Francesca has always had a unique relationship with food, but food also became an academic interest of hers. For her bachelor in linguistics, she wrote a thesis on food as a communication system, through the example of Massimo Bottura - an incredibly rich experience during which she had the chance to capture Bottura's personal message and how he spreads it. As natural continuation on her food path, Francesca enrolled in a master's program in Food Culture and Communications at the "Slow Food University", which resulted in another incredibly rich learning experience. In her master's thesis she redefined the meaning of culinary authenticity through the analysis of the recipe as the linguistic path that allow us to associate a dish to its name. As a testament to her passion and insight, Francesca then joined the team at Osteria Francescana. (Music by www.purple-planet.com)

Are you a panettone lover, or more of a fan of pandoro? Will you have 'cotechino' with lentils for New Year's Eve? Gino is back for a festive episode on Italian traditions around Christmas and New Year's Eve.

Join us for a fascinating chat on regional differences in Italy, the complex relationship between Catholicism and superstition, how to dress like an Italian, and the significance of the bidet in Italy!

Join us to discuss the differences between Italy and North America in wine production, as well as in how wine is consumed and socially perceived in the two countries. In the second part of the episode, Diana gives a roundup of Piedmont's native grape varieties and world-renowned appellations, such as Barolo, Dolcetto, and Barbaresco.

Hannah Solomon talks about her internship at SZ Tartufi, a truffle farm in Abruzzo, revealing the fascinating process of truffle cultivation, and of truffle hunting with the aid of dogs. (Music by www.purple-planet.com)

As part of her job as a wedding planner, Valentina has been helping people from various parts of the world discover Italy and the Italian traditions. Join us to hear how her background led to the creation of Experience Italy Travels, which also features "Italy: instructions for use", a fun section written by yours truly :).

Journalist Diana Zahuranec (Wine Pass) is back on the show to talk about her Master's thesis on the subject, which followed her experiences living in Italy. In this episode, Diana also shares her updated observations now that she has been living and working in Italy for over 3 years. (Music by www.purple-planet.com)

Professional photographer Raffaella De Amicis outlines photographic fundamentals and presents a primer on food photography: from light and composition, to food styling and the use of props. In the second part of the episode, Raffaella talks about her Italian descent and shares her take on culinary authenticity. (Music by www.purple-planet.com)

Jason gives an isightful overview of websites and apps that are changing the culture around food and that are thriving in San Francisco, the capital of technology and entrepreneurship. (Music by www.purple-planet.com)

Join us to hear more about Valerie, her passion for Piedmont and her experience at the International Truffle fair which is currently taking place in her hometown: Alba.