor Bánfalvi from Taste Hungary for a fun dive into the Hungarian wine scene. After a whirlwind tour of some of Hungary's best wine regions and grapes, Gábor gives some personal tips for experiencing the capital Budapest. Show notes & links to places discussed can be found here: http://www.railsalesoldtowns.com/ep11. Follow @ra…

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278: The Surprising Complexity of Beaujolais with Natasha Hughes, Contributor to On Burgundy: From Maddening to Marvellous in 59 Tales 46:28

4M ago46:28

46:28

What’s behind the surprising complexity and variety of Beaujolais wines? How has Beaujolais Nouveau distorted the public perception of Beaujolais? What makes Beaujolais such a good value wine? In this Unreserved Wine Talk podcast episode, I'm chatting with Master of Wine and author, Natasha Hughes. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www…

1
748 Quirky Oslo; Last Empty Places; Herbal 52:00

4M ago52:00

52:00

An American expat in Oslo shares some of the quirks and customs of life in his adopted home. Then, a wilderness and history author recounts what he found exploring four blank spots on the US map. And an ethnobotanist describes the healing properties of different kinds of herbs around the world — some of which might be growing in your own backyard. …

1
Bryan & Stephanie Mazzarello, Filmmaker, “Make Me Italian” 32:46

4M ago32:46

32:46

Please welcome to our show, Bryan and Stephanie Mazzarello, creators of their brilliant short film, “Make Me Italian,” which follows the story of an Italian-American man attempting to prove his Italian citizenship through ancestry so he can attain an Italian passport. The story is loosely based on Bryan’s experience of getting his Italian passport,…

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Passion For Italy Travel Podcasts

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