In this episode, Monica meets two extraordinary women who brought the rhythm of the East to the heart of the lagoon.

Katerina, from Russia, and Regina, from Kazakhstan, met by chance in Venice — and chose to stay.

Together, they created Venetians (By Choice and By Occasion), the very first Russian-language radio show on Radio Ca' Foscari.

Their story is one of identity, migration, and transformation — a testament to how Venice can welcome, inspire, and redefine belonging in the most unexpected ways.

🔑 Key Show Notes:

• Meet Katerina and Regina: their journey from Russia and Kazakhstan to Venice
• How a casual meeting in the lagoon turned into a life-changing friendship
• Behind the scenes of Venetians (By Choice and By Occasion) on RCF
• What it means to be "Venetian" without being born in Venice
• Finding a voice — and a purpose — in a new language and a new land
• Cultural integration, unexpected challenges, and proud moments
• Why Venice has a magnetic pull on those who come from far away
• The role of language, radio, and community in feeling at home

✨ Credits:

Hosted by Monica Cesarato

Produced by Monica Cesarato, Sentire Media

Guest: Regina & Katerina from Venetians by Choice & by Occasion

🎧 Listen now on your favorite podcast platform!

🌟 Follow and subscribe to Venice Talks to never miss an episode filled with voices, stories, and secrets of La Serenissima.

📩 And do not forget to share it with fellow lovers of Venice — wherever they may be.

In this special episode of Venice Talks, Monica sits down with journalist and CNN anchor Erica Hill, who recently hosted the powerful documentary Saving Venice as part of The Whole Story with Anderson Cooper. Together, they explore what it means to tell the story of a fragile, beloved city through an international lens.

What happens when a global media giant turns its cameras on Venice? How does storytelling impact preservation? And what was it like, for Erica, to walk through the calli and canals with a microphone in hand and a mission to share Venice’s truth?

Whether you love Venice, live in Venice, or dream of Venice — this conversation is a must-listen.

🔑 Key Show Notes:

• What inspired Erica Hill and CNN to create Saving Venice

• Behind-the-scenes moments from filming in the city

• Erica Hill’s personal impressions of Venice

• The challenge of balancing beauty with urgency in storytelling

• Reflections on overtourism, climate change, and local voices

• How media can be a force for cultural preservation

• Monica’s own perspective as a Venetian insider

✨ Credits:

Hosted by Monica Cesarato

Produced by Monica Cesarato, Sentire Media

Guest: Erica Hill from CNN

✨ Listen now, subscribe to never miss a story, and follow Monica on Instagram for more behind-the-scenes of Venice’s soul.

In this new episode of Venice Talks, Monica Cesarato steps aboard Il Nuovo Trionfo and speaks with Martino Rizzi, one of the founding members of the Compagnia della Marineria Tradizionale Il Nuovo Trionfo. Together, they recount the extraordinary story of Venice’s last great trabaccolo — a sturdy cargo boat of the Adriatic, lovingly restored to sail once more thanks to passion, perseverance, and a deep love for the sea and the lagoon.

⚓ Key points you will discover in this episode:

• The inspiring journey of Il Nuovo Trionfo and how Martino Rizzi and the association helped bring it back to life
• The trabaccolo’s role in Venetian and Adriatic maritime history
• The challenges of restoring and maintaining such a historic vessel
• The mission and spirit of the Compagnia della Marineria Tradizionale
• Martino’s personal memories and magical moments aboard the Nuovo Trionfo
• How all of us can contribute to safeguarding this floating treasure

Set sail with Monica and Martino on a journey through wood, wind, and water — a living tribute to Venice’s seafaring soul.

✨ Credits:

Hosted by Monica Cesarato

Produced by Monica Cesarato, Sentire Media

Guest: Martino Rizzi from la Compagnia della marineria tradizionale Il Nuovo Trionfo

🎧 Listen now on your favourite podcast platform — and do not forget to subscribe, follow, and share this episode with fellow lovers of Venice’s history!