2Minutes2Italy: Recent Episodes
Rachel
Italian language and culture decoder, Rachel has spent over 10 years living in Italy, plus she has a bachelors in Italian language and a Masters in Italian art history. In this podcast she will take you on a two minute trip through all things Italian. From food, to famous paintings, cities, Italian political figures and more, if you’ve ever wanted a crash course in the “bel paese” this is the podcast for you.
Ever wanted to do like the Italians do and sit on one of those paid beaches but we’re nervous about making a faux pas? In this episode I cover beach etiquette for paid beaches so you can lounge in confidence!
The Sistine chapel is famous the world over, but much of its story is in the history of its creation. Listen in to learn more!
Italy’s National soccer team is something any Italy lover should know at least a little bit about. Even non soccer fans come out to support them when they play and they have long history. Listen to this episode to become a quick pro on this history of Italy’s favorite team
In this episode, we cover some easy pairing options for steak, meat sauce, or fish dishes (including fish pasta). Che buono!
Women artist from the Renaissance are often forgotten. This one, just recently came back into the spot light - a place she deserves to be. Learn about Nelli and where to see her most famous work.
Take a quick look at why the south and the north are different and understand better the customs of each half of Italia!
Ever wondered how April fool’s day started and why it’s called “fish of April” in Italian? Find out in this episode!
The entire season leading up to Easter is about two months long! Learn about it and some Easter traditions from all over Italy, in this episode.
Ever wondered how to talk about astrology in Italian? Listen in to understand l’astrologia in italiano!
Learn about some common expressions in Italian centering around the color white. These will add color to your Italian vocab but also help you understand nuances of the Italian language!
All sparkling wines are not created equal! In this episode we’ll be looking at the king of Italian bubbles - Franciacorta!
Venetian masks can still be found all over venice. But what most people don’t know is that these masks were part of a social culture that hid secrets and sexual deviations. Learn about two of my favorites in this episode!
Buon San Valentino! In honor of the holiday, learn some sexy and romantic phrases to try out in Italian!
Better your Italian by listening to these three common errors, and never get them wrong again!
Learn about how Italians ring on the new year. Plus some fun traditions you can do too, to bring a little bit of Italy to wherever you are!
Buon natale! Merry Christmas! Italy lovers this one is for you, learn about 5 Italian holiday traditions! Buone feste!
In my work helping over 100 speak Italian better, Ive noticed some common pain points for Italian learners. Improve your Italian by making sure you’re not unknowingly making one of these common errors.
Bring some Italy into your seasonal celebrations! Some key words: cookies - ricciarelli, songs: la befana, a natale puoi, recipe: cannelloni di ricotta e spinaci (cannelloni with ricotta and spinach)
December 8th is a national holiday in Italy, and the start of the Christmas seasons. Learn the history behind this day and more in this episode of 2minutes2italy!
American holiday season starts with Thanksgiving so in honor of that holiday, here are some phrases (and cultural tidbits too) about how to wish seasons greetings in Italian. To make sure you get the spelling, here they are below: 1. Buone feste 2. Buon natale 3. Buon anno nuovo 4. Felice Hanukkah 5. Passa un felice anno nuovo 6. I miei più cari auguri 7. Buona festa del ringraziamento
Everyone seems to have cancelled or postponed Italian holidays these days. So, I decided to share with you when my favorite time to visit Italy is, and when I think you can’t go wrong planning your own trip. Curious what a full time Italy resident would say are the BEST months to be in Italy? Have a listen and find out!
Everyone knows the Sistine chapel, but have you ever thought about it from the artists perspective? In this episode, we look at the artwork from the artists perspective. You might be surprised to learn what Michelangelo thought of his masterpiece
After Halloween are a special two days in Italy. Do you know why all saints day, and day of the dead are such big occasions? In this episode I share the history and the tradition associated with these holidays.
There are 5 main olives in Italy that show up in most olive oil blends: leccino, frantoio, moraiolo, nocellara, coratina. In this episode we explore the flavor profiles of each and why it’s worth considering when you’re picking olive oils for your dish!
Artemisia Gentileschi was a Baroque painter who is just starting to get recognized today. Her story is sad, empowering and captivating and deserves to be heard. I hope you’ll look her up after this episode, and bring some glory to this overlooked artist.
You study and study but when it comes time to speak, the words don’t come! Learn my #1 tip to get you actually speaking Italian, and four mini tips to improve your studying and launch you where you want to be: an Italian speaker!
If you don’t love Italian wines, but want to, this is the wine for you! Learn more about this famous grape (it’s more famous than you think) and why it’s a people pleaser for any taste.
Mozzarella is everybody’s favorite cheese but do you actually know anything about it? Listen to this weeks episode for 5 interesting facts about that prolific formaggio.
In this ask me anything I talk about the decision to move to Italy and how I knew it was what I needed to do, for me, for my health and happiness.
Do you know how to make balsamic? Did you realize it is a years long process? Learn about this Italian staple in just two minutes!
This episode covers DOP status, what it means and how it works. Plus I give you my #1 culture tip - something I live by myself and helps me truly discover each place I visit.
Take a trip back in time and learn why it was constructed, how it became called “the colosseum” and what it was used for (not just gladiators!), in this episode of 2minutes2italy!
Three more no-heat required Italian dishes to bring a little Italy into your home. 1. Figs with ricotta, pistachio and honey 2. Insalata caprese 3. Tonno e fagioli (white bean and tuna)
Part 1 of 2: Three of my favorite no cooking required Italian meals. This episode features: 1. Panzanella 2. Prosciutto e melone and 3. Fennel Salad (insalata di arance e finocchi)
Did you know most of Italy shuts down and takes time off in August every year? Learn about this Italian tradition in this episode of 2minutes2italy!
If you’ve been to Florence you’ve probably heard the name, Medici, many times, but do you know who they were really? Or why they were so important? Find out by listening now.
Curious how I moved abroad? This episode is about my story about leaving comfort behind and taking a leap of faith.
This is a basic breakdown of information to get you started on the path for being a legal driver here in Italy! For the whole breakdown head to my blog: www.baciandbiscotti.com and click on the “mom, wife, life” tab!
If you’ve ever heard the phrase in “bocca al lupo” and wondered about how it’s used and when, then this episode is for you. Good luck is not as simple as “buona fortuna” in Italian!
Here are 4 options for delicious cold coffee drinks to make summer in Italy a little bit cooler (or at home if you can’t get to Italia but are still craving a bit of the bel paese!)
I love to answer your questions on Italia! Episodes with ask me anything will cover your questions on anything italy related. This episode is about what it’s really like to live in Italy. I hope you’ll find it interesting!
In this episode I will give you 5 ideas to do the Amalfi coast the “right” way and get the most out of your experience!
Not a fan of Italian wine? Feel like all Italian wine tastes the same? You might be surprised by what I have to say about the most popular Italian wines, and my suggestion for finding a wine you’ll love!
Ever wonder what those little stickers on Italian wine, DOCG and DOC actually are for? Learn about these famous and elusive designations of Italian wine!
Take a trip to Ancient Rome learning about those arena fighters we still talk about today
You’ve probably enjoyed a glass of Chianti but do you know what Chianti actually is? In two minutes I’ll break down this oh-so-famous but not very understood red wine. Grab a glass! Cin cin!
Two minutes to learn about one of the most iconic cathedrals in the world - The Duomo of Florence!
Art, food, wine, culture, language - have you ever wanted to learn more about Italia but didn’t know where to start? In just two minutes I will explain and explore various aspects of Italian life and culture. I am an expert in all things Italian, so come on, let’s take a trip around the boot!