In this captivating episode of Venice Talks, Monica sits down with internationally renowned artist Judi Harvest to explore the luminous, layered world she has built between Murano’s glass furnaces and Venice’s buzzing garden beehives.

Judi shares how a brief trip to Venice decades ago became a lifelong journey — one that has shaped her art, her activism, and her sense of belonging. From collaborating with Murano glassmasters to creating installations that highlight the fragility of both nature and culture, her work is a powerful blend of beauty and urgency.

This is not just a conversation about art — it’s about transformation, memory, and the deep emotional threads that connect people to place.

🔹 Key Notes from the Episode:

• How a brief visit to Venice became a lifelong artistic and personal journey
• The magic and heartbreak of working with Murano’s master glassmakers
• Why bees, gardens, and endangered ecosystems have taken center stage in her work
• The intersection of art, activism, and preservation in a city at risk
• Reflections on legacy, inspiration, and staying rooted through change

🎧 If you love Venice, art with meaning, and stories that shimmer with life, this episode is for you.

✨ Credits:

Hosted by Monica Cesarato

Produced by Monica Cesarato, Sentire Media

Guest: Judi Harvest

📢 Don’t forget to subscribe to Venice Talks on your favorite podcast platform — Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or wherever you listen.

👉 And if this episode moved you, please leave a review and share it with fellow Venice lovers!

In this evocative episode of Venice Talks, Monica speaks to Laura Pritchard, a British-born artisan who swapped the foggy landscapes of the UK for the light and tides of Venice. Today, Laura is one of the few women working as a maestra d’ascia, a traditional boatbuilder shaping the iconic vessels of the lagoon with age-old tools and timeless care.

Together, they talk about what it means to embrace an ancient craft in a foreign land, how wood and water can become a language of belonging, and the quiet revolution of carving one’s place—literally and metaphorically—in a deeply rooted tradition.

It’s a story of reinvention, resilience, and reverence for Venice’s maritime soul.

Laura’s journey from the UK to Venice:

• beginnings, motives, transformation
• what it means to be a maestro d’ascia in a city built on water
• gender and tradition: carving out space in a male-dominated craft
• the relationship between wood, water, and identity
• how craftsmanship bridges cultures and generations

✨ Credits:

Hosted by Monica Cesarato

Produced by Monica Cesarato, Sentire Media

Guest: Laura Pritchard

If you love stories of transformation, tradition, and the quiet power of craft, this episode is for you.

🎧 Tune in to Venice Talks on your favorite podcast platform—Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google, or wherever you listen.

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a voice from the lagoon!

In this episode of Venice Talks, we sit down with Cesare Peris, president of the historic Società di Mutuo Soccorso fra Carpentieri e Calafati, a unique Venetian institution rooted in solidarity, shipbuilding, and memory.

🔑 In this episode, we explore:

• The fascinating origins and mission of one of Venice’s oldest mutual aid societies
• Who the carpentieri e calafati were, and their essential role in the life of the Arsenale
• How the SMSCC has evolved through the centuries, adapting to today’s challenges
• Why preserving historical memory and traditional crafts matters now more than ever
• The society’s vision for the future of mutual support and intergenerational knowledge in Venice
• Personal reflections from Cesare on a life dedicated to culture, community, and commitment

✨ Credits:

Hosted by Monica Cesarato

Produced by Monica Cesarato, Sentire Media

Guest: Cesare Peris from Società di Mutuo Soccorso fra Carpentieri e Calafati

📍Whether you’re passionate about Venice, history, or community-led initiatives, this is a conversation not to miss.

👉 Listen now on your favorite platform — and don’t forget to follow Venice Talks for more stories from the heart of the lagoon.

Join us on Venice Talks as we dive deep into the story behind NoCDA (No Contributo D’Accesso a Venezia), the grassroots movement formed by Venetians standing against the controversial tourist access fee.

In this episode, Monica interviews Alessandro Tonin, the creator of the NoCDA website and the visionary mind rallying locals to protect Venice’s accessibility and spirit.

Key topics covered in this episode:

• Origins and motivations behind NoCDA: why this group was created
• Alessandro Tonin’s personal journey and vision for Venice’s future
• The impact of the tourist access fee on Venetians and visitors alike
• Alternative ideas for sustainable tourism without access fees
• The power of local activism and citizen voices in shaping policy
• How Venetians see their city evolving amid tourism pressures

Whether you live in Venice, love the city, or are curious about urban tourism challenges, this episode offers unique insights into a critical local debate.

✨ Credits:

Hosted by Monica Cesarato

Produced by Monica Cesarato, Sentire Media

Guest: Alessandro Tonin, creator of NoCDA

Don’t forget to listen, subscribe, and share Venice Talks to stay connected with authentic stories from the heart of Venice.

In this fascinating new episode of Venice Talks, we dive deep into the rich history and artistry of Murano glass with Michele Zampedri, a renowned historian and expert on the subject from Vivarini srl, a amous furnace in Murano. Michele shares insights into the centuries-old traditions, unique techniques, and the evolution of Murano glass, a symbol of Venetian craftsmanship.

Whether you’re a lover of art, history, or just curious about the allure of Murano glass, this episode is a must-listen!

Key Highlights:

• The journey of Murano glass from its origins to today
• The distinctive techniques that make Murano glass unique, including filigrana and murrine
• How Murano glass influenced contemporary art and design
• The challenges facing Murano glassmakers in the modern world
• Preserving the heritage of this timeless craft
• Insights into the relationship between Murano glassmakers and the island of Murano today

Don't miss this insightful conversation!

✨ Credits:

Hosted by Monica Cesarato

Produced by Monica Cesarato, Sentire Media

Guest: Michele Zampedri, Ceo Artigianato Muranese srl, part of Vivarini srl.

Be sure to subscribe and follow to Venice Talks for more in-depth stories from the heart of Venice.

In this exciting new episode of Venice Talks, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Leontine Hamer, the creative mind behind the Venice Dress Up Experience. This incredible experience allows you to step into the world of Venetian history by dressing up in stunning, meticulously crafted costumes that transport you to a different time.

I had the chance to take part in the experience myself, and let me tell you—I absolutely loved it! From the moment I donned the Venetian attire, I felt like I was living in another era, surrounded by the beauty and elegance of Venice’s past.

In this episode, we dive into the magic of these transformations and how they allow visitors to connect with Venice in such a unique and memorable way. Leontine shares her passion for Venetian history, the incredible artistry behind each costume, and the unforgettable experiences people can have by immersing themselves in the city’s rich culture.

Keynotes from the episode:

• A passion for Venetian history: How Leontine has turned her love for Venice’s past into a way to bring visitors closer to its traditions.
• The transformative experience: A deep dive into the joy of stepping into the roles of Venetian nobility, aristocrats, or even characters from Carnival.
• Costumes as works of art: The craftsmanship, attention to detail, and love that go into each costume, creating a true Venetian experience.
• Creating lasting memories: How the Venice Dress Up Experience is reshaping how people interact with the city's culture and history.
• The spirit of Venice Carnival: A look into how these costumes are central to the vibrant and colorful celebrations of Venice Carnival, and why they’re so much more than just costumes—they’re pieces of Venetian magic.

✨ Credits:

Hosted by Monica Cesarato

Produced by Monica Cesarato, Sentire Media

Guest: Leontine Hamer from Venice Dress Up Experience

Don’t miss out on this incredible experience! Be sure to subscribe and follow for more amazing stories and episodes of Venice Talks. 🎭💫

In this episode of Venice Talks, Monica sits down with Samantha Wilson, the founder of Smart Move Italy, to discuss the realities of moving and living in Italy. With years of experience helping expats transition smoothly, Samantha shares her expertise on navigating bureaucracy, finding a home, and embracing Italian culture. Whether you're dreaming of relocating or already making Italy your home, this episode is packed with invaluable insights.

Key Notes:

• Samantha Wilson’s background and the inspiration behind Smart Move Italy
• Common challenges expats face when moving to Italy
• Navigating Italian bureaucracy: visas, residency, and permits
• Finding a home and settling into daily life
• Cultural adjustments and tips for integrating into Italian life
• Smart Move Italy’s services and how they support expats
• Samantha’s top advice for those considering a move to Italy

✨ Credits:

Hosted by Monica Cesarato

Produced by Monica Cesarato, Sentire Media

Guest: Samantha Wilson from Smart Move Italy

🔔 Subscribe to Venice Talks and follow us for more stories about life in Venice and beyond!

In this episode of Venice Talks, Monica explores Mano a Mano, an inspiring initiative that bridges tradition and innovation in Venetian craftsmanship. Joining us are Michela Canzi Babini, Director of The Place of Wonders Foundation, and Alain Bullo, Maitre de Maison & General Manager of Londra Palace Venezia, to discuss how this project supports artisans, preserves heritage, and enhances the cultural experience for visitors.

Key topics:

🔹 The mission of The Place of Wonders Foundation and its impact on Italian artisans

🔹 How Mano a Mano selects and mentors Venetian craftmakers

🔹 The role of Londra Palace Venezia in supporting local craftsmanship

🔹 Challenges and successes in reviving traditional techniques

🔹 The future of Venetian artisanship in a globalized world

✨ Credits:

Hosted by Monica Cesarato

Produced by Monica Cesarato, Sentire Media

Guest: Michela Canzi Babini, Director of The Place of Wonders Foundation, and Alain Bullo, Maitre de Maison & General Manager of Londra Palace Venezia

🎧 Tune in now to discover how Mano a Mano is keeping Venice’s artistic soul alive!

🔔 Subscribe & follow Venice Talks to never miss an episode!