Best Passion For Italy Travel Podcasts (2024)

1
658a Humble American Bragging; Why I Love Madrid; Deep Time Journey 52:00

4m ago52:00

52:00

British travel writer Richard Grant discusses the sporting sense of humor he's observed (and appreciated) behind the distinctly American talent for over-the-top bragging. Then tour guides from Madrid let us in on their favorite places to take visitors in the Spanish capital. And we ponder our place in the planet's history with author Robert Macfarl…

1
The Eurail Pass: Rockstar of European Rail Travel 37:56

2d ago37:56

37:56

Rail is by far the best way to see Europe, and the best way to experience Europe by rail is with a Eurail pass (Interrail pass). In this episode, Scott is joined by Hugo Van Vondelen from Eurail to discuss what makes the legendary rail pass unique while sharing plenty of tips and tales of riding the rails. Show notes & links to places discussed can…

1
761 Nicholas Kristof Chasing Hope; Fabulous Food in Paris 52:00

6d ago52:00

52:00

Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Nicholas Kristof has witnessed his share of danger and strife as a foreign correspondent. Listen in as he reflects on his career and helps us look for hope beyond the headlines that bombard us daily. Plus, get a taste of the culinary delights of Paris with a foodie so enamored of France that he moved there from Aus…

1
644a Underappreciated Paris Museums; Many Lives of the Louvre; Cote d'Azur 52:00

7d 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…

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

18d 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…

1
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 …

1
Raffaella Valentini, Consul General of Italy in LA to discuss the Vespucci Ship 21:20

20d 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…

1
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 …

1
759 Bowen Island, BC; Alaska Beyond the Cruise Ports; Iceland Summer 52:00

1M 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…

1
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 …

1
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, …

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

2M 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…

1
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…

1
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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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
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
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…

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…

1
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…

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…

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,…

1
Andria Litto, Filmmaker, “My Father Moves Mountains” 37:27

4M ago37:27

37:27

Please welcome to our show the mega-talented writer, producer, and director Andria Litto, who joins us to discuss her magnificent documentary, “My Father Moves Mountains,” about her dad, George Litto, who represented many of Hollywood’s top writers who were black-listed during the McCarthy era and beyond. This is a fascinating film, with detailed i…

1
597a Dublin Walk; The Immortal Irishman; Aran Islands 52:00

4M ago52:00

52:00

In this all-Irish hour, tour guides describe some of the intriguing sights you'd encounter on a walking tour of Dublin and explain why the rugged Aran Islands, off Ireland's west coast, are such an exciting place to explore Irish traditions. And author Timothy Egan delves into the legacy of 19th-century America's most famous Irish immigrant. For mo…

1
Mark Ireland, Author, "The Persistence of the Soul: Mediums, Spirit Visitations 38:19

4M ago38:19

38:19

Is there life after our time on Earth? It’s a question most of us have pondered, and today, I’d like to invite you to explore this topic with our guest, Mark Ireland, author, “The Persistence of the Soul: Mediums, Spirit Visitations, and Afterlife Communication.” In this book, Mark takes a deep dive into exploring, through personal accounts and sci…

1
Neil Gong, Author, “Sons, Daughters & Sidewalk Psychotics: Mental Illness and Homelessness in Los Angeles” 42:46

4M ago42:46

42:46

It’s rare to go anywhere in Los Angeles and not see the serious implications of drug use, mental illness, and homelessness lining our streets and neighborhoods, and today we speak with Neil Gong, a sociologist and associate professor at UC San Diego, who has studied this phenomenon for years and explains why mental health treatment in LA often fail…

1
Whatever You Do, Don't Skip Belgium & Belgian Beer 42:16

4M ago42:16

42:16

Scott is joined by Stu Stuart (founder of Belgian Beer Me! Tours) to talk about why underrated Belgium is such a sensational European destination. Stu shares personal Belgium travel tips, including advice on beer cafes in Bruges & frites in Ghent, and stories from his years of leading beer pilgrims on tours across Belgium. Show notes & links to pla…

1
747 Ireland in 100 Objects; Midlife Michelangelo; Language City New York 52:00

5M ago52:00

52:00

A columnist for the Irish Times describes some of the historical objects so cherished by his compatriots that they're considered key to Ireland's national identity, and tells us where you can see them on display. Then we take a closer look at the life of Michelangelo and the midlife mess that threatened to derail him from creating many of the world…

1
Roslyn Kind, Actress, Singer, Songwriter, “The Look Of Love/The Island” latest album 59:55

5M ago59:55

59:55

Honored to present my magnificent, talented, and beautiful guest today, Roslyn Kind, talking about her latest album, “The Look of Love/The Island.” This is an outstanding array of songs originally recorded by some of music’s greatest talents, presented by Roslyn, who says her mission is to uplift people with her music, and she does just that. In fa…

1
746 Goodbye Eastern Europe; The Long Field in Wales 52:00

5M ago52:00

52:00

A historian describes how eastern European countries have modernized since the Cold War and examines the kinds of challenges they face today. And an American-born artist and creative writing teacher shares the joy she feels in being "Welsh by choice." For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives…

1
Sigmar Berg, Founder Entrepreneur & Author, One Journey, The Lovetuner® Book 34:28

5M ago34:28

34:28

Entrepreneur Sigmar Berg was living the life, with a successful career and social life, only to wake up one day and decide he needed to change the direction he was headed and lead from the heart. So he made some big changes, and wrote about it in his book, “One Journey, The Lovetuner Book.” Sigmar starts by saying, “When I started this book, I was …

1
Esther Zeledon, Author, "Creating Your Limitless Life" 36:29

5M ago36:29

36:29

When Dr. Esther Zeledon came to the United States with her parents from Nicaragua when she was a little girl, she aspired for the “American Dream,” or so she was told. But she nearly died as a child, bills mounted up for her family, and she quickly realized it wasn’t so easy on this side of the border to make ends meet. Years later, she was educate…

1
Rome, Italy: Food & Travel Tips From a Local Expert 37:22

5M ago37:22

37:22

Scott is joined by Kenny Dunn, founder of Eating Europe food tours, for a food-focused chat about Rome featuring plenty of personal recommendations and advice on pizza, coffee and late-night bites. Kenny also suggests some of his favorite lesser-known things to see and do in the city. Show notes & links to places discussed can be found here: http:/…

1
641a Finding Europe in America; Cruise Ship Nightmare; Iceland Backcountry 52:00

5M ago52:00

52:00

Get ideas and tips from TV host Samantha Brown for finding little corners of Europe in the New World, then hear an author's dramatic firsthand account of a near catastrophe on a cruise ship caught powerless in a freak winter storm off the coast of Norway. And a tour guide takes us to the wild, windy, and wonder-inspiring backcountry of Iceland. For…

1
Ann Potenza, Producer/Creator “The War of Roses” play, & Event Producer 38:38

5M ago38:38

38:38

Please welcome to our show my dear friend, Ann Potenza, who is bringing an exceptional play to life in Los Angeles for the upcoming Women’s History Month, called “The War of Roses - The Women. The Voices. The Vote.” This is an important play that talks about the women suffragettes, and the play follows some of the most memorable names who were at t…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Passion For Italy Travel Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

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