Shows
The Big Gay Podcast from PugliaAccessible Puglia: A Wheeler In OstuniWe literally grabbed Regan and Allie off the street for this short episode. The sisters are from the US. Regan is a wheeler. She uses a wheelchair and has been navigating Ostuni while visiting for the Allora film festival. We ask Regan how her visit has been, given the narrow cobbled streets of many of Puglia's old towns. It was a delight to hear that Regan's experience had been very positive and much better than had been anticipated at the other end, before getting here. She also praises the organisers of Ostuni's first...2022-06-2610 min
The Big Gay Podcast from PugliaEat Puglia 2022Food is an integral part of Puglia’s identity. Puglia is Italy’s biggest producer of olive oil - around 40% of Italian extra virgin olive oil comes from Puglia - and Italy’s 2nd largest wine producing area, well known for rich, full bodied reds. Our tradition of la cucina povera (“peasant food”) serves up simple but inventive dishes using seasonal, locally produced, fresh and flavourful ingredients. And we gave the world burrata. Recorded at FoodExp 2022 we speak to Italian food writer and travel consultant Paolo Vizzari, Virginia Newton from Copenhagen’s 3 Michelin-st...2022-05-2632 min
The Big Gay Podcast from PugliaLGBT+ History Month ItaliaAs Italy's first ever LGBT+ History Month draws to an end we speak to one of its co-founders and organisers, Alessio Ponzio. Alessio talks about Italy's fascinating queer history. From the decriminalisation of homosexuality in the late 19th century that led to Italy becoming a destination for same sex tourism to the reshaping of men and Italian masculinity in the second half of the 1930s under Mussolini's fascist regime We also consider Puglia's dark history. In 1939 gay men were sent to an internment camp on the beautiful Island of San Domino in the Tremiti Islands...2022-04-2730 min
The Big Gay Podcast from PugliaOur Ostuni Tuk Tuk TourFor the launch of season 3 we’re in a safe pair of hands as we ride with Ostuni’s top and most satisfying Tuk Tuk tour guide, David 5-Star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from Golapa, Ape Calessino Ostuni. We learn some fascinating facts about Puglia’s città bianca. Why the old town is built as it is, what the different color doors mean, and why some of those doors are so small (and it’s nothing to do with southern Italians being shorter than average). The episode is recorded live as we go on tour around the old town with our favorite Tuk Tuk drive...2022-04-0151 min
The Big Gay Podcast from PugliaThe wolfyy.com ultimate gay travel guide to PugliaWe connect with leading gay travel blogger Louis LaFata of wolfyy.com (over a slightly dodgy Skype connection) to find out about what inspired him to give up his profession and travel, the frustrations of lockdown and our collaboration with wolfyy, which sees the launch of their gay guide to Puglia as our region is recognised as Italy’s top gay summer destination and one of Europe’s top 5 gay destinations for LGBT travelers. Read more about our collaboration.2021-05-0120 min
The Big Gay Podcast from PugliaThe BIG 2021 Guide to Alberobello, PugliaUndisputed capital of the trulli in the gorgeous Valle d'Itria, Alberobello is one of Puglia's most iconic - and perhaps most visited - destinations. But with tourism front, back, left, right and centre finding authentic Alberobello, the Alberobello that so inspired Pier Paolo Passolini can be hard to find. But it still exists. In our #lockdown guide we inspire and guide you on your visit and with a local eye "stress test" two travel blogger guides suggested to us: Never Ending Voyage and the short (but cute) Short Guide to Alberobello brought to you by the beautifully...2021-03-1747 min
The Big Gay Podcast from PugliaThe BIG 2021 Guide to Polignano a Mare, PugliaBenvenuti a Polignano a Mare. Welcome to Polignano a Mare and to our city guide podcast. Our city guide podcasts supplement our online guide found at gaypugliapodcast.com. Each podcast will include some background on some of Puglia’s most popular destinations. Maybe a little history, some trivia but most importantly information on how to make the most of each destination. How to get around, what to see and do, where to go to eat - and what to eat. We are an inclusive travel blog and podcast. We might have so...2021-03-0142 min
The Big Gay Podcast from PugliaPuglia In LoveAs a Valentine's Day bonus, we speak to wedding planner Viola from Emotions in Puglia about planning a wedding in Puglia. Recorded at Puglia's BTM tourist fair in February 2020. This was recorded for a fuller "Weddings in Puglia" episode, but covid happened and the episode was abandoned...2021-02-1410 min
The Big Gay Podcast from PugliaBest of Puglia 2020 Survey | The Results3,154 votes were cast in our Best of Puglia 2020 survey. We asked our local gay community and visitors who came to Puglia on vacation to tell us their favourite destinations, restaurants, gay beaches, bars and clubs in Puglia, as well as their favourite things to do. David and Scott review the nominees and reveal your best of Puglia 2020. A list of the full results can be found on The Big Gay Podcast from Puglia website.2021-02-011h 21
The Big Gay Podcast from Puglia3 Weeks in Puglia | Our Puglia Road Trip - part 2Greg and Andrea live in northern Italy but spent three weeks travelling all around Puglia at the end of summer 2020. In the second of a two part podcast we pick up with them again in Santa Maria di Leuca, from where they travel up the Ionian coast to Gallipoli and beyond. Find out why they are full of praise for the much overlooked Taranto, and hear them enthuse over their joy of ceramics ("from breathtaking [pieces of art] to the functional", made in Grottaglie.2021-01-1835 min
The Big Gay Podcast from Puglia3 Weeks in Puglia | Our Puglia Road Trip - part 1Greg and Andrea live in northern Italy but spent three weeks travelling all around Puglia. It was Greg's first time in our region, and for Andrea a return visit after 20 years. In the first of a two part podcast they take in the Gargano, Imperial Puglia, Matera (in the neighbouring region of Basilicata), the Valle d'Itria and end up in Santa Maria di Leuca. They are effusive in their praise for Puglia and don't hold back in describing their highlights, from restaurants to places of beauty. Find links to the restaurants and other...2021-01-0333 min
City BreaksCity Break Ideas Episode 09Loads of inspiration for future city breaks from three great travel websites. We're off to the Middle East, then taking in both Tuscany and southern Italy, as well as venturing into Eastern Europe for some New Year celebrations. Something for everyone!
Useful links
our website: https://www.citybreakspodcast.co.uk
to find us on twitter: @citybreakscast
to e-mail us: citybreaks@citybreakspodcast.co.uk
Colour me Dubai: https://www.colourmedubai.com/
Postcard Stories Blog: http://postcardstoriesblog.com/
Gay Puglia Podcast: https://www.gaypugliapodcast.com/
2020-12-1327 min
The Big Gay Podcast from PugliaFrom Puglia with Festive Love, and Pizza.David and Scott stop off in Lecce for a spot of Christmas atmosphere and pizza (Lecce officially has the best pizza in Puglia), albeit because of Covid19 it had to be delivered. The delicious pizza inspires talk about traditional Christmas dinner here in Puglia and in the UK. For David means 13 starters, 2 first courses and 2 mains before moving on to desert... And, as it's Christmas, the boys finish off with a little Christmas gift for those who managed to make it past the pizza. Buon natale e tanti auguri.2020-12-1335 min
The Big Gay Podcast from PugliaHalloween Tales of Terror from Spiaggia d'AyalaWhile staying at Lune Saracene at Spiaggia d'Ayala in Campomarino inspired by Scott's last stay in a B&B, David and Scott share some true tales of terror - including a story of demonic possession in Ostuni's Parco della Rimembranza remembered by David when he was just 8 years old...2020-10-2720 min
The Big Gay Podcast from PugliaThe Naked Podcast Part 2 | Let's Talk About SexFor the second naked podcast Scott and David head to D'Ayala Beach - Puglia's most popular gay naturist beach. Where it's hot, hot, hot and not just because of the golden Salento sun... For socio-economic reasons so many young men continue to live at home with their mothers well into their 30's here in Puglia. So where do they go for their Grindr hookups? David talks about car sex and Scott asks about the phenomenon of married Italian men having sex with other men. It's not an evolution, rather Italian society is such that many...2020-09-3023 min
The Big Gay Podcast from PugliaThe Naked Podcast - Part 1Scott and David visit the gay section of Torre Guaceto's naturist beach. Secluded and relaxed, it is one of Puglia's most popular gay beaches. Adult content and themes are discussed. See the pictures and supplemental information - including directions how to access the beach - at the Gig Gay Podcast from Puglia Torre Guaceto FAQ.2020-09-1916 min
The Big Gay Podcast from PugliaGay travel, gay guide, gay Puglia, Puglia, Gay Puglia Podcast After the Big Gay Podcast from Puglia's final summer fling at Por do Sol in Gallipoli where we meet Sergio from Italy Gay Travels we head to Porto Salveggio with David to refect on the covid-19 summer that saw us travel from Vieste and Peschici in Gargano at the very north of Puglia, to deepest Salento at the very heel of Italy's boot. Follow us on Instagram or check out our Puglia guide.2020-09-1117 min
The Big Gay Podcast from PugliaReptiles in PugliaWe meet with Colombian supervet Dr. Jairo. Currently undertaking research for a second postgraduate doctoral degree at the University of Bari's renowned Department of Veterinary Medicine, he tells us about his love for reptiles and his continuing mission to make us love and understand snakes. And if you want to know the difference between poisonous and venomous reptiles, and whether your chances of survival are better if a crocodile or alligator attacks you, listen in. For the record, we do have snakes here in Puglia which Jairo explains are hard to find. But you certainly won't find...2020-08-0532 min
The Big Gay Podcast from PugliaItalian prosecco - vs - French champage Part 1Before the Covid-19 lockdown we travelled to Reims in France, the champagne region, to take part in an Erasmus Plus programme. We took some prosecco with us to see whether people could tell the difference between the prosecco and champagne. Back in Italy we ran the same test with Italians. In this the first part of 2 we are in Puglia for the Italian end of the test. In part 2 we will go back in time to February and switch location to Reims for the original taste test. We should say, we appreciate that describing champagne...2020-06-2844 min
The Big Gay Podcast from PugliaA Postcard from Puglia #1We visited Vieste and Peschici in the Gargano. What a beautiful place to be. OK, it's not really a day trip from Ostuni, but the beaches and the entire area are stunning. David had to decide whom to send our first postcard from Puglia to: Sir Ian McKellen, Tom Daley or Dame Judi Dench. Who did he choose ...?2020-06-1809 min
The Big Gay Podcast from PugliaDriving in PugliaDavid is back. We talk about driving in Puglia, dispelling the stereotypes of Italian drivers. Which is not to say that Italian drivers are without bad driving habits ... look out for roundabouts, and overtaking. Then there are the challenges of parking (first find a space then try and fit into it). Look out also for ZTL restricted traffic zones. Drive into one of them and you can look forward to a €180 fine dropping through your letterbox 8 months later.2020-06-0537 min
The Big Gay Podcast from PugliaLockdown Lives #1 - Roberto in BergamoWe visit Roberto in Bergamo, the 4th largest city in Lombardy and one of its most beautiful, to find out how he is spending his time in lockdown.2020-04-1550 min
The Big Gay Podcast from PugliaEaster Soundscape 2020 - Puglia: from dawn to duskOur Easter soundscape for 2020 starts with the morning chorus of birds recorded here in Puglia as the sun rises. A celebration of spring and the shape of things to come, as the day passes and the sun sets behind the olive grove and another day in the heel of Italy's boot ...2020-04-0812 min
The Big Gay Podcast from PugliaCoronavirus #2 - Turkey and GreeceAs the covid-19 coronavirus goes global so do we. Our first conversation is with Alp in Istanbul before heading across the border to Greece where Fo is in Serres, Vicky in Thessaloniki and Amalia and her brother Hercules and sister Angela are in Egio, near Patras. We ask them how their countries are dealing with the current crisis, with particular reference to societal and economic challenges, and the day to day impact on their lives. We compare and contrast the situation in Italy and the UK. Recordings were made live over the internet on Sunday 15 March 2020.2020-03-151h 02
The Big Gay Podcast from PugliaCoronavirus in Italy #1As news leaks that a quarter of Italy's population are to be put into quarantine, Puglia's President Michele Emiliano issued a dramatic appeal urging those trying to escape the quarantine zone, “Don't come to Puglia, go back.” He urges “Get off at the first train station, don’t take planes to Bari and Brindisi, go back by car, get off the bus at the next stop,” he wrote, mostly addressing people from the region who live in the north. “Do not bring the Lombardy, Veneto and Emilia epidemic to your Puglia. You are carrying the virus into the lungs of...2020-03-0919 min
The Big Gay Podcast from PugliaFrom Basilicata with LoveIn this mini-episode we speak to Antonio Nicoletti the Direttore Generale of Basilicata's tourist board, the Agenzia di Promozione Territoriale Basilicata. Antonio explains that there's no rest for Matera. After a full and splendid year as European Capital of Culture in 2019 Matera is preparing for another surge in tourism in 2020 after the release of "No Time to Die" the 25th James Bond movie this April. Antonio tells us why Basilicata has so much more to offer than the sass of the Sassi. So sit back and listen as Antonio guides us through four seasons in Basilicata - "le quattro...2020-02-2115 min
The Big Gay Podcast from PugliaJames Bond is back. So is the Salento Rainbow Film Festival.Bond is back! We preview "No Time to Die" filmed in Puglia and in neighbouring Matera. With guest Gianluca, one of the organisers of the 2020 Salento Rainbow Film Festival we talk films showing off Puglia at its best and preview the 2020 Festival, now in its 6th year.2020-02-0249 min
The Big Gay Podcast from PugliaManscaping - the Italian Male ObsessionWhen you think of Italian men, you might well think dark and hairy. But the modern Italian man prefers to "manscape", waxing all over their body, from their chest arms and legs... and even more intimate bits. Scott thinks that for the sake of the podcast it's time to go the full "Italian", but ultimately decides that for his first waxing, maybe less is more. For this episode he is joined once again by @daviditalia92 who isn't afraid of a good waxing all over... and he means all over. Including his most tender parts. So, how will S...2019-11-0549 min
The Big Gay Podcast from PugliaChampagne, Fun and the Power of Communication with Erasmus+ in ReimsWe take a detour from Puglia and our usual focus on LGBT+ life and culture when Scott represents Italy on a 10-day Erasmus+ course held in Reims, France...just north of Paris, where champagne comes from... If you don't know about Erasmus+, Jus Gentium and the amazing learning and cultural (=the big party) experience that Erasmus+ provides, listen to the podcast and be sure to check out our post about it on the RicchiToni website hosted by the podcast.2019-10-2916 min
The Big Gay Podcast from PugliaGrottaglie and Taranto with Fabrizio CrucianiWe meet Fabrizio in his adopted town, Grottaglie, famous for its ceramics. We learn about the ethos of the boutique/bar business that he runs and consider the benefits of being able to be your authentic self and the internal discrimination that exists within the gay community. Fabrizio is the proprietor of FCruciani, via Armando Diaz 50, Grottaglie. Find him on Instagram @cruciani.fabrizio2019-09-2448 min
The Big Gay Podcast from PugliaTales from Torre GuacetoWe visit Torre Guaceto, one of Puglia's most popular beaches, and one of its best known gay and nudist beaches. We speak to some volunteers from WWF working at the nature reserve and cleaning up the beach. DavidItalia92 is back to tell us how the local gays access the gay beach - which is much easier than the 50 minute plus walk described on other LGBT travel guides - and to tell us a little bit more about what to expect...2019-08-2219 min
The Big Gay Podcast from PugliaThe One from Matera PrideWe are in Matera, European capital of culture 2019, for the first ever Matera Pride. We take the chance to compare it with our experiences of Rome Pride, Bari Pride and Taranto Pride. Michele takes the test and we find out whether he is more a prosecco or peroni boy, with a preference for inside or outside...2019-07-2232 min
The Big Gay Podcast from PugliaThe Even Gayer Guide to OstuniPart 2 of our gay travel guide to Ostuni, Puglia. David, our guide to Ostuni, takes us to Ostuni's two local beaches where there is something more beginning with "S" going on than just sun, sea and sand... Lamaforca and Torre Pozzelle. David explains the protocol and the rules of engagement and helps us with the language! ADULT CONTENT and EXPLICIT REFERENCES used.2019-07-0737 min
The Big Gay Podcast from PugliaGay Guide to OstuniLike a game of football (AC Milan v Juventis), Part 1 of our guide to Ostuni is a game of two halves. With another new friend @davidgram92 we find out a little bit about Ostuni, its history and some of our favourite places to eat and hang out... Then in the second half, we find out a little bit more about our charming guest for this podcast, Mr Citta di Ostuni, the lovely David (@davidgram92 on Instagram). This summer when Ostuni's numbers swell from 32.000 to 100.000 will he will be looking for love, or something more practical...2019-05-2938 min
The Big Gay Podcast from PugliaThe Night Before The Morning After...AKA the sleepover before the hangover… The boys take (another) trip to Lecce, this time to celebrate IDAHOT 2019 with their friends from Ra.Ne - the Rainbow Network. They have a sleepover at their best new friend’s place in Lecce, grazie Adriano, and at 4am they try to make sense of everything. As we say here in Italy, siete ubriaco!2019-05-1816 min
The Big Gay Podcast from PugliaPerugia Reviewed, Three Prides Previewed...We review the triumph and tragedy that was our roadtrip to Perugia. We preview the three Prides of Puglia - Taranto Pride, Bari Pride and Salento Pride. And we launch our competition to win EUR100. Just listen to the episode for details and follow @ricchitoni and @gaypugliapodcast on Instagram when you send your answer and when the competition closes (midnight on 6 June, Rome time). The prize goes to the first person to correctly identify by email the undisclosed soundscape track - where it comes from and when it comes from (so, if you think it comes from a particular...2019-05-0731 min
The Big Gay Podcast from PugliaA Soundscape for EasterSo, this one is a little different. It's our Easter Soundscape. When people turn to religion, we turn to art. A tribute, vespers for Holy Week, or something else. You decide...2019-04-1506 min
The Big Gay Podcast from PugliaC'mon Vogue! Striking a Pose with Kenjii MizrahiWe chat with professional dancer and voguer extraordinaire Kenjii Mizrahi, after his amazing Voguing Workshop for the Salento Rainbow Film Festival. Kenjii explains the history and culture of voguing - the houses, the old way, new way and vogue fem. We learn about European catwalk, American runway and the climactic dip. Follow Kenjii on Instagram @kenjii_mizrahi or on Facebook Ken Jii Mizrahi. Follow us on Instagram - @gaypugliapodcast2019-03-3018 min
The Big Gay Podcast from PugliaThe Salento Rainbow Film Festival 2019We visit the Salento Rainbow Film Festival, Lecce's LGBT* film festival taking place 28-30 March 2019. But first Scott arrives in Lecce listening to his favourite podcast, Once Upon A Scream. He explains his craving for a kebab and, while trying to find the venue, ponders on whether he prefers Lecce to Bari. 12 minutes into the episode he finds CineLab Bertolucci, the festival venue, and tracks down Gianlucca, one of the festival's artistic directors for a quick chat...2019-03-3028 min
The Big Gay Podcast from PugliaThe Tamburello Lesson and a Brexit BiteWith Michele still rehearsing for the play in Naples, Scott goes to his tamburello lesson, then moans about the inconvenience of the ongoing Brexit uncertainty.2019-03-2116 min
The Big Gay Podcast from PugliaSiete gemelli? Italian phrases for a good night out!This podcast contains some adult content. With spring in full bloom and summer seemingly around the corner Scott tests his Italian language skills with some useful Italian phrases for gay men visiting Italy this summer. Whether you want to take it più veloce or più piano, there are some interesting phrases for the gifted and talented. Alternatively you can ask Michele the question he is often asked on a night out with his straight brother - "siete gemelli"? Recorded outside and on an iPhone there's a little background noise and a little si...2019-03-0832 min
The Big Gay Podcast from PugliaWhy Italians love their bidet and the fine art of Florence.In Part 1 Scott and Michele consider why Italians love their bidet and why Italian guys are proud to fiddle with their privates in public; we consider two anti-LGBTI stories recently in the Italian news and a third heartwarming one. Finally Michele learns how not to pronounce the word "beach". In Part 2 Scott takes a road trip to Florence to consider its beautiful art where he discovers that the men of Renaissance Italy were so renowned for sodomy that "Florenzer" in German meant sodomite!2019-02-2523 min
The Big Gay Podcast from PugliaMahmood and Italy - the "country of hate".Post Sanremo, Michele glows in his correctly forecasting the winner of this year's competition, Mahmood. Scott laments his loosing bets on 8th placed Arisa, before we hear about Loredana Berte's diva moments. Leaving Sanremo behind for this year (probably, maybe...) the guys overview the main feature in this week's news magazine L'Espresso, reporting a significant increase in violence and intimidation experienced by Italy's LGBTI citizens.2019-02-1717 min
The Big Gay Podcast from PugliaA caffè leccese and pasticciotto, please.While Michele rehearses in Naples, Scott takes a trip to Lecce and enjoys a caffè leccese and pasticciotto with Gianmarco from the Rainbow Network based there. They talk about gay life in Lecce, the work that Ra.Ne do to support Salento's LGBT community and Salento Pride, scheduled to take place this year on August 17 in Gallipoli. Find them on Instagram - @ra_ne_rainbow, on facebook and at www.rainbownetwork.eu Follow us on Instagram @gaypugliapodcast2019-02-1131 min
The Big Gay Podcast from PugliaWe're Sweating It, Sanremo! The Catch-Up.We are half way through the 69th Sanremo Music Festival, and it's so gay (ish). With Italian icons past and future - what's not to like? We highlight our favourites and reveal just where we put our money.2019-02-0712 min
The Big Gay Podcast from PugliaIt's Sanremo Baby!The boys chat about the Sanremo Music Festival just before the 69th edition takes place. Sanremo is an Italian phenomenon and institution. Italy virtually closes down over the 5 nights that the festival takes place. Just how gay is Sanremo? Who are these Italian legendary artists that no-one outside of Italy will ever have heard of? And which are the "world" famous songs to come from the festival that you also will never have heard of? The boys parody a few by way of homage. I ragazzi talk about Italian legend Mina and consider the effect...2019-02-0122 min
The Big Gay Podcast from PugliaWe're gay, but we're not gay enough!Scott and Michele discuss the lack of rights and legal protections in Italy (a western European country and member of the EU) for LGBTI peoples. Michele explains what the best bits are about being gay in Puglia, and we talk art. Finally we consider, just why do so many Italian men pluck their eyebrows - is there a Vulcan conspiracy going on?2019-01-2718 min
The Big Gay Podcast from PugliaPuglia - che bella! Beautiful Puglia.With 800km (500 miles) of coastline Puglia, located in the southeastern region of Italy (the heel to the boot of Italy), is one of the top European destinations for LGBT and queer travellers. Over the last few years we have gone from being a hidden gem where only Italians came to vacation to one of the New York Times' top 20 places to visit in 2019. In this episode we talk about some of the better known gay and gay friendly destinations in Puglia and tell you just a little bit about what to expect from the Big Gay Podcast...2019-01-2018 min