Podcasts about Tuscan

Will Max Allegri be able to reignite Kevin De Bruyne at Napoli? Or is Allegri's entire tenure at the Partenopei a disaster waiting to happen? Guest co-host Sheridan Bird (UEFA Champions Journal & commentator on Milan TV) discusses, debates and analyzed the fates of the Belgian superstar and the Tuscan tactician. This is an extended clip from the weekly Q & A Pod available in full for all patrons and YouTube Members. If you want to support The Italian Football Podcast, be able to send in questions AND get every episode with NO ads, simply become a member on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon.com/TIFP⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ OR ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ OR ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube Memberships⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Your support makes The Italian Football Podcast possible.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on Fresh From The Field Fridays, Dan The Produce Man brings another helping of produce knowledge, seasonal insights, and practical tips you can use the next time you shop.On the produce table are Dulcinea Tuscan cantaloupes and one of the great fruit debates: What's the difference between Royal apricots, Blenheim apricots, and Royal Blenheim apricots? Are they one and the same, or are they different varieties? Dan explains the history behind these legendary apricots and clears up the confusion.You'll also learn how to improve your chances of choosing an avocado with a smaller pit, why some stone fruit develop split pits, and why nutrient-rich sunflower sprouts deserve a place in your diet.It's another fun and informative episode of Fresh From The Field Fridays from the Produce Industry Network, powered by AgLife Media.Learn more at aglifemedia.com.

Picture this: a crumbling Italian mansion in the Tuscan hills, an eccentric aristocrat, sun-soaked lunches, too much wine and a house humming with secrets. That’s the delightful world into which we’re heading today as we talk to writer Andrew Sean Greer, whose new novel, Villa Coco, is loosely inspired by his own time at an Italian estate around a famous Baroness. The Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Less also joins us to discuss his life in Italy, the pleasures of the charm novel, and the one piece of travel advice he always comes back to. Today’s episode is hosted by books editor Melanie Kembrey.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

SCHEDULE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, 6-5-2026.1900 ADAMS BOULEVARD LA. Jeff Bliss highlights the stark contrast between Seattle's controlled homelessness and the pervasive crisis in Los Angeles. The discussion transitions to California's jungle primary, where late-arriving ballots in the Los Angelesmayoral race show statistically improbable gains for Karen Bass and Nithya Raman, fueling accusations of election irregularities. Jeff Bliss previews the opening of a massive, multi-story In-N-Out Burger in Las Vegas, predicting it will become a celebrity destination similar to Hollywood's historic clubs or New York's Stork Club. He also reflects on a rare 1955 invitation from Walt Disney, noting its role in establishing Disneyland's enduring cultural legacy. Richard Epstein examines the 14th Amendment's opening clause, distinguishing the robust rights of citizens from the conditional privileges of aliens. He argues that naturalization was historically a federal prerogative, noting that early statutes, influenced by Thomas Jefferson, included explicit racial exclusions for persons of African or Asiandescent. Richard Epstein disputes the "plain meaning" application to the 14th Amendment, arguing that "subject to the jurisdiction" requires natural allegiance rather than mere physical presence. Critiquing the Wong Kim Ark ruling, he suggests that children of legal permanent aliens should inherit their parents' status rather than automatic citizenship. Jim McTague reports on the cautious economic sentiment in Lancaster County, where despite falling gas prices, consumers remain budget-conscious. While tourism remains strong at venues like the Sight and Sound Theatre, local officials recently rejected a proposed data center in Columbia due to technicalities and concerns over its utility. Lorenzo Fiori provides an optimistic update on Italy's economy, noting improved employment rates across various demographics. He highlights a landmark legislative shift toward nuclear energy, with small plants planned by 2034. For travelers, he recommends San Miniato, a strategic, less-crowded Tuscan village famous for its white beans. Bob Zimmerman dismisses NASA's sheltering orders on the ISS as an overreaction to routine Russian repair work on the Zvezda module. He details SpaceX's massive IPO, which aims to raise billions, and observes that private space station firms like Axiom and Vast continue to secure significant capital despite SpaceX's market dominance. Bob Zimmerman surveys global spaceport developments, contrasting Spain's investment in French Guiana with the liquidation of the UK's Sutherland facility due to red tape. He debunks claims that the interstellar comet 3I/Atlas is an alien craft and notes that unpredictable sunspot activity continues to defy scientific models. Andrew Bayliss recounts how Pericles provoked the Peloponnesian War by steering Athens toward confrontation with Sparta. He details the Athenian strategy of retreating behind city walls and relying on naval imports, a move that tragically facilitated a devastating plague, claiming thousands of lives, including Pericleshimself. Andrew Bayliss profiles Lysander, a Spartan general of modest origins who secured crucial Persian funding to challenge Athenian naval supremacy. Lysander achieved victory not through direct combat, but by using deception to capture the Athenian fleet while the crews were uncharacteristically casual and off their ships. Andrew Bayliss explores the aftermath of Sparta's victory, noting that Lysander's immense power and ambition ultimately led to his death during a failed siege. Sparta's dominance eventually collapsed at the Battle of Leuctradue to a dwindling citizen population, reducing the once-mighty superpower to a minor village. Andrew Bayliss critiques the modern application of the "Thucydides Trap" to US-China relations, arguing that the original Peloponnesian War was not inevitable. He suggests the conflict was precipitated by specific provocations and accidental circumstances, drawing parallels to the circumstantial outbreak of the First World War. Henry Sokolski warns of China's fast breeder reactor program, which produces super weapons-grade plutonium capable of fueling efficient nuclear triggers. He also notes South Korea's growing interest in developing independent nuclear capabilities and submarines to counter threats from North Korea and China, despite international non-proliferation standards. Henry Sokolski explains the strategic significance of deploying Dual Capable Aircraft (DCA), such as the F-35, to reinforce NATO's nuclear deterrent in Europe. He observes that while Moscow and Beijing oppose these deployments, the aircraft act as vital "glue" for alliances, ensuring that American nuclear guarantees remain credible. Richard Epstein analyzes the Wong Kim Ark decision, arguing that Justice Horace Gray erroneously applied birthright citizenship to the children of ineligible aliens. He further critiques the expansion of the Equal Protection Clause in the 20th century, claiming it was originally intended for criminal matters rather than civil benefits. Richard Epstein discusses the legal complexities of a proposed executive order to end birthright citizenship for children of illegal aliens. He highlights the rise of "manufactured citizenship" through birth tourism and predicts the Supreme Court may eventually distinguish between transient visitors and those seeking permanent residency.

Lorenzo Fiori provides an optimistic update on Italy's economy, noting improved employment rates across various demographics. He highlights a landmark legislative shift toward nuclear energy, with small plants planned by 2034. For travelers, he recommends San Miniato, a strategic, less-crowded Tuscan village famous for its white beans.1880

It's a No Tangent Tuesday, which means everything is on topic — including Dave getting lost in Rockefeller Center for the hundredth time. Quinn is back from his antibiotic recovery, Jean just survived catering the Roots Picnic VIP section with a rented reefer truck (and a branch that won), and the California crew is dialing in from LA. Dave opens by explaining why his new miniature Ro-Tap machine — a 1917-standardized particle analysis sieve shaker running at exactly 150 BPM and 85 decibels — cannot, in good conscience, be operated in a Manhattan apartment. A caller brings the real problem of the week: his partner can't eat onions, and chili without onions is a crisis. Dave prescribes asafetida (AKA hing) and hints at fermented West African dawadawa as sulfur-forward workarounds. Quinn, recovering from his own dietary restrictions courtesy of a GERD diagnosis, has been running low-sodium experiments with glutamic acid powder — which leads to a full detour on salt, Tuscan bread, sweating bakers, and why the Civil War soldier's salt ration proves nothing. Bar food rankings break out organically: potato skins, mozzarella bricks, fried cheese curds, and the great belly clam vs. strip debate, with Dave confessing he failed his son by not making him eat belly clams in Connecticut. Quinn rounds things out with a pina colada gelato stabilizer deep-dive and a vanilla oleoresin gelato report, Dave gives out the full Razzmatazzarak recipe from the old Booker and Dax days, and God's mojito is teased for next time. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Toni Mazzaglia from Taste Florence is an expert on Italian Food and Wine. She tells Brent about the wine regions of Tuscany and gives some recommendations for great wineries and wine tours. Plus, Toni tells Brent about the time she was on an episode of “Jersey Shore”. Then, Toni talks about Tuscan beach breaks, why everyone needs a pair of linen pants, and an eel eating Pope! [Ep 392] Show Notes: Food and Travel Guides from Destination Eat Drink Destination Eat Drink YouTube channel Taste Florence food tours

Fluent Fiction - Italian: Giorgio's Gelato Adventure: Uncovering Tuscany's Sweet Secret Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/it/episode/2026-05-29-22-34-01-it Story Transcript:It: In una piccola piazza toscana, il sole primaverile illuminava il Festival del Gelato.En: In a small piazza in Tuscany, the spring sun illuminated the Festival del Gelato.It: I colori vivi delle bancarelle riempivano l'aria di allegria, mentre il profumo dolce del gelato fresco attirava i passanti.En: The vibrant colors of the stalls filled the air with joy, while the sweet aroma of fresh gelato attracted passersby.It: La piazza era ricolma di gente: famiglie, turisti, e appassionati di gelato.En: The piazza was filled with people: families, tourists, and gelato enthusiasts.It: Giorgio, un blogger culinario entusiasta ma maldestro, camminava tra la folla con il suo migliore amico Luca.En: Giorgio, an enthusiastic but clumsy culinary blogger, walked through the crowd with his best friend Luca.It: Luca era sempre competitivo e amava prendere in giro Giorgio.En: Luca was always competitive and loved to tease Giorgio.It: Mentre giravano tra le bancarelle, vide un cartello: "Concorso di Gelato - Iscriviti qui!"En: As they wandered among the stalls, they saw a sign: "Concorso di Gelato - Sign up here!"It: Con un errore madornale, Giorgio si iscrisse senza pensarci.En: With a major blunder, Giorgio signed up without thinking.It: Non sapeva nulla di come fare il gelato, e Luca non tardò a prenderlo in giro.En: He knew nothing about how to make gelato, and Luca was quick to tease him.It: "Ah, Giorgio!En: "Ah, Giorgio!It: Non sai nemmeno fare una coppetta di gelato!"En: You don't even know how to make a cup of gelato!"It: disse Luca ridendo.En: Luca said, laughing.It: Disperato e voglioso di impressionare Luca, Giorgio si avvicinò a Sofia, una gelataia locale dal sorriso gentile e occhi sinceri.En: Desperate and eager to impress Luca, Giorgio approached Sofia, a local gelataia with a gentle smile and sincere eyes.It: "Sofia, hai qualche consiglio per me?En: "Sofia, do you have any advice for me?It: Sono nei guai!"En: I'm in trouble!"It: chiese implorante.En: he asked pleadingly.It: Sofia sorrise e disse: "Vieni da me.En: Sofia smiled and said, "Come with me.It: Ti mostrerò qualcosa di speciale."En: I'll show you something special."It: Portò Giorgio nel suo piccolo laboratorio.En: She took Giorgio to her small workshop.It: Lì, gli insegnò a fare una crema di gelato semplice ma gustosa.En: There, she taught him to make a simple yet tasty gelato cream.It: "Il segreto," spiegò Sofia, "è un pizzico di rosmarino.En: "The secret," Sofia explained, "is a pinch of rosemary.It: Non troppo.En: Not too much.It: Basta per sorprendere."En: Just enough to surprise."It: Il giorno del concorso arrivò veloce.En: The day of the contest arrived quickly.It: Giorgio era nervoso ma deciso.En: Giorgio was nervous but determined.It: Tra lo stupore generale, preparò il suo gelato con il rosmarino segreto.En: To everyone's amazement, he prepared his gelato with the secret rosemary.It: I giudici assaggiarono.En: The judges tasted it.It: Un silenzio cadde sulla piazza.En: A silence fell over the piazza.It: Poi un sorriso apparve sui loro volti.En: Then a smile appeared on their faces.It: "Sorprendente, unico!"En: "Surprising, unique!"It: esclamarono.En: they exclaimed.It: Giorgio non vinse il primo premio, ma ricevette una menzione d'onore.En: Giorgio did not win the first prize but received an honorable mention.It: Sorrideva ampiamente.En: He smiled widely.It: Luca si avvicinò, sorprendentemente serio: "Mi hai stupito, amico.En: Luca approached, surprisingly serious: "You impressed me, friend.It: Sei migliorato molto."En: You've improved a lot."It: Alla fine del festival, mentre il sole calava e la piazza si riempiva di luci calde, Giorgio, Luca e Sofia si godettero un gelato insieme.En: At the end of the festival, as the sun set and the piazza was filled with warm lights, Giorgio, Luca, and Sofia enjoyed a gelato together.It: Giorgio aveva guadagnato fiducia, e Luca aveva imparato a non sottovalutare il suo amico.En: Giorgio had gained confidence, and Luca had learned not to underestimate his friend.It: La festa della Repubblica si avvicinava e con essa una nuova amicizia e un rinnovato rispetto.En: The Festa della Repubblica was approaching, and with it a new friendship and a newfound respect.It: Il piccolo villaggio toscano brillava di risate e gelato, unendo cuori e palati in una celebrazione dolce e indimenticabile.En: The small Tuscan village shone with laughter and gelato, uniting hearts and palates in a sweet and unforgettable celebration. Vocabulary Words:the piazza: la piazzathe sun: il solespring: primaverilethe stalls: le bancarellethe aroma: il profumothe crowd: la follathe blunder: l'errore madornaledesperate: disperatothe advice: il consigliothe gelataia: la gelataiathe smile: il sorrisosincere: sincerospecial: specialethe workshop: il laboratoriothe secret: il segretothe pinch: il pizzicodetermined: decisothe judge: il giudicethe silence: il silenziosurprising: sorprendentethe prize: il premiohonorable mention: la menzione d'onoreserious: seriothe respect: il rispettothe village: il villaggiothe laughter: le risateto unite: unirethe heart: il cuorethe palate: il palatothe celebration: la celebrazione

This week we're heading to the rolling hills of Tuscany for the romantic comedy, You, Me, and Tuscany. We're breaking down the messy love triangle at the heart of the film when Anna,  played by Halle Bailey, impulsively sneaks into a stranger's Tuscan villa and pretends to be his fiancée after getting caught by his mother, things spiral fast — especially when she starts falling for the stranger's irresistible cousin, Bridgerton's Regé-Jean Page.

Basilica of Santa Margherita — the big church perched high above Cortona. From down in the valley, it almost seems to float above the town. This church is dedicated to Margaret of Cortona. Margaret is unlike any other saint you will likely ever hear about. Her story is fascinating and dramatic. If you were choosing the story of a woman to become a saint known for her faith in Jesus, this would not be the chosen one. But, thankfully God doesn't choose as we would choose. He never dismisses us because of our past. Our shame or guilt is never beyond his touch of redemption. His good plans for us still stand even when we have done our best to mess them up. Margaret of Cortona's body rests in a sealed tomb behind glass within the church high on the hill above the Tuscan town of Cortona. Yes, a corpse now 729 years old on display. I've never seen anything like it. But it wasn't her preserved body that has left me in awe – it's her story. Margaret was born in 1247 in rural Tuscany, in a tiny village near Cortona. Her mother died when she was young, and much like a Cinderella story she was then under the rule of a mean stepmother. As a teenager, she ran away with a wealthy nobleman named Arsenio. They lived together for years and had a son, but they were never married — quite scandalous by the standards of the time. They never married and Margaret had decided she would be okay with that since being Arsenio's mistress afforded her a life of luxury and wealth. She was attached to her new lifestyle and she build her identity around a relationship with a man that wasn't honorable. Hmmmm … not so saintly, huh? Then came the event that changed everything. One day Arsenio never returned home. Margaret followed his dog into the woods, which led her to his murdered body. The shock shattered her old life. Yes, her old life of luxury. Her old life of wealth. And her old life of being the mistress that had settled for a life that fell so short of God's standards. After the death of Arsenio, Margaret left everything behind and went back to Cortona in deep grief and repentance. She knew the life she had been living was wrong and she wanted to make it right. At first she was rejected — even by family — but eventually the Franciscans took her in as someone who wanted to repent and do better. She became deeply spiritual, seeking God's way instead of her own. But what made her beloved wasn't just repentance; it was what she did afterward. Margaret devoted herself to the poor, the sick, and the outcast. She founded a hospital in Cortona and became known for fierce compassion and being in the presence miraculous acts of God. Margaret's story reminds us you can have grief, you can carry shame, and God can still use you in powerful ways. In the hands of God, that's a life that can reach other lost souls who feel distant. Her troubled past is still being used today, 729 years after her death to reach others with a troubled past. She was often compared to Mary Magdalene of the Bible. Remember Mary Magdalene – the woman no one else would have chosen, but Jesus chose her as one of his closest followers. Luke 8:2, “Jesus took his 12 disciples with him, along with some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases. Among them was Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out 7 demons.” It's often thought Mary Magdalene is the sinful woman seen anointing the feet of Jesus in Luke 7. A woman believed to have been a prostitue. A woman who simply needed healing from all the enemy had used to destroy her in the past. Mary Magdalene was deeply afflicted and Jesus freed her. And afterwards, she devoted her entire life to him. She was at the cross when Jesus was crucified. She was the first one Jesus appeared to after his resurrection. She was the woman with an imperfect past that was chosen personally by Jesus. AND THE SAME IS TRUE FOR YOU AND I. CHOSEN. REDEEMED. HEALED. SET APART TO NOW DO SOMETHING GOOD WITH OUR LIVES. You may think certain things disqualified you, but God says surrendered things become powerful things. Your past does not cancel your purpose. Your story still belongs in the hands of a redeeming God. God wants to use ALL of your story — not just the polished parts. The healed parts. The overcoming parts. The still-growing parts. Stop believing you have to be perfect to be used by God. Follow Pamela on Instagram – https://instagram.com/headmamapamela Or Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/pamela.crim Find out more about BIG Life – http://biglifehq.com

Fluent Fiction - Italian: From Cappuccino to Courage: A Tuscan Tale of New Beginnings Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/it/episode/2026-05-25-22-34-01-it Story Transcript:It: Il sole splendeva dolcemente su San Gimignano, un piccolo paese in Toscana.En: The sun shone gently over San Gimignano, a small town in Tuscany.It: Era primavera, e l'aroma del gelsomino in fiore si mescolava con quello del caffè appena fatto.En: It was spring, and the aroma of blooming jasmine mingled with that of freshly made coffee.It: In un angolo del caffè "Il Giardino", Giulia sedeva con una tazza di cappuccino in mano, contemplando la vita frenetica che non aveva mai vissuto.En: In a corner of the café "Il Giardino," Giulia sat with a cup of cappuccino in hand, contemplating the hectic life she had never lived.It: Era una mattinata tranquilla, ma dentro di lei si agitava un desiderio di libertà e avventura.En: It was a quiet morning, but inside her was a stirring of desire for freedom and adventure.It: Marco, il suo vecchio amico, era seduto di fronte a lei.En: Marco, her old friend, was sitting across from her.It: Lui era sempre stato l'amico avventuroso, quello con storie da raccontare di terre lontane.En: He had always been the adventurous friend, the one with stories to tell of faraway lands.It: Si erano persi di vista per un po', ma ora l'occasione della Festa della Repubblica li aveva riavvicinati.En: They had lost touch for a while, but the occasion of the Festa della Repubblica had brought them back together.It: Mentre parlavano, si aprì la porta del caffè ed entrò Sofia, una comune amica dei tempi dell'università.En: As they talked, the café door opened, and Sofia, a mutual friend from their university days, walked in.It: "Sofia!En: "Sofia!It: Che sorpresa!"En: What a surprise!"It: esclamò Marco, invitandola a sedersi con loro.En: exclaimed Marco, inviting her to sit with them.It: Giulia era contenta di rivederla.En: Giulia was happy to see her again.It: Sofia era sempre stata una persona spontanea, sempre pronta a viaggiare e a cercare nuove esperienze.En: Sofia had always been a spontaneous person, always ready to travel and seek new experiences.It: Parlarono delle loro vite, delle profondità della routine e del fascino delle avventure.En: They talked about their lives, the depths of routine, and the allure of adventures.It: Fu allora che Marco, con un sorriso malizioso, parlò di un'opportunità che aveva appena scoperto: una scuola italiana in Thailandia cercava un insegnante di lingua.En: It was then that Marco, with a mischievous smile, spoke of an opportunity he had just discovered: an Italian school in Thailand was looking for a language teacher.It: "Giulia, è perfetta per te," disse Marco, "Pensa all'avventura e alla cultura!"En: "Giulia, it's perfect for you," said Marco, "Think of the adventure and culture!"It: Giulia sentì il cuore cominciare a battere più veloce.En: Giulia felt her heart start to beat faster.It: Era un'offerta intrigante, ma pensò ai suoi doveri nella piccola città.En: It was an intriguing offer, but she thought about her obligations in the small town.It: La sicurezza di una vita stabile contro la promessa dell'ignoto.En: The safety of a stable life versus the promise of the unknown.It: La conversazione continuò, e Giulia si trovò sospesa tra il desiderio e la paura.En: The conversation continued, and Giulia found herself suspended between desire and fear.It: Il caffè intorno a loro sembrava avvolgerli in una bolla di tranquillità.En: The café around them seemed to envelop them in a bubble of tranquility.It: La decisione, pensò Giulia, era come il caffè: forte ma confortante.En: The decision, Giulia thought, was like the coffee: strong yet comforting.It: Fu Sofia a suscitare una scintilla con le sue parole spontanee.En: It was Sofia who sparked a thought with her spontaneous words.It: "A volte, prendere una decisione è come saltare in una piscina fredda: la parte più difficile è il momento in cui decidi."En: "Sometimes, making a decision is like jumping into a cold pool: the hardest part is the moment you decide."It: Giulia rise.En: Giulia laughed.It: "Perché no?"En: "Why not?"It: disse infine, con una luce negli occhi che non si vedeva da tempo.En: she finally said, with a light in her eyes that hadn't been seen for a long time.It: "Forse è ora di cambiare e cercare di nuovo l'avventura."En: "Maybe it's time to change and seek adventure again."It: Quella semplice frase era il culmine della sua lotta interna.En: That simple sentence was the culmination of her internal struggle.It: Marco e Sofia le sorrisero come chi sa che un grande passo è stato fatto.En: Marco and Sofia smiled at her like those who know a great step has been taken.It: Alla fine, Giulia decise di accettare il lavoro, fiduciosa di potere bilanciare doveri e sogni.En: In the end, Giulia decided to accept the job, confident she could balance duties and dreams.It: Camminando per le vie tranquille del suo paese, sentì che una nuova primavera era sbocciata nel suo cuore.En: Walking through the quiet streets of her town, she felt that a new spring had blossomed in her heart.It: Con ogni passo, si sentiva più libera.En: With each step, she felt freer.It: La sua avventura stava per iniziare, spingendola oltre i confini conosciuti con coraggio e speranza, pronta ad abbracciare tutto ciò che la vita aveva da offrire.En: Her adventure was about to begin, pushing her beyond known boundaries with courage and hope, ready to embrace all that life had to offer. Vocabulary Words:the sun: il solethe aroma: l'aromablooming: in fioretrance: trancehectic: freneticastirring: agitavaadventure: avventurathe friend: l'amicofaraway: lontanemutual: comunespontaneous: spontaneaintriguing: intriganteobligations: doveriunknown: ignotothe bubble: la bolladecision: decisionecomforting: confortantesparked: suscitareculmination: culminethe struggle: la lottaconfident: fiduciosablossomed: sbocciataboundaries: confinicompassion: compassioneembrace: abbracciarestable: stabilestories: storiethe opportunity: l'opportunitàteacher: insegnanteadventures: avventure

Fluent Fiction - Italian: Harvest of Hope: Tuscany's Vineyard Traditions & Change Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/it/episode/2026-05-21-07-38-20-it Story Transcript:It: La valle toscana si svegliava sotto un cielo primaverile, limpido e azzurro.En: The Tuscan valley awoke under a spring sky, clear and blue.It: I filari di vigneti, a perdita d'occhio, sembravano abbracciare la collina in un dolce abbraccio verde.En: The rows of vineyards, stretching as far as the eye could see, seemed to embrace the hill in a gentle green hug.It: Quando Lorenzo si affacciò dal vecchio casale, il profumo dei fiori di vite riempì l'aria.En: When Lorenzo leaned out of the old farmhouse, the scent of vine flowers filled the air.It: Lorenzo era un uomo di ventotto anni, con mani callose e cuore pesante.En: Lorenzo was a twenty-eight-year-old man, with calloused hands and a heavy heart.It: Accanto a lui, Alessia, con capelli neri come la notte e uno sguardo sognante.En: Next to him was Alessia, with hair as black as the night and a dreamy look.It: Lei era di due anni più giovane, ma il recente peso della responsabilità l'aveva resa seria oltre la sua età.En: She was two years younger, but the recent weight of responsibility had made her serious beyond her years.It: “Alessia, dobbiamo parlare,” disse Lorenzo, mentre percorrevano il sentiero verso il campo.En: "Alessia, we need to talk," said Lorenzo, as they walked the path to the field.It: “Non possiamo più andare avanti così.En: "We can't keep going on like this.It: I soldi scarseggiano e i nostri metodi antiquati non bastano.En: Money is running low and our outdated methods aren't enough."It: ”Alessia annuì lentamente, il sole mattutino danzava tra i suoi capelli.En: Alessia nodded slowly, the morning sun dancing in her hair.It: “Lo so, Lorenzo.En: "I know, Lorenzo.It: Ma cambiare tutto… mi fa paura.En: But changing everything... it scares me.It: Cosa direbbero mamma e papà?En: What would mom and dad say?"It: ”Il vento soffiava lieve tra le viti, come se volesse partecipare alla loro discussione silenziosa.En: The wind blew softly through the vines, as if it wanted to join in their silent discussion.It: I pensieri di Alessia si accavallavano.En: Alessia's thoughts were jumbled.It: Amava quel posto, eppure sentiva il richiamo del mondo oltre l'orizzonte.En: She loved that place, yet she felt the call of the world beyond the horizon.It: “Abbiamo una possibilità,” disse Lorenzo, fermandosi di fronte a lei.En: "We have a chance," Lorenzo said, stopping in front of her.It: “Il nuovo distributore a Firenze.En: "The new distributor in Firenze.It: Vuole provare qualcosa di moderno.En: He wants to try something modern.It: Tutti lo fanno ormai.En: Everyone is doing it nowadays."It: ”“E i nostri vini?En: "And our wines?It: Il nostro sapore, la nostra storia?En: Our flavor, our history?"It: ” ribatté lei, preoccupata.En: she replied, worried.It: Lorenzo sospirò, guardando i campi che i loro genitori avevano coltivato con tanto amore.En: Lorenzo sighed, looking at the fields their parents had cultivated with so much love.It: Sentiva il peso di una decisione che avrebbe potuto cambiare tutto.En: He felt the weight of a decision that could change everything.It: Arrivò il tempo della vendemmia.En: The time for the harvest arrived.It: L'intera comunità era lì, come ogni anno, a raccogliere i frutti.En: The entire community was there, as every year, to pick the fruits.It: Era la tradizione che Alessia amava: il suono delle risate, il profumo del mosto che iniziava a fermentare.En: It was the tradition that Alessia loved: the sound of laughter, the smell of the must starting to ferment.It: Ma il futuro del vigneto era incerto.En: But the future of the vineyard was uncertain.It: “Alessia,” disse Lorenzo, mentre svuotava un cesto di uva.En: "Alessia," said Lorenzo, as he emptied a basket of grapes.It: “Ho bisogno di te.En: "I need you.It: Abbiamo bisogno di te.En: We need you.It: Il distributore vuole la nostra tradizione, ma presentata in modo nuovo…”Ci fu un attimo di silenzio, tra un grappolo e l'altro.En: The distributor wants our tradition, but presented in a new way..." There was a moment of silence, between one bunch and another.It: Gli occhi di Alessia si illuminarono di una nuova luce.En: Alessia's eyes lit up with a new light.It: “E se provassimo una nuova etichetta?En: "What if we try a new label?It: Qualcosa che racconti la nostra storia, ma che sia fresco.En: Something that tells our story, but that is fresh.It: Potrei dipingerlo io.En: I could paint it myself."It: ”Quella sera, sotto il cielo stellato, Lorenzo capì che modernizzare non significava distruggere.En: That evening, under the starry sky, Lorenzo realized that modernizing didn't mean destroying.It: Accettò il cambiamento, unendo la passione di Alessia per l'arte al suo amore per la terra.En: He accepted the change, combining Alessia's passion for art with his love for the land.It: La raccolta si concluse al tramonto, le mani sporche di terra e il cuore pieno di speranza.En: The harvest ended at sunset, their hands dirty with earth and their hearts filled with hope.It: Lorenzo e Alessia, fianco a fianco, si resero conto che il futuro del vigneto poteva essere brillante come il passato.En: Lorenzo and Alessia, side by side, realized that the vineyard's future could be as bright as its past.It: Il vento soffiava ancora tra le viti, mormorando antiche storie e nuovi inizi.En: The wind still blew among the vines, whispering ancient stories and new beginnings.It: In quel momento, fratello e sorella trovarono un equilibrio tra i propri sogni e la loro eredità familiare.En: In that moment, brother and sister found a balance between their own dreams and their family legacy.It: E la valle toscana li accolse, pronta per la prossima primavera.En: And the Tuscan valley welcomed them, ready for the next spring. Vocabulary Words:the valley: la vallethe vineyard: il vignetothe sky: il cielothe row: il filarethe hill: la collinathe farmhouse: il casalethe scent: il profumothe vine: la vitecalloused: calloseheavy heart: cuore pesantedreamy: sognanteresponsibility: responsabilitàoutdated: antiquatimodern: modernothe decision: la decisionethe harvest: la vendemmiathe community: la comunitàthe tradition: la tradizionethe laughter: le risatethe must: il mostothe basket: il cestothe distributor: il distributoreworried: preoccupatathe label: l'etichettathe story: la storiato ferment: fermentareto cultivate: coltivareto embrace: abbracciarefuture: futuroto modernize: modernizzare

In this thought‑provoking episode of the Authority On Demand Podcast (formerly Authors On Mission Podcast), host Danielle Hutchinson sits down with Daniel Grace, author of In the Wake of Golgotha. Grace reframes the crucifixion story by exploring its “collateral damage,” giving Judas and Pilate a second look as complex enablers rather than one‑dimensional villains.Set in modern‑day New York City, the novel follows reincarnated characters Jude Issachar (Judas, burdened by guilt) and Peter Pfeiffer (Pilate, cursed with ignorance) as they grapple with redemption, fate, and violence. Grace also shares how his Tuscan winery inspired his next project, Territorium, a dark tale of buried secrets in ancient vineyards.✨ Key TakeawaysThe premise of In the Wake of Golgotha: collateral damage of the crucifixionReimagining Judas and Pilate as enablers, not just betrayersSparse historical records as a “blank canvas” for storytellingModern reincarnation in NYC: guilt, ignorance, and redemptionThemes of faith, fate, addiction, and state violenceHow winemaking and history inspire Grace's upcoming novel Territorium✨ Whether you're a reader fascinated by fresh takes on history, a lover of dark, thought‑provoking fiction, or someone intrigued by the blend of wine and storytelling, this episode offers a bold new perspective.

Fluent Fiction - Italian: Siena's Spring Awakening: A Vineyard's Path to Innovation Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/it/episode/2026-05-17-22-34-01-it Story Transcript:It: Giovanni si alzò presto quella mattina.En: Giovanni got up early that morning.It: Il sole filtrava attraverso le tende, illuminando la stanza con una luce calda e accogliente.En: The sun filtered through the curtains, illuminating the room with a warm and welcoming light.It: Era primavera a Siena, e questo significava che le giornate erano perfette per lavorare nei campi.En: It was spring in Siena, and this meant that the days were perfect for working in the fields.It: La vigna di famiglia si distendeva tra le colline toscane, i grappoli di uva promettevano un raccolto abbondante.En: The family's vineyard stretched across the Tuscan hills, the clusters of grapes promising a bountiful harvest.It: Giovanni amava quel paesaggio, ma il suo cuore desiderava qualcosa di diverso.En: Giovanni loved that landscape, but his heart longed for something different.It: Martina era già in piedi, sistemando alcuni appunti sulla sostenibilità agricola.En: Martina was already up, organizing some notes on agricultural sustainability.It: "Giovanni, dobbiamo essere innovativi," disse con entusiasmo.En: "Giovanni, we have to be innovative," she said enthusiastically.It: "Coltivare la terra in modo sostenibile può attirare nuovi clienti!"En: "Farming sustainably can attract new customers!"It: Giovanni annuì, ma nella sua mente lottava con la responsabilità verso la terra e la sua voglia di vivere in città.En: Giovanni nodded, but in his mind, he wrestled with the responsibility to the land and his desire to live in the city.It: Luca arrivò, con un ampio sorriso e un cestino di pranzi fatti in casa.En: Luca arrived, with a broad smile and a basket of homemade lunches.It: "Buongiorno a tutti!En: "Good morning, everyone!It: La primavera è bellissima qui, vero?En: Spring is beautiful here, isn't it?It: Non riuscirei a immaginare un posto migliore per cucinare le mie ricette!"En: I couldn't imagine a better place to cook my recipes!"It: Luca era sempre ottimista, sempre allegro.En: Luca was always optimistic, always cheerful.It: Giovanni apprezzava la compagnia di Luca, ma notava anche come i suoi occhi si illuminavano quando parlava con Martina.En: Giovanni appreciated Luca's company but also noticed how his eyes lit up when he talked to Martina.It: Quel giorno, Giovanni doveva prendere una decisione importante.En: That day, Giovanni had to make an important decision.It: La loro situazione finanziaria non era delle migliori.En: Their financial situation was not the best.It: Decise di partecipare a un festival del vino a Siena per promuovere il loro prodotto.En: He decided to attend a wine festival in Siena to promote their product.It: Forse lì avrebbe trovato una soluzione.En: Maybe there he would find a solution.It: All'arrivo nella piazza di Siena, l'aria era piena di aromi di vino e risate.En: Upon arrival in the Siena square, the air was filled with the aromas of wine and laughter.It: Mentre sistemava lo stand, Giovanni ricevette una proposta inaspettata.En: While setting up the stand, Giovanni received an unexpected proposal.It: Un acquirente di vino gli offrì un lavoro in una grande cantina della città.En: A wine buyer offered him a job in a large winery in the city.It: Una grande opportunità!En: A great opportunity!It: Ma cosa voleva davvero?En: But what did he really want?It: La sera, di ritorno alla vigna, Giovanni rifletté sull'offerta.En: In the evening, back at the vineyard, Giovanni reflected on the offer.It: I suoi sogni erano lì, in città, ma la vigna aveva un valore più profondo.En: His dreams were there, in the city, but the vineyard had a deeper value.It: Sua sorella aveva ragione: modernizzare il loro lavoro poteva essere una chiave.En: His sister was right: modernizing their work could be the key.It: E se ci fosse un modo per unire tutti i suoi desideri?En: What if there was a way to unite all his desires?It: Decise di integrare le idee di Martina.En: He decided to incorporate Martina's ideas.It: Automatizzazioni, pratiche sostenibili, collaborazioni nuove.En: Automations, sustainable practices, new collaborations.It: "Siamo una famiglia," spiegò a Martina.En: "We are a family," he explained to Martina.It: "E il nostro futuro è qui.En: "And our future is here.It: Ho bisogno del tuo aiuto."En: I need your help."It: Giovanni cambiò e nel contempo realizzò che la sua passione era sempre stata lì, nei campi e nei profumi di primavera.En: Giovanni changed and at the same time realized that his passion had always been there, in the fields and the scents of spring.It: Luca preparava una cena speciale quella sera, con un bicchiere del loro vino accanto al piatto.En: Luca prepared a special dinner that evening, with a glass of their wine next to the plate.It: Brindarono al futuro.En: They toasted to the future.It: Con gli occhi fissi verso le colline, Giovanni sentiva il peso sollevarsi.En: With his eyes fixed on the hills, Giovanni felt the weight lift.It: Aveva capito che i suoi sogni e il suo dovere potevano coesistere.En: He understood that his dreams and his duty could coexist.It: E soprattutto, aveva capito il vero significato della parola "casa".En: And above all, he understood the true meaning of the word "home." Vocabulary Words:the curtain: la tendathe vineyard: la vignathe hill: la collinathe cluster: il grappolothe harvest: il raccoltothe field: il campothe landscape: il paesaggiothe responsibility: la responsabilitàthe desire: il desideriothe city: la cittàthe note: l'appuntothe practice: la praticathe solution: la soluzionethe proposal: la propostathe buyer: l'acquirentethe opportunity: l'opportunitàthe evening: la serathe key: la chiavethe help: l'aiutothe scent: il profumothe basket: il cestinothe aroma: l'aromathe stand: lo standthe winery: la cantinathe dream: il sognothe automation: l'automazionethe collaboration: la collaborazionethe glass: il bicchierethe plate: il piattothe duty: il dovere

This is what is so interesting about the wine trade.  It takes a ton of passion to do this, it is hard work and sometimes, without the passion, it just feels like a vanity project. At Caiarosa in Italy, the passion extends from Bordeaux France. I have had the pleasure to sit with the Director of the famed Chateau Giscours, a 2nd growth Bordeaux, and find their story and approach solid, but adventurous. Enter Caiarosa on the west side of Tuscany; a solidly Tuscan winery employing the methodes and thought processes of Bordeaux; sounds mixed up? Have a listen and find out why this makes sense. Ivo Assanelli may not travel with a corkscrew in one hand and a passport in the other, but after this conversation, you'll swear he's unlocked the essence of Tuscany with each bottle he opens. This episode invites listeners into a world where the liquid in your glass is no ordinary beverage—it's a vessel for stories, heritage, and profound emotion. Paul Kalemkiarian hosts a discussion that sweeps you from windswept Tuscan hills to bustling global wine expos, all while wrestling with questions of tradition, innovation, and the ever-changing palate of a new generation. You'll immediately sense that with every uncorked bottle, Ivo Assanelli carries not just the flavors of Cairosa, but the soul of winemaking itself. You'll learn why simply calling wine "alcohol" or "a beverage" misses its very point—and how approaching a glass, whether in California or on the coast of Tuscany, is an act steeped in generations of craft, climate, and culture. The conversation pulls listeners behind the scenes into the delicate business of sustaining organic and biodynamic vineyards, the unpredictability of weather, and the fine art of blending parcels that can shift in character every few yards. They explore the struggles and triumphs of carrying European tradition into markets where attention spans are short and every shelf is crowded, revealing that success means more than just good wine; it's about forging human connections and passing along stories that endure. From clinking glasses at wine fairs to humble tales of filling demi-johns in Italian villages, every anecdote reinforces just how tightly wine is woven into the fabric of life. You'll come away tasting not just the terroir, but the history, the hardship, the romance, and the unwavering passion that makes a bottle come alive in your hands.

"There is magic in cooking, and in cooking Italian food there is alchemy" - Old World Italian by Mimi ThorissonSince our lives contain multitudes, yes an American poet once said that, I feel to step away from the noise is to disarm the outside influences that are at times necessary and sometimes it is just kind of ridiculous. So the remedy is to open a cookbook and read a recipe and make something beautiful. I am an instinctual cook, I like throwing things together and using what is within reach, but sometimes I do find it quite meditative to pull a book and take some quiet time to wander through the pages, let the pages talk to me. I find this kind of thing quite wonderful and simple. I like reading about the author's philosophy and personal experience, what brought them to share their world of cooking and eating and sharing. I find this rather meditative and inspirational, a balm for my spirit. In these changing times I believe it could be the perfect antidote to the things piling up on top of us. Cook something, eat something, and maybe share it with a friend.Note: The image is from my table, while editing I was baking my favourite Ricciarelli - the Tuscan almond biscuits from the cookbook by Gennaro Contaldo - Gennaro's Italian Bakery...Enjoy, Michelle xShownotes A Writer in Italy InstagramSubstack - At My TableMichelle's BooksMusical Scores by Richard JohnstonA Writer in Italy is about travel and life. A place to share the beautiful travel journeys and the discoveries along the way. Support the show

Italy's vineyards stretch from Alpine peaks to volcanic islands, from rolling Tuscan hills to sun-drenched coastlines. Each glass of Italian wine carries not only the flavor of its land but also the imprint of centuries of tradition, community and culture. Join us for an exploration of that flavor and soul. Andrea Lonardi, one of Italy's most respected winemakers and agronomists, and a rare Master of Wine, teamed up with acclaimed wine journalist Jessica Dupuy to create Italianity, a book that traces the cultural thread that united Italy's native grapes and the people who cultivate them. From the misty hills of Piedmont and the Alpine slopes of Alto Adige to the volcanic soils of Sicily and the olive groves of Tuscany, Lonardi and Dupuy came face-to-face with the landscapes, families, and traditions that make Italian wine unlike anything else on earth. Join us to hear their tales of unforgettable encounters, cultural reflection, and stories of the Italian wine world, and learn why they say Italian wine is more than a beverage: it is history and heritage, innovation and resilience, the rhythm of the seasons, the joy of the table, and a way of seeing beauty in the everyday Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sometimes a single dinner can change everything! In this episode the Italian Life team greets Chef Aurelio Barattini to talk about the distinctions of Tuscan cooking and the traditions of a family restaurant, four generations in the making, Antico Locanda di Sesto! News of the day celebrates Andrew's favorite, The 80th birthday of the Vespa and guess. what? Smart Working doesn't mean what you think in Italian-- Iole's word of the day will set you straight.

Lust isn't a type, perfection is overrated, to be or not to be, up next on the reading list, don't worry be happy, has peloton gone broke ? Chime or banks ?   Hunting party, daredevil, Miami Grand Prix, the boys is number 1, the house of the spirits, what we hide, do we need acorn ? The gates, the mummy.   Jalapeño chicken, loaded broccoli salad, Tuscan shrimp orzo, cherry tomato basil pasta, bahn mi salad, cheesy beef pasta, sun dried tomato capellini.   Happy Monday stars

In this episode, Tommaso and Kimberly share their road trip from Rome to Lago di Garda. They talk about unexpected turns, unique culinary experiences, and the unparalleled beauty of Tuscany in spring. Please follow us on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! If you enjoy our podcast please leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, Grazie Mille! Key Points: Driving in Italy: Kimberly explains why they chose to pick up their rental car at Termini train station in Rome. They discuss the benefits of driving on secondary and tertiary roads, including Google Maps' “punto panoramico” feature. Tommaso and Kimberly advise listeners to build in extra time for auto grills during holidays. Culinary Adventures: Kimberly shares details of a lunch with their friend Paolo, a private chef, including a twist on cannoli. They explain how to enjoy the aperitivo lifestyle in Italy, from simple snacks to elaborate preparations. Discovering Hidden Gems: They visit Montefollonico, a tiny hilltop village Tommaso describes as “almost too perfect.” Kimberly highlights the remarkable façade of the Duomo in Montefollonico They explore Castiglione del Lago in Umbria, a village they had never visited before. Reflections: Tommaso and Kimberly emphasize the unique beauty of Tuscany in spring, noting the vibrant green landscapes. They encourage listeners to consider early spring for travel to Tuscany to avoid crowds. They discuss how road tripping allows for spontaneous stops and discoveries.

Fluent Fiction - Italian: Tuscan Reunions: Sibling Rivalries and Renewed Bonds Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/it/episode/2026-04-27-07-38-20-it Story Transcript:It: Nella dolce e luminosa primavera toscana, i raggi del sole accarezzavano le colline e facevano brillare i campi di fiori selvatici colorati.En: In the sweet and bright primavera toscana, the rays of the sun caressed the hills and made the fields of colorful wildflowers shine.It: Il profumo delle erbe fresche si mescolava con l'aria del mattino, mentre una leggera brezza faceva ondeggiare gli ulivi nei filari.En: The scent of fresh herbs mixed with the morning air, while a gentle breeze made the olive trees in the rows sway.It: Al centro di questa bellezza si ergeva una villa rustica ma elegante, con muri di terracotta e terrazze coperte di viti.En: At the center of this beauty stood a rustic yet elegant villa, with muri di terracotta and terraces covered with vines.It: Luca, Giulia e Matteo, tre fratelli dai caratteri diversi, si ritrovavano nella villa per celebrare l'anniversario dei loro genitori.En: Luca, Giulia and Matteo, three siblings with different personalities, gathered at the villa to celebrate their parents' anniversary.It: Luca, il maggiore, sentiva su di sé la responsabilità di mantenere la famiglia unita e organizzare una giornata perfetta.En: Luca, the eldest, felt responsible for keeping the family united and organizing a perfect day.It: Spesso invidiava la libertà dei suoi fratelli, ma non lo diceva a nessuno.En: He often envied his siblings' freedom, but he never said it to anyone.It: All'ombra delle querce, Giulia, la sorella di mezzo, sorrideva mentre ascoltava il cinguettio degli uccelli.En: In the shade of the oaks, Giulia, the middle sister, smiled as she listened to the birds singing.It: Lei era la mediatrice, quella che stemperava le tensioni.En: She was the mediator, the one who eased tensions.It: Tuttavia, dentro di sé, si sentiva spesso ignorata.En: However, inside, she often felt ignored.It: Il giovane Matteo, sempre in cerca di avventure, scalava un albero nei dintorni, ignorando le richieste di Luca di prepararsi per la celebrazione.En: Young Matteo, always in search of adventures, was climbing a nearby tree, ignoring Luca's requests to prepare for the celebration.It: Gli scontri tra loro non erano rari.En: Clashes between them were not rare.It: Luca voleva tutto sotto controllo, mentre Matteo odiava sentirsi sotto pressione.En: Luca wanted everything under control, while Matteo hated feeling pressured.It: "Matteo, scendi da lì e aiutami con i preparativi," disse Luca, cercando di mantenere la calma.En: "Matteo, come down from there and help me with the preparations," said Luca, trying to stay calm.It: "Non faccio nulla fino a quando non smetti di comandarmi," rispose Matteo dal ramo più alto.En: "I'm not doing anything until you stop bossing me around," replied Matteo from the highest branch.It: Giulia intervenne, proponendo un compromesso.En: Giulia intervened, proposing a compromise.It: "Che ne dite se tutti facciamo qualcosa?En: "What do you say if we all do something?It: Assegniamo a ognuno un compito."En: Let's assign each of us a task."It: Luca ci pensò.En: Luca thought about it.It: Con un sospiro, si rese conto che forse doveva fidarsi di più dei suoi fratelli.En: With a sigh, he realized that perhaps he needed to trust his siblings more.It: "D'accordo," disse.En: "All right," he said.It: "Giulia, tu ti occupi dei fiori.En: "Giulia, you take care of the flowers.It: Matteo, prepara le luci nel giardino.En: Matteo, set up the lights in the garden.It: Io penserò alla cena."En: I'll handle dinner."It: Durante i lavori, l'atmosfera cominciò a rilassarsi.En: During the work, the atmosphere began to relax.It: Il sole tramontava dipingendo il cielo di arancio e rosa, e il momento della cena arrivò.En: The sun set, painting the sky orange and pink, and the time for dinner came.It: Tutti si sedettero attorno al tavolo decorato con cura.En: Everyone sat around the carefully decorated table.It: Tuttavia, alla fine della cena, una tensione invisibile aleggiava ancora.En: However, at the end of the dinner, an invisible tension still lingered.It: Luca, sentendo il peso delle sue scelte, alzò lo sguardo e disse: "Mi dispiace se sono stato troppo severo."En: Luca, feeling the weight of his decisions, looked up and said, "I'm sorry if I was too strict."It: Matteo, sorpreso dalla sincerità del fratello, rispose: "Anche io a volte esagero.En: Matteo, surprised by his brother's sincerity, replied, "I also overreact sometimes.It: Voglio solo sentirti fiero di noi."En: I just want you to be proud of us."It: Giulia sorrise, prendendo le mani di entrambi.En: Giulia smiled, taking both their hands.It: "L'importante è che ci siamo tutti, qui e adesso."En: "The important thing is that we are all here, now."It: Una nuova comprensione e una rinnovata armonia si diffondevano tra loro.En: A new understanding and renewed harmony spread among them.It: La serata si concluse con i tre a raccontarsi storie e a ridere sotto il cielo stellato, promettendosi di apprezzare e rispettare i contributi di ciascuno.En: The evening ended with the three of them telling stories and laughing under the starry sky, promising to appreciate and respect each other's contributions.It: Luca imparò a vedere il valore nelle differenze dei fratelli, mentre Giulia e Matteo si sentirono finalmente apprezzati e responsabili.En: Luca learned to see the value in his siblings' differences, while Giulia and Matteo finally felt appreciated and responsible.It: La villa, circondata dalla bellezza della campagna toscana, divenne, quella sera, più di un semplice rifugio: era il simbolo della loro ritrovata unità familiare.En: The villa, surrounded by the beauty of the campagna toscana, became, that evening, more than just a refuge: it was the symbol of their newfound family unity. Vocabulary Words:the breeze: la brezzathe scent: il profumothe herbs: le erbeto sway: ondeggiarethe villa: la villathe terracotta: la terracottathe terraces: le terrazzethe siblings: i fratellithe eldest: il maggiorethe responsibilities: le responsabilitàthe unity: l'unitàthe shade: l'ombrathe oaks: le querceto ease: stemperarethe tensions: le tensionithe adventures: le avventurethe clashes: gli scontrito compromise: compromettereto trust: fidarsito decorate: decorarethe sincerity: la sinceritàthe harmony: l'armoniato promise: prometterethe contributions: i contributithe campagna: la campagnathe understanding: la comprensioneto appreciate: apprezzarethe differences: le differenzethe sky: il cielothe refuge: il rifugio

In which the Mister joins me in reviewing UNDER THE TUSCAN SUN (2003), from a screenplay by Audrey Wells and based on the book by Frances Mayes, the film is directed by Audrey Wells.  A recently divorced San Francisco writer named Frances Mayes (Diane Lane) impulsively buys a crumbling, centuries-old villa in Italy during a group tour meant to help her heal.  As she navigates the grueling process of restoring the dilapidated estate, she finds herself forming a makeshift family with a colorful cast of locals and expatriates who help her rediscover her zest for life.  Immersed in the lush scenery and sensory richness of the Tuscan countryside, Frances struggles to reconcile her painful past with the unpredictable and beautiful new future she is slowly building for herself.  The film clocks in at 1 h and 53 m, is rated PG-13 and is currently in streaming on the Starz app.  Please note there are SPOILERS in this review.#UnderTheTuscanSun #FrancesMayes #AudreyWells #DianeLane #Frances #SandraOh #Patti #LindsayDuncan #Katherine #RaoulBova #Marcello #VincentRiotta #Martini #GiuliaLouiseSteigerwalt #Chiara #PawelSzajda #Pawel #Romance #Comedy #Drama  #FridayFamilyFilmNightOpening intro music: GOAT by Wayne Jones, courtesy of YouTube Audio Library

Fluent Fiction - Italian: Mystery in Tuscany: The Tale of the Missing Sculpture Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/it/episode/2026-04-23-07-38-19-it Story Transcript:It: Il sole splendeva sopra la villa in Toscana.En: The sun shone above the villa in Toscana.It: Era primavera, e il giardino della villa era un tripudio di colori.En: It was spring, and the villa's garden was a riot of colors.It: Gigli bianchi, rose rosse, e gialle margherite decoravano i viali.En: White lilies, red roses, and yellow daisies decorated the paths.It: L'aria era piena del profumo dolce dei fiori, mentre il vento leggero muoveva le foglie degli alberi secolari.En: The air was filled with the sweet fragrance of flowers, while a light breeze moved the leaves of the ancient trees.It: Luca, art historian curioso e appassionato di misteri, camminava lentamente tra le statue antiche.En: Luca, a curious art historian passionate about mysteries, walked slowly among the ancient statues.It: Oggi era il giorno della festa di San Giorgio e la villa era in fermento.En: Today was the day of the feast of San Giorgio and the villa was bustling.It: Tuttavia, un'ombra oscurava il suo umore: una scultura preziosa era scomparsa.En: However, a shadow darkened his mood: a precious sculpture had disappeared.It: Luca sentiva il bisogno di dimostrare a se stesso di essere più di un semplice studioso; voleva risolvere l'enigma.En: Luca felt the need to prove to himself that he was more than just a scholar; he wanted to solve the enigma.It: Alessia, la custode della villa, era preoccupata.En: Alessia, the custodian of the villa, was worried.It: Era fedele alla famiglia e proteggere l'eredità della villa era la sua missione.En: She was loyal to the family and protecting the villa's heritage was her mission.It: Sospettava di chiunque mostrasse interesse eccessivo per la collezione.En: She was suspicious of anyone showing excessive interest in the collection.It: E Giovanni, uno studioso in visita con un passato misterioso, era finito nel suo radar di sospetti.En: And Giovanni, a visiting scholar with a mysterious past, was on her radar of suspects.It: Nel pomeriggio, Luca osservò Giovanni da lontano.En: In the afternoon, Luca observed Giovanni from a distance.It: "Perché era così interessato alla scultura?"En: "Why was he so interested in the sculpture?"It: si chiese.En: he wondered.It: Decise di affrontarlo.En: He decided to confront him.It: "Giovanni," iniziò Luca con tono calmo, "ho notato che sei molto interessato alla scultura scomparsa.En: "Giovanni," Luca began calmly, "I've noticed you're very interested in the missing sculpture.It: Qual è il tuo interesse?"En: What is your interest?"It: Giovanni esitò un attimo, i suoi occhi tradivano un misto di sorpresa e imbarazzo.En: Giovanni hesitated for a moment, his eyes betraying a mix of surprise and embarrassment.It: "È solo una curiosità accademica," rispose, cercando di non mostrare emozioni.En: "It's just academic curiosity," he replied, trying not to show emotions.It: Luca non era convinto.En: Luca was not convinced.It: Aspettò il momento giusto per indagare più a fondo.En: He waited for the right moment to investigate further.It: Poco dopo, decise di perlustrare il giardino, sperando di trovare indizi sul destino della scultura.En: Shortly after, he decided to search the garden, hoping to find clues about the sculpture's fate.It: Accadde che Luca e Alessia, ormai alleati, scoprirono Giovanni nel recondito angolo del giardino.En: It happened that Luca and Alessia, now allies, discovered Giovanni in a secluded corner of the garden.It: Tentava di nascondere la scultura dietro un cespuglio fiorito.En: He was trying to hide the sculpture behind a blooming bush.It: "Giovanni!"En: "Giovanni!"It: esclamò Alessia, interdetta.En: exclaimed Alessia, taken aback.It: Giovanni alzò le mani in segno di pace.En: Giovanni raised his hands in a sign of peace.It: "Non volevo rubarla," spiegò in fretta.En: "I didn't want to steal it," he quickly explained.It: "Volevo assicurarmi che venisse preservata.En: "I wanted to ensure it was preserved.It: Volevo studiarla nella quiete, lontano da occhi indiscreti."En: I wanted to study it in peace, away from prying eyes."It: Luca e Alessia ascoltarono, sorpresi.En: Luca and Alessia listened, surprised.It: La verità veniva alla luce: le intenzioni di Giovanni non erano maliziose.En: The truth was revealed: Giovanni's intentions were not malicious.It: Insieme riportarono la scultura al suo posto nel giardino.En: Together they returned the sculpture to its place in the garden.It: Il proprietario della villa, informato dell'accaduto, accettò le scuse di Giovanni.En: The owner of the villa, informed of what had happened, accepted Giovanni's apologies.It: Capì che Giovanni cercava solo di proteggere e studiare l'arte.En: He understood that Giovanni only sought to protect and study the art.It: Per Luca, questo era un trionfo.En: For Luca, this was a triumph.It: Aveva risolto il mistero e guadagnato la fiducia di Alessia.En: He had solved the mystery and gained Alessia's trust.It: Si sentiva finalmente capace, non solo come storico dell'arte, ma come investigatore.En: He finally felt capable, not only as an art historian, but as an investigator.It: E una nuova amicizia era nata in quella villa toscana, dove la primavera portava non solo fiori, ma anche nuove speranze.En: And a new friendship was born in that Tuscan villa, where spring brought not only flowers, but also new hopes. Vocabulary Words:sun: il solespring: la primaveravilla: la villagarden: il giardinolilies: i gigliroses: le rosedaisies: le margheritepaths: i vialifragrance: il profumobreeze: il vento leggeroleaves: le foglietrees: gli alberishadow: l'ombrasculpture: la sculturaenigma: l'enigmacustodian: la custodeheritage: l'ereditàvisitor: lo studioso in visitasuspect: i sospettidistance: la distanzacuriosity: la curiositàemotions: le emozioniclues: gli indizicorner: l'angolobush: il cespugliopeace: la quietetruth: la veritàintentions: le intenzioniowner: il proprietarioapologies: le scuse

Jim, Jack and Joe review two more games; defeat in Florence and a goalless draw with West Ham. They also discuss Tuscan travels, Jaydee Canvot, some more Not Having That's, hear some listener Top 5 entries and dish out more 321 points. Get your Exclusive NordVPN deal by going to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠nordvpn.com/fyp⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠- it's risk-free with Nord's 30-day money-back guarantee! Get tickets to Jim's 2026 UK Tour here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠jimdalycomedy.com/tour⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ April 23rd LONDON (SOLD OUT!)April 30th BRIGHTON (FINAL FEW)May 3rd MANCHESTERMay 23rd CHESHAMJune 7th BIRMINGHAMJune 13th LIVERPOOL Get loads more Palace content at ⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/fyppodcast⁠⁠ Chapters 00:00 Introduction 03:04 Tuscan travel highlights 11:58 Fiorentina vs Palace match review 21:00 West Ham game discussion 33:57 Culinary adventures in Italy 39:46 Jaydee Canvot discussion 01:04:48 Not Having That 01:12:45 Top 5 listener entries 01:22:40 More 321 points facebook: FYPFanzineinstagram: @fypfanzinebluesky: @fiveyearplan.bsky.socialtiktok: @fiveyearplanpodcasttwitter: @fypfanzine⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠email: ⁠contact@fypfanzine.uk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What if one ingredient could turn your weeknight dinners into satisfying dishes in less than 30 minutes — without ever feeling repetitive?Cooking dinner can sometimes feel like a dull routine, but a simple can of chickpeas can change that. In this re-release of a fan-favorite episode, and with the help of Sarah Bond, nutritionist and creator of Live Eat Learn, we dive into the world of vegetarian meals built around our favorite versatile, affordable pantry staple. By the end of this episode, you'll learn how to:Whip up the 15-minute viral “Marry Me Chickpeas” Discover the unique, simple spice blend for addictive “Dorito” chickpeas – a snack-turned-main-dish that even reluctant bean lovers will enjoyCook up easy-to-make meatless dinners, like crispy, golden air-fried chickpeas and a flavorful sheet pan meal packed with vegetables Hit play on this episode to uncover the endless possibilities of chickpeas! ***For more recipes and cooking inspiration, sign up for our free Substack here. And join us on our live monthly calls by upgrading your subscription to paid!***LinksSarah Bond's Instagram, her site: Live Eat Learn – Easy Vegetarian Recipes, and her cookbook!Marry Me Chickpeas (with creamy Tuscan sauce)Roasted chickpea gyros Roasted veggie glow bowlsCopy cat Cafe Yum sauceCrispy air fryer chickpeas 15-minute chickpea tacos with creamy cilantro sauceChickpea blondiesVegan chicken and dumplings (with chickpeas!)Chickpea pot pieVegan aquafaba + coconut popsicles****Got a cooking question? Leave us a message on our hotline at: 323-452-9084For more recipes and cooking inspiration, sign up for our Substack here.Are you a local to Portland or planning a visit? You can now book a private farmers' market tour with Sonya through Airbnb Experiences! Or order Sonya's cookbook Braids for more Food Friends recipes!

This podcast is listener-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Our culinary tour of Italy continues in Tuscany, a region whose cypress-lined landscapes and medieval hill towns define the quintessential Italian dream. This episode focuses on a cuisine where the philosophy of cucina povera meets world-class agricultural products, creating a table that is naturally plant-forward and elegantly simple.In this installment of our Italian series, we dive into why Tuscans are known as “bean eaters” and how their famous unsalted bread serves as the perfect canvas for the region's pungent, peppery olive oil. From ancient Etruscan roots to the birthplace of the biscotto, we discover how Tuscany transforms humble ingredients like white beans, kale, and chestnuts into mouthwatering masterpieces.What This Episode Covers:* We dive into why Tuscans are affectionately called “bean eaters” and explore the many varieties of white beans* I discuss the unique characteristics of Tuscan olive oil* We explore the curious history of Tuscany's unsalted bread (pane sciocco) and how it led to the creation of classic “recycled” dishes like Panzanella and Ribollita.* This episode highlights the difference between crostini and bruschetta, including a warning about which traditional toppings to avoid.* I introduce the ancient pasta testaroli and the thick, hand-rolled pici noodles that are a staple of Sienese cuisine.* We look at the versatility of chickpea flour in traditional street foods like torta di ceci and farinata.* I share the fascinating history of biscotti, which were originally created as a rock-hard, long-shelf-life ration for Roman Legions.* We wrap up with a look at chestnut-based desserts and savory dishes, from chestnut gnocchi to the raisin-and-pine-nut-studded castagnaccio.

History was made in Florence as Palace secured their first-ever major European semi-final berth. While the 2-1 loss on the night ended the unbeaten streak, the 4-2 aggregate victory tells the story of a team that did the hard work at Selhurst and showed incredible "South London grit" to survive a chaotic night at the Artemio Franchi. We're grading a performance defined by defensive defiance and a clinical early blow that took the air out of the Tuscan crowd.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/holmesdaleradio. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fluent Fiction - Italian: Finding Home: Easter Reunion in the Tuscan Hills Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/it/episode/2026-04-15-22-34-02-it Story Transcript:It: Giulia sentiva il cuore battere veloce mentre l'auto si avvicinava alla grande casa di famiglia sulle colline toscane.En: Giulia felt her heart beating fast as the car approached the large family house in the Tuscan hills.It: I campi fioriti di papaveri e girasoli scorreva davanti ai suoi occhi, e le campane di Pasqua risuonavano in lontananza.En: The fields of blooming poppies and sunflowers flowed past her eyes, and the Easter bells rang in the distance.It: Dopo tanti anni a Firenze, tornare a casa per la riunione di Pasqua la metteva in agitazione.En: After so many years in Florence, coming home for the Easter reunion made her feel anxious.It: La casa era come la ricordava: grande, con un tetto di tegole rosse e le persiane verdi.En: The house was just as she remembered: large, with a red tiled roof and green shutters.It: I vigneti si stendevano fino all'orizzonte.En: The vineyards stretched to the horizon.It: Giulia aprì la portiera dell'auto e sentì il profumo delle olive e della primavera.En: Giulia opened the car door and smelled the scent of olives and spring.It: Suo fratello, Luca, la salutò allegro dal cortile.En: Her brother, Luca, cheerfully greeted her from the courtyard.It: "Giulia, sei arrivata!"En: "Giulia, you're here!"It: Francesca, la loro cugina, uscì dalla cucina, pulendosi le mani sul grembiule.En: Francesca, their cousin, came out of the kitchen, wiping her hands on her apron.It: "Ci sei mancata.En: "We've missed you.It: Abbiamo tanto da preparare per il pranzo di domani!"En: We have so much to prepare for tomorrow's lunch!"It: Giulia sorrise timidamente.En: Giulia smiled shyly.It: Si sentiva disconnessa, come se un muro invisibile la separasse dalla sua famiglia, troppo legata al passato.En: She felt disconnected, as if an invisible wall separated her from her family, too tied to the past.It: Quella sera, mentre il sole tramontava tra i colli, Giulia decise di partecipare ai preparativi.En: That evening, as the sun set between the hills, Giulia decided to join in the preparations.It: Tornò nella cucina, dove Francesca impastava la pasta per le lasagne e Luca preparava il ragù.En: She returned to the kitchen, where Francesca was kneading the dough for lasagna and Luca was preparing the ragù.It: Giulia si unì a loro, mescolando il sugo e ascoltando le chiacchiere della famiglia.En: Giulia joined them, stirring the sauce and listening to the family chatter.It: "Come va a Firenze?"En: "How is it in Florence?"It: chiese Francesca mentre stendeva la sfoglia sottile.En: asked Francesca as she rolled out the thin pasta sheet.It: "Ho sentito che lavori come artista.En: "I heard you're working as an artist.It: Deve essere emozionante!"En: It must be exciting!"It: Giulia esitò.En: Giulia hesitated.It: "Sì, è bello... ma è anche difficile," ammise.En: "Yes, it's nice... but it's also difficult," she admitted.It: "A volte mi chiedo se ho fatto la scelta giusta."En: "Sometimes I wonder if I made the right choice."It: La mattina di Pasqua, la casa si riempì del profumo di cucina e di risa.En: On Easter morning, the house filled with the smell of cooking and laughter.It: Giulia aiutò con la tavola, decorandola con i fiori freschi del giardino.En: Giulia helped with the table, decorating it with fresh flowers from the garden.It: La sala da pranzo brillava di luce e vita.En: The dining room shone with light and life.It: Mentre si sedevano a tavola, la tensione che Giulia aveva portato con sé da Firenze sembrava dissolversi alla vista della famiglia riunita.En: As they sat at the table, the tension that Giulia had brought with her from Florence seemed to dissolve at the sight of the gathered family.It: Durante il pranzo, un momento di silenzio.En: During lunch, there was a moment of silence.It: Luca, guardando Giulia, chiese: "Sei felice con la tua vita in città?"En: Luca, looking at Giulia, asked, "Are you happy with your life in the city?"It: Giulia sospirò, il cuore pesante.En: Giulia sighed, her heart heavy.It: "A volte mi chiedo se vi ho deluso... se sono troppo diversa ora."En: "Sometimes I wonder if I've disappointed you... if I'm too different now."It: Francesca posò la forchetta e prese la mano di Giulia.En: Francesca set her fork down and took Giulia's hand.It: "Coraggio, Giulia.En: "Courage, Giulia.It: Siamo orgogliosi di te.En: We're proud of you.It: Sei sempre la nostra Giulia, ovunque tu sia."En: You're always our Giulia, wherever you are."It: Le parole di Francesca sciolsero il nodo nel petto di Giulia.En: Francesca's words untied the knot in Giulia's chest.It: Gli occhi le si inumidirono, ma non di tristezza, bensì di sollievo.En: Her eyes welled up, but not with sadness, rather with relief.It: Parlò delle sue opere, della città, delle nuove amicizie.En: She spoke of her work, the city, her new friendships.It: E ascoltò le storie del paese, le novità sulla famiglia, le risate di Luca che rendevano tutto più semplice.En: And she listened to the village stories, the family news, Luca's laughter which made everything simpler.It: Mentre la giornata si chiudeva con il caffè e la colomba pasquale, Giulia sentiva il calore della famiglia tornare.En: As the day ended with coffee and colomba pasquale (Easter cake), Giulia felt the warmth of family return.It: Ancorata al suo passato ma con uno sguardo fresco al futuro, sapeva di avere radici che la sostenevano, ovunque fosse.En: Rooted in her past but with a fresh look to the future, she knew she had roots supporting her, wherever she was.It: La Pasqua passò tra abbracci e promesse di rivedersi presto.En: Easter passed with hugs and promises to see each other soon.It: Quando Giulia lasciò la casa, con il cielo tinto dai colori del tramonto, sentì di aver trovato un nuovo equilibrio tra il cuore e il mondo.En: When Giulia left the house, with the sky tinted by the colors of sunset, she felt she had found a new balance between her heart and the world. Vocabulary Words:the heart: il cuorethe hills: i collithe poppies: i papaverithe sunflowers: i girasolithe bells: le campanethe roof: il tettothe shutters: le persianethe vineyards: i vignetithe courtyard: il cortilethe apron: il grembiulethe dough: l'impastothe sauce: il sugothe artist: l'artistathe Easter: la Pasquathe table: la tavolathe sheet: la sfogliathe silence: il silenziothe fork: la forchettathe relief: il sollievothe laughter: le risatethe cake: la colomba pasqualethe balance: l'equilibriothe sunset: il tramontothe reunion: la riunioneto beat: battereblooming: fioritito smell: annusarethe scent: il profumothe kitchen: la cucinathe light: la luce

Send us Fan MailSip on wine truths and do some soul searching while being serenaded under the Tuscan sun. Fall in love with You, Me & Tuscany this week.Website | Rotten Tomatoes | Linktree | Youtube | Twitter | Instagram 

100 Paintings: An Artist’s Life in New York City by Rob Mango https://www.robmango.com/100-paintings-an-artist-life-in-new-york https://www.amazon.com/100-Paintings-Artists-Life-York/dp/0692263136 Equal parts monograph and memoir, 100 Paintings: An Artist’s Life in New York City is one man’s artistic journey from his native Chicago to a pioneering residency in Manhattan’s storied neighborhood of Tribeca. Rob Mango, as much an athlete as an artist, has explored New York City on foot since 1977–its architecture and its denizens, its streets and its harbors providing the former track star with the inspiration for much of his highly individualistic work. As noted in the foreword by art critic Robert Mahoney, ”Mango’s paintings can be seen as being produced by a man whose body was fed oxygen to a fantastical high while running through the city.” With more than 200 full-color artworks and photographs, this book documents Mango’s journey and the body of work he has created over the past four-plus decades. From the birth of Tribeca to the horrors of 9/11 and its aftermath, Mango reveals the details as only such a singular artist can. Along the way, he rubs shoulders with Wall Street titans, the art world’s up-and-comers, punk rockers, and such celebrated downtowners as Martin Scorsese, Robert De Niro, Andy Warhol, Larry Rivers and Bob Dylan. A central hub of Tribeca was the Neo Persona Gallery, which Mango founded in 1984 to represent and exhibit the work of the neighborhood’s burgeoning art scene. Mango’s diverse body of work, depicted here, includes vividly imagined, surreal meditations on the artist in the city and abroad, animated by figures from his personal mythology. Drawings, assemblages, sculptures, paintings, and groundbreaking painted-sculptural hybrid works, from 1975 2014, represent Mango’s entire life as an artist, including stints in the Midwest, New Mexico, Paris, Prague, Venice, and Tuscany. Featured in this retrospective are a series of epic, large-scale paintings set in a fantastic New York, replete with the city’s iconic architectural landmarks, but populated by gods, warriors, shamans, and other figures drawn from many epochs and cultures. Also here are portraits of the famous and infamous, pastoral scenes from a rural Tuscan village, and Mango’s breathtaking series of nudes. About the author Interview originally published in Du Jour, Oct 21, 2014. What brought you to New York City in the ’70s, and how did the city influence you and your artwork? I quickly became aware that the center of the art universe was New York City. The fantasy of coming to [the city] and becoming part of it was launched by painters I encountered while roaming the halls of the Art Institute of Chicago as a teen–Rivers, Johns, DeKooning and Rauschenberg. My obsession with New York became so highly evolved that it sustained me long after I arrived. In many ways, the fantasy of New York exceeded the actual experience initially, which was, in a word, cruel. My Midwestern fantasy of New York sustained the creation of numerous major works, which blend realistic detail and imaginative or surreal invention, particularly “Millennium” and “Return to the City.”

Siena stands as a brick-and-marble time capsule of the Middle Ages, where banking ambition, artistic revolution, and fierce civic identity fused into one of the great medieval Italian city states. Travel writer and history buff Paul Bloomfield is joined by archaeologist and researcher Lucy Shipley to explore this enchanting Tuscan city. Together they explore the city's early years as a Roman military colony, its flourishing in the Middle Ages, and its later decline and revival. Along the way, they meet important figures who played major roles in Siena's story – and recommend top tips for eager travellers. History's Greatest Cities is produced by HistoryExtra, the home of ‘History's Greatest' podcasts. Listen to our other podcasts History's Greatest Conspiracy Theories, History's Greatest Scandals, History's Greatest Battles, HistoryExtra Long Reads and the HistoryExtra podcast at ⁠historyextra.com/podcast⁠. For more fascinating stories from the past head to HistoryExtra.com. We'd love to know what you think about the podcast, so leave us a review and let us know the topics you think we should be covering. Or, follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram or YouTube to keep in touch. You can listen ad-free to this episode and more by subscribing to HistoryExtra Plus here: ⁠https://historyextra.supportingcast.fm/⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week in The Lobby Bar, we're sipping a Pineapple Mezcal Old Fashioned as we balance a romantic getaway with a legendary curse. We first explore the sun-drenched landscapes and romantic drama found in You, Me and Tuscany. Finally, we dive into the terrifying potential of Lee Cronin's visceral new vision for The Mummy.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bluesky⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.drinkthemovies.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Discord⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠*Please Drink Responsibly*

For this week's main podcast review, Katie Johnson and Dan Bayer join me to discuss "You, Me & Tuscany," starring Halle Bailey, Regé-Jean Page, Lorenzo de Moor, Isabella Ferrari, Aziza Scott, Marco Calvani & Nia Vardalos. Directed by Kat Coiro and written by Ryan Engle, it takes place in Italy and tells the story of a young cook who squats in an abandoned Tuscan villa owned by a man she barely knows, and she meets the owner's cousin. A POC-led American romantic comedy, the film has been saddled with expectations to perform well at the box office so that other similar projects can be greenlit. Is this fair? What is the current state of the rom-com genre for theatrical exhibition? Why isn't Regé-Jean Page a bigger star, and what will become of Halle Bailey's still young and blossoming career? Did we enjoy this film despite its flaws? Please tune in as we discuss the story, comedy, romantic chemistry between the two leads, and more in our SPOILER-FILLED review. Thank you for listening, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fluent Fiction - Italian: Unveiling Secrets: The Antinori Family Betrayal Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/it/episode/2026-04-08-22-34-01-it Story Transcript:It: La brezza di primavera accarezzava i campi di girasoli che si estendevano attorno alla tenuta degli Antinori.En: The spring breeze caressed the sunflower fields that stretched around the tenuta of the Antinori.It: Era un mattino tranquillo quando Luca, con un'aria pensierosa, camminava lungo il viale ghiaioso che portava al vecchio giardino.En: It was a quiet morning when Luca, with a thoughtful air, walked along the gravel path leading to the old garden.It: Aveva da poco ereditato la proprietà di suo nonno e la grande villa color crema si ergeva maestosa sullo sfondo dei colli toscani.En: He had recently inherited his grandfather's property, and the grand cream-colored villa stood majestically against the background of the Tuscan hills.It: Mentre esplorava la soffitta polverosa, trovò una vecchia cassapanca.En: As he explored the dusty attic, he found an old chest.It: Dentro, tra vecchie fotografie ingiallite, trovò una lettera.En: Inside, among yellowed photographs, he found a letter.It: Aprì la busta delicata e lesse con attenzione: era un messaggio dal passato, rivelando un tradimento familiare mai svelato.En: He opened the delicate envelope and read carefully: it was a message from the past, revealing a family betrayal never unveiled.It: Luca sentì il cuore battere più forte.En: Luca felt his heart beat faster.It: Doveva capire la verità.En: He had to understand the truth.It: Scese le scale di corsa e cercò rapidamente sua sorella Gianna.En: He ran down the stairs and quickly searched for his sister Gianna.It: La trovò in cucina, intenta a decorare le colombe pasquali per la festa del paese.En: He found her in the kitchen, busy decorating colombe pasquali for the village festival.It: “Gianna, devi vedere questo,” disse Luca, con voce tremante.En: "Gianna, you have to see this," said Luca, with a trembling voice.It: Lei prese la lettera e lesse attentamente, il viso ora teso.En: She took the letter and read carefully, her face now tense.It: “Luca, dobbiamo essere cauti.En: “Luca, we need to be cautious.It: Questo può cambiare tutto,” consigliò Gianna, sempre pratica.En: This could change everything,” advised Gianna, always practical.It: Ma Luca era determinato.En: But Luca was determined.It: “Non possiamo ignorare la verità.” Vittorio, il loro cugino, si unì a loro poco dopo.En: “We cannot ignore the truth.” Vittorio, their cousin, joined them shortly after.It: L'affascinante cugino aveva sempre un suo piano in mente.En: The charming cousin always had a plan in mind.It: “Interessante,” disse, accarezzandosi il mento, “potremmo trarne vantaggio.” I giorni passavano e il sole primaverile illuminava ogni angolo della tenuta.En: “Interesting,” he said, stroking his chin, “we could take advantage of this.” The days passed, and the spring sun illuminated every corner of the tenuta.It: I tre scavavano nel passato, cercando indizi per confermare il contenuto della lettera.En: The three dug into the past, seeking clues to confirm the content of the letter.It: Giunse infine il giorno di Pasqua, e la piccola piazza del villaggio si riempì di musiche e risate.En: Finally, Easter day arrived, and the small village square filled with music and laughter.It: Ma per Luca, Gianna e Vittorio, l'atmosfera era carica di tensione.En: But for Luca, Gianna, and Vittorio, the atmosphere was charged with tension.It: Mentre le campane suonavano in lontananza, Luca sbirciò dai fogli ingialliti che finalmente confermavano la storia: un vecchio contratto firmato molti anni fa che rivelava la verità sul tradimento.En: As the bells rang in the distance, Luca peered at the yellowed papers that finally confirmed the story: an old contract signed many years ago revealing the truth about the betrayal.It: Vittorio osservava il documento con avidità, ma Gianna restava preoccupata.En: Vittorio observed the document greedily, but Gianna remained worried.It: Tutti sapevano che la notizia si sarebbe potuta spargere rapidamente.En: Everyone knew the news could spread quickly.It: “Dobbiamo dirlo alla famiglia,” disse Luca con decisione.En: “We have to tell the family,” said Luca with determination.It: Era deciso a scegliere l'integrità sopra il silenzio.En: He was resolute in choosing integrity over silence.It: Radunarono tutti, i volti familiari e gli occhi curiosi dei parenti li fissavano mentre parlavano.En: They gathered everyone, familiar faces, and curious eyes of relatives fixed on them as they spoke.It: La verità scioccò ma allo stesso tempo liberò un peso invisibile.En: The truth was shocking but at the same time lifted an invisible weight.It: Alla fine, Luca si sentì libero, finalmente consapevole del valore della sua famiglia nonostante i segreti.En: In the end, Luca felt free, finally aware of the value of his family despite the secrets.It: Con questa scelta coraggiosa, trovò un nuovo senso di appartenenza e orgoglio, mentre i girasoli ondeggiavano fiduciosi sotto il cielo primaverile.En: With this brave choice, he found a new sense of belonging and pride, as the sunflowers waved confidently under the spring sky. Vocabulary Words:the breeze: la brezzato caress: accarezzarethe tenuta: la tenutathoughtful: pensierosothe gravel: il viale ghiaiosoto inherit: ereditaremajestic: maestosoto explore: esplorarethe attic: la soffittathe chest: la cassapancathe envelope: la bustadelicate: delicatato unveil: svelareto tremble: tremareto advise: consigliareto ignore: ignorarethe cousin: il cuginocharming: affascinanteto stroke: accarezzareto dig: scavareto confirm: confermaretense: tesothe contract: il contrattoto spread: spargereintegrity: integritàthe relative: il parenteto fix on: fissare suto shock: scioccareto lift: liberareto belong: appartenere

The road to the Conference League final gets significantly steeper as Palace welcome Italian giants Fiorentina to Selhurst Park for the first leg of the Quarter-Finals. After the dramatic "Redemption in Larnaca," Oliver Glasner's men face a side that has reached the final of this competition in consecutive years. It's a night where South London grit meets Tuscan flair, and with a place in the semi-finals on the line, the atmosphere under the lights is expected to be electric.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/holmesdaleradio. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dane DeLiegro did not exactly take the usual road to Hollywood, and that is what made this live conversation at the 2024 Origins Game Fair in Columbus, Ohio so entertaining. Before becoming the Predator in Prey, he played pro basketball in Europe, spent years apprenticing under a legendary Tuscan butcher, and nearly ended up in the culinary world instead of the film business. By the time he started describing what it took to bring the Predator to life, it was clear this was not your standard actor origin story. Before acting, DeLiegro spent years playing professional basketball in Europe and living in Tuscany during the off-seasons, where he apprenticed under famed butcher Dario Cecchini and learned traditional Tuscan butchery. His path into movies started almost by accident when a stand-in job on Free Guy led people on set to realize his size and physicality made him a natural fit for creature acting. DeLiegro detailed the intense physical demands of playing the Predator in Prey, including mime school, martial arts and parkour training, major weight loss, and performing scenes with extremely limited vision inside the suit. “Every morning you wake up and it's a little Predator surprise party, remembering that you're the Predator.” - Dane DiLiegro Want more exclusive interviews and behind-the-scenes stories from the people who bring your favorite characters to life? Subscribe to our podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or on your favorite podcasting platform for more behind-the-scenes stories and exclusive interviews.

Send us Fan MailLife continues to throw a lot at me (I'm sure we can all relate) but I did get to take another road trip to the mountains with my sweetie. We were road tested on a few issues including broken down rental cars and hotel accessibility and I started thinking about what you learn about yourself when you travel. That inspired a new episode (coming soon) about romantic movies featuring characters who leave home to explore new horizons, and in between the ice cream, sightseeing, luxury hotel beds, Tuscan villa renos and arguments with companions of all sorts, learn something important about themselves. Meanwhile, enjoy this revisit with Kristen Meinzer and Jolenta Greenberg of the Romance Road Test podcast, now hosts of How to Be Fine, a spinoff of their podcast By the Book and their book of the same name.Support the showIf you enjoyed this episode, please click share in your podcast app and tell your friends! Thanks for listening!

The business of midlife.In this special three-year anniversary episode, Laurie Reynoldson pulls back the curtain on the "business of podcasting" before diving deep into a concept every high-achieving woman needs to hear: The Business of Midlife. If you've spent decades advocating for your team at work and your family at home, while leaving your own dreams for "someday," this episode is your wake-up call. Laurie explores why we often treat our careers with more strategy, investment, and clarity than our own lives—and how to flip the script. In this episode, you'll learn:The IBM Strategy for Personal Growth: How a three-step success secret from former IBM CEO Tom Watson can be applied to designing your second act. The "Someday" Trap: Why waiting for absolute certainty or the "perfect time" is the quickest way to stay stuck. Investing vs. Indulging: Breaking the conditioning that says spending time and money on your own development is selfish. The Power of Sabbaticals: Why you should "try on" your dream life (like moving to a Tuscan villa) before you sell everything to pursue it. The Ripple Effect: How getting clear on your own needs actually makes you show up better for your family and community. Are you ready to treat your life like it's your career? It's time to stop waiting for retirement to start living.LINKS + MENTIONS:Best Life Retreat - Civana Wellness Resort + SpaBest Life Retreat - ParisSupport the Show: If this episode resonated with you, please follow, leave a five-star rating, and share it with a friend!

You crowned your 2026 March MANness winner! And the banner goes to…Rob Rausch! It was a tight race and West Wilson was leading the charge but Rob slithered his way to the top! Congrats to Rob and thanks to everyone for playing! Until next year...! We chat about thooooose rumors and hope they are just rumors! We deep dive RHOBH and couldn't help but wonder... What are we doing? What is going on? Kyle is on a solo mission to take down Dorit, we are over the girls bullying Amanda and we just want to take thirst traps in the Tuscan pool like Tilly! Come judge with us! ou can find us:Linktree: Two Judgey GirlsPodcast: ACast, iTunes, Spotify, wherever you listen!Instagram & Threads: @twojudgeygirlsTikTok: @twojudgeygirls // @marytwojudgeygirls // @courtneytjgYouTube: @twojudgeygirlsFacebook: www.facebook.com/twojudgeygirlsMerch: www.etsy.com/shop/twojudgeygirlsPatreon: www.patreon.com/twojudgeygirls LTK: @marytwojudgeygirls // @courtneytjg Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's guest is Amber Guinness—cookbook author and co-founder of The Arniano Painting School. Amber grew up in the Tuscan countryside, where food was a way of life and meals were all about gathering, generosity, and instinct.  Amber joins host Kerry Diamond to talk about her latest book, “Winter in Tuscany: Cozy Recipes and the Quanto Basta Way,” and the philosophy that guides her cooking: quanto basta, or “as much as you need.” It's a beautifully simple idea that encourages cooks to trust themselves, embrace imperfection, and focus on flavor over formulas. Amber shares stories from her childhood in rural Italy, her time working at London's iconic River Cafe, and how she came to host intimate painting retreats at her family home, where she cooks for guests using recipes passed down through generations.  The two also dive into Amber's favorite dishes, from lemony meatballs and “drunk” spaghetti to cozy lentil stews and emergency pantry pasta. Plus, Amber talks about writing three books in three years, the magic of Tuscan olive oil, and why sometimes the simplest meals are the most memorable. This interview was recorded at Newsstand Studios at Rockefeller Center.  Cherry Bombe on SubstackThe Jubilee Business Owners Pass applicationOur new Mom's the Bombe issue Visit cherrybombe.com for subscriptions, tickets to upcoming events, and more. More on Amber: Instagram, The Arniano Painting School, "Winter in Tuscany" cookbook More on Kerry: Instagram, “So You Want To Open A Restaurant” Substack series

DANIEL GRACE is a London born, California bred, former owner of an international advertising agency who now produces critically acclaimed Tuscan wines at his family winery, Il Molino di Grace, in Panzano-in-Chianti, Italy. He is a storyteller by trade and a mythologist at heart. 'In the Wake of Golgotha' is his debut novel. Visit his website at: https://www.danielmarkgrace.com/ Spies, Lies and Private Eyes is copyrighted by Authors on the Air Global Radio Network #authorsofinstagram #authorinterview #writingcommunity #authorsontheair#suspensebooks#authorssupportingauthors #thrillerbooks #suspense #wip#writers#writersinspiration #books#bookrecommendations #bookaddict #bookaddicted#bookaddiction #bibliophile #read#amreading #lovetoread #terrencemccauley#terrencemccauleybooks #bookouture #thrillers#theuniversityseries #DanielGrace #InTheWakeOfGolgotha

In this episode of the wine podcast, Janina dives into one of Italy's most prestigious and age-worthy wines: Brunello di Montalcino. Joined by Italian wine expert Ian D'Agata, this episode blends wine education with a deep exploration of wine regions, helping you learn about wine through the lens of Sangiovese. From wine grapes and clonal diversity to terroir, aging potential and tasting profiles, you'll discover what makes Brunello unique and how this iconic Tuscan wine compares to others made from the same grape. Plus, if you love wine travel, you'll hear about an immersive opportunity to study wine directly in Montalcino, tasting up to 100 wines with producers in the region. To find out more about joining The Ian D'Agata Wine Academy in Montalcino on 16th, 17th & 18th April 2026 click here. Or email Giulia Corino For those attending the Ian D'Agata Wine Academy, there will be a special guest speaker session led by Maddy Jimerson MS, Master Sommelier and Director of Casa Mia in Denver. With a strong connection to Alto Piemonte, where she regularly spends time, Maddy will be guiding an in-depth session focused on the wines of this fascinating region of Italy.   SHOWNOTES: 02:52 – Ian explains why wine education is so important, sharing how great teachers shaped his career and why helping people understand wine makes a real difference. 05:56 – Why most people stick to familiar wines - and how learning about lesser-known Italian grape varieties can completely change how you choose a bottle. 10:00 – Looking beyond Brunello and Barolo, Ian highlights powerful Italian red wine grapes like Aglianico that deserve more attention. 11:02 – Introduction to Ian's Wine Academy in Montalcino, where small groups taste up to 100 wines while learning directly in the region. 14:12 – Setting the scene in Tuscany: the rolling hills, vineyards and landscapes that make Montalcino one of the most beautiful wine regions in the world. 15:56 – Key differences between Montalcino and Chianti wine regions, and how climate and landscape shape completely different expressions of Sangiovese. 17:04 – Can you identify Sangiovese wines in a blind tasting? A breakdown of how blends, climate and structure influence the final wine style. 20:57 – The origin of the name “Brunello” and how a specific type of Sangiovese gave rise to this iconic wine. 24:42 – Exploring the complexity of Sangiovese: over 100 clones and how producers select and combine them to improve quality. 26:57 – What it means for a vine to be “virus-affected” and why this can sometimes lead to more concentrated, higher-quality wines. 29:11 – How to recognise Sangiovese in the glass: red fruit, acidity, tannins and the characteristic herbal and floral notes. 31:56 – The aging requirements of Brunello di Montalcino and why these wines can develop beautifully over decades. 34:32 – Castiglion del Bosco: a historic estate that has significantly increased its quality in recent years and plays a role in Ian's course. 35:49 – Rosso di Montalcino explained: a more accessible, earlier-drinking style that offers great value from the same region. 39:46 – The key soil types of Montalcino (galestro, alberese and more) and how they influence structure, minerality and mouthfeel. 41:11 – What the course experience looks like day-to-day, from tastings and classes to winery visits and shared meals. 42:09 – Moscadello di Montalcino: the lesser-known sweet wine of the region that still survives today. 44:54 – The range of wines tasted during the course, covering multiple Italian wine regions, styles and grape varieties. 47:49 – Who the course is designed for: both wine professionals and enthusiasts who want to deepen their wine knowledge. 50:46 – Course dates and availability, including upcoming sessions in April and November. 52:24 – How the course aligns with major wine events like Vinitaly, making it ideal for those already travelling in Italy. 53:27 – How to get more information and book your place on the course. Email Giulia Corino and more details on Ian D'Agata's website.  

Fluent Fiction - Italian: Tuscan Flavors: Tradition Meets Innovation at the Spring Festival Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/it/episode/2026-03-19-07-38-19-it Story Transcript:It: Il sole splendeva brillante sulla campagna toscana.En: The sun shone brightly over the campagna toscana@, or Tuscan countryside.It: Il festival primaverile dei fiori riempiva il piccolo villaggio di colori vivaci e profumi inebrianti.En: The spring flower festival filled the small village with vibrant colors and intoxicating scents.It: Gianni, un cuoco locale appassionato di cucina tradizionale toscana, camminava velocemente tra la folla del mercato.En: Gianni@, a local chef passionate about traditional Tuscan cuisine, was walking briskly through the crowded market.It: Al suo fianco c'era Lucia, la sua amica d'infanzia, una fioraia con un segreto nel cuore.En: By his side was Lucia@, his childhood friend, a florist with a secret in her heart.It: Il giorno era speciale, si celebrava la Festa di San Giuseppe.En: The day was special; they were celebrating the Feast of San Giuseppe@.It: Gianni cercava gli ingredienti migliori per preparare un piatto che voleva presentare al concorso culinario del festival.En: Gianni@ was searching for the best ingredients to prepare a dish he wanted to present in the festival's culinary competition.It: I banchi del mercato erano pieni di pomodori rossi, basilico fresco e olio d'oliva dorato.En: The market stalls were filled with red tomatoes, fresh basil, and golden olive oil.It: Le risate e le chiacchiere riempivano l'aria mentre la gente contrattava i prezzi.En: Laughter and chatter filled the air as people haggled over prices.It: Lucia aiutava Gianni a trovare ciò di cui aveva bisogno.En: Lucia@ helped Gianni@ find what he needed.It: Mentre sceglievano le zucchine, Gianni espresse la sua preoccupazione.En: While they were choosing the zucchini, Gianni@ expressed his concern.It: I giudici amavano le innovazioni, ma lui voleva rimanere fedele ai sapori autentici della Toscana.En: The judges loved innovations, but he wanted to remain true to authentic Tuscan flavors.It: "Non cambiare mai chi sei" disse Lucia con un sorriso incoraggiante.En: "Never change who you are," said Lucia@ with an encouraging smile.It: Dentro di sé sperava che Gianni potesse vedere la dedizione nei suoi occhi.En: Deep inside, she hoped that Gianni@ could see the dedication in her eyes.It: La ricerca degli ingredienti, però, si rivelò più difficile del previsto.En: However, the search for the ingredients proved more difficult than expected.It: La folla era fitta, e alcuni banchi erano già vuoti.En: The crowd was dense, and some stalls were already empty.It: Gianni però decideva di non cedere alla pressione.En: Yet Gianni@ decided not to give in to the pressure.It: Finalmente trovarono gli immancabili piselli dolci e le cipolle dorate.En: Finally, they found the indispensable sweet peas and golden onions.It: Lucia era sempre al suo fianco, dandogli sostegno e aiuto con un sorriso silenzioso.En: Lucia@ was always by his side, giving him support and help with a silent smile.It: Nel pomeriggio, era il momento di presentare il piatto ai giudici.En: In the afternoon, it was time to present the dish to the judges.It: Gianni aveva preparato un ragù con i pici, un piatto tradizionale e semplice ma ricco di sapore.En: Gianni@ had prepared a ragù with pici@, a traditional and simple dish but rich in flavor.It: Lucia lo osservava con timore, notando improvvisamente che mancava un ingrediente chiave: il rosmarino.En: Lucia@ watched him anxiously, suddenly noticing that a key ingredient was missing: rosemary.It: Senza perdere tempo, Lucia corse tra i banchi, trovò del rosmarino fresco proprio all'ultimo minuto, e lo portò a Gianni.En: Without wasting time, Lucia@ ran through the stalls, found fresh rosemary just in the nick of time, and brought it to Gianni@.It: Con l'ingrediente finalmente al suo posto, Gianni presentò il suo piatto con orgoglio.En: With the ingredient finally in place, Gianni@ presented his dish with pride.It: I giudici assaggiarono con attenzione, discutendo tra di loro.En: The judges tasted it carefully, discussing among themselves.It: Quando i risultati furono annunciati, Gianni ottenne il secondo posto, ma fu un trionfo personale per la sua fedeltà alla tradizione.En: When the results were announced, Gianni@ took second place, but it was a personal triumph for his loyalty to tradition.It: I giudici lodarono il sapore autentico del suo piatto.En: The judges praised the authentic flavor of his dish.It: Dopo la premiazione, Gianni e Lucia si sedettero sotto un albero fiorito.En: After the award ceremony, Gianni@ and Lucia@ sat under a blooming tree.It: "Grazie, Lucia.En: "Thank you, Lucia@.It: Non avrei mai fatto tutto questo senza di te," disse Gianni, sorridendole.En: I could never have done all this without you," said Gianni@, smiling at her.It: Lei rise, nascondendo la sua emozione, ma il silenzio tra loro era denso di una nuova comprensione.En: She laughed, hiding her emotion, but the silence between them was filled with a new understanding.It: Alle loro spalle, le colline toscane brillavano sotto il sole di primavera, testimoni silenziose di una giornata speciale.En: Behind them, the Tuscan hills glowed under the spring sun, silent witnesses to a special day.It: Il festival si concludeva tra musica e luci, e Gianni sapeva di aver imparato qualcosa di prezioso.En: The festival concluded with music and lights, and Gianni@ knew he had learned something valuable.It: La tradizione poteva camminare a fianco dell'innovazione, come una vecchia amica riscoperta.En: Tradition could walk alongside innovation, like an old friend rediscovered.It: Lucia, d'altra parte, sentiva di aver guadagnato qualcosa di ancora più speciale: un rinnovato coraggio, e forse, un passo più vicino al suo cuore.En: Lucia@, on the other hand, felt she had gained something even more special: renewed courage, and perhaps, a step closer to her heart. Vocabulary Words:the countryside: la campagnathe festival: il festivalthe scents: i profumithe chef: il cuocothe cuisine: la cucinathe market: il mercatothe friend: l'amicathe feast: la festathe ingredients: gli ingredientithe competition: il concorsothe chatter: le chiacchierethe stalls: i banchithe judges: i giudicithe crowd: la follathe support: il sostegnothe afternoon: il pomeriggiothe dish: il piattothe key ingredient: l'ingrediente chiavethe result: i risultatithe flavor: il saporethe award ceremony: la premiazionethe tree: l'alberothe silence: il silenziothe hills: le collinethe witnesses: le testimonithe innovation: l'innovazionethe courage: il coraggiothe heart: il cuorethe loyalty: la fedeltàthe triumph: il trionfo

After smooth sailing in the Hamptons, tensions rise when Dorit discovers Kyle has been talking behind her back. Rachel sits her boys down to discuss her divorce. Amanda throws herself into planning her extravagant wedding. Boz invites the girls to join her on a trip to Italy at a bellissimo Tuscan villa where Sutton learns that no good deed goes unpunished. #RHOBH #DoritKemsley #KyleRichards Try EveryPlate and get $2.99 per meal on your first box, plus 10% off for a month. Go to Everyplate.com/podcast and use code brooke299 to claim your offer. Thank you for your support of this channel

Send a textRHOBH-Luxury Villas & Lingering Drama – RHOBH Heads to TuscanyPodcast Summary – RHOBH Season 15 Episode 12: “Arrivederci Beverly Hills”Episode 12 sets the stage for the cast's glamorous trip to Italy while several personal storylines continue to unfold.At home, Rachel shares an emotional moment with her sons, telling them she is officially moving forward with her divorce. She reassures them that they will hear the news from her rather than online, especially after the situation went viral. The boys admit the house already feels different and more peaceful without their father around, though they still struggle with seeing him with a new girlfriend.Meanwhile, tension between Dorit and Kyle continues to simmer. Kyle confides in Amanda that Dorit has been acting erratic lately—showing up extremely late, forgetting her passport for the Hamptons trip, and seeming distracted. At the same time, Dorit vents to Boz that Kyle hasn't been a supportive friend and is talking about her behind her back instead of addressing concerns directly. Dorit also questions Kyle's sudden lifestyle changes, including quitting drinking, intense workouts, and distancing from her husband.Boz tries to mediate between the two and ultimately decides to organize a cast trip to Florence, Italy, hoping a change of scenery will help reset the group dynamic.Elsewhere, Amanda goes full force into planning her extravagant wedding to Eddie scheduled for 10-10-26. Despite originally planning a $300K budget, Amanda openly admits there really is no budget anymore. She plans multiple wedding events across a vineyard weekend, while Eddie dreams of dramatically riding in on a horse. Amanda also reminds viewers she earns far more than Eddie and has no problem paying for the luxury details she wants.Before leaving for Italy, Erika and Kyle shop for the trip while Kyle expresses concern about Dorit's financial situation and stress surrounding her separation from PK.The women eventually depart from LAX in separate travel groups—strategically arranged by Boz to keep tensions from exploding mid-flight. Once the first group arrives in Florence, they check into a breathtaking historic estate, Villa Bibbiani, a massive 1700s villa surrounded by Tuscan vineyards.As they explore the opulent property and settle into their rooms, Sutton and Amanda attempt to clear the air about the Dorit conflict. Sutton encourages Amanda to find her voice within the group and stand up for herself before Dorit overwhelms her in future arguments.With the Italian getaway just beginning, the stage is set for luxury, unresolved friendships, and inevitable drama in Tuscany.Plant SlutsA cheeky deep-dive into the wild, sexy, and often subversive world of botanyListen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the showhttps://www.wewinewhenever.com/

Dante Aligheri was a copywriter kind of guy. Rather than write in the stuffy, formal Latin which is what everyone else was writing in the 14th century, he wrote in the home boy people's language of Tuscan.Dante's masterwork was The Divine Comedy, and his last line was“L'amor che move il sole e l'altre stelle”Translated into English, he's talking about Love–the kind of love that moves the sun and the other stars.Thus proving that even in medieval Italy, LOVE was recognized as the most powerful motivating force in the Universe.Yet, how do we tap into that in our copy and take advantage of this irresistible force.Today's extremely special guest, Nathan, is here to tell you. Of course you already know Nathan extremely well as the co-host and producer of Copywriters Podcast.But today he's going to step out of the virtual control room to tell you how to make your prospects fall in love and obsess over your offer, which is something you really need to know, once you think about it.Nathan's websitehttps://cultishcontent.com/

Send a textA shy compliment at Art Basel turned into a passport to the world. We sit down with Miami native and freelance writer Amber Love Bond to unpack how she left corporate finance and built a career that spotlights chefs, bartenders and destinations through stories with heart. From the early days covering Miami's cocktail scene to filing features from Hong Kong, New Orleans and the Caribbean, Amber shows how curiosity, consistency and relationships can take you farther than a perfect plan.We dig into the rituals that make bars and restaurants feel alive—glassware choices, ice and the people behind the stick—and why a strong sense of place is the secret ingredient in travel writing. Amber explains how she evaluates hosted trips, the subtle red flags that can surface only after planning starts, and the simple test she uses when her inbox fills with invites. She also shares straight-talk advice for PR pros: personalized pitches win, strong relationships matter and once a freelancer files, publication timing is out of their hands.Trend-watchers will find plenty to savor. We explore why early dinners now top reservation charts, how Gen Z is reshaping drink menus, and the rise of martini flights and “tiny teenies.” Amber makes a case for New Orleans as a must-visit food and cocktail city and relives a Tuscan feast with the world's most famous butcher that still lingers in memory. Along the way, she offers practical guidance for breaking into food, drink and travel writing without a journalism degree—be kind, answer emails and invest in the relationships that become your career's backbone.If you love food journalism, cocktail culture or travel stories that feel lived-in and local, this conversation is for you. Connect with Amber on Instagram. Tap play, then follow and subscribe for more media insider interviews—and leave a quick review. 

Dante Aligheri was a copywriter kind of guy. Rather than write in the stuffy, formal Latin which is what everyone else was writing in the 14th century, he wrote in the home boy people's language of Tuscan. Dante's masterwork was The Divine Comedy, and his last line was “L'amor che move il sole e l'altre stelle” Translated into English, he's talking about Love–the kind of love that moves the sun and the other stars. Thus proving that even in medieval Italy, LOVE was recognized as the most powerful motivating force in the Universe. Yet, how do we tap into that in our copy and take advantage of this irresistible force. Today's extremely special guest, Nathan, is here to tell you. Of course you already know Nathan extremely well as the co-host and producer of Copywriters Podcast. But today he's going to step out of the virtual control room to tell you how to make your prospects fall in love and obsess over your offer, which is something you really need to know, once you think about it. Nathan's website https://cultishcontent.com/Download.

In this episode from Highclere Castle, I sit down with Nick Hopton to talk about his book, "Marma Mia," which begins as the story of buying and restoring a holiday house in an unspoiled part of Tuscany, the Maremma and becomes a wider family and personal journey. Nick shares how reading "A Year in Provence" during COVID while he was British Ambassador to Libya helped inspire him to write a feel-good book that encourages readers to discover lesser-known regions. We discuss his Foreign Office career and his approach to languages, including learning Arabic across postings such as Morocco, Yemen, Qatar and Libya, along with French, Italian, Spanish, some German, and some Farsi ahead of becoming ambassador to Iran after the 2015 nuclear deal and the reopening of the British embassy. Nick explains how a friend's suggestion to look beyond Chianti led serendipitously to the first house they viewed and ultimately boughtalongside the realities of renovating abroad: high costs, practical challenges, and the highs and lows of making a place work for family life. We also talk about his unexpected love of landscaping and working with a skilled digger operator he calls “Michelangelo,” the region's food, wine, local olive oil and its strong Tuscan accent. Nick recounts a memorable moment when a friend arrived with an armed escort and the town's mayor turned out to greet them, and he updates me on ongoing projects, including drilling a 97-meter well to reach a fresh aquifer. Looking ahead, Nick describes writing best in the relative isolation of the Italian house and shares his interest in writing more broadly about the Mediterranean, linked to his role creating a new program at the University of Cambridge Centre for Geopolitics. We touch on the Napoleonic history of the area, including the principality of Piombino and Lucca and Napoleon's sister Elisa and end with a playful question about a dream dance guest Nick chooses Dante's Beatrice, reflecting his early love of Dante's poetry and its lifelong influence.00:00 Meet Nick Hopton & the book ‘Marma Mia' (restoring a house in Italy)00:50 Inspired by ‘A Year in Provence': writing a feel-good travel memoir during COVID01:59 Diplomatic life & learning languages: Arabic, French, Italian (and more)04:26 Why you should speak the local language (even with bad grammar)05:17 Falling for Tuscany's Maremma: the serendipitous house-buying story07:42 Renovation reality: highs, lows, and why the Maremma stays authentic08:44 Landscaping obsession: diggers, Kubotas, and ‘Michelangelo' the operator11:05 Food, wine & dialect: tomatoes, olive oil, and the Tuscan accent12:49 Small-town surprises: the ambassador friend visit and the mayor's welcome13:43 The work never ends: is the villa project ever really finished?14:01 Digging a 97m Well & the Never-Ending House Project14:27 What's Next After the Book: A Wider Mediterranean Focus14:58 Seeing the Mediterranean Holistically (Cambridge Geopolitics & Trade Routes)16:26 Duff Cooper, John Julius Norwich & Highclere's Colorful Guests17:20 Writing Habits: Tuscany, Isolation, Rhythm & Beating Procrastination18:37 Italy, Maremma & Napoleonic History: Elisa and the Principality of Piombino and Lucca20:30 Diplomatic Postings & Reopening the UK Embassy in Iran (2015)23:09 Iran Today: Regime Weakness, Protests, and a Hope to Visit the Cradle of Civilization24:21 Highclere's Library, the Book Club, and a Shared Love of Italy25:27 Finale: The Summer Dance Fantasy Guest—Dante, Beatrice & Vita NovaYou can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/New episodes are published on the first day of every month.

Bozoma "Boz" Saint John is spilling the tea! She opens up about where she stands with Rachel and Amanda, why she wishes people would simply own their opinions, and what really went down on the cast's explosive Italy trip at a stunning Tuscan villa. Boz reacts to Kyle's concerns about Dorit, explains the complicated dynamics at play, and shares her honest thoughts on Dorit's sit-down with Mo. She also gets candid about her IVF journey, the support and criticism she's received, and her hopes for peace no matter the outcome, before reflecting on her shock over Erika's revelation about being in a physically inappropriate relationship and why she was proud of both Erika and Denise for speaking up.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.