In this episode, we delve into the cultural and symbolic significance of St. Francis Day in modern Italy. Join Alessia as she explores how this newly reinstated national holiday reflects Italy’s ongoing struggle to balance tradition with economic realities. Discover insights from prominent Italian authors and cultural figures, and learn why St. Francis remains a […]

The post Ep. 25 | Italy Celebrates Saint Francis of Assisi: A National Icon and the Price of Patriotism first appeared on Voices of Italy Podcast.

From the golden age of Commedia all’Italiana to today’s streaming-era satire, Italian comedy has always been more than laughter—it’s a mirror of who we are. In this episode of Voices of Italy: Beyond La Dolce Vita we explore how humor has shaped and reflected Italian culture, identity, and social change. Discover how icons like Alberto […]

The post Ep. 24 | Italian-style Comedy: A Journey That Mirrors Our Identity first appeared on Voices of Italy Podcast.

In this episode, we explore the cultural phenomenon of calcio in Italy, delving into its historical roots, societal impact, and the controversies that surround it. From its ties to organized crime and political influence to its role as a unifying force in Italian culture, calcio is more than just a sport—it’s a reflection of Italy’s […]

The post Ep. 23 | Inside Calcio: The Heartbeat of Italian Sport Culture first appeared on Voices of Italy Podcast.

Why does Italy shut down in August? From the ancient Roman roots of Ferragosto to modern beach culture, August has long been the month when Italy slows down, closes shop, and heads to the sea. But in today’s Italy, this tradition is under pressure. Rising costs, changing vacation habits, and heated debates about beach concessions […]

The post Ep. 22 | Italy’s August Shutdown: From Ancient Roots to Modern Realities first appeared on Voices of Italy Podcast.

Italy is famous for its charm, warmth, and hospitality — but when it comes to customer service, the experience isn’t always dolce. In this episode of Voices of Italy, we dive into one of the country’s most misunderstood and rarely discussed cultural quirks: Italian-style service. Why do some waiters act like you’re interrupting their day? […]

The post Ep. 21 | Customer (Dis)Service: The Grumpy Side of La Dolce Vita first appeared on Voices of Italy Podcast.

In this episode, we dive deep into one of the most iconic and complex expressions of Italian identity: Made in Italy. Is it just a label? A global brand? Or a cultural mission? To explore this, I’m joined by journalist, storyteller, and cultural ambassador Patrizia La Daga, founder of Italiani Ovunque and International Network Development […]

The post Ep. 20 | Beyond the Label: Made in Italy, Italian Identity, and the Stories We Tell – Chat with Patrizia La Daga first appeared on Voices of Italy Podcast.

Ciao everyone! This week, we’re diving into the aftermath of Italy’s most recent failed referendum (June 8–9, 2025), which didn’t reach quorum—again. But this isn’t just political commentary. It’s a deeper reflection on what this means for us as Italians, and why we often seem to be our own worst enemy when it comes to […]

The post Ep. 19 | Italy vs Italy: The Fight We Keep Losing first appeared on Voices of Italy Podcast.

Why does a country with trash in the streets and mafia scandals in the headlines also rank among the best in Europe for recycling? Welcome to Italy’s green contradiction — where civic pride and public cynicism coexist, and where citizens sort their waste religiously while organized crime controls the landfills. In this episode of Voices […]

The post Ep. 18 | Italy’s Green Contradiction: Civic Sense, Corruption, and Cigarette Butts first appeared on Voices of Italy Podcast.

In this episode of Voices of Italy, the conversation delves into the complexities of modern Italian identity, particularly through the lens of immigration and bureaucracy. The podcast is joined Davide Cellini, the founder of Your Assist in Italy, who has spent years helping people navigate the often chaotic and opaque Italian immigration system. Together, we […]

The post Ep. 17 | Struggles & Dreams of Living in Italy as a Foreigner – A Chat With Your Assist in Italy first appeared on Voices of Italy Podcast.

In this episode of Voices of Italy, I take a closer look at Netflix’s Nonnas, a heartwarming comedy film that puts Italian grandmothers front and center — all while serving generous helpings of homemade pasta and nostalgia. But is this really what it means to be Italian? We talk about what happens when Italian identity […]

The post Ep. 16 | Netflix’s Nonnas: Cozy Comfort or Cultural Cliché? first appeared on Voices of Italy Podcast.