IAP 245: An Unconventional Italian and Her Unconventional Guide! With Special Guest Carla Gambescia

What does it mean to live "La Dolce Vita?" This week's guest is here to tell us how the answer to that question is just as varied as Italy herself! Carla Gambescia is a cultural "edu-tainer," award-winning author, travel journalist, lecturer and avid photographer. The author of "La Dolce Vita University: An Unconventional Guide to Italian Culture from A to Z," Carla seeks to teach people about Italy's culture and lifestyle in everything she does. And, seeing as we're sitting down with the author of an "A to Z" guide to Italy's culture and history, it's no surprise that this is an episode that hits on topics ranging from the Roman roots of popular sayings, to the often-overlooked multiculturalism of the Venetian Republic. We'll discuss the surprising reasons behind some of the earliest Italian immigrations to the United States, Carla's time as a restauranteur on a mission to educate through food, and how Italy and Italian Studies are often ignored by the American educational system, even though learning about Italy and Italian culture has benefits for students from all backgrounds. Ultimately, Carla makes a compelling case for Italy to be recognized as the world's only global "Lifestyle Superpower"… and she gets Pat's wholehearted support for her cause! Get ready to get your diploma from "La Dolce Vita University" in an episode you won't want to miss!