Venice wears many masks — some glittering, some dark.

In this episode of Venice Talks, Monica sits down with David Hewson, Philip Gwynne Jones, and Gregory Dowling, the brilliant minds behind the Venice Noir Festival. Together, they unravel how mystery, crime, and the haunting beauty of the lagoon intertwine to create a festival unlike any other.

From the secret alleys that whisper of centuries past to the logistical labyrinth of organising a noir event in the world’s most theatrical city, this conversation dives deep into the art of storytelling, the magic of place, and the pulse of Venice itself — elegant, elusive, eternal.

• The origins and vision behind the Venice Noir Festival
• Why Venice is the ultimate noir city — beauty and danger intertwined
• How three celebrated authors became cultural curators
• The delicate balance between tourism, art, and authenticity
• Writing Venice: how the city itself becomes a living, breathing character
• The challenges of organising a festival on the water (and under the fog!)
• The future of noir in Venice — and beyond the lagoon

✨ Credits:

Hosted by Monica Cesarato

Produced by Monica Cesarato, Sentire Media

Guest: David Hewson, Gregory Dowling and Philip Gwynne Jones

Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favourite platform — and do not forget to follow, rate, and share to keep the stories of Venice alive in every shadow and reflection.

🎙️ Episode Description

In this episode of Venice Talks, Monica welcomes Giada Valenti, the Venetian-born singer whose career has brought the spirit of Venice and the language of love to audiences around the world. Known for her romantic voice and elegant stage presence, Giada shares the journey that took her from the quiet canals of her childhood to the bright lights of international stages.

Together they talk about Venice as an endless source of inspiration, the universal power of music to connect people, and why romance continues to matter today more than ever.

This is a heartfelt conversation about music, passion, and carrying Venice in your soul no matter where life takes you.

✨ Show Key Notes

• Growing up in Venice and discovering music
• Giada’s path from the lagoon to international stages
• Love and romance as the heart of her artistry
• How audiences in America and Europe listen differently
• The importance of storytelling through music
• Venice as muse and constant companion
• Future dreams and projects inspired by her hometown

✨ Credits:

Hosted by Monica Cesarato

Produced by Monica Cesarato, Sentire Media

Guest: Giada Valenti, singer

📌 Listen & Subscribe

Do not miss this intimate and inspiring episode with Giada Valenti.

👉 Listen now on your favorite podcast platform, and remember to subscribe, rate, and share Venice Talks so you will always be part of the stories that keep Venice alive.

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.