Best Creative Conversations with Di Podcasts (2025)

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365 Monisha Rajesh: Deep Dive into a Love of Train Travel 46:00

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1h ago46:00

46:00

Chatting with author and journalist Monisha Rajesh was just as delightful as I expected (and I had high expectations!). Long-distance train travel is basically synonymous with being a thoughtful traveller, and our chat ranged from a favourite train (you are allowed to have favourites!) through some of the most interesting passengers she's met and a…

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364 Van Life Diaries: Europe 1985: Denmark, Sweden and Norway 20:03

1d ago20:03

20:03

In this episode of the Van Life Diaries: Europe 1985, we move on to Scandinavia. Starting off in Denmark, we looked for Lego, noticed the size of the Little Mermaid, and enjoyed spending time in Copenhagen. From Denmark it was a short ferry ride to Sweden, and while my Dad and I muse that we don't have many strong memories from our time there, my M…

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363 Di Westaway, Coastrek Founder: Deep Dive into Going Beyond Your Comfort Zone 29:16

20d ago29:16

29:16

Di Westaway is the founder of Coastrek and Wild Women on Top, and she has had the most fabulous career building up these businesses - topped off with many well-deserved accolades like an Order of Australia medal for services to women's health, fitness and charity services. It was so much fun to chat with Di about how her impulsive decision to attem…

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362 Travel and Creativity 24:12

27d ago24:12

24:12

Creativity is an important part of my life, and I have so often observed that when I'm travelling, and also on my return, my creative thinking gets a huge boost. In this episode I chat with other travellers who feel the same. First up, I talk to author Spiri Tsintziras. Spiri has written several memoirs related to her experiences and travels in Gre…

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Book Club 21: Abroad in Japan by Chris Broad 52:53

24d ago52:53

52:53

This special episode is the audio of the livestream of the August 2025 meeting of the Thoughtful Travellers Book Club, speaking about Chris Broad's book "Abroad in Japan". If you'd like to join the Thoughtful Travellers Book Club, all the info is at https://thoughtfultravellersbookclub.substack.com and you can keep up with all the thoughts about ou…

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Under the Grape Vines: Where Tradition Meets Taste with Daniela Sfara 46:59

22d ago46:59

46:59

Ciao amici! Grab your espresso, pull up a chair, and prepare for a soul-stirring journey through the sun-soaked hills of Italy and the heart of Toronto’s Italian diaspora with our molto Speciale guest, Daniela. Ambassador of Italian Culture, Cucina, and famiglia. From toddling under grapevines in her Toronto backyard to kneading dough beside Mamma …

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361 Making New Friends On Your Travels 27:21

1M ago27:21

27:21

Getting to know new people is one of the fun parts of travelling, and sometimes these encounters turn into long-term and even lifelong friendships. In this episode, my guests have wonderful stories to tell about the friends they have made on a trip - I found it very uplifting! First up, Heidi Brown describes how taking solo trips to indulge her lov…

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360 Amanda’s Interview on the Global Travel Planning Podcast 32:01

1M ago32:01

32:01

When my friend Tracy Collins messaged me to say hey, I'm doing a new series on the Global Travel Planning Podcast and I want to interview you first - I said yes as fast as I could. Tracy had an idea to guide me through a chat about a number of my very most special travel experiences and I knew it would be fun. In fact, I think it turned out to be s…

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359 Van Life Diaries: Europe 1985: Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands 20:50

1M ago20:50

20:50

This is the fourth part of a monthly, six-episode series celebrating the fact that exactly 40 years ago this year, my family and I spent six months in a striped motorhome travelling around Europe. I was nine years old and yes, this trip had an enormous impact on my life - I'm sure you wouldn't be listening to this podcast today if Van Life 1985 had…

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358 Solo Travel for Women 24:59

2M ago24:59

24:59

Solo travel might seem daunting, but as you'll hear from my guests today, the benefits can be amazing. While this episode features women who travel alone, the advantages they talk about are definitely relevant to anyone. First up, Heidi Brown shares her love of solo travel and explains that she's developed a unique strategy for finding great restau…

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How one family Brought Napoli to Utah: Serving Sauce and Second helpings with Franky 30:42

2M ago30:42

30:42

In this episode we sit down with Franky, the passionate manager of Napoli's (Sandy Location). Franky takes us behind the scenes of what makes Napoli's unique and into his story with family. Rooted in tradition, authenticity and whole lot of love. From watching is Dad make the breads and master the recipes; we chat detail and reflection of culture a…

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357 Jobs in Tourism 26:29

2M ago26:29

26:29

Did you know that one in ten jobs worldwide is in the tourism industry? I think we're all sometimes guilty of merrily going on our travels without giving much thought to the people behind the scenes that make this possible. In this episode I chat with three people in very different careers in the travel area and hear some of the behind-the-scenes o…

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Flavor and Family: The Story behind Grandma Sandino's Sicilian Sauce 34:51

2M ago34:51

34:51

In this mouthwatering episode, we dive into the incredible story of Grandma Sandino's Sicilian Sauce, a flavor rich staple from one unforgettable salad dressing in a Baltimore restaurant back in 1986. What started as a quest to recreate a blue cheese vinaigrette turned into a decades long journey of taste testing, branding challenges and family ins…

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356 Connecting Novels and Travel 22:45

2M ago22:45

22:45

Two of my favourite things in life are reading novels and travelling, so it's about time they appeared in a podcast episode together - especially since so many other people love this combination of joys, too! Starting with a bunch of wonderful "novel on a trip" experiences from listeners, I next hear from Carol McQuaid about the long list of novels…

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From Italy with Danger" Lord Nil's High-Stakes Art of Escape 34:03

2M ago34:03

34:03

From boiling grease to swinging axes and spinning saws, Italian escape artist Lord Nil doesn't just flirt with danger--he lives it! In this gripping episode, we dive into the mind and mythology of this daring performer, who rose to global fame on Americas Got Talent and is now preparing for his most dangerous show yet- one that fuses ancient symbol…

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99. In Conversation with Jennifer France 25:17

2M ago25:17

25:17

James Clutton speaks with soprano Jennifer France ahead of her role-debut at Opera Holland Park in Lucia di Lammermoor. Fugitive ghosts and a bitter feud between two families form the background to Donizetti’s mesmerising Gothic tale of madness and forced marriage. Lucia di Lammermoor will run at Opera Holland Park from 18 July - 1 August: https://…

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355 Van Life Diaries: Europe 1985: Switzerland and Austria 18:53

2M ago18:53

18:53

This is the third part of a monthly, six-episode series celebrating the fact that exactly 40 years ago this year, my family and I spent six months in a striped motorhome travelling around Europe. I was nine years old and yes, this trip had an enormous impact on my life - I'm sure you wouldn't be listening to this podcast today if Van Life 1985 hadn…

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354 Saying Yes 25:00

3M ago25:00

25:00

When you're given an intriguing invitation or an interesting opportunity on your travels, do you say yes? I try to whenever possible, and that's led to some very memorable experiences - and the same is true of the three guests in this episode of The Thoughtful Travel Podcast. First up, Carl Klein explains what happened when he was invited to tag al…

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Investigative Impact: Lori Prichard and her Italian American Heritage 26:48

3M ago26:48

26:48

In this episode, we sit down with Lori Prichard, an Emmy-winning news anchor for KSL and a powerhouse in investigative journalism. Lori's career spans multiple cities, countless stories and impressive accolades, including being named Best TV News Reporter by the Utah society of Professional Journalists. We dive deep into her career journey and her …

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353 Public Transport 23:07

3M ago23:07

23:07

Whether it's a bus, train or subway, using any kind of public transport or transit system when you're travelling can be very eye-opening (and a lot of fun!). In my opinion it's a much better way to get to know a place you're visiting, and of course it's also usually the most budget-friendly way of getting around, another bonus. In this episode you'…

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Book Club 20: Why We Travel by Ash Bhardwaj 49:55

3M ago49:55

49:55

This special episode is the audio of the Facebook Livestream of the June 2025 meeting of the Thoughtful Travellers Book Club, speaking with author Ash Bhardwaj about his book "Why We Travel". If you'd like to join the Thoughtful Travellers Book Club, all the info is at https://notaballerina.com/bookclub, and you can keep up with all the thoughts ab…

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The Graceful Tenor: A candid Chat with Vittorio Di Carlo 32:26

3M ago32:26

32:26

Join us for a spirited and melodic journey with Vittorio Di Carlo, affectionately known as "The Graceful Tenor", as we explore the possibility that bel canto runs deeper in our blood than we think. From heartfelt arias to how he got started singing, Vittorio brings humor, elegance, and powerful vocals to a conversation that spans generations. We di…

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352 Mindful Travel 25:21

3M ago25:21

25:21

There's no single definition of mindful travel, but in this episode we talk about various ideas: from travel where we intentionally take time to practice mindfulness like on a yoga or meditation retreat, through the kinds of trips where we are really paying attention to what's happening around us, and even some specific ways we could travel that en…

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Little Italy, Big Flavor: The Daybreak Event you can't Miss 15:02

3M ago15:02

15:02

In this episode, we're heading straight to the heart of Italy-without leaving Utah! Ruby joins us to dish out all the delicious details about the 1st event Little Italy in Daybreak, a one-night only celebration of Italian culture, cuisine and community. From Brick oven pizza and creamy gelato to grape stomping and opera singing, this even is a full…

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Meatballs, Mixology & Family: The Rovali's Story 29:21

4M ago29:21

29:21

What happens when a family builds a restaurant to bring their daughter and her chef boyfriend back home? You get Rovali's, an Italian restaurant where every dish is seasoned with love, legacy and a touch of entrepreneurial brilliance. In this episode, I sit down with Alex, founder of Rovali's, as he shares the story behind their 20 year journey in …

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351 Van Life Diaries: Europe 1985: Spain, Italy and Greece 21:51

4M ago21:51

21:51

This is the second part of a monthly, six-episode series celebrating the fact that exactly 40 years ago this year, my family and I spent six months in a striped motorhome travelling around Europe. I was nine years old and yes, this trip had an enormous impact on my life - I'm sure you wouldn't be listening to this podcast today if Van Life 1985 had…

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Roots and Heritage with Laura: Celebrating Italian-Legacy in Weber County 23:46

4M ago23:46

23:46

In this episode, we sit down with Laura, a passionate advocate for preserving the rich cultural history of Weber County, Utah. Laura shares her deep connection to the Italian American community, tracing her family's journey from Wyoming coal miners and farmers to settling in West Ogden in the early 1900's. We dive into her work with the Weber Count…

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350 Moments of Kindness While Travelling 24:42

4M ago24:42

24:42

It rarely takes much experience of travel to collect an experience of someone you meet while travelling being surprisingly kind. While we're often trained to think the worst, countless tales from travellers tell of strangers helping out and showing kindness in myriad ways - it's one of the most heartening parts of seeing the world, I think! In Epis…

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Power, Passion and Punches: Ana Purziani Unleashed 26:51

4M ago26:51

26:51

In this episode, we sit down with Ana Purziani, a rising star in the world of women's boxing, who's journey began at the age of 14. From overcoming the pressures of school to making her mark in the ring, Ana's dedication and passion for boxing are undeniable. She is proving that hard work and perseverance pay off. Join us as we discuss the highs an…

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349 Nicole Smith on Travel Photo Memories - Deep Dive with Flytographer’s Founder 25:35

4M ago25:35

25:35

We all take hundreds of photos on our travels these days, but I was keen to chat with Nicole Smith, founder of Flytographer, about how their network of photographers take this to the next level in many popular travel spots around the world. Nicole is an avid traveller who caught the travel bug young, and after a very unfortunate photographic "accid…

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Between Mountains and Manuscripts: A Conversation with Angelina Del Balzo 30:38

4M ago30:38

30:38

Join us for a fascinating conversation with Dr. Angelina Del Balzo, an Assistant Professor of English at Utah Valley University, as we explore her academic journey, passion for 18th-century British literature, and her unique cultural perspective as an Italian American. From her studies in Gender and Imperialism to her project on the Ottoman Empire …

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348 Van Life Diaries: Europe 1985: Hong Kong, England and France 18:29

5M ago18:29

18:29

This is the first of a monthly, six-episode series celebrating the fact that exactly 40 years ago this year, my family and I spent six months in a striped motorhome travelling around Europe. I was nine years old and yes, this trip had an enormous impact on my life - I'm sure you wouldn't be listening to this podcast today if Van Life 1985 hadn't ta…

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Italy Unfiltered: Breaking the Stereotype with Raffaella 41:52

4M ago41:52

41:52

In this episode we dive deep into the real Italy-beyond the stereotypes. join me as Raffaella shares her journey from Puglia, Italy. Having served a mission in Italy, she shares her experiences firsthand with the rich, diverse cultures within the co9untry and how they vary from region to region. We'll talk about the festivals, the music, and the un…

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347 Walking and Running on Your Travels 21:23

5M ago21:23

21:23

Travelling on foot is the ultimate slow travel and you can have some amazing experiences when incorporating a walk, hike or run into your travel plans. In this episode I start by chatting with Chelsea Gruber, a big fan of solo travel who's had quite a few active adventures on her trips and when we spoke was in training to run the Paris marathon. I …

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Roots & Resistance: A Conversation with Paula, and Italian American Activist 44:11

5M ago44:11

44:11

Join us for a powerful and heartfelt conversation with Paula, a trailblazing Italian American activist who’s redefining what it means to honor your roots while fighting for a better future. In this episode, Paula shares how her heritage, and community values shaped her journey into activism. From confronting stereotypes to challenging societal norm…

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346 How to Make Sustainable and Ethical Travel Choices 21:43

5M ago21:43

21:43

Most of us want to make more sustainable and ethical choices when we travel, but it's not always easy to do! Avoiding plastic straws and disposable shopping bags is one thing, but how can we choose our accommodation in a way that does more good, or think about our carbon footprint and change our travel habits? In this episode, I start by chatting w…

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Through the Lens of Love: The Kitchen Table: Cathy's Creative Journey with Food and Family 46:06

5M ago46:06

46:06

In this episode, we sit down with Cathy, the visionary behind The Kitchen Table, a creative project born from her deep love for food, family and art. Cathy shares the journey that led her from a childhood immersed in the rich traditions of her Italian Canadian heritage to her studies at OCAD, where she discovered her passion for photography. As a f…

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345 Different Ways to Be A Thoughtful Traveller 39:30

5M ago39:30

39:30

My dear friend, the Barefoot Backpacker, is a thoughtful traveller, but they often approach travel in different ways to me. We've chatted many a time about our varied styles and decided that making a collaborative podcast episode about just this would be a lot of fun. So, this episode is a combination of the two of us as hosts from Travel Tales fro…

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Dual Roots: Lisa's Journey to Italian-American Citizenship 33:40

5M ago33:40

33:40

In this episode, we sit down with Lisa to explore the journey of obtaining dual citizenship as an Italian American. From navigating the paperwork to understanding the benefits, Lisa shares her first-hand experience and offers valuable tips for anyone considering the process. Tune in for insights into the advantages of dual citizenship, helpful hint…

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Faith and Family: Monik's Journey of Embracing New Beliefs while honoring Italian Roots 37:22

5M ago37:22

37:22

In this episode, we dive into the powerful journey of embracing a new faith while staying rooted in Italian heritage. Our guest Monik shares her personal story of converting to the LDS Church, navigating the emotional and spiritual transformation, and adjusting to life in Utah. We explore the delicate balance of honoring tradition, culture and fami…

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344 Learning Languages and Making Mistakes 25:23

6M ago25:23

25:23

Learning languages, in the early days, is all about making mistakes, and then as we improve, we can see the benefits of really getting to know people and cultures by having common words and expressions. We still make mistakes though! In this episode I chat with three guests who've spent significant chunks of time in France and Italy, and have learn…

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From Italy to Utah: The Sweet journey of Mastra Italian Bakery and Bistro 31:14

6M ago31:14

31:14

In this episode, we're taking you on a flavorful journey with Jon, the passionate Italian Baker behind Mastra Italian Bakery and Bistro in Utah. From his roots in Italy to opening a beloved bakery here in the Beehive State, Jon shares his inspiring story, the secrets to his craft, and the love he pours into every loaf and pastry. Tune in as we dive…

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343 Where Are They Now? Podcast Guests From the Early Years 28:14

6M ago28:14

28:14

Happy ninth birthday to The Thoughtful Travel Podcast! To celebrate, I've gone back to three of the early guests and interviewed them again to see what's changed in their lives in the intervening years. It was so fun to do! First up, I chat with photographer Kiliii Yuyan, who first appeared way back in Episode 2 in 2016. Since that time, Kiliii has…

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La Famiglia: Preserving Italian Traditions with Cugino Chad 58:24

6M ago58:24

58:24

Step into the heart of Italian Culture with my Cugino Chad. We dive into timeless traditions that shaped our Italian experience on the maternal side of the family. From mouthwatering meals passed down through generations to the unbreakable bonds of family, we explore and share what it means to grow up Italian. We share unforgettable stories of Sund…

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The Fullmer Legacy: Boxing, Mentorship and Community 29:43

6M ago29:43

29:43

In this episode, we dive into the inspiring story of the Fullmer Brothers boxing, a program that's been transforming lives for over 40 years. Founded by boxing legends Gene, Jay and Don Fullmer, the gym has become a beacon of hope for at-risk youth in Utah, offering more than just boxing training--it provides mentorship, discipline and community. W…

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342 Political Tours with Nicholas Wood 27:12

6M ago27:12

27:12

Joining a tour connected to any special interest you have is bound to result in a memorable trip and when I heard about Political Tours, I was instantly attracted! This episode is a deep dive interview with founder Nicholas Wood, who used his skills and network from experiences like working as a foreign correspondent the New York Times to launch Po…

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Crossing Oceans: Girolamo's Journey of Resilience and belonging in Utah 29:40

6M ago29:40

29:40

In this episode, we meet Giro, who moved from Italy to Utah at just 19, venturing across the world on his own. Through a meaningful conversation, he shares his journey of adapting to a new life and integrating into Utah culture and building a sense of community far from home. We explore his reflections on identity, the challenges and the BIG triump…

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341 Virtual Travel 25:56

6M ago25:56

25:56

Confession time: I'd long assumed that virtual travel was a very inferior cousin to in-real-life travel. But then Covid hit, I experienced a couple of virtual tours, and really did feel transported to Thailand and China for an hour or two. Those kind of virtual tours are just the tip of the virtual travel iceberg though, and in this episode I speak…

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Savoring Success: Francesco Martinelli on Building Bacio D'Italia 30:44

6M ago30:44

30:44

In this episode, we sit down with Francesco Martinelli, the passionate entrepreneur behind the beloved Bacio D'Italia food trucks and his brand-new Brick and mortar restaurant in Kearns, Utah. Hailing from Puglia, Italy, Francesco's journey to success in the restaurant industry is a tale of hard work, friendship and following his culinary dreams. F…

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From Nanny to Paramedic: Barbara's Journey to the American Dream 39:41

6M ago39:41

39:41

In this episode, we hear the inspiring story of Barbara, who immigrated from Italy to America as a nanny and worked her way up to becoming a paramedic, living the American Dream. Barbara opens up about the emotional and practical challenges of starting a new life in a foreign country, sharing the triumphs and struggles along the way. Join us for a …

Creative Conversations With Di Podcasts