52 episodes

I'm a former American expat in Rome, talking about the beautiful, messy, delicious, chaotic life in the Caput Mundi. I explore many areas of Italian culture and point out the things that a foreigner in Italy might find peculiar. Often, however, I discover that... what I first considered peculiar, usually made sense after some time.

The Fatal Charm of Italy Rick Zullo

    • Places & Travel

I'm a former American expat in Rome, talking about the beautiful, messy, delicious, chaotic life in the Caput Mundi. I explore many areas of Italian culture and point out the things that a foreigner in Italy might find peculiar. Often, however, I discover that... what I first considered peculiar, usually made sense after some time.

    Gay Travel in Italy

    Gay Travel in Italy

    When you talk about gay travel in Italy, you must begin the conversation with the Puglia region. It’s the top gay summer destination for Italy’s gay community, and furthermore, it’s recognised as one of Europe’s top 5 gay destinations.

    So what draws LGBTQ visitors to Puglia, and for that matter, why would anyone want to go to this more remote corner in Italy, not often on the tourist map?

    In this episode of my Fatal Charm of Italy podcast, I spoke with Scott Maxwell. He's from the Big Gay Podcast from Pulia, and he talks to me about travel to Pulia in general, and some specific recommendations for gay travel in Pulia, and throughout Italy.

    • 37 min
    Tuscany Food Tours with Judy Witts Francini - FCI 048

    Tuscany Food Tours with Judy Witts Francini - FCI 048

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

    • 36 min
    Visiting Venice with Monica Cesarato - FCI 047

    Visiting Venice with Monica Cesarato - FCI 047

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

    • 28 min
    Columbus and Italian Heritage Month - FCI 046

    Columbus and Italian Heritage Month - FCI 046

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

    • 14 min
    My Cheap Italian Home with Kristina and Michelle - FCI 045

    My Cheap Italian Home with Kristina and Michelle - FCI 045

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

    • 29 min
    The Italian Approach to Wellness and Beauty with Amy Parsons - FCI 044

    The Italian Approach to Wellness and Beauty with Amy Parsons - FCI 044

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

    • 25 min

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