10 podcasts every Italophile needs in their life.
Podcasts have been popular for quite some time, but it's not until I moved away from home that I really really fell in love with them. I went through periods of feeling very disconnected with American life while we were living in Italy- and I loved listening to podcasts at my house, out on walks or in the car, it was just a little taste of home which was comforting.
My particular favorites on my rotating podcast list are mostly hinged around food, travel & many great NPR podcasts. ( spilled milk or tiny desk concerts anyone?)
Not completely surprising, now that I'm back from living in Italy- I also have a particular fondness for podcasts about Italy. My list of favorites changes frequently, but the following favorite podcasts are where I return to again and again for inspiration, knowledge, connection and memories when Italy feels too far away.
They are so great for travel planning, and make for lovely company in the kitchen, or when in you're running errands or road tripping in the car.
"A Rome-based podcast exploring the wonder and frustration of living as an expat."
I'm starting with this podcast because it is the one nearest and dearest to my heart. It grabbed me from the first moments of listening to it. Listen to episode 1 and come along for the ride.
There are so many things I love about Katy Sewall & Tiffany Parks stories that they share. I love the honesty of their topics- sharing the highs and lows of expat life.
I particularly feel connected to them because as Katy was preparing for her repatriation to America, I was starting my own process to leave Milan and was in complete denial. A totally acceptable state of mind, by the way.
Favorite episode: So many! 2 favorites, Morning (episode 44) Repat (Episode 64)
Website: thebittersweetlife.net
About: "In each episode, we talk about traditional food and the memories it stirs up, we meet friends and producers and we build up an appetite for Italian food." Juls' Kitchen
Favorite episode: In conversation with: Tessa Kiros
Website: julskitchen.com
About: "Gola is a podcast from food journalist Katie Parla and culinary historian Dr. Danielle Callegari about Italian food and how it connects to history, culture and society." Gola Podcast
Favorite episode: From Virgin Pressings to Contraception
Website: anchor.fm/gola
About: Ciao Bella is a new podcast as of April 2019, from well known travel writer Erica Firpo. I'm excited about this new addition to the podcast scene, Erica & family are based in Rome and travel widely. I always learn something from following her on instagram, so I know this new podcast will be a fast favorite.
"Welcome to Ciao Bella, where travel writer Erica Firpo sits down with the artists, designers, chefs, experts and aficionados that are defining, redefining and evolving Italy, and beyond." from the podcast.
Favorite episode: FOOD: In the kitchen with award-winning food writer Rachel Roddy
Website: ciaobella.co
About: "You might know Italy travel expert Kathy McCabe from her PBS TV travel series Dream of Italy as well as the award-winning travel publication and membership website Dream of Italy that she founded in 2002. Now Kathy is launching this new podcast to help feed all of our Italian dreams – whether we are dreaming of moving to Italy or designing an authentic, once-in-a-lifetime journey." Dream of Italy Podcast
Favorite episode: (Episode 1) Frances Mayes on life under the Tuscan sun
Website: dreamofitaly.com
Podcast from Italy with Ashley & Jason Bartner
About: I've mentioned my fondness of Ashley's blog & IG account in the past. This podcast, with Ashley and her husband Jason is a fun look inside of their lives in Italy where they have been running their agriturismo and cooking school for many years.
Favorite episode: Oscar Nominations, Online Cooking Classes, A List of “Weird Food” and…Berlusconi’s Back! (Episode #66)
Websites: latavolamarche.com
About: "Thoughts on the table" is a podcast that delves deep into Italian food culture in Italy and around the world, something I truly love learning about.
Paolo is for sure passionate about what makes traditional regional Italian food- and after just returning from living in Italy I really appreciate his role of educating people on the many differences. (I'm struggling with America's obsession with Chicken fettucine alfredo - Ack!)
Super fun and recommended listening.
Favorite episode: Truffle Hunting in Abruzzo with Hannah Solomon from SZ Tartufi
Website: disgracesonthemenu.com
About: "The show, released in weekly 15/20 minute episodes, covers the history of the Italian peninsula from the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476, through the unification of Italy in 1861 to the present day." A History of Italy
Favorite episode: THE YEAR 1000 AND LIFE FOR THE AVERAGE GIUSEPPE
Website: ahistoryofitaly.com
About: "Italian Wine Podcast is a new podcast project dedicated to the Italian wine world. Wine writer Monty Waldin uncovers the unique Italian wine-making tradition in conversation with some of its key protagonists. With the largest number of native grape varieties in the world concentrated on its national territory, the Italian wine biodiversity is a story worth telling." Italian Wine Podcast
Favorite episode: Monty Waldin interviews Roberto di Filippo Winery
Website: italianwinepodcast.com
Living Villa Cappelli
About: Paul and Steven are the creators of this podcast covering Italian food, culture & life in Italy. They have a farm, restaurant and villa rental in Puglia and love to share their travel tips, recipes and more. I am smitten with their photos, tips and love having a peek at the life they have created in this beautiful place.
Favorite episode: How to tell if your extra virgin olive oil is really extra virgin (Episode 22)
Website: livingvillacappelli.com
updated 4.19
More Great Podcasts about Italy
(just not producing new episodes currently)
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