We sit down with author Howard Smith to discuss his latest novel, "Viva Verdi & Violetta." This immersive historical tale dives deep into the life and struggles of Giuseppe Verdi, his muse Giuseppina Strepponi, and the revolutionary fervor of the Italian Risorgimento of the mid-19th century.

Told through the watchful, and witty, mind of his close friend, a restaurateur and retired opera singer, the novel brings to life Verdi’s rise as a composer, the artistic and political battles of 19th-century Italy, and the resistance against Austrian occupation. Smith takes us behind the curtain, revealing Verdi’s encounters with freedom fighters like Garibaldi and the dramatic cultural shifts that shaped his operatic masterpieces.

There's also a lot of about food and culture in this transformative time. Tune in for a captivating discussion on music, history, and the timeless power of storytelling! 🎭🎼

We did not talk about efforts to install tracking chips in NFL footballs, the rise of Canadian comedy shows like "Son of a Critch" and "Shoresy" or muskellunge fishing.

Check out Howard's latest novel on Amazon or Barnes & Noble.