Luisa Spagnoli overcame childhood poverty – and the infamously misogynistic fascism of Mussolini’s Italy – to become one of the most famous and influential chocolatiers (and fashion designers!) in European history. But how did she do it?! Olivia interviews Dr. Diana Garvin, author of Feeding Fascism.

Diana Garvin is an Assistant Professor of Italian at the University of Oregon.  Her first book, Feeding Fascism: The Politics of Women’s Food Work, came out in February 2022. Garvin often writes articles on daily life under the dictatorship. She has explored everyday objects ranging from baby dolls to razor blades for academic journals and the popular press. Fellowships and awards from AAR, Fulbright, Getty, Oxford, Wolfsonian-FIU, Julia Child Foundation, CLIR Mellon, FLAS, AAUW, NWSA, and AFS have supported Garvin’s research at over thirty international archives, libraries, and museums. Her favorite Italian proverb is “O mangi questa minestra o salti dalla finestra” – “Eat this soup or jump out the window.”

Music featured in this episode provided by The Green Orbs, Josh Lippi and the Overtimers, the Mini Vandals and Kevin MacLeod.

Want to help us “make history”? Become a Patron or Donate here!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices