S3 Ep.16 - Radio Across Borders: The First Russian Voice in Venice with Regina & Katerina
In this episode, Monica meets two extraordinary women who brought the rhythm of the East to the heart of the lagoon.Katerina, from Russia, and Regina, from Kazakhstan, met by chance in Venice — and chose to stay.Together, they created Venetians (By Choice and By Occasion), the very first Russian-language radio show on Radio Ca' Foscari.Their story is one of identity, migration, and transformation — a testament to how Venice can welcome, inspire, and redefine belonging in the most unexpected ways.🔑 Key Show Notes:Meet Katerina and Regina: their journey from Russia and Kazakhstan to VeniceHow a casual meeting in the lagoon turned into a life-changing friendshipBehind the scenes of Venetians (By Choice and By Occasion) on RCFWhat it means to be "Venetian" without being born in VeniceFinding a voice — and a purpose — in a new language and a new landCultural integration, unexpected challenges, and proud momentsWhy Venice has a magnetic pull on those who come from far awayThe role of language, radio, and community in feeling at home✨ Credits:Hosted by Monica CesaratoProduced by Monica Cesarato, Sentire MediaGuest: Regina & Katerina from Venetians by Choice & by Occasion 🎧 Listen now on your favorite podcast platform!🌟 Follow and subscribe to Venice Talks to never miss an episode filled with voices, stories, and secrets of La Serenissima.📩 And do not forget to share it with fellow lovers of Venice — wherever they may be.
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S3 Ep.15 - The Whole Story, Saving Venice: A Conversation with Erica Hill from CNN
In this special episode of Venice Talks, Monica sits down with journalist and CNN anchor Erica Hill, who recently hosted the powerful documentary Saving Venice as part of The Whole Story with Anderson Cooper. Together, they explore what it means to tell the story of a fragile, beloved city through an international lens.What happens when a global media giant turns its cameras on Venice? How does storytelling impact preservation? And what was it like, for Erica, to walk through the calli and canals with a microphone in hand and a mission to share Venice’s truth?Whether you love Venice, live in Venice, or dream of Venice — this conversation is a must-listen.🔑 Key Show Notes:• What inspired Erica Hill and CNN to create Saving Venice• Behind-the-scenes moments from filming in the city• Erica Hill’s personal impressions of Venice• The challenge of balancing beauty with urgency in storytelling• Reflections on overtourism, climate change, and local voices• How media can be a force for cultural preservation• Monica’s own perspective as a Venetian insider✨ Credits:Hosted by Monica CesaratoProduced by Monica Cesarato, Sentire MediaGuest: Erica Hill from CNN✨ Listen now, subscribe to never miss a story, and follow Monica on Instagram for more behind-the-scenes of Venice’s soul.
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S3 Ep.14 - Saving Il Nuovo Trionfo: A Boat, A City, A Dream - A chat with Martino Rizzi
In this new episode of Venice Talks, Monica Cesarato steps aboard Il Nuovo Trionfo and speaks with Martino Rizzi, one of the founding members of the Compagnia della Marineria Tradizionale Il Nuovo Trionfo. Together, they recount the extraordinary story of Venice’s last great trabaccolo — a sturdy cargo boat of the Adriatic, lovingly restored to sail once more thanks to passion, perseverance, and a deep love for the sea and the lagoon.⚓ Key points you will discover in this episode:The inspiring journey of Il Nuovo Trionfo and how Martino Rizzi and the association helped bring it back to lifeThe trabaccolo’s role in Venetian and Adriatic maritime historyThe challenges of restoring and maintaining such a historic vesselThe mission and spirit of the Compagnia della Marineria TradizionaleMartino’s personal memories and magical moments aboard the Nuovo TrionfoHow all of us can contribute to safeguarding this floating treasureSet sail with Monica and Martino on a journey through wood, wind, and water — a living tribute to Venice’s seafaring soul.✨ Credits:Hosted by Monica CesaratoProduced by Monica Cesarato, Sentire MediaGuest: Martino Rizzi from la Compagnia della marineria tradizionale Il Nuovo Trionfo🎧 Listen now on your favourite podcast platform — and do not forget to subscribe, follow, and share this episode with fellow lovers of Venice’s history!
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S3 Ep.13 - From Piazza San Marco: Designing Dreams in Precious Metal. A chat with Valeria Boncompagni
In this episode of Venice Talks, Monica Cesarato sits down with Valeria Boncompagni, the creative force behind one of Venice’s most intimate and soulful jewelry ateliers. Nestled under the arcades of Piazza San Marco, Valeria's workshop is a sanctuary of emotion, craftsmanship, and timeless beauty.A master of the ancient lost-wax casting technique, Valeria doesn't just design jewelry—she sculpts feelings, memories, and personal stories into bronze and silver. Her pieces are not made to follow trends but to follow emotions. Each creation is a wearable sculpture, infused with history, heritage, and heart.🔑 Key Highlights of the EpisodeValeria’s deep connection to the lost-wax tradition—and how she makes it contemporaryThe story of her family-run atelier and the legacy passed down her familyThe emotional process behind each unique piece How the rhythms and light of Venice shape her artistic vision The meaning of jewelry as personal storytelling and emotional memoryWhy Valeria views herself as both an artisan and a sculptorThe challenges (and joys) of running a boutique art space in Piazza San Marco Her philosophy of slow, intentional creation in a world that rushes toward the disposable✨ Credits:Hosted by Monica CesaratoProduced by Monica Cesarato, Sentire MediaGuest: Valeria Boncompagni📢 Listen & SubscribeLove hearing stories of powerful women, Venetian artisans, and the quiet revolution of handmade art? This episode is for you.🎧 Tune in on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google, or wherever you listen.❤️ Don’t forget to follow, subscribe, and leave us a review to keep Venice’s voices alive in the world!
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S3 Ep.12 - When Art Pollinates a City. A chat with Judi Harvest
In this captivating episode of Venice Talks, Monica sits down with internationally renowned artist Judi Harvest to explore the luminous, layered world she has built between Murano’s glass furnaces and Venice’s buzzing garden beehives.Judi shares how a brief trip to Venice decades ago became a lifelong journey — one that has shaped her art, her activism, and her sense of belonging. From collaborating with Murano glassmasters to creating installations that highlight the fragility of both nature and culture, her work is a powerful blend of beauty and urgency.This is not just a conversation about art — it’s about transformation, memory, and the deep emotional threads that connect people to place.🔹 Key Notes from the Episode:How a brief visit to Venice became a lifelong artistic and personal journeyThe magic and heartbreak of working with Murano’s master glassmakersWhy bees, gardens, and endangered ecosystems have taken center stage in her workThe intersection of art, activism, and preservation in a city at riskReflections on legacy, inspiration, and staying rooted through change🎧 If you love Venice, art with meaning, and stories that shimmer with life, this episode is for you.✨ Credits:Hosted by Monica CesaratoProduced by Monica Cesarato, Sentire MediaGuest: Judi Harvest📢 Don’t forget to subscribe to Venice Talks on your favorite podcast platform — Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or wherever you listen.👉 And if this episode moved you, please leave a review and share it with fellow Venice lovers!
Welcome to Venice Talks, the weekly podcast series uncovering the authentic soul of Venice, Italy. Hosted by the fabulous Monica Cesarato, who has unparalleled knowledge of Venice, and is renowned as one of the city's top guides even among celebrities.
Venice Talks is not just a podcast; it's your passport to a 360-degree experience of this extraordinary city. Join Monica as she delves beyond the clichés, steering clear of the tourist-packed routes that millions follow each year. Instead, she takes you to the hidden gems and less postcard-perfect corners of Venice.
Why is Venice one of the world's most visited cities? It is the unique allure of a city built entirely on water, boasting centuries of glorious history. In this intoxicating podcast, you will discover both aspects of Venice – the iconic landmarks like Saint Mark's Square and the Rialto Bridge, as well as the lesser-known, extraordinary places that showcase the true essence of this exceptional city.
Venice Talks is your go-to resource whether you're planning a vacation or simply captivated by its mystery and history. Expect insider tips, weekly insights, and engaging conversations that bring the Venetian people, their lives, and their struggles to the forefront.
Join Monica every week as she navigates the canals and traverses small alleyways, and connects you to the people who shape Venice's past, present, and future.
Subscribe now and be part of the conversation that goes beyond the surface of this remarkable city.
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