Feb 12, 2026
Hello, and welcome to another episode of the podcast. Before we dive into our interview today, I want to let you know I have a very special masterclass coming up called How to Get Paid to Write a Cookbook. In this clas,s I will help you:
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Discover what traditional publishers want in 2026
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Position yourself for a publishing deal without years of trial & error
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Craft a viable cookbook concept that attracts agents & publishers
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Build three deal-ready essentials to help you feel prepared
To register, head over to Cookbook
Writers Academy.
Today on the podcast, I’m excited to have an
interview with Susan Gravely. is the Founder and CEO Emerita
of VIETRI, a
lifestyle brand offering handcrafted Italian tabletop and
home-and-garden accessories. She started VIETRI alongside her
sister and mother after they took a magical trip to Italy in 1983.
They fell in love with the hand-painted dinnerware we found on the
Amalfi Coast and decided to start a wholesale business. Since that
trip forty years ago, VIETRI has become the largest American
importer of Italian ceramics. Susan is the author of 2 books
Italy on a Plate, which we discussed in Episode 234, and
today her newest book Italy in a Glass, where Susan
explores the Italian ritual of aperitivo, where cocktails,
mocktails, and small bites set the stage for festive gatherings.
Inspired by her own experiences in Italy, Gravely shares the art of
entertaining Italian-style, blending personal stories with
time-tested recipes and tips from her Italian friends. Today on the
show we talk about:
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Building VIETRI: From a Family Discovery to a Global Brand
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Italy, Craftsmanship, and Living Beautifully
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Cookbook Writing & Storytelling Through Food
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Leadership, Legacy, and Susan’s Next Chapter as CEO Emerita
Things We Mention In This Episode:
Come learn how to get paid to write a cookbook in this free masterclass
Vietri: Fine Italian Ceramic Dinnerware and Decor
Italy in a Glass: Adventures, Aperitivi, Antipasti