Loneliness is a global health crisis. In this episode Dr Talia and Doug have a moving conversation with Anna Bonavita, a former physicist with a passion for culture, cuisine, and the natural environment. While grieving her beloved husband, and in the depths of loneliness and despair, she found comfort and community at a communal table in Italy and has brought this healing opportunity to one of the loneliest cities in the US. Listen to her story.

Born in a small Bulgarian village, educated in Russia, and a long-time resident of both Italy and the United States, she claims several countries as the source of her cultural identity. Bonavita is the founder and former president of the Italian Cultural Center as well as the Italian Film Festival of Minneapolis/St. Paul.

In 2018 she started Esperienza, an organization which celebrates and preserves culture in small Italian villages and towns through authentic immersion opportunities. She believes that away from the fast speed and superficiality of mass tourism, we can still unhurriedly appreciate the pleasures of the palate and the joy of Italian culture while giving back to local economies.

Her latest creation, the Communal Table, was recently featured in the Minneapolis Star Tribune, is a place where social connection is always possible amidst honest food, good company, and local creative talents.

Enjoy this touching conversation, WNF family, and you can find her here:

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069717574562

https://www.startribune.com/are-you-lonely-millions-are-in-fact-it-s-become-a-health-crisis-we-look-at-how-to-identify-and-address-loneliness/600339686/#comment

https://www.instagram.com/esperienza_italia?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

We're Not Fine

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Dr. Talia Jackson

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