The Fatal Charm of Italy - podcast cover

The Fatal Charm of Italy

Rick Zullorickzullo.com
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.
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Episodes

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 Podcas...

Jan 07, 202337 min

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.

Jun 16, 202237 min

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)

Feb 20, 202229 min

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.

Oct 10, 202115 min

The Fasting Mimicking Diet From Eat Like An Italian

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

May 01, 202020 min

The Coronavirus Crisis in Italy - FCI 041

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

Mar 19, 20201 hr 21 min

FCI 038 - Move to Italy the Right Way with Damien O’Farrell

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

Nov 09, 201933 min

FCI 037 - In the Cucina with Adina Antonucci

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

Oct 31, 201936 min

FCI 036 - Writing About Italian Ancestors with Carol Faenzi

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

Aug 11, 201840 min

FCI 035 - Italian Pronunciation Guide

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

Feb 15, 201722 min

Palm Beach Podcasting

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

Sep 11, 20167 min

FCI 034 - Unique Rome Tours with Beth from Select Italy

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

Jun 13, 201626 min

FCI 033 - Digging Up Roots In The Boot With Laura Watson

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

May 16, 201633 min

FCI 032 - Under The Puglia Sun With Paul And Steven

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

Apr 03, 201637 min

FCI 030 - Coastal Italy Hotspots With Gillian McGuire

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

Jan 10, 201617 min

FCI 029 - Promoting Italian Culture In America With Il Circolo

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

Dec 27, 201533 min

FCI 028 - Offbeat Museums Of Rome With Elizabeth Joss

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

Dec 14, 201525 min

FCI 026 - Passing Through Piedmont With Diana Zahuranec

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

Nov 22, 201544 min

FCI 025 - The Italian Travel Industry From Rimini

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

Nov 11, 201556 min

FCI 024 - The Rome Expat Interviews Session 2

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

Oct 24, 201521 min

FCI 023 - The Rome Expat Interviews Session 1

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

Oct 24, 201536 min

FCI 022 - Expats Living In Rome With Patrizia DiGregorio

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

Oct 24, 201532 min
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