Venice Talks

Venice Talks is your go-to resource whether you're planning a vacation or simply captivated by its mystery and history. Expect insider tips, weekly insights, and engaging conversations that bring the Venetian people, their lives, and their struggles to the forefront.

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Recent Episodes

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Aug. 20, 2026

S4 Ep.16 - The Drinking Culture of Venice - A chat with Susan L. Schwartz

n this episode of Venice Talks, Monica speaks with drinks writer, podcaster and author Susan L. Schwartz about her new book, A Guide to Drinking in Venice. Venice is a city where drinking is never just about what is in the glass. It is about ritual, place, history and the people behind the bar. Susan takes us through the research and stories behind the book, from traditional bacari and Venetian drinking habits to cocktails, wine, coffee and the changing bar scene of the city. We also talk abou

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Aug. 13, 2026

S4 Ep.15 - Uncovering the Real History of Venice with Simon & Jess from History of Venice Podcast

What happens when two history lovers decide to tell the story of Venice from the very beginning? In this episode of Venice Talks, Monica Cesarato is joined by Simon and Jess, the creators and hosts of The History of Venice Podcast, a chronological journey through the people, politics, conflicts and extraordinary events that shaped the Venetian Republic. Simon and Jess share how their mutual fascination with Venice inspired them to begin the podcast, and what it is like to research, write and p

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Aug. 6, 2026

S4 Ep.14 - Before Venice: Peggy Guggenheim in London - a chat with Gražina Subelytė

Before Peggy Guggenheim became one of the most influential collectors of modern art—and before Palazzo Venier dei Leoni became her Venetian home and museum—she opened a small but remarkably ambitious gallery in London. In this episode of Venice Talks, Monica Cesarato speaks with Gražina Subelytė, curator at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection in Venice, about the exhibition Peggy Guggenheim in London: The Making of a Collector. The exhibition explores the crucial years of 1938 and 1939, when Peggy

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July 30, 2026

S4 Ep.13 - Stagin' Venice: Costumes, Theatre and New Dreams - A chat with Sara Cattani

In this episode of Venice Talks, Monica speaks with Sara Cattani, co-founder of Staging Alive, a new Venetian project created to bring fresh, joyful and high-quality live entertainment formats to the city. From musical theatre to live performance, from historical costumes to private productions, Sara’s work asks an important question: can Venice still be a place that creates culture, rather than only a place where culture is consumed? Together, we talk about the need for more accessible, inclus

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July 23, 2026

S4 Ep.12 - Due Fie Venexiane: Friendship, Food and the Real Venice

In this episode of Venice Talks, Monica speaks with Sara and Virginia, the two friends behind Due Fie Venexiane, a digital project sharing Venice through the voices, flavours and everyday experiences of two Venetian women. What began as a spontaneous collaboration between friends has grown into a lively online community, with videos, recommendations and downloadable guides helping visitors discover where Venetians really eat and how the city is experienced beyond its most famous landmarks. Sar

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July 9, 2026

S4 Ep.11 - Venice Beyond the Algorithm: Face to Face with Elena Bozza

In this episode of Venice Talks, Monica Cesarato sits down with Elena Bozza, Head of Digital at Linkness and one of the voices of Face To Face, the program produced by a local television channel based in the Venice area that tells stories from Venice and the Veneto region. Together they explore how Venice is communicated today: not only as a beautiful postcard, but as a living, working, changing city made of people, businesses, creativity, innovation and local voices. Elena brings her experien

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About the Host

Monica Cesarato

Host

Hello, I'm Monica Cesarato, a proud native of Venice, Italy, deeply rooted in the vibrant culinary and cultural tapestry of my homeland.

As a Food and Travel blogger, I embark on a journey through the alleys of Venice, the countryside of Veneto, and the expansive landscapes of Italy, sharing the stories of flavors, traditions, and hidden gems that define each region.

Since 2008, my blog has been a cherished platform where I delve into the intricacies of Venetian life, uncovering cultural nuances, and spotlighting craftsmen, and artisans. In addition, my podcast, Venice Talks, serves as an auditory voyage through the soul of Venice.

In the bustling culinary scene of Venice, I'm an active participant, collaborating with esteemed personalities such as Alex Polizzi and Eugene Levy, sharing insights and experiences that enrich the narrative of Italian cuisine.

Beyond blogging and podcasting, I wear many hats - from conducting cooking classes to leading food and wine tours, critiquing restaurants, and now, proudly, as an author. My latest work, "Andar per Bacari," now available in English, offers a glimpse into the unique concepts, flavors, and traditions of Venice.

Join me in exploring the energetic world of Venetian cuisine, where every dish tells a story, and every bite is a journey through time and tradition. Buon Appetito