Rediscover your love of Italy with stories of Italian life, locals, and travel.
Hosted by Cassandra Lena Santoro and Laura Thayer
Rediscover Italy is a place for you to connect to your love of Italy - for the first time or all over again. Our podcast will share stories of Italy, lessons from locals, travel experiences and tips, and the joy of allowing your heart to lead you through the journey of life.
The podcast will also focus on the simple beauties of Italy and how we can experience them in a more memorable, sustainable, and fulfilling way. And, most importantly, finding what that means to and for you.
Cassandra Santoro is the CEO and Founder of Travel Italian Style. As a trip planner and dual citizen (of Italy and the USA) she has visited all 20 Regions of Italy and spends six months each year traveling the country. Her focus is to find inspiring and real experiences from North to South. You can also find features of Cassandra and her company in TEDx, Forbes, CNN, Huff Post, Darling, Radio Food Project, and more.
Laura Thayer is an American travel writer, photographer, and art historian who has called the Amalfi Coast home for 14 years. She is a dual citizen of Italy and the USA and is passionate about sharing about the beauty, culture & history of the Amalfi Coast and Italy. Laura is also the founder of popular travel website Ciao Amalfi and author of the guidebook Moon Amalfi Coast with Capri, Naples & Pompeii (Moon Guides 2019).
Season Finale: Summer 2021 in Italy and What's To Come
During the finale of Season 1 of the Rediscover Italy Podcast, hosts Cassandra and Laura discuss how the show inspired their 2021 travels in Italy.
From northern cities such as Udine to the southern Ravello Music Festival, they share the wonderful memories created in the past weeks that may also inspire your next trip to Italy. The hosts also discuss what's to come in Season 2 and their hopes for the future of Italy and travel for Italophiles around the world.
Join us on this short but sweet season finale by listening below. And then head to the Rediscover Italy Blog for time stamps, photos and links to food, sites and locations discussed during the show: https://rediscoveritalypodcast.com/episode-10/.
12 Jul 2021
Discovering Basilicata with Valerie Fortney Schneider
SHOW RECAP: In this episode, we’re taking you to one of Italy’s lesser-known regions, the southern region of Basilicata. And to help us do that is local, Valerie Fortney an American who has family roots in Basilicata and has lived in the region for 10 years. With more than 20 years of experience in the travel and tourism industry and along with her husband, Bryan Schneider, they’ve channeled this experience and passion for Basilicata into their company My Bella Basilicata. A company that specializes in genealogy research and heritage tours of the region. Valerie is also a freelance travel writer and author of “52 Things to See and Do in Basilicata.”
WHAT TO EXPECT: Expect to learn that Basilicata is known for having one of the oldest continually inhabited settlements in the world (the town of Matera). But also expect to be surprised about how much more this untouched region has to offer. From the picturesque town of Castelmezzano to the beautiful seaside coastline of Maratea and a glimpse into why this area is one of the most mountainous in all of Italy (there is even a "Dolomites of the south").
We are sure that Valerie will leave you inspired to not only start packing your bags to travel back to Italy soon but also consider seeing Basilicata from the country to the coast.
See Our Show Notes For More Tips: https://rediscoveritalypodcast.com/episode-9/
28 Jun 2021
Episode 8: How + Where to Experience the Beaches in Italy
In this episode, hosts Cassandra and Laura share insider information about experiencing beaches in Italy. Listen in for logistical tips for navigating the beaches (think paid beaches vs. free beaches or sand vs. pebbly beaches), how or where you can wine and dine or even how to dress to and at the beach. And, of course, the hosts share their favorite local beaches throughout all of the country.
Expect to start packing that beach bag for your next visit to Italy. Also, you will learn about the local food, the types of beaches found throughout the country and where you should plan your next summer trip to Italy. You can also expect to hear Cassandra and Laura's local stories of their own personal beach experiences in Italy (which can sometimes be an adventure).
https://rediscoveritalypodcast.com/episode-8/
14 Jun 2021
Le Marche and NYC: The Story of Italian Kiara Di Paola
Kiara Di Paola is an Italian originally from the region of Le Marche living in New York City. She is a content creator, VLogger, Licensed Tour Guide, Media and Press of NY and if that was not enough she is also the owner and operator of NYC-based travel company New York City 4 All! Kiara is known to not only bring her clients off the beaten path of New York but also keep social media followers up to date with the newest exhibits, sites, and happenings throughout the city.
Expect to be inspired to follow your dreams just as Kiara followed hers to live in New York City. Also get ready to plan your next trip to the underrated and less-visited reason of Le Marche, Italy. As a native Kiara shares her favorite “to-dos” while visiting the area. From wine to medieval villages to beautiful beaches and agriturismi. She shares just why Le Marche may not be a hidden gem much longer!
Read More About Kiara and the Show: https://rediscoveritalypodcast.com/episode-7/.
31 May 2021
Italy in 2021 - Ideas and Inspiration for the "New Normal"
Travel is opening up to Italy again and this offers new opportunities to discover - and rediscover - the Italy we love. In this episode, Cassandra and Laura share what they're looking forward to seeing and doing this year as Italy finds a new normal in travel and tourism. From Friuli-Venezia Giulia in the north to island hopping with Cassandra in Sicily and Laura's plans for relaxation on the Cilento coast and Ischia, enjoy these travel tips that will be inspiring for your next holiday in Italy - whether that’s this year or in the years to come.
For show notes and to learn more about sites mentioned, head to the Rediscover Italy Podcast blog:
https://rediscoveritalypodcast.com/episode-6
17 May 2021
Inspired By Venetian Life with Artist Allison Zurfluh
In this episode, we introduce you to Allison Zurfluh. Dividing her time between Switzerland and Venice Italy, Allison is passionate about the Venice Lagoon, particularly conservation issues and cultural sustainability. Through the hardship of 2020 Allison's professional career took an unexpected but beautiful turn towards art. Now she has created a wonderful way to bring her passions of watercolors and love for Venice together. Allison and her work have been featured in the press worldwide and she was named one of the “7 Influential People in Swiss Romandy” by Switzerland’s L’Illustré Magazine in 2016.
For show notes and to learn more about Allison Zurfluh and the sites mentioned on the show head to our blog: https://rediscoveritalypodcast.com/episode-5-inspired-by-venetian-life-with-artist-allison-zurfluh/
3 May 2021
The Stunning Gem Between Rome and Tuscany Featuring Local Virginia DiGaetano
In this episode, we introduce you to Virginia DiGaetano, an Italian American who has lived for 7 years in the rural and lesser-known area of Lazio called Tuscia. Virginia shares stories of life as a local, travel tips for those who aspire to visit the area and even bits of history and legends that you may not even find in the guide books!
Along with her husband Mark Medina-Rios, Virginia runs Via Medina, a private chef and concierge team providing tailor-made experiences focusing on the foods that make Italy so unique and the people behind the recipes.
For a recap of this episode be sure to visit our website at https://rediscoveritalypodcast.com/episode-4/.
12 Apr 2021
Italy Travel Tips: The Best Ways to Get Around Italy
Planning a trip to Italy can be effortless and even more fun if you have the inside scoop! Today Laura and Cassandra are sharing travel tips for Italian transportation.
Whether you envision yourself traveling cross country via train, would like to ride with the locals by bus or maybe dream of renting a scooter or car, this episode is for you. The hosts share their best suggestions for getting around in an efficient and stress free way from North to South.
Note to Listeners: The Rediscover Italy Podcast is a mixture of travel stories, life in Italy, local interviews, Italian cuisine, and much more. While we love sharing advice for exploring the country through our storytelling, we'll also be dedicating some episodes exclusively to travel planning. Look for these with the title: "Italy Travel Tips." We hope that this will enhance your experience when traveling Bella Italia! Each season we will take the most requested questions based on our listener surveys. To share your insight, be sure to sign up for our newsletter at www.rediscoveritalypodcast.com (http://www.rediscoveritalypodcast.com/).
29 Mar 2021
How to Connect to Italy from Near or Afar
In this episode, Cassandra and Laura discuss simple ways to stay connected and immerse yourself in the Italian culture. Whether you are traveling Italy or dreaming from afar there is always a way to connect on a personal and more meaningful level.
The hosts share some of the people, cities and sites that have made them feel one with the country. And how well-known authors Frances Mayes, Ondine Cohane and Nicky Pellegrino; New York City pizzaioli, and even those in the world of music such as Andrea Bocelli and Davide Napoleone have inspired them to embrace the Italian culture in a different way than before.
You do not have to live in the country or be of Italian heritage to be one with Italy. It is only about creating a connection that will stay with you for a lifetime.
Cassandra's Travel Planning Company: https://www.travelitalianstyle.com/
Laura's Amalfi Coast Guidebook: https://www.moon.com/titles/laura-thayer/moon-amalfi-coast/9781640490369/
15 Mar 2021
Advice for Choosing a Place to Live or Visit Like a Local in Italy
"Where is the best place to live in Italy?" Or "How can I travel Italy like a local?" These are the kind of questions both hosts have been asked over the past decade of living, working, and traveling throughout the country.
Cassandra is a dual citizen and travel planner who has visited all 20 Regions of Italy. Laura, also a dual citizen is a professional travel writer and guidebook author who is a long-term resident of the Amalfi Coast. Both women have different experiences and stories as to how and why their paths led to this beautiful country.
For those looking for travel tips, you will also find valuable information in this week's show. Including suggestions for exploring Italy as a local, ideas for year-round activities, and festivals from north to south that you do not want to miss! And of course, no radio show about Italy would come without the mention of specialty food and drinks.
3 Mar 2021
How You Can Rediscover the Italy You Know and Love
In the premiere episode of Cassandra Lena Santoro and Laura Thayer's podcast, Rediscover Italy, the hosts share how they obtained over 15 years of Italian lifestyle knowledge and why they're ready to share it with you.
Starting back in 2020, Cassandra and Laura realized that now more than ever Italian travel needs a rebirth. This is the time to get back to the basics and remember why we fell in love with this beautiful country. From meeting locals to getting a taste of the local culture and food, they are ready to bring you on a journey to revisit, relive, and rediscover the Italy we have grown to love.
You will also receive a recap of the travel tips, insider knowledge, and local stories that they have in store for you in coming episodes.
This is just the beginning of a turning point in travel, Italian life, and ourselves. And Cassandra and Laura are ready to bring you on that journey!
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