Step into the world of the demimonde with Verdi's masterpiece La Traviata. In digging into this opera, we’ll look at 19th-century courtesans and Marie Duplessis, the real-life courtesan who tangentially inspired La Traviata. That conversation is with Professor Andrew Lear. Violetta in the opera, famously dies from tuberculosis. I spoke with infectious disease expert Dr. P. J. Brennan about the disease. Then, horticulturist Karl Gercens of Longwood Gardens shares what makes the camellia, Violetta’s favorite flower, so special. Sex Worker Advocate Lola Davina talks about her journey as a sex worker and gives us a bit of a reality check on sex work in the 21st century. Finally, today’s reigning Violetta, having sung the role over 300 times, Ermonela Jaho is with us on Front Row Center.
There's also a La Traviata playlist for this podcast which you can check out at the Front Row Center Playlist.
To learn more about Mike, visit his website, michaeljbolton.com.
Finally, if you share the name Michael Bolton or know someone who does and might be interested in being interviewed for a new podcast, email me at mike@michaeljbolton.com.
Popular Podcasts
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.