The Umbra Podcast

We’ve heard what Umbra students think of Perugia and the locals who call the city home. But one question remains: What do the locals think of international students?

In this podcast, our Fall 2026 Umbra Reps, Kim Bocardo (Bates College ‘27), Danielys Ramos (Arcadia University‘28), and Keyera Gordon (Spelman College ‘28) head into the city center of Perugia to interview locals and hear their unique perspectives.

Tune in to discover what Perugia’s residents think of the international student community, hear their tips and recommendations, and get a glimpse at the people who call Perugia home!

We’ve reached a milestone: 50 episodes of the Umbra Podcast! 🎉 And what better way to celebrate than by getting our hands a little dirty?

For this special episode, students Rowan Hering (DePauw University) and Morgan Lawson (IU Indianapolis) take over the microphones to bring us directly to the Trasimeno Archaeology School during the Summer 2026 session.

Throughout the episode, Rowan and Morgan share interviews they recorded with fellow students directly at the excavation site, catching them in the middle of their fieldwork. They hear firsthand what it’s really like to take part in an archaeology field school—from students’ favorite parts of the experience and the tools they use while digging to the discoveries they’ve made and what they’ve learned along the way.

A special thank you to the Summer 2026 students interviewed in this episode, in order of appearance: Raechel Meyers, Paikea Early-Aden, Kennedy Starcevich, Imogen Hutchman, Johanna Aedo Cassaigne, Calvin Tarbox, and Jessica Boley.

Ready to do some digging of your own? Enrollment for the Summer 2027 Trasimeno Archaeology School is now open. Learn more about the program and how to apply at umbra.org/archaeology-summer.

Created by students of The Umbra Institute as an assignment for the Spring 2026 course Communicating Taste, this episode reflects on the relationship between food, culture, and identity through the perspective of a student living in Perugia. From shared meals to local traditions, it explores how culinary experiences shape our understanding of community and belonging.

Created by students of The Umbra Institute as an assignment for the Spring 2026 course Communicating Taste, this episode delves into the world of Umbria’s most prized culinary treasure: the truffle. Discover its history, cultural significance, and the unique flavors that have made this ingredient a symbol of Umbrian cuisine.

Created by students of The Umbra Institute as an assignment for the Spring 2026 course Communicating Taste, this episode examines the Slow Food movement in Umbria. Through conversations about local producers, traditional recipes, and sustainable practices, students explore how food can preserve cultural heritage while fostering a deeper connection to place.

Created by students of The Umbra Institute as an assignment for the Spring 2026 course Communicating Taste, this episode explores the role of meat in Italian food culture. From savory local specialties to beloved regional classics, our student hosts uncover the flavors, traditions, and stories behind some of the most popular meats enjoyed in Perugia and across Italy.

Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussion of consuming meat from a variety of animals. Listeners who are sensitive to topics involving animal consumption, food ethics, or dietary choices may wish to use discretion while listening.

In this episode of the Umbra Institute Podcast, we’re joined by Alfonso Dragone, Director of the Saint Lawrence Charity Foundation in Perugia, along with two of our student volunteers, Lydia and Belle. Together, they offer a closer look at what volunteering with Caritas truly means, exploring its impact on the local community and the unique role international students play in supporting those in need.

This first episode in our Caritas–Umbra collaboration series introduces the partnership and highlights the meaningful experiences of volunteering at the “Don Gualtiero” soup kitchen.

Stay tuned for the next episode, where we’ll dive into solidarity emporiums and the student-led workshops that further enrich this collaboration.

In this episode, we discuss together with our Umbra Reps of the Spring Semester 2026 the value of Perugia as a location to the experience of students abroad. Dr. Nowak expresses his enthusiasm for an immersive Italian experience, both historically and culinarily, while also providing insight as to why Perugia makes a good home, if only for a few months. 

In Professor Jacopo Cossater’s class, students created this podcast episode to explore the international cuisines of Perugia.

Beyond Italian food, what other culinary traditions can be found in the city? In this episode, students take us on a journey through Perugia’s international restaurants, sharing their stories and reflecting on what it means to bring flavors from around the world to a historic Italian city.

Let’s dive right in!

In Professor Jacopo Cossater’s class, students created this podcast episode exploring the concept of agriturismo.
Why do agriturismos matter for farmers, local communities, and travelers? What sustainability values and traditions lie behind these farm-based restaurants? And why are they becoming so popular?
Let’s dive right in!