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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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 its

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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, fil

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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 peop

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April 23, 2026

S4 Ep.4 - The Perfume Legacy of Venice. A chat with Joan Giacomin

What does Venice smell like? In this episode of Venice Talks , Monica sits down with Joan Giacomin , Brand Ambassador for The Merchant of Venice , for a journey into the fragrant history of Venice. Together they explore how the city became a crossroads for rare ingredients, refined beauty, and perfume culture, and how scent offers a unique way to understand Venice beyond what we see. This conversation moves through history, trade, daily life, and memory, showing how perfume was woven into the st

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March 12, 2026

S4 Ep.6 - Inside a Leather Workshop: Tools, Time, and Texture. A chat with Shanti Ganesha from Meracu

In this episode of Venice Talks , Monica meets Shanti Ganesha , founder of Meracu , a contemporary leather workshop in Venice. We talk about the first moment leather felt like a language, the leap that led to opening a workshop in 2022, and how living between Venice and India shapes a design identity that feels built into every piece, not added on. From material to method, we explore how a hide is chosen, what certified vegetable tanned leather changes over time, and why some steps cannot be rus

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Feb. 12, 2026

S4 Ep.5 - Thinking Venice, Teaching the World with Warwick Venice Centre

In this episode of Venice Talks , Monica sits down with Bryan Brazeau , Academic Director of the Warwick Venice Centre , to talk about what happens when a university and a city begin to think together. We explore Venice not as a setting, but as a working intellectual environment, and Warwick not simply as an institution abroad, but as a way of approaching knowledge through place, daily life, and lived experience. Episode key notes : What Warwick and Venice genuinely have in common beneath the su

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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