What a pleasure to welcome Somto Ajuluchukwu to the podcast for such an incredibly spontaneous episode.

We actually met in the most unexpected way. I recognized him in the streets of San Lorenzo from an exhibition he had just opened. I simply stopped him to say congratulations, and just two hours later, we found ourselves sitting in the studio having this deep, intimate conversation.

Somto’s journey to this moment is fascinating. He came to Rome to present his exhibition, "Objects of Power"—a project born from a wonderful encounter during his visit to the MIA market. Through sculpture and new experimentations, he delivers a strong message, asking a powerful question: What if African civilizations were allowed to evolve uninterrupted?

In this episode, we dive into his creative process and what it means to truly express yourself as an artist. We talk about the magic of crossing paths with people, the art of experimenting, and his approach to the city. We also discuss why bringing this specific narrative to Rome is so significant, especially since, as he points out, "Rome was a city that thrived on conquest."

Somto brings a profound perspective to art, legacy, and life. Through our dialogue, we discover a beautiful reflection when he notes that "we give too much credit to remembering our names," and we explore how, amidst his artistic research and deep connection to the city, he has quietly found a true sense of home here in Rome.

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Finally, the sun came out in Rome, and it’s the perfect time to start meeting the characters of the city again.

I had the pleasure of encountering my guest, Djarah Kan, at the New Year Forum at Palazzo Farnese, where she was invited to talk about the future. Her peaceful and genuine energy left a mark on me, so I decided to invite her on the podcast.

Originally from Castel Volturno, a small town near Naples, she moved here four years ago seeking to experience invisibility in the capital—a fair place to start. Rome is so huge, with so many neighborhoods that seem like dozens of different cities.

In this episode, we go back to her first memories of visiting with her school and seeing the Colosseum and that blue sky. As she explains, it's a profound feeling of wonder when you come from a different place where you don’t have this kind of access to beauty.

We also talked about coming to a new city, making friends, and redefine what it means to belong, while also sharing the places she holds closest to her heart.

You’ll hear us dive deep into her work as an author—questioning fake realities, stepping out of imposed narratives, and the complex art of rebuilding your own identity.

Not surprisingly, after this intimate dialogue, it’s with love that we closed the chapter for today. Sharing, caring, and feeling at home.

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What a pleasure to welcome Mahithi to the podcast in the heart of November.

We met during the last edition of Casa Good Dramma. It reminds me exactly why I started organizing these gatherings: to spark connections like this one.

Mahithi’s story is unique: she moved to Rome just two weeks before the COVID lockdown. Yet, even isolated in a new city by herself, she never felt alone. It was that powerful initial experience that drew her back to finally make a home here. Surprisingly, she even found a deep resonance between the chaos and warmth of Rome and her birth city, Bangalore.

In this episode, we dive into the nuances of Roman daily life. We talk about the "village" feel of the neighborhoods (and why you rarely leave them!), the community you build on your doorstep, the art of saying "ciao," and the beauty of having a routine. You'll hear about how simple daily habits can bring unexpected happiness and connection.

Mahithi is truly a perfect match for this city. Through her journey, we discover that sometimes, being fully present is far more valuable than just being focused.

And stick around for the end—she shares her Top 5 favorite spots around Monteverde!

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