93 episodes

A Podcast about Italy, travel, writing, books, gardens and food.  Celebrates creative living, beautiful conversations and the journeys we need to make along the way.  Interest in slow living, slow food, creativity, art, cooking, books and ultimately living the good life!

A Writer In Italy - travel, books, art and life Michelle Johnston

    • Society & Culture
    • 4.7 • 13 Ratings

A Podcast about Italy, travel, writing, books, gardens and food.  Celebrates creative living, beautiful conversations and the journeys we need to make along the way.  Interest in slow living, slow food, creativity, art, cooking, books and ultimately living the good life!

    Writing our lives - A Poetic Ramble and Musings

    Writing our lives - A Poetic Ramble and Musings

    "One's destination is never a place but a new way of looking at things" - Henry Miller

    Welcome to Episode #93:
    Today a share a meander through the creative landscape of writing and my process and the discoveries on the creative journey....

    Shownotes include a list of books and memoirs that have inspired me along the creative journey plus extra details from the end of the share if you would like to know more!!

    Find all Show Notes and details mentioned at:
    michellejohnston.life

    © 2024  A Writer In Italy - travel, books, art and life
    Music Composed by Richard Johnston © 2024
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    • 38 min
    The Flavours of Liguria with Food Writer Enrica Monzani

    The Flavours of Liguria with Food Writer Enrica Monzani

    "Ligurian cuisine is often defined as a "poor" cuisine, of humble, rough origins because it was born in the homes of fisherman and farmers who had only simple, seasonal and low-value ingredients available. Yet, it is also sophisticated due to the expert use and skilful transformation of those few ingredients"..... Enrica Monzani

    Join me for a conversation about the beauty of Ligurian cuisine and the unique terrain that is Liguria, Italy.  Enrica Monzani specialises in the rich and diverse cuisine of Liguria,  leading food tours, market and cooking classes in the city of Genova.  Enrica is a Food Writer and Author of Liguria in Cucina: The Flavours of Liguria, where she shares her passion for preserving the traditional recipes and the stories of her region.

    We go on a beautiful journey through the many layers of Liguria, with expert tips on mastering your pesto sauce and what to do and see in Genoa if on the Italian Riviera.  I adore this part of the world and hope you enjoy this conversation with Enrica Monzani.

    Visit Enrica at A Small Kitchen in Genoa
    Enrica's Beautiful Cookbook - Liguria in Cucina: The Flavours of Liguria, Ricotta della tradizione - traditional dishes….
    Follow Enrica on Instagram @asmallkitcheningenoa

    The city of Genoa/Genova is not only a majestic port city on the Mediterranean Sea,  but the capital city of Liguria.  If you would like to listen to other Podcasts from the archive I have created on this journey of exploring Italian Culture and this fascinating city - you can find the links and resources here at michellejohnston.life

    Find all Show Notes and details mentioned at:
    michellejohnston.life

    You can now Support the Podcast and send your encouragement.

    © 2024  A Writer In Italy - travel, books, art and life
    Music Composed by Richard Johnston © 2024
    Support the show

    • 41 min
    Universe I Trust You - With Roberta Mussato

    Universe I Trust You - With Roberta Mussato

    "You have not a right, but a duty to be happy" -  Roberta Mussato

    Welcome to Episode #91:  
    What a privilege it is to talk to women and share their stories. Women lead such fascinating lives. I continually notice this, the fact they continue to expand themselves, push their limits and boundaries, to grow, and not except contraction as the norm, but lean into expansion rather, living and learning so much about themselves, and making things happen!! I love that.
    Today I talk with Roberta Mussato about her book - Universe I Trust You: One Month in Sri Lanka
    I wanted to share that I listened to Roberta’s book on Audible late last year, which I thoroughly enjoyed, she made me laugh a lot with her honesty and candid truth telling, and well everything else that was working or not working in her life. The big question is, can the worst of crisis be the turning point for a grand new chapter in your life? Yes, it appears, it definitely can.
    Roberta was born in Treviso in the north of Italy, in the Veneto region. With a background as an Interpreter and Translator from Italian to English, most of her adult life has been lived in London. Roberta describes herself as a global citizen and loves to travel the world seeking and learning about people and places.  
    When Roberta took this three month journey, she had one main provision - to let the universe do the work. Her theory was to let go and let it all unfold in a natural way without expectations or demands. It’s a fun story and Roberta’s second book is currently being written as Roberta goes on to reflect on what happened next in India and then Nepal. These days she is a Life Coach and avid traveler and currently lives in London, in the United Kingdom.
    Universe I Trust You, One Month in Sri Lanka on Audible

    Roberta Mussato on Instagram
    Visit Roberta for her book and Life Coaching Sessions at Roberta Mussato
    Roberta is happy to offer a 10% discount on her three months Coaching Package - Contact her on robertamussato@gmail.com and mention this offer…
    Also she offers a 60 minute Coaching Session if you leave a review of her book on Audible or Amazon - just send a screenshot of your review and send it to robertamussato@gmail.com

    Find all Show Notes and details mentioned at:
    michellejohnston.life

    You can now Support the Podcast and send your encouragement.

    © 2024  A Writer In Italy - travel, books, art and life
    Music Composed by Richard Johnston © 2024
    Support the show

    • 1 hr 5 min
    The Big Leap - Solo Travel in Italy with Cookbook Author Nadia Fragnito

    The Big Leap - Solo Travel in Italy with Cookbook Author Nadia Fragnito

    "We travel, initially to lose ourselves, and we travel, next to find ourselves" - Pico Iyer

    Welcome to Episode #90:
    Today I have a special conversation with Nadia Fragnito from The Vegan Italian Kitchen. Nadia is here to talk about her solo travel experience and the journey of returning to Italy to research her next cookbook due out later this year. 
    We discuss the triumphs and the pain points of travelling alone, things we both discovered on our own personal journeys. I might add, I have recognised over the past few years that taking the reins and travelling solo is the ultimate journey of self care. It isn't the easiest of path, but speaks to liberation and going on an inner journey, just as much as an outer one.
    Enjoy this Conversation.....

    Visit Nadia: The Vegan Italian Kitchen
    Instagram: The Vegan Italian Kitchen


    First Conversation with Nadia Fragnito - Episode #55: Culinary Adventures in Southern Italy with Nadia Fragnito
    Some of the Inspiration behind Nadia’s Solo Journey to Italy - Episode #57: Table for One - On Solo Travel, Artist Dates and Grand Adventures

    Read the Solo Travel Essay - Table for One

    Highlight Moment in this Episode - The jewels and triumph of the journey at 47.00 minutes!!  I love this conversation so much... Thank you Nadia x

    (  P.S If you hear a dog snoring, around 9 minutes in, that was Picasso!! )

    Find all Show Notes and Details mentioned at:
    michellejohnston.life

    You can now Support the Podcast and send your encouragement.

    © 2024  A Writer In Italy - travel, books, art and life
    Music Composed by Richard Johnston © 2024
    Support the show

    • 51 min
    On Italy, and Following the Charm...

    On Italy, and Following the Charm...

    "Italy was more than a subject, it was a tool of resurrection and empowerment" - Michelle Johnston

    “Can a place be an archetype?  Or pertain mythical qualities?  Emily Dickinson never left her home in New England to travel, the Italy she wrote and dreamed of symbolised something else, joy, hope, freedom….  And ultimately, the most powerful of qualities, transformation.  Italy was more than a subject, it was a tool for resurrection and empowerment.  Hmmm, I recognise this…”
    Today I go deep into the many layers of my life and the inspiration that has led to this point on the journey, and share what it is to “follow the charm” in life and in the quiet and beautiful epiphanies that happen along the way.
    Find all Show Notes and details mentioned at:
    michellejohnston.life

    You can now Support the Podcast and send your encouragement.

    © 2024  A Writer In Italy - travel, books, art and life
    Music Composed by Richard Johnston © 2024
    Support the show

    • 33 min
    Dolce Amaro - Bitter Sweet

    Dolce Amaro - Bitter Sweet

    "You cannot lose what really belongs to you, even if you throw it away" -   I-Ching

    Here I talk about the bitter sweet few months that have been, reflecting on life, books and events, and the books and writing adventures that happen along the way. 

    Find all Show Notes and details mentioned at:
    michellejohnston.life

    You can now Support the Podcast and send your encouragement.

    © 2024  A Writer In Italy - travel, books, art and life
    Music Composed by Richard Johnston © 2024
    Support the show

    • 1 hr 17 min

Customer Reviews

4.7 out of 5
13 Ratings

13 Ratings

em_victoria_j ,

For everyone inspired by Italy! ✨

Michelle’s ability to articulate the experience of loving and being inspired by a place is authentic and thoughtful. She is clearly well-read and does her homework before every interview, which leads to interesting conversations that go beneath the surface. Her voice is calming and the perfect thing to listen to when I need a few moments to step outside of the day-to-day. I could be folding the laundry or washing dishes, and I’m reminded of the places and moments that have ignited inspiration in my life. This podcast is a must for anyone who’s heart has been captured by Italy!

podcast escape traveler ,

Escape to Italy

Such a great podcast to listen to at night or any time you Need to escape . Her music and soft voice take me away to a calming place as I dream of travel in Italy…

I love this podcast so much but the sound quality of the interviews is terrible and I cannot listen if it is an interview.. please update the quality of your phone recordings .

TwentiesStruggles ,

Dreamy travel through Italy

Michelle is a marvelous storyteller. I fell upon her podcast series, Padova to Paris. This podcast takes the listener through lots of towns, big and small, and includes many details that bring the area to life. Whether I have been to a particular town or not, I feel I am discovering the streets, cafes, art and sights right along with her. Michelle’s voice is easy to listen to. I highly recommend.

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