Text me! Tell me something good!

At our 20th anniversary lunch in Tuscany, the family who made the wine we were drinking was sitting right behind us. It’s one of the best moments I keep coming back to when I think about our stay at Monteverdi, a restored village in the Val d’Orcia.

In this episode, Smith and I are sharing what it felt like to spend time there, from walking the narrow paths of the village to getting to know the incredible people working there. We saw the level of thoughtfulness that went into the entire restoration, right down to the smaller details, including a gift shop filled with artisan work by locals right in that area.

Of course, there are a few stories that went differently than expected, including a horseback ride that turned out to be much steeper and rockier than we had imagined. I’m also talking about the spa’s cave-like pools and outdoor baths overlooking the countryside, along with an olive oil and wine tasting with Simone that had us considering how a fabric’s texture might relate to the wine in our glasses.

Looking back, I keep thinking about the pride people took in what they shared with us. We were there for a visit, but this was their work, their craft, their everyday life. Now, when I remember the wine we had or the art we brought home, there are people and rich memories attached to them.

Listen as Smith and I sit on the couch and recap our stay at one of our favorite places, where we wrapped up this little Italian road trip.

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Monteverdi | www.monteverdituscany.com

The Monteverdi Story & Founder, Michael L. Cioffi | monteverdituscany.com/our-story

Elia Sanchini, Handmade Leather Goods | @elia.sanchini

The Reluctant Traveler | AppleTV Show

Hosts: Amy Kathleen Smith | Insta @astoriedtable

Edited by: Ben Hill* | http://benhillsound.com/ | https://www.linkedin.com/in/benhillsound/

*starting with episode 60

Text me! Tell me something good!

We didn't return to Venice because we'd run out of places to visit. We came back because 25 years ago, this city quietly became part of our story.

Come wander Venice with us as we revisit old memories, discover a few new favorites, and share the moments that reminded me it's the people around the table—not the way it's set—that make a life full.

References:

• Hotel: Sina Centurion Palace
• The Pork Chop Restaurant: Trattoria Vini Da Arturo
• "Somebody Feed Phil": Venice Episode

Hosts: Amy Kathleen Smith | Insta @astoriedtable

Edited by: Ben Hill* | http://benhillsound.com/ | https://www.linkedin.com/in/benhillsound/

*starting with episode 60

Text me! Tell me something good!

He thought my “weather problem” meant a helicopter tour. I told him to put his shoes on anyway, and off we went into a rainy Florence evening—no clue a bright red Ferrari was waiting across the Arno.

Michael joins me at the table to relive our Florence, Italy stop—part of our Italy trip. We chat about the hotel that felt wildly fancy for the price, the river rushing from epic rain, and the scramble it took to pull off his 20th anniversary gift. I share the story behind booking a Tuscany Ferrari driving experience the hard way, why WhatsApp saved the day, and how we got a route through the Tuscan countryside—no boring track circles here!

Then, we dive into the good stuff: meeting Stefano (yes, a former Ferrari racer), learning the car’s personality, and hearing that engine echo through tunnels with Stefano counting us in: “one, two, three, go.” We swap a Chianti Classico tip (look for the rooster!), talk aperitivo and orange wine, and share those simple Florence moments—from a wine window near the Duomo to Mercato Centrale to that legendary Florentine steak.

If you’re up for a ride through Florence and Tuscany—Ferrari engines and all—hit play! And hey, if it made you smile or dream, share it with a friend who loves a great adventure!

Hosts: Amy Kathleen Smith | Insta @astoriedtable

Edited by: Ben Hill* | http://benhillsound.com/ | https://www.linkedin.com/in/benhillsound/

*starting with episode 60