This is Nicole Kilburn, who is an anthropologist at Camosun College in Victoria, BC – just a few kilometers from the AbeBooks office. Nicole is the author of a book called The Future has an Ancient Heart: Southern Italian Food Traditions in a Modern World.

We interviewed Nicole for the latest AbeBooks podcast, discussing a variety of topics from the origins of pizza and pasta to the numerous challenges faced by traditional food producers in Southern Italy.

Nicole’s book addresses staples of Italian dining such as olives, lemons, bread, and almonds. She recounts time spent in Italy with farmers and shepherds, learning about their dedication to traditional food production in a modern age. There are recipes too. Enjoy the interview.