Ferragosto is both a national holiday when Italians celebrate the height of summer and a religious holy day in the Catholic church. August 15th is when Italians with family and friends are out in nature whether at the beach or in the mountains.  August is the month that Italians traditionally enjoy their annual vacations and we are taking our lead from them.   

Food historian and recipe developer Luca Marchiori shares some of his favorite things to do and places to eat in Rome.  

What’s it like growing up in a bicultural home? Luca Marchiori shares with us a childhood with an Italian father and a British mother and how he now navigates his own two distinct cultural identities in Italy as a recipe developer and food historian.

What's it like restoring a hunted castle in a remote corner of Italy?  Countess Marina Rasini decided to buy the castle decades ago from her husband's family.  She talks to us about the challenges of its upkeep and the charity she founded to help people with chronic  illnesses.

What's it like to minister during lockdown?  Meet Don Alfredo Gabrielli, a young priest.  He talks to us about what drew him to the priesthood and the challenges he faces during lockdown.  He also shares why the Basilica of St. Nicholas in his hometown has a special place  in the heart of Roman Catholics and Orthodox Christians.

What gives the medieval town of Spello it's charm?  Our guest Cris Chiacchierini's family has been creating carpets of flowers for generations.  Cris shares with us an insider's view of the annual festival.

What draws us to Italy?  Meet co-creators Tullia Maffei and Allison Salerno, whose own family roots like in Italy.  As travelers wait for Italy to reopen, they'll bring conversations to your kitchen table.  Through the people we meet, this podcast will explore Italy in all its diversity - from North to South, and from rural enclaves to bustling urban centers.of Italy. 

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Italy - from the Heart!  is a show about Italians from all over Italy -their passions and the places they are attached to.

This short promo highlights some of the Italians we'll be getting to know from places like Venice and Bari and Spello and the passions that bring them joy!

So pull up a chair!  Break out the biscotti!  And let us introduce you to    Italy - from the Heart!

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