S3 Ep.13 - From Piazza San Marco: Designing Dreams in Precious Metal. A chat with Valeria Boncompagni
In this episode of Venice Talks, Monica Cesarato sits down with Valeria Boncompagni, the creative force behind one of Venice’s most intimate and soulful jewelry ateliers. Nestled under the arcades of Piazza San Marco, Valeria's workshop is a sanctuary of emotion, craftsmanship, and timeless beauty.A master of the ancient lost-wax casting technique, Valeria doesn't just design jewelry—she sculpts feelings, memories, and personal stories into bronze and silver. Her pieces are not made to follow trends but to follow emotions. Each creation is a wearable sculpture, infused with history, heritage, and heart.🔑 Key Highlights of the EpisodeValeria’s deep connection to the lost-wax tradition—and how she makes it contemporaryThe story of her family-run atelier and the legacy passed down her familyThe emotional process behind each unique piece How the rhythms and light of Venice shape her artistic vision The meaning of jewelry as personal storytelling and emotional memoryWhy Valeria views herself as both an artisan and a sculptorThe challenges (and joys) of running a boutique art space in Piazza San Marco Her philosophy of slow, intentional creation in a world that rushes toward the disposable✨ Credits:Hosted by Monica CesaratoProduced by Monica Cesarato, Sentire MediaGuest: Valeria Boncompagni📢 Listen & SubscribeLove hearing stories of powerful women, Venetian artisans, and the quiet revolution of handmade art? This episode is for you.🎧 Tune in on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google, or wherever you listen.❤️ Don’t forget to follow, subscribe, and leave us a review to keep Venice’s voices alive in the world!
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S3 Ep.12 - When Art Pollinates a City. A chat with Judi Harvest
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 journeyThe magic and heartbreak of working with Murano’s master glassmakersWhy bees, gardens, and endangered ecosystems have taken center stage in her workThe intersection of art, activism, and preservation in a city at riskReflections 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 CesaratoProduced by Monica Cesarato, Sentire MediaGuest: 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!
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S3 Ep.11 - From the UK to the Canals of Venice building boats
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, transformationwhat it means to be a maestro d’ascia in a city built on watergender and tradition: carving out space in a male-dominated craftthe relationship between wood, water, and identityhow craftsmanship bridges cultures and generations✨ Credits:Hosted by Monica CesaratoProduced by Monica Cesarato, Sentire MediaGuest: Laura Pritchard📢 Listen & SubscribeIf 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!
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S3 Ep.10 - The Last Dockyard Brotherhood: Stories from Venice’s Mutual Aid Society
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 societiesWho the carpentieri e calafati were, and their essential role in the life of the ArsenaleHow the SMSCC has evolved through the centuries, adapting to today’s challengesWhy preserving historical memory and traditional crafts matters now more than everThe society’s vision for the future of mutual support and intergenerational knowledge in VenicePersonal reflections from Cesare on a life dedicated to culture, community, and commitment✨ Credits:Hosted by Monica CesaratoProduced by Monica Cesarato, Sentire MediaGuest: 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.
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S3 Ep.9 - NoCDA – The Venetian Movement Against the Access Fee | Interview with Alessandro Tonin
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 createdAlessandro Tonin’s personal journey and vision for Venice’s futureThe impact of the tourist access fee on Venetians and visitors alikeAlternative ideas for sustainable tourism without access feesThe power of local activism and citizen voices in shaping policyHow Venetians see their city evolving amid tourism pressuresWhether 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 CesaratoProduced by Monica Cesarato, Sentire MediaGuest: Alessandro Tonin, creator of NoCDADon’t forget to listen, subscribe, and share Venice Talks to stay connected with authentic stories from the heart of Venice.
Welcome to Venice Talks, the weekly podcast series uncovering the authentic soul of Venice, Italy. Hosted by the fabulous Monica Cesarato, who has unparalleled knowledge of Venice, and is renowned as one of the city's top guides even among celebrities.
Venice Talks is not just a podcast; it's your passport to a 360-degree experience of this extraordinary city. Join Monica as she delves beyond the clichés, steering clear of the tourist-packed routes that millions follow each year. Instead, she takes you to the hidden gems and less postcard-perfect corners of Venice.
Why is Venice one of the world's most visited cities? It is the unique allure of a city built entirely on water, boasting centuries of glorious history. In this intoxicating podcast, you will discover both aspects of Venice – the iconic landmarks like Saint Mark's Square and the Rialto Bridge, as well as the lesser-known, extraordinary places that showcase the true essence of this exceptional city.
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.
Join Monica every week as she navigates the canals and traverses small alleyways, and connects you to the people who shape Venice's past, present, and future.
Subscribe now and be part of the conversation that goes beyond the surface of this remarkable city.
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