Podcast from Italy: Ashley & Jason Bartner

#186 - Why Italy has the highest life expectancy in Europe + A breakdown of Sanremo, Italy's biggest music showcase

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -0500

We've been busy with projects from planting artichokes to trimming trees and breaking down the flower boxes to build new ones. Ashley gets roasted by two elderly ladies in a hilarious exchange. Then we chat about the biggest week of the year in Italy showcasing original songs by new artists, Sanrenmo and breakdown how the voting works.

Italy has been named the best country in Italy to live the longest with the average age 84. We explain the 5 reasons why!

Later today, a wine tasting at Bruscia cantina for Ashley and tractor work in the garden for Jason!

Thanks for listening!

Visit our farm, inn and cooking school in Italy - La Tavola Marche www.latavolamarche.com and book your Spring or Summer 2026 stay and cooking class!!

#latavolamarche #podcastfromItaly #Italypodcast #expatsinItaly #lifeinItaly #Italianlife #sentiremedia #travelItaly #familytravel #agriturismo #sustainableliving #slowtravel

#185 - Italy, where the onions predict the weather

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Move over Punxsutawney Phil the Groundhog and make way for the onion! In Urbania, the weather for the year is predicted by a yellow onion! And this year's predictions are in! Plus there has been an incredible ancient discovery of a 2000 year old basilica in Fano! After a big snow in mid January, there is plenty of cleanup work from the fallen trees which means Gaggi is pumped up! Plus we are excited our feature in National Geographic is published!

Book your stay or a cooking class with us on your next trip to Italy! www.latavolamarche.com

#podcastfromItaly #Italypodcast #expatsinitaly #sentiremedia #italianfestivals #italy #lemarche #travel #italytravel #lifeinitaly

184 - Sometimes it's an 'All You Can Eat Sushi' Kind of Christmas + Pavarotti on Ice

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 09:00:00 -0500

A festive holiday recap including a few fun headlines from Italy! We chat about the 3 types of panettone and a man getting stopped the Swiss boarder with 66 panettone! A statue of Pavarotti was frozen into the ice rink in nearby Pesaro making national headlines! Due to illnesses, etc - plans changed for Christmas and we ended up at an all-you-can eat crappy sushi restaurant - was it empty or full?! Also New Year's eve traditions from fireworks to lentils!

Thanks for listening and Happy New Year!

Best, Ashley & Jason

La Tavola Marche (farm, inn and cooking school) in Le Marche, ITALY

https://www.latavolamarche.com

Details for the 5 Night Food & Wine Tour/Workshop with 2 Cooking Classes | MAY 25-30, 2026

https://www.latavolamarche.com/5-night--made-in-le-marche-food--wine-tour.html

#lifeinItaly #podcastfromItaly #italypodcast #expatlife #expatsinItaly #lifeinItaly #Italianfestivals #panettone #Italynews #Italy #travel #expatinItaly #sentiremedia #lemarche #tuscany #christmas #ChristmasinItaly #agriturismo #slowtravel

#183 - Thanksgiving as an Expat in Italy, Truffle Festivals and a Big Butchery Workshop!

Sun, 30 Nov 2025 09:00:00 -0500

It was a busy autumn from truffle festivals every weekend to ending the season with a big butchery workshop with guests! Jason scored big with another Ritchie Brothers auction and finally has the soil prepared properly for winter - at the right time and without breaking anything! It was a big deal, even Gaggi had a compliment! We chat a bit about what Thanksgiving is like for expats living in Italy. Jason tells stories of the Transumanza. And not only did we have our first snow of the year but Gaggi brought over the first panetone! The holiday season has officially begun!

Thanks for listening and Happy Holidays!

#lifeinItaly #expatlife #expatsinItaly #Italianholidays #thanksgiving #tractortalk #sentiremedia #italianfestivals #italy #travel #lemarche #cowherding

#182 - I was in The Ugly Club Festival Parade + A Helicopter Ride and the Polenta Festival

Sun, 28 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -0500

Dreams come true - in the last podcast we lamented about not being asked to participate in the local festivals after I couldn't obey the simple rule of 'respectful silence' well! Good thing the Ugly Club Festival was all about fun and I could talk to any and everyone! Wait till you hear the hilarious stories from the festival - including when I lock myself in the bathroom!

It was a wild few weeks in our valley - from a helicopter ride above the castle to the Polenta festival, plus we got a new mini rooster and Ashley was the interpreter for a wedding!

Thanks for listening!

Visit our farm, inn and cooking school in Le Marche, Italy: http://www.latavolamarche.com

#lifeinItaly #Italianfestivals #clubdeibrutti #polentafestival #theuglyclub #lemarche #italy #Italytravel #sentiremedia #expatlife #expatsinItaly

#181 - "Respectful Silence" and They don't make things like they used to...

Sat, 23 Aug 2025 09:00:00 -0500

It's time to buy a new stufa/wood burning insert for our fireplace and finding one made entirely of cast iron is much harder than it used it to be! In between guests and dinners for a few locals we have been wrenchin' and sanding & staining! This weekends Palio in Piobbico will most likely be rained out - but it reminded us of the story of the one & only time we have been asked to participate in a local festival but I just couldn't respect the silence!

Thanks for listening!

Visit our farm, inn and cooking school:

https://www.latavolamarche.com

Join us for our 4 Night Truffle Hunting Holiday: October 22-26, 2005 | 4 nights, 2 truffle hunts, 1 cooking class & market tour, lunch at the Hunter's Hideaway and trip to the National Truffle Festival for a white truffle tasting!

#lifeinItaly #expatsinItaly #expatlife #movetoItaly #trufflehunting #italianfestivals #italytravel #italy #travel #agriturismo

https://www.latavolamarche.com/4-night--truffle-hunting-holiday.html

Or reach out for one of our Move to Italy Workshops - either virtually or in person at our farmhouse!

https://www.latavolamarche.com/move-to-italy-workshops.html

#180 - Life in Italy - Small town summer festivals and the cost of an X-ray & MRI

Mon, 28 Jul 2025 09:00:00 -0500

From a 10 course fish feast at our farmhouse to pizza night with the oldies crew, guests and move to Italy workshops we have been busy! And when we have a bit of down time, we get a chance to visit a Rock n' BBQ festival, 50th wedding anniversary and a farmer's festival at the end of our road with mass and a procession with the Madonna. This is life in small town Italy in the summer - meals with friends and neighbors and tiny festivals that aren't what you think they will be!

Jason has his first visit to the eye doctor and freaks himself out, and Ashley shares the costs of a recent X-ray and MRI.

You can find Ashley's interview on Retire There Podcast here: https://www.retirethere.com/retire-in-piobbico-le-marche-italy-ep-215/

Thanks for listening!

Visit our farm, inn and cooking school in Italy: htttp://www.latavolamarche.com

Join us for a Truffle Hunting Holiday October 2025, Book the Farmhouse in 2026 or join us for one of our farm to table cooking classes in Italy!

#lifeinItaly #expatlife #expatsinItaly #Italiansummer #Italianfestivals #sentiremedia #italy #travel #movetoItaly #farmtotable #cookinginitaly

#179 - HOT local gossip from stolen cows to new road signs to nowhere

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 09:00:00 -0500

The summer heat has arrived! A look back on the last month's hapennings from the Hunter's Summer Lunch with Gaggi where everyone is fair game for his antics. Lots of HOT local gossip from stolen cows to new road signs to nowhere and preparing for an upcoming fish lunch with the oldies crew! Thanks for listening!!

#latavolamarche #podcastfromItaly #Italypodcast #Italianfestivals #lifeinItaly #expatlife

#178 - Feeling Old and the Story of How we Met Gaggi

Mon, 05 May 2025 09:00:00 -0500

For the first time in a long time, I go back and read a chapter summary from the untitled, unfinished, unpublished book about our first year in Italy - I expand and tell the story of how we meet good ol' Dr. Gaggi! Plus we are starting to feel old with all this summer work - wood chipping, pool cleaning, power washing.... Spring is in full swing!

Thanks for listening!

Stay & cook with us in Italy - www.latavolamarche.com

#177 - Gearing up to start the season!

Sun, 30 Mar 2025 09:00:00 -0500

Finishing up winter projects and starting spring ones - from sharpening knives to hauling manure, there's a little bit of everything to do before the first guests of the season arrive. As usual a classic Gaggi & Rossana story to lighten the mood, along with Jason's first attempt at Pastrami!

Thanks for listening!

176 - Restocking on Olive Oil, Vet Saga & KitchenAids are a Piece of Sh!t

Mon, 24 Feb 2025 09:00:00 -0500

Our big Great Dane, Leroy had a medical emergency that turned into a House episode & has been a month and a half of vet trips. In between his appointments I went to the Boar Hunter's end of the season lunch which is always fun! (A video and post are coming on Instagram!) And this last weekend was Gaggi's birthday - which means there was a plethora of funny stories to share of the birthday boy! (there may just be a post for this too, definitely a video!)

Our neighbor Pierangelo has been working on a stretch of our road - some spots better than others and has inspired Jason to chip in! Plus it's that time of year to start restocking the cantina with olive oil & we chat about what oils we like, when to use different ones and where they are from.

Speaking of ordering things for the upcoming season of guests - we finally kick our crappy KitchenAid to curb, after a short bitch session we share a few details about our new Swedish mixer.

Thanks for listening and we hope you can join us at our farm, inn and cooking school this year! www.latavolamarche.com

#lifeinItaly #expatsinItaly #countryliving #homesteading #italianfestivals #italianfeasts #extravirginoliveoil #sentiremedia

#175 - 50 kilos of homecured lard + the $1 Homes in Italy vs. 100% Property Tax for Foreigners in Spain

Sun, 26 Jan 2025 11:30:00 -0500

We first do a recap of the holidays - from Christmas Eve's fish dinner to La Befana festival in our tiny neighboring village of Urbania. Boar hunting season is nearly over and we live right in the thick of it - find out what gifts the hunters left us this year! Finally after nearly 11 months of curing our lard is ready - find out how it turned out! And the latest water cooler talk from our valley - the wood harvesting has begun! Then we chat about Spain's new decision to have a 100% tax on properties purchased by non-EU citizens - could Italy be next?!

#lifeinItaly #movetoItaly #expatsinItaly #expatpodcast #Italypodcast #Italyfestivals #Italianholidays #Italytravel

174 - Christmas in Italy & a roadtrip to Lucca, Cararra Marble Tour, Prato, Pisa & Padova

Thu, 19 Dec 2024 09:00:00 -0500

Finally a proper full episode - starting with a recap from a November to remember! We took our first road trip since getting dogs and visited the marble quarries above Cararra for an unforgettable private tour & then our thoughts on visiting: Lucca, Prato, Pisa and Padova! We chat about a few holiday favorites: mazzafegato & cotechino. And Jason is on a new donkey kick...! Happy Holidays and thanks for listening!! Buon Natale!

Chasing Crazy Dreams: Ashley Bartner's Journey from New York to an Organic Farm in Italy - A New Life in Italy

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 05:30:00 -0500

Welcome to another episode of New Life in Italy! I'm Samantha Wilson, and today, we’re diving deep into the power of chasing big dreams—especially the dream of moving to Italy and building a meaningful life here.

In this episode, I sit down with Ashley Bartner, the co-founder of La Tavola Marche, an organic farm, inn, and cooking school tucked away in the stunning countryside of Le Marche. Ashley and her husband, Jason, took the plunge 17 years ago, leaving their fast-paced lives in New York to start fresh in rural Italy. They didn’t have all the answers—just a dream, a lot of courage, and a willingness to figure things out along the way.

Ashley opens up about what it was really like to make such a big move, from learning the ropes of farming and hosting guests to teaching cooking classes and navigating life in Italy. She gets honest about the challenges too—like dealing with unexpected power outages in the middle of a Thanksgiving dinner for their neighbors—and how those moments helped them grow.

One of my favorite parts of our chat is hearing Ashley talk about the mindset it takes to follow a dream, even when it doesn’t make sense to anyone else. Her story is such a great reminder that the only person who needs to believe in your dream is you. We also dig into the realities of running an agriturismo—the hard work, the surprises, and the moments that make it all worthwhile.

As we wrap up, I challenge you to think about your own dreams. What’s that one thing you’ve always wanted to do but haven’t taken the leap yet? Whether it’s moving to Italy, starting a new career, or stepping into something completely unknown, I hope this episode inspires you to take the first step.

And don’t forget—if you’re serious about making Italy your new home, check out all the resources waiting for you at SmartMoveItaly.com. I’ve got guides, tips, and expert advice to make your move easier.

Stick around until the end of the episode, too! I’ll be answering listener questions about energy ratings for properties, pet passports, and the process of applying for a Permesso di Soggiorno.

So grab your espresso (or a glass of wine!), and let’s get inspired together. This is your New Life in Italy. Let’s make it happen!

Resources:

La Tavola Marche

The Podcast From Italy

Smart Move Italy

Rate, Review, & Follow

If you loved this episode and want to hear more, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to move toward their new life in Italy and live the life they deserve.

Tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. I’m adding new episodes every week and, if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Follow now!

If you want to learn more about ways that my team and I can help you live your dream life in Italy, visit us at www.smartmoveitaly.com or send me an email!

Until next time!

Ci vediamo!

Mentioned in this episode:

Sentire Media Website

APP Link

Sentire Media Website

APP Link

#173 - Autumn in Le Marche: Truffle Hunting & Festivals + the Annual Boar Hunters Lunch

Sun, 27 Oct 2024 09:00:00 -0500

An autumn episode of all of our favorite October happenings in our neck of the woods of Le Marche, Italy. Truffle season has begun along with each weekend another truffle festival! We took the guests to Sant'Angelo in Vado's festival to see and taste a gigantic frittata made with 600 eggs and 6 kilos of truffles! Then we were invited to the annual boar hunter's lunch which is always small town fun and especially since Gaggi joined us this year! An update on the garden and the saffron harvest is underway! Plus the countdown to closing for the season....

#lifeinItaly #Italianfestivals #truffles #trufflefestivals #expatsinItaly #Italy #travel

#172 - The Ugly Club

Mon, 30 Sep 2024 09:00:00 -0500

The air changed quickly and autumn has arrived, along with hunters of all sorts along our road - from mushrooms to hunting and tomorrow opens white truffles!! A short recap of September and a bit of history on the legendary Club dei Brutti - Ugly Club of Piobbico. And yes, we are both card carrying proud members!

Thanks for listening!!

#171 - Local August Festivals in Italy & Jarring Tomatoes

Sun, 01 Sep 2024 09:00:00 -0500

The height of summer is over but the heat is still strong! This short but jam packed episode is all about August - jarring tomatoes with ol' Dr. Gaggi and the usual shenanigans ensued + we packed a summer worth of festivals in the last 2 weeks: the Corn Races, Rally Drift Car Racing on Monte Nerone, a feast of Crostolo and today's the big Polenta feast in Piobbico!

Thanks for listening!!

And there are only a few spots left for our 4 night Truffle Hunting Holiday!

OCTOBER 30-NOVEMER 3, 2024

NOVEMBER 6-10, 2024

Day 1 - Arrive to Welcome Prosecco Aperitivi,

Followed by a Five Course Seasonal Feast paired with Superiore Wines from Le Marche

Day 2 - Morning Truffle Hunt & Lesson on Cultivated Truffle Gardens with Light Lunch

Afternoon: Four Course Dinner Party Cooking Class

Day 3 - Market Tour, Tasting & Lunch

Evening Italian Quiz Night, Aperitivi & Light Dinner or Visit the local Festivals

Day 4- Morning free to explore, Afternoon Truffle Hunt - this one is off the trails, over the rivers and deep into the woods

Evening - Aperitivi & Truffle Tasting at the White Truffle Festival

Day 5 - Breakfast & Departure

Includes:

4
nights accommodations at our farmhouse inn with your own spacious
private apartment with ensuite bathroom & kitchen/living room
breakfast daily
4 dinners + 2 lunches
local Marche wine included in all meals
2 truffle hunts with expert guides
guided market tour/tasting in Apecchio
half day cooking class with custom handmade apron to take home
quiz night with snacks & wine
aperitivo & truffle tasting at the White Truffle Festival in Acqualagna.

Get the details and RSVP: https://www.latavolamarche.com/truffle-hunting-holiday.html

#lifeinItaly #expatsinItaly #Italianculture #Italianfestivals #summerinItaly #Italytravel #LeMarche #trufflehunting #italianfeasts #agriturismo #sustainabletravel #sustainableliving #tuscany

170 - Midsummer Festivals in Small Town Italy

Tue, 30 Jul 2024 09:00:00 -0500

It's the dog days of summer, but here's an update on the garden and growing tomatoes 3 different ways and getting out & about as summer festival season kicks off! Then we discuss Italian kids and car seats or the lack there of!

#169 - Bitchn' bout Bureaucracy is BACK! Plus our #1 tip when making a reservation.

Sun, 30 Jun 2024 09:00:00 -0500

A fan favorite segment is back - Bitchn' bout Bureaucracy! However, this time it's not about immigration but Italian property taxes. Plus we share our number one tip while making a reservation for a table! An update on the farm, a sand storm and latest with Leroy, plus we voted in the latest EU elections! Thanks for listening!!

www.latavolamarche.com

#latavolamarche #podcastfromItaly #italypodcast #lifeinItaly #italianculture #expatsinItaly #Italytravel #agriturismo #expatlife #expatentrepreneur

168 - The Dark Truth Behind Truffles: Why the cost is much higher than you think!

Sun, 26 May 2024 09:00:00 -0500

Newsflash: Jason broke the plow, right away! So we are calling this the transition year in the garden & we explain what that means and why. After an unsuccessful trip into the woods for mushroom with the guests, it reminds me that we get asked a lot why we didn't get truffle hunting dogs or if we are training our dogs - the answer is darker than you may think as to why we won't ever get a truffle hunting dog. Speaking of animals - I had the opportunity to ride a quarter horse when I accidentally spent a morning with a group of Italian cowboys! Then we talk slice of life - Italian funerals (and Gaggi misbehaving) and 1st communion parties, as well as an unorthodox visit to the doctor's 'office.'

Thanks for listening!!

www.latavolamarche.com

#lifeinItaly #italy #italianculture #trufflehunting #expatsinItaly #expatlife #travel #italytravel #truffles #italianfestivals #italiancelebrations

#167 - Memories of our first trip to Italy, 18 years ago today

Thu, 25 Apr 2024 09:00:00 -0500

In this short & sweet or as Jason called it 'quick & dirty' episode we reminice about our first trip to Italy 18 years ago for our honeymoon and a few of the highlights & low points! Leroy is becoming an international stud, literally! And we shout out listeners from across the globe in interesting locations. Thanks for listening!!

Join our Truffle Hunting Holiday in October & November: https://www.latavolamarche.com/truffle-hunting-holiday.html

#lifeinItaly #italy #italianculture #trufflehunting #expatsinItaly #expatlife #travel #italytravel #truffles #italianfestivals #italiancelebrations

#166 - An Easter Episode: Making Pizza di Pasqua & Ciccioli (Pork Cracklings)

Sun, 31 Mar 2024 09:00:00 -0500

An Easter episode and recap of Spring! Jason explains not only how to make Crescia or Pizza di Pasqua a savory peppery Easter bread, as well as making homemade ciccioli (think pork cracklings), plus he shares his thoughts on using spent sourdough starter.

We put our old & new tractor to their first real test, hilarious stories from dinners with Gaggi & his wife Rossana, bidding on farm equipment and a flatbed dump truck at an online auction and then what happens when you 'win'?!

Thanks for listening and Buona Pasqua!

Ashley & Jason from La Tavola Marche (farm, inn and cooking school) in Le Marche, Italy

New dates added for this summer: https://www.latavolamarche.com/calendar.html

#Italy #Easter #lifeinItaly #homesteading #recipes #breadbaking #sustainableliving #sustainabletravel #agriturismo

#165 - Slaughtering our 1st pig, Carnevale Dolce & Boar Hunter's Lunch

Sun, 25 Feb 2024 10:00:00 -0500

#165 - Slaughtering our 1st pig, Carnevale Dolce & Boar Hunter's Lunch

Kicking off a new season of the podcast with a whirlwind of activity in our valley! We slaughtered our first pig with the help of our neighbors and then took nearly a week to process it all to be either cured, eaten right away or into the freezer! The same week Jason took his driver's test and we were invited to a hearty lunch hosted by the boar hunters to celebrate the end of the season. We found out the hard way Italian's thoughts on puzzles, it's puzzling!! And of course winter dinners with Gaggi & Rossana a.k.a. our version of the Costanza's! And for any weather station fans - you can find us on www.wunderground.com search station id: ISANTA1503 Thanks so much for listening!

#lifeinItaly #italy #italianculture #trufflehunting #expatsinItaly #expatlife #travel #italytravel #truffles #italianfestivals #italiancelebrations #homesteading

#164 - The Blessing of the Animals, Italian Driver's License Test, A New Tractor and Logistics of Slaughtering the Pigs

Mon, 29 Jan 2024 09:41:00 -0500

So much is talked about in this jam-packed episode! From buying a used tractor and figuring out the transportation to the logistics of slaughtering our pigs. In local life talk - we take the dogs to the blessing of the animals for Santo Antonio di Abate and Gaggi and Rossana pop over for an impromptu dinner. The winter party time is over and it's time to get back to work with projects before the first guests arrive ...

Thanks for listening!

#163 - Holiday Stories, Recipe for Wild Boar Sauce & A Major Award

Sun, 14 Jan 2024 10:16:00 -0500

A little holiday recap and memories of La Befana and the living nativity scenes of years past. Jason shares a local boar sauce recipe after the hunters left us a nice little thank you gift! And we return with a listener favorite and name the winner of a 'major award'... Join us September 5-8 for the Polenta Feast & Ugly Club (Club dei Brutti) festival in Piobbico and get evaluated and inaugurated into the internationally famous Ugly Club!

Thanks for listening!

# 162 - 2023 Recap

Wed, 13 Dec 2023 07:36:53 -0500

We are finally back after a great season of guests with stories about the farm, animals, guests and of course Gaggi!

#161 - Gelato is on the Menu + Wild Life Encounters deep in the Italian countryside

Thu, 11 May 2023 03:21:10 -0500

Spring is in full swing and we decided to procrastinate on a rainy evening & instead of working down our to-do list we recorded a new episode! We share crazy and funny wild life encounters at our farmhouse and along our road throughout the last 16 years! An update on our wifi (thanks to all that reached out with ideas!!), the garden, pigs and other projects. Plus we are now living that sweet warehouse life! Jason talks gelato now that we finally have a machine, he's busy recipe testing away!

#160 - Pasqua, Pigs & LARPing?!

Sun, 09 Apr 2023 12:53:19 -0500

Happy Easter from Italy! We've been busy with Spring projects as usual during early Spring but for the first time Jason was at the helm of the tractor when we prepared the soil! Was it all he had built up in his mind over these past 15 years...? The pigs have finally arrived and making themselves at home nicely, it's really feeling like a farm now! We discuss an interesting theory by a local butcher on why our cured sausages were a total fail. An update on archery and is this considered LARPing?! And of course since it's Easter we talk pane brusca or crescia di Pasqua or savory Easter bread, a local tradition in our neck of the woods.

#159 - Archery Classes, Formula 1 Racing & Clarkson’s Farm + A Chapter from the Book

Thu, 02 Mar 2023 05:29:18 -0500

This episode we connect the dots between our archery classes and the Ferrari Formula 1 racing team - we have something very funny in common! Our thoughts on "Clarkson's Farm" along with seed planning for this year. Then hot talk on appliances! It's a wild one! After that, stick around because I read a chapter from the book! Thanks for listening!!

#158 - Pigs, Lake Garda and a Traffic Light

Thu, 16 Feb 2023 08:30:11 -0500

We’re getting pigs! An update on their arrival and the winter weather along with water cooler talk about what everyone’s talking about in Piobbbico…!! We take a little getaway to Lake Garda and visit Verona for the European Outdoor Show. There’s a short break in the podcast when Gaggi calls for an update on the weather and then promptly tells us we must be wrong!
An update on our energy bill and a disgusting story about country living and a major bullet dodged! Plus listen to the end to find out our new exciting hobby…! Thanks for listening!

#157 - Holiday Recap

Tue, 10 Jan 2023 10:02:11 -0500

A festive holiday recap - from dinner on Christmas and New Year's Eve with good ol' Dr. Gaggi to a satanic ritualistic sacrifice of sorts in the main piazza of Urbania during the La Befana children's festival vs. our memories of the same even 15 years ago and my has it changed! The sausages & salami have been made and hanging from the rafter, find out from Jason how he thinks they will turn out due to all this warm weather. Plus a sneak peek at the 2023 calendar as we discuss ideas for Meat Week in September. But the most exciting news - Friday we are one step closer to getting pigs!

Thanks for listening!!

#156 - 6 months later... + 8 Memorable Christmas Market in Italy

Tue, 13 Dec 2022 06:26:01 -0500

Ok so maybe this has become a bi-annual podcast! For those of you still listening, we start back in June and summer weather and the garden, then a hilarious story about our getaway to the Mediterranean where everything went wrong. An update on the "animal zone" including our newest edition to the farmhouse - Leroy our big blue Great Dane puppy! On to autumn and truffles, the soaring cost of energy and then remembering a few of our favorite Christmas markets in Italy and Europe!

Happy Holidays!!!

#155 - Jam Packed Update on Everything!

Sun, 05 Jun 2022 06:20:10 -0500

It's been six months since our last podcast, there's a lot to catch you up on! From 'what's new in 2022' including my big ticket impulse purchase & an update on our citizenship to our 'new' tractor, and daily life in Italy: cyber attacked, cow herding up the mountain, the cost of la dolce vita is going up and so much more!

#154 - FICO, Foot Surgery & Farm Animals

Mon, 10 Jan 2022 04:59:32 -0500

A review of my trip to FICO Eataly in Bologna, tales from an Italian hospital for foot surgery and Jason's new adventures with our neighbor's farm animals! A jam packed, hilarious podcast that's for sure. Thanks for listening!!

#153 - Thanksgiving Leftovers

Fri, 26 Nov 2021 12:43:10 -0500

From an overpriced wine tasting to tractor shopping, a hilarious Gaggi story and memories of Thanksgiving past - we hope you enjoy the latest episode!

# 152 - Finally we are BACK! Glory Garden, Citizenship, Summer Getaways along the Adriatic

Thu, 30 Sep 2021 04:42:24 -0500

After a 6 month podcast hiatus we are BACK! With a hilarious update on life in the Italian countryside! From the glory garden and dry hot summer to a random rave, citizenship updated and meet the newest cat tiktoker! We share a few of our summer travels to Ravenna and Civita Nova Marche and laugh about my terrible ordering choices at a fancy bar. Thanks for listening!!

#151 - An action packed podcast!

Thu, 11 Mar 2021 08:51:33 -0500

This week we are on fire, a lot has happened in our neck of the woods since the last podcast! From vongole shenanigans with Gaggi & Rossana, road work update, a "new look" for our old grocery store, a trip to the Farmer's Union, new tools for the garden, and answering questions about salt & yeast! Thanks for listening

#150 - A few of your questions answered & a chapter from the book, Truffle Mania

Mon, 01 Mar 2021 02:28:51 -0500

After the snow the air has changed and it feels like Spring! We are busy soaking up the sun while working outside with the usual late winter cleanup of brush and tree trimming. Local gossip: the road meeting happened, we'll see if any action is taken. We answer a few of your questions until Jason is annoyed. And I read another chapter of the untitled, unpublished, unfinished book about our first year in Italy! Thanks for listening!

#149 - Fake Business is Booming & Eco Bonus Breakdown

Sat, 06 Feb 2021 08:52:54 -0500

A Tim Dillon inspired podcast about conducting Fake Business of all sorts in Italy! A lunch in Fano with Gaggi & Rossana and an update from our neck of the woods with a breakdown on what we've learned about the Eco Bonus to restore a property.

The Covid Questionnaire to enter Italy: https://infocovid.viaggiaresicuri.it/returningtoitaly.html

Check out the Tim Dillon Show Podcast - https://www.timdilloncomedy.com/

#148 - Lardo, Lockdown & Restoring a Ruin, winter update from Italy

Tue, 19 Jan 2021 07:46:28 -0500

Finally, a new episode! An update on the snow and salami curing, what we've been up to the past 3 months, along with our quick thoughts on 2021 travel and the big talk of town, the Euro Super Bonus! We're thinking of restoring a ruin...!

#147 - All About The Cinque Terre, Carrara, Lucca & Lardo

Mon, 05 Oct 2020 10:05:33 -0500

Road trip! The first week of September we visited the Cinque Terre for the first time, along with Carrara and Lucca. We share our favorites - focaccia, beach and the best way to see the famed five villages (hint it's not hiking!) As usual our travels revolve around food and the real objective to our stop in Carrara was for the local lard! Once back home we have been prepping early for winter plus a fish feast with Gaggi & his hunting buddy as a preemptive thank you for their morning coffees during the hunting season. It's a jam packed podcast!

#146 - Stories about Polenta & How to get an Italian Driver’s License

Wed, 26 Aug 2020 02:56:49 -0500

Our days are spent jarring tomatoes, berry picking and not much else. Our big event this summer was Ferragosto and the old school Polenta Feast! We tell stories from this years festivities plus we read a another chapter from the book and it’s all about the first polenta festival we held at our farmhouse 13 years ago! An update on our immigration and listener Q&A: How to get a driver’s license in Italy as an expat.

#145 - Update Post Surgery and Listener Q&A about Moving to Italy

Mon, 13 Jul 2020 12:22:54 -0500

We give you an update on how the surgery went for Jason's torn rotator cuff in a humorous recount of his hospital stay. A garden update - what to do with hundreds of kilos of potatoes?! Then we answer your questions about moving to Italy and starting a business along with sharing Ashley's dinner/cooking playlist favorites!

#144 - Surgery in Italy: Private vs. Public, Immigration Frustrations & Eating Out

Tue, 23 Jun 2020 11:36:36 -0500

An update from sunny central Italy! While the virtual Move to Italy Workshops have been a great success (we are extending them thru the summer!), the virtual cooking classes are a technological fail due to our shoddy satellite internet. The garden is growing and looking amazing, eating beats, radishes, lettuces and carrots already! We take a few trips out and discover our new favorite way to eat out without worry of social distancing. Then a bit of immigration frustration and bitchin' about bureaucracy. And the biggest update - Jason needs surgery after tearing his rotator cuff and we weigh the options of private vs. public health care and the pricing.

#143 - 1st Outing since Lockdown, Listener Q&A and Recipe for Nocino

Mon, 01 Jun 2020 09:44:53 -0500

This week’s podcast we sit outside, mid-day on the patio and answer your questions sent in via email/instagram/Facebook - everything from what we miss most from the States to how to make pizza sauce! We share our local recipe for Nocino (walnut liquor/digestivo). Of course, an update on the garden and Dr. Gaggi! And more details on the Virtual Move to Italy Workshop and Cooking Classes. Thanks for listening!

#142 - The Latest from Italy - Restrictions/Openings, Bread Baking Tips & the Garden

Mon, 18 May 2020 11:58:22 -0500

Thanks for waiting, there hasn't been much new in our neck of the woods. We give you an update on the restrictions and openings in Italy. Jason shares a few common bread baking problems and tips to he's learned along the way. And Gaggi returns to the Garden...

#141 - Country Living has it’s perks - bartering is back!

Mon, 06 Apr 2020 16:39:03 -0500

An update from deep in the Italian countryside! Bartering is alive and well in the foot hills of the Apennines, and we are now making our living off our free-range eggs! We answer your question on if we will reboot our online cooking classes, announce the ‘winner’ of our photo submission request and share our new favorite Italian TV show, Cammionisti in Trattoria. Jason scratches the surface of his bread baking obsession. Ashley reads a few chapters from the book - The Art of the Mushroom Hunt, A Patron Saint and The Harvest.

Thanks for listening!!

#140 - Living in Italy during the Lockdown

Fri, 13 Mar 2020 04:59:04 -0500

An update from our neck of the woods in Le Marche, Italy during the nationwide shutdown/lockdown. Living la vita lockdown (a bad pun for Jason!), staying home & healthy, busy as usual with projects around the farmhouse and hoping for the best come April! Be sure to share your photos of where you listen to the podcast with #podcastfromItaly or message us on Facebook or Instagram!

#139 - Rebuilding the Coop = A trip to the ER

Thu, 27 Feb 2020 13:34:36 -0500

A Coronavirus update from our neck of the woods in Le Marche, Italy. Back to work and Ashley's quickly on the IR (injured reserve)! The weather took a strange turn from mild and sunny to a snowstorm in hours. Plus Ashley reads another 2 chapters from the unpublished, unfinished book!!

#138 - House Hunting in Italy | Exploring Ruins with a Realistic POV

Mon, 17 Feb 2020 06:04:48 -0500

A warm winter across Italy is bringing Spring vegetables to the market in February. Jason goes down the rabbit hole on local items for sale on FB Marketplace. He shares a few of his big finds! In celebration of carnevale we prepare cresce di Pasqua but end up with 8 kilos of FAIL! Water cooler talk in town is all about curing sausages! We learn we are not alone with some of problems this year curing our salami & sausages. And in the midst of winter projects we explore a nearby ‘ruin’ on our continuing quest to find our ‘forever home’ for one day…

#137 - This Ain't No Bathtub Gin

Fri, 07 Feb 2020 05:02:09 -0500

Preperations for carnevale are in full swing & the parade of endless sweets: castagnole, struffoli, cookies and so much more! We finally answer your burning question, Where’s the Tractor? Which leads us into a discussion on the garden and learning how to start thousands of seeds for our tomatoes, onions,… everything! On a recent wine tasting (for research purposes only), I happily discover a nearby winery, is one of the last in Italy making vin santo in the antique way - hanging the grapes in the kitchen rafters & letting the fireplace slowly smoke & cure the grapes before they make the wine. Another chapter from the Book: This Ain't No Bathtub Gin

#136 - How Much Does it Cost to Move to Italy? & Italian Truck Stop Diners

Mon, 27 Jan 2020 11:13:58 -0500

Preparing for a move to Italy? We share a few of the most frequently asked questions and offer our candid answers: How much does it cost to move to Italy? Can I buy a house in Italy as a Foreigner? and How to Open a Bank Account in Italy. An update on the 2020 Salami & Sausage making and the annual “Great Salt Debate” with Dr. Gaggi. We chat about the real cost of cheap flights and a truck stop find in Imola! Winter projects continue and it’s time to plan out our new greenhouse! I read 2 chapters from the Book - Running Over the Hill & Guests - a look back at our first summer in Italy. Thanks for listening!!

#135 - Avanti un Altro.... and the Holiday Wrap Up

Thu, 09 Jan 2020 05:33:53 -0500

A jam packed post holidays podcast! After a quick look at the 2020 calendar of cooking workshops we're planning at the farmhouse, we jumped right in. We had a lot to talk about this episode: From the death defying drive over the Apennines with Gaggi & Ashley’s debut at the Christmas concert, to our thoughts on Livorno. Then we spent New Years in Corsica and finished the holiday season with the annual Festa della Befana in our neighbouring village of Urbania. A little reminiscing about our first time to the festival, 14 years ago! The conversation turns to the difficulties & realities of farming in Italy today. But what we are really excited to talk about is Avanti un Altro, a spectularly Italian, over the top, game show! We share why this has become our new favorite, must-see TV show!

#134 - Holiday Happenings & Memories of our 1st Christmas in Italy

Tue, 24 Dec 2019 14:06:07 -0500

A recap of all the holiday happenings in town from cappelletti making with Dr. Gaggi to Christmas cookies, Jason's scarring trip to the salon, 'war games' and packs of wild boar... there's lots going on in our valley lately! Plus Ashley reads a chapter from the book - remembering our first Christmas in Italy and that it wasn't what we had imagined...

Buon Natale!!

#133 - Road trip thru the Alps: The Food, Wine, Culture

Fri, 06 Dec 2019 07:58:11 -0500

Celebrating Thanksgiving with a road trip thru the Alps to find our Christmas trees to bring home to Le Marche! Our set destinations: Verona, Vipiteno, Innsbruck, Soprabolzano, Moena & Trento - stopping for cheese, meats, wines, hockey and Christmas markets along the way! Sharing a few of our favorite meals & memories - we realize we eat a lot!

Thanks for listening to this holiday episode of our inconsistent podcast from Italy!!

#132 - Cashmere Road & Details on the Advanced Workshop: The Sunday Lunch

Wed, 06 Nov 2019 05:10:19 -0500

The last guests of the season have checked out and we've got time to fire up the mics for a new podcast! This episode: Truffle Season updates & inside scoop, we just finished a 4 night Truffle Workshop so lots of great info to share!! Just as we are finishing the season, the house kicks back and throws us a curve ball...

Now that we are closed for winter, it's time to start planning our trip north to the Alps for this year's Christmas Tree! Plus we share the details of our first ever Advanced Workshop for returning guests only.

Thanks for downloading & listening!!

#131 - Truffles in the Forecast & My Italian Hospital Experience: Surgery in Italy

Tue, 01 Oct 2019 03:29:52 -0500

It’s been a busy 2 months at the farmhouse so we start the podcast with a summer update on what’s growing, cooking, delivery of wood and our ‘staycation’ in Fano.
The weather forecast for autumn: Truffles!!! The talk of town is this should be a good year for white truffles with the ‘hunting season’ opening 1 October in Le Marche.
We a day at the Fano hospital for a small surgery Ashley needed and share some of our observations and differences in hospitals in Italy vs. the US.

A big shout out to our podcast listeners turned guests - you guys are amazing, thank you for all your support! The 2020 calendar of workshops is available online at www.latavolamarche.com - we hope the rest of you can stay & cook with us too!

#130 - Heat Wave & How To: Toll Booth's in Italy

Mon, 01 Jul 2019 16:29:30 -0500

A jam packed podcast: from piloting a boat along the Adriatic coast (when we had no idea what we were doing!), a small town boxing match & festival where we grilled our own bistecca, a very official letter from the local Post Master to finally, how to navigate the toll booth's in Italy! Thanks so much for listening!

#129 - Urbino, Furlo & Gubbio Staycation + Father's Day Gift Guide for the Pizza Maker

Fri, 24 May 2019 02:37:23 -0500

We're up early & excited to share with you a few of our favorite local gems! After a 'staycation' with friends visiting we rediscovered our love for Urbino, the Furlo Gorge, Urbania & Gubbio. A Father's Day gift guide for the pizza maker, with a round up of a few tried & true tools we use. Local gossip: EU & Regional elections!

#128 - Easter & Spring Holidays: How to Shop + Cow Herding in Italy

Fri, 03 May 2019 02:39:46 -0500

Easter celebrations, Liberation Day, Primo Maggio - all fell within 2 weeks this year! A recap of the festivities and how to grocery shop during the holidays (when shops are closed Sunday & Monday and we have a dinner for 25 on Tuesday). We've been busy around the farmhouse with lots of projects that have been checked off the to-do list - new patio, irrigation and more. Plus another chapter from the book: La Transumanza (cow herding in Italy!)... and we announce the 2020 calendar for La Tavola Marche (farm, inn & cooking school!)

#127 - BIG Announcement + the newest addition to the farmhouse

Sun, 31 Mar 2019 11:21:37 -0500

We are so excited to make a BIG announcement on our podcast!! A very big collaboration is in the works and we share it here first! Plus a visit to AgriUmbria (agricultural expo) to pick out this years hens. A garden & Gaggi update of course along with the wild price of shutters. Yes, shutters. Easter is on it's way and Jason has been busy practicing the recipe for a local Easter bread, crescia di brusca. Plus I read 2 more chapters from the untitled, unfinished, unpublished book!

#126 - Do you need an International Drivers License?

Sun, 10 Mar 2019 17:26:16 -0500

A lot to catch up on since our last podcast! Just in time for Spring & Summer travel to Italy, we share the inside scoop on international drivers licenses and if it's worth the trip to AAA. An impromptu discussion on grappa and what it really is and an update on the garden and the latest projects around the farmhouse. Plus Ashley reads 2 chapters from the un-named/published/finished book!

#125 - Understanding the levels of 'B.S.' in Italian + How to Use a Wood Oven + Airport Strikes

Mon, 14 Jan 2019 05:47:54 -0500

Whenever conversations in Italy turn to politics, multiple terms for 'B.S.' are woven like rich tapestry into the discussion. We decided to explore the complex levels of severity when using the term "B.S." in Italian!

After a winter getaway to Budapest to see comedian Bill Burr we share a few of the highlights of this stunning city along the Daube. Our short trip gets longer as we are hit by winter weather delays and airport closures due to strikes in Germany & Italy! Back home, we're planning for the next season of guests and cooking classes including the Wood Oven Workshop. Jason explains the thoughts behind creating the workshop and menu choices to highlight utilizing the oven at different temperatures.

#124 - The Worldest Largest Christmas Tree Lighting

Fri, 14 Dec 2018 11:34:17 -0500

We visit Gubbio for the World's Largest Christmas Tree Lighting! Gearing up for the holidays with bread baking and cappelletti making. A quick medical report/update, tracking an animal in the fresh snow...it's never dull in the countryside!

#123 - Christmas Markets in the Alps + "German Spa Rules"

Wed, 05 Dec 2018 02:49:13 -0500

A holly jolly packed podcast upon our return from a road trip to the Alto Adige/Sud Tirol/Alps! From minor league hockey, a wood working workshop to endless Christmas markets we recount our week including our first experience with "German Spa Rules"...! Happy Holidays

#122 - When DIY in Italy goes wrong...+ Truffles & Antiques Festivals

Tue, 13 Nov 2018 15:23:57 -0500

Ahhh 'la dolce vita' the good life in Italy, that usually doesn't include visions of a broken pump and loosing water for 5 days! After a long and busy season we are finally back with a proper podcast. The water saga, antiquing in Arezzo, Truffles & Cappelletti making with Dr. Gaggi

#121 - Short & Dirty

Mon, 03 Sep 2018 04:06:39 -0500

After a summer hiatus from podcasting (it's our busiest time of the year at the farmhouse) we are back for a short & dirty podcast. Just checking in to say Ciao!

#120 - House Hunting in Italy Tips & Bitchin' About Bureaucracy

Mon, 04 Jun 2018 17:02:11 -0500

Thanks for tuning in to our latest podcast from Italy. Sharing a slice of our Move to Italy Workshops - we share a few tips & important questions to ask while house hunting in Italy! Then we turn to bitchin' about bureaucracy while stewing in paper work and immigration. Plus few updates for the farmhouse & the local gossip!

#119 - The Road to Italian Citizenship...it's a long road! A Wood Oven is for more than just Pizza!

Wed, 02 May 2018 07:54:56 -0500

A month after our last podcast & Spring has sprung! The chickens, turkey & rooster are happyily roosting in their new home - our coop! Spring garden updates and improvements...and frustrations! Jason explains how he utilizes our wood oven at different temperatures & cook many more dishes than just pizza, even a chocolate cake! The we chat about our 10+ year road to Italian citizenship and the latest in the saga!

Thanks so much for listening, Jason & Ashley

#118 - An Easter Episode, including a WWII bomb found in Fano!

Mon, 02 Apr 2018 07:23:49 -0500

It's Easter Monday and with full bellies we waddled to the mics for another podcast! Crescia di Pasqua vs. Colomba - local Easter eats! Spring update from the farm, an outlook on this years truffle season, Spring Events in the area and the long anticipated conclusion to our lighting dilema in the kitchen! Plus the biggest news of the area - a WWII bomb was found & triggered in Fano! Thanks for listening!

#117 - D.I.Y vs. Hire the Pro, Move to Italy Workshop, Politics & Jeremiah Tower's Thoughts on Food

Sat, 10 Mar 2018 10:30:27 -0500

Holy Smokes - it's a crap-shoot most days in Italy if you will get everything crossed off your to-do list. The fireplace and kitchen are damn near done just in time for guests to arrive in less than a week! Which makes us pose the question - when to D.I.Y and when to hire the pros...A SPEICAL OFFER for our Podcast Listeners for our Move to Italy Workshops! Jaosn comments on Jeremiah Tower's article/interview in Bon Apetite and cooking with what's in fashion vs. what's in season. A little local gossip of course and the usual updates from our farmhouse. What happens when you have credit card fraud in Italy? (Pray it doesn't happen) A few thoughts on the election coverage and politics in Italy. And GPS vs. an old school DRIVING MAP!

Be sure to head to our blog - latavolamarche.blogspot.com for photos promissed in the podcast!

#116- What it's REALLY like when it SNOWS in the Italian Countryside! + Another Chapter of the Book

Tue, 27 Feb 2018 14:02:09 -0500

This week podcast is brought to you by Procrastination! As the snow continues to fall we put off painting and fire up the mics for another podcast! From the most amazing samples at the grocery store to Gaggi's birthday, we tell a few tells and explain what a typical day in the snow is like living in the Italian countryside!

Thanks for listenting!

#115 - Barcelona Travel Tips, Questions about High End Hospitality + Chapter 13 from The Book!

Sun, 18 Feb 2018 05:51:54 -0500

This week's podcast we apologize to the Florence airport for our disparaging words on a previous podcast and then quickly take back the apology! An invitation to Barcelona for a five start hotel opening at the Alamanac means a surprise winter getaway to one of our favorite ciities! We share a few of the best tapas bars & spots to visit off the beaten path. Staying at the ritzy new hotel makes us ask ourselves the question about what the definition of high end hospitality is today. After seeing a photo of us dressed up & Jason in a Tux Gaggi comments on Jason's resemblence to certain infamous Producer...it's hysterical! Always there's an update from the farm and what we've been up to from Fish on Friday's, Carnevale and the local gossip about the price of wine in 2018! And finally another chapter from The Book, Chapter 13: The Doctor's In -- thanks for listening! Ashley & Jason

#114 (FILE UPDATED)- "Breaking & Entering" Do's & Don'ts and Why Coffee Pods Suck

Sun, 28 Jan 2018 15:19:46 -0500

A light hearted Sunday podcast sharing on thoughts on life in Italy - from our discoveries while doing a little light "breaking & entering" along our road to Spring Festivals and why coffee pods suck! Plus find out what cardinal sin we commited at lunch with Gaggi! Thanks for listening!!

#113 - Airports: Florence vs. Ancona, Long Layovers & Italian “Public Relations”

Wed, 17 Jan 2018 15:50:35 -0500

A January update from our farmhouse & cooking school! With 55 kilos of salami hanging in our rafters, we’re adding another 55 kilos of sausages this Saturday. This warm winter we are ready for winter projects around the house after a short trip away. We flew out of our local airport of Ancona which was a pleasure (especially compared to Florence) and we share a priceless long layover travel tip! THanks for listening!!

#112 - Merry Christmas Eve -we had to call the Fire Dept!

Sun, 24 Dec 2017 12:35:27 -0500

A festive Christmas Eve episode with the holiday higlights from around town! An update on the kitchen renovation - it's finally done and then the fire department arrived...find out why! Happy Holidays - Buon Natale, Ashley & Jason

#111 - Black Friday in Italy, A Pumpkin Pie Disaster, Paid Magazine Articles & Old Rope...

Tue, 28 Nov 2017 06:54:58 -0500

In a post turkey/stuffing/pumpkin pie haze we covered a lot of ground this podcast plus another chapter of the Book! After we took the dog (dog sitting for our Dutch neighbors) on a frozen walk we fired up the mics! A little late to the party - Italy joined America by enthusiastically celebrating Black Friday with crazy sales & on thoughts on this. But first RAI (Italian TV station) arrived to interview us during our Thanksgiving Prep for a (what I hope to be lovely & endearing) segment on life in Le Marche, then returned the next day for a pumpkin pie recipe demo...it was a disaster!! We go into detail on Jason's pumpkin pie excuses.... Then we tie up a few loose ends of stories we never finished: wood delivery, Fusciani and staying at Ca' Camone. Stories of Gaggi (he's here every morning -before AND after hunting) as usual which prompts Jason to ask which is a better way to live: reusing old rope or buying a new one! Then I rant about receiving emails from online magazines offering to feature us in their magazine if we want to PAY! That's not an article - that's an advertisement!! We ramble on about life and winter projects as usual... I finish up the podcast with Chapter 12: An Easter Feast

#110 - Truffle Hunting, Immigration Costs & Christmas Trees Shopping in Italy

Thu, 09 Nov 2017 03:44:17 -0500

Now that the last guests have checked out for our 2017 season we are ready for winter projects & a christmas tree! But before we closed the doors and began to batton down the hatches we hosted a truffle hunting weekend! Jason stews over being nickle & dimed in the immigration process and begins to add up the costs already associated with our Italian citizenship! Then a little "Yummy" talk and our thoughts on adults this word! Plus the continuation of The Book!! Chapter 11: Spring in like a Lion, out like a ... fox.

Thanks for listening!!!

#109 - Kitchen Renovations in a 500 year old farmhouse & Health Care in Italy

Sun, 29 Oct 2017 15:25:56 -0500

An autumn update - from the garden and our first frost to kitchen renovations planned for the winter! We announce our 2018 calendar of cooking classes and workshops along with Ashley's thought's on the health care system in italy vs. the US.

#108 - The Big NEWS on house hunting! Plus a spontaneous Skydiving adventure!

Mon, 02 Oct 2017 06:32:29 -0500

For the faithful podcast listeners your questions will be answered in this podcast on where we are moving next! It feels good to have made a decision and now it's time to get to work with the house projects we want to tackle before the 2018 season begins! In local news: Thankfully September has brought mild wet weather - perfect for mushroom hunting - so this is the talk of town, along with the road work being down on our white road - Via Candigliano. And to top of the podcast/week - we went skydiving with the porchetta guy! Thanks for listening!!

#107 - House Hunting in Italy Continues...

Thu, 07 Sep 2017 13:09:19 -0500

We're back with this podcast all about our house hunting and negotiating wooes! Plus the latest lineup of food festivals in the area this September. Of course there's the usual morning banter and update from the garden!

#106 - Latest Local Gossip

Sun, 13 Aug 2017 14:25:04 -0500

Ciao from HOT and dry Italy! We've had a heatwave for what feels like all summer but this Sunday morning was nice and cool after a steady soft rain so without watering in the garden to do - we fired up the mics to share the hottest local gossip in town! From an antique credit card machine to funeral fun and the hot topic of immigration/refugees. This week is a bit of a downer, we're not gonna lie!

#105 - Thoughts on Italian Fine Dining in Italy...

Tue, 18 Jul 2017 03:34:31 -0500

After a little local gossip - we share our thoughts on fine Italian dining after a lunch at a Michellin Starred restaurant in Le Marche. Another chapter from the book: Porchetta Passion

Thanks for listening!

#104- Bolsena & Orvieto Summer Travel & An Interview with the Brother!

Fri, 23 Jun 2017 08:51:51 -0500

We snuck away while family was in town to Lake Bolsena and Orvieto for a few days to explore Lazio and enjoy the tourist free lake...but more importantly due to listener demand we have interviewed Jason's brother Zack (aka Fat Zac) and we hope you enjoy the banter!

#103 - New Copper Cookware for our Cooking Classes + More from the Book

Tue, 06 Jun 2017 17:57:15 -0500

It feels like Christmas in June with a huge delivery of copper cookware for our cooking classes!! Jason researched for months and explains his choice - listen to find out who we went with and why. Plus I read a few more chapters of the book including "Welcome to the Neighborhood" delivering apple pies to our new neighbors...

#102 - The Barnum & Bailey Circus Show of Food

Wed, 24 May 2017 16:47:12 -0500

On a gorgeous Spring day we record the podcast outside under the cherry tree & talk about blowing Gaggi's mind with...fresh peas! We comment on the freak show of food videos filling our facebook feed and more excerpts from the Book: The Wood Bandits & Learning to Live & Cook Slow

#101 - A Trip to Puglia

Sun, 07 May 2017 07:24:31 -0500

Our season is underway with yoga retreats, cooking classes & bottling wine! An update on the coop - it's a full house with our new chickadees! During a break in guests we snuck away South to Puglia and tell you all about our adventure in buying caccio cavallo!

#100 - April Snow Storm & Thought on Train Travel

Wed, 19 Apr 2017 07:19:07 -0500

A freak April snowstorm hit just before we fired up the mics! An Easter recap, Gaggi's thoughts on our new car, the trials & tribulations of having a pool and our thoughts on train travel in Italy!

#99 - Fired up for the first cooking class of the season, vlogging pains...and more excerpts from The Book!

Thu, 06 Apr 2017 16:34:51 -0500

We are fired up for our first cooking class of the season - pizza, only to have a classic April shower washout. The workshop went great - we just don't know if it was the content or all the food & wine!! Jason shares one of his favorite lamb recipes. And Ashley shares her frustrations on vlogging...damn Casey Neistat! This week - we share a few more excerpts from the unpublished, unnamed, unfinished book!

#98 - Ahh the beauracracy, it can come 8 years later and bite ya! + Chapter 4 of The Book

Tue, 21 Mar 2017 08:57:20 -0500

We are in full spring cleaning mode - from painting the guest rooms, working in the garden, planting flowers and taking care of business before the guests arrive in a week and half! That means tieing up loose ends with our immigration and farmer's union as well....We find out the hard way that even 8 years later the beauracracy can come back and bite ya if you didn't take care of it properly. Lots of dinner with Gaggi and his totally comedic frustration of a dinner with bread. And Chapter 4 of the untitled, unpublished book about our move to Italy 10 years ago!

Please subscribe to our Youtube Channel and check out all our latest Vlog from Italy videos!

Podcast #97 - 48 Hours in Venice & Chapter 3 of the Book!

Thu, 23 Feb 2017 06:34:49 -0500

This week is a doozey! We share with you our honest opion of 48 hours in Venice with a few great recommendations including a truck stop for lunch! We are getting ready for the start of the season and busy working on the vlog & projects around the house. While trying to support his strong back, Jason is strengthening his mind...with basic algebra and a little music from Tennesse Earnie Ford. And back by popular demand...another excerpt from "The Book" - Chapter 3! Thanks for listening!!

#96 - An Excerpt from The Book

Fri, 10 Feb 2017 06:53:19 -0500

After catching you all up on the latest happenings: from ladri in Piobbico to carnevale & citrus season we swtich it up and read an excerpt from the unpublished book Ashley started years ago...

Thanks for listening and send us your comments & quetions to read on an upcoming episode!

#95 - Home for the Winter & 50 Kilos of Salami Making

Fri, 13 Jan 2017 09:18:08 -0500

Happy 2017! After spending the holidays in France we share the differences vs. Italy. While we were away Gaggi stayed busy with yard work just in time for the snow storm on it's way! And our annual tradition continues - we made 50 kilos of salami with Gaggi & Vittorio! Thanks for listening & buon anno nuovo!

#94 - Christmas Gift List & 10 Year Anniversary in Italy

Thu, 15 Dec 2016 15:16:46 -0500

After a month of work at the house and visiting family in the States, we are back reminiscing about our first Christmas in Italy, 10 years ago! Jason runs down his top list of Christmas gifts for the cook and we compare Christmas in the States vs Italy.

Happy Holidays!!

#93 - Turkey Talk & Planning Your Holiday Meal

Sun, 13 Nov 2016 10:32:11 -0500

We woke to the first hard frost of the year after a light snow on Saturday. Jason shares his tips for menu planning and preparing your holiday feast! From brining the turkey to making the most of your equipment - plan ahead & you'll do great! We talk Italian politics from the new garbage bins to Renzi's reform. Happy Holidays & thanks for listening!

#92 - Truffle Hunting Adventures & Celebrating Ogni Santi

Tue, 01 Nov 2016 06:19:16 -0500

It's the end of the season at La Tavola Marche (farm, inn & cooking school), we fire up the mics as we prepare for winter. Thankfully safe & sound after another round of earthquakes in Central Italy, we chat about our mezzo-gallo (half rooster), kimchi & stocking up on olive oil. Ashley shares her truffle hunting adventures and Jason explains the traditions of local hunters and the unique feast for Ogni Santi (All Saint's Day)! Thanks for listening!!

#91 - Amazon in Italy, How we "Grease the Wheels" and Cooking Rabbit

Wed, 21 Sep 2016 06:26:06 -0500

Autumn is at our doorstep on this beautiful morning! This episode we chat about the modernization in Italy and the arrival of Amazon.it and the effects. An immigration update which leads us to a discussion on how we 'grease the wheels' out here! Then we move on to the kitchen at talk about cooking rabbit. We announce our first Consulting Workshop in Italy for those of your dreaming of moving here to start a business!
Thanks for Listening -

#90 - Summer in Italy, Earthquake Update & Stuffed Zucchini Food Talk

Thu, 08 Sep 2016 03:38:50 -0500

Thankfully we are safe & sound without any damages in our area after the devastating earthquake. We recap the last few months and how the Dutch saved our Summer! The fun vs. frustrations of kids at the farmhouse and menu planning involved for families. And Jason asks if 'Stuffed Zucchini & Carbonara what you really want?!' Announcing the 2017 NEW cooking classes! Thanks for listening & have a great day!

#89 - Dirty Laundry

Wed, 20 Jul 2016 08:10:34 -0500

He fled the country!! The unbelievable true story of selling our cooking in Italy. Two days after all the documents and contracts were signed at the notary (and legally binding), the “new owners” of La Tavola Marche fled the country on a plane back to the good ol’ U.S of A.!! They lasted 6 days in Italy. We were in total shock - not only did they leave without telling us but without paying either! It’s the stuff movies are made of. Jason & Ashley are back to share with you the trials, tribulations and joys & laughter of running a farm, inn and cooking school in rural Le Marche. To read more about this crazy story visit our blog: http://latavolamarche.blogspot.it/2016/06/when-life-gives-you-lemonsmake-best.html

#88 - Interview with Villa Cappelli, Puglia

Mon, 07 Mar 2016 04:05:37 -0500

This week's podcast is a good one!! An in-depth interview with Villa Cappelli owners Steven & Paul. Away from the tourists in one of the most beautiful undiscovered Regions in Italy, we hear from two American expats about life in Puglia, their favorite local recipes and restoring a centuries old villa! The couple also produces olive oil and wine and we delve into the infamous olive oil scandal happening in Italy!! For more on Villa Cappelli listen to their podcast - Living Villa Cappelli www.villacappelli.com
Thanks for listening & have a great week!!!

#87 - Bordeaux, Mallorca and the BEST Airport for a Long Layover in the EU

Sun, 28 Feb 2016 08:13:15 -0500

Our latest travels to France & Spain, including the best place for a layover in Europe! Our househunting continues for the next great farmhouse for LA TAVOLA MARCHE and our new business/brand NO HALF MEASURES is taking off quickly with a stay at the five star boutique (agriturismo) Gran Hotel Son Net in Mallorca! From flights to funerals we cover a wide range this week! Thanks for listening, Jason & Ashley

#86 - Barcelona Winter Getaway, House Hunting in Italy + Annual Sausage Making

Sat, 16 Jan 2016 06:02:49 -0500

Lots to talk about this episode of Podcast from Italy - We just returned from a weekend getaway to Barcelona with beautiful weather & a memorable stay at the Mercer Hotel Barcelona. We share the highlights of our amazing first look/taste of the new menu at K - Find out how I was able to travel in the EU without a passport! And we recant the "Groundhog's Day" esque annual sausage & salami making with Dr. Gaggi & Vittorio. Still on the hunt for the next farmhouse for La Tavola Marche as well...Thanks for listening!

#85 - A Holiday Wrap Up, House Hunting & How We Travel

Sat, 02 Jan 2016 07:12:32 -0500

Happy New Year from Italy! This week we share our holiday traditions, including a special segment narrated by Dr. Gaggi! We're house hunting for the NEXT location for La Tavola Marche...Then we discuss winter/low season travel and the perks of low-cost airlines!
Watch the videos mentioned in this podcast here: https://nohalfmeasureslife.wordpress.com/films/

#84 - Roasting Chestnuts While Podcasting & Periscoping

Thu, 17 Dec 2015 12:27:57 -0500

Today's podcast is a little different - we woke up early to simultaneously record a podcast & LIVE! Periscope video! Thanks to everyone that sent us your questions - both ahead of time and while the periscope feed was live! Jason showed and explained how to roast chestnuts in an open fire while I complained about Christmas in Italy! We announced big new about La Tavola Marche and what's next for us and the business!!
Thanks for listening!! And if you'd like to watch the periscope feed (only available for the next 24 hours...) or follow us for future broadcasts: https://www.periscope.tv/ashleybartner

#83 -Travels to Sicily...

Sat, 05 Dec 2015 02:58:20 -0500

Thank you to all the fans that emailed us to continue the podcast - we were overwhelmed by your kind words!! After our longest hiatus we are back with hopefully a weekly podcast for you about our life in Italy and travels beyond. This week we catch you up on our last season, give you a Dr. Gaggi update, talk about the Holidays and of course what's happening in the garden. Then we get into our autumn travels to Spain, France and Sicily. Thanks for listening!!

#82 - Easter in Italy, Saveur Blog Awards Nominee & Buying a B&B

Wed, 08 Apr 2015 03:53:58 -0500

Back at it after the Easter holidays - we recant the weekend of festivities with our beloved Dr. Gaggi and family. Ashley is nominated for a Saveur Blog Award for Culinary Tourism Coverage and thinks it must be a mistake! And we discuss the sale of our b&b business and property in Italy!

#81 - Getting back into it...

Tue, 31 Mar 2015 05:50:02 -0500

After 3 months we're back at it! This episode we share our winter travels, comparing a bit of life in Italy vs France. Now that we're back home it's back to work and we break down how we reopen the inn after winter. Plus we answer your burning question: 'why are you really leaving/selling the business?'
Thanks for listening!!

#80 - The Holiday Season in Italy and The Search Begins in Cortona...

Wed, 17 Dec 2014 09:15:23 -0500

From panetone to cappelletti most days are spent in the kitchen cooking and eating! The season of fatness has begun and to celebrate Jason shares a new favorite focaccia recipe. We discuss a NY Times Article on Italy & the internet, a problem that has plagued us for years. A visit to the famed Cortona in Tuscany for lunch sets the scene to begin the search for our property and what's next....

#79 - A Classic Thanksgiving Disaster and Big News for 2015!

Tue, 18 Nov 2014 10:17:22 -0500

This year's Thanksgiving feast will not soon be forgot - it was a classic holiday disaster! From loosing electricity to a minor meltdown it was a crazy day to say the least. We discuss a few 'rules' when it comes to paying bills, funerals and even shipping boxes. And finally we announce big news for 2015!!! Thanks for listening and Happy Holidays!

#78 - Tis the Season for Truffles!

Wed, 05 Nov 2014 17:45:44 -0500

After our longest 'break' from podcasting we're back!! The latest from the farm, an update from the garden and what's growing now. Then we delve into the dark world of truffles. Thanks to our wet/warm early fall its been one of the most prolific seasons for truffle hunting (driving down the price) meaning each morning there is steady stream of truffles coming out of our back woods. Learn how we buy them direct from the hunters! And finally, Jason shares one of his favs for the song of the week.

#77 - Gluten Intolerant...Intolerant

Thu, 31 Jul 2014 11:52:07 -0500

After a month or so of radio-silence, we've fired up the mics for a bit of rant on 'gluten-free' after reading a great Huffington Post article and posting on our facebook page - the response was overwhelming on both sides. Here's a link to the original article: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/marc-vetri/im-gluten-intolerantintol_b_5614463.html

Here's the clip from Jimmy Kimmel Live: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AdJFE1sp4Fw

Thanks for listening!!

#76 - Summer Weddings in Italy & Recipe for Poached Peaches

Wed, 02 Jul 2014 05:14:53 -0500

We're back after a June hiatus with an update on the farmhouse and happening in the area. We recap the past month and beautiful wedding and festivities we hosted as well as what it's like watching the World Cup in small town, Italy! Ashley recreates the 'barking deer' and we share a few recipes: Nocino (walnut liquor) and Poached Peaches in white wine! The we run down a list of upcoming festivals in the area from beer to gelato there is something to eat/drink/do!!
Thanks for listening!

#75 - Fried Elderflowers, Local Elections, The PH Factor and SlowFood

Tue, 27 May 2014 04:59:01 -0500

After an update on the weather and the garden we dive into a discussion on PH and Jason's new interest in micro-nutrients in soil and 'listening' to the plants. This Spring the farmhouse has been all a flutter with baby birds and nests in the trees & windowsills. Jason shares a recipe for fried elderflowers using a super simple beer batter. Local elections are all the buzz around the region and we share our favorite marketing strategies. A few festivals from Cantine Aperte (Open wineries throughout Italy) to SlowFood's return to Cagli for Distinti Salumi.

#74 - Wine, Wi-Fi & A Few of Our Favorite Questions

Mon, 05 May 2014 04:21:37 -0500

Back after a whirlwind of Italian Spring holidays from Easter to Labor Day - four holidays in two weeks! A story on our latest drama with getting our citizenship, a garden update and discussion on offering wi-fi to guests. And we recant about refilling our cantina with local wine and bottlign with guests! We answer a few of our 'favorite' email questions we get on a regular basis. Thanks for listening and we hope to post another soon!

#73 - Memories of Easter's Past in Italy...

Sat, 19 Apr 2014 08:05:23 -0500

With Easter just around the corner we squeeze in time for much needed podcast to share stories of past Easters in our farmhouse!! We chat about a lunch we attended to celebrate a new book on living/cooking self-sustainably by an Italian Chef last week... Spring has sprung and there is plenty of work to be done - thanks for listening!

#72 - 5 Things That Hands Down, Taste Better IN Italy and A Cook's View on Culinary Charlatans

Sun, 23 Mar 2014 07:40:11 -0500

This week's podcast is late - sorry!! We are back to work, readying the garden, turning the soil, burning the hills and preparing for guests to arrive. We brought home 12 new young hens + 1 rooster to add to our brood! Jason vents a bit and share his feelings on culinary 'charlatans' - untrained, inexperienced personalities/bloggers teaching you to cook. We'd love your feedback & thoughts on this topic. And we share five foods/drink that hands down taste better IN Italy! Thanks for listening!!

#71 A Short Podcast

Thu, 06 Mar 2014 05:45:12 -0500

This week's a short podcast with a great song at the end! Morning hikes, a hen attacked by a hawk, festa delle donne and what happens when we run out of coffee...a short & sweet podcast with promises of better broadcasts to follow!

#70 - Italian Idioms & Where to Eat Fish in Fano

Wed, 26 Feb 2014 09:17:41 -0500

After celebrating the doctors birthday we recap the week from peeling lemons for 3 hours for limoncello & driving school lessons to a farming scandal in the making...We share our favorite places to eat fish in Fano on any budget. And a fun lesson in Italian idioms! The song of the week is by Peppino Gagliardi a 70's classic.

#69 - Bitchn' about Bureaucracy, Top Romantic Spots in Italy & 2014 Cooking Classes

Thu, 20 Feb 2014 07:23:17 -0500

Happy Birthday to good ol' Doctor Gaggi! This week a favorite segment returns, "Bitchn' 'bout Bureaucracy" when we need medical forms for driving school! The drivers license saga continues! Ashley shares our 2014 calendar of cooking classes/packages and online classes - so begin planning your spring/summer/fall holiday now! And to help you plan your trip we weigh-in on a Top 10 List of Romantic Places to Propose in Italy - some we agree with, others not so much - find out our thoughts! This week's song is from Mina - "Rossetto sul colletto" - Have a great week!!

#68 - Caves, Cardoons & Confit

Wed, 12 Feb 2014 09:23:40 -0500

This week's podcast Jason tells the story of how the Frasassi Caves were discovered and his recent daytrip there. While Jason was exploring Caves in Le Marche, Ashley was eating confit in France! Carnival is quickly approaching and find out which Marche village is actually the 1st place Carnival was celebrated in Italy! And cooking with cardoons - what are they, how do you cook them?! (It's the same question we get asked for fennel!) Jason shares how to clean them and a few cooking techniques.
The song of the week is a radio class in Italy!

#67 - Local Weather Reporting and The Bars of Piobbico

Thu, 30 Jan 2014 08:08:09 -0500

This weeks podcast is uber-focused on our tiny village of Piobbico - Jason becomes a local weatherman and we breakdown/review the four bars found in Piobbico. Plus we issue a warning on prohibited card and dice games in town. Ashley retells the story of rolling our car down the hill & being trapped inside & upside down!
Song of the week "Mama voglio anch'io la fidanzata" by Natalino Otto
Thanks for listening!!

#66 - Oscar Nominations, Online Cooking Classes, A List of "Weird Food" and...Berlusconi's Back!

Fri, 24 Jan 2014 08:03:21 -0500

This week's podcast is jam packed!! We chat about our upcoming online LIVE cooking classes and give an update on our salami & sausage making (plus I'm posting a video on vimeo & youtube "The Meat Machine") Then the conversation starts to really wander from an Oscar Nominated Italian film to celebrating the 70th Anniversary of the Americans Bombing Urbania (accidentally) during WWII! We strongly urge listeners not to buy plane tickets on Alitalia and just when you think he's gone for good...Berlusconi's back! We answer your burning questions (keep them coming by the way) and read through The Local's list of Top 10 Italian delicacies foreigners can't stomach - adding a few of our own to the list as well! International shout-outs and the song of the week....
Thanks for listening!!

#65 - Field Trip & What's up with Facebook?!

Thu, 16 Jan 2014 06:09:35 -0500

During a two part podcast, we fire up the mics while driving to Fano for our first round of sausage & salami making with Dr. Gaggi & Vittorio. Along the way Jason gives his Unofficial - official tips to driving in Italy! In part two, we recant our day with the doctor including a visit to a small scale commercial slaughter house & as usual come away with some great stories to share! Conversation turns to complaining about facebook while we promote our newest short video: I love Festa della Befana. Jason explains why our new LIVE from ITALY Online Cooking Classes are more about technique and theory than just the recipe at hand. The song of the week: L'Appuntamento by Ornella Vanoni

Thanks for listening & we hope you can join us in the kitchen this Sunday!

#64 - Beautiful weather in Italy for the Festa della Befana!

Thu, 09 Jan 2014 07:18:43 -0500

Back in 2014 with a recap of the Festa della Befana festivities in Urbania! We shot video and interviews with locals and talk about traditional foods served at the festival each year. Time to start the in-house charcuterie but it's a little hard when there are no pigs ready to be butchered! And the song of the week is by Italy's most famous rock-export: Zucchero! Thanks for listening!!

#63 - Oh F@#%! I have to get my Italian Drivers License...And no mustard on my mortadella!

Mon, 30 Dec 2013 09:57:33 -0500

This Podcast from Italy we recap 2013, give a behinds the scene chat on our first online LIVE cooking class & all the kinks along the way. Jason delves into his trials and tribulations of trying to get his Italian drivers license!! The song of the week is "La tana de re" by Adriano Celentano....and apparently Jason is NOT in-favor of putting mustard on mortadella!

#62 - Buon Natale & What's up with Chicken Sweaters?!

Thu, 19 Dec 2013 06:20:44 -0500

A short podcast to wish you all a very Merry Christmas!
Plus details on our first ever LIVE online and FREE cooking class on December 29th! Email to register at info@latavolamarche.com
Thanks for listening! Jason & Ashley

#61 - Interview with Wine Expert from Le Marche & Rising Costs of Living in Italy

Fri, 13 Dec 2013 11:57:16 -0500

This week we interview Marco Candi from Marco's Way Wine Tours in Le Marche, Italy. We ask him about the different varieties of grapes found here, the future of organic wine and much more! We also discuss the rising costs of living in Italy from gpl (heat), milk and even the garbage tax! The song of the week is a classic festive choice - Thanks for listening & Happy Holidays!!

#60 - Moving to Italy: Tips to Finding a Rurual House & How to Pack

Tue, 03 Dec 2013 14:57:39 -0500

This week's podcast we share an all to familiar story of country living - problems with water! A recap of our lunch at Beltrami's for the unearthing of his famous formaggio di fossa and it snow's in time for Thanksgiving! Our immigration saga continues as we renew our paperwork for next year just as boxes of panetone show up in stores across Italy. We answer your questions about moving to Italy - how to pack and tips for finding an agriturismo or rural farmhouse.

This week's song of the week: Buona Sera Signorina by Fred Buscaglione

#59 - Bentornati, Welcome Back!!

Sun, 24 Nov 2013 06:30:02 -0500

Our 2013 season is now closed, the last guest checked out and we have returned from a whirlwind vacation! Jason shares a heartwarming story about a village elder that emerged from the woods, we answer questions about the 'Truffle Mafia' and play a song by Masi & Fatone.
Thanks for sticking with us - we'll be back to a more regular schedule!
Happy Thanksgiving, Jason & Ashley

#58 - "Organic" Food in the EU and Favorite Fig Recipes

Thu, 12 Sep 2013 07:41:17 -0500

A sunny September morning we answer your listener questions about shopping for 'organic' food in Italy and the EU and share a few of our favorite fig recipes as well! Positive predictions for the mushroom/truffle season this fall as hunting season begins. A short and sweet podcast in-between jarring 100kilos of tomatoes every few day...back to work! Thanks for listening-

#57 - Answering your questions: Tomato Recipes, How to Pump Gas and Typical Italian Diet

Mon, 02 Sep 2013 06:53:38 -0500

Finally we're back! It's the first Sunday of September and we've got a little time away from the guests and garden to answer your burning questions! From our favorite tomato recipes and Gas Station Etiquette (& How to pump) to insight on the typical Italian diet Jason & Ashley answer some of the questions written in by the listeners.

Until next time....

#56 - A day in the life of...

Sun, 21 Jul 2013 18:12:37 -0500

A look at what an average day is like from sunrise to sunset running a farm, inn and cooking school. Jason shares the recipe for one of our favorite dishes of the season! Thanks for listening!

#55 - Pasta Machine vs. Rolling Pin Debate

Sun, 07 Jul 2013 06:00:56 -0500

It's a beautiful July morning in Le Marche and we were able to squeeze in a little time for a podcast this Sunday. Jason answers the question on why he uses the Atlas rolling machine in his 'Pasta & Sauces' class vs. the old fashioned, traditional rolling pin. We give an update on the garden & what's growing, the hens and hopes for a tractor one day. Paperwork looms in our future as the renewal of our drivers license, VISA, etc. is all due this winter. And finally on a night off we hunt for a festival and come up empty handed... Thanks for listening!

#54 - After Pizza Night Podcast

Thu, 20 Jun 2013 19:18:51 -0500

It's been a month since our last podcast so we have a lot to update - from the weather and garden to the chickens and the wedding! Another late night podcast (after pizza night!) We recap all the happenings at our farmhouse, plus explain how to use the site Marcheinfesta.it - searching for festivals in Le Marche. Thanks for listening!

#53 - A Rare Late Nite Podcast

Wed, 15 May 2013 17:45:38 -0500

After a full day of outdoor work we fired up the mics for a rare late night podcast!

#52 - Primo Maggio/InRock Fest & Wedding Planning

Tue, 07 May 2013 02:16:46 -0500

Recapping early May festivities & feasts with a recipe for tagliatelle & asparagus! Planning for an upcoming wedding in June and an update on the turkey.... Thanks for listening!!

#51 - Bottling Wine & Talkin' Shop with another Chef

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 07:17:34 -0500

This has been another busy week - from cleaning & bottling almost 1000 bottles of wine to cooking classes and prepping the garden/farm for summer's crops. After we recap the week Jason interviews our first stage (Chef apprentice) about his misconceptions on Italian food. Thanks for listening!

#50 - Family Travel: What to do with Kids in the Italian countryside

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 04:19:48 -0500

Ciao Tutti! Tips for traveling with children to the Italian countryside! This week we do a garden update - the sound of diesel engines have been humming for days preparing the soil for summer crops! We've wrangled the help of neighbors with tractors and have begun our 2013 garden! We've been busy not only in the garden, but the rest of our fowl has arrived, we've been butchering with Carlo, visiting Fano and more!

#49 -Eating Wild, Spring is in the Air!

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 09:58:46 -0500

Ahhh Spring has finally sprung! This week we answer your listener questions about what we do in our down-time and off-season. We're picking wild spring greens almost daily from the fields surrounding our farm and making risotto, stuffed pasta, crostini and simply sauteed! And Jason has some exciting chicken news to share!! Plus we recap the weekend festivities of hosting a large group of Italians for a by-request, American Turkey/Thanksgiving lunch! Thanks for listening!

#48 - Pizza 101

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 04:47:22 -0500

This week's podcast we answer your burning questions about pizza making - the dough, the sauce, the wood burning oven - all of it!! Make sure to check our blog for the pizza recipe: http://latavolamarcherecipebox.blogspot.it/2013/04/pizza-dough-recipe.html We also chat a bit about visiting Umbria's Agriculture Expo filled with tractors, cows, fowl and flowers!

#47 - Easter Recap & Interview about the Recipe for a Longer Life with Dr. Rakotz

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 12:03:09 -0500

This week Jason & Ashley recap Easter festivities including the menu from a traditional Easter breakfast they attended at their friends pig farm. Move over Dr.Drew! Ashley interviews Dr. Mike Rakotz from Northwestern University, an energetic family practitioner passionate about the recipe for longevity; healthy eating, staying active and being part of a community. They discuss salt & olive oil as well as all the recipes he's learned in his cooking classes at the farm!

#45 - Preparing for Easter & Recipe Ideas

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 12:25:03 -0500

During a blustery windy day Jason & Ashley chat about 3 days til guests arrive, corned beef for St. Patty's Day and starting seeds for the garden (Watch our *VIDEO*: How to Start Heirloom Tomato Seeds) all the preparations, festivities & food for Easter. Jason offers a few suggestions for recipes with lamb and vegetarian options. Send us an email with week with your discussion topics for a chance to be chosen for a skype call to be recorded for the podcast (our lame attempt at phone-in questions) - info@latavolamarche.com Thanks for listening!

#44 - Driving in Italy: Sat Nav vs. Map

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 08:32:11 -0500

In this short episode Jason & Ashley discuss the difference between traveling with a map in hand and/or a sat nav while trying out a new digital recorder. (Hope the volume and levels are a little better - let us know what you think)

#43 - Recipe for our Beloved Blood Orange Liquor & 2013 Calander of Events at our Cooking School

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 05:32:25 -0500

Recorded on March 1st- the opening day of "Gelato Season!" This week Jason & Ashley pimp their packages & upcoming classes/courses from foraging for wild edibles in the Spring, market trips and artisan beer tastings/tours over the summer, a yoga retreat in September and our annual butchering program in October, we are busy at our little farmhouse! 2013 Events at La Tavola Marche Ashley explains how to make Arancello the blood orange version of the famous Limoncello - Ashley's Arancello Recipe. They touch on the state of Italian politics and have 20 days before guests arrives! Thanks for listening!

#42 - The Mindset of Moving to (& Living in) Italy

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 06:53:21 -0500

This week's podcast is for those of you contemplating a move to Italy & have a million questions about what to do, where to begin and how to wrap your head around it all!! We reply to many of your emails regarding the intangibles of moving - more than how to get your VISA, we discuss the mindset you need to be in to make a life-changing move to Italy and the importance of becoming part of the community. This is our ra-ra, you can do it podcast, meant to inspire you to take the leap knowing how difficult it may be!

#41 - Recorded & Delayed at Sea

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 12:13:49 -0500

Big News from Italy! We've recorded our podcast while on a boat on the Adriatic & Ionian Sea heading to Greece! No breaking news - actually, I can't remember what we even talked about - our boat was delayed 8 hours at sea (and this podcast was delayed 5 days from getting posted). I know there was talk about butchering whole pigs, food (as usual) and other interesting topics I'm sure... Enjoy!

#39 Day trip to Ostra & the Restaurant Convention in Rimini

Sun, 20 Jan 2013 06:20:46 -0500

During the winter we try to take lots of day trips - we've recently visited a restaurant convention of sorts in Rimini and took a step back in time in Ostra. This week is Saint Antonio & the blessing of the animals! We tally up how much meat is curing from our rafters and the word of the week is back - Thanks for listening!

#38 - Sausage Making Season Has Begun and Jason is Bamboozled out of 50 Kilos of Meat!

Wed, 09 Jan 2013 07:04:11 -0500

The first thirty kilos of charcuterie hang from the rafters in our farmhouse, sausage making season has begun! Jason tells a great story about getting bamboozled while making sausages for Dr. Gaggi. Ashley is afraid of mold! And as usual the conversation turns back to food and what's cooking for dinner! Thanks for listening!!

#37 - Living in "Small Town" Italy

Tue, 01 Jan 2013 09:09:34 -0500

Happy New Year - Buon Anno Nuovo!! Kicking off 2013 with a new episode of Jason & Ashley's look at life as expats in Italy. This week we chat about living in a small town during the holidays - playing Bingo (Tombola), grocery shopping and festivities. Jason explains how to cook eel and an update on his bread baking.

#36 - A Trip to Rome, Ostia Antica and Norcia & Where to Eat

Wed, 12 Dec 2012 04:31:07 -0500

In snowy covered Le Marche, Jason and Ashley chat about a recent trip to Rome, Antica Ostia and Norcia (Umbria) sharing the best places to eat along the way. Jason then explains the trials and tribulations of baking bread in a cold stone farmhouse... Roscioli -Rome, near Campo dei Fiori Il Granaro del Monte - Norcia

#35 - A rainy day podcast with tips on cooking risotto & a secret hunter's hideaway for lunch

Fri, 30 Nov 2012 04:57:10 -0500

A rainy day podcast, we recap Thanksgiving and helping a neighbor build a greenhouse. As usual the conversation turns to food with an update on Jason's bread starter, born and raised here in Le Marche plus talks of a 'secret' lunch spot, the hunter's hideaway in the hills above Apecchio. Jason then shares tips for making creamy delicious risotto. This week's podcast is short & sweet. Let us know any suggestions you have or requests for topics to talk about! Thanks for listening - Ashley & Jason

#34 -Road Tripping in Europe, The Dirty Part of Country Life and Turkey Talk

Sun, 18 Nov 2012 06:27:34 -0500

This week Jason and Ashley chat about closing down the house for winter now that the guests are gone, road tripping through Europe and the dirty deed of slaughtering chickens. Then we turn the conversation to Thanksgiving and turkey-talk with how & why to brine a turkey. We interview my younger brother Jerome on his first impressions of Le Marche and the food of Italy.

#33 - Fall Festivals & How to

Sat, 27 Oct 2012 04:52:10 -0500

After a summer hiatus, Jason & Ashley are back & just as bubbly as ever - chatting about life in Le Marche on their farm. This week: "What Grows Together Goes Together" Jason talks about cooking seasonally and shares a seasonal truffle recipe, answering the question: "How do you cook truffles?" We talk about local festivals like the "Sturgis of Italy" and the truffle festivals in Le Marche throughout November, making fresh sausages for the hunters and beginning to prepare for winter. THANKS for listening!!

#32 - A Road Trip to Modena for the Best Balsamic in the World

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 06:34:47 -0500

Easter has come & gone - we reminisce on the day & opera singing Zio Albi (incase you missed the clip - watch it here: Easter Concerto). During the podcast, learn from our mistakes both in the garden & finding a lunch spot in a foreign city! Then be transported to the attic of an ancient acetaia (vinegar making family & home) in Modena where Jason & I sample 8 traditional balsamic vinegars and interview the passionate Giovanna from Acetaia di Giorgio. She lovingly tells us about her families balsamic making traditions & why the product her family makes is far superior to any mass produced version. It's a wonderful interview with a true artisan of Italy! Acetaia di Giorgio Via Sandro Cabassi, 67 41123 Modena http://www.acetaiadigiorgio.it Telefono / fax 059.333015 Mobile 338.6575552 Email: info@acetaiadigiorgio.it

#31 -All About Gelato: Interview with the Owners of Gelateria Maki

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 10:58:55 -0500

We are excited to share an interview with our friends Antonio & Paola, owners of Gelateria Maki in Fano & our most favorite artisan gelato shop in the Region! They stopped by for a visit so we thought we'd ask a few burning questions about gelato: how is it different from ice cream, difference between artisan & industrial gelato, where their passion came from and much more! It's clear Antonio & Paola are passionate about what they produce (gelato, sorbet, chocolates) and the importance of quality ingredients - you can taste it in every delicious bite! Gelateria Artigianale Makì Piazza degli Avveduti, 1 Fano (PU) Italy +39 07211796064 Makigelateria@gmail.com

#30 - Snow snow & more snow in Italy

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:46:59 -0500

Italy is blasted by a Siberian storm & we are snowed-in! In a rare evening podcast from our frozen farmhouse we talk about things that come along with severe weather & living in the countryside that we've never experienced before! And as the snow accumulates to over 4 feet, we contemplate our next move....

#29 - Sausages, Salami's & Strikes

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 06:39:18 -0500

Start your day with a cappuccino and get into the Italian state of mind as we talk about our favorite winter activity - sausage & salami making! Jason shares our simple recipe and explains how simple sausage making is. Currently there are 90 kilos of meat curing in the rafters upstairs! We laugh as we retell stories of Doctor Gaggi & his impromptu sausage tests he gives Jason, not ready to hand-over the reigns. We recap some of winters events and don't miss the fitting word of the week!

#28 - Stinky Cheese, Lost Dogs, Meat Grinders & More

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 07:55:10 -0500

We visit Cartoceto to celebrate the unearthing of formaggio di fossa - a unique local cheese that has been buried in a pit for months. The Doctor has a bad day, we make an offer on a meat grinder and readying the house for winter (things we never thought of before living in the country). And, its official, the holiday season has started, bringing with it endless eating & cooking....break out the fat pants! Thanks for listening!

#27 Preparing for Thanksgiving in Italy

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 05:08:01 -0500

Join us, Ashley & Jason in the kitchen as we crack walnuts prepping for our annual Thanksgiving Pranzo (lunch). Menu ideas for your Thanksgiving are shared. We catch you up on the what's been going on around the farm since the summer and we chat about what I call "the year the fox got fat!" Thanks for your patience as its been a few months since we posted a podcast! Hope you enjoy - Happy Holidays, Ashley & Jason Bartner

#26 - Cow Herding, Rally Car Racing, Marche Wine & Jazz Fest

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 17:37:45 -0500

So much going on! We participated in the annual transumanza - cow herding through Piobbico up to Mt. Nerone with family & friends. It's that time of year to start making homemade digestivi (after dinner liqueurs) like visciolino (wild cherry liqueur) & nocino (walnut & vanilla liqueur). Garden updates, weather system installed & funny stories around town. Don't miss the Marche Wine & Jazz Festival from 3-31 July. Thanks for listening, Ashley & Jason info@latavolamarche.com http://www.latavolamarche.com

#25 - June Events, Summer Recipes, Yacht Trip & Going Green-er

Fri, 03 Jun 2011 07:37:45 -0500

After a busy May, we are back with a jam-packed podcast! Updates on our organic farm & what's in the ground, solar panels have been installed & the chickens. Plus Jason shares seasonal summer recipes from our cooking classes. We run through a few fabulous June festivals in Le Marche and share our day at sea on a wooden yacht in Fano with a not to miss artisan gelato shop - Maki. Fano Yacht Trip & Fish Feast Gelateria Maki La Tavola Marche - Organic Farm, Inn & Cooking Classes in Italy Thanks for listening! Jason & Ashley info@latavolamarche.com

#24 Easter Menu & Local Traditions, Bread Baking, Fresh Ricotta & Chickens

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 12:24:09 -0500

This all about food & the farm. We chat about our Easter menu & the local traditions with an interview with our friends Giorgio & Michele. A gift of fresh ricotta means Jason is using it for sweet & savory dishes - Jason shares simple ways to use this delicious creamy cheese. Plus bread baking tips from focaccia to whole wheat with raisins & nuts. We are back to chicken wrangling, training our newest hens where to lay & to come home at night. Thanks for listening - Ashley & Jason La Tavola Marche Agriturismo & Cooking School - http://www.latavolamarche.com

#23 - 10 Ways to Save Money in Italy, Day Trip to Rome, How to Shop at the Market

Wed, 13 Apr 2011 15:31:45 -0500

This week after a whirlwind trip to Rome, Jason & Ashley share their Top 10 Ways to Save Money on your next trip to Italy. The word of the week will come in handy at the market: un mazzo - a bunch. Plus updates from the garden & off to a good start with over 700 onions in the ground! Thanks for listening, Ashley & Jason Please leave comments/feedback/rating on iTunes to show your support. La Tavola Marche (Farm, Inn & Cooking School in Italy) http://www.latavolamarche.com

#22 - Spring in Full Swing, Top 10 Day Trips & a Funny Frog Festival

Tue, 05 Apr 2011 08:44:44 -0500

Ciao tutti! Spring is in full swing & its hard work being an organic farmer! Fields are full of wild poppies & daffodils, the salami are done curing and we just got a delivery of manure for the orto! The Palio della Rana (Frog Race) of Fermignano is coming up & we chat about how they 'celebrate' the frog. Plus this week we list our Top 10 Day Trips from our farmhouse in Le Marche, Umbria, Tuscany & San Marino! This week's phrase that pays is a spring proverb: Quando canta il cucolo la primareva e' imminente. Thanks for listening - Ashley & Jason http://www.latavolamarche.com

#21- Interview with Giorgio and Michele, The Pro Loco, and The Three Stages Of Drunkeness

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 20:12:16 -0500

Join us this week in part 1 as we interview our friends and members of the ProLoco of Piobbico Giorgio and Michele. They give us a little lesson in dialect and take us through the three stages of drinking on a Saturday night. (We will post part 2 closer to Easter.) Thanks for Listening! Please leave comments or ratings on itunes. Ciao - Ashley & Jason, La Tavola Marche Agriturismo & Cooking School in Italy www.latavolamarche.com

#20 - Eating Wild, Hens from the Hardware Store & Never Trust the GPS

Mon, 21 Mar 2011 12:22:23 -0500

This weeks episode from Podcast from Italy we update the "State of Ca'Camone," discuss buying hens at the hardware store, pick wild greens in the field with nonna & how SNL (Saturday Night Live) mucked-up my Italiano with a single word! Plus long term car rental solutions for non-EU residents from AutoEurope. But most importantly when driving in Italy don't trust your tom-tom (GPS) - we've learned from experience. We discuss how to get from Florence to our farmhouse the "Italian-way." This weeks word of the week - You can't have a full bottle & a drunk wife! Thanks for Listening - Jason & Ashley La Tavola Marche - http://www.latavolamarche Blog - http://latavolamarche.blogspot.com

#19 Ides of March and La Bella Figura

Tue, 15 Mar 2011 06:59:45 -0500

This week's episode: Ides of March, guests arrive in 10 days & the kitchen is in shambles, Cat of the Year announced, biscotti vs. cantucci and the constant struggle of "la bella figura!" Plus the word of the week! Thanks for listening!

#18 Interview with Fabio, Festa della Donna & the

Fri, 11 Mar 2011 05:10:30 -0500

Doing the "Baywatch," celebrating Festa della Donna & Fat Tuesday and an interview with our friend Fabio. This week's podcast is jam packed with updates from our farmhouse and a great interview with Fabio, reminiscing of his college years in the States, helping us with our VISA & why Urbino is the #1 city to visit in Italy! This week's "word of the week" is about shopping hours & the changing winds. Thanks for listening and all your wonderful comments/feedback! La Tavola Marche Website La Tavola Marche Blog

#17 San Remo Song Festival, Frustrations with Immigrations & Health Care in Italy

Thu, 03 Mar 2011 08:18:31 -0500

After a week-off with a broken computer & stuck in the snow we update on the happenings of rural Le Marche. We announce the winner of the Italian Song Festival of San Remo, get ready for Carnival in Piobbico & Apecchio and address the rumors of a roaming wolf pack! Ashley vents her frustrations after a visit to the Questura (Police Station) for immigration business. Then talk turns to the health care in Italy. The phrase that pays this week - How Italians say "break a leg" and "knock on wood" Thanks for listening & subscribing to our podcast! For more visit our blog - La Tavola Marche - eat, drink, Italy

#16 So you want to move to Italy, now what?! And, How to order a caffe!

Tue, 15 Feb 2011 07:45:58 -0500

So, you want to move to Italy, now what?! We get this question all the time, so we decided to breakdown a few of our top answers on taking the 1st steps to moving to Italy from language lessons to estate agents! This week Jason makes the Carnival sweets- castagnole. Plus how to properly order a coffee in a bar. Thanks for listening!

#15 Top 10 Places to Visit “Off the Beaten Path” in Italy & Deserts made with Pork Fat

Tue, 08 Feb 2011 10:58:04 -0500

This week Jason & Ashley chat about their favorite places to visit in Italy "off the beaten path" and what to eat once you are there. From north to south there are a few hidden jewels to add to your list for your next trip to Italy besides Rome & Venice. As always, the conversation turns to food & this week we focus on local Carneval treats & how they are made with a very special ingredient - pork fat! Plus a few fun Italian proverbs. Thanks for listening!

#14 From Charcuterie in Italy to Pottery & Politics

Wed, 02 Feb 2011 13:26:06 -0500

This weeks podcast is jam-packed! We chat about taking raw pork & making cured sausages & salami. We visit Deruta in Umbria the home of Majolica pottery to make a big purchase at a discounted price! Plus commentary on the controversial documentary Videocracy about Berlusconi's media hold & how it affects politics, media & culture in Italy. What's in-season? Jason offers up a delicious Stuffed Artichoke recipe. And start practicing this week's Italian phrase for your next trip to Italy! Thanks for listening! Ashley & Jason

#13 Holiday Wrap Up & Kick off 2011 in Italy

Tue, 25 Jan 2011 14:58:02 -0500

After a busy & festive holiday season we are back with our podcasts. In our first 2011 podcast we wrap up what we've been up to in the past few months - traveling to Sicily & Napoli, slaughtering chickens, participating in the living nativity scene in town & much more! Thanks for listening & let us know what you think about the segment ideas!

#12 A Summer Feast with Porchetta, Pizza Night with a Folk Band and The VISA process

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 07:37:34 -0500

Ciao tutti! We have been busy & haven't podcasted in a few weeks - so we are back in full force! Celebrating ferragosto's summer feast & festival, an epic Pizza night for 50 with the local folk band performing to farm updates-whats coming up from the garden & a simple green bean recipe! Plus we answer your question: How did we get our VISA - oh the Italian bureaucracy and their love of stamps! Thanks for listening!

#11 Eating Up Summer Festivals and Who is Doctor Gaggi?

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 05:02:26 -0500

This is our longest podcast yet! We chat about the local summer festivals from the hill town of Piandimeleto to Senigallia along the Adriatic Coast and what festival food we love to order. Then we are out buying more wine from the vineyards and the latest updates from the garden. How many kilos of pasta did Jason make this week?! We address the question: Who is Doctor Gaggi…and is he really a doctor? Plus the word/phrase of the week: “Facciamo le corna”

Thanks for subscribing & leave a comment!!

Ashley & Jason

#10 All hail Ceasare! And Why we chose to live in Le Marche

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 05:40:11 -0500

We are back this week with all the happenings & updates from our crazy little farmhouse in Central Italy! We start a running total on how many kilos of pasta Jason makes & rolls by hand each week plus we answer your questions on why we chose Le Marche! Plus daytrips to Fabriano & Fano for a Ceasare festival! Thanks for listening & tell a friend - Ashley & Jason

#9 Chipper as the chickens

Sun, 04 Jul 2010 11:50:30 -0500

Bright & early we are chipper & ready to start the day! Stories of daily life as expats living in rural Italy: we went on a day trip to the sea, chat about our favorite menu/cooking class of the week - Jason shares a few recipes. And of course the word/phrase to learn - this week its in local dialect!

#8 A midnight recap of the wedding & updates

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 06:15:07 -0500

We were up late & exhausted but wanted to get another podcast up - so bear with us on this one. Jason recounts a funny 'overheard.' Thanks for listening! Ashley & Jason

#7 Cow herding, chicken wrangling & preparing for a big Italian wedding

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 03:18:08 -0500

Ciao tutti- This week on our Podcast from Italy we chat about La Transumanza (cow herding, Italian style), a flower festival in Piobbico, the word of the week and how we are gearing up for a big Italian wedding this weekend! Our goal is to have 10 subscribers & comments on iTunes! -Ashley & Jason

#6 Festa della Republica & Back in the Veggi Garden

Fri, 04 Jun 2010 05:36:59 -0500

The latest updates from our farmhouse in Central Italy - this week we chat about the Festival of the Republic, what's growing in the garden & the return of the "word of the week." Thanks for listening - Ciao, Ashley & Jason

#5 An impromtu concert at our farmhouse, chickens & more!

Wed, 19 May 2010 06:16:29 -0500

May Updates from our farmhouse in the heart of Le Marche, Italy. http://www.latavolamarche.blogspot.com http://www.latavolamarche.com

#4 We're Back! Updates from Italy

Sun, 02 May 2010 14:56:40 -0500

After months away from podcasting - back by popular demand! This one is a rough cut without the fancy music - we just wanted to get it up & out to you! Hope you enjoy & please let us know any topics you would like us to cover. Thanks for the feedback!! For more stories, recipes & adventures visit our blog: http://www.latavolamarche.blogspot.com

#3 Cyclists, Grilled Meats, Castles & More!

Fri, 27 Mar 2009 05:29:02 -0500

I think this is my favorite podcast yet! Jason is perfecting the music & it's all qued up! This week we share a great interview with 3 young ambitious british cyclists riding coast to coast (they are hysterical - plus the accents are... brilliant!), day trip stories of grilled meats & medieval castles and much more! check out our blog for more on Frontone: http://www.latavolamarche.blogspot.com

#2 Italian Menu Guide and Dining Out

Wed, 18 Mar 2009 12:50:59 -0500

So we put in some music and a little more production. This week's podcast we talk about dining out in Italy and some of our favorite spots.

#1 Our first Podcast

Thu, 12 Mar 2009 07:43:35 -0500

Ok bear with us here, we are working out the glitches & seeing how this works!