15 with Fosca

“I think what's been an amazing part of this project in general but particularly withRodolfo’s story was the comments. There have been thousands, the majority filled witha sense of sadness and very much connected to nostalgia and this sense that Florenceis going through a huge transformation at the moment and he represents everything thatpeople think is great about Florence. People wrote that they felt moved to tears which Ifind amazing. I love that. I love idea that the films can have an impact on peoplebecause it means that I've managed to communicate something and touch them insome way.” Kirsten HillsIn this episode, I speak with filmmaker Kirsten Hills, creator of Souls of Italy, about whatit takes to document a country so often reduced to images and clichés and why Italycontinues to resist easy storytelling.Our conversation centers on Kirsten’s approach to filmmaking as a form of inquiry: howshe gains trust, listens closely, and allows people and places to reveal themselves ontheir own terms. Rather than chasing spectacle, Souls of Italy focuses on everydaylives, local histories, and the emotional ties that bind individuals to their communities.We also discuss how some of the series’ most resonant episodes emerged organically,including widely shared profiles such as Rodolfo, the Florentine tailor, whose storystruck a chord with audiences around the world. These moments, Hills explains, reflectthe power of intimate, place-based storytelling, where craft, memory, and humanconnection quietly take center stage.Warm, thoughtful, and grounded in lived experience, this interview offers a nuancedlook at Italy through the eyes of a filmmaker committed to telling its stories withauthenticity and care.BiographyKirsten Hills is a British-born video journalist and filmmaker based in Florence, Italy.With a passion for storytelling that’s simple, authentic, and meaningful, she specializesin creating films that connect and inspire.Her career began with a degree in politics and broadcast journalism, followed by a BBCtraineeship. She went on to work in news and current affairs as a producer, reporter,and presenter, developing her skills in uncovering and sharing compelling stories.She lives in Florence with her Italian husband and two children. Since moving here,she’s built her business, as a freelancer, collaborating with luxury travelcompanies, fashion brands, and world-famous museums to create bespoke videos thathighlight beauty, culture, and creativity. She continues to work with international newsnetworks CNN, NBC, BBC & ITV.Over the years she’s been asked to film destination weddings, which she loves to do.Each year she does a limited number of weddings, working with lovely couples, some ofwhom have become friends.She’s driven by curiosity and inspired by the quirky, humorous, and unexpectedmoments of everyday life. Living in Italy offers endless opportunities to discoverextraordinary stories in the seemingly ordinary.Linkshttps://kirstenhills.com/https://www.instagram.com/soulsofitaly/tiktok.com/@SoulsofItalyhttps://www.youtube.com/@SoulsofItalyhttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575937589934&sk=abouthttps://www.linkedin.com/in/kirsten-hills-06910361/Share, like, comment, review, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.Podcast Producer: Andrew Niklas Curtis Production Intern: Jasmine KimRecording and post-production Lorenzo Maiani, Faminore Sound Agency

I live in an international community and that gives you a lot. If you're open minded, lovedifferent languages, know how to interact and interface with people of different cultures it's a very inspiring, very human place. Andrea ZurloJoin me and author and translator Andrea Zurlo for the second part of our conversation about her work, her favorite writing to do and read, and the many ways her choice to live in Florence has impacted her craft.In the episode, we also take a deep dive into her novels, El reposo de la tierra durante el invierno (The Land at Rest in Winter), a finalist for Spain’s Premio Planeta, 2016, set in Argentina during the Peronist government and the military dictatorship from 1968 tothe early 1980s, and La ineficacia de la Muerte, a book about a young translator, who unwittingly gets entangled in an artificial intelligence project and ends up connected to a phone that not only receives mental commands but is also capable of reading her mind. We also delve into Florence’s long literary tradition, reflect upon the many famous writers who've passed through and found inspiration here.Finally, we chat about what’s next for Andrea, the current state of humanity, where we’re headed, and the things that could ultimately save us.BiographyWriter and translator, born in Argentina, where she earned her degree in Literary and Technical Translation. She is the published author of several novels, including Elsendero de Dante (2007, Spain); El reposo de la tierra durante el invierno (shortlisted for the 2016 Planeta Award and published in Argentina and Puerto Rico), and La ineficacia de la muerte (2024, Spain). She has been shortlisted for several literary awards in both Spain and Italy, and her short stories have appeared in fourteen anthologies across Europe and Latin America. As a screenwriter, she has written two produced short films and one produced feature film.Linkswww.andreazurlo.wix.com/ andreazurloSubstack: https://substack.com/@andreazurlohttps:// www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-zurlo-6241b547/IG: @andrezurlohttp:// www.imdb.com/name/nm8080567/Share, like, comment, review, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.Podcast Producer: Andrew Niklas Curtis Production Intern: Jasmine KimRecording and post-production Lorenzo Maiani, Faminore Sound Agency

My guest this week is Italo-Argentinian writer and translator, Andrea Zurlo. In this first part of our conversation, we speak about Andrea’s journey to and first impact with Italy in the early 1990s. We also discuss the art of translating, how AI is changing that landscape, and the cultural nuances of language.  We move on to discuss what it means to live one’s life between different countries, languages, and cultures and how living in Florence has transformed and continues to affect Andrea’s craft.  We also reflect upon what it means to be in an Italy currentlyoverrun by stereotypical notions of what the country is as opposed to the reality of making a life here.  Finally, we speak about Andrea’s new novel, All is Transient, the first she has written directly in English. She gives us a little teaser of the book which she describes as speculative fiction with a bit of historical fiction and touches of magic realism. We discuss how writing in one’s nonnative tongue changes the way you think about language and how the experience of penning this book prompted her to ask questions about the meaning of life and what we are here for.  Biography Writer and translator, born in Argentina, where she earned her degree in Literary and Technical Translation. She is the published author of several novels, including El sendero de Dante (2007, Spain); El reposo de la tierra durante el invierno (shortlisted for the 2016 Planeta Award and published in Argentina and Puerto Rico), and La ineficacia de la muerte (2024, Spain). She has been shortlisted for several literary awards in both Spain and Italy, and her short stories have appeared in fourteen anthologies across Europe and Latin America.  As a screenwriter, she has written two produced short films and one produced feature film. Links www.andreazurlo.wix.com/ andreazurloSubstack: https://substack.com/@andreazurlohttps:// www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-zurlo-6241b547/IG: @andrezurlohttp:// www.imdb.com/name/nm8080567/ 

Your brain is a supercomputer, but we don’t know how to program it. It comes out of the box pre-programmed for fear, and unless we rewire it, it keeps repeating that pattern. Jim KeyesIn this inspiring episode of 15 with Fosca, I welcome James W. Keyes, global business leader, former CEO of 7-Eleven and Blockbuster, philanthropist, educator, artist, and self-described modern Renaissance man, to explore the extraordinary journey behind his book Education is Freedom.Jim shares the powerful story of his early life, growing up without running water and learning to rely on education as a pathway to possibility. His father’s message, “someone can take your money, but they can’t take away what you know”, became a lifelong compass, shaping Jim’s belief in agency, resilience, and the inner freedom that comes from knowledge.Together, Jim and I unpack themes of adversity as opportunity, the mindset shifts that unlock personal transformation, and why Jim believes failure is never final but rather an invitation to learn, echoing a favorite Nelson Mandela quote: “I never lose. I win or I learn.”We also dive into Jim’s contagious optimism, discussing neuroplasticity, fear, and the brain’s capacity to be rewired toward confidence and possibility. He recounts conversations with neuroscientists and spiritual leaders, including the Dalai Lama, to illustrate how genuine positivity is cultivated, not inherited.Jim speaks about the Education Is Freedom Foundation, which has helped more than half a million students pursue higher education, and why expanding educational access remains core to his mission today.Finally, we tackle the “elephant in the room”: AI. Jim offers a hopeful lens on the future of technology, arguing that if embraced wisely, AI can transform global literacy, accelerate human learning, and become one of humanity’s greatest tools for progress rather than something to fear.This conversation is a masterclass in resilience, curiosity, and the transformative power of learning, an episode for anyone seeking inspiration, clarity, and renewed belief in what’s possible.BiographyJim is a global business leader, philanthropist, educator, artist, musician, commercial pilot, and modern renaissance man. He is the former CEO of two internally recognized Fortune 500 companies, 7-Eleven, Inc, and Blockbuster, Inc. His other business interests cover a broad range of industries including retail, consumer products, technology, new space, energy, and advanced nuclear. He sits on several public company boards and serves as a board adviser to a venture capital firm and a number of start-up companies. Keyes’ philanthropic initiatives, have an equally broad focus, including serving on the Board of Governors for the American Red Cross, the former Chairman of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, and serving on the board of directors for institutions such as UT Southwestern Medical School, The Cooper Institute, Dallas Performing Arts Center, SMU Cox School of Business, Columbia Business School, and his alma mater, College of the Holy Cross.He has had a lifelong commitment to education, serving as a founding director of the Dallas Education Foundation and is the founder of the Education is Freedom Foundation. A personification of the American Dream, Keyes came from his humble beginnings and was inducted in 2005 as a member of the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans. In 2024 he received the Robert S. Folsom Leadership Award, presented by Methodist Health System Foundation to recognize demonstrated community leadership.Linkshttps://www.jameswkeyes.com/https://www.instagram.com/jkeyesauthor/https://www.facebook.com/JkeyesauthorGet your copy of Education is Freedom: https://www.jameswkeyes.com/book-forewordShare, like, comment, review, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.Podcast Producer: Andrew Niklas Curtis Production Intern: Jasmine KimRecorded via Zoom, Post-production Lorenzo Maiani, Faminore Sound Agency

My guest this week is Melissa Deep, CEO & Founder of Virtique Srl, a Tuscany-based company that creates virtual experiences that transform sales, marketing, and advertising through Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, E-Commerce, and GeolocatedMapping. Virtique creates superior digital content that replicates and enhances the intimacy of the brick & mortar store experience.Through Virtique, Melissa shows her commitment to creating a better world and a more sustainable retail eco-system, and helps communities by promoting local businesses, supporting, reducing the carbon footprint, and providing crucial visual aid to those with limited mobility issues and content for those with food intolerances.Be sure to join us to learn more about Melissa’s exciting life and work, and her fascinating, international professional and personal journey from New York to a magical beach town on the coast of Tuscany.BiographyWith over 30 years of international management, sales and strategy for tech startups, including one unicorn, Melissa has lived and worked in New York City, USA, Moscow, RU, London, UK, Zurich, CH, and Forte dei Marmi, IT. She graduated Valedictorian of her high school class and attended University of Rochester, Cum Laude, Class of 1992.  Her career in technology started in the early ’90s in satellite telecommunications in Russia, providing communications services to international mining and oil companies.  From there, her passion for using technology to create business solutions began.   She has held several senior management positions in sales & strategy with startups including Arbinet, an electronic exchange for voice and data trading, which ultimately went public in 2004 and became a unicorn.She speaks English, Italian and a little bit of Russian and Spanish.She has a passion for technology, DIY projects and family, which includes her dog.Melissa is the Vice President of the Association Digital Twins Italia, dedicated to promoting commerce, tourism, and art & culture throughout Italy via Virtual Experiences.Linkshttps://virtique.it/https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-deep-b923683b/https://www.facebook.com/virtique.ithttps://www.instagram.com/virtique/https://www.instagram.com/melissa_anne_deep/https://www.facebook.com/melissa.a.deepShare, like, comment, review, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.Podcast Producer: Andrew Niklas Curtis Production Intern: Jasmine KimRecorded at Faminore Sound Agency, Post-production: Lorenzo Maiani

“What if we believe that what really makes us thrive as human beings, what makes us human beings, is our civility, and that we commit to it from a level of fierceness. That in the face of bullying, in the face of an error in the world system now, where people are rewarded for being nasty to each other and trying to take each other down, we stand fierce in our civility.” Joe WestonJoin me and my guest, Joe Weston, for an important conversation about what it means to be fiercely civil and why it’s so important and necessary in today’s world.Our conversation spans from how meditation, martial arts, Taoist practices, and diverse traditions have informed and shaped the work Joe does with individuals, corporations, governments, and NGOs to how his teachings of respectful confrontation and fierce civility give us tools to transcend our biological, cultural, and tribal impulses of survival that lead to separation. Joe leads us to a discovery of strategies for releasing the gridlock caused by extreme polarization, thus enabling us to shift effectively to bridging and alliance-building, and find new solutions even in the most unlikely places and in times of turmoil.Joe founded the Fierce Civility Project in 2020 to create a vehicle for those looking to take their innovative, passionate visions and ideas for a better, more equitable and sustainable world, and turn them into practical action.Joe Weston Biography Joe Weston is an author, speaker, facilitator, and advocate for peace, whose work is rooted in resilience, compassion, and fierce accountability. With more than 30 years of international experience in conflict prevention, leadership development, stress management, and communication, Joe is the founder of The Weston Network and The Fierce Civility Project, a nonprofit initiative dedicated to healing divides and revitalizing civic engagement.His clients span the globe and include organizations such as NASA, the World Bank, Oxfam, The United Nations, the National Cancer Institute, and Mitsubishi Motors. Joe’s teachings are informed by his lifelong commitment to service and transformation,including his past work with veterans, inmates, and individuals in high-stakes leadership roles. He previously served as an adjunct professor in Georgetown University’s Program of Conflict Resolution and continues to offer trainings worldwide.His most recent book, Fierce Civility: Transforming Our Global Culture from Polarization to Lasting Peace, was published in English and Italian and has become an Amazon bestseller in 14 categories. He is currently expanding his work across Europe, including recent events and workshops in Italy such as the University of Pisa’s Masters in Scalability and collaborations with leadership networks, NGOs, and corporate leaders.Now living between the U.S. and Europe, Joe continues to travel widely as a speaker and guide for those committed to creating a world rooted in courage, connection, and fierce compassion.Linkshttps://joeweston.com/A Cure for Chronic Niceness | Joe Weston | TEDxYoungstown:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0EmbwYM8qushttps://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-weston-a6327931/https://www.instagram.com/fiercecivility/https://www.facebook.com/joewestonauthorhttps://www.youtube.com/@westonnetwork217https://joeweston.com/weston-network/Buy the book:https://joeweston.com/books/Share, like, comment, review, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.Podcast Producer: Andrew Niklas Curtis Production Intern: Jasmine KimRecorded via Zoom, Post-production: Lorenzo Maiani, FaMinore Studio

“When you break, you're forced to open another door, and that's when I came back here and found my roots because Nonna was strong, and I figured it had to be in me somehow. She was the key. A lot of bad stuff happened to us, but we're still together, and a lot of that came from Nonna Carmela.” Libby Cataldi on her new memoir, It Takes a Lifetime to Learn How to Live  In part two of my interview with Italian American author Libby Cataldi, we dive deeper into her riveting personal and family story, one filled with challenges, triumphs, love, and forgiveness. Join us to hear more about Libby’s journey, not only to Italy and back to her ancestral village, Rotondella, but also to a deeper understanding of her family and who she is today, thanks to the legacy left by her grandmother, her guiding light and example of fortitude, wisdom, and inspiration.Libby’s memoir came out this week, and I recommend it to everyone looking for a beautifully written, powerful, touching, and engaging family and personal story about immigrants in America, generational trauma, mother-daughter relationships, family secrets, and more. Libby Cataldi Biography Born in Pittsburgh, I grew up in an Italian family and surrounded by an Italian community. My early years were steeped in faith as I attended St. Mary’s Elementary School and Canevin Catholic High School.My dad, the patriarch of the family, dictated that I could attend college only if I majored in education or nursing, so I entered Indiana University of Pennsylvania and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Education. A year later, I applied for and received an internship position at the University ofPittsburgh where I earned both a Master’s and Doctorate. For seventeen years, I was Head of The Calverton School, an independent day school in Maryland.My maternal grandmother, Carmela—an Italian immigrant from Basilicata who came to America in 1915 during the Italian diaspora—was my primary role model of steadfast love and strength. When life jumped the rails and I found myself collapsing under the weight of my older son’s heroin addiction, breast cancer and a bilateral mastectomy, my dad’s death, and the culmination of twenty-one years at Calverton, I journeyed to Rotondella, Nonna’s village in Basilicata. There, I found family and began to understand how she had become a woman of such grit and determination—the one who protected, loved, and held our family togetherToday, my two sons, Jeff and Jeremy, and my granddaughters—Iysa, Monroe, and my love-granddaughter Camryn—fill me with joy. My sons and I joined together to write Stay Close: A Mother’s Story of Her Son’s Addiction. Jeff—who is now nineteen years healthy—and I speak to groups in both the United States and Italy about the hope of recovery.I divide my time between Annapolis, Maryland, and Florence, Italy. In Florence, I rowed with the Dragon Boat team for breast cancer survivors and served on the board of the International School of Florence. Currently, I’m a member of AILO, a women’s association dedicated to charitable fundraising, and a founding member of the Florence Literary Society. All four of my grandparents were born in Italy, and I hold dual citizenship through my maternal grandparents.Our family has experienced both miracles and sorrows, but like Pittsburgh steel, we have survived—and remain strong. My sons and I have been through hell and back, but we’re still together—and still staying close.Today, I live in a space of gratitude. Where there is life, there is hope. Links https://libbycataldi.com/https://www.facebook.com/libby.cataldiGet the Book! https://libbycataldi.com/books/Podcast Producer: Andrew Niklas Curtis Production Intern: Jasmine Kim Recorded by Lorenzo Maiani, Faminore Sound Agency    

“My grandmother Carmela was my North Star, my safe port in many childhood storms.Strong. Independent. She swept the snow from her sidewalk wearing only a sweater, made her own wine, canned her own tomatoes, strung her own peppers to dry in the basement, and found edible dandelions for salads in the yard. She was the matriarch of la famiglia, whose grown sons stopped by every night after work to eat at her table before going to their own homes to eat again. She couldn’t read or write—not in Italian, not in English—but she was the smartest person I knew. She taught me how to eat pasta, how to cook, how to pray, and how to protect those I love.” Libby Cataldi, It Takes a Lifetime to Learn How to Live: An Italian American story of coming home. Join me and my guest, Italian American author Libby Cataldi, for a heartfelt chat about her new memoir, It Takes a Lifetime to Learn How to Live. The book, and our conversation, touch on universal themes such as the immigrant experience in America, generational trauma, mother-daughter relationships, family secrets, sacrifice, the subjugation of women, love, and forgiveness. Libby and I speak about the disconnect between the real Italy and the imagined one and her first encounter with the country and with Rotondella, her remote ancestral village in Basilicata, where she went “to connect with the grandmother who loved me and to understand the mother who couldn’t.” Libby beautifully recounts this mysterious place that ultimately provided her with answers about her family heritage, relationships, and herself. We converse about food as “a legacy of love, culture and tradition,” language and the chasm between regional dialects and standard Italian, how dialect both shrouds and reveals, and the reality of Italy’s Mezzogiorno, a still much-misunderstood part of the world. The episode centers on Libby’s Italian Americanness and how her upbringing and heritage shaped the person she is today; how, in her words, “by risking a solitary journey to Italy, I found strength—and in doing so, I found the grace to forgive my mother, help my son, and save myself.” Libby Cataldi Biography Born in Pittsburgh, I grew up in an Italian family and surrounded by an Italian community. My early years were steeped in faith as I attended St. Mary’s Elementary School and Canevin Catholic High School. My dad, the patriarch of the family, dictated that I could attend college only if I majored in education or nursing, so I entered Indiana University of Pennsylvania and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Education. A year later, I applied for and received an internship position at the University of Pittsburgh where I earned both a Master’s and Doctorate. For seventeen years, I was Head of The Calverton School, an independent day school in Maryland. Linkshttps://libbycataldi.com/https://www.facebook.com/libby.cataldiGet the Book! https://asterismbooks.com/product/it-takes-a-lifetime-to-learn-how-to-livehttps://bookshop.org/p/books/it-takes-a-lifetime-to-learn-how-to-live-an-italian-american-story-of-coming-home-libby-cataldi/c9bb85ab83b08019?ean=9781599542393&next=t&next=thttps://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/it-takes-a-lifetime-to-learn-how-to-live-libby-cataldi/1148082386?ean=9781599542393https://www.amazon.com/Takes-Lifetime-Learn-How-Live/dp/1599542390/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3WYIFBJGCPVL&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.1YlwgQ3Oy3DTRU9Fr9vSVtlSOaE7s4TIRNiJ0NFmSo3GjHj071QN20LucGBJIEps.3a1rnrDerwSTrpcXk9oshHsTmtur52MgQZ-MAayrF-U&dib_tag=se&keywords=libby+cataldi&qid=1756998445&sprefix=libby+cat%2Caps%2C77&sr=8-1Share, like, comment, review, and subscribe! Podcast Producer: Andrew Niklas Curtis Production Intern: Jasmine KimRecorded at Faminore Sound Agency, Post-production: Lorenzo Maiani

As the podcast enters its third year, we’re changing things up a bit!The new season features another incredible lineup of guests and stories; but we’re broadening and widening the scope and taking 15 with Fosca a little outside of its niche to bring you conversations with writers, artists, and change makers exploring creativity, culture, life, and human connections from Italy and beyond.Find out what’s different about Season 5, how and why we’re shifting, what we have in store for you, and the reasons we need stories that inspire now more than ever.Don’t miss a new season of authentic storytelling, culture, and humanity across borders.Share, like, comment, review, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.Podcast Producer: Andrew Niklas Curtis Production Intern: Jasmine KimRecorded at Faminore Sound Agency, Post-production: Lorenzo Maiani

Aperilife featuring Sam RichI try to have one-on-one relationships, and I encourage them, because caring about a person and being kind is what I needed when I first came here because I was unsure. I fell in love with an Italian and I had to fall in love with Italy, with the good and the bad. Sam RichWhen I met Sam a few months ago at an event I cornered her, told her how much of a fan I am, and she, with her signature grace and kindness, happily accepted my invitation to be on the podcast and I am so glad she did.Join us this week for an honest and joyful conversation about the reality of life in Italy as we look behind the dolce vita façade and dig deep into the nuances and intricacies of Italian culture.Sam tells us about her first encounter with Italy, the serendipitous moment that shaped her journey, the challenges she’s faced, what’s important to her, and how she’s helping visitors and foreign residents decipher and navigate Italy through her refreshingly honest, insightful, and valuable work.Sam is also committed to mentoring, especially study abroad students, building and cultivating community, and sharing her firsthand experiences and knowledge with candor and heart, to help people make sense of Italy and engage with the culture and Italians in a meaningful way.Biography and LinksSam is a globetrotting soul with a passion for untangling life’s cultural threads. With nearly two decades of experience as a flight attendant, she’s soared through over 24 countries, each journey shaping her understanding of people and the intersectionality of diversity.Her journey in Tuscany started with serendipity, meeting her fiancé at a birthday party in San Gimignano in 2016. From renovating their home, a 15th century convent with a vineyard and olive groves, to hosting social events for her expat social club, Fiori d’Italia, practicing yoga, and setting sail, life’s flavors enrich her.Sam’s heart beats for storytelling, and she’s had the honor of sharing her insights at universities, The Florentine, and to her audience of 123K+ followers on social media.The name "Aperilife" is a reflection of her joyful approach to life in Italy. She sees her life as a perpetual happy hour, an endless aperitivo where happiness flows as freely as glasses of prosecco and spritz. She aims to bring together a community of like-minded souls, encouraging them to embrace the cocktail of beauty and chaos that comes with living in Italy as a foreigner.https://www.aperilife.com/https://www.instagram.com/aperilife/https://www.youtube.com/@AperiLifeThis episode of 15 with Fosca was brought to you by Foto Locchi, guardians of Florence’s visual memory. The Archivio Storico Foto Locchi is the world’s most comprehensive photographic archive of Florence and its history. Now you can dive into the city’s beating heart with a new video storytelling experience that takes you on a photographic journey from the 1930s to the 1960s, giving you direct access to the soul of Florence’s people, history, and beauty.Experience Florence like never before and step back in time by taking a visual journey through The Archivio Storico Foto Locchi. Prepare to be transported.https://www.fotolocchi.it/en/archive/https://www.instagram.com/archiviofotolocchihttps://www.facebook.com/archiviofotolocchi If you loved this episode, share it with a friend, leave a review, comment, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.Podcast Producer: Andrew Niklas Curtis Production Intern: RJ PlunkettRecorded at Faminore Sound Agency, Post-production: Lorenzo Maiani

In this episode, we’re invited into the warm, magical and delicious world of Carlotta Conti, a gifted cooking instructor who originally hails from Ravenna in Emilia-Romagna and who now welcomes guests into her home in the hills just outside of her Florence.Carlotta doesn’t just teach recipes, she offers a rare opportunity to live and experience Italian culture from the inside. Her bespoke cooking classes unfold in her own kitchen, nestled among olive groves and rolling Tuscan hills, where guests gather not as tourists, but as honored friends at the table. It’s an experience rooted in authenticity, hospitality, and the deep traditions of regional Italian cooking, the kind of Italy few travelers ever truly get to see.Join us as we delve into the rich culinary heritage of Emilia-Romagna, Tuscany and Italy, the influences on Carlotta’s cooking and teaching, the nuances between authentic Italian cuisine and its Italian American counterpart, and the evolution of Italian cooking from Pellegrino Artusi’s foundational works to Marcella Hazan’s modern interpretations, and right up to the present day.BIO:Growing up in Emilia Romagna, a region known for Parmesan, Parma ham, lasagna, and stuffed pasta, a great deal of my childhood was spent in the kitchen with my grandmother and mother. Even at a very young age, I could see that for them cooking was a passionate expression of their love for their family. While I’m filled with many warm memories of watching them cook, what I remember most is circling the table and watching the stove, waiting for any opportunity I could to steal a taste.Being raised in a home where there was only homemade food, I’m proud to say that I carry on the family tradition of fresh egg pasta, using my grandmother’s rolling pin — an 80-year-old tool that has also come in handy for keeping husbands in line, over the years……and pasta is magic. Our origins define what we are, and my regional roots deeply influence me. In Emilia-Romagna, fresh home-made pasta, a skillful mixture of eggs and wheat, is the protagonist of regional gastronomic culture. Not only does it contain tryptophan, an amino acid which turns into serotonin, the hormone of happiness, but it also testifies to centuries of efforts in creating a unique cuisine. Emilia-Romagna, though not so famous as Tuscany, is an area of gastronomic excellence. The tradition of home-made pasta is still prevalent: the pasta machine is considered “the tool of the devil”, and we still have, in our fresh-pasta shops and restaurants, women who are rolling pasta in front of the shopwindow. Emilia-Romagna and Tuscany are the staple of national gastronomic heritage. Our good Pellegrino Artusi, publishing his Science in the Kitchen and the Art of Eating Well in 1891, created the pattern of a unified cuisine in a country which had been politically separated up to thirty years earlier. Copies of his book, stained and tattered, passed down like a family heirloom, from mother to daughter.LinksCooking with Carlotta – Official Website - https://cookingwithcarlotta.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cookingwithcarlottainflorence/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cookingwithcarlottablog/Google Reviews: https://g.co/kgs/JqNZWJNhtmlThis episode of 15 with Fosca was brought to you by Foto Locchi, guardians of Florence’s visual memory. The Archivio Storico Foto Locchi is the world’s most comprehensive photographic archive of Florence and its history. Now you can dive into the city’s beating heart with a new video storytelling experience that takes you on a photographic journey from the 1930s to the 1960s, giving you direct access to the soul of Florence’s people, history, and beauty. Experience Florence like never before and step back in time by taking a visual journey through The Archivio Storico Foto Locchi. Prepare to be transported. https://www.fotolocchi.it/en/archive/https://www.instagram.com/archiviofotolocchihttps://www.facebook.com/archiviofotolocchi

In this special episode, we dive into the heart of American football in Italy with Estra Guelfi Firenze, one of the premier teams in the Italian Football League. Founded in 2000, the Guelfi have become a powerhouse in the growing European football scene, known not just for their grit on the gridiron, but also for their deep ties to the local community. To celebrate their 25th anniversary and a spectacular season thus far, I sat down with with the team’s General Manager, Edoardo Cammi, Captain Gianluca Santini, and newest wide receiver, Frankie Stola to talk about everything football. Frankie is a recent U.S. import with a story that’s almost too good to be true: he’s the son of my Florence roommate from way back in 1990, representing a rare and beautiful full-circle moment that literally brought tears to my eyes. It goes without saying that this was a very meaningful and emotional interview for me. Join us to get the inside scoop on what it’s like to build a football dynasty in the shadow of the Duomo, who the players are, what they are all about, their impact in the community, and why this team is about more than just wins and losses. We also discuss the team’s journey, their passion for the game, and what it means to play football in one of the world’s most historic cities.Whether you’re a football fanatic or a fan of great stories, this episode is about sports, culture, friendship, and how a team from Florence is making serious noise in Europe’s American football scene.Links https://www.guelfifirenze.it/https://www.instagram.com/guelfifirenze/https://www.instagram.com/weplayforpizza/https://www.guelfifirenze.it/booster-club-us/https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guelfi_FirenzeLet’s Stay Connected!If you loved this episode, share it with a friend, leave a review, comment, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.Podcast Producer: Andrew Niklas Curtis Production Intern: RJ Plunkett Recorded at the Guelfi Sport Centre by Lorenzo Maiani, Faminore Sound Agency

SHARING SECRETS featuring Elia Nichols“I would say that after I did my TED talk in August my life did change in some ways because I think it's about changing the energy. You put yourself out there, you create new work, and you get seen by different people. You bring different energy to yourself and immediately I got a lot of people contacting me for new work or for different types of work.” Elia Nichols on the reaction to the recent release of her TEDx talk, The secret to looking more confident.On this week’s podcast I joke that I had to invite Elia Nichols, public speaking and communication coach, TEDx Speaker, and actor back on the podcast so that we could finally sit down for a proper catch-up! I am so very happy that I did. In this heartfelt and wide-ranging conversation, I ask Elia about how things have been going since the recent release of her incredible TEDx talk, what she’s been up to lately, and what’s in store for the immediate future. But we like to mix it up here at the podcast, and at a certain point Elia interviews me. Together, we peel back the layers on the “secret” parts of life we don’t always talk about: from parenting and creative burnout, to rediscovering confidence, the importance of mentoring young people, building community, friendship, and redefining balance in an age of constant performance.Elia and I also delve into how parenting transforms our identity and the importance of of staying inspired and creative. Finally, at a certain point we even break out into song and I also spill the beans on my novel! Elia Nichols Biography & Links Elia Nichols is an American-born, Italian-based Public Speaking and Communication coach, TEDx Speaker, a 2x TEDx Speaking coach, and a film and TV actress. Her mindful, yet fun teaching techniques have helped thousands of people master the skill of charisma and break communication barriers.Elia teaches speakers and professionals in strategic business and leadership roles effective ways to perfect their presence and speaking skills onstage, in the courtroom, classroom, boardroom and onscreen.Her techniques incorporate elements of theatre, improvisation and comedy into teachings as she has found that this type of mindful and fun experiential learning leads to the most effective, transformational changes in her clients.Elia believes that charisma is a skill that can be learned and which, once mastered, has the potential to motivate, persuade, inspire, and advance business and personal interests.She has held high-level jobs in Public and External Relations as well as Learning and Development, which has given her insight into both the academic and business environments. In addition, she has been a professor of Public Speaking and Communication at renowned academic institutions such as the European University Institute, Syracuse University, the European School of Economics, Istituto Lorenzo de’Medici and the University of Texas at Austin.She has been a professional actress for 15 years and is best known for her starring role as Professor Tucker in the comedic TV series Maggie & Bianca Fashion Friends that airs nightly on the RAI Gulp channel in Italy and in 180 countries across the globe on Netflix. She also co-founded F.E.S.T.A. Theatre Company and produced and acted in many of its productions.Elia received her Bachelor of Arts in Theatre from Tulane University and her Masters of Fine Arts in Acting from the University of Texas at Austin.https://elianichols.com/about/https://www.linkedin.com/in/elianichols/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jx5QMmaIuh4&t=133shttps://www.facebook.com/elianicholspublicspeakinghttps://www.facebook.com/elia.nicholshttps://www.facebook.com/EliaNicholsActresshttps://www.instagram.com/elianichols/https://www.instagram.com/nicholselia/Let’s Stay Connected:If you loved this episode, share it with a friend, leave a review, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

Catching up with Girl in Florencefeaturing Georgette Jupe Season 4, Episode 15“At the time I really felt like I was living my best life in that sense. I was meeting people, I loved Italy, the chaos, the food, and being pushed out of my comfort zone. In the US, I think sometimes especially where I grew up, you can live in a bubble. You're in your car, in your neighborhood, you don't see a lot of different realities that aren't your own unless you ask for and go purposely for them.” Georgette JupeGeorgette Jupe, also known as Girl in Florence, arrived in Italy almost twenty years ago from San Antonio, Texas. In today’s episode, she catches us up on she’s been doing lately, her current and future projects, and what this chapter of her life looks like now that she’s been back in Florence with her family for a year after a stint in Switzerland. Join us as Georgette takes us through the various phases of her life, how Girl in Florence was born, what it’s brought to her loyal followers, and what it was like in those early days when she was hustling nonstop to carve out a successful career and create a popular brand. We also reflect upon life as expats, the importance of community, the challenges our adopted city and country currently face vis-à-vis overtourism, and some thoughts on solutions.  Georgette’s voice is trusted and real and that authenticity emerges in this podcast and in everything she does. Her new Substack, Honest Conversations with Georgette, is perfectly named and embodies what she’s all about; her writing, whether it be deep reflections on parenting, loss, and grief, or suggestions on the best things to do in town or musings on travel with a small child, is always spot on.   There is little that Georgette and I don’t talk about, and I’ve already made her promise she’ll come back on the podcast so we can continue the conversation.   Biography Georgette Jupe is a 'Tuscan Texan' digital communications expert living in Florence, Italy. With a knack for crafting authentic communication and social media strategies, she helps international clients make a real impact while maintaining an authentic voice. Georgette is also the voice behind Girl in Florence and newly-minted substack, where she shares her unique insights on life, travel, and the vibrant culture of Italy. A former editor turned freelance writer, she's contributed to top publications like Infatuation, Lonely Planet, Tme Out and Italy Magazine with curated guides and is known for her savvy storytelling and ability to speak on hard topics. On social media, Georgette boasts an engaged following of over 83K on Instagram, reaching more than 100K across all platforms. When she's not creating content, you’ll find her hanging out with her family, taking walks with her beagle, or learning (sometimes the hard way) how not to kill her house plants.Links https://girlinflorence.com/https://georgettejupe.substack.com/https://www.instagram.com/girlinflorence/?hl=enhttps://linktr.ee/girlinflorence?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=7827fb07-f6aa-43e7-ad9f-a82ed898ff97https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgettejupe/?originalSubdomain=itOur SponsorsThis episode is brought to you by Exclusive Connection, the Florence-based luxury travel company crafting bespoke experiences for travelers who crave something more than sightseeing, those seeking gratifying, special, authentic and unique encounters. Explore the treasures of Florence and Italy, through extraordinary tours and itineraries led by art and culture experts. Let Exclusive Connection guide you through the wonders of Italy. Go to exclusiveconnection.it and make your next trip to Italy as extraordinary as you are. Experience the real Italy at exclusiveconnection.it @Exclusive-Connection-Italy @Exclusive ConnectionPodcast Producer: Andrew Niklas Curtis Production Intern: RJ Plunkett Recorded @musikalmente3951 Musikalmente Firenze Post-production: Lorenzo Maiani, @faminoresoundagency

Minobossi: Made in Florence with Love featuring Monica Bonaiuti “It’s important to give possibilities for conscious buying because nowadays people know very well what's behind an object and they don’t buy it because of a logo but because they want to know what's really behind these two, three pieces of leather. There must be something that gives the buyer a sense of fairness, of being happy to say they bought something which really has value.” Monica Bonaiuti In 1979 two lifelong best friends realized their dream of becoming business partners and founded luxury Florentine leather brand, Minobossi. I sat down with Monica Bonaiuti, daughter of one of the founders and current CEO of parent company, the Exin Group, to learn more about this phenomenal family firm that is synonymous with Made in Italy excellence.Don’t miss my conversation with Monica about the history of the company, how it has evolved and grown over time with losing sight of its roots, where it is right now, and what we can expect from the new generation as they look to the future with a very clear sense of the brand’s history, legacy, and steadfast commitment to craftsmanship and innovation.  Minobossi, with its talented artisans who spend hours crafting beautiful and durable creations, is keeping the great tradition of Italian craftsmanship alive, and using only the finest leathers to produce aesthetic and functional objects that you can wear with pride knowing their provenance, their story, and that they were made with loving, expert hands.  Finally, I ask Monica to share more about what running a luxury brand in Florence today entails, how they welcome clients into the world of Minobossi by opening up their factory showroom where you can shop or even create your own customized one-of-a-kind bags, and experience a behind-the-scenes look at the art of leathermaking through VR technology. Links https://www.minobossi.it/enhttps://www.instagram.com/minobossi/https://www.facebook.com/minobossi1979https://www.linkedin.com/company/exin-group---s.r.l./https://exingroup.it/en/Company History Welcome to the world of MinobossiMINOBOSSI is born from the union of tradition and futuristic vision. Our story is a celebration of family and innovation, which began in the 1970s and is now renewed by Elisa and Caterina, the guardians of a legacy that continues to evolve. Here, modern design meets artisanal mastery to create bags and accessories that are much more than just objects: they are expressions of elegance and uniqueness.Every MINOBOSSI creation is a symphony of perfection and beauty. We select only the finest leathers and craft them with meticulous precision, giving each piece a character and story that grow richer over time. Our commitment is to produce items that embody timeless elegance, designed to amaze and seduce with unexpected details and impeccable quality. Our SponsorThis episode is brought to you by Exclusive Connection, the Florence-based luxury travel company crafting bespoke experiences for travelers who crave something more than sightseeing, people like me who love stories and want to discover authentic, hidden gems. Whether you’re looking to do a private museum visit, a wine tasting in a magical vineyard or a shopping tour of boutiques and artisans’ workshops including Minobossi, Exclusive Connection will make every moment of your stay in Florence and Italy unique. Reach out at exclusiveconnection.it and let them craft your next adventure. Experience the real Italy at exclusiveconnection.it@Exclusive-Connection-Italy Podcast Producer: Andrew Niklas Curtis Production Intern: RJ Plunkett Recorded @musikalmente3951 Post-production: Lorenzo Maiani, @faminoresoundagency

Time, Again: A digital detox story - and a new way of being for solopreneurs, leaders, and seekers featuring Sandrine Kom Last month I participated in a retreat led by Sandrine Kom that aimed to transform stressed out superwomen into Zen superwomen. I embraced the opportunity, shut off my phone, and spent a glorious weekend free of it and my other devices. In this week’s episode Sandrine interviews me about how I was feeling before and during the retreat and the many ways the experience impacted me and continues to do so daily. Be sure to tune in for our chat and for more information on Sandrine’s work, her book,  upcoming retreats, and our May 21 workshop at Il Conventino.Biography Sandrine Kom was born and grew up in Paris before moving to live and study in Berlin for over 12 years. In 2000 she moved to Florence, where she still resides, and currently divides her time between Florence and Paris. Sandrine graduated from Berlin University in Communication Sciences and Economics and obtained her diploma as a Nutrition Coach at the Centre de Formation à Distance (CFD) in Brussels. She completed her Yoga Teacher Training at “Yoga Garden” in San Francisco. In addition to English, she is fluent in French, German, Russian and of course Italian! A Parisian in love with Tuscany, her adoptive home is where where her love of food, yoga and nature led her to create FiloCIBOsofia Slow Life which grew and became “Slowlife Coaching” and “Slowlife Yoga”. Sandrine has offered her experiences through Airbnb for many years, won several awards and received over 700 positive testimonials. Furthermore, in 2020 at the start of the pandemic, she and five other Italian hosts were selected (out of 5,000 experiences) by Airbnb as they diversified their model from in-person to online experiences. She also offers experiences to companies where she focuses on increasing the wellbeing of their teams and people. In addition to a range of SlowLife Retreats and Experiences, she also supports Stressed Super Women to become Zen Super Women, and accompanies CEO’s and Managers in need of rest, dreaming of slowness and time for themselves. With Slow Life Yoga, Sandrine has also participated in the television programs “Casa Beau” for RTL 4 Netherlands and “Best Weekend Chianti“ for Nove Warner Bros. Discovery Italia. Links http://www.slowlifecoaching.com/ https://www.quietluxury.it/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandrine-kom/ https://www.facebook.com/SlowLifeCoachingSlowLifeYoga https://www.instagram.com/slowlifecoaching_slowlifeyoga/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCe4xzHmfloofDwZCkm6Jrlg 2025 Retreats https://www.quietluxury.it/2025-events_en/ Podcast Producer: Andrew Niklas Curtis Production Intern: RJ Plunkett Recorded at Faminore Sound Agency, Post-production: Lorenzo Maiani 

What I look for in my street photography is the expression of people in everyday situations, their stories, something that's got a little twist to it, that's open-ended, so that people can step into a space and finish the story. Louise OlkoJoin me and this week’s guest, Louise Olko, photographer, figurative painter, and sculptor who took the leap just over a decade ago and decided to live out her dream of being an artist in Italy. What has Louise found in Florence? How did she pivot from a career in business to her current life as an artist? Where does she find inspiration? What has her journey been like so far and what’s in store for the future?  Don’t miss our conversation about Louise’s path, finding a community of artists, her craft, ongoing and upcoming shows and events, and her first photography book. Biography Louise Olko was born in Colonia, New Jersey. She studied classical ballet at the New Jersey Dance Theatre Guild (NJDTG) where she thrived and excelled before she shifted her focus to business, where she mastered the arts of advertising, leadership, management, marketing and visual merchandising. She went on to become the youngest divisional executive for a major NYC fine jewelry company by the age of 29. Success followed her business career, leading her to live and travel all over the United States and abroad. Throughout her life, she never lost sight of her artistic origins for classical art, ballet and modern dance and continued classes to harness skills in drawing, oil painting, pastel, sculpture and music.In 2009 as a member of the International Association of Pastel Societies she was awarded a scholarship to further her studies. In 2011 she was given an opportunity to pursue a career in Fine Arts, and moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota to begin a course of full-time studies at The Atelier Studio Program of Fine Art. In 2014, with an insatiable thirst for knowledge she began to explore the facets of European Art and moved to Florence, Italy to study oil painting with Michael John Angel at the Angel Academy of Fine Art, where she focused on figurative and still life oil painting. Upon receiving a three year certificate of completion she entered an Intensive Program of Study at the St. Petersburg Academy of Fine Arts in Florence, Italy. Where in 2022 she completed her four years of study for figurative drawing and painting, anatomy and art restoration. Louise's work has been exhibited in America and in Europe. Links https://www.artworkarchive.com/profile/louiseolko/abouthttps://www.instagram.com/louiseofineart/

The repetition of images creates a belief; the ensemble of beliefs creates the cultural DNA of our society. If we change the images we will change the culture. Chiara Tilesi I have long been a fan of Chiara Tilesi and her work and was honored to interview her about her tireless efforts to transform the outdated and discriminatory paradigms prevalent in today's media landscape by producing impactful films, documentaries, TV shows, and new media that empower women. ​In 2015 Chiara founded, We Do It Together, a nonprofit film production company whose mission is to reshape the narratives and imagery that perpetuate the marginalization of women worldwide. We Do It Together strives to foster a global movement that dismantles barriers and embraces inclusivity and gender equity.​Tune in to hear Chiara’s story and to learn more about her unwavering commitment and many efforts to place women at the forefront of storytelling and champion their voices, a recent example of which can be found in the high visibility, powerful, and visually striking initiative, I Am/Io Sono. This past International Women’s Day, We Do It Together, in collaboration with the cities of Rome and Turin, featured women from the worlds of film, entertainment, and art who joined forces to shape a new representation of women—one where I Am is at the center of the narrative. The I AM Campaign launched with Nasdaq in Times Square, New York last October. As the We Do It Together motto says, "More movies by women, about women, for everyone!" BiographyChiara Tilesi is an Italian-American director, screenwriter, activist, producer and founder of We Do It Together (WDIT), a non-profit film production company dedicated to the advancement of women and minorities in the entertainment industry. She produced the 2023 Academy Award®-nominated film “Tell It Like a Woman,” which features seven segments directed by internationally renowned women filmmakers and stars including Cara Delevingne, Marcia Gay Harden, Jennifer Hudson, and Eva Longoria.Recognized as a Cultural Leader at the 2019 World Economic Forum, Tilesi has shared her insights at prestigious global institutions including TEDx Women and the United Nations. Her production company, Frequency Production, established in 2018, focuses on creating media that fosters positive societal impactIn 2023, Tilesi presented WDIT at the United Nations General Assembly, inaugurating women’s month with a screening of “Tell It Like a Woman” in collaboration with UN Women and several international government missions. Her powerful “I AM” campaign, launched in 2024 at the NASDAQ Tower in Times Square, and illuminated the historical Trevi Foundation in Rome, Italy and Turin’s Mole Antonelliana on International Women’s Day. Chiara continues to remind us the women are the subject not the object and we can change the narrative when WE DO IT TOGETHER.Links https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chiara_Tilesihttps://www.imdb.com/name/nm1221949/https://www.wedoittogether.org/https://www.instagram.com/wditogether/https://www.youtube.com/@wedoittogetherhttps://www.facebook.com/ctilesi/https://www.instagram.com/chiaratilesi/?locale=it_IT&hl=am-ethttps://www.linkedin.com/company/we-do-it-together/posts/?feedView=allwww.fastingandthelongevityrevolution.com 

Bestselling author, podcast creator and award-winning journalist, Jo Piazza, on The Sicilian InheritanceJo Piazza’s bestseller, The Sicilian Inheritance, comes out in paperback today and to mark the occasion, I interviewed her about the success of the novel, which has been inspiring readers to travel to Sicily and learn about their Italian roots. If you are looking for a magical, mysterious escape to this eternally enchanting island, look no further, this is the adventure you’ve been waiting for, and Jo’s book and our chat are going to leave you longing to plan your next escape to Sicily! Let yourself be transported by Jo’s immersive dual timeline family mystery, a rich and beautifully crafted homage to an island and its people, that gives a voice to Sicilian women and narrates the often-untold stories that deserve space in the annals of Italian, Italian American, Sicilian and Sicilian American history.  Join us for a conversation about cultural identity— through the lens of the Italian American woman—, family history, the timeless appeal of Sicilian stories, the need for authentic representation in storytelling, and Sicily in the collective imaginary. Biography Jo Piazza is the national and international bestselling author of The Sicilian Inheritance, We Are Not Like Them, You Were Always Mine, Charlotte Walsh Likes to Win, The Knockoff and How to Be Married. Her new novel, Everyone Is Lying to You, the #tradwife murder mystery we’ve all been waiting for, comes out on July 15, 2025. Her work has been published in ten languages in twelve countries and four of her books have been optioned for film and television. Jo's podcasts have garnered more than twenty-five million downloads and regularly top podcast charts. An editor, columnist and travel writer, her work has also appeared in the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, New York magazine, Marie Claire, Glamour and many other publications. She lives in Philly with her husband, Nick Aster and three feral children. Links https://www.jopiazza.com/https://www.instagram.com/jopiazzaauthor/https://www.linkedin.com/in/jo-piazza-86223519/https://www.youtube.com/user/johannapiazzaUnder the Influence podcast https://www.jopiazza.com/undertheinfluencehttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/under-the-influence-with-jo-piazza/id1544171101The Sicilian Inheritance true crime podcast https://open.spotify.com/show/6k4w68qxiUAC8dbPSwOlzC?si=2ea3d1d4c4ca4218https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sicilian-inheritance/id1735578176Order The Sicilian Inheritance on paperback nowhttps://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/734498/the-sicilian-inheritance-by-jo-piazza/Pre-order Everyone Is Lying to You https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/784223/everyone-is-lying-to-you-by-jo-piazza/This episode of 15 with Fosca was brought to you by Exclusive Connection, your trusted and experienced travel & event planning partners. From full-service concierge to private events, Exclusive Connection can turn your dreams into unique experiences.Whether you want to be immersed in art or pampered in luxury, Exclusive Connection will design your perfect trip to Italy. They offer authentic and distinctive experiences, crafted according to your personality, needs, budget, and time. Explore the treasures of Florence and Italy, through extraordinary tours and itineraries led by experts in art and culture and prepare to be amazed by breathtaking views, unique vistas, and captivating artworks.Exclusive Connection, Extra-ordinary experiences for extra-ordinary people, book your Italian escape now! https://exclusiveconnection.it/en/https://www.instagram.com/exclusive_connection_tours/https://www.facebook.com/exclusiveconnection/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfsITALaxy2JHbe6vJLK73APodcast Producer: Andrew Niklas Curtis Production intern: RJ PlunkettRecorded via Zoom, edited by Lorenzo Maiani, Fa Minore 

I am in search of freedom, and it's led me to filmmaking, painting, singing. I've lived many lifetimes already in this lifetime and I'm in the pursuit of happiness, joy and freedom, and trying to understand what it means to be human and a woman and just to be, and sometimes I’ll create a fantastical, colorful, escapist world whether that's in painting or in filmmaking.  Vittoria Colonna Occasionally I like to take the podcast to my guests, and I was overjoyed when multi-talented artist Vittoria Colonna, invited me into her studio to record this week’s episode. Vittoria’s atelier is a magical space that is the essence of her very being. It’s full of her brightly colored works of art, there’s always music playing and a tea waiting for you, and the air smells of sage, lavender or dragon blood (more on that below). Join us for some great stories and reflections on the creative process, finding meaning in art and beauty, growing up between two countries and cultures, and what it’s like to be an artist in today’s world. I also ask Vittoria about her current and future projects, her travels and practice and teaching of Kundalini yoga, and the ancient purifying ritual of smudging, used by indigenous cultures the world over, and which inspired her brilliant pop shamanic SOS Emergency Purification kits. Biography Named after her Renaissance ancestor, poetess, and muse to Michelangelo Buonarroti, Vittoria Colonna carries a strong lineage in the world of art.Growing up between Ireland and Italy, Vittoria studied painting in Rome’s Accademia di Belle Arti, trained as an opera singer in Tuscany, and then continued in the performing arts at Dublin’s world-famous gaiety school of acting.Afterward, she decided to focus her multiple talents within the genres of writing and directing, winning international acclaim for her feature documentary identities focused on gender identity, of which the performance art pieces were selected as part of the worldwide Italian pavilion at the 54th international art exhibition of the Venice Biennale in 2011. Her personal dramatic memoir Sandboy qualified for an Oscar nomination and her wicked dark comedy, 4 Bhanríon (4 Queens) swept international festivals.Amongst her body of work, Vittoria has directed numerous award-winning music videos picking up an Irish music television award and winning the Las Vegas international award as well as the Golden Palm at the Mexico International Film Festival.A strong advocate for women in the arts globally, Vittoria became a world women hour 2020 honoree #shesmyhero for empowering change through her work in the arts and entertainment.Linkshttps://www.colonnavittoria.com/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjUBE_kWHOoDxJcMjdKmRcQhttps://www.facebook.com/VittoriaColonnaStudio#https://www.instagram.com/vittoriacolonnastudio/https://www.saveourspirit.com/Podcast Producer: Andrew Niklas Curtis Production Interns: Ava Lees, Giada Ciampi, RJ Plunkett