Episode 57 Travel Legends: Author Frances Mayes on Tuscany and Home

Frances Mayes is the New York Times Bestselling Author of Under the Tuscan Sun, which was turned into the beloved romantic movie starring Diane Lane in 2003. As the film just celebrated its 20th anniversary, Frances joins Melissa to talk about how her love for Italy transformed her own life while also capturing the attention of women ready to make a change around the world. Plus, with her newly released book, A Place in the World: Finding the Meaning of Home, she explores the mysterious concept of home and what it encompasses, from the homes we build to the countries we visit. She explains how “the house protects the dreamer” and the value of home in magnifying creativity. 

In the episode, Frances also shares the story of how Under the Tuscan Sun was turned into a film through a serendipitous meeting with the director of The Talented Mr. Ripley, and the story behind how the iconic farmhouse Villa Bramasole became her own. She also shares special insights into her life in Italy, as she’s written countless memoirs and novels on the country.  She discloses some of her favorite destinations (including where to eat bread comparable to cake), and details how Italy differs from anywhere else in the world. The two talk about the art of travel, beauty, the unexpected gifts of writing, and how to get under the skin of a place to really experience it. Don’t miss Melissa’s latest intel from her trip to Rome as well as Frances’ favorite secret spots and cities to add to your list. 

Lightning Round with Frances:

• Favorite hotel? My all-time favorite hotel is in Cortona—Il Falconiere (The Falconry), a sybaritic, comfortably elegant inn amid vineyards and olive groves, with a super restaurant, cooking school, and spa.

Tune in live: October 19, 2023 at 12 p.m. ET

Tune in every Thursday at 12:00 p.m. ET, Channel 132 on SiriusXM Business Radio or listen wherever you download podcasts. Plus, click here to subscribe to SiriusXM for free.