In this episode, Margaret and Katie are joined by scientist and author Gigi Berardi, whose latest historical novel, Bianca's Cure, was just published. The book, set in 16th century Italy, fictionalizes a search for the cure for malaria in the country where the disease was named bad air in Italian, by dramatizing the life of Bianca Capello, a real-life Italian noblewoman who was the mistress to Francisco de Medici, the second Grand Duke of Tuscany. Bianca's Cure draws from the author's real and meticulous research, her work spanning science, and her personal experience living and teaching in Florence. The result is a vibrant story that blends the political drama of the time with the urgent hunt for new medical cures. Berardi hails from Hollywood and holds degrees in biology, resources and planning, and dance. A Fulbright scholar in Italy and a professor at Western Washington University in Bellingham, she also teaches in Florence, Italy. She's written more than 400 reviews and articles for print media and has been featured on an array of podcasts and broadcast media. And beyond writing, her other passions include dance, cheese making, and travel.

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

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