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.

Recent Episodes

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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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June 25, 2026

S4 Ep.10 - When Freedom Sounds Like Jazz in Venice. A chat with Women for Freedom

In this episode of Venice Talks, Monica Cesarato welcomes back the story of Women for Freedom, an organisation dedicated to supporting women, girls and children living in situations of poverty, violence, exploitation and fragility. After the first conversation in 2023, this new episode takes the story forward with Sara Memo, part of Women for Freedom, to understand what has changed, what has grown, and what still needs to be done. The conversation begins with the heart of the organisation itse

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May 21, 2026

S4 Ep.9 - Where Venetian Wardrobes Become Stories. A chat with Maranteghe Vintage Shop

In this episode of Venice Talks, Monica speaks with Laura from Maranteghe, a vintage and second-hand shop in Cannaregio where fashion becomes memory, identity and a small act of resistance. Founded by Miriam, Sara and Laura, Maranteghe was born during the pandemic, among wardrobes to reinvent, forgotten clothes to rescue and the desire to create something with meaning. What began as a shared passion between friends became, in spring 2024, a physical shop in Venice: a “covo”, a little den, fille

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May 14, 2026

S4 Ep.8 - The Hidden Life of Venice’s Public Transport. A chat with ACNL

Venice is a city that moves on water. Every day, thousands of residents, workers, students and visitors step onto a vaporetto without always thinking about what happens behind that simple act of getting from one stop to another. But in Venice, public transport is not a road, a bus lane or an underground line. It is the lagoon. It is the Grand Canal. It is tides, fog, wind, night shifts, crowded landing stages, sudden changes in weather, wave motion, and the constant responsibility of moving pe

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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