A History of Italy

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In this episode, we reunite with an old friend of the show — Caterina Sforza, the indomitable “Tigress of Forlì.” From her, we follow the turbulent and violent early life of her son, Giovanni de’ Medici, known as Il Gran Diavolo — the Great Devil — a man whose passions, battles, and excesses would shape the future of both the Sforza and Medicidynasties.We go through the tangled lineage and fiery temperament of one of Renaissance Italy’s most fascinating figures, tracing his path from rebellious youth to feared mercenary captain — and father to the first Grand Duke of Tuscany.What You’ll Hear in This EpisodeThe Birth of “Il Gran Diavolo” (1498) – Giovanni’s birth to Caterina Sforza and Giovanni “Il Popolano” de’ Medici, and the prophetic words that would define his life.A Child of Chaos – His mother’s imprisonment by Cesare Borgia, his custody battles, and his violent childhood in Florence.Love, Blood, and Family Ties – The marriage to Maria Salviati uniting two Medici branches, and the domestic discord that followed.A Life of War and Vice – Duels, brothel fights, noble feuds, and the infamous bridge incident with the Orsini family.From Rogue to Commander – His rise through the papal ranks, battlefield heroics, and growing legend as a fearless condottiero.The Birth of Cosimo de’ Medici (1519) – The long-awaited heir who would one day found the Grand Duchy of Tuscany, born amid firelight celebrations across Italy.Key FiguresCaterina Sforza – The formidable mother whose courage and intellect defined Giovanni’s heritage.Giovanni de’ Medici “Il Popolano” – His father, from a cadet branch of the Medici family.Maria Salviati – His loyal but neglected wife.Giovanni della Stufa – The inseparable and scandalous companion.Pope Leo X – Patron, relative, and pivotal figure in Giovanni’s military career.Cosimo de’ Medici – The son who would carry the Medici name to new heights.Closing ThoughtFrom Caterina’s fierce independence to Giovanni’s reckless courage, this episode explores how blood, loyalty, and ambition intertwined in the crucible of Renaissance Italy — giving rise to a new generation destined to rule.

After three episodes exploring the life of Leonardo da Vinci, we return to the turbulent stage of the Italian Wars. In this episode, we pick up in the early 1520s, a period shaped by papal politics, dynastic rivalries, and the shifting fortunes of France and Spain.Highlights include:The succession of popes after Leo X: Hadrian VI and Clement VII, and their struggles with reform, neutrality, and survival.The tug-of-war between France and Spain over Milan and Naples, with Spain ultimately gaining the upper hand.The dramatic Battle of Pavia (1525) — where Francis I of France was captured, changing the balance of power in Italy.Local legend and culinary history: the devil’s bridge of Pavia and the birth of zuppa alla pavese.The curious origin of the word lapalisiano (and its English cousin lapalissade), born from the death of French commander Jacques de La Palice.The rise of the League of Cognac (1526), a desperate coalition including France, the Papacy, Florence, and Venice against Charles V’s growing dominance.Along the way, we balance high politics with folklore, language quirks, and even a recipe or two — showing how wars, words, and food can be unexpectedly intertwined.

Just to let you know I haven’t disappeared!

Early Life & EducationBorn illegitimate, Leonardo spent his youth sketching and observing nature.After moving to Florence, he entered the prestigious workshop of Andrea Verrocchio, where he learned not only painting but also the chemistry behind pigments and the mechanics of sculpture and engineering.🎨 Artistic BreakthroughsBy 1472, Leonardo was a member of the painters’ guild and began producing original works.His first known portrait was of Ginevra de’ Benci, and his collaboration on Verrocchio’s Baptism of Christ was so impressive that legend claims the master retired his brush.⚙️ Engineering MindsetLeonardo’s early involvement in lifting Brunelleschi’s massive dome sphere sparked a lifelong fascination with machines and mechanics.He later designed fantastical inventions, from machine guns and tanksto automated kitchen spits and submarines, many adapted from earlier ideas but improved with Leonardo's obsessive precision.🕵️ Scandal & RejectionIn 1476, Leonardo was accused (and acquitted) of sodomy, a charge that tainted his reputation.He also struggled with feelings of inadequacy due to his illegitimacy and lack of formal education, despite building a massive personal library.🤹 From Florence to MilanTired of Florence’s politics and unfinished commissions (like The Adoration of the Magi), Leonardo headed to Milan in 1481.His application letter to Ludovico Sforza emphasized military engineering over painting—positioning himself as the Renaissance’s ultimate multi-hyphenate.🎭 Court Entertainer & InventorIn Milan, Leonardo served as engineer, party planner, set designer, and even hairstylist.He dabbled in robotics, stage effects, and was inspired by thinkers like Ibn al-Haytham, whose work on optics laid the groundwork for Leonardo’s legendary camera obscura prank.👂 Tune in to discover how a restless, illegitimate boy turned into one of history’s most enigmatic polymaths—blending art, science, scandal, and a flair for the theatrical.

In this episode, we dive into the dramatic papacy of Pope Leo X, exploring his efforts to secure Medici power, his architectural and social reforms in Rome, and his role in the early days of the Protestant Reformation. We track how his favoritism toward Florence shaped papal policy, the challenges he faced with Martin Luther, and the growing religious divide that would soon shake Europe to its core.We also spotlight Leo's political maneuvers in Italy, from annexing Urbino and Perugia to negotiating alliances with the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V. And of course, there's a bit of colorful historical storytelling—like Machiavelli getting upstaged by two dogs, and the dramatic origins of Giovanni delle Bande Nere.🧠 What You’ll Learn:How Pope Leo X used the papacy to benefit the Medici family and Florence.His land reform policies that helped Roman farmers.The significance of the Duchy of Urbino and Perugia joining the Papal States.Why Martin Luther’s ideas gained traction—and how Leo X underestimated the Reformation.The impact of the printing press and vernacular language in spreading revolutionary ideas.The cultural comeback of Matilda of Tuscany and her symbolic power in German-Italian relations.The complex political chess match between Pope Leo X, Charles V, and Francis I of France.The death and legacy of Leo X—and how his actions paved the way for future Medici power play

In this episode, we pick up the story of the Medici family as they return to Florence, armed with the great news of Giovanni de' Medicibecoming Pope Leo X. We dive into:How the Medici family subtly regained power in Florencewithout taking formal positions, carefully balancing loyalty and governance.The undoing of Savonarola's reforms and the reinstatement of Machiavelli.Florence’s evolving political culture: from fierce Republican ideals to the tentative acceptance of centralized rule.The clumsy anti-Medici plot by two young Florentines, Bosconi and Caponi, and its swift failure.Pope Leo X’s (formerly Giovanni de' Medici) plunge into the complex international diplomacy of the early 1500s and the continuation of the Italian Wars.The battles of Novara (1513) and Marignano (1515), marking a significant shift in power as France reclaimed Milan under Francis I.Venice’s strategic gains and the Treaty of Noyon, closing one chapter of existential threat for the Republic.The papacy’s pragmatic maneuvering under Pope Leo X despite being on the losing side of the Milan conflict.Leo's "pet project": securing the Duchy of Urbino for his nephew Lorenzo de' Medici, amidst local resistance and messy warfare.The rise of Catherine de' Medici, a future powerhouse figure in European history, born from a strategic marriage alliance.Florence’s further ambitions in Tuscany, including their growing influence over Siena.The birth of young Charles V, and the looming prospect of imperial dominance over Italy once again.Closing reflections: was peace finally within reach for Italy? Or was a bigger storm, like the Protestant Reformation, quietly brewing?

After the release of the series "Secret Kingdom - God's banker" we talk with the podcast creator Nicolò Majnoni about the Roberto Calvi affair and talk about Italy in the early 80's, the Vatican, the Cold War, Freemasons and the Mafia