The Fatal Charm of Italy

When you talk about gay travel in Italy, you must begin the conversation with the Puglia region. It's the top gay summer destination for Italy's gay community, and furthermore, it's recognised as one of Europe's top 5 gay destinations. So what draws LGBTQ visitors to Puglia, and for that matter, why would anyone want to go to this more remote corner in Italy, not often on the tourist map? In this episode of my Fatal Charm of Italy podcast, I spoke with Scott Maxwell. He's from the Big Gay Podcast from Pulia, and he talks to me about travel to Pulia in general, and some specific recommendations for gay travel in Pulia, and throughout Italy.

On this episode I'm joined by Judy Witts Francini, who lives in Tuscany, midway between Florence and Siena. I guess I might describe her as an “Italian Food Concierge,” because she seems to be involved in every aspect of regional Italian cuisine; from shopping at the local markets, to cooking classes, to creating unique foodie experiences for curious travelers.

We're visiting Venice with Monica Cesarato, blogger, chef, food tour leader, and an unofficial ambassador for the city. We talk about the current state of tourism in the post-pandemic era, and she tells us about a few sites that aren't on the typical tourist itinerary. Ciao! (and yes, that's a Venetian word)

Evert October I find myself reflecting—and maybe scratching my head a little bit—about the connection between Columbus and Italian Heritage Month. At first glance, the connection seems obvious enough. But it's my contention that if we dive a little deeper into this discussion, the relationship gets cloudier.

My Cheap Italian Home is a house hunting platform for expats dreaming of the beautiful life in Italy. Great deals to be found!

The Italian approach to wellness and beauty is rooted in traditions and generational knowledge. Craftmanship and a commitment to quality. Today I speak about these ideas with Amy Parsons from Mozzafiato.

Fascism and Feminism in Italy under Mussolini can find some scary comparison today. Just in time for International Women's Day.

Eating healthy while traveling in Italy present some odd challenges. Surrounded by all the abundance, how do you make smart choices?

The Fasting Mimicking Diet was conceived by the “Guru of Longevity,” Dr. Valter Longo. He is internationally recognized as a leader in the field of aging studies and related diseases. He's come up with a program that “mimics” fasting without causing undue hardship.

The coronavirus crisis in Italy is getting worse, and having an effect on everyone, especially in the tourism industry, even if they're not infected.

Diverse options for traveling to Italy, from large tour groups to independent travel, we discuss the pros and cons of different ways to tour Italy.

Top Sites to See in Rome with Elyssa Bernard on The Fatal Charm of Italy Podcast. Elyssa tells us what to see after we've seen the Vatican and Colosseum.

I am speaking with Damien O'Farrell, a Global Mobility Specialist, focusing on tailor-made solutions for corporate and individual clients who want or need to relocate to Italy. Damien covers all aspects of how to make a new life for yourself in the land of dolce vita... and how to do it the right way.

An Interview with Adina Antonucci, creator of Adina Cucina, a blog dedicated to creating simple Italian recipes that are both healthy and delicious. We talk about the differences regarding food culture in Italy as compared to the United States.

On this episode, I talk with Carol Faenzi about writing about Italian ancestors, and traveling back to Italy to find our roots through the stories handed down across generations. Join us as we discuss her great-grandfather, a stonecutter and opera tenor who traveled to the New World and back in search of a better life for his family.

Rick Zullo discusses some of the most common mistakes made by English speakers when learning Italian. There is also a brief interview with his three year-old daughter, Demetra.

Quando si tratta di iniziare le pratiche relative alla Green Card, é meglio affidarsi ad un avvocato, oppure no?

Here is the demo that we made in class for the Palm Beach Podcaster at the Mandel Public Library in downtown West Palm Beach. Interviews with attendees and a really bad intro by the teacher (that's me).

There are some unique tours of Rome that will help the curious traveler get to know the Eternal City on a deeper level. Today on the show I talk with Beth Rubin from Select Italy Tours about some of the different offerings for an "off the beaten path" experience while visiting Rome and Italy.

Italian genealogy expert Laura Watson from Digging up Roots in the Boot explains the process of researching your family tree, planning a heritage tour, and claiming your Italian citizenship. She also talks about life in Calabria as an American expat.

Many foreigners dream of moving to Italy and restoring a farmhouse in a small village. Paul and Steven have done exactly that in the town of Terlizzi, Puglia, and they share their experience with me on this episode of my podcast.

Saskia Balmaekers from Ciao Tutti discusses for of the Eastern Sicily Highlights during a recent trip to the Aeolian Islands with Rick Zullo and 8 other international travel bloggers.

My guest Gillian McGuire answers questions about some of the coastal Italy hotspots for your next vacation. From beaches, to islands, to fishing villages, she knows the best places enjoy La Dolce Vita with a sea view.

The group Il Circolo in Palm Beach County, Florida does a great deal towards promoting Italian culture in America. Today's episode has four short interviews with influential leaders within their group, including the Consulate General of Italy in Miami. 6Y4ZvO6P83Hq9QfnANDV

Some offbeat museums of Rome are even more interesting than the mainstream ones. Writer Elizabeth Joss tried to visit them all during her three months in the Eternal City. Listen to her advice on this episode of The Fatal Charm of Italy.

Not many foreign tourists make it up to Italy's Northeast corner. This is a shame, because passing through Piedmont you discover a region rich in history and food traditions. And some of the best wines in Italy. My guest Diana Zahuranec takes us on a quick tour of the area.

Interviews with brands and destinations in Italy from the travel trade show in Rimini. Italian travel insiders share their "pitches" as to why you should visit them on your next vacation to Italy.

The second part of the Rome expats interviews, recorded live in Rome at the Antica Biblioteca Valle near Piazza Navona in October. People from various countries explain what roads led them to Rome.

The Rome expat interviews, Session 1, recorded live at Antica Biblioteca Valle in the heart of the Eternal City on October 6th. Both foreigners and Italians share their individual experiences on living in Rome, Italy.

Rick Zullo interviews Expats Living in Rome founder Patrizia Di Gregorio to learn a few tips for people wanting to relocate to Italy's capital city. Join her group on any given Tuesday evening in Rome for a happy hour aperitivo and conversation.

The Cinque Terre has quickly become one of the most popular spots to visit in Italy. But the five small villages can't really handle the daily influx of tourists, so over-crowding has become a problem. The smart travelers are now staying in nearby towns such as Levanto to enjoy and appreciate the natural beauty of this coastal area.

There are many funny things about living in Italy, and so for a comedienne, the jokes practically write themselves. My guest Marsha De Salvatore takes on every humorous aspect of life in Rome as an expat. No topic is off-limits, from dating to driving to the bizarre ailments that afflict only Italians.

The biggest obstacle for many North Americans who would like to live in Italy is the prospect of finding a job. Actually, there are two hurdles to overcome: legal permission to work in Italy, and then finding gainful employment. Liz Knight is an American lawyer living in Rome and she shares her experiences about being an expat in Italy.

Learning the reasons to dress well in Italy will help you make better fashion choices. Italians are known for their innate sense of style, and fashion blogger Angie Nardiello gives some great tips on how foreigners can dress like their Italian hosts.

Rick Zullo answers some of the most common questions about life in Rome as an expat, and gives some advice on making the most of your Italy vacation.

Italy's many diverse wine regions are a wonderland for anybody who love to travel through their taste buds. Jen Martin has devoted her website to educating curious travels about the bounty of Italian wine. Today we explore Lazio, Campania, and Sicily. Salute!

Author and blogger Bonnie Alberts shares her tips on visiting Naples, Italy. She has a new guide book out called, "The Unplugged Guide to Napoli," which divulges everything from restaurant suggestions, to must-see sites, to side trips into the countryside.

With all the massive websites out there, choosing accommodations for your Italian vacation can be overwhelming. Steve Brenner and Linda Martinez own a hotel in Rome called The Beehive, but the also have a website that helps people find apartments for vacation stays in Rome, and other European cities.

Italy is a Republic founded on pleasure. Or so says author Cinzia Giorgio. No doubt there have been sex scandals in Italy since the time of Julius Caesar, right up to today's politicians like Silvio Berlusconi. Find about all of this as well as the role of feminism in Italy today, and the changing roles of men and women.

Rick Zullo discusses what is meant by "Italian" food within Italy versus the exported version. His guest is Paolo Rigiroli, the man behind "Disgraces on Menu," blog and podcast.

Rick Zullo talks with his good friend Fidel Gamboa about his career as an opera singer, and his current business as an exporter of fresh truffles from the Alba region of Italy.

Rick Zullo discusses life in Italy versus the United States with literature professor Emanuele Pettener, an Italian in America.

Rick Zullo chats with Andrea Timonere from "Sex, Lies, and Nutella" about the differences of raising children in Italy versus The United States.

Retake Roma is a grassroots organization in the Eternal City committed to cleaning up the graffiti and garbage, and restoring Rome to its elegant, pristine state. Please share the news of this important project, and get involved if you're able!

Host Rick Zullo discuses the challenges of traveling in Italy with Kids with Shannon Kenny from ItaliaKids and Art al Sole.

A chat with Misty Evans from Surviving in Italy about Fashion in her city of Florence, and how Italian fashion is sometimes dictated by health concerns.

Georgette Jupe tells Rick Zullo about her recent engagement and gives would-be Romeos some tips on proposing in Italy.

Rick Zullo talks with Cher Hale from The Iceberg Project about some confusing words in Italian and how to avoid the most common misuses.

Rick Zullo talks with Sarah Dowling in Bologna Italy about the food culture of "la grassa." Learn about the right way to make bolognese sauce and which wine to pair it with.

The Fatal Charm of Italy Podcast will be an extension of the popular Italy blog, "Rick's Rome." Rick Zullo is an American who moved to Rome and started a blog as a way to help understand his new surroundings. Over the years, Rick's blog has become a resource for both expats and visitors in Rome; helping them navigate some of the more challenging aspects of life in the Eternal City. Not just the practical advice and sightseeing, but also a good measure of “daily life,” and the things that a foreigner might find puzzling about Italian culture. Some of the most popular posts have been on the following subjects: dating in Italy; fighting the Italian bureaucracy; Italian superstitions; learning the Italian language; and regional Italian cuisine.

The Fatal Charm of Italy Podcast will be an extension of the popular Italy blog, "Rick's Rome." Rick Zullo is an American who moved to Rome and started a blog as a way to help understand his new surroundings. Over the years, Rick's blog has become a resource for both expats and visitors in Rome; helping them navigate some of the more challenging aspects of life in the Eternal City. Not just the practical advice and sightseeing, but also a good measure of “daily life,” and the things that a foreigner might find puzzling about Italian culture. Some of the most popular posts have been on the following subjects: dating in Italy; fighting the Italian bureaucracy; Italian superstitions; learning the Italian language; and regional Italian cuisine.