Beppe Grillo

Anyone interested in Italian culture and current affairs in Italy certainly should be familiar with the Italian comedia turned social critic, Beppe Grillo.

Grillo is probably one of the Italian government's most harshest critics, and he uses his blog and ability to draw large crowds as a way of educating people about the abuses of power going on in his country. While the message of his blog can sometimes be controversial, his main motive is informing the people what their government is doing, has done and what they should and shouldn't be doing. It's a classic case of textbook activism that many others would be well to emulate.

Grillo's blog is a mixture of blog posts, videos and interviews. Many of his posts are translated into English, but the site is a great way to practice your Italian while at the same time learning about Italy, the political problems as well as the players involved in doing something about it. As a learning tool, you can practicing your read as well as your listening and listening comprehension skills. Some of the interviews are subtitled in Italian so if you have trouble understanding a certain speaker.

Beppe Grillo and his activities are often not reported by the mainstream Italian media so his site and foreign new site are best places to go to learn about him and his message.

Other links:
Beppe Grillo @ YouTube

Radio Deeyjay

With the summer holidays in Italy coming to a close, many of the major radio and TV personalities will be returning to work...

With that in mind, I introduce you to one of my favorite Italian radio station, Radio Deejay.

Located in Milan, this radio station broadcasts all over Italy and has some unique programs and personalities. If you're not in Italy and still want to listen, you can listen to the station live through your PC with streaming audio.

The author/dj/actor Fabio Volo has his own show, Il Volo del mattino, on Radio Deejay that can also be downloaded as a podcast. Deejay chiama Italia is also a fun program, and one of Italy's most listened to radio programs! A full list of the shows is available on their web site, and these shows can be downloaded as podcasts and relistened to at your leisure. Many of the shows often interview important personalities in the Italian cultural and entertainment scene, and you can learn a lot about what is happening in Italy through listening to Italian radio. Also, many of the announcers also have their own blogs which can make for some interesting reading and can also be useful sources of information.

The radio is a good way to practice your listening skills because it's fast and furious. Radio tends to have a strict time schedule so the language, while a bit faster, is a great way to train your ear. Don't be dissuaded by the fact that everyone is "talking fast". Over time, you'll adapt, and the point is not translate what is being said word for word but to understand the jist of what is being said.

If Radio Deejay isn't your cup of tea, check out some of the other radio stations listed in the sidebar to the right.

Passaparola

Passaparola is an initiative of Beppe Grillo and Marco Travaglio. Each week starting at 2pm Italian time, Marco Travaglio talks about the political situation in Italy. Travaglio and Grillo are two of the harshest critics (and rightly so) of the Italian political class and the Italian government which borders at times on the ineffectual. Travaglio is one of Italy's most celebrated journalists. He made waves a few months ago on the program Che tempo che fa, and it seems that now he has his own program hosted online.

Right now, the transmission is on break for the summer holidays but plans to return in September.

The good thing about these podcasts are:

1. You can watch the videos anytime you want as a podcast through Itunes or you RSS feed reader.
2. All of the podcasts feature subtitles so if you don't understand something, you can read as you follow along with Signor Travaglio while he talks. You can also follow along with the transcript of the video if you have trouble seeing the subtitles.

I recommend this program/video because it gives you a look into the Italian political situation. Travaglio is known for his honest journalism and straight talk. And now you can practice your Italian while learning something important about Italian culture at the same time.

Alberto Moravia's 'Gli Indifferenti'

A great way to practice your listening and reading skills is to read books in Italian while you follow along with the speaker. Last year, Bompiani released Alberto Moravia's Gli indifferenti with a reading by Toni Servillo of one of Moravia's greatest works. This book includes six CD's and a complete reading of the work -- now you can read and listen to this great work. Practice and follow along with the book or listen to the CD's on their own.

If you already have a copy of the work, you can listen to the reading from RAI's Terzo Anello.

Reading along or listening on your own is an excellent way to improve your ear.

Questa casa non è un albergo

If you have children or enjoy listening and learning about family matters, dealing with your children's problems and general advice on getting along at home, then you will enjoy this podcast, Questa casa non è un albergo.

Hosted on Radio24 by Nicoletta Carbone and Alberto Pellai, this show can be heard live every Saturday at 2pm, or you can pick up the episode later as a podcast. Each week the presenters discuss various topics all of which revolve around family life, children's issues, and other matters relating to the home and family.

The program generally last just under an hour and features guests who range from authors on child psychology, psychologists, teachers and other competent professionals. The show generally has a light atmosphere and often times callers are encouraged to call in with concerns and questions which help provide further content for the show.

I enjoy this show immensely as it can be fun and humorous while at the same time addressing serious topics. Like most podcasts, it generally requires a pretty decent level of Italian. The show also has substantial archives of episodes from past years.