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15 with Fosca
Fosca D'Acierno
87 episodes
6 days ago
15 with Fosca takes you on a journey to contemporary Italy and, through a plurality of voices, offers insights into Italian culture today and prepares you, in a meaningful way, for your time here. The podcast features authentic stories from Italy in real time and strives to create and build a sense of community across space and borders through conversations about what’s going on in Italian society right now.
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All content for 15 with Fosca is the property of Fosca D'Acierno and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
15 with Fosca takes you on a journey to contemporary Italy and, through a plurality of voices, offers insights into Italian culture today and prepares you, in a meaningful way, for your time here. The podcast features authentic stories from Italy in real time and strives to create and build a sense of community across space and borders through conversations about what’s going on in Italian society right now.
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Places & Travel
Society & Culture
Episodes (20/87)
15 with Fosca
Aperilife featuring Sam Rich

Aperilife featuring Sam Rich


I 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 Rich


When 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 Links


Sam 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/@AperiLife


This 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/archiviofotolocchi

https://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 Plunkett


Recorded at Faminore Sound Agency, Post-production: Lorenzo Maiani


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1 month ago
1 hour 12 minutes 21 seconds

15 with Fosca
Cooking with Carlotta featuring Carlotta Conti

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.


Links

Cooking 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/JqNZWJN

html


This 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/archiviofotolocchi

https://www.facebook.com/archiviofotolocchi

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2 months ago
29 minutes 44 seconds

15 with Fosca
An Epic Ride featuring Emma Boutcher

An Epic Ride

featuring 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=qr

https://strava.app.link/VDXIg8icUTb

https://wp.me/PbzKAV-8


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 

Recorded via Zoom, post-production, Lorenzo Maiani, Fa Minore


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2 months ago
53 minutes 33 seconds

15 with Fosca
Florence First Down featuring I Guelfi Firenze

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_Firenze


Let’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

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2 months ago
51 minutes 17 seconds

15 with Fosca
Sharing Secrets featuring Elia Nichols


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=133s

https://www.facebook.com/elianicholspublicspeaking

https://www.facebook.com/elia.nichols

https://www.facebook.com/EliaNicholsActress

https://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.





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2 months ago
49 minutes 38 seconds

15 with Fosca
Catching up with Girl in Florence featuring Georgette Jupe

Catching up with Girl in Florence

featuring 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 Jupe


Georgette 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=en

https://linktr.ee/girlinflorence?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=7827fb07-f6aa-43e7-ad9f-a82ed898ff97

https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgettejupe/?originalSubdomain=it



Our Sponsors


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, 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 Connection


Podcast Producer: Andrew Niklas Curtis 

Production Intern: RJ Plunkett 

Recorded @musikalmente3951 Musikalmente Firenze 

Post-production: Lorenzo Maiani, @faminoresoundagency

Show more...
2 months ago
57 minutes 49 seconds

15 with Fosca
Minobossi: Made in Florence with Love featuring Monica Bonaiuti

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/en

https://www.instagram.com/minobossi/

https://www.facebook.com/minobossi1979

https://www.linkedin.com/company/exin-group---s.r.l./

https://exingroup.it/en/


Company History 

Welcome to the world of Minobossi

MINOBOSSI 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 Sponsor

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 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


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3 months ago
45 minutes

15 with Fosca
Time, Again: A digital detox story featuring Sandrine Kom

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 


Show more...
3 months ago
56 minutes 37 seconds

15 with Fosca
Pivoting for Success featuring Donna Scharnagl

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 Scharnagl

What 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 Scharnagl

Living 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

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3 months ago
1 hour 39 seconds

15 with Fosca
Writing Florence featuring Lori Hetherington and Monica Sharp, The Florence Literary Society

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 Member

https://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 Firenze

Post-production: Lorenzo Maiani, Faminore Sound Agency

 

 

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3 months ago
49 minutes 58 seconds

15 with Fosca
Beauty with a Twist featuring Louise Olko

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 Olko


Join 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/about

https://www.instagram.com/louiseofineart/



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4 months ago
52 minutes 21 seconds

15 with Fosca
We Do It Together featuring Chiara Tilesi

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!" 


Biography

Chiara 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 impact

In 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_Tilesi

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1221949/

https://www.wedoittogether.org/

https://www.instagram.com/wditogether/

https://www.youtube.com/@wedoittogether

https://www.facebook.com/ctilesi/

https://www.instagram.com/chiaratilesi/?locale=it_IT&hl=am-et

https://www.linkedin.com/company/we-do-it-together/posts/?feedView=all

www.fastingandthelongevityrevolution.com 

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4 months ago
53 minutes 46 seconds

15 with Fosca
Escape with The Sicilian Inheritance featuring Jo Piazza

Bestselling author, podcast creator and award-winning journalist, Jo Piazza, on The Sicilian Inheritance


Jo 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/johannapiazza


Under the Influence podcast 

https://www.jopiazza.com/undertheinfluence

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/under-the-influence-with-jo-piazza/id1544171101


The Sicilian Inheritance true crime podcast 

https://open.spotify.com/show/6k4w68qxiUAC8dbPSwOlzC?si=2ea3d1d4c4ca4218

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sicilian-inheritance/id1735578176


Order The Sicilian Inheritance on paperback now

https://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/UCfsITALaxy2JHbe6vJLK73A


Podcast Producer: Andrew Niklas Curtis 

Production intern: RJ Plunkett

Recorded via Zoom, edited by Lorenzo Maiani, Fa Minore 



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4 months ago
43 minutes 50 seconds

15 with Fosca
Dream Weaver featuring Vittoria Colonna

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.


Links

https://www.colonnavittoria.com/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjUBE_kWHOoDxJcMjdKmRcQ

https://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

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4 months ago
48 minutes 33 seconds

15 with Fosca
Twin Peaks: Aspen & Abetone featuring Rolando Galli and Rosanna Cirigliano

“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/



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4 months ago
48 minutes 7 seconds

15 with Fosca
Italy in Vermont  featuring Lisa DeNatale

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/VermontItalianCulturalAssociation

https://www.instagram.com/vtitalianassoc/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-denatale-008ab719/



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5 months ago
43 minutes 19 seconds

15 with Fosca
A Renaissance Woman featuring Paola Vojnovic

A Renaissance Woman featuring Paola Vojnovic

Show more...
5 months ago
1 hour 2 minutes 12 seconds

15 with Fosca
A Seat at the Table  featuring Catalin Varela 

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/theceliacinitaly


Recorded at Musikalmente Firenze 

Podcast Producer: Andrew Niklas Curtis 

Production Intern: Ava Lees



Show more...
5 months ago
54 minutes 23 seconds

15 with Fosca
An Extraordinary Life featuring Amira Makhlouf

Season 4, Episode 2 

An Extraordinary Life 

featuring Amira Makhlouf


I 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 Conference


When 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-leaders

https://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

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5 months ago
47 minutes 46 seconds

15 with Fosca
It’s our pleasure! Meet La CLIT, Coffee Literature Inspiration & (sex) Toys featuring Giulia Heuser

Season 4, Episode 1 

It’s our pleasure! 

Meet La CLIT, Coffee Literature Inspiration & (sex) Toys

featuring 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) Toys


Giulia 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/en

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/la_clit/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565976184572


Recorded at Musikalmente Firenze, November 2024  

Podcast Producer: Andrew Niklas Curtis 

Production Intern: Ava Lees 

Show more...
5 months ago
58 minutes 43 seconds

15 with Fosca
15 with Fosca takes you on a journey to contemporary Italy and, through a plurality of voices, offers insights into Italian culture today and prepares you, in a meaningful way, for your time here. The podcast features authentic stories from Italy in real time and strives to create and build a sense of community across space and borders through conversations about what’s going on in Italian society right now.