Episode 55: The History of Rome with Mike Duncan

In this episode, hosts Sara and Jessica talk with Kathy McCabe and Rebecca Winke about their work on the upcoming PBS series, "Dream of Italy."

In this episode, hosts Sara and Jessica talk with sommelier Hande Leimer about Italian wine.

In this episode, hosts Sara and Jessica talk with archaeologist Darius Arya about what lies underfoot in Rome and elsewhere in Italy.

In this episode, hosts Sara and Jessica talk with historian and author John Dickie about organized crime, the mafia, in Italy.

In this episode, hosts Sara and Jessica talk with photographer Charles Christopher about his new book, "Dream of Venice," with some surprising insights about Venice, IKEA, and Los Angeles.

Hosts Sara and Jessica talk about flooding in Italy, Berlusconi's resignation and what's next for the Italian government. Then we speak with special guest Tom Mueller about his upcoming book on the "sublime and scandalous world of olive oil."

We speak to filmmaker Sarah Marder about her documentary ""The Genius of a Place"" about the town of Cortona and the concept of sustainable development, the weekend riots in Rome, and George Clooney finally opens up about his evening with Silvio Berlusconi.

Hosts Sara, Jessica, and Michelle talk about the Italian economy being downgraded, Wikipedia Italia's blackout, and an award-winning Italian chef working for McDonald's. Then we speak with special guest Mike Duncan, the host of the History of Rome podcast, about his podcast and his love of Roman history.

Hosts Sara and Michelle update you on the Amanda Knox trial, Berlusconi, earthquake prosecutions and speak with author Pamela Sheldon Johns about her new cookbook Cucina Povera and the influence of post-war Tuscany on its cuisine.

Hosts Sara and Jessica are back with a couple announcements, news of Berlusconi's true feelings about Italy, an Italian town declaring independence, and a drop in the number of weddings in the country. Then we speak with special guest Megan McCaffrey-Guerrera about traveling in the Cinque Terre and Liguria.