15 with Fosca

What does it mean to build a life designed not just to last, but to function well over time?In this conversation with Andrea Longinotti Buitoni, we move beyond the usual language of wellness and into something more structured and demanding. His Longevity Camp is not a retreat in the traditional sense, but what he describes as an ecosystem: a framework that connects environment, behavior, and long-term change.At the center is the distinction between lifespan and healthspan: not how long we live, but how well we live across those years. From there, the conversation opens into the gap between what science already tells us and the way most of us actually move through our days.Andrea’s model is built around six pillars—Breathwork, Mindfulness & Meditation, Nutrition, Movement, Restorative Sleep, and Multisensory Experiences —but what emerges is less a checklist and more a system. One that extends beyond a single experience into something ongoing, designed to support consistency rather than intensity.We also talk about the people drawn to this work, often high-performing individuals, and whether longevity is becoming a form of strategy, or even control. And underlying it all, a more personal question: what shifts when you begin to see your life as something you are actively constructing, day by day?Biography and Links Andrea Longinotti Buitoni, Co‑Founder & CEOWith over 25 years of experience in the financial sector, including major investment banks (ING- Barings, Lehman Brothers, UBS, and Credit Suisse), multi-family offices, and PE startups across London, Tokyo, New York, Geneva, UAE, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia, a sector change became necessary.Andrea is deeply committed to humanitarian projects, particularly those focused on children; he worked in Syria in 2015 with the Amal ou Salam Organization and led a humanitarian mission in Ukraine in March 2022 in collaboration with ITA Airways. Fluent in Italian, English, French, Spanish, and portuguese, Andrea, driven by his passion for reading, technology, personal growth, healthy living, sports, and travel, co-founded The Longevity Camp with his partner Claudio. The goal is to provide participants with a holistic approach to their health, enhancing their health span.https://thelongevitycamp.com/https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61582497905402https://www.instagram.com/thelongevitycamp/https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-longinotti-buitoni-1380135/https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-longevity-camp/posts/?feedView=allShare, like, comment, review, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.Podcast Producer: Andrew Niklas Curtis Production Intern: Nicole StevensRecording and post-production Lorenzo Maiani, Faminore Sound Agency 

“Writing was my escape. But at some point it became something I needed to share.”       R.J. SinclaireIn this episode of 15 with Fosca, I sit down with author and fellow American expat in Italy, RJ Sinclaire, for a conversation that moves between place, instinct, and the long road to writing a first novel.What began with a chance meeting in Florence unfolded into a deeper exploration of what it means to follow an inner voice, across countries, careers, and creative lives. RJ shares the story of her move to Italy, a decision rooted in something she first imagined as a child, and reflects on the reality of building a life abroad as a single mother.At the heart of our conversation is writing, not as a profession, but as a lifelong instinct. RJ speaks candidly about her creative process, the unexpected turn toward crime fiction, and the moment of anger in Rome that sparked her current novel. Together, we explore the vulnerability of the drafting process, the humility of revision, and the challenge of putting you work into the world.This episode is also a quiet but powerful reflection on voice, especially for women, and the importance of listening to what insists on being heard.It’s a conversation about writing, but also one about instinct, courage, and beginning (again).Bio and Links R.J. Sinclaire is an American writer who now resides in Milan, Italy with her Italian husband. Writing has been a lifelong passion, a creative outlet and that safe place for her to  return to throughout her life. After becoming an empty nester she finally found the courage to bet on herself and make the decision to write fulltime. She is currently completing her debut novel, a crime and psychological thriller.https://www.instagram.com/rjsinclaire?igsh=Y29sMmdjZHB6Y2Fw&utm_source=qrShare, like, comment, review, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.Podcast Producer: Andrew Niklas Curtis Production Intern: Nicole StevensRecording and post-production Lorenzo Maiani, Faminore Sound Agency 

“AI started unlocking a creative portal of stories I didn’t even know I had in me.” Elettra Fiumi In this episode of 15 with Fosca, I’m joined by filmmaker, educator, and AI expert Elettra Fiumi for a wide-ranging conversation about artificial intelligence, creativity, education, storytelling, and the future of work.Rather than treating AI as something abstract, threatening, or distant, Elettra makes a compelling case for engaging with it directly: learning the tools, experimenting hands-on, and understanding both their risks and their extraordinary potential. She explains why AI literacy is now essential, why fear is holding so many people back, and why the most important thing we can do is stop talking about AI in the abstract and start using it in practical, thoughtful ways.The conversation also explores how AI can transform education by supporting different learning styles, encouraging curiosity, and giving students more agency. Elettra shares how tools like NotebookLM and custom GPTs can help people learn better, work smarter, and personalize the way they interact with information.For creatives, this episode is especially fascinating. Elettra discusses how AI has expanded her own filmmaking practice, unlocked new kinds of storytelling she hadn’t imagined for herself before, and even helped her reshape footage in post-production for a recent Patagonia project. She speaks candidly about motherhood, artistic identity, the emotional dimensions of technology, and why AI, at its best, can be a profound creative partner.This is not a conversation about replacing human beings, it’s a conversation about expanding human potential. AI is not just a technology story, it’s a human story, and those who learn to engage with it thoughtfully, creatively, and courageously are the ones who will help shape what comes next.Biography Elettra Fiumi is a Florentine-born AI filmmaker, documentary director, and educator based in Lugano, Switzerland. She is the founder and CEO of Fiumi Studios, a boutique creative studio specializing in documentaries, branded content, and AI filmmaking. Her documentary "Radical Landscapes" premiered at DOC NYC and aired on RAI as "Radical Love," and her AI short film "Mamma Robot" won four international awards. Her latest film, "Alma Robot," created under the mentorship of Paolo Sorrentino, is forthcoming. Elettra holds Creative Partner relationships with leading AI platforms including Runway, Leonardo, ElevenLabs, and Seedance / Dreamina. She is an Adjunct Professor at Franklin University Switzerland, where she teaches AI for Cinema, and has taught at universities, film festivals, and museums worldwide. Elettra holds an M.Sc. in Digital Media from Columbia University, a B.A. with Honors from Mount Holyoke College, and a Master's in AI for Business from the Italian Tech Academy. She is the custodian of the 9999 Archive, the legacy of her late father's radical architecture collective active in Florence in the late 1960s and 70s. She co-leads Machine Cinema Women and co-hosts the Machine Cinema podcast.Links https://fiumistudios.com/elettra-fiumi/https://www.linkedin.com/in/elettrafiumi/https://substack.com/@aicinemahttps://www.instagram.com/efiumi/Share, like, comment, review, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.Podcast Producer: Andrew Niklas Curtis Production Intern: Nicole StevensRecording and post-production Lorenzo Maiani, Faminore Sound Agency 

“I wanted to build a space where nobody would feel unseen.” Esther TadjievMy guest today is Esther Tadjiev, founder and owner of The Parlour in Florence, a beautifully designed space that goes far beyond nails or aesthetics. What Esther has created is a study in hospitality, community, and the emotional architecture of luxury.Before moving to Florence, Esther worked at the highest levels of the luxury sector, including roles at Sotheby’s and Chanel. In this conversation, she reflects on what brought her from New York to Florence, how a personal frustration sparked a business idea, and what it took to build something truly original here.We talk about entrepreneurship in Italy, the evolution of Florence after the pandemic, the importance of detail, and why the deepest luxury may simply be feeling welcomed, recognized, and cared for.BiographyEsther Tadjiev is the founder of The Parlour, a design-led beauty studio on the Arno that has redefined nail care in Florence as both a ritual and a place of connection. Originally from New York, she built her career in the luxury sector, including a senior leadership role at Sotheby’s auction house, before arriving in Florence in 2018 for what was meant to be a short stay. She never quite left.Drawing on her background in luxury, fashion, and design, Esther created The Parlour as a space that balances high standards with a sense of ease — where clients feel cared for, seen, and part of something. Known for its monobrand philosophy and its quietly social atmosphere, The Parlour has become a destination for locals, expats, and those passing through the city.Today, Esther continues to lead the studio hands-on while exploring new ways to expand the brand, always with a focus on experience, integrity, and building meaningful connections.The Parlour Firenze +39 0550880101 Borgo San Jacopo 30RFirenze 50125Links www.theparlour.ithttps://www.instagram.com/theparlourfirenze/linkedin.com/in/esther-t-67781431

The ultimate indicator of a society is how you treat the most vulnerable. Joseph LuzziIn this episode of 15 with Fosca, I speak with Professor Joseph Luzzi, Asher B. Edelman Professor of Literature at Bard College and acclaimed scholar of Italian culture.Our conversation centers on his latest book, The Innocents of Florence, a powerful exploration of the Ospedale degli Innocenti, the Renaissance institution that cared for abandoned children for over five centuries. But this episode goes far beyond history.Together, we explore the intersection of art, childhood, grief, civic responsibility, and the role of the humanities in shaping a more humane society.Luzzi shares the deeply personal moment that led him to write the book, connecting his own experience of loss and fatherhood to the mission of the Innocenti. He reflects on the Renaissance belief in beauty as a form of care, and on what it means to dignify human life, especially for the most vulnerable.We also discuss the crisis and resurgence of the humanities, particularly in an age increasingly shaped by technology and AI, and pose important questions on why literature, art, and history still matter and what they give us that no algorithm can. Don’t miss this conversation on what it means to build a society that’s worth living in.Biography Joseph Luzzi received his PhD from Yale University. He is the Asher B. Edelman Professor of Literature at Bard College, where he also teaches courses on film and Italian Studies.He is the author of eight books, including his recent The Innocents of Florence. His other books include Botticelli’s Secret: The Lost Drawings and the Rediscovery of the Renaissance (Norton, 2022), a New Yorker Best Books of 2022 selection and shortlisted for the Phi Beta Kappa Ralph Waldo Emerson Award.Romantic Europe and the Ghost of Italy (Yale University Press, 2008), which received the MLA’s Scaglione Prize for Italian Studies; A Cinema of Poetry: Aesthetics of the Italian Art Film (Johns Hopkins University Press, 2014), a finalist for the international prize “The Bridge Book” Award; My Two Italies (Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2014), a New York Times Book Review Editors’ Choice; and In a Dark Wood: What Dante Taught Me About Grief, Healing, and the Mysteries of Love (HarperCollins, 2015), which has been translated into multiple languages.Joseph’s essays and reviews have appeared in the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Chronicle of Higher Education, TLS, Bookforum, and American Scholar, among others, and his scholarly writing has appeared in PMLA, Modern Language Notes, Modern Language Quarterly, Raritan, Italica, and Studies on Voltaire and the Eighteenth Century. His media appearances include a profile in the Guardian and an interview with National Public Radio. Among his honors are a Dante Society of America essay prize, Yale College teaching prize, a National Endowment for the Humanities Public Scholars Award, and fellowships from the National Humanities Center and Yale’s Whitney Humanities Center. The first American-born child in his Italian immigrant family, Luzzi was named Cittadino Onorario / Honorary Citizen of Acri, Calabria, in 2017.A widely sought-after speaker, he has presented worldwide on literature, art, film, and the power of the humanities. Joseph is the founder of the Virtual Book Club, an international online community devoted to exploring some of the best books ever written.Links https://josephluzzi.com/https://josephluzzi.com/virtual-book-club/https://josephluzzi.com/book/the-innocents-of-florence/https://www.facebook.com/luzzi.josephShare, like, comment, review, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.Podcast Producer: Andrew Niklas Curtis Production Intern: Nicole StevensRecorded via Zoom, post-production Lorenzo Maiani, Faminore Sound Agency

Mastery is when you don’t know if it’s intuition, experience, or knowledge. It just feels right.” Aelita LetoWhat if your life isn’t something you need to fix, but something you need to understand?In this intimate conversation recorded in Florence just before the Year of the Fire Horse, I sit down with Feng Shui master and Chinese astrologer Aelita Leto to explore what it really means to read energy within ourselves, within our spaces, and within time itself.From her early training with classical masters to her deeply embodied practice today, Aelita shares a perspective that challenges the Western instinct to control, fix, and predict. Instead, she invites us into something far more nuanced: adaptation, awareness, and alignment.We talk about why Feng Shui is not about “cures” or objects, the differences between intuition and mastery, how space reflects who we are (and vice versa), ancestral energy, rhythm, and cycles, and the real meaning of the Lunar New Year and what the Year of the Fire Horse actually representsAnd in a moment I didn’t plan, but gently nudged, Aelita reads my chart live on the podcast, offering a powerful, deeply personal glimpse into her work.Biography Aelita Leto is a renowned Feng Shui master known for her profound understanding of ancient Chinese metaphysics and its practical applications inmodern living spaces. Born with an innate curiosity about the interconnectedness of energy, space, and human well-being, Aelita embarked on her journey into the world of Feng Shui at a young age.Her passion for the subject led her to study under several esteemed masters, immersing herself in the intricate principles of Feng Shui, including the balance of Yin and Yang, the Five Elements, and the flow of Qi. Aelita has studied extensively Daoist mysticism and Christian mysticism, has received her Master of Chinese Energetic Medicine and a preistly Doctorate in Chinese Energetic Medicine from Bian Hua Gong- The Temple of Change and Transformation. Aelita's unique approach combines traditional wisdom with contemporary insights, making her a sought-after consultant for individuals, businesses, and organizations seeking to harmonize their environments for improved prosperity, health, and happiness. Throughout her career, Aelita has traveled extensively, sharing her expertise through teaching, workshops, lectures, and consultations across the globe. She has authored several publications on Feng Shui, offering readers practical guidance on creating harmonious spaces that support personal growth and success.With a deep commitment to empowering others through the transformative power of Feng Shui, Aelita continues to inspire people to cultivate balance and harmony in their lives, one space at a time.Links https://aelitaleto.com/https://www.facebook.com/FengShuiAelita/https://www.instagram.com/fengshuiaelita/https://www.linkedin.com/in/aelita-leto/https://linktr.ee/fengshuiaelita?utm_source=linktree_profile_sharehttps://www.zenitybiolabs.com/Share, like, comment, review, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.Podcast Producer: Andrew Niklas Curtis Production Intern: Nicole StevensRecording and post-production Lorenzo Maiani, Faminore Sound Agency 

“Just do what you enjoy doing. Be curious. You don’t know where your path will take you.” Vincenzo Lodato There are people you meet at the end of a party, when the night is winding down and you’re already halfway out the door, who stop you dead in your tracks. Vincenzo Lodato was that person for me.We met at one of Mary Shea’s unforgettable vineyard dinners at Querceto di Castellina, talked for maybe two minutes, and I knew before I reached my car that I had to have him as a guest on the podcast.Vincenzo is a Los Angeles native whose first time on a plane was when he left for Rome for a junior year abroad, a trip that turned into nearly two years, dual Italian-American citizenship, and eventually a permanent life in a restored farmhouse outside Cortona. His career reads like a fever dream of creative range: a fine arts degree, a stint in advertising, Design Director overseeing a division of Barbie at Mattel, Creative Director managing the Jurassic Park franchise at Universal Studios, Disney, Warner Bros., GQ Magazine in New York, and now teaching at Polimoda and FIT in Florence. The thread running through all of it? He was almost never looking. The Mattel job led to Universal because a castmate in West Side Story mentioned his boss couldn’t find a creative director. Vincenzo showed up to the interview in a t-shirt and jeans, portfolio in hand, on his way to dress rehearsal. His first day on the job, he sat across from Steven Spielberg.We also talk about Café Society, the intimate performance group he founded in Florence to bring American standards and musical theater to expat audiences; his illustrated children’s book BuppaLaPaloo & The I Love MEs, created with actress Dee Wallace of E.T. fame, now in conversations about becoming an animated series; and the art show he’s been quietly dreaming about for years. This is a conversation about what it looks like to live a creative life on your own terms, the importance of staying curious, and of always yes to things you don’t fully understand yet.Biography Vincezo Lodato is one of the most respected global branding and marketing executives in the licensing and publishing industries with 30+ years of consumer products experience in apparel, accessories, footwear, toys, gifts, stationery, interactive games, publishing, fragrance, food, beverage and retail. He has studied in both the USA & in Europe and is currently living Tuscany, Italy. He has held Vice President and Creative Director positions at Universal Studios, Disney, Mattel, Warner Bros/New Line Cinema, FAO Schwarz, GQ Magazine / Conde Nast Publications and IMG Worldwide. Throughout his many years in Licensing and Brand Marketing,  Vincenzo has managed and developed successful brand strategies for properties  such as: Barbie, The Lord Of the Rings, The Jurassic Park Franchise, Mickey Mouse, Toy Story, Curious George, Harry Potter, Universal Studios Classics, GQ Magazine, and The Nutcracker with Martha Stewart. While living in New York, Vincenzo became the Creative Director and acted as Executive Producer for GQ Magazine / Conde Nast Publications,  for the - “2003 GQ Man of the Year Awards” show with MTV / Spike TV hosted by Jon Stewart with celebrity guests that included The Black-Eyed Peas, Jay Z, Beyonce, Colin Farrell, Charlize Theron, Adrian Brody, and others. While at GQ Magazine, he developed marketing and special programs with many top luxury advertisers such as Prada, Gucci, Dolce and Gabbana, Mercedes-Benz, Hummer, David Yurman, L’Oreal, Revlon, and others.

“When I write under different names, I can be a different person. So, if I got stuck on whatever I was writing as Katherine Mezzacappa, that was a bit more literary, then I could dive off into a romance, if you like, and be Kate Zarrelli, and that does feel a bit different.” Katherine MezzacappaIn this episode, I’m joined by author Katherine Mezzacappa, the Irish-born, Tuscany-based novelist behind The Maiden of Florence and a wide-ranging body of work written under more than one name.We talk about Katherine’s long relationship with Italy, from her first trip to Florence as a child to the life she eventually built in Tuscany, and about the beauty, history, and cultural inheritance that shape her work. We also discuss her path to writing seriously later in life, and why her fiction so often returns to women and working people whose stories official history has ignored, distorted, or erased.Katherine shares the surprising ways books begin, how she researches the worlds she writes, and the unusual method she uses to understand her characters from the inside out. We also talk about discipline, time, artistic community, and what aspiring writers need to hear most: that there is no single right way to write a book, only the way that allows you to keep going.BiographyKatherine Mezzacappa is an Irish author of mainly historical fiction, long resident in Carrara. Ten of her novels have been published under three different names. The Maiden of Florence (Fairlight, 2024, also available in Italian translation with Piemme) was shortlisted for the Historia Gold Crown award, 2025 and this month achieved first place in Kindle sales in the US in the Italian Historical Fiction category.Katherine is also a manuscript assessor for a London literary consultancy, lead organiser for this year's Historical Novel Society's conference in Maynooth, Co Kildare, and is an executive committee member of the Irish Writers Union. She's also proud to be a member of the Florence Literary Society.Katherine holds degrees from East Anglia, Durham and Canterbury Christ Church universities.Linkshttps://katherinemezzacappa.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherine-mezzacappa-09407815/https://www.instagram.com/katmezzacappa/https://www.facebook.com/katherinemezzacappafictionShare, like, comment, review, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Podcast Producer: Andrew Niklas Curtis Production Intern: Nicole StevensRecorded via Zoom, post-production Lorenzo Maiani, Faminore Sound Agency

“People don’t just want the result; they want the experience of the work coming to life.” Sheean HanlanIn this episode of 15 with Fosca, I’m joined by Sheean Hanlan, a live event illustrator based in Florence whose work captures people not as perfect replicas, but as their essence, gestures, moods, microexpressions, and spirit.We talk about how Sheean first encountered Florence as a Pepperdine study abroad student, and how she felt, almost immediately, that something in her was going to shift. At the time she was pre-med, but the city’s art, history, and beauty cracked something open. She returned again and again until 2020 when she took the leap that changed everything.Sheean shares the behind-the-scenes truth: getting to Italy during COVID, training intensively in classical techniques, and then realizing that mastery doesn’t automatically equal a life. There was a gap between learning and making a career until she began trusting what felt natural; a style that embraces the human hand, the beauty of imperfection, and the thrill of watching art come alive in real time.We also talk about deeper questions like what it means to create while surrounded by Renaissance greatness, how a Henry James story (“The Madonna of the Future”) shaped her thinking about originality, and why the rise of AI has only increased the hunger for real artists and real presence.Sheean Hanlan Biography and Links Sheean is a live event illustrator splitting her time between Italy and the Bahamas. She creates watercolor portraits at luxury weddings across Europe, and her work has been featured in British Vogue and commissioned by Amazon and the National Gallery of London.https://linktr.ee/StudiosheeanShare, like, comment, review, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Podcast Producer: Andrew Niklas Curtis Production Intern: Nicole StevensRecorded via Zoom, post-production Lorenzo Maiani, Faminore Sound Agency

“It’s not about what happens to us, it’s about who we become going through it.” Gina Mazza In this episode of 15 with Fosca, I sit down with author, editor, and self-described “word provocateur” and “creative alchemist”, Gina Mazza, for a grounded and expansive conversation about writing, fear, consciousness, and why storytelling may be the most powerful force we have.Gina has built a career not only as a writer, but as a guide for other writers. She helps authors shape their ideas, find their voice, and navigate the often intimidating world of publishing, whether traditional, hybrid, or self-publishing. We talk about her award-winning poetry collection, Essential Astonishments, which was born in an extraordinary way, through 3 a.m. awakenings where she felt called to “take dictation” from something beyond herself. Listening to her describe that experience reminded me of my own early-morning writing sessions, those moments when the words seem to arrive fully formed, as if they’ve been waiting for us.Gina asks a question that I haven’t stopped thinking about: “What must I say before I die?” It’s a powerful way to frame the writing process; not as something we “should” do because it looks impressive, but as something that feels necessary. We also talk about the emotional reality of publishing. How vulnerable it feels. How rejection stings. How launching a book can feel like stepping off a cliff. And how important it is to have both creative support and practical strategy, because books aren’t just written, they’re raised.What I loved most about this conversation is Gina’s duality: she moves easily between the spiritual and the strategic, the intuitive and the practical. She understands that writing is both art and product, soul-work and marketing reality.At its heart, this episode is about courage; the courage to listen to that quiet voice, to follow the spark when it arrives (even if it’s at 3 a.m.), and to trust that our stories matter.If you’ve ever felt the pull to write, or the fear that stops you, this conversation is for you.Gina Mazza Biography and Links Gina Mazza has worked and played with words on a professional basis for nearly four decades. She’s an award-winning journalist and author of five books in the personal growth category, including Everything Matters, Nothing Matters (St. Lynn’s Press), which was praised in Publisher’s Weekly. Her latest release, Essential Astonishments: Poetic Reflections for Awakening, answers the soul’s longing to speak with intimacy about the bliss and bewilderment of the human experience.Gina runs a company that helps other writers bring forth their creative expressions, particularly in the spirituality/consciousness/wellness space. Her offerings include ghostwriting, editing, publishing consulting, “creative musing”, book promotion and branding. Gina also has a solid background in PR and advertising, media writing, corporate communications, entrepreneurship and the use of intuitive guidance to elucidate one's work, mission, passion and purpose.https://ginamazza.comFacebook: gina.mazzaInsta: @ginamazza_poetryLinkedIn:ginamazzaShare, like, comment, review, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Podcast Producer: Andrew Niklas Curtis Production Intern: Nicole StevensRecorded via Zoom, post-production Lorenzo Maiani, Faminore Sound Agency 

“When you’re triggered, you always have a choice: reactive or responsive.” Louise EvansWhat if every difficult moment in your life came down to one simple truth: you have a choice?In this rich and deeply human conversation, I sit down with Louise Evans, creator of the Five Chairs Framework, a powerful behavioral model that has transformed workplaces, schools, families, and relationships around the world.Louise’s TEDx talk (with over 6 million views) introduced millions to five archetypal “chairs” that represent our possible responses when we’re triggered:🟥 Red Chair (Jackal): Represents reactive, aggressive, and blaming behavior.🟡 Yellow Chair (Hedgehog): Represents self-judgment, insecurity, and defensiveness.🟢 Green Chair (Meerkat): Represents pause, awareness, and observation.🔵 Blue Chair (Dolphin): Represents empathy, connection, and understanding.🟣Purple Chair (Giraffe): Represents authenticity, courage, and high consciousness. Louise reminds us that when we are triggered, we are not trapped. We can react or we can respond.Biography Founder and Director of The 5 Chairs project, Behavioral Coach, Corporate Trainer and Facilitator, Speaker, and Author of 5 Chairs 5 Choices.Louise’s audiences routinely describe her as “captivating,” “inspiring,” “entertaining,” and “life-changing,” These qualities have been a throughline of her life.Since childhood, Louise has had a determination and an enthusiasm for life. Three things have always been dear to her heart: people, travel, and the performing arts. A large part of her happiness today comes from being able to combine all three in bringing The 5 Chairs to the world.Born in England to Welsh parents, she left home in her early 20s to work in the South of France which marked the beginning of her passion for travel. After France, she moved to Germany. Then, in 1986, she settled in Florence, Italy which she considers her spiritual home.Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance, makes a perfect backdrop for Louise’s artistic vision: to bring forth a revolution in the way people behave and interact with each other — each person able to develop into their wiser, more noble and compassionate selves. In short, Louise’s modern Renaissance is to make the world a better place through “behavioral agility.”Her professional journey began in educational organizations offering language and communication training to the corporate world. This suited her well. In this environment, she was able to use the skills she developed in the performing arts. Since, her audiences always remark about how much more entertaining she is than the average corporate trainer.Her move to Italy marked the beginning of her life as an entrepreneur and as a serious world traveler. Her passion for exploring other cultures inspired her to specialize in Cross-Cultural Diversity Management and Global Leadership, which she offers to multinational companies across the world as a facilitator, trainer, and coach. Having visited 85 countries and experienced culture shock three times, Louise enjoys bringing multiple perspectives to the present moment to help people connect across their differences.Links https://the5chairs.com/Own Your Behaviours, Master Your Communication, Determine Your Success | Louise Evans | TEDxGenovahttps://youtu.be/4BZuWrdC-9Q?si=dWAvNEOgme40K2wLhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/louise-evans-b67485/https://www.instagram.com/the5chairs_louiseevans/Share, like, comment, review, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Podcast Producer: Andrew Niklas Curtis Production Intern: Nicole StevensRecording and post-production Lorenzo Maiani, Faminore Sound Agency 

“Seek information led by autistic voices. We are scientists, writers, teachers, and we are here.”Jennifer Brunton In this episode, I’m joined by Jennifer Brunton, autism and neurodivergence expert, author, activist, advocate, and keynote speaker, for a deeply human conversation about language, identity, and what it truly means to build a more inclusive world.We explore how the way we talk about autism shapes everything from diagnosis to belonging, and why shifting the narrative away from fear, deficit, and “fixing” is not just necessary, but urgent. Jennifer introduces the social model of disability, reframing it not as something wrong with an individual, but as something created, or alleviated, by culture, systems, and environments.Our conversation moves through her books, practical, autistic-led handbooks on advocacy and independence, and the radical power of centering autistic voices. We discuss libraries as sanctuaries, the myth of independence versus the reality of interdependence, and why adjustments are not “special treatment” but part of how society already works.Jennifer also shares deeply personal reflections on navigating diagnosis within families, raising neurodivergent children, confronting stigma in professional spaces, and what gives her hope for the future, particularly the role of younger generations and online communities in fostering connectedness and pride.We close by looking ahead to her forthcoming book, What Sustains You, a collection of comfort, wisdom, and grounding practices created by and for autistic people, a powerful reminder that sustenance, like humanity itself, takes many forms.Biography Jennifer Brunton, Ph.D. is the co-author, with Jenna Gensic, M.A., of The #ActuallyAutistic Guide to Advocacy: Step-by-Step Advice on How to Ally and Speak Up with Autistic People and the Autism Community and The #ActuallyAutistic Guide to Building Independence: A Handbook for Teens, Young Adults, and Those Who Care About Them.Every topic in these empowering, affirming books was chosen, shaped, and informed by perspectives and insights from more than 100 #ActuallyAutistic people. Brunton consults around neurodiversity inclusion, and regularly gives keynotes and other talks, workshops, and classes, based on these books. Brunton holds a doctorate in sociology from Columbia University. At Columbia, she was a fellow throughout her many years of graduate school based on the quality of her academic work but struggled to navigate departmental dynamics. She decided early on that she wanted to be a community college professor, both to teach underserved students and to be in a presumably less difficult environment. She then spent 10 years teaching ethics, bioethics, religion, and philosophy at the Community College of Vermont, while working as a freelance editor on Fulbright proposals and academic books. In 2016, she pivoted to full-time editing and writing. Jennifer has written and edited for some of the most distinguished names in publishing, including Content Innovo, Guidehouse, Forbes, Random House, and Mirabella. She collaborated with Carlos Davidovich, M.D. on Five-Brain Leadership: How Neuroscience Can Help You Understand Your Team, Master Your Instincts, and Become a Better Leader. She has also owned her own yoga centers and real estate company, and wrote a literary mystery under a pen name. In her free time, she loves to paint, hike, and practice yoga. The Autistic parent of an Autistic son and a Neurotypical daughter, Jennifer is passionate about making the world a better place for people who think, learn, and experience life in unique ways. Her parenting blog, Full Spectrum Mama, has been advancing civil rights for all—with a focus on neurodiversity and intersectionality—for more than 10 years. Podcast Producer: Andrew Niklas Curtis Production Intern: Nicole StevensRecorded via Zoom, post-production Lorenzo Maiani, Faminore Sound Agency

“There’s a fine line between being selfish and being true to yourself.” Nita Tucker In this episode, I’m joined by Nita Tucker, author, executive coach, and the founder of The Florentine, the English-language newspaper that has shaped and served Florence’s international community for more than twenty years.We begin with Nita’s first encounters with Florence, from hitchhiking through Europe in her twenties to making the bold decision, at fifty, to move abroad and build a life rooted in curiosity, courage, and community. What followed was the unlikely birth of The Florentine: a newspaper that started quite literally from a bathroom conversation and grew into a vital bridge between the city and its global residents.Our conversation moves through themes of belonging, leadership, and boldness – from building community around a dinner table, to taking professional and personal risks, to staying true to oneself even when it’s misunderstood. Nita reflects candidly on love, partnership, grief, and why wanting a relationship is nothing to be ashamed of at any age.We also explore her latest book, Nobility: The Essence of Leadership, where she reframes leadership not as dominance or management, but as an intentional way of being, one rooted in dignity, principle, and the ability to elevate others.This episode is a meditation on Florence, on relationships, on purpose, and on what it really means to live a life with no regrets, even when the path is uncertain.Biography Nita Tucker is an author, executive coach, speaker, and leadership thinker who lives between Florence, Italy, and California. She is the founder and former editor of the English-language publication The Florentine, a magazine that has served the international community in Florence for decades. Nita’s brand, “Realizing the Possible”, has helped thousands of leaders fulfill their potential. Over the course of forty years as a management consultant, Nita has worked at the senior level for clients such as Motorola, Cisco Systems, Flextronics, and Hewlett Packard, mainly applying her Technology of Transformation to create unstoppable leaders and teams.Tucker is the author of several books spanning relationships, travel, and leadership, including How Not to Stay Single After 40, Beyond Cinderella, It Happened in Florence, Essential Florence, and her most recent leadership work, Nobility: The Essence of Leadership (2025). Her writing and coaching help individuals and leaders cultivate purpose, clarity, and authentic impact.  Nita has given countless seminars across the globe, bringing her down-to-earth approach and sense of fun to topics related to performance, collaboration, and leadership development. As a speaker, Nita has appeared on The Today Show, CBS This Morning, The Oprah Winfrey Show, and CNN.Links https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/452892.Nita_Tuckerhttps://www.instagram.com/nita.tucker.1?igsh=aWdzcW11ZGNxZ2h2https://www.linkedin.com/in/nitatuckerconsulting?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_appShare, like, comment, review, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.Podcast Producer: Andrew Niklas Curtis Production Intern: Nicole StevensRecording and post-production Lorenzo Maiani, Faminore Sound Agency 

“Curiosity and humility are the only things that change toxic workplaces, and they have to come from the top.” Jamie Fiore HigginsIn this episode of 15 with Fosca, I sit down with Jamie Fiore Higgins, former Goldman Sachs executive and author of Bully Market, for an honest conversation about power, ambition, identity, and the quiet damage toxic workplaces can do.Jamie shares what it was like rising to the top of Wall Street as one of the few women in the room, and how a culture built on silence, fear, and performance slowly reshaped her sense of self. We talk about how environments normalize behavior we never imagined accepting, how money complicates moral clarity, and why leaving can feel more terrifying than staying.We also explore what it took for Jamie to write Bully Market, the reactions it sparked, and why telling the full truth, including her own complicity, mattered.This is a conversation about success, survival, who we become inside powerful systems, and what it takes to reclaim your voice after you leave.Biography Jamie Fiore Higgins worked as a managing director at Goldman Sachs. One of just 8 percent of Goldman employees to earn the managing director title, she was the highest-ranking woman in her department. An active member of the Women’s Network Committee, Fiore Higgins spent her workdays running the trainee and internship programs, recruiting, and managing top equity clients and $96 billion in stock. Living in New Jersey with her husband and four children, she is a trained coach, working with teens to hone their leadership skills, high school, and college graduates as they begin careers, professionals as they navigate the workforce, and those in midlife looking to reinvent themselves. Jamie was named one of the Financial Times “Top 25 Most Influential Women of 2022!”Links https://jamiefiorehiggins.com/https://www.instagram.com/jamiefiorehiggins/https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiefiorehiggins/https://www.amazon.com/Bully-Market-Story-Misogyny-Goldman-ebook/dp/B09RX3V7XB?ref_=ast_author_mpbhttps://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22209744.Jamie_Fiore_Higginshttps://x.com/JFioreHigginsShare, like, comment, review, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Podcast Producer: Andrew Niklas Curtis Production Intern: Nicole StevensRecording and post-production Lorenzo Maiani, Faminore Sound Agency

“Cities are not historic objects; they are places we live in right now.” Karin TemplinIn this episode, I sit down with practitioner of architecture and urban design, academic, design lecturer, writer, editor, and urban historian, Karin Templin, for a wide-ranging and deeply personal conversation about cities, housing, and what it means to truly live in Florence today.Karin has played a behind-the-scenes role in shaping Florence’s urban landscape, from her involvement in the Novoli regeneration project to teaching generations of architecture students how cities are formed by social, political, and economic forces, not just buildings. Having lived and worked between Florence, London, and beyond, she brings a rare international perspective to the challenges cities are facing right now.Together, we explore Florence’s housing crisis, the impact of overtourism and short-term rentals, the transformation of neighborhoods, and the growing disconnect between city centers and the people who once called them home. Karin speaks candidly about Airbnb, influencer tourism, wine windows, golf carts, and the erosion of Florence’s socialfabric, while also reminding us why this city still matters, and why it’s worth fighting for.We also discuss Karin’s lifelong fascination with urban housing, her books on street architecture and London mansion blocks, and her current work on a new atlas of London housing. Finally, she shares the thinking behind Salon Urban Architecture, a community-driven initiative bringing residents, architects, scholars, and curious minds together to talk about cities at the human scale.This conversation is a call to awareness, and to action, for residents, visitors, policymakers, and anyone who cares about the future of our cities.BiographyKarin Templin is a practitioner of architecture and urban design, academic, design lecturer, writer, editor, and urban historian. Her work focuses on the development of urban form through architecture with an emphasis on the research and design of urban housing types. As a practitioner in architecture and urban design, she has workedinternationally on large-scale urban regeneration projects and is an expert in urban housing.Karin has taught at a number of universities, most recently as a Visiting Professor at the University of Bologna (Cesena), Senior Lecturer at Kingston University, and a Design Fellow at the University of Cambridge. She currently leads the architecture summer course at the Florence Institute of Design International (FIDI). She has lectured andserved as a guest critic at universities in Europe including USI Mendrisio, RWTH Aachen, TU Eindhoven, Rotterdam Academie van Bouwkunst, University of Liechtenstein, and EPFL Lausanne.Karin is the author of Street Architecture: Work by Hans van der Heijden and At Home in London: The Mansion Block, commissioned by The Architecture Foundation and published by Mack Books.Linkshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/karintemplin/https://www.instagram.com/karin.templin/https://www.instagram.com/studio.templin/https://www.salonofurbanarchitecture.com/https:www.instagram.comsalon.of.urban.architecture.it/Share, like, comment, review, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.Podcast Producer: Andrew Niklas Curtis Production Intern: Nicole StevensRecording and post-production Lorenzo Maiani, Faminore Sound Agency

“Italy gives people permission; permission to slow down, to enjoy themselves, and to live with less urgency.” Rachel ZitinIn part two of my conversation with Rachel Zitin, we go deeper into what it means to live, travel, and create in a way that is truly embodied and humane.Rachel reflects on how life in Italy has reshaped her relationship to time, productivity, rest, and desire. We explore the contrast between American urgency and Italian permission; permission to slow down, to enjoy, and to be less defined by achievement and more rooted in presence.We talk about how shame around rest and pleasure is culturally constructed, and what becomes possible when it falls away. Rachel shares how Italian culture has taught her to think in decades rather than deadlines, and to reconnect with a more expansive, human-centered understanding of wellness.The conversation also turns to creativity and writing. Rachel shares her intuitive journey from memoir to novel, reflecting on writing without formulas, credentials, or permission, and trusting what wants to emerge.Her novel-in-progress, set between Italy and the U.S., explores love, place, and the ways travel changes us.At its heart, this episode is an invitation to slow down, listen inward, and remember that being fully human is already enough.Biography Rachel is a retreatleader, somatic coach, yoga instructor, and writer based in Rome for over 15years. She leads transformational retreats for women rooted in somatics, yoga,pleasure, and Italian culture. Her passion it to create embodied, joyful, andnourishing experiences. A former tour guide with a gift for storytelling, shebrings warmth, wisdom, and a reverence for fun and beauty to everything sheoffers—from women’s circles and 1-on-1 coaching to yoga classes and luxuryretreats.Linkshttps://www.rachelzitin.com/https://www.instagram.com/rachelzitinhttps://www.facebook.com/RachelPilarZitinhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelzitin/https://substack.com/@rachelzitinShare, like, comment, review, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.Podcast Producer: Andrew Niklas Curtis Production Intern: Jasmine KimRecording and post-production Lorenzo Maiani, Faminore

“Wellness is being well, and being well is being in touch with yourself.” Rachel ZitinIn this episode, I sit down with Rachel Zitin, a U.S. expat, somatic coach, yogainstructor, and retreat leader based in Rome. Rachel leads transformational retreats forwomen, blending somatics, yoga, pleasure, and Italian culture into experiences thatnourish the body, mind, and soul.We discuss the evolution of wellness, the importance of community, and how toreconnect with the person you truly are, beyond societal rules, social media pressures,and “wellness trends.” Rachel shares her philosophy of creating retreats that are joyful,non-judgmental, and grounded in authenticity, offering space for women to explorepleasure, play, and self-discovery.Whether you’ve considered attending a wellness retreat or simply want guidance onliving more fully in your body and community, this conversation is full of insight, warmth,and practical wisdom.BiographyRachel is a retreat leader, somatic coach, yoga instructor, and writer based in Rome forover 15 years. She leads transformational retreats for women rooted in somatics, yoga,pleasure, and Italian culture. Her passion it to create embodied, joyful, and nourishingexperiences. A former tour guide with a gift for storytelling, she brings warmth, wisdom,and a reverence for fun and beauty to everything she offers—from women’s circles and1-on-1 coaching to yoga classes and luxury retreats.Linkshttps://www.rachelzitin.com/https://www.instagram.com/rachelzitinhttps://www.facebook.com/RachelPilarZitinhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelzitin/https://substack.com/@rachelzitinShare, like, comment, review, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.Podcast Producer: Andrew Niklas Curtis Production Intern: Jasmine KimRecording and post-production Lorenzo Maiani, Faminore Sound Agency

I wanted to start the new year with a fun, warm conversation about one of my favorite subjects, food! In this week’s episode, I sit down with Italian American chef, Caterina Maranghi, to talk about her life growing up between two countries, raising her bilingual and bicultural kids, and how she built her career around her love of hospitality, spending time with people, and cooking and eating with them.We also chat about the ever-changing landscape of the food scene in Florence, how to preserve the city’s culinary traditions and legacy, her favorite things to cook for and make with her clients, her most beloved Italian and American foods, and what’s in store for her in 2026. During our conversation, I also asked her for a recipe, and she delivered! Here’s her mouthwatering peach tiramisù. Happy New Year!Peach Tiramisu750gr ripe peaches, peeled and chopped200gr sugar2Tbs water2Tbs lemon juicePlace in a pot and cook for five minutes, stirring often. Let cool then purée:5 egg yolks125 grs sugar1 tsp vanilla500 grs marscarpone500 ml fresh whipping creamPlace in large bowl or standing mixer and using beaters whip together for about 10minutes until very thickUse a large glass pan or bowl or individual serving size glasses1 package of lady fingers or Pavesini cookiesPlace the peach purée in a shallow bowl, dip in one cookie at a time, and coat with lotsof the purée. Place them on the bottom of the serving dish until the bottom is covered(use about half of the cookies and the purée), cover with about half of the cream,spreading it with a spoon or spatula. Repeat for the second layer. Keep a little purée todot the top layer for decoration. Cover with plastic wrap (without laying it on in cream ifpossible) and refrigerate until needed.Best when peaches are in season!BiographyCaterina Maranghi was born in Florence, Italy and then grew up in California eventually returning to Florence permanently. An Italian American chef with more than 30 years’ experience, she first started working in catering to put herself through UC Berkeley. A self-taught baker and cook since childhood, she perfected techniques first by making desserts for a café in Berkeley, then by baking for 10 years at the American bakery inFlorence, Italy. Caterina has 10 years’ experience in industrial kitchens, where she mastered culinary math, food safety and special diets. She has also been employed privately for families and VIPs. For over 10 years she managed restaurant kitchens inItaly creating daily seasonal menus. During the pandemic, Caterina produced severalcooking videos, teaching her favorite recipes. She has successfully taught hands-on and demonstration cooking in Italy and the US. Caterina is currently working with theAgriturismo Podere del Anselmo as a cooking teacher and special events chef. She isavailable for house calls as a culinary teacher creating memorable experiences withpersonalized recipes. Her charisma and natural ease in the kitchen creates a joyfulsetting for conveying culinary secrets and skills. She is constantly researching andcollaborating with professionals and lay persons on all aspects of the wonderful world offood.LinksFacebook: @katie maranghiInstagram: @caterinamaranghiwww.youtube.com/@caterinaskitchenShare, like, comment, review, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.Podcast Producer: Andrew Niklas Curtis Production Intern: Jasmine KimRecording and post-production Lorenzo Maiani, Faminore Sound Agency

“I think what's been an amazing part of this project in general but particularly withRodolfo’s story was the comments. There have been thousands, the majority filled witha sense of sadness and very much connected to nostalgia and this sense that Florenceis going through a huge transformation at the moment and he represents everything thatpeople think is great about Florence. People wrote that they felt moved to tears which Ifind amazing. I love that. I love idea that the films can have an impact on peoplebecause it means that I've managed to communicate something and touch them insome way.” Kirsten HillsIn this episode, I speak with filmmaker Kirsten Hills, creator of Souls of Italy, about whatit takes to document a country so often reduced to images and clichés and why Italycontinues to resist easy storytelling.Our conversation centers on Kirsten’s approach to filmmaking as a form of inquiry: howshe gains trust, listens closely, and allows people and places to reveal themselves ontheir own terms. Rather than chasing spectacle, Souls of Italy focuses on everydaylives, local histories, and the emotional ties that bind individuals to their communities.We also discuss how some of the series’ most resonant episodes emerged organically,including widely shared profiles such as Rodolfo, the Florentine tailor, whose storystruck a chord with audiences around the world. These moments, Hills explains, reflectthe power of intimate, place-based storytelling, where craft, memory, and humanconnection quietly take center stage.Warm, thoughtful, and grounded in lived experience, this interview offers a nuancedlook at Italy through the eyes of a filmmaker committed to telling its stories withauthenticity and care.BiographyKirsten Hills is a British-born video journalist and filmmaker based in Florence, Italy.With a passion for storytelling that’s simple, authentic, and meaningful, she specializesin creating films that connect and inspire.Her career began with a degree in politics and broadcast journalism, followed by a BBCtraineeship. She went on to work in news and current affairs as a producer, reporter,and presenter, developing her skills in uncovering and sharing compelling stories.She lives in Florence with her Italian husband and two children. Since moving here,she’s built her business, as a freelancer, collaborating with luxury travelcompanies, fashion brands, and world-famous museums to create bespoke videos thathighlight beauty, culture, and creativity. She continues to work with international newsnetworks CNN, NBC, BBC & ITV.Over the years she’s been asked to film destination weddings, which she loves to do.Each year she does a limited number of weddings, working with lovely couples, some ofwhom have become friends.She’s driven by curiosity and inspired by the quirky, humorous, and unexpectedmoments of everyday life. Living in Italy offers endless opportunities to discoverextraordinary stories in the seemingly ordinary.Linkshttps://kirstenhills.com/https://www.instagram.com/soulsofitaly/tiktok.com/@SoulsofItalyhttps://www.youtube.com/@SoulsofItalyhttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575937589934&sk=abouthttps://www.linkedin.com/in/kirsten-hills-06910361/Share, like, comment, review, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.Podcast Producer: Andrew Niklas Curtis Production Intern: Jasmine KimRecording and post-production Lorenzo Maiani, Faminore Sound Agency

I live in an international community and that gives you a lot. If you're open minded, lovedifferent languages, know how to interact and interface with people of different cultures it's a very inspiring, very human place. Andrea ZurloJoin me and author and translator Andrea Zurlo for the second part of our conversation about her work, her favorite writing to do and read, and the many ways her choice to live in Florence has impacted her craft.In the episode, we also take a deep dive into her novels, El reposo de la tierra durante el invierno (The Land at Rest in Winter), a finalist for Spain’s Premio Planeta, 2016, set in Argentina during the Peronist government and the military dictatorship from 1968 tothe early 1980s, and La ineficacia de la Muerte, a book about a young translator, who unwittingly gets entangled in an artificial intelligence project and ends up connected to a phone that not only receives mental commands but is also capable of reading her mind. We also delve into Florence’s long literary tradition, reflect upon the many famous writers who've passed through and found inspiration here.Finally, we chat about what’s next for Andrea, the current state of humanity, where we’re headed, and the things that could ultimately save us.BiographyWriter and translator, born in Argentina, where she earned her degree in Literary and Technical Translation. She is the published author of several novels, including Elsendero de Dante (2007, Spain); El reposo de la tierra durante el invierno (shortlisted for the 2016 Planeta Award and published in Argentina and Puerto Rico), and La ineficacia de la muerte (2024, Spain). She has been shortlisted for several literary awards in both Spain and Italy, and her short stories have appeared in fourteen anthologies across Europe and Latin America. As a screenwriter, she has written two produced short films and one produced feature film.Linkswww.andreazurlo.wix.com/ andreazurloSubstack: https://substack.com/@andreazurlohttps:// www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-zurlo-6241b547/IG: @andrezurlohttp:// www.imdb.com/name/nm8080567/Share, like, comment, review, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.Podcast Producer: Andrew Niklas Curtis Production Intern: Jasmine KimRecording and post-production Lorenzo Maiani, Faminore Sound Agency

My guest this week is Italo-Argentinian writer and translator, Andrea Zurlo. In this first part of our conversation, we speak about Andrea’s journey to and first impact with Italy in the early 1990s. We also discuss the art of translating, how AI is changing that landscape, and the cultural nuances of language.  We move on to discuss what it means to live one’s life between different countries, languages, and cultures and how living in Florence has transformed and continues to affect Andrea’s craft.  We also reflect upon what it means to be in an Italy currentlyoverrun by stereotypical notions of what the country is as opposed to the reality of making a life here.  Finally, we speak about Andrea’s new novel, All is Transient, the first she has written directly in English. She gives us a little teaser of the book which she describes as speculative fiction with a bit of historical fiction and touches of magic realism. We discuss how writing in one’s nonnative tongue changes the way you think about language and how the experience of penning this book prompted her to ask questions about the meaning of life and what we are here for.  Biography Writer and translator, born in Argentina, where she earned her degree in Literary and Technical Translation. She is the published author of several novels, including El sendero de Dante (2007, Spain); El reposo de la tierra durante el invierno (shortlisted for the 2016 Planeta Award and published in Argentina and Puerto Rico), and La ineficacia de la muerte (2024, Spain). She has been shortlisted for several literary awards in both Spain and Italy, and her short stories have appeared in fourteen anthologies across Europe and Latin America.  As a screenwriter, she has written two produced short films and one produced feature film. Links www.andreazurlo.wix.com/ andreazurloSubstack: https://substack.com/@andreazurlohttps:// www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-zurlo-6241b547/IG: @andrezurlohttp:// www.imdb.com/name/nm8080567/ 

Your brain is a supercomputer, but we don’t know how to program it. It comes out of the box pre-programmed for fear, and unless we rewire it, it keeps repeating that pattern. Jim KeyesIn this inspiring episode of 15 with Fosca, I welcome James W. Keyes, global business leader, former CEO of 7-Eleven and Blockbuster, philanthropist, educator, artist, and self-described modern Renaissance man, to explore the extraordinary journey behind his book Education is Freedom.Jim shares the powerful story of his early life, growing up without running water and learning to rely on education as a pathway to possibility. His father’s message, “someone can take your money, but they can’t take away what you know”, became a lifelong compass, shaping Jim’s belief in agency, resilience, and the inner freedom that comes from knowledge.Together, Jim and I unpack themes of adversity as opportunity, the mindset shifts that unlock personal transformation, and why Jim believes failure is never final but rather an invitation to learn, echoing a favorite Nelson Mandela quote: “I never lose. I win or I learn.”We also dive into Jim’s contagious optimism, discussing neuroplasticity, fear, and the brain’s capacity to be rewired toward confidence and possibility. He recounts conversations with neuroscientists and spiritual leaders, including the Dalai Lama, to illustrate how genuine positivity is cultivated, not inherited.Jim speaks about the Education Is Freedom Foundation, which has helped more than half a million students pursue higher education, and why expanding educational access remains core to his mission today.Finally, we tackle the “elephant in the room”: AI. Jim offers a hopeful lens on the future of technology, arguing that if embraced wisely, AI can transform global literacy, accelerate human learning, and become one of humanity’s greatest tools for progress rather than something to fear.This conversation is a masterclass in resilience, curiosity, and the transformative power of learning, an episode for anyone seeking inspiration, clarity, and renewed belief in what’s possible.BiographyJim is a global business leader, philanthropist, educator, artist, musician, commercial pilot, and modern renaissance man. He is the former CEO of two internally recognized Fortune 500 companies, 7-Eleven, Inc, and Blockbuster, Inc. His other business interests cover a broad range of industries including retail, consumer products, technology, new space, energy, and advanced nuclear. He sits on several public company boards and serves as a board adviser to a venture capital firm and a number of start-up companies. Keyes’ philanthropic initiatives, have an equally broad focus, including serving on the Board of Governors for the American Red Cross, the former Chairman of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, and serving on the board of directors for institutions such as UT Southwestern Medical School, The Cooper Institute, Dallas Performing Arts Center, SMU Cox School of Business, Columbia Business School, and his alma mater, College of the Holy Cross.He has had a lifelong commitment to education, serving as a founding director of the Dallas Education Foundation and is the founder of the Education is Freedom Foundation. A personification of the American Dream, Keyes came from his humble beginnings and was inducted in 2005 as a member of the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans. In 2024 he received the Robert S. Folsom Leadership Award, presented by Methodist Health System Foundation to recognize demonstrated community leadership.Linkshttps://www.jameswkeyes.com/https://www.instagram.com/jkeyesauthor/https://www.facebook.com/JkeyesauthorGet your copy of Education is Freedom: https://www.jameswkeyes.com/book-forewordShare, like, comment, review, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.Podcast Producer: Andrew Niklas Curtis Production Intern: Jasmine KimRecorded via Zoom, Post-production Lorenzo Maiani, Faminore Sound Agency

My guest this week is Melissa Deep, CEO & Founder of Virtique Srl, a Tuscany-based company that creates virtual experiences that transform sales, marketing, and advertising through Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, E-Commerce, and GeolocatedMapping. Virtique creates superior digital content that replicates and enhances the intimacy of the brick & mortar store experience.Through Virtique, Melissa shows her commitment to creating a better world and a more sustainable retail eco-system, and helps communities by promoting local businesses, supporting, reducing the carbon footprint, and providing crucial visual aid to those with limited mobility issues and content for those with food intolerances.Be sure to join us to learn more about Melissa’s exciting life and work, and her fascinating, international professional and personal journey from New York to a magical beach town on the coast of Tuscany.BiographyWith over 30 years of international management, sales and strategy for tech startups, including one unicorn, Melissa has lived and worked in New York City, USA, Moscow, RU, London, UK, Zurich, CH, and Forte dei Marmi, IT. She graduated Valedictorian of her high school class and attended University of Rochester, Cum Laude, Class of 1992.  Her career in technology started in the early ’90s in satellite telecommunications in Russia, providing communications services to international mining and oil companies.  From there, her passion for using technology to create business solutions began.   She has held several senior management positions in sales & strategy with startups including Arbinet, an electronic exchange for voice and data trading, which ultimately went public in 2004 and became a unicorn.She speaks English, Italian and a little bit of Russian and Spanish.She has a passion for technology, DIY projects and family, which includes her dog.Melissa is the Vice President of the Association Digital Twins Italia, dedicated to promoting commerce, tourism, and art & culture throughout Italy via Virtual Experiences.Linkshttps://virtique.it/https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-deep-b923683b/https://www.facebook.com/virtique.ithttps://www.instagram.com/virtique/https://www.instagram.com/melissa_anne_deep/https://www.facebook.com/melissa.a.deepShare, like, comment, review, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.Podcast Producer: Andrew Niklas Curtis Production Intern: Jasmine KimRecorded at Faminore Sound Agency, Post-production: Lorenzo Maiani

“What if we believe that what really makes us thrive as human beings, what makes us human beings, is our civility, and that we commit to it from a level of fierceness. That in the face of bullying, in the face of an error in the world system now, where people are rewarded for being nasty to each other and trying to take each other down, we stand fierce in our civility.” Joe WestonJoin me and my guest, Joe Weston, for an important conversation about what it means to be fiercely civil and why it’s so important and necessary in today’s world.Our conversation spans from how meditation, martial arts, Taoist practices, and diverse traditions have informed and shaped the work Joe does with individuals, corporations, governments, and NGOs to how his teachings of respectful confrontation and fierce civility give us tools to transcend our biological, cultural, and tribal impulses of survival that lead to separation. Joe leads us to a discovery of strategies for releasing the gridlock caused by extreme polarization, thus enabling us to shift effectively to bridging and alliance-building, and find new solutions even in the most unlikely places and in times of turmoil.Joe founded the Fierce Civility Project in 2020 to create a vehicle for those looking to take their innovative, passionate visions and ideas for a better, more equitable and sustainable world, and turn them into practical action.Joe Weston Biography Joe Weston is an author, speaker, facilitator, and advocate for peace, whose work is rooted in resilience, compassion, and fierce accountability. With more than 30 years of international experience in conflict prevention, leadership development, stress management, and communication, Joe is the founder of The Weston Network and The Fierce Civility Project, a nonprofit initiative dedicated to healing divides and revitalizing civic engagement.His clients span the globe and include organizations such as NASA, the World Bank, Oxfam, The United Nations, the National Cancer Institute, and Mitsubishi Motors. Joe’s teachings are informed by his lifelong commitment to service and transformation,including his past work with veterans, inmates, and individuals in high-stakes leadership roles. He previously served as an adjunct professor in Georgetown University’s Program of Conflict Resolution and continues to offer trainings worldwide.His most recent book, Fierce Civility: Transforming Our Global Culture from Polarization to Lasting Peace, was published in English and Italian and has become an Amazon bestseller in 14 categories. He is currently expanding his work across Europe, including recent events and workshops in Italy such as the University of Pisa’s Masters in Scalability and collaborations with leadership networks, NGOs, and corporate leaders.Now living between the U.S. and Europe, Joe continues to travel widely as a speaker and guide for those committed to creating a world rooted in courage, connection, and fierce compassion.Linkshttps://joeweston.com/A Cure for Chronic Niceness | Joe Weston | TEDxYoungstown:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0EmbwYM8qushttps://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-weston-a6327931/https://www.instagram.com/fiercecivility/https://www.facebook.com/joewestonauthorhttps://www.youtube.com/@westonnetwork217https://joeweston.com/weston-network/Buy the book:https://joeweston.com/books/Share, like, comment, review, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.Podcast Producer: Andrew Niklas Curtis Production Intern: Jasmine KimRecorded via Zoom, Post-production: Lorenzo Maiani, FaMinore Studio

“When you break, you're forced to open another door, and that's when I came back here and found my roots because Nonna was strong, and I figured it had to be in me somehow. She was the key. A lot of bad stuff happened to us, but we're still together, and a lot of that came from Nonna Carmela.” Libby Cataldi on her new memoir, It Takes a Lifetime to Learn How to Live  In part two of my interview with Italian American author Libby Cataldi, we dive deeper into her riveting personal and family story, one filled with challenges, triumphs, love, and forgiveness. Join us to hear more about Libby’s journey, not only to Italy and back to her ancestral village, Rotondella, but also to a deeper understanding of her family and who she is today, thanks to the legacy left by her grandmother, her guiding light and example of fortitude, wisdom, and inspiration.Libby’s memoir came out this week, and I recommend it to everyone looking for a beautifully written, powerful, touching, and engaging family and personal story about immigrants in America, generational trauma, mother-daughter relationships, family secrets, and more. Libby Cataldi Biography Born in Pittsburgh, I grew up in an Italian family and surrounded by an Italian community. My early years were steeped in faith as I attended St. Mary’s Elementary School and Canevin Catholic High School.My dad, the patriarch of the family, dictated that I could attend college only if I majored in education or nursing, so I entered Indiana University of Pennsylvania and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Education. A year later, I applied for and received an internship position at the University ofPittsburgh where I earned both a Master’s and Doctorate. For seventeen years, I was Head of The Calverton School, an independent day school in Maryland.My maternal grandmother, Carmela—an Italian immigrant from Basilicata who came to America in 1915 during the Italian diaspora—was my primary role model of steadfast love and strength. When life jumped the rails and I found myself collapsing under the weight of my older son’s heroin addiction, breast cancer and a bilateral mastectomy, my dad’s death, and the culmination of twenty-one years at Calverton, I journeyed to Rotondella, Nonna’s village in Basilicata. There, I found family and began to understand how she had become a woman of such grit and determination—the one who protected, loved, and held our family togetherToday, my two sons, Jeff and Jeremy, and my granddaughters—Iysa, Monroe, and my love-granddaughter Camryn—fill me with joy. My sons and I joined together to write Stay Close: A Mother’s Story of Her Son’s Addiction. Jeff—who is now nineteen years healthy—and I speak to groups in both the United States and Italy about the hope of recovery.I divide my time between Annapolis, Maryland, and Florence, Italy. In Florence, I rowed with the Dragon Boat team for breast cancer survivors and served on the board of the International School of Florence. Currently, I’m a member of AILO, a women’s association dedicated to charitable fundraising, and a founding member of the Florence Literary Society. All four of my grandparents were born in Italy, and I hold dual citizenship through my maternal grandparents.Our family has experienced both miracles and sorrows, but like Pittsburgh steel, we have survived—and remain strong. My sons and I have been through hell and back, but we’re still together—and still staying close.Today, I live in a space of gratitude. Where there is life, there is hope. Links https://libbycataldi.com/https://www.facebook.com/libby.cataldiGet the Book! https://libbycataldi.com/books/Podcast Producer: Andrew Niklas Curtis Production Intern: Jasmine Kim Recorded by Lorenzo Maiani, Faminore Sound Agency    

“My grandmother Carmela was my North Star, my safe port in many childhood storms.Strong. Independent. She swept the snow from her sidewalk wearing only a sweater, made her own wine, canned her own tomatoes, strung her own peppers to dry in the basement, and found edible dandelions for salads in the yard. She was the matriarch of la famiglia, whose grown sons stopped by every night after work to eat at her table before going to their own homes to eat again. She couldn’t read or write—not in Italian, not in English—but she was the smartest person I knew. She taught me how to eat pasta, how to cook, how to pray, and how to protect those I love.” Libby Cataldi, It Takes a Lifetime to Learn How to Live: An Italian American story of coming home. Join me and my guest, Italian American author Libby Cataldi, for a heartfelt chat about her new memoir, It Takes a Lifetime to Learn How to Live. The book, and our conversation, touch on universal themes such as the immigrant experience in America, generational trauma, mother-daughter relationships, family secrets, sacrifice, the subjugation of women, love, and forgiveness. Libby and I speak about the disconnect between the real Italy and the imagined one and her first encounter with the country and with Rotondella, her remote ancestral village in Basilicata, where she went “to connect with the grandmother who loved me and to understand the mother who couldn’t.” Libby beautifully recounts this mysterious place that ultimately provided her with answers about her family heritage, relationships, and herself. We converse about food as “a legacy of love, culture and tradition,” language and the chasm between regional dialects and standard Italian, how dialect both shrouds and reveals, and the reality of Italy’s Mezzogiorno, a still much-misunderstood part of the world. The episode centers on Libby’s Italian Americanness and how her upbringing and heritage shaped the person she is today; how, in her words, “by risking a solitary journey to Italy, I found strength—and in doing so, I found the grace to forgive my mother, help my son, and save myself.” Libby Cataldi Biography Born in Pittsburgh, I grew up in an Italian family and surrounded by an Italian community. My early years were steeped in faith as I attended St. Mary’s Elementary School and Canevin Catholic High School. My dad, the patriarch of the family, dictated that I could attend college only if I majored in education or nursing, so I entered Indiana University of Pennsylvania and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Education. A year later, I applied for and received an internship position at the University of Pittsburgh where I earned both a Master’s and Doctorate. For seventeen years, I was Head of The Calverton School, an independent day school in Maryland. Linkshttps://libbycataldi.com/https://www.facebook.com/libby.cataldiGet the Book! https://asterismbooks.com/product/it-takes-a-lifetime-to-learn-how-to-livehttps://bookshop.org/p/books/it-takes-a-lifetime-to-learn-how-to-live-an-italian-american-story-of-coming-home-libby-cataldi/c9bb85ab83b08019?ean=9781599542393&next=t&next=thttps://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/it-takes-a-lifetime-to-learn-how-to-live-libby-cataldi/1148082386?ean=9781599542393https://www.amazon.com/Takes-Lifetime-Learn-How-Live/dp/1599542390/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3WYIFBJGCPVL&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.1YlwgQ3Oy3DTRU9Fr9vSVtlSOaE7s4TIRNiJ0NFmSo3GjHj071QN20LucGBJIEps.3a1rnrDerwSTrpcXk9oshHsTmtur52MgQZ-MAayrF-U&dib_tag=se&keywords=libby+cataldi&qid=1756998445&sprefix=libby+cat%2Caps%2C77&sr=8-1Share, like, comment, review, and subscribe! Podcast Producer: Andrew Niklas Curtis Production Intern: Jasmine KimRecorded at Faminore Sound Agency, Post-production: Lorenzo Maiani

As the podcast enters its third year, we’re changing things up a bit!The new season features another incredible lineup of guests and stories; but we’re broadening and widening the scope and taking 15 with Fosca a little outside of its niche to bring you conversations with writers, artists, and change makers exploring creativity, culture, life, and human connections from Italy and beyond.Find out what’s different about Season 5, how and why we’re shifting, what we have in store for you, and the reasons we need stories that inspire now more than ever.Don’t miss a new season of authentic storytelling, culture, and humanity across borders.Share, like, comment, review, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.Podcast Producer: Andrew Niklas Curtis Production Intern: Jasmine KimRecorded at Faminore Sound Agency, Post-production: Lorenzo Maiani

Aperilife featuring Sam RichI try to have one-on-one relationships, and I encourage them, because caring about a person and being kind is what I needed when I first came here because I was unsure. I fell in love with an Italian and I had to fall in love with Italy, with the good and the bad. Sam RichWhen I met Sam a few months ago at an event I cornered her, told her how much of a fan I am, and she, with her signature grace and kindness, happily accepted my invitation to be on the podcast and I am so glad she did.Join us this week for an honest and joyful conversation about the reality of life in Italy as we look behind the dolce vita façade and dig deep into the nuances and intricacies of Italian culture.Sam tells us about her first encounter with Italy, the serendipitous moment that shaped her journey, the challenges she’s faced, what’s important to her, and how she’s helping visitors and foreign residents decipher and navigate Italy through her refreshingly honest, insightful, and valuable work.Sam is also committed to mentoring, especially study abroad students, building and cultivating community, and sharing her firsthand experiences and knowledge with candor and heart, to help people make sense of Italy and engage with the culture and Italians in a meaningful way.Biography and LinksSam is a globetrotting soul with a passion for untangling life’s cultural threads. With nearly two decades of experience as a flight attendant, she’s soared through over 24 countries, each journey shaping her understanding of people and the intersectionality of diversity.Her journey in Tuscany started with serendipity, meeting her fiancé at a birthday party in San Gimignano in 2016. From renovating their home, a 15th century convent with a vineyard and olive groves, to hosting social events for her expat social club, Fiori d’Italia, practicing yoga, and setting sail, life’s flavors enrich her.Sam’s heart beats for storytelling, and she’s had the honor of sharing her insights at universities, The Florentine, and to her audience of 123K+ followers on social media.The name "Aperilife" is a reflection of her joyful approach to life in Italy. She sees her life as a perpetual happy hour, an endless aperitivo where happiness flows as freely as glasses of prosecco and spritz. She aims to bring together a community of like-minded souls, encouraging them to embrace the cocktail of beauty and chaos that comes with living in Italy as a foreigner.https://www.aperilife.com/https://www.instagram.com/aperilife/https://www.youtube.com/@AperiLifeThis episode of 15 with Fosca was brought to you by Foto Locchi, guardians of Florence’s visual memory. The Archivio Storico Foto Locchi is the world’s most comprehensive photographic archive of Florence and its history. Now you can dive into the city’s beating heart with a new video storytelling experience that takes you on a photographic journey from the 1930s to the 1960s, giving you direct access to the soul of Florence’s people, history, and beauty.Experience Florence like never before and step back in time by taking a visual journey through The Archivio Storico Foto Locchi. Prepare to be transported.https://www.fotolocchi.it/en/archive/https://www.instagram.com/archiviofotolocchihttps://www.facebook.com/archiviofotolocchi If you loved this episode, share it with a friend, leave a review, comment, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.Podcast Producer: Andrew Niklas Curtis Production Intern: RJ PlunkettRecorded at Faminore Sound Agency, Post-production: Lorenzo Maiani

In this episode, we’re invited into the warm, magical and delicious world of Carlotta Conti, a gifted cooking instructor who originally hails from Ravenna in Emilia-Romagna and who now welcomes guests into her home in the hills just outside of her Florence.Carlotta doesn’t just teach recipes, she offers a rare opportunity to live and experience Italian culture from the inside. Her bespoke cooking classes unfold in her own kitchen, nestled among olive groves and rolling Tuscan hills, where guests gather not as tourists, but as honored friends at the table. It’s an experience rooted in authenticity, hospitality, and the deep traditions of regional Italian cooking, the kind of Italy few travelers ever truly get to see.Join us as we delve into the rich culinary heritage of Emilia-Romagna, Tuscany and Italy, the influences on Carlotta’s cooking and teaching, the nuances between authentic Italian cuisine and its Italian American counterpart, and the evolution of Italian cooking from Pellegrino Artusi’s foundational works to Marcella Hazan’s modern interpretations, and right up to the present day.BIO:Growing up in Emilia Romagna, a region known for Parmesan, Parma ham, lasagna, and stuffed pasta, a great deal of my childhood was spent in the kitchen with my grandmother and mother. Even at a very young age, I could see that for them cooking was a passionate expression of their love for their family. While I’m filled with many warm memories of watching them cook, what I remember most is circling the table and watching the stove, waiting for any opportunity I could to steal a taste.Being raised in a home where there was only homemade food, I’m proud to say that I carry on the family tradition of fresh egg pasta, using my grandmother’s rolling pin — an 80-year-old tool that has also come in handy for keeping husbands in line, over the years……and pasta is magic. Our origins define what we are, and my regional roots deeply influence me. In Emilia-Romagna, fresh home-made pasta, a skillful mixture of eggs and wheat, is the protagonist of regional gastronomic culture. Not only does it contain tryptophan, an amino acid which turns into serotonin, the hormone of happiness, but it also testifies to centuries of efforts in creating a unique cuisine. Emilia-Romagna, though not so famous as Tuscany, is an area of gastronomic excellence. The tradition of home-made pasta is still prevalent: the pasta machine is considered “the tool of the devil”, and we still have, in our fresh-pasta shops and restaurants, women who are rolling pasta in front of the shopwindow. Emilia-Romagna and Tuscany are the staple of national gastronomic heritage. Our good Pellegrino Artusi, publishing his Science in the Kitchen and the Art of Eating Well in 1891, created the pattern of a unified cuisine in a country which had been politically separated up to thirty years earlier. Copies of his book, stained and tattered, passed down like a family heirloom, from mother to daughter.LinksCooking with Carlotta – Official Website - https://cookingwithcarlotta.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cookingwithcarlottainflorence/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cookingwithcarlottablog/Google Reviews: https://g.co/kgs/JqNZWJNhtmlThis episode of 15 with Fosca was brought to you by Foto Locchi, guardians of Florence’s visual memory. The Archivio Storico Foto Locchi is the world’s most comprehensive photographic archive of Florence and its history. Now you can dive into the city’s beating heart with a new video storytelling experience that takes you on a photographic journey from the 1930s to the 1960s, giving you direct access to the soul of Florence’s people, history, and beauty. Experience Florence like never before and step back in time by taking a visual journey through The Archivio Storico Foto Locchi. Prepare to be transported. https://www.fotolocchi.it/en/archive/https://www.instagram.com/archiviofotolocchihttps://www.facebook.com/archiviofotolocchi

An Epic Ridefeaturing Emma Boutcher “When you're thinking about moving to a place it’s the people, that’s the most important thing. You get to see how they live, what it actually means to live there versus just staying on the surface. I was drawn to the beauty of this place and then had this immediate sense of what a community here is like.” Emma Boutcher Emma Boutcher is a young U.S. expat and engineer who decided to take the leap and make the move to Italy just about a year ago. I was lucky enough to be by her side through some of the process and sat down with her a couple of months ago to talk about her path to where she is right now, how it's been going so far, what kind of challenges she's faced, the work culture in Italy vs that in the States, how to find community, and so much more. Anyone who knows me know just how much I love talking to Gen Z and Emma, and her story, are delightful and inspiring. I find her perspective intriguing and insightful especially in light of the fact that so many of her Italian counterparts are still fleeing the country in record numbers. So, how does a talented young engineer from the U.S make her dream of living and working in Italy come true? What role did her passion for cycling, WWOOFING, and trying to save the planet play in her decision? And what’s next for Emma? Tune in this week to find out! Biography and Links After graduating from Northeastern University in 2019, Emma has lived many lives - English teacher in Vietnam, product manager for Specialized Bicycle Components in Colorado, and now, by a combination of luck, determination, and being in the right place at the right time, as a Product Development Manager for MET Helmets in Northern Italy. Her move to Italy in 2024 was inspired by a desire to live life with more balance. She now calls the shores of Lake Como and finds joy in the big and little adventures that come with living in a foreign country. You can find her (at all months of the year) in the lake, on her bike in the mountains, or soaking in a shared meal with friends at home. You can follow all her adventures at the links below:https://www.instagram.com/emboutch13?igsh=ZGlueGdldml4NGg2&utm_source=qrhttps://strava.app.link/VDXIg8icUTbhttps://wp.me/PbzKAV-8If you loved this episode, share it with a friend, leave a review, comment, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.Podcast Producer: Andrew Niklas Curtis Recorded via Zoom, post-production, Lorenzo Maiani, Fa Minore

In this special episode, we dive into the heart of American football in Italy with Estra Guelfi Firenze, one of the premier teams in the Italian Football League. Founded in 2000, the Guelfi have become a powerhouse in the growing European football scene, known not just for their grit on the gridiron, but also for their deep ties to the local community. To celebrate their 25th anniversary and a spectacular season thus far, I sat down with with the team’s General Manager, Edoardo Cammi, Captain Gianluca Santini, and newest wide receiver, Frankie Stola to talk about everything football. Frankie is a recent U.S. import with a story that’s almost too good to be true: he’s the son of my Florence roommate from way back in 1990, representing a rare and beautiful full-circle moment that literally brought tears to my eyes. It goes without saying that this was a very meaningful and emotional interview for me. Join us to get the inside scoop on what it’s like to build a football dynasty in the shadow of the Duomo, who the players are, what they are all about, their impact in the community, and why this team is about more than just wins and losses. We also discuss the team’s journey, their passion for the game, and what it means to play football in one of the world’s most historic cities.Whether you’re a football fanatic or a fan of great stories, this episode is about sports, culture, friendship, and how a team from Florence is making serious noise in Europe’s American football scene.Links https://www.guelfifirenze.it/https://www.instagram.com/guelfifirenze/https://www.instagram.com/weplayforpizza/https://www.guelfifirenze.it/booster-club-us/https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guelfi_FirenzeLet’s Stay Connected!If you loved this episode, share it with a friend, leave a review, comment, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.Podcast Producer: Andrew Niklas Curtis Production Intern: RJ Plunkett Recorded at the Guelfi Sport Centre by Lorenzo Maiani, Faminore Sound Agency

SHARING SECRETS featuring Elia Nichols“I would say that after I did my TED talk in August my life did change in some ways because I think it's about changing the energy. You put yourself out there, you create new work, and you get seen by different people. You bring different energy to yourself and immediately I got a lot of people contacting me for new work or for different types of work.” Elia Nichols on the reaction to the recent release of her TEDx talk, The secret to looking more confident.On this week’s podcast I joke that I had to invite Elia Nichols, public speaking and communication coach, TEDx Speaker, and actor back on the podcast so that we could finally sit down for a proper catch-up! I am so very happy that I did. In this heartfelt and wide-ranging conversation, I ask Elia about how things have been going since the recent release of her incredible TEDx talk, what she’s been up to lately, and what’s in store for the immediate future. But we like to mix it up here at the podcast, and at a certain point Elia interviews me. Together, we peel back the layers on the “secret” parts of life we don’t always talk about: from parenting and creative burnout, to rediscovering confidence, the importance of mentoring young people, building community, friendship, and redefining balance in an age of constant performance.Elia and I also delve into how parenting transforms our identity and the importance of of staying inspired and creative. Finally, at a certain point we even break out into song and I also spill the beans on my novel! Elia Nichols Biography & Links Elia Nichols is an American-born, Italian-based Public Speaking and Communication coach, TEDx Speaker, a 2x TEDx Speaking coach, and a film and TV actress. Her mindful, yet fun teaching techniques have helped thousands of people master the skill of charisma and break communication barriers.Elia teaches speakers and professionals in strategic business and leadership roles effective ways to perfect their presence and speaking skills onstage, in the courtroom, classroom, boardroom and onscreen.Her techniques incorporate elements of theatre, improvisation and comedy into teachings as she has found that this type of mindful and fun experiential learning leads to the most effective, transformational changes in her clients.Elia believes that charisma is a skill that can be learned and which, once mastered, has the potential to motivate, persuade, inspire, and advance business and personal interests.She has held high-level jobs in Public and External Relations as well as Learning and Development, which has given her insight into both the academic and business environments. In addition, she has been a professor of Public Speaking and Communication at renowned academic institutions such as the European University Institute, Syracuse University, the European School of Economics, Istituto Lorenzo de’Medici and the University of Texas at Austin.She has been a professional actress for 15 years and is best known for her starring role as Professor Tucker in the comedic TV series Maggie & Bianca Fashion Friends that airs nightly on the RAI Gulp channel in Italy and in 180 countries across the globe on Netflix. She also co-founded F.E.S.T.A. Theatre Company and produced and acted in many of its productions.Elia received her Bachelor of Arts in Theatre from Tulane University and her Masters of Fine Arts in Acting from the University of Texas at Austin.https://elianichols.com/about/https://www.linkedin.com/in/elianichols/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jx5QMmaIuh4&t=133shttps://www.facebook.com/elianicholspublicspeakinghttps://www.facebook.com/elia.nicholshttps://www.facebook.com/EliaNicholsActresshttps://www.instagram.com/elianichols/https://www.instagram.com/nicholselia/Let’s Stay Connected:If you loved this episode, share it with a friend, leave a review, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

Catching up with Girl in Florencefeaturing Georgette Jupe Season 4, Episode 15“At the time I really felt like I was living my best life in that sense. I was meeting people, I loved Italy, the chaos, the food, and being pushed out of my comfort zone. In the US, I think sometimes especially where I grew up, you can live in a bubble. You're in your car, in your neighborhood, you don't see a lot of different realities that aren't your own unless you ask for and go purposely for them.” Georgette JupeGeorgette Jupe, also known as Girl in Florence, arrived in Italy almost twenty years ago from San Antonio, Texas. In today’s episode, she catches us up on she’s been doing lately, her current and future projects, and what this chapter of her life looks like now that she’s been back in Florence with her family for a year after a stint in Switzerland. Join us as Georgette takes us through the various phases of her life, how Girl in Florence was born, what it’s brought to her loyal followers, and what it was like in those early days when she was hustling nonstop to carve out a successful career and create a popular brand. We also reflect upon life as expats, the importance of community, the challenges our adopted city and country currently face vis-à-vis overtourism, and some thoughts on solutions.  Georgette’s voice is trusted and real and that authenticity emerges in this podcast and in everything she does. Her new Substack, Honest Conversations with Georgette, is perfectly named and embodies what she’s all about; her writing, whether it be deep reflections on parenting, loss, and grief, or suggestions on the best things to do in town or musings on travel with a small child, is always spot on.   There is little that Georgette and I don’t talk about, and I’ve already made her promise she’ll come back on the podcast so we can continue the conversation.   Biography Georgette Jupe is a 'Tuscan Texan' digital communications expert living in Florence, Italy. With a knack for crafting authentic communication and social media strategies, she helps international clients make a real impact while maintaining an authentic voice. Georgette is also the voice behind Girl in Florence and newly-minted substack, where she shares her unique insights on life, travel, and the vibrant culture of Italy. A former editor turned freelance writer, she's contributed to top publications like Infatuation, Lonely Planet, Tme Out and Italy Magazine with curated guides and is known for her savvy storytelling and ability to speak on hard topics. On social media, Georgette boasts an engaged following of over 83K on Instagram, reaching more than 100K across all platforms. When she's not creating content, you’ll find her hanging out with her family, taking walks with her beagle, or learning (sometimes the hard way) how not to kill her house plants.Links https://girlinflorence.com/https://georgettejupe.substack.com/https://www.instagram.com/girlinflorence/?hl=enhttps://linktr.ee/girlinflorence?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=7827fb07-f6aa-43e7-ad9f-a82ed898ff97https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgettejupe/?originalSubdomain=itOur SponsorsThis episode is brought to you by Exclusive Connection, the Florence-based luxury travel company crafting bespoke experiences for travelers who crave something more than sightseeing, those seeking gratifying, special, authentic and unique encounters. Explore the treasures of Florence and Italy, through extraordinary tours and itineraries led by art and culture experts. Let Exclusive Connection guide you through the wonders of Italy. Go to exclusiveconnection.it and make your next trip to Italy as extraordinary as you are. Experience the real Italy at exclusiveconnection.it @Exclusive-Connection-Italy @Exclusive ConnectionPodcast Producer: Andrew Niklas Curtis Production Intern: RJ Plunkett Recorded @musikalmente3951 Musikalmente Firenze Post-production: Lorenzo Maiani, @faminoresoundagency

Minobossi: Made in Florence with Love featuring Monica Bonaiuti “It’s important to give possibilities for conscious buying because nowadays people know very well what's behind an object and they don’t buy it because of a logo but because they want to know what's really behind these two, three pieces of leather. There must be something that gives the buyer a sense of fairness, of being happy to say they bought something which really has value.” Monica Bonaiuti In 1979 two lifelong best friends realized their dream of becoming business partners and founded luxury Florentine leather brand, Minobossi. I sat down with Monica Bonaiuti, daughter of one of the founders and current CEO of parent company, the Exin Group, to learn more about this phenomenal family firm that is synonymous with Made in Italy excellence.Don’t miss my conversation with Monica about the history of the company, how it has evolved and grown over time with losing sight of its roots, where it is right now, and what we can expect from the new generation as they look to the future with a very clear sense of the brand’s history, legacy, and steadfast commitment to craftsmanship and innovation.  Minobossi, with its talented artisans who spend hours crafting beautiful and durable creations, is keeping the great tradition of Italian craftsmanship alive, and using only the finest leathers to produce aesthetic and functional objects that you can wear with pride knowing their provenance, their story, and that they were made with loving, expert hands.  Finally, I ask Monica to share more about what running a luxury brand in Florence today entails, how they welcome clients into the world of Minobossi by opening up their factory showroom where you can shop or even create your own customized one-of-a-kind bags, and experience a behind-the-scenes look at the art of leathermaking through VR technology. Links https://www.minobossi.it/enhttps://www.instagram.com/minobossi/https://www.facebook.com/minobossi1979https://www.linkedin.com/company/exin-group---s.r.l./https://exingroup.it/en/Company History Welcome to the world of MinobossiMINOBOSSI is born from the union of tradition and futuristic vision. Our story is a celebration of family and innovation, which began in the 1970s and is now renewed by Elisa and Caterina, the guardians of a legacy that continues to evolve. Here, modern design meets artisanal mastery to create bags and accessories that are much more than just objects: they are expressions of elegance and uniqueness.Every MINOBOSSI creation is a symphony of perfection and beauty. We select only the finest leathers and craft them with meticulous precision, giving each piece a character and story that grow richer over time. Our commitment is to produce items that embody timeless elegance, designed to amaze and seduce with unexpected details and impeccable quality. Our SponsorThis episode is brought to you by Exclusive Connection, the Florence-based luxury travel company crafting bespoke experiences for travelers who crave something more than sightseeing, people like me who love stories and want to discover authentic, hidden gems. Whether you’re looking to do a private museum visit, a wine tasting in a magical vineyard or a shopping tour of boutiques and artisans’ workshops including Minobossi, Exclusive Connection will make every moment of your stay in Florence and Italy unique. Reach out at exclusiveconnection.it and let them craft your next adventure. Experience the real Italy at exclusiveconnection.it@Exclusive-Connection-Italy Podcast Producer: Andrew Niklas Curtis Production Intern: RJ Plunkett Recorded @musikalmente3951 Post-production: Lorenzo Maiani, @faminoresoundagency

Time, Again: A digital detox story - and a new way of being for solopreneurs, leaders, and seekers featuring Sandrine Kom Last month I participated in a retreat led by Sandrine Kom that aimed to transform stressed out superwomen into Zen superwomen. I embraced the opportunity, shut off my phone, and spent a glorious weekend free of it and my other devices. In this week’s episode Sandrine interviews me about how I was feeling before and during the retreat and the many ways the experience impacted me and continues to do so daily. Be sure to tune in for our chat and for more information on Sandrine’s work, her book,  upcoming retreats, and our May 21 workshop at Il Conventino.Biography Sandrine Kom was born and grew up in Paris before moving to live and study in Berlin for over 12 years. In 2000 she moved to Florence, where she still resides, and currently divides her time between Florence and Paris. Sandrine graduated from Berlin University in Communication Sciences and Economics and obtained her diploma as a Nutrition Coach at the Centre de Formation à Distance (CFD) in Brussels. She completed her Yoga Teacher Training at “Yoga Garden” in San Francisco. In addition to English, she is fluent in French, German, Russian and of course Italian! A Parisian in love with Tuscany, her adoptive home is where where her love of food, yoga and nature led her to create FiloCIBOsofia Slow Life which grew and became “Slowlife Coaching” and “Slowlife Yoga”. Sandrine has offered her experiences through Airbnb for many years, won several awards and received over 700 positive testimonials. Furthermore, in 2020 at the start of the pandemic, she and five other Italian hosts were selected (out of 5,000 experiences) by Airbnb as they diversified their model from in-person to online experiences. She also offers experiences to companies where she focuses on increasing the wellbeing of their teams and people. In addition to a range of SlowLife Retreats and Experiences, she also supports Stressed Super Women to become Zen Super Women, and accompanies CEO’s and Managers in need of rest, dreaming of slowness and time for themselves. With Slow Life Yoga, Sandrine has also participated in the television programs “Casa Beau” for RTL 4 Netherlands and “Best Weekend Chianti“ for Nove Warner Bros. Discovery Italia. Links http://www.slowlifecoaching.com/ https://www.quietluxury.it/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandrine-kom/ https://www.facebook.com/SlowLifeCoachingSlowLifeYoga https://www.instagram.com/slowlifecoaching_slowlifeyoga/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCe4xzHmfloofDwZCkm6Jrlg 2025 Retreats https://www.quietluxury.it/2025-events_en/ Podcast Producer: Andrew Niklas Curtis Production Intern: RJ Plunkett Recorded at Faminore Sound Agency, Post-production: Lorenzo Maiani 

A lot of people say, I want to go to Italy, I want to go to Tuscany, I want to live there and then they get here and they're like, oh, I didn't realize it was going to be so hard. Yes it is hard, and a lot of times I just trudged along anyway and I did it and I think it was just the pure positive energy of I'm going to get this done. Donna ScharnaglWhat happens when you truly stumble upon your destiny, when life gives you an opportunity, you seize it and end up somewhere you never imagined you would be?That’s the story of my guest this week, Donna Scharnagl, a fellow US expat in Tuscany and Independent SEO Consultant who helps business owners, success-driven individuals and solo entrepreneurs use tech skills and digital online tools confidently and successfully. Donna, known as your friendly digital coach, also happens to be Ask Fosca’s social media manager. When we sat down to record this unscripted podcast (quite a few months back now), I had already known her for a while, but it was the first time I heard about her incredible path to Italy. Tune in to hear more about Donna’s excellent work, her amazing personal narrative, and how she creatively and tirelessly pivoted to forge a solid path for success.  Biography Donna Denise ScharnaglLiving in Tuscany for almost 30 years - I am an American citizen with a traveling soul.  Born in New Jersey, my family moved to Florida when I was a teenager and I finished high school and college in the Miami area. I am a graduate of Florida International University with a double major in English Lit and International Relations.  My work experiences are all over the place - and it is this variety that has led me to my passion for helping others get found online.With over 25 years of experience, I offer organizational and online marketing consultancy for you and your business especially to increase your engagement and branding, and a few tips for traveling and living in Tuscany.Links https://www.linkedin.com/in/donnadenisescharnagl/https://www.instagram.com/yourfriendlydigitalcoach/Podcast Producer: Andrew Niklas Curtis Production Intern: RJ PLUNKETT Recorded at Musikalmente Firenze Post-production: Lorenzo Maiani, Faminore Sound Agency

Writing Florence featuring Lori Hetherington and Monica Sharp, The Florence Literary Society  The real value of the Literary Society is that information exchange and sharing. When you sit down at your computer or with your notepad or notebook, it’s a solitary activity,but so many other aspects of writing involve others. Whether it's brainstorming an idea, getting feedback on a first draft, finding a beta reader, or later, when you do move into the publishing sphere, an agent, someone who can help you with marketing and all those other things related to books and publishing that require others. Lori Hetherington Florence has always been a cherished locale for writers who’ve flocked to it for centuries and continue to do so, eager to soak up the city’s charm and find inspiration. It is a legendary place, full of stories that capture the imagination, where you can walk in the footsteps of your favorite author, follow an itinerary based on one of the many novels or films set here, or spend time daydreaming in one of the city’s bookshops orliterary cafés. What about today? How do creatives experience Florence right now? Why do writers continue to be drawn to it? What kind of community exists for those looking for kindred spirits? I sat down to discuss these very questions with Lori Hetherington and Monica Sharp, respectively President and Vice President of The Florence Literary Society, a new association founded by local writers whose goal is to serve the international writing community through a rich and diverse series of initiatives, workshops, talks, meetingsand brainstorming and silent writing sessions. Join Lori, Monica and me for a conversation about their personal stories, what happens when you get a room full of writers together, all the incredible things The Florence Literary Society is doing for our community, their many upcoming events, including the incredibly popular annual publishing day, coming to Florence in October 2025 (I’ll see you there!), the benefits of membership, and plans for the immediate and more distant future. Biographies Lori Hetherington thrives on words, connections, and emotions in their myriad forms. A translator, ghostwriter, and linguistic consultant, she published Tuscan Tales in 2020 and facilitates the monthly brainstorming session for writers at the British Institute of Florence. Her website: lhetheringtontranslation.com.Monica Sharp fell in love with Europe in 1993 and moved to Florence in 2016 with her husband and two kids. A curious spirit, incurable bookworm, and language fanatic, Monica writes poetry, essays and fiction. Her website: sharpmonica.com.Links  Florence Literary Society https://www.florenceliterarysociety.com/?page_id=59 Become a Memberhttps://www.florenceliterarysociety.com/?page_id=104 Sign up for the Newsletter https://www.florenceliterarysociety.com/?page_id=15 https://www.instagram.com/florenceliterarysociety?igsh=MTB1MnlycWNzb2xqNg==https://www.instagram.com/lori.e.hetherington?igsh=MXM5eG4xYjd1bG5mMg==https://www.instagram.com/occhiatafiorentina?igsh=MXdiZGp0OWFsYmtkcg== This episode is brought to you by Exclusive Connection, the Florence-based luxury travel company crafting bespoke experiences for travelers who crave something more than sightseeing, people like me who want a story, a hidden gem, a place so magical that it feels like it can’t possibly be real. Whether you’re tracing the footsteps of your favorite author, literary character, or artist, Exclusive Connection offers extraordinary visits that will set your imagination free.  Start your next literary adventure at exclusiveconnection.it  Podcast Producer: Andrew Niklas Curtis Production Intern: RJ PLUNKETT Recorded at Musikalmente FirenzePost-production: Lorenzo Maiani, Faminore Sound Agency  

What I look for in my street photography is the expression of people in everyday situations, their stories, something that's got a little twist to it, that's open-ended, so that people can step into a space and finish the story. Louise OlkoJoin me and this week’s guest, Louise Olko, photographer, figurative painter, and sculptor who took the leap just over a decade ago and decided to live out her dream of being an artist in Italy. What has Louise found in Florence? How did she pivot from a career in business to her current life as an artist? Where does she find inspiration? What has her journey been like so far and what’s in store for the future?  Don’t miss our conversation about Louise’s path, finding a community of artists, her craft, ongoing and upcoming shows and events, and her first photography book. Biography Louise Olko was born in Colonia, New Jersey. She studied classical ballet at the New Jersey Dance Theatre Guild (NJDTG) where she thrived and excelled before she shifted her focus to business, where she mastered the arts of advertising, leadership, management, marketing and visual merchandising. She went on to become the youngest divisional executive for a major NYC fine jewelry company by the age of 29. Success followed her business career, leading her to live and travel all over the United States and abroad. Throughout her life, she never lost sight of her artistic origins for classical art, ballet and modern dance and continued classes to harness skills in drawing, oil painting, pastel, sculpture and music.In 2009 as a member of the International Association of Pastel Societies she was awarded a scholarship to further her studies. In 2011 she was given an opportunity to pursue a career in Fine Arts, and moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota to begin a course of full-time studies at The Atelier Studio Program of Fine Art. In 2014, with an insatiable thirst for knowledge she began to explore the facets of European Art and moved to Florence, Italy to study oil painting with Michael John Angel at the Angel Academy of Fine Art, where she focused on figurative and still life oil painting. Upon receiving a three year certificate of completion she entered an Intensive Program of Study at the St. Petersburg Academy of Fine Arts in Florence, Italy. Where in 2022 she completed her four years of study for figurative drawing and painting, anatomy and art restoration. Louise's work has been exhibited in America and in Europe. Links https://www.artworkarchive.com/profile/louiseolko/abouthttps://www.instagram.com/louiseofineart/

The repetition of images creates a belief; the ensemble of beliefs creates the cultural DNA of our society. If we change the images we will change the culture. Chiara Tilesi I have long been a fan of Chiara Tilesi and her work and was honored to interview her about her tireless efforts to transform the outdated and discriminatory paradigms prevalent in today's media landscape by producing impactful films, documentaries, TV shows, and new media that empower women. ​In 2015 Chiara founded, We Do It Together, a nonprofit film production company whose mission is to reshape the narratives and imagery that perpetuate the marginalization of women worldwide. We Do It Together strives to foster a global movement that dismantles barriers and embraces inclusivity and gender equity.​Tune in to hear Chiara’s story and to learn more about her unwavering commitment and many efforts to place women at the forefront of storytelling and champion their voices, a recent example of which can be found in the high visibility, powerful, and visually striking initiative, I Am/Io Sono. This past International Women’s Day, We Do It Together, in collaboration with the cities of Rome and Turin, featured women from the worlds of film, entertainment, and art who joined forces to shape a new representation of women—one where I Am is at the center of the narrative. The I AM Campaign launched with Nasdaq in Times Square, New York last October. As the We Do It Together motto says, "More movies by women, about women, for everyone!" BiographyChiara Tilesi is an Italian-American director, screenwriter, activist, producer and founder of We Do It Together (WDIT), a non-profit film production company dedicated to the advancement of women and minorities in the entertainment industry. She produced the 2023 Academy Award®-nominated film “Tell It Like a Woman,” which features seven segments directed by internationally renowned women filmmakers and stars including Cara Delevingne, Marcia Gay Harden, Jennifer Hudson, and Eva Longoria.Recognized as a Cultural Leader at the 2019 World Economic Forum, Tilesi has shared her insights at prestigious global institutions including TEDx Women and the United Nations. Her production company, Frequency Production, established in 2018, focuses on creating media that fosters positive societal impactIn 2023, Tilesi presented WDIT at the United Nations General Assembly, inaugurating women’s month with a screening of “Tell It Like a Woman” in collaboration with UN Women and several international government missions. Her powerful “I AM” campaign, launched in 2024 at the NASDAQ Tower in Times Square, and illuminated the historical Trevi Foundation in Rome, Italy and Turin’s Mole Antonelliana on International Women’s Day. Chiara continues to remind us the women are the subject not the object and we can change the narrative when WE DO IT TOGETHER.Links https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chiara_Tilesihttps://www.imdb.com/name/nm1221949/https://www.wedoittogether.org/https://www.instagram.com/wditogether/https://www.youtube.com/@wedoittogetherhttps://www.facebook.com/ctilesi/https://www.instagram.com/chiaratilesi/?locale=it_IT&hl=am-ethttps://www.linkedin.com/company/we-do-it-together/posts/?feedView=allwww.fastingandthelongevityrevolution.com 

Bestselling author, podcast creator and award-winning journalist, Jo Piazza, on The Sicilian InheritanceJo Piazza’s bestseller, The Sicilian Inheritance, comes out in paperback today and to mark the occasion, I interviewed her about the success of the novel, which has been inspiring readers to travel to Sicily and learn about their Italian roots. If you are looking for a magical, mysterious escape to this eternally enchanting island, look no further, this is the adventure you’ve been waiting for, and Jo’s book and our chat are going to leave you longing to plan your next escape to Sicily! Let yourself be transported by Jo’s immersive dual timeline family mystery, a rich and beautifully crafted homage to an island and its people, that gives a voice to Sicilian women and narrates the often-untold stories that deserve space in the annals of Italian, Italian American, Sicilian and Sicilian American history.  Join us for a conversation about cultural identity— through the lens of the Italian American woman—, family history, the timeless appeal of Sicilian stories, the need for authentic representation in storytelling, and Sicily in the collective imaginary. Biography Jo Piazza is the national and international bestselling author of The Sicilian Inheritance, We Are Not Like Them, You Were Always Mine, Charlotte Walsh Likes to Win, The Knockoff and How to Be Married. Her new novel, Everyone Is Lying to You, the #tradwife murder mystery we’ve all been waiting for, comes out on July 15, 2025. Her work has been published in ten languages in twelve countries and four of her books have been optioned for film and television. Jo's podcasts have garnered more than twenty-five million downloads and regularly top podcast charts. An editor, columnist and travel writer, her work has also appeared in the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, New York magazine, Marie Claire, Glamour and many other publications. She lives in Philly with her husband, Nick Aster and three feral children. Links https://www.jopiazza.com/https://www.instagram.com/jopiazzaauthor/https://www.linkedin.com/in/jo-piazza-86223519/https://www.youtube.com/user/johannapiazzaUnder the Influence podcast https://www.jopiazza.com/undertheinfluencehttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/under-the-influence-with-jo-piazza/id1544171101The Sicilian Inheritance true crime podcast https://open.spotify.com/show/6k4w68qxiUAC8dbPSwOlzC?si=2ea3d1d4c4ca4218https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sicilian-inheritance/id1735578176Order The Sicilian Inheritance on paperback nowhttps://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/734498/the-sicilian-inheritance-by-jo-piazza/Pre-order Everyone Is Lying to You https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/784223/everyone-is-lying-to-you-by-jo-piazza/This episode of 15 with Fosca was brought to you by Exclusive Connection, your trusted and experienced travel & event planning partners. From full-service concierge to private events, Exclusive Connection can turn your dreams into unique experiences.Whether you want to be immersed in art or pampered in luxury, Exclusive Connection will design your perfect trip to Italy. They offer authentic and distinctive experiences, crafted according to your personality, needs, budget, and time. Explore the treasures of Florence and Italy, through extraordinary tours and itineraries led by experts in art and culture and prepare to be amazed by breathtaking views, unique vistas, and captivating artworks.Exclusive Connection, Extra-ordinary experiences for extra-ordinary people, book your Italian escape now! https://exclusiveconnection.it/en/https://www.instagram.com/exclusive_connection_tours/https://www.facebook.com/exclusiveconnection/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfsITALaxy2JHbe6vJLK73APodcast Producer: Andrew Niklas Curtis Production intern: RJ PlunkettRecorded via Zoom, edited by Lorenzo Maiani, Fa Minore 

I am in search of freedom, and it's led me to filmmaking, painting, singing. I've lived many lifetimes already in this lifetime and I'm in the pursuit of happiness, joy and freedom, and trying to understand what it means to be human and a woman and just to be, and sometimes I’ll create a fantastical, colorful, escapist world whether that's in painting or in filmmaking.  Vittoria Colonna Occasionally I like to take the podcast to my guests, and I was overjoyed when multi-talented artist Vittoria Colonna, invited me into her studio to record this week’s episode. Vittoria’s atelier is a magical space that is the essence of her very being. It’s full of her brightly colored works of art, there’s always music playing and a tea waiting for you, and the air smells of sage, lavender or dragon blood (more on that below). Join us for some great stories and reflections on the creative process, finding meaning in art and beauty, growing up between two countries and cultures, and what it’s like to be an artist in today’s world. I also ask Vittoria about her current and future projects, her travels and practice and teaching of Kundalini yoga, and the ancient purifying ritual of smudging, used by indigenous cultures the world over, and which inspired her brilliant pop shamanic SOS Emergency Purification kits. Biography Named after her Renaissance ancestor, poetess, and muse to Michelangelo Buonarroti, Vittoria Colonna carries a strong lineage in the world of art.Growing up between Ireland and Italy, Vittoria studied painting in Rome’s Accademia di Belle Arti, trained as an opera singer in Tuscany, and then continued in the performing arts at Dublin’s world-famous gaiety school of acting.Afterward, she decided to focus her multiple talents within the genres of writing and directing, winning international acclaim for her feature documentary identities focused on gender identity, of which the performance art pieces were selected as part of the worldwide Italian pavilion at the 54th international art exhibition of the Venice Biennale in 2011. Her personal dramatic memoir Sandboy qualified for an Oscar nomination and her wicked dark comedy, 4 Bhanríon (4 Queens) swept international festivals.Amongst her body of work, Vittoria has directed numerous award-winning music videos picking up an Irish music television award and winning the Las Vegas international award as well as the Golden Palm at the Mexico International Film Festival.A strong advocate for women in the arts globally, Vittoria became a world women hour 2020 honoree #shesmyhero for empowering change through her work in the arts and entertainment.Linkshttps://www.colonnavittoria.com/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjUBE_kWHOoDxJcMjdKmRcQhttps://www.facebook.com/VittoriaColonnaStudio#https://www.instagram.com/vittoriacolonnastudio/https://www.saveourspirit.com/Podcast Producer: Andrew Niklas Curtis Production Interns: Ava Lees, Giada Ciampi, RJ Plunkett

“They share their lives, they go to school, do sports, and have experiences together. Ours learn the customs, traditions, and way of living in the States and theirs learn what we have in here in Italy and in Tuscany especially.” Rolando Galli on the annual student exchange program between sister cities Abetone, Italy and Aspen, Colorado.  I have known and loved Abetone, a year-round mountain paradise in Tuscany’s highly poetic, Valley of Light – Val di Luce, since I moved permanently to Italy over a quarter of a century ago. Abetone is a perfect escape: it’s a relatively short drive from Florence, just right for a quick ski trip, and ideal to beat the heat in summer. Did I mention the unbelievable food? I thought I knew a lot about this place of my heart, but when I sat down with this week’s guests, Rolando Galli, President, Società Funivie, Abetone (Abetone Ski Lifts), and Rosanna Cirigliano, fellow US expat in Florence, journalist, and editor who has been a tireless champion of Pistoia and its province for many years, I learned quite a few interesting things. The first was that Abetone and Aspen are sister cities and that every year teenagers from Abetone are hosted in Aspen and vice versa, creating important opportunities for cultural exchange around sports, the great outdoors, and much, much more. I also learned about the long, shared history between this charming Tuscan mountain village and its environs and the great state of Colorado. I was particularly fascinated by the stories around World War II, of which I knew virtually nothing. The shared narrative between these snow-capped twin cities is compelling and the strong bonds that continue today honor that collective past while keeping a close eye on and shaping the future. Biographies and Links Rolando Galli is the Vice President of the Chamber of Commerce of Pistoia and Prato. He is the also president of the Abetone and Pistoia Mountains Tourist Board and Abetone Ski Lifts. Galli is a world-renowned ski champion, avid mountain biker, and community leader. Rosanna Cirigliano became the only native English-speaking member of the professional Ordine dei Giornalisti (Tuscan Press Association). Her articles have appeared in The International Herald Tribune (now the International New York Times), the Corriere della Sera’s Italy Daily, national publications in the U.K., Italy and Israel, as well as European-wide newspapers. She is founder and managing editor of regional magazine Vista, Florence & Tuscany and Magenta (see here for details on these publications).Links https://www.abetoneovovia.it/https://www.instagram.com/saf_abetone/https://www.instagram.com/gallirolando/https://www.instagram.com/magentaflorence/

Italy in Vermont featuring Lisa DeNatale“A lot of Italian immigrants came to Vermont to work in the granite and marble quarries, and they were actively recruited because they were skilled stone cutters from Carrara and other parts of northern Italy, and they settled in Barre. Many other immigrants followed, and connections and businesses started. They came to work on the railroads, they were fruit and vegetable vendors, and then they opened stores.” I have long had a correspondence with this week’s guest, Lisa DeNatale, President of the Vermont Italian Cultural Association, and had the pleasure of meeting her in person when she visited Florence several months ago. We sat down to record the podcast via Zoom following that first in-person meeting and a trip I took with my daughter to look at colleges in Vermont. Join us for a conversation about Lisa’s relationship with Italy and her cultural heritage, and to hear some truly fascinating insights into the long, shared history between the Green Mountain State and il Bel Paese Lisa is so skilled at what she does and relishes the chance to remind us of those deep bonds between Italy and Vermont and also helps people discover Italy in Vermont, to understand what came before, and what's there now. Committed to preserving that strong link and to keeping Italian and Italian American history and culture alive, through her work at VICA, Lisa cultivates and forges connections by providing contemporary examples of that friendship and through a plethora of occasions for networking, speaking in Italian, and finding community. Whether it is through VICA’s culinary, academic, literary, or musical events; or the trips, lectures, and social events they organize, Lisa is a tireless ambassador for Italy and for Italian and Italian American culture in Vermont and beyond. Biography & Links Lisa DeNatale is the President of the Vermont Italian Cultural Association. She grew up in Boston in an Italian and Albanian American family and current resides in the Green Mountain State. Lisa is a graduate of Boston College and worked for many years in Retail Marketing, Consumer Products, Marketing and Marketing Strategy for Ben & Jerry's, Nike, Converse, Reebok and many others. She is former President and CEO at Special Olympics Vermont.https://www.vermontitalianculturalassociation.org/https://www.facebook.com/VermontItalianCulturalAssociationhttps://www.instagram.com/vtitalianassoc/https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-denatale-008ab719/

I don’t exaggerate when I refer to this week’s guest, Paola Vojnovic, as a Renaissance woman. In addition to being a Renaissance art historian and an authority on culture management, Paola embodies the very spirit of the Renaissance with everything she does, especially with her Studiolo. The studiolo was a sacred inner sanctum for study, contemplation, and discourse inside Renaissance palazzi, and a keystone in the culture of Renaissance humanism. Inspired by it, for the past five years, Paola has been opening up her virtual Studiolo to the world, inviting engaged and curious individuals to take part in the conversations she has with illustrious guests – authors, thinkers, innovators, museum directors, and scholars – on a wide variety of topics related to Italy and the Renaissance. She is about to celebrate her 100th episode and her lineup of guests this season is nothing short of phenomenal. I know our chat will give you great insight into the spirit of Paola’s Studiolo and the Renaissance, and draw you into the magical world she has crafted and where she creates meaningful and deep human connections through thought-provoking exchanges around art and beauty. Biography A Renaissance Art Historian and Culture Management expert, with deeply rooted experience in international arts projects and fundraising for culture in Italy, Paola Vojnovic is also a curator, published author and research scholar as well as a sought-after private tour guide for Florence. Paola is also the creator and host of Paola’s Studiolo, the virtual meeting room of leading scholars, museum curators, and thinkers of our time. The series is inspired by the Renaissance concept of a studiolo (little studio), which was a room in 15th-century palaces specially designed for study and contemplation. She has taught art history at the British Institute and major American universities in Florence and worked for Opera di Santa Croce in Florence.Paola’s research has been published in Città di Vita, Siti UNESCO, The Florentine, The Australian’s WISH magazine and other books and periodicals. With Opera di Santa Croce she produced two exhibitions: Sisters in Liberty, hosted by the Ellis Island Museum of Immigration, NY from October 2019 – September 2020; while Serbia terra di affreschi, organized in the collaboration with the National Museum of Belgrade, was featured at the Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence; Church of Santissimi Apostoli in Rome, and the Church of Santa Maria della Salute in Viterbo in 2011-2012. Paola edited two books, "The Basilica of Santa Croce: American Reflections" and "Il Ponte delle Immagini." She also co-authored "Santa Croce in Pink," a guidebook focusing on women buried or celebrated in the Basilica of Santa Croce. Recently, Paola appeared in the ABC News segment on Dante, produced by the Columbus Citizen Association which aired on ABC-7 NY in October 2021. She also appears in the role of the Renaissance Signora in Dante and Beatrice in Florence: a Musical Film, which came out in November 2021. In 2016, she was a part of the documentary about the 1966 Great Flood of Florence, “When the World Answered,” produced by PBS. Paola is an acclaimed specialized guide for the City of Florence and among the many individuals that she worked with human rights leaders, bestselling authors, celebrities, and powerful global influencers. In addition to creating custom tours for individuals and families, Paola also designs cultural programs for specialized small groups, and acts as a liaison between museums and clients to provide special behind-the-scenes access and thus ensuring unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experiences for visitors to Italy. https://www.paolavojnovic.com/https://youtube.com/@paolavojnovic?si=3mdQ_c-D_dr27qlBhttps://www.instagram.com/paola50122?igsh=NWpmMHNjZXpuMHMxhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/paola-vojnovic-1589a04b?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

A SEAT AT THE TABLE featuring Catalin Varela I was studying how different cultures and countries approach gluten-free eating and what sort of impact that has on our quality of life, for example being able to socialize via food with other people. I felt more welcomed and included in Italy than I had ever felt anywhere else which was huge for me. Catalin Varela, The Celiac in Italy My guest this week, Catalin Varela, also known as The Celiac in Italy, has a riveting personal story, one so compelling, that it not only moved her from Colorado to Florence, but it also propelled her into action. Catalin, refusing to be defined by her diagnosis, and as a student of medical anthropology, went on a big travel adventure to conduct research for her thesis. She threw herself into a study of the countries she visited to see how difficult it was for her to find gluten-free food and what sort of dialogues around celiac disease were happening both in dining establishments as well as out in the community. It was that early trip shaped Catalin’s current work and her passion for helping others travel with confidence to Italy (and not only!). Through her expertise, compassion and love of the work she does, today Catalin helps aspiring Italy visitors face their fears, plan worry-free trips to Italy and visit the country with awareness and knowledge. Biography and Links Catalin Varela is a passionate advocate for gluten-free living and the founder of The Celiac in Italy. A 20-something American expat thriving in Florence, Catalin was diagnosed with celiac disease in 2016. Since then, she has dedicated herself to helping others navigate the challenges of traveling with celiac disease. Through one-on-one travel consultations, Catalin helps clients plan unforgettable gluten-free adventures in Italy. As a fluent English and Italian speaker, she serves as a trusted resource and content creator for all things gluten-free Italy.Catalin’s expertise and engaging personality have led to features in various print and digital publications, podcasts, radio interviews, and TV appearances. She has collaborated with numerous well-known gluten-free brands, creating high-quality, authentic content that resonates with her audience.https://celiacinitaly.com/https://www.instagram.com/celiacinitaly/https://www.facebook.com/theceliacinitalyRecorded at Musikalmente Firenze Podcast Producer: Andrew Niklas Curtis Production Intern: Ava Lees

Season 4, Episode 2 An Extraordinary Life featuring Amira MakhloufI want to talk to young women leaders, activists looking for their life purpose, women who are facing challenges, who want inspiration, or who are suffering from mental health issues. In this life we all need inspiration, we need tools. That’s why I’m doing this.  Amira Makhlouf on the upcoming EXTRAORDINARY SPEAKERS ConferenceWhen you meet Amira Makhlouf it’s impossible not to be inspired by her story and moved to action by the passion and purpose with which she lives her life, selflessly driven by a vocation to help others. Join me for this candid interview with Amira – mentor, life coach, author, motivational speaker and founder of Extraordinary Speakers – where we discuss how her journey from Palestine to Italy shaped her mission to empower women and amplify voices on resilience, gender equality, and economic independence.In this episode, Amira talks about her work and unwavering commitment to charity, service to others, and to building community. She also tells us about her founding of EXTRAORDINARY SPEAKERS and previews the upcoming conference, From the Front Door to the Top Floor, a global gathering taking place in Florence on March 1, 2025,that brings together international visionary thought leadersto drive change through powerful talks, networking, and actionable insights for the next generation of female leaders.Tune in to hear Amira’s powerful story, find out how you can support her ongoing efforts to uplift women worldwide, and learn more about her extraordinary life, an example of how perseverance and self-realization can lead to extraordinary outcomes.Biography Amira Makhlouf left her home in Palestine over 30 years ago and embarked on a remarkable journey in search of a better life Throughout her adventures in the United Kingdom, Cyprus, the United States, and now Italy, Amira's path has been marked by homelessness, learning new languages, finding work, motherhood and the relentless struggle to obtain legal documents. These challenges have only fueled her unwavering determination to redefine the trajectory of her life and leave an indelible legacy. Amira's transformation began when she discovered the power of personal growth. She invested in herself, acquiring new skills, knowledge, and a strengthened self-esteem. This profound change ignited her purpose in life, leading her to become a highly regarded mentor, life coach, and motivational speaker.Through her program, "I'm Extraordinary," Amira guides women in discovering and developing their best selves. She empowers them to overcome obstacles, reconnect with their authenticity, and achieve their dreams. But Amira's dedication does not stop there. She is also the founder of "Extraordinary Speakers," an organization that hosts motivational events and conferences globally. Through this platform, she amplifies women's voices and addresses critical issues such as gender equality, economic independence, and personal challenges.Amira loves connecting people through public relations and creating networking events around the world.Links https://www.amiramakhlouf.com/https://www.extraordinaryspeakers.it/https://www.extraordinaryspeakers.it/florence-2025/#!event-register/2025/3/1/florence-2025-empowering-the-next-generation-of-female-leadershttps://www.linkedin.com/in/amira-makhlouf-coach/https://www.linkedin.com/company/extraordinary-speakers/https://www.instagram.com/extraordinary_speakers/https://www.extraordinaryspeakers.it/donate-uganda-2024-25/#!form/DONATE

Season 4, Episode 1 It’s our pleasure! Meet La CLIT, Coffee Literature Inspiration & (sex) Toysfeaturing Giulia Heuser *Explicit language and content warning*“We need a place where we can evolve, first of all as people, as single individuals, then as a community. La CLIT is an individual journey which is becoming collective.” Giulia Heuser on La CLIT, Coffee Literature Inspiration & (sex) ToysGiulia Heuser and Francesca De Gaudio have been friends since childhood, they were even Girl Scouts together. Throughout the various stages of their lives, they frequently confided in each other – as BFFs do – about the changes in their bodies and asked each other questions they had about their own sexuality and sex in general. Dissatisfied with what they found online and in the real world, they devised a plan to open Florence’s first literary cafe centered on the world of sexuality. They envisioned a warm ambience where people felt comfortable and at ease talking about everything related to sex and sexuality, with the guidance of expert guests, side by side with Giulia and Francesca who are both now licensed sex educators. Imagine sitting in a bright, comfortable, beautiful space and sipping on a flute of prosecco or enjoying a cappuccino while you learn and share in a safe place of culture and knowledge. A very young venture, while they look for a brick-and-mortar shop (if anyone knows of anything suitable, please reach out to them!), La CLIT is hosting sold-out pop-ups on an incredibly wide range of topics, of interest to a vast and diversified audience, at various venues throughout Florence and Tuscany. They are also looking at pleasure holistically, organizing private and public events like wines tastings, workshops, or other activities that highlight the various intersections and interconnectedness of all kinds of pleasure. I am so impressed by what Giulia and Francesca are doing, how they have approached their business with so much rigor, passion, preparation and joy, and struck by how committed to are to their community and clients, ensuring that everything they do and sell is of the highest quality and always in line with their values and mission. It truly is my pleasure to introduce you to La CLIT. More about La CLIT La CLIT, Coffee, Literature, Inspiration & (sex) Toys is a new Florence-based project on sexual wellness and body-positivity culture. La CLIT explores the many facets of our sexuality through the lens of culture, live events, and an online store with high-quality body-safe products, with a special regard for sustainability, manufacturing and design.La CLIT, an acronym for Coffee, Literature, Inspiration and (sex) Toys, was born from the meeting of two Florentine women, a lawyer and an architect. They came together with the intent of exploring the topic of sexuality in a fun and intelligent way. La CLIT is more than just an online shop selling quality sex toys and other luxury sexual health items: the core of the project is the creation of a moment in time to discuss sexual wellness together, openly and candidly, while enjoying a coffee or a glass of wine. This project is a direct result of personal and communal needs to find a shared space for openly discussing and learning about topics such as pleasure, sex toys and body awareness. La CLIT is a social and cultural hub, where information and discussion dovetail. Live events, talks and discussions are held: from pelvic floor workshops to wine tastings paired with sex toy displays and shopping; from seminars dispelling doubts around changes in sexuality in postpartum and menopause to events focused on sexual fantasies and desires. A community that promotes sex positivity and inclusivity.Links https://laclit.com/enInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/la_clit/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565976184572Recorded at Musikalmente Firenze, November 2024  Podcast Producer: Andrew Niklas Curtis Production Intern: Ava Lees 

Travels in Hyper Reality (TV) featuring Fosca D’Acierno interviewed by Andrew Niklas Explicit language warning Today’s special bonus episode features yours truly being interviewed about my adventures in Italian reality tv land by Andrew Niklas, a friend, collaborator, filmmaker, and editor of this podcast. As many of you already know, I was cast on an Italian reality tv show, Best Weekend, produced by Banijay Italia, that aired last month here in Italy on a major network, NOVE. lt is currently streaming on their website for free.  In this q&a, Andrew and I speak about what was going on behind the scenes, how I was selected, what I was feeling leading up to filming, what I was expecting, and what really happened once we began shooting.  I also muse on my fellow contestants, our celebrity host, Francesco Panella, the format of the show, and just how little I knew and know about the wonderful world of reality television.   Finally, I share how profoundly the experience impacted me and how surprised I was by and unprepared for the range of emotions that stepping so far outside of my comfort zone stirred up in me.  Links  Banijay Italia https://www.banijayitalia.it/  Canale 9 https://nove.tv/programmi-nove/best-weekend My blog chronicling the experience  https://www.askfosca.com/blog/ Recorded Via Zoom, October 24, 2024 Podcast Editor: Andrew Niklas  Production Intern: Ava Lees

“It was just a fascinating time, I was learning so much, and then my eyes were opened to the international side of it when I was working during the harvest in ‘97 at Kendall Jackson. I found out they had a winery in Tuscany and said, that's where I'm going, I'm going to have to try and go there.” Alyson Morgan  This week’s special, full-length episode features Alyson Morgan, winemaker and manager at Podere Capaccia, a 13th century wine estate perched high upon a steep slope in a magical corner of Tuscany’s enchanting Chianti Classico.  Join me and Alyson as she takes us on her journey into the wine industry, which began in a tiny town in Northern California, that, notwithstanding its population of a mere 100, drew to it a steady stream of interesting and illustrious visitors that became key players in her narrative.   Alyson speaks of her passion for science, her studies in agricultural genetics, enology, and viticulture, takes us through the ins and outs of winemaking today, tells us more about the intricacies of her work, and lets us in on what’s coming up in 2025 for her and at Podere Capaccia. As she tells her story, she highlights the importance of great teachers and mentors, dispenses excellent advice for those interested in going into the field, and shares with us her invaluable knowledge about winemaking and wine culture in general. While her tale is certainly full of serendipitous encounters, it is also about putting yourself out there, making connections, taking initiative, and forging your own path.  Biography  Mendocino County native Alyson Morgan graduated from the University of California, Davis in 1999 with degrees in Genetics and Viticulture & Enology.  Days after graduation she moved across the globe to work at the Kendall-Jackson estate of Tenuta di Arceno in Castelnuovo Berardenga, Siena. When her research project and harvest experience were completed at Arceno, she moved to Florence. Over the past two decades, she has worked throughout the Chianti Classico region making wine and managing estates in San Casciano Val di Pesa, Panzano in Chianti, and currently Radda in Chianti. Since 2012, Alyson has been leading Podere Capaccia to become one of the most well-respected wine producers in the area.  Alyson lives in Florence with her husband and two children. Podere Capaccia rests high on the hills of Radda in Chianti creating stellar wines and olive oil in the heart of Chianti Classico. The estate is experiencing another renaissance with newly renovated vineyards and a state-of-the-art winery. The future of Podere Capaccia is in the hands of the Belgian owner Herman de Bode and winemaker and manager Alyson Morgan.  Links  Alyson Morgan  https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyson-morgan-90143bb4/ https://www.wineenthusiast.com/culture/wine/female-international-winemakers-in-italy/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaY84XdkGrxr3gebrMhIA8-4HVHfWQToc9qiFb69_OHJyFl0BPvLE32Z5I0_aem_HqQKfz8qZdpNuj3FYtwpTw https://vignaiolidiradda.it/en/alyson-morgan/ https://www.facebook.com/alyson.morgan.395 Podere Capaccia  www.poderecapaccia.com https://www.instagram.com/podere.capaccia/ https://www.facebook.com/poderecapaccia https://www.chianti.com/radda-in-chianti/intro-to-radda.html https://vignaiolidiradda.it/en/ https://www.chianticlassico.com/en/estates/podere-capaccia/ Recorded at Musikalmente Firenze  Podcast Editor: Andrew Niklas Curtis  Production Intern: Ava Lees

You have Time: Slow Life Lessons, Part 2 featuring Sandrine Kom  “We need to change our relationship with time because we really see time as our enemy. It's never enough and sometimes we get angry because we know we don't have enough time. We would like to have 30 hours of time and not 16, there is always this frustration. What we can do is repeat to ourselves that we have time, and this daily slowness tool will help you do what you need to do and more.” Sandrine Kom In part two of my conversation with the incomparable Sandrine Kom we dig deeper into her SlowLife Coaching and SlowLife Yoga work and she homes in on how we can be nicer to ourselves, learn to listen to our inner child − the little voice inside that we typically ignore − and tune in to it as a way of meeting our deepest needs. Sandrine also imparts methods we can utilize, aided by technology, to bring more mindfulness and slowness into our daily lives.   We also speak of how she transforms Stressed out Superwomen into Zen Superwomen by offering strategies on setting boundaries and abandoning the guilty feeling of it never being enough. Finally, we talk more about the importance of digital detoxes and being in nature, her retreats, workshops, interactive conferences and team and community-building activities that show concretely how a culture of slowness enables us to work better, find more work life balance, and to make peace with time Sandrine Kom Biography  Sandrine Kom was born and grew up in Paris before moving to live and study in Berlin for over 12 years. In 2000 she moved to Florence, where she still resides, and currently divides her time between Florence and Paris. Sandrine graduated from Berlin University in Communication Sciences and Economics and obtained her diploma as a Nutrition Coach at the Centre de Formation à Distance (CFD) in Brussels. She completed her Yoga Teacher Training at “Yoga Garden” in San Francisco. In addition to English, she is fluent in French, German, Russian and of course Italian! A Parisian in love with Tuscany, her adoptive home is where where her love of food, yoga and nature led her to create FiloCIBOsofia Slow Life which grew and became “Slowlife Coaching” and “Slowlife Yoga”.  Sandrine has offered her experiences through Airbnb for many years, won several awards, and received over 700 positive testimonials. Furthermore, in 2020 at the start of the pandemic, she and five other Italian hosts were selected (out of 5,000 experiences) by Airbnb as they diversified their model from in-person to online experiences. She also offers experiences to companies where she focuses on increasing the wellbeing of their teams and people. In addition to a range of SlowLife Retreats and Experiences, she also supports Stressed Super Women to become Zen Super Women, and accompanies CEO’s and Managers in need of rest, dreaming of slowness and time for themselves With Slow Life Yoga, Sandrine has also participated in the television programs “Casa Beau” for RTL 4 Netherlands and “Best Weekend/Chianti“ for Nove Warner Bros. Discovery Italia. Links  http://www.slowlifecoaching.com/ https://www.quietluxury.it/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandrine-kom/ https://www.facebook.com/SlowLifeCoachingSlowLifeYoga https://www.instagram.com/slowlifecoaching_slowlifeyoga/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCe4xzHmfloofDwZCkm6Jrlg 2025 Retreats  https://www.quietluxury.it/2025-events_en/ Recorded at Musikalmente Firenze  Podcast Editor: Andrew Niklas Curtis  Production Intern: Ava Lees